Wow, where did 2023 go? You know the saying: Time flies when you're having fun. We have had a great start to the school year. Sure, it's had its challenges, but overall I am extremely thankful for how well the students have adapted to the new schedule, academic rigor, and behavior expectations.

We are also extremely proud of the WMS staff. Sometimes we forget, but teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions. I've watched the teachers at WMS come in early and leave late to serve our students; start new clubs that interest students; advocate for students when they feel like giving up, while also serving them tough love when necessary. Our teachers are simply the best and I cannot express to you what great hands your students are in.

As we finish out year 2023, please know how thankful we are to have you and your student as a member of the WMS community. We hope that you enjoy that last few weeks of the year and start the new year with gratitude and hope.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kayla Lott & Mr. O'Halloran

WMS Administration

Here is latest edition of the Nutrition News video series, The New Jersey Tomato. The video highlights a tour of First Field. They manufacture a variety of minimally processed foods, including tomato products such as crushed tomatoes, from our iconic New Jersey tomatoes.

To celebrate the holiday season, as part of the lunch menu, Pomptonian will be offering a Homemade Lasagna made with Local Crushed Tomatoes from First Field. The lasagna will be served with a Homemade Apple Crisp featuring local apples.

Yearbooks are now on sale! To remember 2023-2024 at WMS, order your yearbook by going to:

• inter-state.com/order
  
• Code: 82238T
  

Yearbooks are $20 and will be delivered in June. Order by 1/26/24 for free personalization, which will not be offered after that date. Paper forms are available by request.

Mr. Olvesen is an exceptional teacher and integral part of Woodbridge Middle School. Not only does he teach eighth grade Honors Science and STEM classes, but this year he is also piloting a Robotics course. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Olvesen is extremely involved in the school community. He serves as the WMS baseball coach and has coached the team to back-to-back MS Championships for the past two years. Mr. Olvesen also serves on multiple committees including I&RS, Parent/Community Outreach, and After-School Enrichment in addition to advising the Warrior Strength & Conditioning Club, and the STEM club. In the Woodbridge Township Community, Mr. Olvesen is known as Mr. O the Science Pro, and he hosts enrichment classes over the summer through the recreation department. As an exceptional colleague, Mr. Olvesen is a team player and never misses a beat to promote school spirit. Mr. Olvesen volunteers for all game events, donations, and even grew out his hair and beard for St. Baldrick’s. Mr. Olvesen is also a humble leader who shares his experience and leads by example for our students and staff. Overall, he is a phenomenal educator and is very deserving of this honor.

As a speech therapist shared between multiple schools, Ms. Steinberg is uniquely positioned to help students across the district. Even though Ms. Steinberg is only at WMS two days a week, she has developed a strong relationship with her students and serves them happily and with great care. She offers help to any student in the building whether they are on her rosters or not, and works to create a collegial and warm environment amongst her colleagues and students alike.

As the sole vocal music teacher and chair of the WMS DEI committee, Mr. McGuire has an excellent ability to create an inclusive, collaborative space. Mr. McGuire remains flexible enough so that both his students and peers feel excited to participate, yet has a consistent plan that brings out the very best of those around him. Mr. McGuire builds a better community everyday with his leadership, patience and consistent expectations. Mr. McGuire’s students are well behaved behind the scenes which speaks to the respect they have for him. Lastly, Mr. McGuire is supportive of his peers and remains positive during both good and bad days. Overall, Mr. McGuire is an incredible educator and is very deserving of this honor.

Mr. Jeff joined us in the spring and has quietly went about transforming our school into a place every warrior can be proud of. From putting in the extra hours and effort to bring the shine out in the floors, to moving furniture in all of the classrooms over the summer, to happily fixing broken lockers, and greeting students and staff throughout the day, Mr. Jeff has been a wonderful addition to our staff and we’re so grateful to have him. He treats everyone with kindness, exhibits great patience, and truly cares about the building and everyone in it. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Jeff, Woodbridge Middle School’s Excellence in Education Support Person of the Year.

Playoff Game - #2 Team vs. #3 Team

Date: Monday January 8, 2024

Location: Woodbridge High School

Time: Girls - 6:00PM, Boys immediately after (about 7:30PM)

Championship Game - #1 Team vs. Winner of Playoff Game

Date: Wednesday January 10, 2024

Location: Woodbridge High School

Time: Boys – 6:00PM, Girls immediately after (about 7:30PM)

If your student is planning to participate in Winter II Sports (Bowling), sports physicals are due to Nurse Tulli by January 2nd. All sports physicals forms can be found here.