WRMS Weekly Update

I hope today's update finds you well and your child(ren) are adjusting to remote learning. We understand how much of a challenge this is, their adapting to learn in exclusively this medium and managing their assignments while surrounded by the distractions and comforts of home. Your support of our students, while balancing work, children, and other responsibilities, is greatly appreciated. Our teachers have been working hard to develop lessons, respond to students' needs, and explore new means for delivering instruction. While no one has formally extended the 2 week remote learning, there are strong indicators that we can expect it will continue.

Many of you have reached out to us for assistance, to offer feedback, or simply to say thank you to our faculty. As a result, we have tweaked assignment timelines, modified workload, and explored new instructional technologies. Please keep the feedback coming so we can continue to shape our practices to best serve our students.

Yesterday, emails were sent to parents and students regarding next year's scheduling. Please reference the email for details and complete the form by Wednesday, March 25th. Thank you!

I hope this finds everyone healthy and well.

In the past week, the medical world has flipped upside down for all of us, but I feel confident that by following the guidelines for social distancing, remote learning, getting some fresh air, and washing hands we will get through these difficult times.

As of today, I, too, will be working remotely from home. I want to emphasize that I can be reached via email @ Mrs.Penn and will answer your questions to the best of my ability with the latest directives from the State of NJ and CDC. Feel free to reach out for guidance, support or reassurance.

Stay well and please continue to follow all directives to prevent the spread of this virus.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Penn

The construction company has been here all week and we anticipate that construction on the expansion will continue.

We continue to communicate with bus companies and venues to work out refunds to the best of our ability. These details will be shared through the managers of each trip.

At this point, our annual 7th grade trip to Spring Lake in June is on hold, and the 6th grade trip we were planning is likewise on hold, but neither are cancelled at this time.

• French students who were going on the trip this past Wednesday, March 11th received a district voucher for reimbursement.
• Engineering students who were planning on attending STEM Day on April 24th, have been, or will be, provided a voucher form to bring home for a parent/guardian to complete to request a refund.
• For students attending the Music in the Parks Trip, please be on the lookout for an email with information as well.

If your student does not have the voucher form, please contact joyce.chookazian@wwrsd.org for another copy.

*POSTPONED* Middle School Mingle with Military Bridge & Tricky Tray!

PSO After School Athletics

Click here for information on the PSO's Spring After School Athletic Programs. The programs run 8 weeks with one free and the others $55 each. Registration starts March 9th!

Box Tops!

Download the new Box Tops app and keep earning for our school! While you will be able to clip and send them in the traditional way while products remain on store shelves, earning 10 cents for the school with each Box Top you send in (and these really add up!), we will be shifting toward individual online submission and an all-school goal. Please download the app and, you’ll simply need to scan your receipt and all such items will be recorded—with just one scan. Scanning these receipts also gets us entered in contests that win bonus Box Tops for our school!

Please visit our website for information regarding the WRMS PSO. The PSO is seeking volunteers for our upcoming events. If you are interested, please email them at middleschoolpso@wwrsd.org.

We have concluded our formal presentations regarding the upcoming middle school transition, but still welcome your feedback. Here is the presentation with updated responses to FAQs.

The Westwood Regional Summer Enrichment Program provides our students with a safe, fun, and supportive atmosphere where every student explores new challenges and educational experiences. Our program is driven by appreciating the individual interests and abilities of each student. Our course offerings are built upon encouraging personal power and self-esteem while focusing upon bringing out the inventor and engineer in every child. Please consider joining us for our summer enrichment program, LEAD with STEAM 2020: Building Leaders with Excellence, Accountability, and Drive. Please see the flyer for more information.

Yearbooks are on sale early this year! Yearbooks are $25. To purchase, log on to the secure website YearbookOrderCenter.com.

• The order number is: 4511
• Confirm that you have selected Westwood Regional Middle School.
• Choose "Buy a Yearbook, Yearbook Packages" on the left side of the screen.
• After you put a yearbook in the cart it will ask you to "find a student". Enter your child's name and hit the search box. Once it comes up that the name can't be found click on "add your student". This will generate a list of who ordered a yearbook for distribution time.

Email Mrs. Zalarick with any questions at tracey.zalarick@wwrsd.org

Sales close May 9, 2020

Please click here to access an online library of electronic flyers for our community partners.

Please mark your calendars for important upcoming events...

• 3/26 - Board of Education meeting, 7:30 PM (details TBD)
  
• 3/28 - *Postponed* Middle School Mingle, 6:30 PM, WW Community Center
• 4/17 - End of Marking Period 3
• 4/23 - Board of Education meeting, 7:30 PM, Jr./Sr. High School
• 4/24 - Report Cards available in Genesis

Monday is a remote "A" day!

Email: shelley.laforgia@wwrsd.org
Website: http://www.wwrsd.org/westwoodrms
Location: 23 3rd Ave, Westwood, NJ, United States
Phone: 201-664-5560