Washington MS January '24 Update

Good Afternoon & Happy New Year Washington Middle School Families!

We are in our fourth week of school since the start of the new year, and we anticipate great things happening! My mantra for the new year is, “Great things are in store for 2024!”

We remain positively engaged as a staff and administration team and are hopeful for the receipt of gains from our earnest investment and belief in our students. We have wonderful students at Washington Middle School! Overall, there is a small percentage of students who choose to not be compliant. For them it is the relationships that have been built and a commitment to accountability, that keeps things afloat.

Thank you, teachers and all staff of WMS: you come each day ready to serve. Our students need your best efforts and belief in their ability to soar and shine en route to their purpose for being on this earth. Your long hours and preparation are noted!

Citrus Fund-Raiser: Thank you! Friends of Washington Music conducted a successful fundraiser! Thanks to all of you who supported by purchasing a crate of fresh fruit. I bought grapefruit and it is superb!

Music Teacher Funding for 2024-25: As stated in a prior message from me, our budget is not likely going to increase during this district-wide deficit phase. For this reason, we will have the same situation we had last year, and that is the inability to fully fund a second music teacher. Friends of Washington Music and I have been in communication since the summer. We currently are looking to our district to provide guidance for how funds that are raised for our school may be used for the music position and other school related needs we need funding for.

Please review and update your child's emergency contact information. We recently encountered an outdated contact when trying to reach a student's emergency contact. Your prompt action ensures we can reach the right person in case of emergencies. We also can't release a student to someone unless they are on the list. Log in to The Source or contact our school office for assistance. Thank you for prioritizing the safety of our students.

Please note that January 31st is the last day of the semester. Most teachers aren't taking late work the last week of the semester. Please check in with your students. If your student is in danger of not passing the course, teachers will reach out to you. Also, SPS no longer sends paper grades home. If you would like a paper copy of your student's grades, please call or e-mail the main office.

Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for 6th Grade Students

This brief social and emotional questionnaire is used by school nurses as a tool to promote academic success and reduce barriers to learning. The questionnaire was designed to try and identify students who may be struggling in different areas of their lives. The SDQ will be given starting on January 22nd to 6th grade students at WMS since we are a Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) levy-supported school. Please contact Nurse Nash with questions or to opt your student out. Email – sanash@seattleschools.org or Phone – 206-252-2607.

Immunization Compliance

Seattle Public Schools requires students to be up to date on their required immunizations to attend school. Immunization exclusion will start soon. Nurse Nash has been reaching out to all families whose student is missing one or more of their vaccines. Please check messages and contact Nurse Nash with questions or concerns. Email – sanash@seattleschools.org or Phone – 206-252-2607.

Free Vaccines

The Kaiser Wellness Center at Washington Middle School can provide vaccines for free during the school day. No need to take your student out of school for an appointment! Students must have a signed vaccine consent to receive any vaccine. You can contact the Wellness Center directly at 206-326-3037 or Nurse Nash is happy to connect you.

Washington Wellness Center provides free health care including immunizations to all students regardless of student’s insurance or ability to pay. We currently have flu and 2023-24 updated Covid-19 vaccines available for students.

Please call the Wellness Center if you would like to make an appointment for your child or if you have any questions at (206) 326-3037.

8th grade families!

It is time to start thinking about High School for your students. The counselors are here to answer questions, bring information to our 8th graders, make connections, and support you all through the process. If you are thinking of sending your student to a high school that is not their designated neighborhood school, you will need to fill out a choice form. You can find that form on the SPS website beginning February 1st. Below are some key dates regarding this process.

Please contact either school counselor to ask questions or help your student fill out the form. We are so excited to support our 8th graders as they make the transition into high school.

HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT KEY DATES

January 2

March 1 – May 31

April 16

June 3 – August 31

August 31

• Updated books for the Global Reading Challenge
• Books covers for our new books

Students, teachers, parents, and administration are strongly encouraged to attend and participate.

We'll have a brief PTSA meeting after the HYCAN presentation/training on talking to your middle schooler about vaping, so please stay.

We still need 12-15 active volunteers to help rebuild our PTSA.

Our goal is to focus on student-led and student-centered projects, advocacy, and funding.

We subside classroom materials, support extracurricular activities, sponsor food and events for students. We have the ability to be more effective and do so much more if we have additional volunteers and co-leadership. Each of the positions are intended to be co-lead, but we currently only have 3 people, each occupying as separate position. Many hands make light work and we have heavy lift.

If you're attending, please personally invite 4 others - including students, teachers, and other parents to attend with you.

The PTSA has a vision, a purpose, and a plan, but it needs more voices to shape that vision, to fulfill its purpose, and to plan for the future of WMS students.

Email: eataylor@seattleschools.org
Website: washingtonms.seattleschools.org
Location: 2101 South Jackson Street, Seattle, WA, USA
Phone: 206-252-2600