WMS November Newsletter

Greetings, Families~

Wow! We are nearing the end of the first marking period! The last day of the first marking period is November 14th and report cards will be posted to Genesis Parent Portal on November 17th. It takes every member of our community to ensure our students' success, so please communicate with your student, their teachers, and their guidance counselor if you have any questions concerning their grades or academic success.

As the year progresses, it is my hope that we are accomplishing our mission of making sure that every student feels seen, known, and heard. During the November 13th - 17th, we will be celebrating American Education Week, a time to honor the team of people that work in our nation's public schools. During this week, I encourage you to thank a WMS staff member for the vital role they play in WMS students' lives.

Before we transition into the latter half of the month, I am requesting your attendance at our Family Thanksgiving Dinner!

On November 15th, we will be hosting our annual WMS Family Thanksgiving Dinner. If you plan to attend, please complete this Google Form so that we know how many families we need to prepare for. I look forward to seeing you all there!

On Wednesday, November 15th, we will be celebrating Veterans' Day at WMS. We will be having veterans come in to speak with our 8th grade history classes and participate in a Q&A session. We will also be providing the veterans with "Thank You" cards created from our 7th grade students during Warrior Pride Day. If you are a veteran (or know of one) who would be interested in coming in on November 15th to speak with WMS students, please email me (Kayla.Lott@woodbridge.k12.nj.us) at your earliest convenience. Special thanks to all the veterans for their service!

On Friday, November 3rd, WMS celebrated their first Warrior Pride Day. This is a day filled with fun and community service for students while our staff engage in professional development. Students attended a workshop on Vaping Prevention, participated in The Brain Show where they tested their trivia knowledge, and observed the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers in light of Native American Heritage Month. In the afternoon, students engaged in community service and a door decorating contest and the day ended with a pep rally where we highlighted our Softball and Baseball champions, introduced our Boy's Basketball Team, Girls' Basketball Team, and Cheerleading Team. Lastly, students and staff got to compete in Minute to Win It activities. We look forward to possible having another Warrior Pride Day in the spring!

Great Job to all the students who participated in tryouts and congratulations to the students who made the WMS Girls' and Boys' Basketball Team for the 2023 season. Our first games of the season will be on November 30th (boys - home, girls - away). Here is the entire schedule. I look forward to seeing you at the games #GoWarriors.

1. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, and where you’re from.

I grew up in Bernards Township, and I am the oldest of four children. Fun fact: all of our first names start with the letter “D” ~ Devin, Dylan, Danielle and DeAnna! My teachers at Ridge High School helped inspire me to become a teacher myself.

2. Where did you go to college, and what degrees do you hold?

After finishing my core classes at county college, I transferred to Seton Hall University, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Education. I also hold a Master of Music degree from Bowling Green State University, with a concentration in Teaching Artistry.

3. What classes are you teaching this year?

This year I am thrilled to have four sections of Choir Class during Quarters One and Three! These classes are open to students of any ability level, with the purpose of preparing for our Winter and Spring Concerts. I also teach a General Music course during Quarters Two and Four. This class is geared towards students who might not wish to sing in a public performance, but would still like to learn all about music and the role it plays in enriching our lives.

4. How long have you been teaching, and how long at WMS?

This will be my seventh year teaching at Woodbridge Middle School! Prior to that, I spent a year as a long term substitute for schools in Madison and Cranford.

5. What’s your goal for your students this year? What about for yourself?

One goal I have for my students this year is for them to become more independent! One goal I have for myself is to use more positive affirmations in the classroom.

6. What’s your personal mantra or favorite quote?

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it is those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

— Desmond Tutu

7. What are your hobbies?

Aside from anything and everything involving music and singing, some of my hobbies include Hiking, Fishing (especially with my Dad and Grandfather), and spending time outdoors! Ironically, my other favorite hobby is playing video games, especially on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

8. What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I have a Ball Python named Estella! I’ve had her for a few years now and she’s very docile.

9. What are you currently reading in your free time?

I haven’t started it yet, but I’m looking forward to reading “A Full Life” by Jimmy Carter. I’ve made a personal goal of reading a book by every US President.