10/20/2017

• It’s a BIG, BIG show this morning — with some BIG, BIG announcements — and some BIG, BIG videos!  First up:  Mental Health Awareness is a priority here at WMS.  People may be hurting, people may be suffering — but people don’t always know how to ask for help.  So it’s up to US — to everyone here in our shared community — to look out for our friends, and give them the support they need.

https://vimeo.com/238988196

• Due to the AMAZING turnout last week, today’s Best Buddies meeting during Wolf Time has been moved to the cafeteria.  Just get a pass from your TA teacher, then come on down and join the fun and games. Thanks, Buddy!!
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• The WMS-PTA Book Fair is scheduled to begin next week. 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will all have a chance to visit with their English classes — but anyone is welcome to stop by from Monday to Friday either before school or during your lunch period.  Plus on Thursday, your parents are invited to the “after-hours” Book Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. during Parent-Teacher Conferences.  So don’t forget to bring your money — and get yourself a good book!
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• And speaking of Parent-Teacher Conferences — Tell your parents!  Arena-style conferences are NEXT WEEK — Thursday from 4:30 to 7 p.m.; and Friday from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. No appointment is necessary, just come on in and have a chat.   This this will actually be the 2nd time that parents have been invited to WMS.  The first was last month — during Back to School Night — and WOLF-TV was there to get the “inside scoop” about what happens when our parents and teachers get together.  Check it out!

• Students rule the school! The WMS Student Council Association — our SCA — is recruiting 6th, 7th and 8th grade students to take leadership positions in school this year. Interested students are invited to an informational meeting next TUESDAY during ASP 1 in room 215.  This is your chance to help “Create the Future” right here at Williamsburg.  See Mr. Tagert or Mr. Peacock with any questions.
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• Dribble, pass, SHOOT! Tryouts for the WMS Boys soccer team continue next week — 7th graders on MONDAY, and 8th graders on TUESDAY — both during ASP 1 and 2 on Field number 2. Just sign up on the activity board by the cafeteria, and you must have a physical on file to participate.  See Mr. Witte with any questions.
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• The WMS Girls Basketball Team is also gearing up for a new season. Tryouts begin next MONDAY after school in the gym.  The sign-up sheet is on the activity board by the cafeteria, and again you must have a physical on file to participate.  See Ms. Boyers or Ms. Hogwood with any questions.
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• Hey, 6th graders — LIGHT IT UP!!  The 6th grade NEONTASTIC dance party is scheduled for next TUESDAY during ASP 1 and 2 in the cafeteria. There will be music and dancing to a live DJ, great food, a photo booth, games, raffles, and plenty of great prizes. And be sure to wear “brightly colored clothes” to match our neon theme. The NEONTASTIC dance party — It’s gonna be “lit!”
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• And now, for an important message from the President of the United States!  No, not THAT president — I’m talking about the “Kid” president.  Check it out!

• That’s right, Williamsburg — it’s Socktober!  And this year, the WMS Kindness club is collecting new socks for the homeless. But that’s not all: new gloves, mittens, hats, and scarves, plus new or gently used jackets and blankets are also welcome donations. Just drop your items in your TA donation box to participate. And the TA in each grade with the most donations wins a TA breakfast! So do your part and be kind those in need. Together, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!
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• How would you like to be featured in a special section of the yearbook this year? From now until the end of October, the WMS yearbook is accepting pictures for both its “Summer Vacation” and “Now & Then” sections of its annual publication. If you’ve got some fun pics, just email them to elizabeth.briones@apsva.us or bring them down to room 136. See Ms. Briones with any questions.
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• This week, TA teachers will reading an “anti-bully pledge” in TA. All students who wish to join together in supporting this pledge will receive a “hand” to sign and place on the bully prevention board. If we all join our “hands” together — those bullies won’t “stand” a chance. So take a stand, and sign a hand!
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• And finally today — October is Bully Prevention Month. Standing up to bullies is EVERYONE’S responsibility — and NOW is the time to take that stand. Please stay tuned for this important message from “Bystander Revolution.”

• Following the announcements this morning, your TA teacher will be reading an “anti-bully pledge” in TA.  Students who wish to join together in supporting the pledge will receive a “hand” to sign — which will then be placed on the WMS Bully Prevention Board. For more information, see Ms. Schaefer or Ms. Zeller.  Take a stand, and sign a hand!