September 20, 2023

School Pictures - September 26 & 27

We are excited to share that Ann Deas Photography will be returning to WMS next week (on September 26 and 27) to take student portraits.

Photos will be taken outdoors. After the photos are processed, parents will be provided with a link to view proofs and purchase photos directly through the website. (No orders or payments will be processed through WMS.) If we are unable to take outdoor photos on either of the scheduled dates, September 28 will be our rain date.

Each student will be photographed individually. These individual photos will be combined into group composites, which will also be available for purchase.

Schedule

All photos will be taken in the morning - please be sure your child arrives on time!

Tuesday, September 26:

• Middle School Room 10 (Emma)
• 9-12 Room 9 (Lauralee)
• Primary Room 17 (Erin Winner)
• Primary Room 18 (Diane)
• Primary Room 19 (Erin Wehler)
• Toddler Room 4 (Alyssa)
• Toddler Room 5 (Kira)

Wednesday, September 27:

• 6-9 Room 15 (Kirstin and Melissa)
• Primary Room 20 (Marilyn)
• Toddler Room 3 (Deirdre)
• Toddler Room 6 (Leanne)
• Toddler Room 8 (Katie and Tarren)

Make-up/retake photos will be taken on a later date (to be announced) after proofs are available for review.

Please email debbie_segear@wmsde.org with any questions!

Snack-Time Rituals: Fostering Independence & Building Community

Marilyn Faralli - Lead Primary Teacher (Room 20)

When you visit a Primary classroom, you may notice one or two students serving themselves snack and eating at a designated snack table. Instead of the whole class eating as a group, a teacher will offer two children the opportunity to have their snack first. When they have finished, those students clean up and each choose a popsicle stick with another classmate’s name. They approach those children to offer them the opportunity to have their snack next. Everyone can either accept the offer or decline, saying, “No, thank you.” Of course, there will also be times throughout the year when classes will enjoy their snacks as a group.

Why the popsicle stick selection? Because it is a great way to build community! The children learn to approach each other respectfully. They also learn to accept politely or graciously decline. They are learning to take responsibility for cleaning up after themselves. If someone forgets this step, the next person to use the snack table will surely let them know (respectfully). Snack time allows the children to practice grace and courtesy. They are learning to care for themselves, others and the environment, and strengthening their autonomy while simultaneously building community!

Unpacking Summer:

6-9 Students Build Connections & Confidence While Sharing Memories

Each year, Lower Elementary (6-9) students spend their summers collecting artifacts for a project inspired by the poem "What Shall I Pack in a Box Marked 'Summer'?" When they return to school, they share their “summer boxes” with their classmates, in large and small groups. This is a wonderful way for the children and teachers to get to know one another, an important part of the students' beginning of the year identity work. Children are each offered the opportunity to take a moment and present about what is important and meaningful to them, and just as importantly, the rest of the group learns how to listen courteously and ask thoughtful questions to learn more. These early conversations often help forge connections and new friendships as our new 6-9 community is created.