WGO - MS Archive: Aug 28

WGO

Issue #3: August 28, 2025

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From the Principal

Mr. Billy Thomas

We are excited to invite you to our Back to School Night this coming Monday at 5:00 p.m. This evening is an important opportunity for you to connect with your child’s teachers, learn more about the curriculum, and gain a better understanding of the middle school experience. We value your partnership and look forward to welcoming you on campus to share in your child’s learning journey.

Next week, our students will begin the MAP assessments, an important tool that helps us measure individual progress and guide instruction. To support your child’s success, we kindly ask that they arrive each day well rested, eat a healthy breakfast, and bring a positive mindset to do their best. While MAP is just one measure of growth, it provides valuable insights into student learning and helps us ensure every child is reaching their potential.

Beyond the classroom, we are thrilled that soccer and volleyball tryouts begin next week as part of our athletics program, offering students the chance to build teamwork and school spirit. In addition, our school musical, Into the Woods, has been cast, and rehearsals are beginning soon. These activities provide wonderful opportunities for students to explore their passions and shine in different ways, and we are excited to see them thrive both academically and beyond.

MS Celebrations

This week our budding 7th grade scientists have been collecting air temperature data to further develop their understanding of the Greenhouse Effect.

This is part of the "Climate Action" unit where students learn about the climate crisis, the causes, the effects, and potential solutions. Students will complete an action project to make a difference and participate in a Socratic Seminar.

The Climate Action unit is a great example of Middle Students embracing challenges and learning to become global advocates.

MS Updates

MS BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

You are cordially invited to the Middle School's Back To School Night:

Monday, Sept 1 from 5:00pm - 6:30pm

This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from the MS Leadership team and to meet all of your child's teachers.

Action Required: Click HERE to learn more about our teachers and what their classes will be learning. Simply find a teacher of interest and click on their linked name.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ACTIVE PARENTING WORKSHOP

Join us starting September 9th at 5:30 PM for a 6 week parenting class. Learn and practice parenting skills relevant to raising tweens/teens like building cooperation, problem support, and when to use different types of consequences.

Additionally, this is a great chance to build some connections with other middle school parents and grow together.

Click here for all the information and to sign up. Space is limited.

MAP TESTING

Starting next week, Middle School students will participate in the NWEA MAP testing.

These tests are designed to provide teachers with an understanding of students' competency levels in:

Reading Comprehension
Language Use
Math

The data collected will help teachers differentiate the learning in every classroom to support student growth.

There is very little students can do to prepare for these tests other than:

Action Required: Prepare their laptop BEFORE testing days
Be well rested (MS children require 8-10 hours per night)
Have a good healthy breakfast
Have their laptop fully charged
Be willing to try their best

For more about the MAP assessment, click on NWEA MAP Family Toolkit.

ADVENTURE JORDAN

Preparation has begun for Middle School’s Adventure Jordan trips in October!

Families will receive detailed information about the trips over the next 6 weeks, and we will hold a Parent Information eveing on Sept. 29. Below are some initial details:

Destinations

Grade 6 - visit Ajloun (Oct 8-9)
Grade 7- visit Petra (Oct 7-9)
Grade 8 - visit Wadi Rum (Oct 7-9)

Travel

All groups travel by bus
All trips will depart from school.
All trips will return to campus before the end of the school day on Thursday, Oct 9.

From the Athletics Office

The Long-Awaited Tryouts Are Here!

It’s finally time! With over 150 middle school sign-ups across all sports for boys and girls, the energy is high and we’re ready to get our athletes on the courts and fields. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming tryouts and practices:

Next Week: