Washington Middle

Welcome

Tuesday, 10 November 2009 14:20 administrator

Welcome to Washington Middle School

Home of the Commanders

Quote of the Month- May

~It is attitude, not circumstance, that makes success possible in even the most unlikely conditions.~

Mission Statement
Washington Middle School is a positive and supportive student-centered learning environment. We want our students to have fun, love learning, achieve their individual potential, and care about each other. Therefore, we emphasize enthusiasm for learning, respect for others, and responsibility for our actions. At Washington, we strive to provide a safe, orderly, and respectful environment where students experience academic success through challenging, diverse, and engaging learning experiences.

Welcoming Remarks from the Principal

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year. As I look ahead to what this new school year holds, I know that it will be filled with many positive experiences and challenges. One specific challenge will be to continue to address achievement efforts for those students who didn’t perform adequately on Maryland School Performance (MSA). Students will be receiving their individual results, and a letter will be mailed home to parents.

The administration, teachers, and staff, along with Central Office personnel, will continue to diligently work together to ensure that all student subgroups show progress in both reading and math on the MSA. I hope parents will work with us in our endeavors to increase expectations and academic achievement, to improve school/home communications, and to create an inviting and caring climate for our students. at Washington Middle.

We are a PBIS trained school, and we will continue to use the PBIS (Positive Behaviors Interventions and Support) to support our disciplinary program this year.

A block schedule is used at Washington to maximize instructional time in language arts and mathematics. The schedule contains two seventy-six (76) minute double blocks for language arts and mathematics, a 76 minute block for science and social studies on an A/B semester schedule, creative arts on an A/B day, and a co-curricular period that is offered for 38 minutes every day. Students will rotate through creative arts courses each nine week and participate in co-curricular opportunities.

As you know, middle school is a time of change for your child. The academic work and social adjustments are greater than at the elementary level. Your child will be expected to attend school regularly, complete all assignments, and behave appropriately. Your child’s years at WMS will be exciting and filled with many learning experiences and new opportunities.

I want you to feel welcome at WMS as you become involved with your child’s experiences this year. Throughout the school year, your child’s teacher, guidance counselor, and administrators will be making a special effort to stay in touch with you. We will keep you informed of your child’s progress and school activities. Please use the Aspen online grading system to monitor your child's progress. The Messenger system is utilized to send phone messages/texts/emails to you regarding important announcements and/or events at Washington Middle. Your communication with us is also very important. Please don’t hesitate to contact a teacher, guidance counselor, an assistant principal, or me, whenever you have a question or concern. The school’s phone number is 301-777-5360.

In closing, I hope you will take part in your child’s education by talking to your child about his/her time spent at school. Please get involved as they complete their homework or seek your help on school projects and activities. We strongly encourage you to read with your child for 20 minutes a night and to review classwork and/or homework with them each night. I am confident that your child will show greater motivation as you show interest in their academic and social experiences. Let’s work together to make this an excellent school year for your child! Thank you for help and support. With Kind Regards, Kim Green

Colors: Red and White

Mascot: The Commanders

Feeder Schools: Northeast Elementary, South Penn, Bel Air Elementary, Flintstone Elementary, and John Humbird Elementary (In ninth grade, students attend Fort Hill High School.)

Number of students: 650
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Last Updated on Monday, 30 April 2012 13:32

Character Education- Promoting Core Ethical Values

Character Trait of the Month

August- Responsibility
September- Responsibility
October- Trustworthiness
November- Citizenship
December- Caring
January- Fairness
February- Respect
March- Respect
April-Trustworthiness
May- Caring
June- Perseverance

Ways to Exhibit Responsibility at School: Come to class on time and be prepared with essential materials. Keep your locker locked and organized. Complete your classroom assignments and homework assignments. Ask questions if you are confused. Put your books on the book shelves during lunch. Return forms before they are due. Take care of obligations in a timely manner. Report to your bus on time at dismissal. Don't leave a classroom if you are a walker or ride with a parent or sibling until the walker dismissal is announced.

Ways to Exhibit Trustworthiness- Be honest in conversation and deeds. If asked a question, respond with the truth. If you have permission to use the restroom, only go to the restroom- don't wander the halls or go to other places. If you make a mistake, admit it. Don't make excuses. Keep your hands to yourself. Don't mess with other students' materials, books, or belongings. Don't take anything that doesn't belong to you. Report vandalism to the administration. Don't participate in bullying or illustrate disruptive behavior. Report to school on time and regularly.    Be prepared for class. Do your homework. Study for quizzes.

Ways to Exhibit Care- Help a student struggling to carry his/her books. Pick up trash and put it in the trash can. Show consideration and cooperation to other students. Be kind and thoughtful to other students and to staff members. Thank the cafeteria workers when you receive your lunch. Participate in our community service outreaches, such our food drives.

Ways to Exhibit Fairness- Always be honest in word and deed. Think about other people and their feelings.

Ways to Exhibit Respect- No name calling or put downs. Don't use profanity or curse words.  Avoid using inappropriate gestures. Use words like "Please and Thank you." Don't call out in the classroom. Walk on the right side of the hall to avoid bumping into other people. Don't cut in the cafeteria line. Don't "book" other students.

Ways to Exhibit Trustworthiness- Honesty-Tell the truth.  Don't wander the halls when you have a utility pass to use the restroom.  Complete your assignments and homework on time. Return school papers and permission slips on time. Don't spread rumors.

See Student Recognition Programs Link for Character Counts Awards

School Attendance Matters- Striving for 96% or Better Attendance!

Success in school is directly linked to regular school attendance. Your child misses out when he/she misses school. Truancy or excessive school absences has been identified as one of the early signs of delinquent behavior, substance abuse, low self-esteem, and eventually dropping out of school.   Washington Middle partners with the Allegany County Sheriff's Office to provide a truancy prevention program in order to combat truancy at our school. Support your child and Washington Middle School by ensuring that your child regularly attends school and reports
on time!

Washington Middle will continue with a school-based attendance incentive program. In addition to prizes, students will be recognized during the school year for 96% or higher attendance. Students who earn perfect attendance for each semester will be recognized at a school assembly.