Deborah Romeo, Principal Courtney Rowley, Assistant Principal Rebecca Speicher, Assistant Principal of Student Services |
Greetings Wayland Middle School Caregivers,
Many thanks to the performers in the WMS musical, Peter Pan, Jr., who filled our theater with both love and laughter for the last week. Audience members were struck by the joy that our performers exuded throughout the show; they were having the time of their lives and so were we! The production was truly magical, bringing tears to the eyes of the audience when Peter, played by Josie Jagolinzer, pleaded with us to "Clap if you believe in fairies”. Many thanks to the many adults who supported this year’s musical, Kelly Lopez, Bernadette Vanara, Klara Sands, Anna Summergrad, Ingrid Francoeur, Sarah Plisinski, Isa Fuentes, and Ryan Watts.
Last week, our 6th grade students took full advantage of the recent snowstorm during their cross country ski trip to the Leo J. Martin Ski Track in Weston, MA. For many, students and teachers alike, the experience was completely new. During the day, students learned or perfected techniques surrounded by cheering classmates and sparkling snow. One 6th grader proudly declared upon his return, “That was my first time cross country skiing. It was hard at first but I got it! It was so much fun!” We thank all of the teachers of our 6th graders who attended this trip; their support made all the difference for our students. Special thanks to Ms. Prasad and Ms. Hagan who organized this adventure for our 6th grade students.
When reviewing this week’s newsletter, please review the sections below that are entitled “We Need Your Help” and “Artificial Intelligence and Expectations at WMS”. We value your partnership in the work of ensuring safety for all of our students and guiding our students to make good decisions through their middle school years.
As always, our doors are open. Whether you have questions, concerns, or simply want to share in the excitement of the school year, we encourage you to reach out.
Deborah, Courtney, and Rebecca |
- Thursday, February 12th: WMS/WHS Jazz Night 7:00 PM at WMS
- Monday, February 16th - Friday, February 20th: February Break NO SCHOOL
- Tuesday, February 24th: Virtual PTO Community Meeting 6:30-7:30 PM and EndTab Caregiver Presentation on Digital Safety 7:30-8:30 PM.
- Wednesday, February 25th: Super Wednesday; DISMISSAL at 12:20 PM
- Thursday, February 26th: Spanish Immersion Caregiver Council 6:15-7:00PM
- Thursday, March 5th: Eighth Grade Caregiver Night 7:00 - 8:15 PM WHS Lecture Hall and Zoom
- Monday, March 9th: String Jam 7:00 PM WHS Field House
- Tuesday, March 10th: Band Fest 7:00 PM WHS Field House
- Wednesday, March 11th: Wayland Sings 7:00 PM WHS Field House
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It has come to our attention that students are selling snacks to other students during the school day. Buying and selling snacks between students is not permitted; this practice can cause tension between students which serve as a distraction to their learning and can disrupt their sense of well being.
It would, again, be very helpful if you would review with your student that they should not buy snacks from another student nor sell snacks to another student during the school day or at after school activities. As we are a learning community, it is important to ensure a sense of belonging and equity for all students and a system in which students are profiting from one another is counter to those values. |
Families, staff and administrators have noted an increase in challenges to our drop off/pick up protocols since the arrival of the cold weather compounded by the recent snow storm. Safety is the number one priority in the drop-off/pick-up circle.
In these times when more students are being driven to school due to the inclement weather, it is critical that everyone follow the procedures outlined below.
- Students may only exit/enter cars at the sidewalk (anywhere along the west side of the building -- from the gym to the stop sign).
- Students must be picked up on the sidewalk next to the gym, and may not meet rides in the DPW parking lot or on the drive leading to the school. Students cannot cross the traffic circle in the drop off/pick up area to be picked up on the other side.
- Do not jump the line when spaces appear. Be patient as drivers in front of you pull forward.
- Do not pull a U-Turn at any time.
- Once you have dropped-off/picked-up your student, you may cautiously pull out, away from the curb and around waiting cars to exit. Please drive slowly.
Thank you very much for your partnership in maintaining the safety of our students as they arrive at and depart from WMS.
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During the next Super Wednesday at WMS, our community will welcome Mr. Mannie Nogueira, a professional BMX athlete and speaker.
During the assembly, Mr. Noguiera will perform and share his personal story emphasizing the importance of having goals, making sound decisions that lead to goal attainment, and being one’s best self.
There will be three assemblies, one for each grade level. We thank the PTO for its support in bringing this inspiring performer/speaker to WMS. |
Following the February break, all WMS students will participate in a lesson on the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI). While we don’t have all the answers when it comes to AI, it has become embedded in so many tools that it is time for us to provide all of our students with a learning experience on AI Literacy & Student Expectations.
We will share with our students the following nuanced message. “As we integrate new technologies into our classrooms, we recognize that artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool for learning, creativity, and efficiency. However, responsible use of AI is essential to ensure academic integrity, critical thinking, and meaningful learning experiences.”
We will be explicit with our students about WMS expectations. They are:
Academic Integrity Matters – Any work you submit must be your own. Using Artificial Intelligence to complete assignments without teacher approval is considered academic dishonesty.
Subject-Area Guidance is Key – Different subjects may have different rules for AI use. Always follow your teacher’s instructions regarding when and how AI can be used. If no instructions are provided, assume that AI is not to be used for your work.
We thank the members of the WMS Technology Committee for creating the resources that teachers will use with students, Ms. Dirmeikis, Ms. Reed, Ms. Sands, Mr. Kotin, Mr. Fernandez-Davila, Mr. Holmes, Mr. Reddington and Ms. Chisholm. Special thanks to Ms. Monahan for her leadership of this group as well as her leadership in providing professional development to the staff in preparation for the session with our students. |
When: 7-8:30 pm, February 10, March 10, April 14, and May 12, 2026
Where: First Parish, 225 Boston Post Road, Wayland – in person only
Who: For parents and other adults who live, work, worship or send their child(ren) to school in Wayland.
Cost: Free
Registration: Registration is required. Attendance at all four sessions is encouraged but not required. REGISTER
About: Ever find yourself avoiding a conversation because it feels too awkward, too charged, or too likely to go sideways? This four-session workshop is an invitation to do the opposite—with skill, confidence, and care.
Together, we’ll build practical tools for real-life and online conversations, especially with people whose experiences or perspectives differ from our own. In a supportive, low-stakes setting, you’ll practice showing up with curiosity, self-awareness, and empathy—even when things feel uncomfortable or you don’t agree.
The series will be led by jamele adams, a gifted educator, facilitator, and community peacemaker. Across four in-person sessions, participants will practice empathetic listening, learn from one another, and build trust and connection. Participants will also help shape the series by choosing the discussion topic for each session, ensuring the conversations reflect what matters most to the group.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll walk away with concrete, usable tools for engaging across differences—without losing connection or respect. Whether you’re deeply experienced in these conversations or just beginning, you’ll find a welcoming space to learn, reflect, and grow together—and to strengthen the fabric of the Wayland community.
This program is sponsored by the Wayland Public Schools and the Wayland Human Rights, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (HRDEIC) and is made possible through the generous support of the Lydia Maria Child Fund of First Parish in Wayland.
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We are pleased to host a presentation from EndTAB, a leading organization focused on digital safety and online well-being.
On Tuesday, February 24th, we hope you can join us for the PTO Community Meeting (6:30-7:30) followed by this Digital Safety Presentation (7:30-8:30).
Caregivers will learn practical strategies to help young people navigate technology safely and support their mental health in an online world. This session will offer actionable guidance and meaningful insights to help families stay informed and empowered. |
WaylandCAN is thrilled to invite you to a night with viral TED speaker and Ted Lasso writer, Dylan Marron!
Dylan is the creator and host of the acclaimed podcast Conversations with People Who Hate Me, a Webby Award–winning series praised by USA Today, The Guardian, Fast Company, and the Associated Press for its powerful exploration of empathy and human connection. His TED Talk, “Empathy Is Not Endorsement,” has been viewed millions of times worldwide, and he is currently a writer on the critically acclaimed series Ted Lasso.
This free, community-wide talk focuses on connecting across differences.
It will take place on March 30th at 7PM in the Wayland High School auditorium.
It's is open to all ages 11+ and will include **30 minutes of audience Q&A**.
****This is opportunity is being shared with the Greater Boston area and space is limited! **Sign up here and bring your middle and high school children - we're all in this together!****
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The time has come once again to capture all those Middle School memories in the Yearbook. Josten's has all the information to make the yearbook extra special with things like personalization and signature pages. Please see website or QR code for more details. |
Thank you to all that have donated books for the book swap! Although the drive has ended, any books that would like another home at the middle school, continued donations are always welcome. |
Artist: Emilia Hanna Grade: 8 Medium: Plaster & Acrylic |
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Contact: Andrea Winkler - PTO President |
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Thanks to your donations, the WMS PTO was able to approve all staff grants this winter.
The PTO looks forward to providing support for springtime activities, so if you haven’t donated to Gift Your Child, there is still time! Please help us reach our goal.
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Stay up to date on school news, events and helpful reminders. Look for “Wayland MS PTO” and request to join. |
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