May is already here! As the weather struggles to become consistently warmer, the excitement and energy of students at Wayne Middle School are in full swing. We are grateful to our families for continuing to encourage students to work hard academically and to put their best foot forward behaviorally. Your partnership truly helps make the end of the school year a great one! Our students have been highly engaged in their classes, extracurricular activities, and spring sports, and they showed perseverance and focus throughout the NYS 3–8 ELA and Math assessments. We are proud of their efforts and look forward to finishing the year strong!
There are so many positive things going on in our school each and every day (click here to see some examples on our Instagram)! At the same time, in any busy and active school community, it is important to address areas where we need to work together. Over the past few weeks, we have seen an increase in behaviors that are largely preventable and that can have a significant impact on students’ well-being and our school environment. We are asking all families to take a few minutes to talk with their children about the expectations below, even if you feel these situations may not directly apply to your child. These conversations matter, and they make a difference.
- If your child is one that has made mistakes, we want to work together to educate and prepare them to make better ones in the future.
- We want to help prepare every young person about how to respond to challenging, unsafe, or irresponsible situations, as well.
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1) 👥Handling Peer-to-Peer Conflict: Middle school friendships can be complex, and conflicts are a normal part of growing up. Between the grades of 5-8, friendships change frequently, but it doesn’t mean there has to be unkind conflict around the changes. How students (and parents behind the scenes) respond in these moments is what matters most.
How students can respond:
- If friendships change, step away respectfully rather than escalating the situation
- Have private, respectful, one-on-one conversations instead of addressing issues in groups or online.
- Avoid calling peers out in public settings such as the lunch table, group chats, or social media
How bystanders can respond:
- If someone is rude or publicly humiliating someone, speak up in the moment with simple statements like, “That’s not okay,” or “Why would you say that?”
- Help redirect the situation by inviting someone to walk away or join you
How parents can help:
- Listen first and ask questions to understand the full situation (and remember... your child may be omitting or adjusting facts). There are multiple perspectives to every conflict.
- Help your child think through appropriate responses. Think of mature, respectful ways to respond vs. emotionally charged ways
- Practice (role-play) different scenarios so they feel prepared to respond calmly and respectfully
2) 📲 Social Media Conflicts: People of all ages often say things digitally that they would never say in person. Conflicts that begin outside of school, especially in group chats or on social media, often carry over into the school day and can cause major disruptions to learning for many students (i.e., rumors, investigations that take hours of time from multiple administrators and counselors, and students being pulled from class).
How students can respond:
- Avoid group chats that include people you don’t know well or that tend to involve drama
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Recognize that you are part of the problem if you are allowing yourself to be included in a negative group conversation, even if you aren’t saying anything
- Choose to disengage and remove yourself from conversations that are inappropriate
How bystanders can respond:
- Do not encourage or engage in negative conversations.
- Speak up if appropriate. Leave the conversation!
- Support peers by checking in privately or encouraging them to step away
How parents can help:
- Stay aware of your child’s online activity and who they are communicating with
- Talk openly about digital behavior and the long-term impact of online choices
- Reinforce that what is said online should reflect the same respect expected in person. If they wouldn’t say it in front of their beloved grandparent, they probably shouldn’t say it
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3) 🗣️ Unsafe or Harmful Language (including threatening, racist/homophobic/biased comments): Comments made for “shock value" or creating awkward situations, including references to violence or language that targets individuals or groups, are taken seriously and have significant consequences.
How students can respond:
- If you hear something inappropriate or concerning, respond with, “That’s not okay,” or “Why would you say that?”
- Remove yourself, and if possible, the targeted person(s) from the situation when possible.
- ⚠️⚠️Immediately report any concerning statements, especially those involving threats, to a trusted adult.⚠️⚠️
How bystanders can respond:
- Take all comments about safety or harm seriously. ⚠️⚠️REPORT THEM IMMEDIATELY.⚠️⚠️
- Do not spread the information to peers, report it directly to an adult.
- Support peers by helping them move away from the situation and seek help.
How parents can help:
- Reinforce that words matter and can have serious consequences, even if said as a “joke”
- Talk through how to respond if they hear something concerning and emphasize the importance of telling a trusted adult right away.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. By working together and reinforcing these expectations at home and at school, we can help ensure a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all students as we finish the year strong!!
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8th Grade Science Assessment Information:
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May 12 - Our 5th and 8th grade students will be taking their NYS Science Assessments. Biology students will be preparing for their Regents examinations in a common space with Mr. Bastian.
Spanish 8 Exam Information: For our 8th grade families:
- Spanish teachers will be meeting with each student individually for the speaking portion of their World Language exams over the next few weeks.
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Our Spanish 8 students will take the regional Checkpoint A exam on Monday, June 22. It is important to note that these World Language exams are required and students cannot opt-out of them, as it is a requirement (along with passing the course) if they wish to earn credit toward their NYS Regents Diploma.
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The week of May 4-8 is Staff Appreciation Week! Wayne Middle School is certainly blessed to have such a powerhouse of dedicated, hardworking, student-centered teachers, counselors, and staff.
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This month’s Character Trait is Healthy Lifestyles. Last month, in cafeteria talks and on our extended 1st period slides, our staff reviewed different examples of what patience looks and feels like in the school setting. This month, our students will have a lesson (in-class) about Healthy Lifestyles and choices. This Friday, we are excited to welcome a few high school seniors to our CARE Assembly to discuss these topics and what it looks and feels like for them! At this assembly, we will select 20 students who have been recognized with CARE cards to go on a field trip to Master Kim's Taekwondo Institute! |
Scholastic Book Fair Date Change
Please note that our Spring Scholastic Book Fair dates have shifted slightly and will now take place June 1–5 (instead of June 8–12). This change is due to Scholastic closing their warehouse earlier than in past years. Adjusting the dates allows us to receive our book shipment on time and ensures a well-stocked, high-quality Book Fair for our students. Thank you for your understanding and continued support of reading at WMS!
Mark your calendars for the WMS Art Show on Tuesday, June 4, from 5:00–7:00 pm! We invite you to visit our school library to view the incredible artwork created by our students. As an added bonus, the WMS Book Fair Family Night will be held at the same time and location, offering books and other items for purchase. Thank you to Mrs. Feola and Ms. Steidle for making these wonderful opportunities available to our students!
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We’re excited to share details about the upcoming 8th Grade Dance! While some students may choose to purchase new outfits for the event, there is no special dress requirement. This is a casual event, and we encourage students to wear their best casual attire that they already have at home.
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All attire is welcome as long as it meets the Wayne CSD dress code. There is no need to spend money on new clothing or accessories. This is a celebration of our 8th graders and an opportunity to create a lasting memory of their time at Wayne Middle School!
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Date & Time: Friday, May 8, 6:30–8:00 PM
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Location: Wayne Central Middle School Cafeteria
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Admission: $5
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Details: DJ, photo booth, hors d'oeuvres, and drinks included
- Students may not leave and re-enter the building
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No outside drinks may be brought in
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Eligibility: Only 8th-grade students currently enrolled at WMS and in good standing may attend.
The WMS Student Council is seeking donations of store-bought food items to help make this event a success.
- 📦 Donations can be dropped off in the Middle School Main Office between May 5 – May 7. Please let the office know your donation is for the 8th grade dance
- 👉 Sign up to donate here:
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NJHS Induction
On Thursday, April 9th Wayne Middle School’s NJHS chapter inducted 77 new members! No student is inducted simply because of a high academic average. We strive to recognize the whole student, while also understanding that NJHS provides an opportunity for continued growth. 7th & 8th-grade students are selected based on the following criteria:
- SCHOLARSHIP: the student has a 90% or better average for 6 consecutive quarters.
- LEADERSHIP: the student demonstrates positive leadership qualities in classrooms, their school, and the community.
- SERVICE: the student willingly helps others without getting paid.
- CHARACTER and CITIZENSHIP: the student is a person who is honest, trustworthy, responsible, and kind.
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Wayne Middle School is proud to announce that Aubrey C, Joseph H, and Natalie S have been selected as recipients of the National Junior Honor Society Outstanding Achievement Award. These students will each receive $500 in a 529 college savings account to support their future higher education.
Recipients are chosen based on their demonstrated commitment to the five pillars of NJHS: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. This honor is especially impressive, as only 500 students are selected nationwide.
Please join us in congratulating Aubrey, Joseph, and Natalie on this outstanding achievement!
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At the end of March, the following 8th grade students had the pleasure of creating and competing in SUNY Oswego's 2026 Tech Wars recently as part of the Technology Student Association: Emma B, Evie G, Austin H, Nathan J, Shayne K, Sawyer K, Wyatt K, Nate M, Maggie N, Taylor R, Cooper S, Aubrey C, and JessLynne A.
Bridge Design:
- 1st Place- Cooper S
- 2nd Place- Maggie N
- 3rd Place- Aubrey C
Cardboard Furniture:
CO2 Dragster- 3d Printed:
CO2 Dragster- Wood:
- 1st Place- Nathan J
- 2nd Place- Evie G
- 3rd Place Maggie N
Air Racers:
- 1st Place- Jesslynn A
- 2nd Place- Nathan M
Mousetrap Cars:
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May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!
May marks Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and acknowledge the culture, heritage, and history of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The MS Library is paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success. Watch the video below, and check out some of the wonderful books available from the library to learn about and celebrate Asian and Pacific Island heritage and culture!
Bookfair: Check out our BOOKFAIR HOMEPAGE for all the details about the upcoming book fair! It will be open daily that week from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm, with extended hours from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 4th, coinciding with the ART SHOW. You can take a sneak peek at the available titles by browsing the electronic BOOK FLYER or checking out the BOOK VIDEO PLAYLIST to see trailers for some of the most popular books at this spring's event.
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If you ever have any questions about your child’s progress, please check Schoology or reach out to your student’s teachers. |
Wayne Middle School students will participate in three rounds of screeners this year to support both academic and social-emotional growth:
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STAR Assessments: Computer-based tests in Math and ELA that help teachers identify what students know and what they’re ready to learn next.
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SAEBRS Survey: A short well-being screener that helps us understand how students are doing socially, emotionally, and academically.
We use the results from both tools to guide classroom instruction and provide the right supports—such as check-ins with trusted adults, small group sessions, or Academic Intervention Services (AIS)—to help every student succeed.
If you would like to learn more about STAR or SAEBRS, click here (link), or contact your child’s school counselor or assistant principal.
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May 4-8 – Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
May 4-8 – STAR Progress ELA Assessments
May 11 – SAEBRS Screener
May 12 – Science Assessment (Grades 5 & 8 only)
May 6-27 – Spanish 8 Speaking Assessment (Checkpoint A, by appointment)
(High school credit exam – opt-out not available)
May 14, 6:00 PM – 5th Grade Parent Night (For current 4th graders entering 5th grade next year)
May 15 - 35 week progress report day
May 18-21 – STAR Progress Math Assessments
May 25 – Memorial Day – No School
May 27-28 – 6th Grade Memorial Art Gallery Trip
June 1, 6:00 PM – Mandatory DC Trip Meeting (Students & Parents attending trip)
June 1-5 – WMS Book Fair (Library)
June 4, 5-7PM - ART SHOW/Book Fair for families!
June 3, 7:00 PM – 5th & 6th Grade Band & Chorus Concert
June 5 -- 5/6 Band Seabreeze trip
June 8, 7:00 PM – 7th & 8th Grade Band & Chorus Concert
June 10–12 – 8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip
June 15 – 5th Grade Egg Drop Day
June 17 – Rain Date for Egg Drop
June 17 (AM) – Algebra Regents Exam
June 18 (AM) – Biology Regents Exam
June 19 – Juneteenth – No School
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Thank you for your continued support. If you ever have a question or concern, please do not hesitate to contact us. Let’s have a wonderful May!
Sincerely,
Kevin Page, Principal
Bill Heinsler, Assistant Principal
Chris Shaffer, Assistant Principal
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