We hope this letter finds you and your family well. Our staff is excited and ready to welcome our new 5th graders and our returning 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to the 2026-27 school year! We hope you find this information helpful as your student prepares for the first day of school.
Important Dates for 5th Grade Orientation, Welcome Walks, and the First Days of School Information:
-
August 14 - Schedule Release Day for WMS students on SchoolTool (link)
-
August 26, 1-2:30pm - 5th Grade Orientation (Student Event) - Our incoming 5th graders will have a tour of the building led by WMS student leaders, practice opening their lockers, and end their tour with a grade-level ice cream social! A separate correspondence will be sent about the logistics of drop-off and pick-up procedures. Again, this is a student only event.
- August 27, 11am-2pm - Welcome Walk: Students and families may set up school lockers & walk their schedule.
-
August 28, 11am-2pm - Welcome Walk: Students and families may set up school lockers & walk their schedule.
- September 2 (A Day) - First Day of School!
- September 9 (D Day) - Picture Day for students with Physical Education on D Day
- September 10 (E Day) - Picture Day for students with Physical Education on E Day
-
September 16, 5:30pm-6:30pm - Open House (All Grades). At 6:30, we will host the 8th Grade Washington D.C. Parent Information Meeting in the MS Cafeteria.
-
September 25, Homecoming - Community parade 5:30 pm, football game 7pm
|
|
As we prepare for the 2026–27 school year, we want to highlight a few changes that families and students should be aware of before the first day.
-
📞 New Attendance Process: We have a new way to report student absences and appointments. Please call our attendance line at 524-1074 or email MSAttendance@waynecsd.org.
-
📚 Gradebook Update: As part of our continued work with developing our grading and reporting measures, we will continue with the Eagle Score. Additionally, you will notice that final grades will be calculated using 80% summative and 20% formative evidence. Summative evidence includes assessments(tests, quizzes) that measure what students know and can do after learning has occurred. Formative evidence includes classwork, presentations, practice activities, and other assignments that help students learn and prepare for tests and quizzes. This approach places greater emphasis on students' demonstrated learning while providing opportunities to practice, receive feedback, and grow along the way.
-
🕘 Nine-Period Schedule & Lunch/Recess: We will be moving to a nine-period schedule this school year, with a 40-minute lunch period. All lunches will include a scheduled 20-minute recess period. Students will have 20 minutes to eat and 20 minutes for recess. Participation in recess is optional, and students do not need to participate if they prefer not to.
For other updates and important information, please continue reading below.
|
Student Schedules: On August 14, student schedules will be viewable in SchoolTool (link). We will also be mailing paper copies of schedules that day. Please note that we may make adjustments to schedules leading up to the first day of school. Each student will receive their official, final schedule during 1st period on the first day of school. Many factors are considered when creating the school schedule and balancing class rosters. Please do not request class changes to be with friends or specific teachers, as these requests will not be granted. Click here to see the A-F Day calendar (link).
🚌 Bus/Transportation Information:
-
Bus Routes: The Transportation Department will communicate with families via ParentSquare during the last week of August with route information. They will also share information about the MyRideK12 app.
-
🪪 Bus Cards: Students were asked to save their bus cards at the end of last school year. Please encourage your child to bring and use their existing bus card each day.
-
Replacement Cards: We will give bus drivers the first week of school to identify students who need replacement cards. Transportation will communicate replacement needs to us. Each student is eligible for one free replacement card. After that, there will be a $3.00 charge for each additional replacement card.
-
Transportation Questions: If you need to contact the Transportation Department, please call 315-524-1120.
💻 Chromebook Use of District Device Agreement *ACTION NEEDED*: The Technology Department will send families an agreement form through ParentSquare. Families with multiple students in the district must complete a separate form for each child. The agreement must be completed before your student can receive a Chromebook and charger on the first day of school. Please complete the form with your middle school student(s) as soon as possible.
Password & Account Information: On Monday, August 24, families will receive a secure ParentSquare message with students’ new passwords and Schoology login information, along with a Google Form for SchoolTool Parent Portal assistance.
Supply Lists, Student Agenda, Code of Conduct:
- Supply lists are located on our website (LINK).
- Students will receive a personal agenda/calendar (link) on the first day of school. This resource helps students keep track of assignments & provides important school information.
- Inside of the student agenda is a condensed Code of Conduct (full version link), which outlines behavioral expectations. We encourage families to review the agenda (and the code of conduct) with their children, as there is a wealth of information about our school.
|
|
Attendance: Consistent and punctual school attendance is an essential component to student success. We have observed that children with frequent unexcused absences and/or tardies are not as successful in their academic, social, and emotional growth as their peers.
-
Please note that 1st period classes begin at 7:35 a.m. If you ever need assistance with getting your child to school please do not hesitate to reach out to their counselor or Assistant Principal.
-
🆕 🆕 🆕 If your child needs to be absent from school or if you have a planned appointment, please call the attendance line at 524-1074. You may also email your attendance updates to MSAttendance@waynecsd.org. 🆕 🆕 🆕 🆕
Breakfast and lunch update: Breakfast (grab-and-go) and lunch are free for all students. Second lunches and à la carte items may be purchased for an additional fee.
-
Please do not send your child into school with breakfast from outside of the building. These can have allergens and/or become distracting/messy (i.e., donuts, drinks from Dunkin or Starbucks, etc.). Please consume these foods prior to coming into the building. The goal is to create an environment focused on instruction by 7:35am.
-
🍴MySchoolBucks: Want to add money to your child’s lunch account for extra items or snacks? Click this link!
-
Restaurant Food: We would like to gently remind families to refrain from sending in lunches or food from restaurants, as it can become a disruption to our cafeteria environment.
|
|
Please carefully review the breakdown of which counselor your child can go to for support throughout their middle school experience. Our administrative team will be available to any student throughout the year. Our counselors & administrators are here to guide and support your student in the areas of academic achievement & social-emotional health. Please use them as a resource & feel free to contact them with any questions!
👥 School Counselor Information - 315-524-1082:
🎓 Assistant Principals - Phone: (315) 524-1080
|
Lockers and Backpacks: Every student will be assigned a locker, and we encourage them to use it to avoid carrying all their materials throughout the day. This year, we will focus on being mindful of the materials we provide, offering opportunities to clean out folders and binders, and teaching executive functioning and organization skills. Students will be responsible for keeping their backpacks and materials organized as they learn different strategies.
- Ideally, we would love for students to leave their backpacks in their lockers. They are large enough to store them!
- Locker wise, it is important to note that students should NEVER share their combination with anyone! Friendships often change in middle school.
- Remind your students to be mindful of blocking out the locker information when sharing their schedules with other students via texting or social media!
|
|
All NYS schools must follow the Distraction-Free Schools legislation, which requires internet-connected devices to be put away during the instructional day, including phones, smartwatches, and other devices. As we look ahead to September, please talk with your student about how they can contact you if needed during the school day (e.g., memorizing important phone numbers, knowing they can ask the secretaries for help, etc.).
Here is some key information for students and families to consider:
-
Phones and devices need to be put away: Phones should be stored in lockers from 7:35 to 2:15. The main change is that phones cannot be visible in pockets or taken out for any reason during the academic school day🚫📱.
-
This also applies to smartwatches ⌚, which can be a distraction in both classrooms and the school overall. If your child has a wrist device that looks like a smartwatch, please ask them to not wear them in school, as our staff does not have the time or ability to identify which devices are or are not internet capable.
-
We have multiple phones available in the main office & counseling office for student use.
- If a private conversation is needed, office spaces will be made available.
-
🚨Some students expressed concern about contacting families in an emergency. In the event of a true emergency, it is best for responders to manage the situation without additional people arriving at the building. Families will be updated through ParentSquare.
- Students may responsibly access their phones/devices on the bus and after school.
- If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
🧢Hats and Hoodies: Unless there is an extenuating circumstance, we will ask students not to wear hats or their hoodies over their heads. We would like to easily see student faces and ensure there is not a temptation to wear earbuds under their hoods. We’ve also found that students are more engaged in their learning when their hoods are not over their heads.
|
Academic Workshops this year: In previous years, students were randomly assigned to teachers for their Academic Workshop periods. This year, we will be more intentional about placing our students into Academic Workshops that can further support their academic success. Throughout the year, we may adjust student Academic Workshops to meet their needs. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s counselor!
(IMPORTANT) Positive and welcoming learning environment: Our number one priority will always be to create a safe environment for our students. Please continue to coach your child to be kind, loving, and supportive. If you ever have a concern, contact your child’s teacher if the issue is happening in the classroom or their school counselor or Assistant Principal for other settings. Throughout the school year, we will purposefully teach our students about the C.A.R.E. principles (Caring, Accountability, Responsibility, Excellence). When a student is recognized for demonstrating good character, they will receive a card and a t-shirt on their first recognition. Students can earn multiple cards throughout the year! Our goal is to have every student wearing a "C.A.R.E. The Wayne Eagle Way" t-shirt by the end of the year!
Extracurricular Clubs: We love to see our students get involved in clubs and activities! This helps build deeper connections between students and their school. Please review potential clubs with your children, have them listen closely to morning announcements to learn when and where they meet!
- One of the first activities students (grades 5-8) can get involved in is the MS Musical! Each year we have somewhere between 80-100 students involved! This year, the musical is Once Upon a Mattress, Youth Edition! Click here (link) to view the flyer!
|
|
Morning drop-off: The school bus is the most reliable, safe way to get children to and from school. However, if you need to drop your child off in the morning, please do not do so until 7:25am. Our doors will open then. Please create a SINGLE LANE at this time. You may drive through the side-staff lot (between the south-end of the school and the bus garage) and drop your child off at door #20. Please drive in a safe manner.
- Please Note: Door #20 will close at 7:32 am – if dropping off your child aftetr this point, please have your child enter through door 1, the main office.
Midday pick-up: Please notify the school attendance line (315-524-1074) about the date/time you need to pick up your child with the reason. Once you're here, please come to the main office to sign your child out. It is important to note we will only release your child to the adults indicated in Schooltool. If you need to update this information, please contact the District Office.
2:20pm dismissal: We will dismiss our students riding the bus at 2:12pm. Once buses are leaving, we will dismiss our students getting picked up by families. Please line up along the side-staff lot (between the south-end of the school and the bus garage). Please create TWO LANES of cars at this time. Once buses leave, cars may safely meet their students in the front bus loop.
3:00pm and 4:00pm pick-up: If you are picking up your child after extracurricular activities, please remember to drive safely, be patient, and create a SINGLE LANE at this time. We want to avoid any incidents where children are walking out to get picked up!
|
|
If you are in need of a new mattress—or know someone who is—save the date for Saturday, September 26, 2026!
The Music Boosters will be hosting our Annual Mattress Fundraiser in the Wayne Middle School cafeteria. A mattress showroom will be set up for the day, giving you the opportunity to shop for a new mattress while also supporting our Wayne music programs.
🎵 Support TCA Friends of Music
🎭 Proceeds benefit the WMS Musical Production!
More details, including showroom hours and how to shop, will be shared as we get closer to the event!
|
ParentSquare: WCSD will be using ParentSquare ( parentsquare.com, or download the app!) as our main method of communication with families.
Schoology: Teachers will use this learning management platform to support student learning. Student assignments and grades will be posted here. Please check this often. If you have any questions about your child’s progress, contact the teacher directly!
SchoolTool: This portal allows students and parents to view schedules and attendance information throughout the school year.
Instagram: Wayne Middle School has an Instagram account. Please follow us @WayneCentralMS!
Webpage: Our webpage has up-to-date resources and information about WMS events.
|
|
Sincerely,
Kevin Page, Principal
Bill Heinsler, Assistant Principal
Chris Shaffer, Assistant Principal
|
|
|
