WMS is Ready! Important Information about the first day and beyond
Dear Wayne Middle School Families,
Wednesday, September 2, is our first day of school!
The purpose of this post is to share the key “need-to-knows” for the first days and weeks of school.
We included a lot of information in our Welcome Back newsletter (August 10). Please feel free to reference that post at your convenience if you need more details.
Alright… here are the “need-to-knows”!
Student Schedules are visible in SchoolTool. Hard copies will be available in your child's first-period classroom. Please note that some minor changes may have occurred (e.g., Academic Workshop changes, PE teacher changes, room number changes). If your child hasn't seen their schedule by the first day, they should report to the main office as soon as they arrive at school. Students are expected to promptly proceed to their first-period classes. Our first day of school will be an “A” day!
We have a 9-period schedule this year. We will also have 🔔bells/tones🔔 throughout the school day with automated dismissal messages at 2:12, 2:17, 2:57 (for 3PM buses), 3:55 (for 4PM buses).
Having trouble logging in? For the fastest service and support, please complete this brief form (link). Our team will be monitoring the form and will respond as soon as possible. Keep an eye out for emails resetting your SchoolTool password!
💻Chromebook information - [ACTION REQUIRED IF THIS HASN’T BEEN DONE YET] - WMS students will be using their Chromebooks daily. If you haven't yet completed the form in ParentSquare (link), we will send you reminders. If this form is not completed, your student will not receive their Chromebook during the first-period class on the first day of school. Please ensure this form is completed for your WMS student(s) as soon as possible.
📸School Pictures Information - School pictures will be taken during Physical Education (PE) classes. Please check your child’s schedule to determine which day is their photo day (September 9 is a “D” day, and September 10 is an “E” day).
Forms will be given to students on the first day of school
You may pre-pay for school pictures by click this link
Busing schedules are organized by our transportation department. They will also share information about the MyRideK12 app. Please contact them if you have any transportation needs or issues, 315-524-1120.
📵 Reminder: Distraction-Free Schools Expectations 📵
As a reminder, under the Distraction-Free Schools expectations, cell phones, smartwatches (and watches that look like smartwatches), and any other internet-connected devices may not be used during the instructional school day. This applies from the moment students walk into school until dismissal at the end of the last period.
🎧 This also applies to wireless earbuds. To help reduce distractions and the temptation of connecting to phones through Bluetooth, students should bring wired headphones for their academic needs. If your student does not have wired headphones, we will have some available for them to use.
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 Information
🚫Please do not send your child into school with breakfast from outside of the building. These items can be distracting and messy. Please ensure they are consumed before entering the building. Our goal is to create a focused environment by 7:35 a.m.
If your child plans to eat breakfast at school, they must do so with items from the cafeteria. The grab-and-go breakfasts are designed to be quickly consumed and leave minimal mess.
Lunch will be a 40-minute block for each grade level. Students are asked to choose a seat, remain there, and engage in positive interactions with peers and staff. Students must raise their hand and receive staff permission before any movement, including dumping trash, getting additional food, or other needs. These procedures are essential for maintaining order and safety in the busy lunchroom.
Our goal is for students to have a positive lunch experience! Here are a few other details about lunch:
🏃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.
🚫Restaurant Food: We would like to gently remind families to refrain from sending in lunches or food from restaurants, as it can become a distraction/disruption to our cafeteria environment.
Volunteer Application - If you plan to volunteer in the District for activities such as field trips, PTO events, or classroom visits, please complete the volunteer form as soon as possible. You will need to complete an online application. Information about volunteering can be located here: https://waynecsd1.smartsiteshost.com/207107_2
🐾 WMS now has two therapy dogs! Ruby and Teddy! 🐕
We are happy to welcome Ruby back for this school year, and excited to welcome Teddy, Mrs. Elliot’s therapy dog, as well! Both dogs have been fully trained and certified through ROCDogs and have passed the Good Citizen and Therapy Dog tests. They will be at WMS on different days each week, and their work will focus on:
Creating a welcoming environment throughout the building, helping strengthen connections between students, staff, and visitors.
Being present in hallways during passing times, visiting classrooms, and connecting with staff — reducing stress and supporting students during emotional or behavioral challenges when appropriate. These interactions contribute to a positive school climate and indirectly support our academic program by helping students self-regulate and re-engage in learning.
Helping students with emotional regulation and social skills by providing comfort, companionship, and a sense of safety.
If any student prefers not to interact with Ruby or Teddy, that is absolutely fine! We are excited to see the joy, calm, and connections they will bring to WMS this year. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Who to contact throughout the school year:
School Counselors & Assistant Principals
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:
(Student Last Names A-G) Mrs. Logan Snyder, lchase@waynecsd.org
(Student Last Names H-O) Mr. Phil Corleto, pcorleto@waynecsd.org
(Student Last Names P-Z) Mrs. Meredith Thiell, mthiel@waynecsd.org
🎓 Assistant Principals - Phone: (315) 524-1080
(Student Last Names A-L) Mr. Heinsler, wheinsler@waynecsd.org
(Student Last Names M-Z) Mr. Chris Shaffer, cshaffer@waynecsd.org
Parent drop-off and pick-up information (click this link to see the diagram):
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Morning Drop-off: Parents can drop children off at the south door #20 (across from the bus garage) at 7:25-7:30 a.m.
After 7:32 a.m. students should be dropped off at the main office entrance.
End-of-Day 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.
For 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. pick-up - Cars can enter the parking lot near the south door #20 (across from the bus garage) and form a single lane. Students will load cars at the sidewalk (it is unsafe to have students walk across the parking lot!).
Communication Platforms for Wayne Central:
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.
If you ever have any questions, frustrations, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school (link)! We look forward to partnering with you and your family throughout the school year!
Sincerely,
Kevin Page, Principal
Bill Heinsler, Assistant Principal
Chris Shaffer, Assistant Principal
Follow us on Instagram @WayneCentralMS
--------------------------Fundraiser Reminder Below--------------------------
🛏️ Save the Date: Annual Mattress Fundraiser!
