Wilson Middle School Newsletter

Wilson Middle School Vision Statement:

All Wilson Middle School Students will have the skills, confidence and knowledge to achieve success.

Wilson Middle School Mission Statement:

We will provide equitable opportunities for achievement to all students by:

A. Fostering high academic and behavioral expectations

B. Continuously improving instruction

C. Using multiple methods to assess and provide feedback of student achievement

D. Building partnerships with parents, guardians and community members

E. Utilizing strategies to build positive relationships and social emotional learning.

Dear Parents,

This has been a great start to the 2025-2026 school year! Thank you for your ongoing partnership in your students' learning. It has been great to greet and meet so many of you at our Open House, athletic events and Booster meetings. We hope you continue to stay involved in your students' learning...in my opinion middle school years are when they most need you.

Speaking of opportunities to be involved, the Teacher/Parent/Student Conferences are coming up at the end of this month starting on Monday, October 27th through Wednesday, October 29th. We will be sending reminders as we get closer to the dates.

A reminder to parents of a very important resource for your students, that is the after-school homework center. We have teachers and other support staff available to help students’ complete assignments, assessments, projects, or just a quiet place to read.

Please make sure to take the time to read over the contents of this newsletter as there is valuable information including important dates to remember.

We are proud to be CAVS Strong!

Mr. Araiza, Principal

Mark your calendar for October 4th and visit Mod Pizza for a PBIS fundraiser! Wilson Middle School will receive 20% of fundraiser sales* during this fundraiser. Participate on Oct 4, 2025 by ordering online using the code MODGIVES20 or by visiting the Nob Hill MOD location and showing the fundraiser flyer or mentioning the fundraiser at checkout.

* Tax, gift cards and retail sales are excluded from the donation. Offer void if flyer is distributed in or near the restaurant

Parents, you must update your student’s information and emergency contact list. If there will be any changes to your phone numbers or address, please contact our Registrar, Ms. Thomas, at (509) 573-2406.

"GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a program that supports students and families in preparing for college and future careers. We provide tutoring, mentoring, workshops, and field trips to help students succeed academically and explore opportunities after high school. For parents, we offer resources, information, and events to guide you in supporting your child’s educational journey. Together, we work to build a strong foundation for student success."

HOMEWORK CENTER IN THE LIBRARY is after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. Students must come immediately after the final bell and sign in for attendance. Students can get help with assignments, use any supplies to complete work, and attendance records are kept daily. if you have any questions you can call the school at 573-240 or the library after 2:30 p.m. at 573-2422.

Valuing and showing consideration for the feelings, rights, and traditions of others

10/1 - School Picture Retakes

10/14 - All Money turned in for Color Run

10/14 - Parent Booster Meeting in the Cafeteria at 6 p.m.

10/17 - Color Run!!!

10/22 - Early Release Wednesday 11:15 a.m.

10/22 - Fall Concert in Main Gym at 6:30 p.m.

10/24 - Fall School Dance in the Small Gym - Student ID is required for entry

10/25 - Registration open for Winter 1 Sports

10/27 - Parent sports meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria

10/29 - First Quarter Ends

10/27-29 - Parent/Teacher conferences Early Release 11:15 a.m.

10/30-31 - Early Release 11:15 a.m.

Wilson Families,

The Healthy Youth Survey will be given to 6th and 8th graders at the beginning of October. Information about the survey will be available in the main office of the school. If you would like to opt your student out of taking the survey please contact the main office of the school.

Welcome to the 2025-2026 School Year Wilson Parents and Students!

A message from your counselors:

Your counselors this year are Jennifer Brownlow (last names A-L) and Yvonne Robinson (M-Z). Please call or email us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your students' academic or social well-being. We would be happy to help in any way we can. We encourage students to schedule time to speak to their counselor to talk about stress, anxiety, family changes, friendship, grief and loss or anything that is on their mind. Please encourage your student to come to the office, call or email their counselor to set up a time to talk. We look forward to working with you and your students this year!

Mrs. Brownlow and Mrs. Robinson

Jennifer Brownlow (509) 573-2416 brownlow.jennifer@ysd7.org

Yvonne Robinson (509) 573-2417 robinson.yvonne@ysd7.org

If you lost your housing and now live in a shelter, motel, vehicle, camping ground, or temporary trailer; on the street; doubled-up with family or friends; or in another type of temporary or inadequate housing, your child might be able to receive help through a federal law called the McKinney-Vento Act. For information, contact your school counselor or contact Javier Vela, McKinney-Vento/Foster K-12 Manager at (509) 573-7266 or vela.javier@ysd7.org.

STUDENTS AND TECHNOLOGY: Students are required to bring their laptops with them EVERY DAY to school! Please make sure your student charges their laptop the night before. Thank you for your help!

Anyone want to learn how to play chess? Any Chess Champions at Wilson? Students are welcome to come and learn to play and/or to practice their skills on Tuesdays after school from 2:45 - 3:45 p.m. in the back of the library. Any questions, please contact Mrs. Abrahamson at (509) 573-2428.

Registration for Winter 1 sports, Girl's Basketball and Wrestling, opens on October 25th. Register online at www.familyid.com. Please be sure your student athlete has a Sports Physical, which is different from a well-child check; if they had a physical completed for fall sports it is good for the rest of the year.

The Parent Meeting will be on Monday, October 27th at 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.

The season officially starts on Monday, November 3rd with a 30-minute meeting after school. The first full practice is on Tuesday, November 4th from 2:30 - 4:45 p.m.

Monday: 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

All student cell phones, earbuds, and electronic devices are to be turned off and stored in student backpacks once students are on campus between the hours of 7:50 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Wilson Middle School staff will not be responsible for lost or stolen cell phones or electronic devices. If the student is caught with their phone out during school hours, the phone will be taken to the office. The student can pick up their phone at the end of the day. From the third offense and on, this may lead to a referral each time their phone is taken away.

If students need to reach parents for any reason they can use the phone in the office.

Please encourage your student to come to the office if they are not feeling well. We do not allow students to text or call parents from their cell phones in class. This disrupts learning and causes confusion in the office because we are unaware as to why the student is leaving.

Wilson Middle School guidelines for students will foster an environment of respect for oneself, a sense of school pride, and will improve the level of safety in our building, while maintaining a focus on academic achievement. This policy applies to all students at Wilson Middle School.

Students may wear:

· Pants, shorts, sport shorts, and skirts of any color.

· Shorts and skirts that are longer than the finger tips, when arms are extended down to the sides.

· Tops that are of any color, or style, as long as shoulders, cleavage, backs, chest, and midriffs are covered.

· Hats and hoods, but only outside the building.

· Footwear that is safe for all school activities.

Students may not wear:

· Pants, shorts, or skirts with holes above the finger tips; unless worn with leggings underneath.

· Clothing with excessively ripped/hanging material that can catch or snag.

- Muscle shirts, tank tops or crop tops.

· Bedtime slippers, flip-flops, or “slides”

· Pants, shorts, or skirts, “sagged”.

· Trench coats or long overcoats.

· Any items deemed by administration as disruptive to the educational process, such as gang attire, or items with sexual, drug or alcohol messages, or those deemed unsafe. (This includes gang color or representation through numbers, pictures, Old English fonts, etc.)

We believe our dress code preserves our commitment to provide a safe and equitable school environment for all students. If in doubt, please call (509) 573-2400 to avoid a disruption to your student’s education.

ABSENCES: If you have not called in your student's absence and we have not made contact with you, please send a note with your student upon his/her return in order to avoid an unexcused absence. We are now required to send an attendance letter after three unexcused absences. At five unexcused absences, we will schedule a conference to discuss attendance issues. If, your child obtains 7 unexcused absences or 10 unexcused absences in a year a BECCA petition will be filed for your student in juvenile court. Feel free to contact our Attendance Secretary, Ms. Bautista, at (509) 573-2410.

TARDIES: Students need to be in class by the time the tardy bell rings. In the morning, the first bell rings at 7:50 a.m., students are expected to be in class by 8:00 a.m. and ready to learn! Students have 4 minutes to get to their next class on time; otherwise they are tardy, which disrupts the learning process.

CHECKING OUT A STUDENT: When you know your student has an appointment or needs to be picked up early, we ask you to send a note or call in the morning with the time they will be picked up. Your student will need to turn in the note to the office and will receive a pass to be released with the time you indicate. We will not be calling classrooms, as this interrupts instruction. If you have any questions, please call our Attendance Secretary, Ms. Bautista, at (509) 573-2410.

Students should always check their school email and Canvas page to stay current on their school assignments.

2025-2026 NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Nondiscrimination Statement: “Yakima School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, immigration or citizenship status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Christina Larsen, Deputy Superintendent, 104 N. 4th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 573-7032, larsen.christina@ysd7.org. Title IX Coordinator: Omar Santoy, Executive Director of Student Services, 104 N. 4th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 573-7260, santoy.omar@ysd7.org. Deputy Title IX Coordinators: Erin Thomas, Director of Student Services, 104 N. 4th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 573-7261, thomas.erin@ysd7.org; Shawn Orminski, Assistant Director of Student Services, 104 N. 4th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 573-7263, orminski.shawn@ysd7.org; Kim Newell, Director of Human Resources, 104 N. 4th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 573-7068, newell.kimberlee@ysd7.org; Christopher Miller, Director of Human Resources, 104 N. 4th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 573-7066, miller.christopher@ysd7.org. Section 504/ADA Coordinator (Students): Shawn Orminski, Assistant Director of Student Services, 104 N. 4th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 573-7263, orminski.shawn@ysd7.org; ADA Coordinator (Non-Students): Christopher Miller, Director of Human Resources, 104 N. 4th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 573-7066, miller.christopher@ysd7.org. Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Offi ce for Civil Rights (OCR): https://www2.ed.gov/about/offi ces/list/ocr/index.html. For information about our nondiscrimination Operational Procedures (OP), please refer to OP 3210 “Discrimination of Students Prohibited” and OP 5010 “Nondiscrimination and Affi rmative Action.” Concerns or complaints may be directed to the Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator listed above. Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to attend a program or activity sponsored by the Yakima School District should contact the appropriate Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator 24 hours in advance of the event to inquire about reasonable accommodation. Deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, and/or speech impaired individuals may access Washington Relay Services by calling 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.”

Website: https://www.ysd7.org/Domain/232

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilsonmiddleschoolysd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilsonMiddleYSD

Twitter: @WilsonCavaliers
Location: 902 S. 44th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
Phone: (509) 573-2400