What's new with Watkins Middle?
A weekly reflection and preview of all things WMS
Important Back-to-School Information
Final Forms and Schedule Pickup
All families must review and sign their student’s updated Final Forms before picking up a schedule. Students will not be permitted to pick up their schedules until all required forms are completed.
Families contacted by the district regarding duplicate residency must submit the required paperwork to the District Office before their student can receive a schedule. Please have all outstanding Fee's paid prior to pick-up.
WMS will be open from 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. on August 11 and 12 for schedule pickup. Students with completed forms may pick up their schedules, walk through their class routes, and practice opening their lockers.
WMS Open House /8th Grade DC Trip Meeting
The WMS Open House will take place on Thursday, August 27, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Families can meet their child’s teachers, visit classrooms, and learn about available school and family resources. There will also be an 8th Grade DC Trip Meeting at 7pm following Open House.
Frequently Asked Questions for Incoming 6th Graders
Sixth Grade First Day — August 17
How do I know what school supplies to get and where they go?: Since students change classes every 40 minutes, some school supplies should be turned in to teachers, while others should stay with students and be carried from class to class. Before the first day of school, please use the supply list to label, organize, and separate the items that need to be turned in. Helping your student prepare their supplies in advance will ensure they are organized and ready for success in every class!
Can my child have a cell phone?: Per state law students are not allowed to have their cell phones at school. They should be off and away. The first time a student gets their phone taken they will have an automatic 45-minute after school detention and be able to pick up the phone at the end of the day. A second offense will result in the parent having to pick up the phone in the office.
What if I plan on picking up my child instead of them riding the bus?: If you need to change your child’s transportation you just need to communicate with them. You do not need to call the office to make a change. If you are not able to communicate with them ahead of time please call the office by 2:00 p.m. and we will get a message to your student. Students are not permitted to ride a bus they are not assigned to.
How do I get in contact with my child's teacher?: Please email teachers if you have questions or concerns throughout the year. Please allow them 24 hours to respond. We do not use Class Dojo in MS.
Why do I see the Kona Ice Truck outside of the school some days?: Throughout the year Kona Ice, Whits & Coffee trucks come during recess for a variety of events. Dates will be communicated ahead of time with information on forms of payment and costs.
Where will my child's locker be and how often can they go?: 6th grade lockers are in the 600 & 700 hallway. Students have time to go to their lockers throughout the day, encourage them to check their schedule and plan out times to switch their materials.
Can students carry backpacks?: Students are not allowed to carry a backpack throughout the day in the building.
My child left their jacket at school how can I get it?: Found items are stored in lost and found in the cafeteria, with the exception of electronics/jewelry/glasses which are brought to the office. Lost and found is cleared out and donated on the following dates: 10/19, 12/18, 2/12, 3/19, & 6/1.
How will I know what assignments my child has due?: Each student is given an agenda at the beginning of the school year. This will be used as a restroom pass & to record assignments. 6th grade teachers expect them to carry agendas at all times. Ask your student to see their agenda to help them plan. Please be sure your child’s name is written clearly on it.
How do I check grades?: Students grades can be viewed in Progress Book, if you do not have access to Progress Book please email lgravesbeck@swls.us.
Where do I sign up for conferences.: We use MyConference to schedule all teachers in the building. A link will be shared in the Smores email close to conference time.
New Attendance Laws
In accordance with new Ohio Attendance Laws starting the 2026-27 school year all time missed from school, whether excused, medical, or unexcused now counts towards a student's total hours missed for the school year.
The state's standards for habitual truancy remain - 30 consecutive hours, 42 hours in a month, or 72 hours in a year.
School Supply Lists
2nd Annual Stock the Lounge is Here!
Help the PTO welcome our WMS staff back with snacks, drinks, and treats waiting for them when they return to the building. Items can be brought into the WMS main office this week between 7am-3pm.
Sign up to donate below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0548ADAC28A1FEC25-64889694-2ndannual#/
2026 Golf Schedule
Upcoming Events
- 8/11: Schedule Pick-up (8am-2pm)
- 8/12: Schedule Pick-up (8am-2pm)
- 8/17: 1st day of school 6th grade only
- 8/18: All students report
- 8/27: Middle School Open House (5-7pm)
- 8/27: DC Trip Informational Meeting (7-8pm)
Athletic Events
- 8/10: Golf Home (Broadview) vs Newark - 4pm
- 8/12: Golf vs Newark @ Trout Club - 5pm
Please click the link below for all of your athletic ticketing and scheduling needs.
- Varsity Ticket events are $7 up to 1 hour before the event. At the gate tickets are $8 (use of a card includes a fee at the gate). Middle School tickets are $5.
- All athletes should enter and exit the building through the 600 hall (Door 7) entrance before and after practice each day.
Transportation & Counselor information
Transportation Questions:
We ask that you please contact the Transportation Department directly at 740-927-5901 with any questions you have about bussing.
Counselor Questions:
Counselors return to the office August 4th they will address any scheduling corrections at that time. If it is a pressing issue you can email Principal Joel Baker at: jrbaker@swls.us
Contact us
Website: https://wms.swl.k12.oh.us/
Location: 8868 Watkins Road Southwest, Pataskala, OH, USA
Phone: (740)927-5767
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gowatkinsmiddleschool
Twitter: @WatkinsMiddle
Joel Baker, Principal
Steve Hare, Assistant Principal
Katie Piacquadio, Assistant Principal
Vicki Kalina, Dean of Students