The WMS Minute
8/23/2024

Welcome Back!
Hello WMS Families!
It’s that time of year again where we have to start thinking about going back to school. With that being said, here are a couple of upcoming dates you should know about. Our Open House is Wednesday (8/28) from 4:00-6:00pm. You can tour the classrooms and school, meet the staff, and attend the 30 minute grade level presentations in the gym (6th grade 4:00-4:30pm, 7th grade 4:45-5:15pm, 8th grade 5:30-6:00pm). The first day of school for 6th grade is Friday (8/30) and they are the only students in the building. We use this opportunity to really focus on them to make sure they get off to a great start. On Tuesday (9/3) all of our students are back in school.
Beginning today (8/23) you will be receiving an email with our school newsletter called The WMS Minute. This will go out every other Friday at 4:00pm and will include items such as: upcoming events, lunch menu, student handbook, school calendar, class/program highlights, and more. We want to keep you informed of all of the great things going on at WMS!
The staff is already back to school preparing for an amazing school year. Let’s work together to make this the best year ever for your child! As always, if you have any questions or concerns give us a call or stop in. Hope to see you all at our Open House!
Chris Fountain - WMS Principal
Caitlin Dowden - WMS Associate Principal
Calendar Items
8/28: Open House - 4:00-6:00pm
8/30: 6th Grade Starts School - 7:45am-3:20pm
9/3: 7th & 8th Grade Start School - 7:45am-3:20pm
9/4: 7th & 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice Starts
9/9: 6th-8th Grade Cross Country Practice Starts
WMS is looking for a part-time Special Education Paraprofessional! If you enjoy working with middle school students this might be the job for you! No previous experience is necessary as we will teach you the skills needed to be successful in this position.
If you would like more information or are interested in the position, please contact Principal Chris Fountain (cfountain@wwusd.org), Director of Pupil Services Lanora Heim (lheim@wwusd.org), or apply online through WECAN (ID #217547).
Attendance Matters
Help Support WMS!
- Shop the Whitewater Apparel Store
- Support the PTO through Boxtops for Education
Get Connected & Stay Connected
Whippet Code
Be Respectful!
Listen and follow directions
Treat others the way you want to be treated
Treat school property appropriately
Use appropriate school language
Use good manners
Be Responsible!
Follow school rules
Be in control of your body and words
Accept responsibility for your actions
Keep our building clean
Go directly to your destination
Be a Learner!
Always try your best
Bring your materials to class every day
Be an active learner
Be prepared to learn every day
Be on time
PTO Information
The Family Corner
Social Emotional Learning
New Curriculum - 7 Mindsets
The 7 Mindsets program is a web-based program that teaches students social and emotional learning skills. The program is based on the idea that success depends more on how a person thinks than what they know. The program's seven mindsets are:
- Everything is Possible: Dream big, be creative, and expect great results
- Passion First: Pursue your interests and talents
- We Are Connected: Learn to empower others and explore the connections in relationships
- 100% Accountable: Take responsibility for your own success and happiness
- Attitude of Gratitude: Be thankful for what you have and find the positive in every experience
- Live to Give: Inspire and serve others, and maximize your potential
- The Time is Now: Take action and harness the power of the moment
To learn more, visit:
WMS Contacts
cfountain@wwusd.org 262-472-8364
Mrs. Caitlin Dowden (Associate Principal)
dowca01@wwusd.org 262-472-8390
Mrs. Pam Hookstead (Administrative Assistant)
phookstead@wwusd.org 262-472-8360
Mrs. Erin Cruz (Attendance Secretary)
ecruz@wwusd.org 262-472-8361
Mrs. Sharine Shinkay-Astin (School Counselor)
sshinkayastin@wwusd.org 262-472-8368
Mrs. Betsy Weir-Ransavage (Behavior Interventionist)
eweirransavage@wwusd.org 262-472-8367
Mrs. Mary Geraghty (School Social Worker)
mgeraghty@wwusd.org 262-472-8115
Mr. Justin Crandall (Athletic Director)
jcrandall@wwusd.org 262-472-8105
Ms. Katelyn Huemmer (Athletic Secretary)
hueka01@wwusd.org 262-472-8108
