Kennedy Library Field Trip Follow Up:
"I joined the republican party at the Kennedy Library. We were trying to make a Bill for cleaning energy. Yes it was successful. My favorite part was walking and taking pictures by the Ocean. Sure I would go again. I learned about how to vote." -Lyvia-
"At the Kennedy Library I was a Democrat. We're voting on a clean energy bill. My political party was successful after negotiations. My favorite part was hanging out with My Friends. I would like to go again. I learned there are two main political parties." -Gracie-
At the Kennedy library I joined the Democratic Party. I make a bill for clean energy. My political party was successful after negotiations. My favorite part was hanging out with my friends at the Kennedy library. I would like to go again. I learned that there are 2 main political parties. -Matthew-
At the Kennedy Library, Emma Gjino was a Democratic from Washington. I wanted to make a bill on using clean energy. We were successful. My favorite part was seeing Lyvia and Gracie. I would go again, I would go with my Dad. I learned about Congress, Laws, Government, Teams, and Fun! -Emma-
TIME SENSITIVE: YEARBOOK ORDERS
Yearbooks are ready to be customized and ordered! The deadline to place your order is Friday, May 10 and you can order here.
This service allows guardians to create two custom pages your student and is a great way to personalize photos from this past year. This is completely optional! Please feel free to follow up with Mr. Allen, our yearbook coordinator, with any questions.
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) and Spring I-Ready Dates:
May has plenty of testing dates. On these dates, it is important to could encourage your child to:
- Charge their chromebook
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- Arrive in advisory promptly at 7:45 for testing to begin
Civics MCAS (Gr 8): Tuesday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 8
Mathematics MCAS (All Grades): Tuesday, May 14 and Thursday, May 16
Science MCAS (Gr 8): Tuesday, May 21 and Wednesday, May 22
IReady Spring (All Grades): May 28 through May 31
WATERTOWN SPIRIT GEAR STORE
Grade 9 students at the high school have created a spirit gear store that is open for the next two weeks! The students want to extend this store to all middle school families in case anyone wants Raiders gear or plain Watertown gear! The first 50 to use this code (WHSRAIDERS15) will receive 15% off! Funds raised will directly benefit the Class of 2027.
8th GRADE GRADUATION UPDATES
It's almost the end of the year which means graduation is on the horizon for our 8th grade students! The 8th Grade Social Dance will be on June 13th at 6:00 pm at Watertown's Sons of Italy (520 Pleasant Street, Watertown). Graduation will take place on June 14th at 9:00 am in the WMS gym- tickets are not required.
8th Grade Washington DC Trip - Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do we need to bring?
A: About $20/day for lunch, snacks, etc. ($100 should be fine) or more if you want to purchase souvenirs. Please let Mr. McDermott know if this might be an issue.
Can I bring a pillow/blanket?
A: Pillows and small blankets are fine. Remember items get lost, remember that while packing sentimental stuffed animals!
How often will we be with chaperones?
A: During “school”ish events such as guided tours, walking between locations, etc.
Can we wear hats?
A: Sure! HOWEVER: there will be places where hats are not allowed (including inside museums) so use your GOOD judgment.
What if I have food allergies? What can I eat?
A: There will be several choices at all our food stops. Be responsible, and if you’re unsure, ask to see an ingredient list or find a chaperone, all restaurants legally have to provide you with this information. Don’t be too proud to ask for help! Feel free to pack a snack for the bus. Please make sure it’s a non-messy snack as we will be helping keep the buses clean ALL week – also please avoid snacks containing peanut butter/nuts!
WHAT?! We have to clean the bus?
A: For the most part, yes. It’s our responsibility to be neat on the bus, including throwing away trash any time we get off the bus! We’ll be spending a lot of time on those buses, and we don’t want them to smell or be sticky.
Speaking of the bus...can I sit with my friends?
A: Absolutely. The only time your seat might be changed by a teacher is if you’re misbehaving. Then, you lose your privileges.
What type of clothing should I pack/what’s the weather like?
A: Local DC temps range from high 60s-90 degrees in June. Your best bet is to bring a pair of pants (or shorts, if you’re wearing pants) on the bus in the morning, and you can change if it’s too hot or too cold. DC dress code applies at all times outside of your room.
What if there’s drama on the trip? Can I change rooms?
A: No. It’s too confusing to change rooms once your roommates have been chosen. We are on a tight budget and there are only so many rooms. If you have a problem with a friend on the trip, attempt to resolve it amongst yourselves. If the problem is too big, find your chaperone or Mr. McDermott.
How often do we stop on the bus for breaks and meals?
A: We stop about every 2 hours.
Is there a luggage size or weight limit?
A: If you can’t carry it or lift, it’s too heavy. Don’t rely on strong friends. You only need 5-7 outfits plus a sweatshirt, pjs, personal hygiene items and your 2nd pair of sneakers. Don’t go crazy packing. You do NOT need a whole new wardrobe! Bring clothes that look nice but are comfortable. You’ll be spending the day in them!
What time do we have to get up each morning?
A: We will depart the middle school at 7am on Monday June 3rd. Plan to arrive by 6:15am so you have time to check in. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we’ll be leaving the hotel between 7:30 and 8am. Plan to grab breakfast within a half hour of leaving the hotel for the day. Friday we will be leaving at 7am to head home.
How do I carry my stuff?
A: Use a string backpack or cross-body bag.