WRMS Weekly Update 8/17/24

August 2024 (Utilize ​Parent Square to select your preferred language.)

Hello West Rocks Students and Families!  

We are rapidly approaching the start of the 2024-2025 school year! Our staff has been working hard to make sure the school looks great, our curriculum is ready, and we are prepared for your students to return.

Members of all stakeholder groups including the School Governance Council, faculty, and parents collaborated to create our new vision, mission, and value statements. We are very excited to continue to enable this to drive our work.

Vision: West Rocks Middle School is a diverse learning community that empowers students to excel academically, explore their world, discover their passions, and embrace the future.

Mission: West Rocks is an inclusive community that brings together dedicated educators, curious students, and engaged families in an environment where people are allowed to embark on a journey of discovery; to learn through academic excellence, exploration and equitable practices; to develop respect for themselves and others; and to acquire the skills to be future ready.

Value 1: Foster an inclusive community where children are supported emotionally, socially, and academically.

Value 2: Encourage collaborative learning through exploration and discovery.

Value 3: Strengthen an equitable learning environment to build character and respect.

Value 4: Cultivate a passion for knowledge and prepare students with the skills they need to be future ready. 

We will continue to focus on social emotional learning and maintaining an environment where all emotions matter. We will open the year with our schoolwide charter and learn emotional vocabulary to begin using the Mood Meter as part of the RULER Approach.  

You will find important information below on the daily operations to assist with your planning for this year. Please share this with your child and talk about why these are important.  

We will make this school year a great one!  

Sincerely,
Adam Reynolds
Principal, West Rocks Middle School

Student Schedules

Complete student schedules including homeroom number and teacher will be available in PowerSchool at 4:00 pm on Thursday, August 22. This can be viewed using the PowerSchool app or logging into the PowerSchool Parent or Student Portal. When you download the app, Norwalk’s district code is PRFS.

If you do not have access to PowerSchool, please contact the main office staff at West Rocks for your “access letter” which provides directions and the specific code for your account.

Students will report directly to their assigned homeroom on the first day of school, August 26. They will receive a hardcopy of their schedule in homeroom when they arrive on the first day.

Cell Phone Policy 

Cell phones and social media use during the school day has increased significantly over the last few years. This has caused a loss of instructional time due to distraction, as well as conflicts between students as well as students with staff. There are many articles and research around the benefits of restricting access to cell phones for students. 

The Norwalk BOE's Policy 5030 (Use of Private Technology Devices by Students) restricts the use of cell phones and other personal devices when it distracts from teaching and learning as well as causes disruption. The BOE Cell Phone Policy can be viewed in its entirety using the district’s website and by using this link:  NPS BOE Cell Phone Policy 

Like last school year, all school staff will enforce this policy. 

Phones are expected to stay in a student’s locker during the school day and will be confiscated if they are out. Parents/guardians will need to pick up their child's device from school when this happens. There will be consequences for students that fail to comply with this school-wide expectation and district policy outlined in the Code of Conduct.  

Air pods and ear buds must also say in a student’s locker during the school day. If they are in a student’s ears, they will be confiscated, turned into the office, and a parent/guardian will need to pick them up.

As a school community, we believe that removing cell phones and air pods/ear buds as obstacles will help maintain a safe environment that promotes success and enables all students to improve academically and individually. 

Please talk with your child about this policy before the first day. Together, we can maintain our focus on learning.

Social Emotional Learning – RULER Approach

This year we will be utilizing the RULER Approach to Social Emotional Learning created by the Yale Child Study Center. Please be on the lookout for separate communication with specific information, timeline, family events, and our engagement strategies! If you would like more information, you can start by visiting the RULER Approach website (https://www.rulerapproach.org/).

Lockers

All students will be issued a locker located near their homeroom. They are freshly painted to match the colors of the RULER’s Mood Meter (red, yellow, green, and blue). Students will be expected to use their locker to keep all their belongings including all bags and backpacks, cell phones, and any materials they do not need for a specific part of the day. There will be designated times for students to go to their lockers throughout the day, including before lunch. Students will carry only the belongings they need for that part of the day. They will not be allowed to carry backpacks or bags.

Verizon Chromebooks

All students at West Rocks are assigned a Verizon 5G Chromebook with a data plan. All students returned their device in June. Just like previous years, they will continue to bring the device home each day and back to school the following morning fully charged. Each student and family are responsible for taking care of the device. All students will receive their device the first week of school. 

Families are responsible for paying for all damages and repairs to their student’s Chromebook. 

Cost for Repairs:

Screen Replacement - $65
Keyboard Replacement - $45
Charger Replacement - $15
Chromebook Replacement - $350

Attendance Matters

Students need to be in school every day. Homeroom teachers mark daily attendance at 8:15 am, then we start the day with Panther News. Research shows most students with good attendance make expected academic growth each year. Chronic absenteeism (10% of total school days or more) is linked to poor academic performance. Please note, after multiple interventions, schools are required to involve the State of Connecticut when students are considered chronically absent. Unexcused and excused absences both count toward the total number of absences – vacations count as well. 

Doors open each morning at 7:55 am. Students have the opportunity to grab a quick breakfast, then they report directly to homeroom. They are dismissed from school at 2:50 pm.  

Bathrooms with Vape Detectors

The bathrooms were renovated last summer, and they still look great! With updated fixtures, improved ventilation, and other cosmetic improvements, students have been pleasantly surprised with the amenities. In addition, we invested in vape detectors in each of the bathrooms. When these devices detect vapor, they will notify security and administration so we can take necessary action steps. This technology will continue to help us ensure a safe environment for all students as they will be a deterrent to students using vapes and vapor products. 

Transportation

Bus routes for the 2024-2025 school year will be posted on the Norwalk Public Schools website this week. Please contact the Transportation Department for more information (203-854-4074). There is also information on the website about the bus tracking app and other frequently asked questions (https://www.norwalkps.org/departments/transportation). 

Arrival and Dismissal

Morning Arrival:
Students taking the bus will enter through the doors near the bus loop. Students should be at their bus stop on time.

For students being dropped off– 

The following groups use the parking lot in the back of the school by the Aiken Street entrance.
     Grade 6 students (all)
     Grade 7 students with homerooms on the first and second floors

The following groups use the front of the school entrance on the left side of the school. These students enter the science wing door. 
     Grade 8 students (all)
     Grade 7 students with homerooms on the lower level

Please be sure to follow the directions of the traffic officer and staff members to pull all the way through the lane to help traffic flow. Traffic is always slower the first week or so – thank you for your patience. 

Afternoon Dismissal: 
Students taking the bus will report to the front of the school and load their assigned bus. There will be staff outside each day to assist. All buses will be called by announcement and leave from the front of the building – it will be staggered.

All parents/guardians picking up students must wait in the back of the school by the Aiken Street doors at dismissal. All students that are walking or are being picked up are dismissed through those doors – it will be staggered. Please notice the cones and adhere to the regular traffic pattern. 

Student Handbook

All students will receive a 2024-2025 student handbook, and it will be reviewed on the first day of school. It outlines schoolwide expectations as well as the Norwalk Public Schools Code of Conduct. It outlines expectations for learning and behavior, as well as the dress code and cell phone policy. This information will be reviewed with students during the first few days of school and is available on our school website. 

School Communication and Social Media

We are maintaining our commitment to ensure ongoing communication between the school and families. The majority of information will be shared through the Parent Square app which can be downloaded in the App store and Google Play. As long as your email address is in our system and the information in PowerSchool is accurate, you will receive notifications, messages, as well as emails. Please contact the main office if you believe you are not receiving information. 

Please also use our website for information, the school calendar, documents…and more! (https://wrms.norwalkps.org/) The school’s webmaster is our library media specialist Ms. Sandy Mackowski. If you have a question or need assistance, please email Ms. Mackowski (mackowskis@norwalkps.org).

Please utilize the PowerSchool Parent Portal to monitor grades, attendance, and contact information for teachers. Access is available through the NPS website’s main page.  

Follow West Rocks on Instagram: wrms_ct

Follow West Rocks on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/West-Rocks-Middle-School-100076430403630/

Food Service

We focus on nutrition and making healthy choices throughout the school day – and our food service supports that! There is breakfast available each morning to all students that they eat in homeroom. All students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch this year. Monthly menus are posted on the district’s website as well as information on how to apply for SNAP benefits. The link is under Departments and Food Service online.

Volunteer and PTA Information

We appreciate and want parent and family involvement at West Rocks! There are many opportunities during the year to chaperone, volunteer, and organize events! Our Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a growing organization that is looking for new members! Please join our monthly meetings which are posted on the school calendar, visit the PTA website which can be found using the school’s website, and get involved! Many parents take a step back when their child enters middle school, but please know that we need your help. Feel free to email at westrockspta@gmail.com

Grade 6 Orientation

All grade 6 students are invited to our Grade 6 Orientation this Tuesday, August 20 from 8am-11am at West Rocks. There will be bus transportation provided which will be posted on the district website this week. We are very excited to have our new Panthers meet their teachers, learn where their homeroom is, as well as receive and practice on their real lockers! 
-Doors will open at 7:50 am. 
-Orientation ends at 11:00 am. 
-Orientation is for students only.
-Students do not need any school supplies. 
-Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
-Students will get their homeroom assignment when they arrive at orientation.

Bus transportation will be provided for orientation. The routes will be posted on the Norwalk PS website under "Departments" and 'Transportation' prior to orientation. These routes will be different from the regular school year.   

ALL DROP-OFFS WILL BE IN THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. Doors will open at 7:50 am. Students will be dismissed to buses at 11:00 am from the cafeteria. Any student that is being picked up or walking will exit through the Aiken Street doors. ALL PICK-UPS WILL BE IN THE BACK OF THE SCHOOL IN THE AIKEN STREET PARKING LOT. 

If returning student's would like to earn 3.5 service hours, they can volunteer to assist homeroom teachers with the event. Rising grade 7 and 8 students that are volunteering to help, should be in the cafeteria at 7:35 am and plan to be picked up at 11:05 am in the back of the school. Any questions, please reach out to Grade 6 Team Leader Dr. Walters (waltersd@norwalkps.org).

Back to School Night

Middle School “Back to School Night” is Wednesday, September 11 at 6:00 pm. Please mark your calendars as this is a chance to get information about the school, meet your child’s teachers, and walk through their schedule. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the first day of school?
The first day of school is Monday, August 26, 2024.

What should my child have completed over the summer?
Summer Learning Tasks: The link to the summer learning tasks is posted on the West Rocks website under For Students as “Summer Learning Packet 2024"

All students were required to read over the summer. They should know the title and author of each
book and turn in (or be able to complete) a reading log. Each student will need to lead a book talk for a grade in his or her English Language Arts class. 

All students were required to work on the assigned readiness unit in Khan Academy. This will be a grade in the first quarter in his or her math class.  

Is there a dress code? 

YES! Be sure students “dress for success” each day by abiding by the NPS dress code – clothing and footwear must be safe and clothing must not distract the learning environment. Hats and hoods are also not allowed. Let’s work together in making sure our students are ready to learn.

Physical education classes are not required to change clothes; however, students need to wear sneakers.

Where can I see my child’s schedule?

Full schedules will be posted in PowerSchool on Thursday, August 22 at 4:00 pm. They should report to their listed homeroom on the first day of school where they will get a hardcopy of their schedule to follow during the day. Grade 6 students will get their homeroom and lockers at Grade 6 Orientation on Tuesday, August 20.

Does my child need a physical? Do I need to submit any medical paperwork?

All grade 7 students must have a physical before the start of the year. All other questions and communication about medications, paperwork, immunizations…etc. should be directed to our school nurse, Mrs. Michelle Rybnick (rybnickm@norwalkps.org).

Where can I see upcoming school events?

Our school calendar will be accessible through the school website. Please use this for school events. 

What supplies does my child need for the first day of school? 

We have a suggested student supply list; however, each year the needs shift slightly based on new platforms, access to a Verizon Device and student Google Account (Google Classroom, Drive…etc.). The suggested list is posted on our website and can also be found at the bottom of this post. 

My contact information or my emergency contact information has changed. How do I update these with West Rocks?

Please contact the main office at West Rocks (203-899-2970) or your child’s counselor. Counselor email addresses are listed on the bottom of the page.

I do not see my question here. Who do I ask?

You can always contact the main office (203-899-2970), your child’s counselor, grade level team leader, or administration via email. That staff member will provide you the best person to speak to. 

Have a great last few days and see you on Monday, August 26!  

Dr. Adam Reynolds 
Principal, West Rocks Middle School

Important Contact Information:
Principal – Dr. Adam Reynolds (reynoldsa@norwalkps.org)
Assistant Principal – Mrs. Beth Amaral (amarale@norwalkps.org)
Assistant Principal – Mr. Jules Douge (dougej@norwalkps.org)
Dean of Students – Mr. Paul Rodgers (rodgersp@norwalkps.org)
Grade 6 Team Leader – Dr. Demetria Walters (waltersd@norwalkps.org)
Grade 6 Counselor – Ms. Simone (simonem@norwalkps.org)
Grade 7 Team Leader – Miss Rebecca Sabol (sabolr@norwalkps.org)
Grade 7 Counselor – Ms. Ambergina DeRosa-Grover (email coming soon)
Grade 8 Team Leader – Dr. Sara Golding (goldings@norwalkps.org)
Grade 8 Counselor – Ms. DiCerbo (dicerboj@norwalkps.org) 

WRMS Suggested Student Supply List 2024-2025
-2” or 2 ½” loose leaf binder (all other components should fit into this binder)
-4 pocket folders (different colors preferred) 
-1 three subject spiral bound notebook (college ruled or wide ruled)
-“Post-it” notes (at least one pack)
-“Pencil pouch” that attaches to binder
-Pencil sharpener
-Blue or black pens
-Pencils (No. 2)
-Colored pencils
-Highlighters – multiple colors
-Calculator – Ti-83 or Ti-84 optional (Teachers have calculators available.)
-Reusable water bottle– Students will use the refilling stations located around the building. 

Optional materials:
-Hand sanitizer: Each classroom is equipped with a sanitizer dispenser that will be filled each day, but if families feel comfortable sending in personal sanitizer, it is an option. 
-Black marble composition book, dividers, markers, glue stick…etc.