I look forward to a fantastic finish to the 2016-17 school year with families, students, and our caring, talented staff. The following topics have more information below.
Lego Robotics Grant Expands Program to Math and Science Classes
Great news! Mrs. Campbell has been working with ESD 112 Science to secure opportunities for WMS Math and Science teachers to attend a collaborative training about using "Lego Robotics” in student learning and instruction. Then, Mr. Green shared with us a grant opportunity with the Port of Woodland. Next, Mrs. DeBower, Mr. Jud and Mrs. Schaeffer (Math, Tech and Science teachers, respectively), put together a grant proposal and presented at the Port of Woodland. The result of all this great collaboration and administrative support is a powerful partnership between WMS and the Woodland community! WMS has been awarded by the Port of Woodland over $7,000 to purchase 18 "Lego Robotics" kits to use in Math and Science classes!
Lego Robotics State Champion ResultsSpeaking of Lego Robotics, WMS students have demonstrated they are at the top of Washington when they competed at the State Championships. The following is an excerpt from their amazing instructor, Mr. Jud:It was a great experience for all of us and we competed well but there was a lot of tough competition. The Judges were impressed with the research project and solution to the White Nose Syndrome problem which the team had worked on this year. They seemed so interested in the project and had many more questions to ask (a good sign). The Team ended up with the 1st place trophy in the Innovative Solutions category and they were awarded the Global Innovation Award. This qualifies them to be entered into a pool of teams which a Committee in D.C. chooses.
The winner will receive a cash prize of USD $20,000. The two (2) runners-up will each receive a cash prize of USD $5,000. The teams must agree to use the prize money to further develop the team’s invention and/or to support team activities related to FIRST programs.Congratulations LEGO Team. Thank you Everyone. We want to extend a thank you to all the staff who offered up time and classrooms to help us prepare this year.~Britt Jud
Awesome Learning Experiences Outside Of WMS
Our 5th Graders recently went on a field trip to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). This dynamic field trip was provided in large part by the WMS PTSA and it was made possible by well-planned 5th Grade Staff and many family volunteers.
In addition to academic experiences, we are always looking to cultivate positive behavioral growth. Many of our students recently went on a fun-filled, action-packed field trip to go bowling. This was a reward for students attending school with great attitudes and behavior. The feedback we received from the staff and family volunteers is that WMS students were noticeably respectful, well-behaved and had good natured fun. This is what it is all about to do the WMS “4 Be’s”: Be Respectful, Be Safe, Be Responsible and Be Involved. Nice job, Trojans!
Thank you Bus Drivers!
On Friday, March 17, 2017, WMS Students and Staff celebrated our faithful bus drivers! WMS Leadership students created beautiful signs and meaningful cards and Luckman’s Coffee donated free tokens for each driver. All kinds of WMS students volunteered to welcome the drivers and thank them for their essential contribution to our school.
Spring State Assessments
Spring has sprung and with the sunshine and new growth comes our state assessments in Reading, Writing, Math and Science. This is quite an event at WMS as every student in the school (approximately 700) will participate in the assessments.