This is David Hitt, principal at Waycross Middle with another very important announcement. Based on more confirmed students with COVID this afternoon, we have made the decision to close Waycross Middle School for the remainder of this week. We will re-evaluate our situation on Friday and determine whether it will be safe to open School on Monday or if we need to extend the closure into the following week. We will make a call out by noon on Friday to inform you of our decision for the following week.
We will be contacting parents of students that have been in direct contact with those students who have tested positive later this afternoon. If you do not receive a call, know that your student has not been in direct contact and they are not quarantined.
Again, Waycross Middle will be closed to all students for the remainder of this week and possibly into next week. We will make a decision this Friday concerning next week and announce our decision by noon on Friday.
Teachers will be posting instruction and work in Google Classroom starting at 11:30 tomorrow and then at 9:00 daily until we re-open. If you do not have WiFi in your home, we will have paper work packets available in the front office for your students.
Again, thank you for your continued support and please stay safe.
This is David Hitt, principal at Waycross Middle with a very important announcement. Starting tomorrow morning, all 8th grades students that are not in a self contained setting are to remain home. Again, all 8th grade students not in the self contained setting are not to report to school tomorrow through next Friday, January 29th.
This closure of 8th grade is due to the quarantining of several 8th grade teachers. Administration has contacted all parents and guardians of students that have been in direct contact with the staff member who tested positive. If you were not contacted today by Waycross Middle administration, then your 8th grade student is not quarantined but they will need to stay home from school through January 29th.
All 8th grade students will have work posted in google classroom daily and they are expected to do this work each day. Teachers will notify me if a student is not doing their work and I will be contacting those parents. We are moving forward with instruction in all of our classes. If you experience any issues in the digital platform, please contact me immediately at the school and we will get the problem fixed.
If your student is in the band and needs their instrument, please call the front office to set up a time to pick up their instrument. That number is 287-2333.
Again, this school closure only affects students in the 8th grade that are not in the self contained setting. If you have questions or concerns please call us at 287-2333.
Attendance will be taken for all 6th and 7th grade students.
Thank you for your continued support and please be safe.
David Hitt
Principal
Check out the Fall Sports Schedules under the Documents - Athletics Folder.
The alert system we use, Thrillshare, is based in Little Rock, Arkansas, so our call-outs will have a Little Rock caller ID. The number is (501) 712-2633. Please save it to your phone so you will know when the school system is calling with important information.
Check out the Digital Learning Resources!!
https://bit.ly/wxmsdigitallearningresources
Only student-athletes and school personnel are allowed at athletic practices. We certainly appreciate your support, but we must be compliant with GHSA guidelines during this time. This guideline is for your safety as well as the safety of our student-athletes and school personnel. Thank you!
To build vocabulary, issue a puzzle challenge - http://niswc.com/36eHC330517
How to support foreign language learning - http://niswc.com/36eGC330517
To support learning, support your teen - http://niswc.com/36eFC330517
For better recall, share long-term learning strategies - http://niswc.com/36eEC330517
Offer your teen a sticky reading strategy - http://niswc.com/36eDC330517
Give your discouraged teen a boost - http://niswc.com/36cPC330517
Let your teen practice public speaking on you - http://niswc.com/36cMC330517
To encourage critical thinking, analyze the ads - http://niswc.com/36cLC330517
When talking isn't working, try writing - http://niswc.com/36cKC330517
Student athletes need nutrition, not hype - http://niswc.com/36cJC330517
Pay attention to your teen's afternoon activities - http://niswc.com/36cIC330517
Help your teen recover from a poor choice - http://niswc.com/36cFC330517
Have your teen create a personal reference sheet - http://niswc.com/36cEC330517
Literacy is a gift your teen can share - http://niswc.com/36cDC330517
Work on the basics of self-reliance - http://niswc.com/36cCC330517
Three questions teach teens to get things done - http://niswc.com/36cBC330517
Have your teen create a personal reference sheet - http://niswc.com/36cEC330517
Partner with teachers to work for your teen - http://niswc.com/36bbC330517
Help your teen see past the surface of online content - http://niswc.com/36baC330517
Long-distance involvement is worth the effort - http://niswc.com/36bZC330517
Reduce the risk of risky behavior - http://niswc.com/36bYC330517
Dip into your teen's reading - http://niswc.com/36bXC330517
Reduce conflict by discussing expectations, consequences - http://niswc.com/36bUC330517
A strategy for pilots works for students, too - http://niswc.com/36bTC330517
Word parts provide clues to meaning - http://niswc.com/36bSC330517
Discuss report cards and what comes next - http://niswc.com/36bNC330517
Share math tips from successful students - http://niswc.com/36bMC330517
Help your teen improve proofreading skills - http://niswc.com/36bLC330517
To learn about careers, your teen just has to ask - http://niswc.com/36bKC330517
Share activities that show your teen you care - http://niswc.com/36bJC330517
A short self-quiz helps teens study effectively - http://niswc.com/36bGC330517
Ask for your teen's help at home - http://niswc.com/36bFC330517
WXMS will release at 1:00 pm on Thursday, February 6th due to severe weather.
Help your teen create a college-fit checklist - http://niswc.com/36bEC330517
Share an organized approach to essays - http://niswc.com/36bDC330517
Spring sports schedules are posted in the Athletics folder under "Documents".
Be specific about the dangers of substance abuse - http://niswc.com/36bCC330517
You have what it takes to help at school - http://niswc.com/36aeC330517
Focus on goals that matter to your teen - http://niswc.com/36adC330517
Reading aloud is not just for preschoolers - http://niswc.com/36acC330517
Suggest a news technique for strong writing - http://niswc.com/36abC330517
Take a responsibility challenge with your teen - http://niswc.com/36aaC330517
Students get more out of reading when they take notes - http://niswc.com/36aXC330517
Help your teen avoid getting sidetracked in class - http://niswc.com/36aWC330517
After-school activities foster a school connection - http://niswc.com/36aVC330517
Memory strategies help information stick - http://niswc.com/36aUC330517
Challenge your teen to think critically - http://niswc.com/36aTC330517
Step in to keep your teen out of gangs - http://niswc.com/36aQC330517
For the best final draft, your teen should plan to revise - http://niswc.com/36aPC330517
Short-term goals add up to long-term progress - http://niswc.com/36aOC330517
Show your teen that studying science is important - http://niswc.com/36aNC330517
Make space and time for learning - http://niswc.com/36aMC330517
Encourage the right approach to volunteering - http://niswc.com/36aJC330517.
Add a new dimension to learning: http://niswc.com/36aIC330517.
Did you know that study location can help information stick? Read more at http://niswc.com/36aHC330517.
Help your teen ask critical thinking questions - http://niswc.com/35lTC330517.
Don't wait! Start college preparations now - http://niswc.com/35lSC330517!
Encourage a reluctant reader to try something short - http://niswc.com/35lRC330517.
For test success, do first things first - http://niswc.com/35lQC330517
Encourage your child to participate in class: http://niswc.com/35lMC330517.
Every parent’s task is to prepare their child for adulthood. Offer healthy ways to explore independence: http://niswc.com/35lLC330517.
Encourage your teen to read, learn and use new words: http://niswc.com/35lJC330517.
Encourage your teen to read, learn and use new words: http://niswc.com/35lJC330517.
Boredom can sabotage gifted students' progress - http://niswc.com/35lFC330517.
Don't take 'no homework' for an answer - http://niswc.com/35lEC330517.
Be alert for signs of a hidden reading problem - http://niswc.com/35lDC330517.
Teens who help others make school safer - http://niswc.com/35lCC330517!
Prepared teens can face tests with confidence. Get tips to help your teen prepare at http://niswc.com/35lBC330517.
Get information you need at a parent-teacher conference with these tips! http://niswc.com/35kSC330517
Try a rewarding tip to encourage hard work - http://niswc.com/35kRC330517.
Check out "The Middle School Years" - a Home to School Connections Newsletter online. (Located under Parent Resources - on the WXMS website.)
Encourage your teen to put gratitude in writing; learn how at http://niswc.com/35kOC330517.
Assess and address your teen's drop-out risk - http://niswc.com/35kNC330517.
Help your teen get an inside look at colleges - http://niswc.com/35kMC330517.
Can your teen handle school and a job? - http://niswc.com/35kLC330517
Advance planning adds to math test success. Find out how at http://niswc.com/35kKC330517.
Winter sports schedules are posted in the Athletics folder under "Documents".
School counselors can help families in many ways. Check out these tips for working with your child's counselor at http://niswc.com/35jYC330517.
You can't protect your teen from everything. But you can help keep her safe. Join the effort to keep students safe - http://niswc.com/35jXC330517.
A group effort can strengthen study power. Find out how at http://niswc.com/35jWC330517.
Did you know that teens who volunteer help others and themselves? Find out how at http://niswc.com/35jVC330517.
Your teen will have a head start writing essays if he learns a few basic rules. Get four tips at http://niswc.com/35jUC330517.
This is a good time to review goals and expectations with your teen. Talk with her about how school is going so far, and help her think about setting new goals. http://niswc.com/35jTC330517
There's more to learning to cook than food preparation. Cooking teaches responsibility, math skills, following directions and planning. So invite your teen into the kitchen! http://niswc.com/35jSC330517
Everyone makes mistakes. It's what they do next that counts. Teach your teen these five steps for dealing with mistakes at http://niswc.com/35jRC330517.
Teach your teen to consider the source of online information - http://niswc.com/35jQC330517.
Look for openings for a chat with your teen - http://niswc.com/35jPC330517.
Be an active partner in your teen's education - http://niswc.com/35jOC330517.
Your teen has broken the rules in a big way and you are furious. What should you do? Find out at http://niswc.com/35jNC330517.
When your teen has a project to research, encourage her to take notes on index cards instead of paper. Note cards make it easy to organize research - http://niswc.com/35jMC330517.
Encourage your teen's interest in science by helping him see the science all around him. Learn how to point out the science in everyday life with these tips: http://niswc.com/35jLC330517.
It's hard to stand back when kids are making less-than-perfect decisions. But if you solve your teen's problems for her, she can't learn from her experiences. Let your teen experience problem-solving first hand - http://niswc.com/35jKC330517.
One way to support your teen's efforts in math is to show him how useful it is in everyday life. Have your teen put math to practical use with these tips: http://niswc.com/35jJC330517.
It's important for your teen to have a safe place to spend after-school hours. Where does your teen go in the hours after school? - http://niswc.com/35jIC330517
Organization is a key skill for success in school. Click here for three ways your teen can stay more organized - http://niswc.com/35jHC330517.
There's one topic on which teens will always be the experts: themselves. But before they can express their opinions, they need to learn how to develop them. Learn how to help your teen here: http://niswc.com/35jGC330517.
Give your teen some perspective on report cards - http://niswc.com/35jFC330517.
When something is hard to say, write a letter - http://niswc.com/35jEC330517.
Small daily steps lead to math and science progress. Take the first step by clicking here: http://niswc.com/35jDC330517.
Feeling like a nagging parent? Try a positive approach to consequences - http://niswc.com/35jCC330517.
Give your teen the key to better notes - http://niswc.com/35jBC33051.
Help your teen keep up the good work all year long with these strategies: http://niswc.com/35jAC330517.
Offer a challenge to deal with distractions. Find out more at http://niswc.com/35idC330517.
Don't abandon limits to appease your teen. Learn how to set healthy boundaries at http://niswc.com/35icC330517.
Support safety by discussing it openly with your teen: http://niswc.com/35ibC330517.
Encourage a forgetful teen to have fun making lists: http://niswc.com/35iaC330517.
Do you want to strengthen your community while connecting with your teen? Volunteer together! Find out more at http://niswc.com/35iZC330517.
Teach your teen to manage time, hour by hour: http://niswc.com/35iYC330517.
Struggling to get homework completed? Make a contract with your teen to improve homework habits: http://niswc.com/35iXC330517.
What should parents do when teens cheat? Find out here: http://niswc.com/35iWC330517.
Make it clear that learning, not necessarily good grades, is the point of education - http://niswc.com/35iVC330517.
Check out our tips for planning for success at a parent-teacher conference at http://niswc.com/35iUC330517.
There's good news in the fight against bullying - http://niswc.com/35iTC330517.
Provide structured activities to reduce afternoon risks for the important kids in your life. Find out more at http://niswc.com/35iSC330517.
Use the great feeling of success to motivate your teen - http://niswc.com/35iRC330517.
To address issues at school, call a team meeting... but not before you check out these tips: http://niswc.com/35iQC330517.
'Reading' textbook graphics helps students get the picture. Find out how at http://niswc.com/35iPC330517.
What's one of the most important factors in academic achievement? Attendance. Absent students may be able to make up tests or copy class notes, but they still miss out on class discussions, questions and answers, explanations. Learn more at http://niswc.com/35iOC330517.
How do you know your child has finished his homework? Hint: It is AFTER he completes a two-step process. Click the link for details: http://niswc.com/35iNC330517.
Students who are involved in extracurricular activities at school tend to have better attendance and earn better grades. If there's no club at school for your teen's interest, encourage her to start one. Find out how at http://niswc.com/35iMC330517.
Even attentive parents and teachers can miss the signs of a learning problem that becomes evident in middle or high school. If you think your teen may be struggling, consult his teachers or counselor about ways to help. Learn more at: http://niswc.com/35iLC330517.
Research shows that self-discipline has a positive impact on students' grades, attendance and test scores. To help develop your teen's sense of self-discipline, follow these tips: http://niswc.com/35iKC330517.
One of the important ways teens can plan for life after high school is to learn more about their own strengths and interests. Help your teen explore strengths and discover interests with these tips: http://niswc.com/35iJC330517.
It is important for parents to have high expectations for their students' academic achievement. But it is just as critical for teens to have high expectations for themselves. Help your teen aim high in school with these tips: http://niswc.com/35iIC330517.
Studies show that when students have eaten breakfast, they can think faster/more clearly and solve classroom problems more easily. The best way to get your teen to eat breakfast is to eat it with him. Breakfast is brain food. Find out why at http://niswc.com/35iHC330517.
When your teen was little, you may have enjoyed reading to each other. Now is the time to pick up that habit again, but in a different way. Ask your teen what book she is reading, and get a copy of it for yourself. Read more at http://niswc.com/35iGC330517.
Your teen probably has an ever-growing to-do list. The better his study habits, the easier the list will be to manage. Find out ways your teen can sharpen study habits by visiting: http://niswc.com/35iFC330517.
To make your teen's school year go more smoothly, meet with your teen's teachers before the end of the first marking period. For more tips for a successful school year, visit: http://niswc.com/35iEC330517.
Please note...Ware County Schools will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, September 3rd and 4th. All trainings and athletic events for Tuesday and Wednesday are cancelled.
The Title I parent meetings scheduled for Thursday, September 5th will be rescheduled.
Understand the difference attendance makes by clicking here: http://niswc.com/35iAC330517.
Looking for a fun activity this long weekend? How about a family reading party? http://niswc.com/35heC330517
Help your teen develop thinking skills by challenging him or her to persuade you. Click the link for details! http://niswc.com/35hdC330517
The Ware County School System will observe Labor Day on Monday, September 2nd. All schools and the Central Office will be closed. School will resume on Tuesday, September 3rd. Have a safe and happy long weekend!
Struggling with teen angst? Help your teen feel capable and loved - http://niswc.com/35hcC330517!
Punctuation is the mark of effective writing. Help your teen develop his writing skills with these tips: http://niswc.com/35hbC330517.
Encourage your teen to keep goals in sight. Find out more at: http://niswc.com/35haC330517.
Use the news to inform your teen's thinking with these tips: http://niswc.com/35hZC330517.
Attention Parents/Guardians of 7th Grade Students...Please turn in your student's updated immunization form!
Ware County Schools has a new parent messaging app this year! If you get a call from +1 (501) 712-2633 Little Rock, Arkansas, that’s us! Please save the number so you will know it isn’t a telemarketer calling. Thanks!
Check out the Athletics folder under the Documents section for the Fall Sports Schedules.
Transitioning from elementary school to middle school can be stressful for students and parents. Check out the news section for a great article.
As the 2019-2020 school year opens, the faculty and staff along with students and families are expecting
great things again this year! Check out the news section for more details!
We are excited to see all of our students tomorrow, August 1st, for the First Day of School!
We are loving our new Ware County Schools app! Access cafeteria menus, news updates, staff lists, and even emergency notifications. Download the app on Android: http://bit.ly/2FkxHcX or iPhone: https://apple.co/2FxsJbL.
We are loving our new Ware County Schools app! Access sports scores, cafeteria menus, news updates, and even
emergency notifications. Download the app on Android:
http://bit.ly/2FkxHcX or iPhone: https://apple.co/2FxsJbL.
Waycross Middle will be having a Talent Show on Tuesday, May 21st at 2:30 PM in the auditorium. All students interested in trying out should report to room 611 during ELT on Monday, May 6th. The top ten acts will be awarded a time in the show.
We are thrilled to announce the District Winners for the 2018-2019 Young Georgia Author writing contest!
6th: Natalie B.
7th: Stella K.
8th: Mary Hannah L.
We expect the most significant weather impact to remain to the north and west of Ware County and anticipate that all Ware County schools will operate on a normal schedule Monday, March 4th. We are monitoring road conditions and will make direct contact with families who may be impacted by impassable roads if alternate transportation arrangements need to be made. Please stay alert to changing weather conditions. Any updates will be shared on Facebook and through our new website and mobile app. You can get updates directly on your mobile phone by downloading the Ware County Schools app. Safety remains our top priority.
Emergency drills are scheduled in three schools this week. Please read the graphic for a message from Superintendent LeBrun.
We look forward to seeing all of our students and staff return to school on Wednesday, Feb. 20th and hope you have had a wonderful Winter Break!
Thursday, February 21st
Mark your calendar for Feb 28th and come out to see several of our students from elementary, middle, and high school perform at the upcoming Poetry Coffee House. Details are at https://5il.co/6jjr.
Mark your calendar for Feb 28th and come out to see several of our students from elementary, middle, and high school perform at the upcoming Poetry Coffee House. Details are at https://5il.co/6jjr.
Friday, Feb. 15th is an Early Release Day!
Parents and guardians are invited to take a School Climate Survey at http://gshs.gadoe.org/parents. The survey closes March 1st. Take a moment to let your voice be heard!
Congratulations to Leslie Giraldo for being chosen as this year Chamber of Commerce Katherine Foss Award Winner. This is a very distinguished award and we are very proud of Mrs. Giraldo and all of her accomplishments.
Parents looking to apply for Intradistrict Transfer to a different school within the district for the 2019-2020 school year must complete this form and submit it to the Ware County Board of Education by 4:30pm on Feb. 28th. https://5il.co/6evj
Congratulations to the following Band Students, Abigail S., Marcus R., Matthew S., Madelynn R., and Ahlivia D., for being selected to participate in the 2019 Region Band. Band Director, Brooke Richardson, is very proud of their accomplishments.
National School Counseling Week 2019
Congratulations to our Lady Bulldogs! They are the 2019 Southeast Georgia Middle School Girls Basketball Champions!
Stella K. was recognized at the January board meeting for winning Overall Grand Prize in the Georgia Fair Bear writing contest. Congratulations, Stella!
Stella K. was recognized at the January board meeting for winning Overall Grand Prize in the Georgia Fair Bear writing contest. Congratulations, Stella!
Do you have a student who receives Special Education services? If so, please take the GA Department of Education's parent survey. It will be open through May 31st. http://www.gadoe.org/Parent-Survey
Keeping up with the trendy teen apps is difficult! Conduct a regular internet search for
the latest list to stay informed. Here are 10 apps teens are using that parents should
know about, from an ABC news affiliate. https://abc13.co/2SFBQea
All schools and the Central Office will observe MLK, Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 21st. School will resume Tuesday, Jan. 22nd.
Students in Mrs. Ashley King’s 6th grade ELA class at Waycross Middle read Alan Gratz’s riveting novel, Refugee, which follows the stories of three refugees from three different eras.