Middle School Division News: July 15, 2024

By Dr. Jenn Milam, Head of School & Interim Middle School Division Head

Hello, Winston Middle School parents and families! 

I am hopeful that this first edition of our newly  branded Winston newsletter, THE NEST, finds you all well, enjoying the slower pace of summer, and finding time to read and play! We are already busy preparing for your return next month and can’t wait for what we know will be an excellent and exciting school year. 

I wanted to share with you that I am especially looking forward to serving as Interim Division Head for the Middle School this coming year. With six years of leadership in grades five through eight, I know the joys, the challenges, the highs and lows, and all the joy-full parts in between during this stage of development. I typically describe this age as being “brutiful”, a word coined by author and influencer Glennon Melton, to describe stages and experiences of life that are both brutal and beautiful. I believe this perfectly and poignantly captures the essence of a Middle Schooler and the experience of their family as you move through this precious time. While brains are quite literally “on fire” with hormones, chemical changes, and yes, even the building of new synapses for learning, it is a time of rapid growth, increased independence, and yes, even a little messiness of moodiness, big emotions, and great change. It is now when your young people begin to discover for themselves exactly who they are becoming, and begin to share with us - the adults in their life - who they want to be. What a privilege it is to bear witness to this amazing metamorphosis! 

As we approach the new year, you’ll hear from me about opportunities to engage, chances to get to know one another, and to learn more about what an incredible experience your middle school student is going to have this year. Trust that even as we get to know each other, you are surrounded and supported by professionals that not only want to care for and nurture your student, but you as well. This journey, especially in middle school, is a partnership and I am looking forward to partnering with you to shape and care for your young people. 

Please plan to join us on Monday, August 19, 2-5 p.m., during our New Family Orientation and Fall Kick-Off Event. There will be opportunities for the newest members of our community to get acclimated to policies and procedures and the campus itself, as well as an exciting time to meet our new faculty and staff, reconnect with friends, and experience new Winston traditions for returning students and families. You won’t want to miss this! 

If you have any questions, concerns, or wonderings before the fall, please do not hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to meet and share some time with you. 

Until then, take care of one another and be well. 

Warmly,

Jenn Milam, Ph.D.

Interim Middle School Division Head

A NOTE FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE:

This year, The Winston School will publish bi-weekly articles for each division that include news specific for their students. Our hope is that this new cadence of updates will make it easier for parents to find the news and updates that are most relevant for their child.