Middle School Division News: September 5, 2024

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

A PERSONAL INVITATION

As we find ourselves firmly planted in the fall months, I invite you to share in the joy and experience of Winston Athletics. Even as a small school, we have a vibrant and joyful athletic community and our athletes love a crowd to cheer them on. This fall, we have a Varsity volleyball team, a Varsity cross-country team, and a delightful Cheer Team! You can find our athletic calendar here, and we look forward to seeing you in the crowd! 

A LOOK AHEAD 

Thank you to all who attended our first Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meeting this week. It was lovely to see so many of you eager to be a part and ready to share your time, talent, and treasure with Winston this year. 

Friday, September 6 - Deadline for Middle & Upper School Improv Club Registration

Tuesday, September 10 @ 5 - 7 pm - Winston Parent Open House
This grown-ups-only event (formerly known as Back to School Night), is a chance for parents, families, and caregivers to learn more about the curriculum, student experience, and ways to support their young people this year at Winston. We hope to see you from 5-7:00 p.m. for a wonderful evening of learning and connection.
A special program for Middle and Upper School parents at Open House is a special presentation by Eran Grayson. Executive Function and Academic Coach from Grayson Executive Learning (GEL). You won’t want to miss this special presentation at 6:30 p.m. in the theater.

Thursday, September 19 - North Texas Giving Day
Join the Winston community and others in North Texas in our most exciting day of philanthropic giving to organizations with which you share a passion! We’d love to be the beneficiary of your gift, and will also be grateful for the organizations, non-profits, or community partners that benefit from your generosity!

Friday, September 20 - Arlington Skatium Field Trip
The Middle School is excited to adventure to Arlington Skatium in a few weeks. Look for more details and information from Ms. Larsen, sensational science teacher, coming soon! 

Friday, October 11 - Early Dismissal

Monday, October 14 - Indigenous People’s Day [NO SCHOOL]

GENERAL UPDATES

CELEBRATING JOY AND POSITIVITY

As we have officially completed our second full week of school this year, I want to share how pleased I am with the joy, positivity, and connectedness of our Middle School students. They are so kind to one another, seem to genuinely enjoy connecting, and are settling into their classes and teachers very well. The Middle School team and I are eternally grateful for the support, consistency, and care you are pouring into your students. 

We take the same great care with your students at school, meeting regularly to address needs, challenges, and individual learning profiles of each student - indeed, that is why you’ve chosen Winston for your family. In Middle School specifically, the instructional team meets regularly to review student progress, address areas of challenge (academic, social, or personal), and from an asset-based perspective, we work collaboratively to ensure that your students' needs and dreams are tended to intentionally and aligned with best practices in education. 

While we work diligently to meet needs and challenges, if there is ever a need for us to improve or work differently, we welcome your partnership and consultation. You can always reach out to your students advisor, individual teacher, or me, as your Middle School division head, for support and assistance. You know your young person best - and we look forward to learning alongside you to make this their best year yet!