Middle School Division News: Oct. 3, 2024

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

Happy Fall, Y’all! 

I hope this week’s newsletter finds you well and enjoying the ever-so-slightly cooler weather. I have loved soaking up all the sunshine and warmth since my move to Texas and am thrilled to be arriving at a fall and winter with a lot less of that freezing white stuff! 

I’m sure you’ve heard that we now have an official recess in our Middle School days. It has been a pure joy to watch your children play, explore, wander, and swing on the swings. In our busy lives, it is easy to overlook the importance of play - especially as our kids get older. But, there is research study after research study, anecdotal evidence, and of course, mountains of child development theory that speaks to this very notion - children, and even adults - need time to play, to navigate social games, create together, and to be outside. More, I would assert that for our children who learn differently, play is even more critical to their growth and development. Play enables the body to connect to the brain - to build neural pathways for regulation, for thinking, and for developing as a human. Being with others, engaged in a game or an experience, builds confidence and connection to others and helps to bridge differences and isolation. The sunshine, the grass, and the warmth on our skin helps to reset our nervous system and provide a cognitive, emotional, social, and mental break in our day. I could go on, but you get my point - play is good, and recess is great! 

As we look toward the cooler weather and can be outside a bit more, please take opportunities to walk, to sit on the patio, to play a backyard game with your middle schooler - you might find they open up about their days, share their inner thoughts and musings with you, or just smile a bit more. Take time to take it all in - these years pass quickly, even when the days seem long. 

Be well and take care of each other,

Dr. Jenn Milam

A LOOK AHEAD 

Wednesday, October 9 - 3rd Grade Fieldtrip: State Fair Livestock, 8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Wednesday, October 10 - Fire Emergency Practice, 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, October 10 - End of Quarter 1

It’s hard to believe we’ve nearly finished the first quarter! Please work with your students to make sure they are finishing strong and keeping up with their schoolwork and assessments.

Friday, October 11 - Early Dismissal (Professional Development) 

Our amazing faculty will have the afternoon engaged in professional learning. Please make arrangements for Lower and Middle School students to be picked up at 12 p.m. Upper School students will be dismissed at 12:25 p.m. 

Childcare is available for students in Kindergarten through sixth grade. You can register here to reserve your spot. 

NOTE: There is no childcare/aftercare supervision offered for students in grades 7-12.

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

Thursday, October 17 - Admission Coffee

If you know someone who is looking for a new school home for their bright student who learns differently, please share our information and encourage them to join us for one of our monthly admission events! Our best referrals come from our current families and we would be honored for you to share your successes and love for Winston! Share our inquiry form with any potential future Eagles!

Friday, October 18 - Fall Conferences [NO SCHOOL], 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

We look forward to welcoming you to campus to share with you insight into your student’s journey this year at Winston. These conferences are for parents and teachers only.

Tuesday, October 22 - Class of 2025 Pictures and K-11 Retakes

Monday, November 4 - Friday, November 8 - Homecoming Spirit Week

Details coming soon!

Friday, November 22 - Grandparent & Special Friends Day

Lower School: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Middle & Upper School: 12 - 3 p.m.

Friday, November 22 - Lower School Fall Concert, 11 a.m.