Happy New Year!
It’s official. The 2018-2019 school year has begun. Today WMS educators were thrilled to welcome our 6th, 7th and 8th graders to the middle school. I love the energy that poured back into our building today, after an all-too-quiet July and August. Many students were quick to admire the shiny new tiles that replaced a well-loved carpet, but most were more focused on reuniting with friends after the summer hiatus. Just when the excitement in the halls peaked, students settled into their homerooms where teachers did what they do best - begin to cultivate a community of learning. Even as I mark my 21st opening at WMS, I find that this magical transformation never gets old. Names are learned, connections are made, and routines are launched as teachers begin to share their passion for their disciplines. Today is a day where all things are possible.
Alongside our highly-skilled veteran staff members, we have added a fabulous new group of educators to the mix. I am pleased to introduce the following WMS team members:
- Emily Anderson - English - Grade 8 - Emily joins us with a Master of Arts and Teaching degree from Simmons College. As an undergraduate she majored in English Literature, and most recently she completed a year long internship at Boston Latin High School.
- Andrea Casey - Building Identified Substitute Teacher - All Grades - Andrea is a career changer who previously worked as an insurance executive. Her interest in teaching compelled her to re-enter the classroom. She comes to WMS with extensive substitute teaching experience in Wellesley and Westborough, MA.
- Alex Kaplan - Grade 8 English & Writing Center - Alex is starting the year in Ms. Carrie Dirmeikis’ role, while she is on medical leave. After studying government and environmental studies as an undergraduate at Dartmouth College, Alex earned a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at Southwest Texas State University. Most recently Alex taught English to freshman and seniors in Newton, MA.
- Laura Martins - Teaching Assistant - Laura has been working for Wayland teaching in the home environment for the last seven years. We are thrilled to bring her considerable skill set to WMS. Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Keene State College.
- John McCoy - Special Education - New Autism Affiliate - All grades - John earned his Master of Education as a Teacher of Students with Severe Special Needs at Lesley University. John started and built an Autism program in the Boston Public Schools and most recently he worked in Dover-Sherborn, MA.
- Dylan Merry - Social Studies - Grade 7 - Dylan is a familiar face who has served as a highly-skilled teaching assistant at WMS for many years. Dylan earned his Master of Education from Lesley University in History and completed his student teaching at WMS. This year, Dylan will be teaching one section of 7th grade Social Studies in addition to performing his teaching assistant duties.
- Patrick O’Brien - Special Education - 8th Grade Liaison - Pat completed his Master of Education at UMass Boston. Most recently he was teaching special education classes in a resource room in Westwood, MA.
- Matt Robinett - 8th grade Algebra - Matt made a trek across the country to come teach at WMS. With his Master of Education from the University of LaVerne and an undergraduate degree in Mathematics, Matt spent the last five years teaching middle school math in California.
- Alex Sarmento - Teaching Assistant - Alex joins us with her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Community Engagement from Temple University. She has valuable experience as a teaching assistant, working with students on the autism spectrum.
- Donna Stanton - ESL Teacher - All Grades - Donna holds an interdisciplinary Master of Arts from Lesley University in the fields of Social Policy and Education. She has served as a senior lecturer at Northeastern University and most recently she taught middle school to English language learners in Belmont, MA.
I am confident that every one of these professionals will make a positive impact on our learning environment, beginning today.
On behalf of the entire staff, I welcome you to the school year and invite you to partner with us to best support your middle schooler in the year ahead.
Respectfully,
Betsy Gavron
PS - In addition to celebrating the first day of school, WMS is also hosting primary voting for the midterm elections today. It is not too late to model civic engagement for your middle schooler. Come on down to WMS or Wayland Town Building and vote.
