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Dear Families,
Our school grounds are once again bustling with activity, and we couldn’t be happier. As staff and families arrived on the first day of school, the joy and anticipation about the year ahead were palpable. Families took photos to commemorate the day, children chased bubbles leading them to the front door and staff members greeting folks at the front of the school could not stop smiling. The shared commitment to the well-being and success of our students - from the littlest learners in the Pre-Primary Program to our resident experts, the middle schoolers - was evident as each family entered the school.
For young students, the transition to school can be a big one. Some may even call it challenging. As educational philosopher and contemporary of Dr. Maria Montessori John Dewey once said, "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." We recognize that going to school is an important milestone in the life of a young child and understand every experience that takes place here at WMS is a meaningful part of their lives. They will need support and guidance as they adjust to their new normal, but soon school and the many opportunities afforded to them here at WMS will be folded into their everyday lives. The skills they gain in these early years, both personal and academic, will carry them forward through the rest of their educational journey.
While perhaps less outwardly noticeable, the transition for older students can be challenging, as well, in different ways. Certainly, they are excited to reunite with friends and beloved teachers, but with change can come uncertainty. Family involvement and encouragement play a crucial role in helping students feel successful, and the partnership between home and school remains equally vital as students navigate their evolving academic and social landscapes.
As I reflect on Monday’s back-to-school picnic, which to me was more reminiscent of a family reunion than a school event, I am reminded of the importance of coming together and how much belonging to a vibrant community like WMS can impact our lives in positive ways. Seeing children and adults enjoying one another's company, sharing a meal and engaging in happy activity on the playground was truly heartwarming. As we embark on the 2024-25 school year, let us continue to come together in support of one another, keeping students at the heart of all we do.
Here’s to a year filled with new and exciting opportunities, meaningful connections, and collective achievements. We are thrilled to have you back and look forward to the remarkable year ahead.
Warmest regards,
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