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We-Blast #22

February 21, 2024


The We-Blast is your weekly source for

all-school information, divisional news, and community updates.


ALL SCHOOL

NEWS & EVENTS

Access the school calendar here.

  • Spring Athletics and Club Registrations Now Available to View on Parent Portal - Links to register can be accessed by clicking the button at the top of the main portal page.


  • FREE WI Workshop on February 29 - “The Reading Writing Connection: A Powerful Partnership” with Betsy MacDermott-Duffy, Director of Language Arts and Instruction at The Windward School. Click here to register.


  • Interested in After-School Care Next Year? - Click here for more information and to fill out our interest survey!


  • Save the Date: Grade 8 Graduation on June 9 - Graduation will be hosted at the Westchester Middle School. More information to come.



 IMPORTANT REMINDERS


  • Phone System Has Been Updated - When calling The Windward School, please press the star button on your keypad before dialing a direct extension number.


  • From the CSE Department: Transportation Deadline is April 1 - Click here for more information regarding this deadline and other IEP-related transportation information.

PORTAL TIPS 


  • Access Your 2024-2025 Re-Enrollment Contract - Families can find their re-enrollment contracts for the upcoming academic year on the main portal page to the right, listed beneath the carpool/playdate opt-in and billing portal buttons.


  • Access the 2024-2025 Student Calendar - Families can find next year's academic calendar on the main portal page on the right under "For Parents."

YOU'RE INVITED!

MARCH 2, 2024

PIER SIXTY | NYC | 6 p.m.

Cocktail Attire


Proceeds from Kaleidoscope support our tuition assistance and teacher training programs. For more information and to buy tickets, click here. Tickets are available for purchase until February 23.

DIVISIONAL NEWS

Manhattan Lower School


  • Manhattan Celebrates Heart Month - Our PE department will highlight students' awareness of being heart healthy through fitness. The unit will culminate with Hoops for Heart and Jumps for Heart fundraising events on February 29. Students can donate $2 to participate. All proceeds will go to The American Heart Association. In addition, that day will be a wear-red dress-down day.
  • Grades 1 and 2 Stamford Nature Center Field Trip on February 28 - Click here for an itinerary.
  • Friday Trip to Off-Broadway Play on March 1 - Students in grades 5-8 will have the option of taking a Friday evening trip to see 360 All-Stars performed at the New Victory Theater. Permission slips can be downloaded here.
  • Friday Trip to New York Knicks Game on March 8 - Students in grades 5-8 will have the option of taking a Friday evening trip to see the New York Knicks play against the Orlando Magic. More information to come.

Manhattan Middle School



  • Manhattan Celebrates Heart Month - Our PE department will highlight students' awareness of being heart healthy through fitness. The unit will culminate with Hoops for Heart and Jumps for Heart fundraising events on February 29. Students can donate $2 to participate. All proceeds will go to The American Heart Association. In addition, that day will be a wear-red dress-down day.
  • Middle School Dance and Celebration on February 29 from 6 - 8 p.m. - The event’s theme is Winter Wonderland and those attending are asked to wear smart casual attire. This is a chaperoned after-school activity to be supervised by Windward faculty & staff. Activities include, but are not limited to: foosball, skeeball, photo booths, karaoke, cornhole, DJ, and giant Connect-Four. Food and drink options will include: popcorn, cotton candy, hotdogs, pretzels, and a hot chocolate station. Click here to RSVP.
  • Friday Trip to Off-Broadway Play on March 1 - Students in grades 5-8 will have the option of taking a Friday evening trip to see 360 All-Stars performed at the New Victory Theater. More information to come.
  • Friday Trip to New York Knicks Game on March 8 - Students in grades 5-8 will have the option of taking a Friday evening trip to see the New York Knicks play against the Orlando Magic. More information to come.

Westchester Lower School



  • In February, We Will Observe Heart Health Month - PE classes will be engaging in grade-level challenges throughout the month.
  • Grades 1 and 2 Stamford Nature Center Field Trip on February 28 - More information and permission slips coming soon.

Westchester Middle School


  • Get Fit February at WMS - Our physical education department will highlight student’s awareness of being heart healthy through fitness. The unit will culminate with a Hoops for Heart basketball fundraising contest during the week of February 26, which will occur during Homeroom and Focus. Students can donate $3 to participate. All proceeds will go to The American Heart Association. In addition, all students will have a dress-down day, on Monday, February 26 to kick off this event.
  • Friday Trip to Off-Broadway Play and Dinner on March 1 - Students will have the option of taking a Friday evening trip to see 360 All-Stars performed at the New Victory Theater and have dinner. More information to come.
  • Friday Trip to New York Knicks Game on March 8 - Students will have the option of taking a Friday evening trip to have dinner see the New York Knicks play against the Orlando Magic. More information to come.
  • Grades 7-9 Dance on Thursday, March 14 - Students are invited to attend a dance hosted by the WMS Student Council from 6 - 8 p.m. More information and permission slips to come.

DEIB NEWS

In the past two weeks, Windward students participated in community meetings that acknowledged Black History Month. During these presentations, students learned about the accomplishments of Black people and the contributions they have made throughout history. Students were also invited to consider ways to celebrate Black history during February and beyond. Our suggestions included: continuing to educate themselves about the experiences of Black people, respectfully appreciating Black culture, supporting Black-owned businesses, and being upstanders when witnessing injustices. For a curated list of children-friendly podcasts and videos that encourage conversations about Black history and culture at home, please read this article by Common Sense Media.  

OUTPLACEMENT NEWS

Click here for useful information including admissions tests deadlines, upcoming school fairs, and reminder videos.

  • Contact your student's campus outplacement team with interview dates to begin interview preparation.
  • Schedule an appointment for feedback on application essay, including help with the writing process.

THE WINDWARD INSTITUTE NEWS

  • The Beacon Has a Brand New Look with Fresh Perspectives! - Access the latest research on reading and language-based learning disabilities in The Windward Institute's reimagined edition of its annual publication, The Beacon. Click here to receive a digital copy. Include your mailing address if you would also like to receive a free hard copy.
  • Free Parent Education Webinars and Workshops - Click here to register.


“The Reading Writing Connection: A Powerful Partnership” with Betsy MacDermott-Duffy, Director of Language Arts and Instruction at The Windward School. Thursday, February 29 from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.


“Nurturing and Managing Childhood Anxiety” with Jonathan Rosenshine, Associate Head of School, and Anna Weiser, Coordinator of Student Support & Social-Emotional Learning at The Windward School. Wednesday, March 6 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.



  • Subscribe to the WI monthly newsletter for early access to upcoming free virtual PD, events, READ Podcast episodes, The Beacon Journal, and more.
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