WEDNESDAY WEEKLY
January 20, 2021
UPCOMING EVENTS

January 22
Virtual Primary Classroom Visit
9:30-10 a.m.
For current toddler parents whose children will be entering preschool in the fall of 2021

January 24
Deadline to Submit 3rd COVID Test Results to Nurse Kathy
Results must be sent to nurse@wmsde.org by 5 p.m. in order for your child to attend school on Monday.

January 27
Toddler Conferences - Room 4
Classes will continue as scheduled.

Virtual Admissions Open House
10 a.m.

January 28
Toddler Conferences - Room 3
Classes will continue as scheduled.

January 28 & 29
Primary, Elementary & Middle School Parent Conferences
No school for these age levels - child-care will be available. Please pre-register by 1/25 - drop-ins will not be accepted. Toddler classes will continue as scheduled.

January 31
Deadline to Submit 4th COVID Test Results to Nurse Kathy
Results must be sent to nurse@wmsde.org by 5 p.m. in order for your child to attend school on Monday.

Note: All parent conferences will be conducted via Zoom. Please check Bloomz or contact your child's teacher for more information.


This year, a day in recognition of Dr. King’s life’s work is perhaps more important than ever. As we continue to struggle with how to become a just and equal society, we must look back on the historical injustices brought to light during Dr. King’s life, many of which continue to persist today. As a school rooted in Montessori principles, we look to those who have paved the way for all people to live in a just and peaceful world.

For those of us who have chosen to be a part of WMS, whether as a staff member, student, family, alumni or supporter, we are furthering the goals of both Dr. King and Dr. Montessori. Education may be the primary focus of a school. However, at this school, education includes much more than the “3 Rs” (reading, writing and ‘rithmetic). It includes humanity, justice and care for all living things. WMS students learn about the world, starting with their family and expanding to their neighborhood, town, state, country, other countries and the world as a whole as they move through the program levels. 

Next month, our sixth through eighth-grade students will participate virtually in the Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) with students from all over the world. In preparation, they are learning about issues other countries struggle with, looking at the world through others’ eyes. They are working toward solutions that will serve not only the country they represent but will also meet the goals of all countries in the world. It’s an amazing experience that broadens their world view as they work toward peace and justice, furthering Dr. Montessori’s and Dr. King’s vision.


“Establishing lasting peace is the work of education.” - Dr. Maria Montessori
Head of School
NEWS & NOTES
MLK Day Service Project Update - Still time to participate!
Thank you to everyone who has participated in our at-home school-wide service project: making Go-Bags of non-perishable lunches for the Friendship House. With your help, we have already collected more than 300 bags! If your family would like to help with this project, bags can still be dropped off through tomorrow. Click here to view information to about assembling Go-Bags. Bags can be dropped off at all three entrances.

If you have any questions, please contact BrendaRose Simkin. Thank you for your support!
Free Virtual Family Education Workshops from the Department of Education
The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) is offering a series of free virtual family education workshops called “Parent as Coach, Developing A Family Dream Team.” Facilitator Darrell “Coach D” Andrews is a nationally acclaimed speaker, life coach and father of four. Over the course of the next six months, Andrews will offer a series of virtual workshops with hopes of motivating and providing caregivers with user-friendly strategies to assist them in maximizing their students’ overall academic success.
 
The first workshop, “Creating A Home Culture of Success Amid Crisis,” will provide families with powerful strategies for maintaining an effective balance for tasks such as remote/hybrid learning, work and other family responsibilities. 
 
First workshop: Wednesday, January 27, 2021: 7-8:30 p.m. - Zoom Link
Weekly Testing

We continue to be grateful for your efforts to keep our community safe through weekly COVID-19 testing. Your child's next test results are due on Sunday, January 24, at 5 p.m. in order for your child to attend school on Monday the 25th. Results must be emailed to Nurse Kathy at nurse@wmsde.org as soon as they become available. If you are sending a screenshot, please include the date tested.

Important: Please understand that if no results are forwarded to Nurse Kathy, your child will not be permitted on campus on Monday. If your results are forwarded after 5 p.m., you may experience a delay in drop-off on Monday morning. A last-minute result may delay or prevent your child from attending school; you must allow time for communication to the staff members conducting screenings in the car line. 

A few tips:
  • Please plan to test every six to eight days to remain on schedule. 
  • We suggest testing early in the week (by Wednesday), as results may be delayed due to high volume.  
  • You are strongly encouraged to pre-register, but can still be tested without an appointment at the state locations. If you don't have an appointment, plan for a longer wait time.

We are continuing to require every child be tested for COVID-19 weekly throughout January.  Please stay tuned for information about ongoing testing requirements for February and beyond.
Vaccine News
As you may have heard, Delaware has moved into Phase 1B of its COVID-19 vaccination plan. Phase 1B includes Delaware citizens ages 65 and older, as well as several groups of essential workers including school and child-care staff.

All WMS staff will be offered the vaccine, and we expect to receive news about how it will be distributed in the coming days. We are thrilled to be approaching this new milestone in our efforts to help keep our community healthy.
Upcoming COVID-19 Testing Events


Wednesday, January 20
  • Middletown High School - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • A.I. DuPont High School - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Thursday, January 21
  • Wilmington University Brandywine- 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Prices Run Park - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Friday, January 22
  • Delaware Park - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Thomas Edison Charter School - 1-6 p.m.

Saturday, January 23
  • Seeds of Greatness Church - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • UD Star Campus - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Full list of upcoming NCC test sites (updated weekly): nccde.org/2011/COVID-19-Resources
(Please visit this page to confirm that there have been no changes to the schedule above before going to your testing location.)


Permanent Test Sites and Other COVID-19 Testing Options
For general information about COVID-19 tests, state-wide testing events and permanent test sites, visit coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing.
Policies & Procedures

WMS's COVID-19 policies are based on guidelines from the CDC and Delaware's Office of Child Care Licensing. We continue to monitor those sources for information to adjust our policies and practices as needed.
Spotlight on Outdoor Learning
The Wednesday Weekly shares WMS news and events that are relevant to the families in our community. 

Please send submissions to wednesday-weekly@wmsde.org by 4:30 p.m. on the Friday prior to the issue in which you wish to include your information. Content may be edited for length and style and may be held for a future issue due to space constraints. 

For more information, contact Noel Dietrich, Director of Advancement & Communications.
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