Wednesday Weekly - May 5, 2021

WEDNESDAY WEEKLY

May 5, 2021

Thank you, teachers!

This is the week set aside each year to thank teachers for all of their hard work and efforts on behalf of children of all ages.

As we think about teachers in our own lives who have inspired us, I’m always reminded of Rita Pierson, an educator who inspired children and adults alike: “Every child deserves a champion - an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.”

This year, more than ever, we commend our teachers for the hard work and positive attitudes they bring to WMS every single day. It has been a year like no other. In the face of challenges that most teachers never imagined, they have continued to innovate, create interesting and inspiring lessons, and work each and every day on behalf of the children in our school.

Please join me in congratulating them on a job well done, on their ability to continue to learn, grow, meet children where they are, and do all they can to promote the love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

WMS teachers are champions for their students, and we thank them!

Lisa A. Lalama

Head of School

NEWS & NOTES

Outdoor Safety Reminders

With the return of the nicer, spring weather, we will be spending much more time outdoors, including hikes in the woods.

Sunscreen/Insect Repellent

Please apply sunblock and insect repellent each morning before the beginning of the school day. If your child is in kindergarten or older, please be sure to complete the Magnus requirement for "Self Administration of Sunscreen and Insect Repellent." You should send in a bottle of each labeled with your child's name to be applied mid-day.

Tick Checks

Please check your child for ticks each day after school. Ticks can be found throughout the region, including deer ticks.

Your risk for Lyme disease is very low if a tick has been attached for fewer than 36 hours. Check for ticks daily and remove them as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please contact your primary care physician.

Please visit visit the CDC website for steps on removing a tick safely. This fact sheet is also available from the CDC.

Support the Delaware Humane Association with our Middle School Students

Middle School students are working on two service projects to close out the year. One of these projects is focused on the Delaware Humane Association. Students will be collecting needed items, as well as gently used fleece or plush blankets, to bring to the shelter. Additionally, the class will spend some time there bonding with the dogs and cats that are currently up for adoption.

If you would like to contribute an item, please use this Amazon Wish List. Donations can be shipped directly to WMS. If you have any gently used fleece or plush blankets, you can give those to a WMS staff member at drop-off or pick-up! All donations should be delivered to the school by May 21.

Thank you in advance for your support, and please be on the lookout for additional opportunities to help with the middle-schoolers' service project efforts in future Wednesday Weekly articles!

Required COVID-19 Testing: Next Results Due on next Wednesday, May 12

We are in the home stretch! COVID testing will continue to be required on each student through the end of the school year. If your child is attending summer camp, they will be required to submit a test result by June 11, followed by bimonthly testing due on the 1st and 15th of each month (beginning with the July 1 due date).

Your child's next test results are due on Wednesday, May 12 at 4 p.m. in order for your child to attend school on Thursday, May 13. 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. If your results are forwarded after 4 p.m. on the due date, you may experience a delay in drop-off in the morning. A last-minute result may delay or prevent your child from attending school; time must be allowed for communication to the staff members conducting screenings in the car line.

Upcoming required due dates are as follows:

Wednesday, May 12
Wednesday, May 26
Friday, June 11 (for families attending Camp Montessori)

You are still welcome to have your child tested more frequently and may forward the results to Nurse Kathy.

Thank you, and please contact Nurse Kathy if you have any questions!

More Information about WMS COVID-19 Testing Requirements

Upcoming COVID-19 Testing Events

Registration is HIGHLY recommended. To register, visit delaware.curativeinc.com.

Saturday, May 8

Westside Healthcare - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Sunday, May 9

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.

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.