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Williamsburg Middle School PTA Newsletter
November 17, 2025
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THIS WEEK'S HEADLINES
PTA Reflections Contest - Deadline is THIS FRIDAY
Entries and Student Entry Forms are due online by THIS FRIDAY, November 21. Visit the Williamsburg PTA website for more information on how to submit artwork. Reflections is an incredible program and WMS has traditionally made a strong showing among the entries. However, we have fewer WMS entries so far this year when compared to past years so if your student is considering a submission, please do not miss this chance! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send an email to ReflectionsWMSPTA@gmail.com.
WMS Food and Toiletries Drive - Last Day to Contribute - Nov.20
WMS invites all students, families, and staff to participate by donating nonperishable food items and/or toiletries to help make a difference for our neighbors during this difficult time.
White House Ornament Fundraiser to Benefit WMS PTA - Last Day to Order is Dec. 1
If you would like to purchase an ornament through this nonpartisan organization, please fill out this order form by no later than Monday, December 1. Ornaments should be ready by Monday, December 8 for pick-up from the Milans' home close to Jamestown. Thank you for your support of WMS PTA!
Join the PTA!
If you haven't joined the PTA yet, it's quick and easy.
Click here, and then click on Memberships. Note that you have to rejoin each year. So if you haven't signed up this school year, you're not a PTA member!
Sign up for the Weekly Newsletter
If you received this newsletter as a forward, please sign up to get it weekly.
Click here, and then click on Get the PTA Weekly Newsletter.
Volunteer Needs
Please see the complete list of volunteer vacancies below. If you don't see a vacancy that is a perfect match for you, but you still want to help out, please reach out to us at president@wmspta.org.
Future PTA Meetings - Guest Speakers Welcome!
We are trying to identify potential speakers for future meetings - if you are or know of a potential speaker who could present on topics that might be of interest to our membership, please reach out to vpinternal@wmspta.org.
Morning Announcements
Keep up with the latest news that your kids are getting each morning.
Click here for the WMS Morning Announcements!
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Our PTA cannot carry out its programs and support for our students.
Please consider making a donation today!
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PTA Reflections Contest - Deadline THIS FRIDAY
Hello Wolfpack! It’s time to create artwork in response to the I Belong! theme for the 2025-2026 Reflections program.
You can virtually submit one piece in each of the arts categories (Dance, Film, Literature, Music, Photography and/or Visual Arts).
Entries and Student Entry Forms are due online by THIS FRIDAY, November 21.
Visit the Williamsburg PTA website for more information on how to submit artwork.
Email ReflectionsWMSPTA@gmail.com with any questions.
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2025-2026 PTA Volunteer Vacancies
The WMS PTA has several openings for the upcoming school year. Please consider signing up (with a fellow parent if you'd like!) to ensure we can support these programs and events.
Our PTA cannot function without you. Even if the none of the roles below appeal to you but you are otherwise interested in getting more involved, please reach out to our PTA President at president@wmspta.org. We would love to hear from you!
ADVOCACY AND OUTEACH ROLES
SEPTA Representative
Special Education PTA facilitates events and resourcing related to Special Education and provides advocacy and awareness for students with disabilities and special needs. Coordinates with the President and Communications VP. Meets monthly for 1-2 hours.
HOSPITALITY ROLES
Most of these roles are one time events that require 2-4 hours to plan and organize.
Winter Teacher Luncheon Coordinator
Plans the Winter Luncheon that typically occurs during Parent/ Teacher conferences. Creates and manages a sign up for volunteers and donations.
Teacher Appreciation Week Committee
This committee consists of 2-3 parent volunteers to help plan and support TAW events.
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WMS Food and Toiletries Drive - Last Day to Contribute - Nov. 20
WMS invites all students, families, and staff to participate by donating nonperishable food items and/or toiletries. Every contribution—big or small—will help make a difference for our neighbors during this challenging time.
Large collection boxes are located throughout the building for your donations. All collected items will be delivered to the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) (https://afac.org/) on Friday, November 21.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and commitment to supporting our community. Together, we can make a meaningful impact
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WMS Food Bus to Assist AFAC
The Helping Hands club is bringing the AFAC Food Bus back! Each school day, students are encouraged to place unopened and/or unused food in the dedicated AFAC fridge or bins in the cafeteria, which is transported to AFAC in a bulk delivery at the end of the week. This partnership provides for our community's food insecure, diverts food waste, and promotes a culture of giving among the entire student body.
We need parents (and their students) to help to make this possible by collecting and transporting the food from WMS to AFAC (2708 S Nelson St, Arlington, VA 22206) at the end of the school week (usually Friday afternoons).
It is SUPER easy, a great lesson for our children, and it feels good to give!
Please consider volunteering to drive the food donations to AFAC!
CLICK HERE to sign up!
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White House Ornament Fundraiser to Benefit WMS PTA - Deadline to Order Dec. 1
Since 1981, The White House Historical Association, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, has proudly created the Official White House Christmas Ornament to bring the history of the White House into millions of homes across the country and support their mission. The mission of the White House Historical Association to protect, preserve, and provide public access to the rich history of America’s Executive Mansion.
This year's ornament celebrates the 150th anniversary of State Dinners at the Executive Mansion. Hand assembled, the ornament design is cut from delicate brass, etched, and printed with enamel ink and finished with 24-karat gold for the ultimate holiday shine. It features two highly recognizable plates from the White House State china collection. Adorned with a red and gold twist cording for elegant hanging on your tree, it comes packaged in a keepsake giftbox. Includes an educational booklet with full color photos and informative descriptions of the history of White House State China Services.
The cost of the ornament is $24.95 with a portion of proceeds benefiting Williamsburg Middle School PTA. These ornaments make excellent holiday gifts for family, friends and colleagues. Orders are not limited to the WMS community, please feel free to share with friends and colleagues.
If you would like to purchase an ornament please fill out this order form by no later than Monday, December 1. Ornaments should be ready by Monday, December 8 for pick-up from the Milans' home close to Jamestown. Thank you for your support of WMS PTA!
Questions? Contact Liz Milans at pehickam@yahoo.com.
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Helping Hands Club - Holiday Toy Drive - Dec. 8 is Last Day to Contribute
The Helping Hands Club is collecting gifts to support Northern Virginia Family Services Holiday Toy Drive. Donations will be included in NVFS' holiday shop where caregivers can select a gift for a child for free. NVFS has a Favorite Items flyer of preferred items. The final day for donations is Mon. Dec. 8. For any questions, please reach out to Helping Hands NVFS project parent leads: Molly Wolff (molly.wolff@gmail.com) and Molly Savage (molly.k.savage@gmail.com)
Guidelines:
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Gifts must be new, unopened, and unwrapped for children ages 0-14.
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They also collect gift cards for older children aged 14-18 (Target, Amazon, Walmart, Visa; suggested $25).
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NO stuffed animals and toys resembling weapons.
Ways to donate:
Purchase directly from the NVFS Amazon Wish List (items are mailed directly to NVFS).
Bring your donation to Williamsburg MS. Drop off bins are near the front office and cafeteria.
Drop off your item(s) at the following homes:
- Witschorik family: 4012 N. Woodstock St (near Jamestown ES)
- Wolff family: 3823 N Tazewell St (near Madison Community Center & Fort Ethan Allen)
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"Growth" Speaker Series for Parents and Professionals - FREE Admission
Parents, caregivers, teachers and therapists: if there’s a child in your life with learning differences, chances are you are seeking some advice. Discover the Lab School's popular Speaker Series! Our monthly lectures are rich with information, insights and tips that will help you nurture the opportunities—and navigate the challenges—learning differences can present. Coming up...
"Bounce Back Stronger: Proven Tactics to Build Resilience in Your Child" - Jan. 28
January 28, 2026 | 6:00-7:00 PM
Nina Shiffrin, PhD, Psychologist and Director of Research, Alvord Baker
CLICK HERE for more information and to register.
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Annual Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation 5K & Carnival - Community Event - Nov. 22
Each year, the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation event brings together families from across Arlington to celebrate, connect, and make a real difference for local moms and babies. Over the past decade, JBLF has helped hundreds of economically vulnerable moms and babies in our community—providing essentials like prenatal care, ride vouchers for medical visits, car seats, and newborn supplies. Every step we take together helps another family get the start they deserve.
Here’s how you can join in:
- Volunteer: Opportunities for adults and teens, both on race day and in the days leading up. Volunteer here.
- Register: Run the 5K at 9:00 a.m., cheer on the kids’ fun run around 10:00/10:30 a.m., or just stop by for the carnival (open until 1:00 p.m.). Register here.
- Amplify: Share this event with your school community.
- Celebrate: Enjoy inflatables, games, face painting, balloon artists, laser tag, a bungee jumper, music, and so much more!
- Eat & Drink: Free beer and mimosas in the Beer Garden, plus delicious bites from Knights, Duck Donuts, and Timber Pizza.
- Bid: Our Silent Auction will be packed with getaways, signed sports memorabilia, and local business favorites.
- Donate: Can’t make it? Your support still makes a big difference.
Learn more at www.jb-lf.org.
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Main Phone Line: 703-228-5450
Attendance Line: 703-228-5444
Technical support: 703-228-2570, Monday through Thursday from 7 am - 9 pm, and Friday from 7 am - 6 pm
Technical support information: click here.
ParentVue: click here.
Morning announcements: click here.
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APS & COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
Upcoming APS Community Engagement Opportunities:
Tue, Nov. 18 School Board Work Sessions on the Advisory Committee Working Group; Non-Traditional Secondary Program; Grace Hopper Center Programming; and High School Schedules. Agendas, background information, and minutes are posted, when available, on BoardDocs.
9 am-2:45 pm Watch Work Sessions Live or at Syphax Education Center, School Board Room, 2110 Washington Blvd. 22204
School Board Accepting Applications for Advisory Councils
The School Board Advisory Councils and Committees provide valuable input on the APS decision-making process. Click here to learn more.
Arlington Community Events:
Scholarship opportunity for Spanish students 12-18 years of age
The 1st Carlos V Education Spanish Contest encourages language learners to submit their creative works, including short stories, short essays, posters, and podcasts. Winners attend a summer session in Spain, as well as a week of professional development for their teachers. Click here for details. Applications are due Jan. 31, 2026
Thu, Nov. 20 Hiawatha in History, Legend and Poetry, a talk on a famous literary Native American hero! Hosted by Arlington Public Library
6:30-7:30 pm Registration recommended. Columbia Pike Library, 816 South Walter Reed Drive, 22204
More at: Community Engagement Opportunities with automatic translation into: Español Монгол አማርኛ العربية (Other languages)
APS Extended Day in Hiring!
Extended Day provides students a safe, enriching, and fun environment before and after school. Learn more and apply here to be an aide, trainees or program supervisor.
More at: Community Engagement Opportunities with automatic translation into: Español Монгол አማርኛ العربية (Other languages)
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