Impressions - May 2009

May 2009 • This Month •New 6th Grader Orientation • Aug. 12th •Middle School Homework Center for K-8 families considering Willow Glen Middle & High Schools

•Middle School Elective Fair

WG Middle School 6th Grader Inspires On April 9th, WGMS 6th grader Hannah Verdonk was awarded first prize in the District-wide GATE Art Contest. Hannah’s work was her response to the contest’s theme, “I’m inspired by…”.

Impressions will return in September when everyone’s back to school.

Her drawing will grace the new GATE Parent Handbook and be posted on the District website.

Have a great summer!

WG Middle School Hosts Incoming 6th Grade Orientation on August 12th For students beginning 6th grade at the Middle School this August, school student leaders and staff have prepared a day of fun and information for new students on August 12th in the Middle School Gym. The event is hosted by the Where Everyone Belongs (WEB) 6th Grade Orientation and transition program. WEB is designed to both welcome and support 6 th graders by pairing them with 8th grade WEB Leader as a mentor during this first year. Continued – WEB, page 2.

A few participates at a recent WEB event.

An Elementary School Parent Question: Q. I work full-time. Is there a safe place on campus where students can work on homework after school hours until they can be picked up? 5th Grade Parent, Willow Glen Elementary School A. WGMS offers two excellent choices: After-School All-Stars provides comprehensive out of school programs that keep children safe and help them achieve in school and in life. Students work on homework each day and also have opportunities to play sports. There is a maximum enrollment of 100 students and includes 40 sixth graders. Program Hours: 2:00 - 5:00 pm Tuesday thru Friday; Monday hours are 1:15 - 5:00 pm because of the school minimum day. Homework Center is open after school Monday through Thursday. Open to any student who’s ready to study and brings the materials they need. Although not affiliated with After-School All-Stars, WGMS teachers staff the homework center and are happy to answer homework questions. Center hours are Monday 1:15 to 2:10pm and Tuesday through Thursday are 2:15 to 4:15 pm.

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WEB – Continued from page 1 This WEB Leader is a responsible older student who was hand picked from a large pool of applicants and has met the qualifications of being a good role model and a positive leader on campus. Mentor and their 6th grades participate in events throughout the year. Incoming 6th grade families are mailed WEB program information just before school begins. Be sure you student considers this great program.

More Info: WGMS After-School All-Stars WGMS Homew ork Center

6th Grade Orientation August 12 • WGMS Gym More info coming in the Summer Mailing

Elective Fair Helps Middle Schoolers Learn About Choices; Meet Teachers In late March, teachers and staff at Willow Glen Middle gave students a chance to learn about electives directly from the dynamic teachers who will lead them in the Fall.

Helpful Links

“The Elective Fair gives students more than the written descriptions that they find attached to their elective choice form,” said organizer Assistant Principal Thomas A. Rousseau.“Elective teachers and current/alumni elective students answer questions as well as talked about what the elective is really like.”

Connect w ith Us

The event was held during the lunch period and was hosted by staff and parent volunteers. Willow Glen Middle School Electives Include (get more info):

Top Photo: Solar Energy teacher, Mrs. Raymond, shows off a solar car made by past students. Bottom Photo: Ricky Yaconelli and Andrew Lawrence with Speech and Debate teacher Ms. Garcia.

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Art Band Choir Computer Technology French Journalism & Yearbook Leadership Robotics Speech & Debate Solar Energy Science Spanish

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• Ask a question about the middle/high schools or suggest an article • Let your friends know they are welcome to subscribe. • Unsubscribe if you must! impressions@w illow glenfoundation.org ABOUT IMPRESSSIONS Knowledge is power – and the Willow Glen Foundation wants to give you more…more knowledge…more power with Impressions e-newsletter. This monthly e-newsletter is geared specifically for parents and teachers of children planning on or considering attending Willow Glen Middle and High School. Impressions will give you: –Brief, useful info on Willow Glen Middle and High Schools –A look into their programs and accomplishments –An introduction to some of our teachers and students And, we promise…. –Listen to YOUR ideas about what you’d like to know about the schools. –NEVER to share or sell your information. –NOT to spam you with tons of email. –Promptly take you off the list if you ask (but please give us a try first!).