Dear Middle School Families,
We made it to August! I hope that you and your children have enjoyed all that summer has to offer. I was fortunate to take some time traveling around New England, (re)connecting with family, friends, and the natural world, and eating as much seafood as possible.
In my travels, I connected with folks who are at various points in their parenting journey: some are braving the sleepless nights with newborns, others are chasing toddlers around the yard with constant reminders that “that’s not food!”, and some are experiencing the unique joys and challenges of adolescence. I even got to accompany my niece and nephew for morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up at their school in New York City, a sensory experience that made me long for the (comparatively) relaxing vibes of Wellington’s car line!
As an educator, I love to ask questions about the present and future that my peers experience and envision for their children. In a time when we have so much access to information, raising a child can feel fraught with competing impulses and uncertainty. As I reflected upon my conversations, I found myself increasingly grateful for Wellington and proud of the work we do each day to support students and families.
This is a school that meets young people with unconditional positive regard, an approach that builds a relational foundation upon which students can take risks and embrace academic challenge. Our team embodies the enduring belief that authentic partnerships and open communication between the adults at school and the adults at home elevate academic outcomes and nurture belonging for all. And our entrepreneurial spirit of curiosity, authenticity, and ambition imbues our work with a growth mindset and emphasis on lifelong learning that Erica Layne reminds us is crucial for young people: “One of the most powerful truths we can offer our children is the knowledge that we’re all still learning. None of us have arrived; we all have room to grow.” Here’s to another great year of supporting and empowering middle schoolers to be their best selves!
As we prepare for the 2024-25 school year, I invite you to check out our Back-to-School webpage for resources and information. I’d also like to draw your attention to a new policy that we’ve added to our student handbook for this year. Middle schoolers will be asked not to wear smartwatches during the school day, and these devices should remain in lockers, a practice that we already enforce for cellphones. This decision is based on feedback from teachers, parents, students, and other community members, and this policy supports our technology norms, which seek to establish a culture of learning and human connection.
Finally, please note the following dates:
August 9 - Advisories post on Veracross at noon
August 16 - Deadline to complete School Policy Forms in Veracross
August 18 - Welcome (Back) to Wellington
- 2-3 p.m. - New families can meet Head of School Eliza McLaren and me in Gard Gym before heading to classrooms.
- 3-4 p.m. - Returning families are welcome to visit classrooms and move into lockers.
August 19 - Parent/advisor in-take conferences. Advisors will reach out in advance to schedule a mutually convenient time.
August 20 - 5th Grade & New Student Orientation
- 9-11 a.m. – All 5th grade students and new students in grades 5-8 are encouraged to meet with their advisors in the Middle School Commons. Parents and caregivers of new middle school and all 5th grade students will join us for introductions in the Middle School Commons before heading to the Jag Commons for Veracross and Google Classroom orientation
August 21 - First day of school!
Enjoy the next few weeks of summer; see you all soon!
In partnership and gratitude,
Louis