Deborah Romeo, Principal
Courtney Rowley, Assistant Principal
Rebecca Speicher, Assistant Principal of Student Services
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Greetings Wayland Middle School Caregivers,
Last week, our staff participated in a dedicated professional development day, Super Wednesday, to deepen their expertise in "Accountable Talk" and "Executive Functioning," topics we have been focusing on over the past year. This sustained professional learning is a vital investment. We understand that truly meaningful and lasting improvements in instruction require time for learning, thoughtful implementation, reflection, and refinement. By dedicating this time, our teachers are continuously strengthening the instructional foundation for all students.
The day was characterized by teachers "learning by doing" and collaborating within their departments across the school. For instance, our World Language and Spanish Immersion teachers learned and practiced new strategies for integrating all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) into their instruction. Similarly, our Social Studies teachers held their own Socratic Seminar, reflected on it, and then planned how to create these academic discussions for their students. This collaborative approach, where teachers actively practice and refine techniques together, is essential for ensuring consistency and high-quality instruction across the middle school.
The ultimate goal of this focused professional learning and collaboration is to directly enhance your child's success. For example, our English Language Arts teachers developed lessons to help students engage in more abstract academic conversations using techniques like two-column notes to anchor discussions. In Science, teachers debated “Which animal would you lose a fight to?”, identifying the skills and dispositions that students would need to engage in this type of debate. They then created discussion experiences for students that included execution function and accountable talk supports. By investing in our staff's development, we ensure that every student benefits from effective teaching strategies that foster critical thinking, stronger academic skills, and an ability to effectively communicate.
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. We thank all WMS staff for their tireless commitment to our students and to the WMS community. We are grateful for the many gifts they share with our school and we are honored to work with them. Many thanks to our Parent Teacher Organization for their thoughtfulness and inclusiveness in recognizing the many hearts, heads, and hands that create our magnificent middle school.
As always, our doors are open. Whether you have questions, concerns, or simply want to share in the excitement of the school year, we encourage you to reach out.
Deborah, Courtney, and Rebecca
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Tuesday, May 5th and Thursday, May 7th: Science MCAS for 8th Grade only
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Wednesday, May 6th: Spring Play - The Day the Internet Dies 3:30 PM WMS
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Thusday, May 7th: WMS Information Night for Caregivers of Incoming 6th Graders (Caregivers Only) 7:00 - 8:15 PM WMS Auditorium
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Tuesday, May 12th and Thursday, May 14th: Math MCAS Grades 6-8
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Friday, May 15th: 6th grade field trip to APEX
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Thursday, May 21st and Friday May 22nd: 7th Grade 'Wonder Day' trips. Cape Cod day trip and Kayaking/Outdoor Picnic and Play (7th grade students participate on both days).
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Thursday, May 21st: WMS Multicultural Potluck sponsored by the WMS School Council 6:00-7:30 PM
**The last day of school for students is Tuesday, June 23, 2026 **
The Grade 8 Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
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Is a comedic play about a small town that loses internet access for a week, forcing residents to cope with the sudden absence of search engines, social media, and online services, leading to hilarious chaos and a rediscovery of basic human interaction. |
Our School Council is focusing its efforts this year on creating joy, connection, and belonging. The Council is organizing a Potluck that will take place on Thursday, May 21st from 6:00-7:30pm in the middle school cafeteria.
We're so excited to share favorite dishes from across our Wayland community. If you plan on attending, please complete this RSVP as soon as you are able. Bringing a dish is not a requirement for participation. Please note: this is a family event so at least one caregiver should be present with children who attend.
Many thanks to our caregiver School Council members, Shaylanna Graham, Larina Mehta, Alexandra Ryan, Dina Sorour, Elizabeth Wuerz, and our staff School Council members Bethann Monahan and Pete Curran.
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The course recommendations for students who are currently in grade 6 and students who are currently in grade 7 at WMS will be available for viewing in PowerSchool starting on Wednesday, April 29th after 12:00. Please see below for the screenshot of how to navigate PowerSchool for course recommendations.
For students currently in 6th grade, there will only be a math recommendation. For students currently in 7th grade, there will be a math recommendation and a science recommendation.
If a parent/caregiver wishes to request a change in the course recommendation please contact the curriculum leader for that department. The curriculum leader for math is Ms. Poulo
All course change requests initiated by parents/caregivers for current 6th and 7th graders are due on Wednesday, May 13th.
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An email from Wayland Public Schools Transportation Office was sent to parents/caregivers on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 for students in grades K-11 for Wayland bus routes (please check your Spam).
Please complete the registration form for each student, indicating whether that student will need school bus transportation for the 2026-2027 year. School Bus Registration closes on June 30, 2026.
Note: METCO and Kindergarten transportation registration will be communicated on a later date.
Questions??: please contact Wayland_Registration@waylandps.org
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Students voted on a theme and Hollywood Lights was the winner!
The dance is time for students to come together with friends to celebrate 8th grade.
Please note that this is not a semi-formal, so we want students to dress as comfortable as they would like. The theme is for decorations only so we can create a fun setting for the students. There is no pressure to dance as there will be other activities to enjoy and the courtyard will also be open for socializing.
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Please find below the upcoming schedule for the MCAS testing in April and May for WMS students. |
The 6th and 7th Grade Community Service Clubs are partnering with 8th grader Selin Yardibi and Project 351 to do a collection for CradlestoCrayons.
Please consider donating gently used clothing for ages newborn to twelve. There is a box in the lobby at WMS for all donations.
Thank you in advance for considering and donating!
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When: May 12, 2026
Where: First Parish, 225 Boston Post Road, Wayland – in person only
Who: For parents and other adults who live, work, worship or send their child(ren) to school in Wayland.
Cost: Free
Registration: Registration is required. Attendance at all four sessions is encouraged but not required. REGISTER
About: Ever find yourself avoiding a conversation because it feels too awkward, too charged, or too likely to go sideways? This four-session workshop is an invitation to do the opposite—with skill, confidence, and care.
Together, we’ll build practical tools for real-life and online conversations, especially with people whose experiences or perspectives differ from our own. In a supportive, low-stakes setting, you’ll practice showing up with curiosity, self-awareness, and empathy—even when things feel uncomfortable or you don’t agree.
The series will be led by jamele adams, a gifted educator, facilitator, and community peacemaker. Across four in-person sessions, participants will practice empathetic listening, learn from one another, and build trust and connection. Participants will also help shape the series by choosing the discussion topic for each session, ensuring the conversations reflect what matters most to the group.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll walk away with concrete, usable tools for engaging across differences—without losing connection or respect. Whether you’re deeply experienced in these conversations or just beginning, you’ll find a welcoming space to learn, reflect, and grow together—and to strengthen the fabric of the Wayland community.
This program is sponsored by the Wayland Public Schools and the Wayland Human Rights, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (HRDEIC) and is made possible through the generous support of the Lydia Maria Child Fund of First Parish in Wayland.
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Thank you to all that have donated books for the book swap! Although the drive has ended, any books that would like another home at the middle school, continued donations are always welcome. |
Artist: Bryce Atchinson
Grade: 8
Medium: Digital
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Contact:
Andrea Winkler - PTO President
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May 4th-8th is staff appreciation week. THANK YOU to everyone who has generously contributed thus far! We still need a few donations, so please consider signing up here to contribute an item or a little time to help us say thank you to our wonderful Wayland Middle School staff for all they do for our kids. Here is our plan to celebrate our staff:
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Mon - Wed: Collect student thank you notes for staff during morning arrival
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Monday: Staff thank you gifts
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Tuesday: Frozen spring treats
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Wednesday: Spring staff appreciation breakfast
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Thursday: Student card display
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Friday: Gift card raffle!
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Join our amazing group of volunteers! We have several board and committee positions available. Whether you are a working or stay at home parent, we have volunteer roles that fit many schedules. Please get in touch with us at the email listed above.
Vice President
Assist the PTO President with a variety of duties as needed.This may include updating documents, working with class representatives, communicating with staff and performing the duties of the President in their absence.
Fundraising Chair
Plan and organize the PTO Gift Your Child fundraiser. This includes mailing letters to all WMS families, presenting Gift Your Child at Back to School Night and creating marketing materials for social media and the Monday newsletter.
Communications Chair & Team Members
We’re looking for several volunteers to help with communications, please let us know if your skillset would be a good fit for one role:
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Chair - oversee communication efforts for WMS events and news. Focus is to manage the PTO calendar and updates for weekly newsletter (~1 hr per week)
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Graphic designer - Use PTO Canva account to update and create graphics to promote events (1-2 hrs per month)
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Social media - Schedule posts to communicate updates via WMS social channel (~1-2 hr per month)
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Website - Update contact list prior to new school year and be available for minor updates/questions
Caregiver Enrichment Chair
Organize quarterly caregiver facing discussions focused on student well being, parenting and school curriculum. Work with the WMS principal to identify topics and guest speakers.
Staff Appreciation Team
Coordinate events throughout the year to celebrate and thank our staff. Work under the direction of the Staff Appreciation Chair and with other team members.
6th Grade Class Representatives (3)
Work with the house leaders to organize a potluck dinner for the staff for Back to School Night and Math Night. Coordinate an ice cream sundae bar for students on Math Night. Help with other activities if needed (i.e field day).
7th Grade Parent Representatives
Work with the house leaders to organize a potluck dinner for the staff for Back to School Night. Work with the house leaders to organize the Holiday Helpers Thanksgiving gift basket drive. Help with other activities if needed (i.e. field day).
8th Grade Parent Representatives
Work with the house leaders to plan the 8th Grade end of school year dance including the food, entertainment and decor. Solicit volunteers to help with the set up and clean up.
Wayside Gift Drive Coordinators- Work with Wayside Youth and Family Services and other WMS volunteers to establish an Amazon gift list for recipients residing at Wayside. Volunteers also participate in the gift wrapping event at Wayside in early December.
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Stay up to date on school news, events and helpful reminders.
Look for “Wayland MS PTO” and request to join.
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