Alumni Pizza Party

Welcome Back! You can say a lot of things about WMS alumni. They tend to be self-confident, respectful, accomplished people who take a sincere interest in the world around them. Another aspect of having attended this school is that friendships established here tend to last. This was particularly evident at the annual Alumni Pizza party last Friday evening. We were thrilled to host a group of nearly 100 alumni students and their families, with the guests of honor being current sixth graders, their parents, and siblings. Warm relationships begun at WMS were renewed as friends greeted each other and caught up on the latest happenings. It was particularly heartwarming to see an entire table of 21 and 22 year olds from the classes of 1996 and 1997, many of whom had been friends since their preschool days. A panel of alumni ranging from recent grads to one just finishing up her masters degree answered questions from the Class of 2007 and their parents. Over and over again, alumni expressed the opinion that they had been well-prepared to face the challenges of middle school and felt they benefitted greatly from having learned good study and research skills. When asked what counsel they would give current sixth graders, they advised students to be themselves, speak up, and get involved in school activities. They assured their young friends that they had the skills they would need to get over any rough patches if they would just do their best and ask for help when they needed it. What good advice!

WMS Alumni Pizza Party

Friday, Jan. 11, 2008
6:30pm in the WMS Great Room

Guests of Honor:
Current WMS 6th Graders and their parents

Alumni Parents — as major contributors to the production of our wonderful alumni, you are most welcome to attend!

RSVP joanne_waters@wmsde.org by 1/7/08.

Even if you are unable to attend, please send us your email address so we can keep in touch.

Alumni Pizza Party--Welcome Home!

WMS families, past and present, always seem to be glad to see each other!

On January 5th, 2007 over 100 members of our community, including sixth graders, alumni, their families, and staff, came together to catch up on life events and enjoy pizza and ice cream.

A panel of WMS alumni, ranging from seventh graders to a college senior, fielded questions from students and parents. Their experience reflected attendance at public middle and high schools, Friends School, Tatnall, Padua Academy, and the University of Delaware.

These important comments were repeated by many of them:

• Students felt that WMS prepared them well academically, especially in math. Several were able to test out of their assigned math class in favor of a more challenging class.
• Organizational and time management skills learned at WMS served them well.
• There was appreciation expressed for "attitudes" fostered at WMS. Students felt they had learned good manners and respect for others.
• Alumni described some of the challenges of adapting to a new learning environment. Having a different teacher for each subject, expanded homework assignments, and test taking were situations that took some getting used to.
• However, students found their teachers to be very helpful and soon became more comfortable with new routines. Their comments reflected that they were not only capable, but adaptable, as well!

What recommendations did alumni have for current sixth graders? "Get involved in your new school--it's a great way to meet new friends. You will have many opportunities for interesting activities, but don't over-schedule yourself!"

Good advice!

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