Weekly Family Message

This is a reminder that Monday, January 19 is a student and staff holiday to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. King taught us that "The time is always right to do what is right." At WMS, we are committed to keeping his dream alive by fostering a community of kindness, respect, and service.

This week, we challenge our students and families to do one act of service for a neighbor or friend. Let’s build the "Beloved Community" together!

Nominations Are Open for the 2025-2026 Golden Apple!

We are excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025-26 Golden Apple Awards, a program designed to honor outstanding teachers in public and private schools in Albemarle County and Charlottesville City. From now until Monday, January 26, 2026, students, staff, families, and community members may nominate a teacher for this honor using the link above. Teachers who have won in the past three years are not eligible. You can view past WMS winners here: WMS Golden Apple Winners  

 

Attention 8th grade students! 

Are you interested in learning more about taking AVID 9 at Monticello High School?  You do not need to have taken AVID in the past or be currently enrolled in AVID 8 in order to apply.  Join us during WIN on Friday, January 23 to learn more.  We will complete applications on Monday, January 26 during WIN. Applications are due Friday, January 30.  Please contact Ms. Meekins

(mmeekins@k12albemarle.org) if you have questions.

 

Wildcat Wows!

We are looking to recognize all the amazing things that our students and staff do, both at school and in the community. If you have a Wildcat Wow to share please use the link above. 

 

Congratulations to the following students for winning the Patriots Pen Essay contest at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1827! We are so proud of these students and their excellent work!

• 1st Place- Daphne Strumlauf
• 2nd Place- Olive Snow
• 3rd Place- Caleb Peacock

 

Shout out to Joshua Morris. Joshua’s bus driver noted this week how he has acted as a leader on the bus in helping out with a student who has had some moments of distress. Joshua has shown kindness and compassion that exemplifies being a Wildcat!

 

Shout out to T.J. Steger! “Mr. Steger built new sturdier soccer goals for our students to use at break. We appreciate Mr. Steger’s dedication and commitment to our students’ well-being and his excellent building skills!”

 

Shout out to Pete Passalacqua! “Mr. P consistently goes above and beyond for the students he works with. Not only does he ensure that the students on his caseload are supported, cared for, and successful, but he also looks out for all students in the building. Mr. P is always willing to step in, problem-solve, and support both students and staff without hesitation. His dedication, positive attitude, and teamwork make him an incredible asset to our team. We are truly lucky to have him and appreciate everything he does each day.”

 

This Coming Week

Monday, January 19-Martin Luther King Jr. Day-No School

Tuesday, January 20-A DAY

Wednesday, January 21-B Day

Thursday, January 22-A Day

• Jazz Band Field Trip to Burley MS

Friday, January 23-B Day

 

Upcoming Dates

January 26-6th Grade and 8th Grade Drama Field Trip to Paramount Theater

January 27-Winter SOL Growth Testing-Reading

January 29-Winter SOL Growth Testing-Math

January 30-Drama Performance-The Legend of Sleepy Hollow-2:45 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. 

February 2-6-National School Counseling Week

February 10-National History Day Expo-5:30-7:00 p.m.

February 13 and 14-All District Choir Auditions

February 16-Teacher Work Day-No School for Students

February 17-Professional Development Day-No School for Students