From the Desk of Mr. Anthony Corrente

Good Afternoon Parents/ Guardians:

As you may know, we began the third quarter as of Friday. Once teachers have completed their grades, our guidance department will review each child’s grades and teams may be contacting you with their concerns for your son/daughter’s transition to the next grade level.

This month, eighth graders will begin to choose their classes for next year as well as teachers will make preliminary recommendations for ninth grade placement. Although, the process is beginning soon, I have re-emphasized to the eighth graders that by no means is school over. Teachers make preliminary recommendations that may or may not change based on 3rd and 4th quarter grades. It is important for both of us, the school and home to continue the high expectations that we expect from our students. It is for the betterment of their future.

Congratulations to Ms. Dawn Giarrusso!! Ms. G. who serves as a special educator, math teacher and TAC teacher, in addition to our student council moderator, was recently honored as a Nationally Board Certified Teacher. This is a year project from start to the release of the final scores for teachers to take on, in addition to their regular duties. CONGRATULATIONS MS. GIARRUSSO!!!

Accolades are also in order for students Elysha Sameth and Gretchen Thompson. Both were recently recipients of the Scholastic Art Award for creativity in our regional competition. Elysha won the Gold Key award and will have her work displayed at the national competition in New York City. Gretchen won the Silver Key. Currently, both of their masterpieces’ are being showcased at an exhibit at the Dorrance H. Hamilton Gallery at Salve Regina College in Newport.

In December, half of our eighth graders took the State’s Technology Assessment. I am proud to see that Western Hills students scored above the City, State and National averages when compared to their peers. This is a tribute to the students, Mr. Gamba, Mr. Mckenna, as well as yourselves for continually promoting high expectations and the use of 21st century skills to enhance their academics.

Parents, please remember that the annual Survey Works questionnaire is currently available for all parents. Parents are asked to complete a brief survey responding to questions about Western Hills. The information is used to develop and implement changes to improve the safety, instruction or leadership at the school. This is a survey for all Rhode Island schools.

The survey can be found online at www.surveyworks.ride.ri.gov and the school code is rest. If you do not have internet access, we can give to you a printed version of the questions for you to mail your responses in. Please contact the main office if you would like one sent home. I encourage you all to complete the survey. This gives to me as well as District administration valuable information that we use to move forward in the coming year(s). It only takes about 10 minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous. Soon, students as well as faculty and staff will also participate in the survey.

Intramurals will soon be starting up again. Below are dates for the start of each activity. Students should listen to the announcements as well as speak to their PE teacher if they wish to participate. It is wonderful to see the turnout that we have been having for intramurals. How great it is to see so many students stay after with their peers and teachers. Once again, thank you to our PTO for continuing to sponsor our after-school activities.

As many of you I am sure heard, last week our PE department held our annual Dodge Ball Tournament. Over 200 students in 7th and 8th grade participated in the three day after school event. Unfortunately, the students showed their age on Friday by dominating the faculty teams. But there is always next year. It was great to see such a turnout by all stakeholders, students, faculty & staff as well as parents. It was a great time for all and another well-done event put on by our PE staff. As one parent stated to me, and I certainly agree with her, “there is so much spirit at this school.”

Today, we will hold our 2nd quarter C.O.B.R.A. Code celebration. This is for students who have been recognized by a staff member by promoting and following the elements of the CODE. Cooperation, On-Task, Be Prepared, Respectful/Responsible, and Accountable. This quarter we have over 270 students eligible to attend. Our P.B.I.S. committee and their C.O.B.R.A. Code has really made a difference at Western Hills. The data shows that there were 100 fewer referrals written the first quarter of this year when compare to the 2010-2011 school year.

Parents, in the event that the Superintendent calls for an unexpected early dismissal due to weather, etc, we will dismiss at 12:50. We will do as much as we can to notify you in advance via email should this have to occur. Hopefully not.

Some important dates to remember:

Feb. 1 Girls Intramural Weight Training Begins After school

Feb. 3 Report Cards sent home with students

Feb. 7 Girls and Boys Intramural Basketball Begins

Feb. 8 Girls and Boys Intramural Floor Hockey Begins

Feb. 9 PTO Meeting 7:00 p.m. WHMS Media Center

Feb 10th School Dance 6:30- 8:30p.m. WHMS Cafeteria

(All school rules apply during dances)

Feb 20-24th Winter Vacation

Feb. 27 School Resumes

March 1 PTO Meeting 7:00p.m. WHMS Media Center

March 15 7th to 8th Grade Parent/Student Transition Night WHMS Auditorium

March 9-16 PTO Book Fair

Have a great week and enjoy this wonderful weather that we have been having thus far this winter!

Anthony Corrente

Principal, Western Hills Middle School