SOAR with WRMS March Newsletter |
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In this edition: Principal's Office, AP Helmer's & Davenport's Corners, Birthday Marquee, Attendance Office, District News, City of San Ramon, Allergy Season & School Wishlist, PTSA & Heritage Night, Library Info & Attendance. |
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MARCH 3/9 - Daylight Saving Time Starts
3/14 - Teacher Floating Work Day - NO SCHOOL 3/17 - 3/21 - Family First Week
3/17 - PTSA Meeting @ 7pm (Virtual)
3/19 - 3/21 - Spring Conferences - MINIMUM DAY SCHEDULE
3/28 - School Site Council Meeting @ 7:30am APRIL
4/4 - Wellness Day - MINIMUM DAY SCHEDULE 4/7 - 4/11 - Spring Break - NO SCHOOL |
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Hello Falcons,
We have officially completed our seventh month of school. With only three months left in the school year. It’s a great time for us to reflect on what our students may need for us to finish out the 24/25 school year and to celebrate how hard our students (and all the adults in our school community) have been working to grow as lifelong learners in both academics and as compassionate human beings.
Every year, each school in the district nominates one classified and one certificated employee as their Employee of the Year. This year, our Certificated Employee of the Year is Kirstin Souza. Mrs. Souza has been a Falcon for 18 years, and her love for the students and care for the students and everyone in this school community continues to be as strong - if not stronger - than her first day on campus. Aside from bring an amazing Core 6 teacher, she is a Club Advisor to several student clubs each year and is a critical support for our students in the Annual National History Day event. She is also active in various district level committees, including our ATP program and AVID. Ms. Souza embodies what it means to be an educator who is not only invested in academic achievement but also in the holistic growth of every student she teaches. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as a part of our school community, and this nomination is a reflection of the profound impact she has on all those around her. As you can see, Mrs. Souza’s commitment to lifelong learning is a model for all of us to follow.
Our Classified Employee of the Year is Kimber Monticelli. If you’ve ever been in the front office, you know her as the enthusiastic and energetic Secretary who loves the Boston Red Sox. As one of the first people to arrive on campus each morning, she makes sure that everyone’s school day starts off on the right foot. As a former San Ramon Valley parent, she was active in her son's school volunteering to help elementary school students navigate introduction to technology as well as serving as a board member at her school's Education Fund. Her dedication to our students and our family and staff is also another model for us to follow. We celebrate not only her exceptional work ethic and her significant contributions to our school, but also the empathetic and inspiring spirit she brings to WRMS every day. And this year she has been selected as the San Ramon Valley Unified School District classified employee of the year!
One of the many things that I am just as proud of with our students is the leadership that they are showing on our campus. One thing I want to highlight is how many student clubs we have on campus that are all run by Windemere Ranch Middle School - not high school students or outside organizations; these are small communities that are built on your students’ own interests and passions. With over 30 student clubs so far, there is at least one club for every student; and if we don’t have a club that represents something a student is interested in or wants to know more about, our staff makes sure they have the opportunity to create one that reflects them and their peers. Any student who is interested in creating a club should follow this process to get started and make sure that your student reaches out to a staff member to be their club advisor. Our clubs meet on Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week right after school; make sure you click here to see our current club list. I encourage you to talk with your student to see which clubs they’re already a part of as well as help your students identify some clubs, that they may want to join or even star.
Speaking about the life of the middle schooler, some of the latest things you’ll want to talk about with your students include the respectful use of our shared spaces. While we were able to identify the students who were responsible for the bathroom vandalism a few weeks back (soap dispensers taken off the wall and put in toilets or stuffed toilet toilets and urinals with paper towels), we are seeing additional students making the same choices. We need your help and support in talking with your students at home about what it means to be in community with one another. We talk about compassion, kind words and actions towards each other; it is also equally important for our students to remember that "pranks" such as this impact our school community as well. It is important to note that, as we talked with the students, we were finding that some of them were aware of who was making these choices, but chose not to report them. We were also finding out that some students think it is not a big deal and that it’s only a joke. I asked that you please talk with your students to enforce just how serious this is; much time and effort is spent to address these matters. The arduous physical cleanup and maintenance work, the hours of investigation that involves talking to multiple students, reviewing hall pass logs for specific times during the day. These are just some of the things that happen when a student or groups of students make the choice to willfully destroy shared community spaces. It is disrespectful to their peers, to the adults on campus, and to the adults at home. If your student has information about who is behind these recent bathroom incidents, please email your Assistant Principals immediately so that this can be addressed right away.
We are also seeing an increased presence of “gag” items such as fart spray. Some of you may remember this from when you were their age as with many things. The expectation is that we are all in alignment in enforcing that items like this don’t belong here on campus during the school day and at school events as it is disruptive, distracting, and it is highly inappropriate. Students should not even have items like this in their possession when they are on our school campus. It may have been a while since some of you have gone through your student’s backpack, and I encourage you to do this letting your students know that you are aware of what’s happening on our campus and that you are a partner in making sure that your own student is not contributing to this. As you talk with your students at home, please also reach out to our Assistant Principals if you have information about these types of gag items.
All that being said, we know that our students are middle schoolers; they are going to make choices that may not be the best ones at times. The most important thing, and what I always say to our students is that "when we make these kinds of choices that negatively impact others the most important thing is taking responsibility for what we’ve chosen to do." While the consequences will be there, the priority is ensuring our students learn how their choices impact others and themselves, as well as understanding that harm is being done, and that they are responsible for addressing that harm with the support of the adults on campus and their adults at home. Taking responsibility for their choices and making sure to make things right for those harmed is another lifelong skill that I expect each of our students to be working on daily. And all of us -families and staff- are here to support them through all of it.
We also have Spring Conference days coming up March 19 through the 21st. These are Minimum Days with student release at 11:45am. Unlike an elementary school, not all students receive a conference. These conferences are aimed at getting your students team of support together so that we can all align our efforts at school, at home with the adults, and the student to ensure that they have the support they need to not only meet academic and behavioral expectations, but also the idea of our students being lifelong learners and empathetic critical thinkers. Our counseling office will be reaching out to families to schedule these conferences soon. Again, if you have a concern you can always reach out to your student’s teachers and or counselors.
It's going to take all of us to make sure that each of our students have an amazing March, and overall school year.
This is the time that our PTSA and our WRMS Ed Fund start to fill their boards for the upcoming school year. Our parent/caregiver volunteers have been absolutely amazing this year and because of their dedication to the school community our students have access to celebratory events to daily after school homework support, access to a variety of electives, smaller class sizes than most middle schools, wellness days that prioritize teenage wellness. Together with these organizations, Windermere continues to be an amazing learning space for all. Please look out for further communication from our PTSA and Ed Fund about opportunities for the upcoming school year.
Together, we are always better. Go Falcons! |
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| Dear Windemere Middle School Families, Please remember the importance of following traffic laws to keep our students safe. Recently we’ve noticed several caregivers making illegal turns onto East Branch Parkway from Bollinger Canyon Road, particularly during school hours. This behavior is not only against the law but also puts our students at serious risk.
One of the most concerning issues is that some drivers are turning right on a red light during restricted hours. As a reminder, there is a sign that clearly states “No Turn on Red” from 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM on school days. We ask that everyone respect these times to avoid dangerous situations.
Additionally, drivers are turning from the middle lane, which is not permitted. According to the traffic signs, turns can only be made from the rightmost lane. Violating this rule not only causes traffic confusion but also puts pedestrians—especially our students—at risk as they cross the street.
We are concerned because there have been close calls where students almost got hit in the crosswalk due to drivers not following these traffic regulations. The safety of our students is our top priority, and we are asking for your cooperation in ensuring that our school zone remains safe for everyone.
Please take a moment to review the traffic signs and follow the rules as you drop off or pick up your child. I have also included a picture for your reference. Let’s work together to make sure our school is a safe environment for all. Thank you for your attention to this important matter! Warm regards,
Christine Helmer
Assistant Principal, Windemere Middle School |
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Hi Families, 🌿 Wellness Day – Returning in April 🌿 We’re excited to bring back Wellness Day on April 4 — our second of the year! This special day is designed to help students recharge, reflect, and engage in activities that support their well-being. From mindfulness sessions to movement-based activities and creative outlets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Be sure to check Infinite Campus at the end of March for the full list of offerings. We encourage students to explore their options and take advantage of this opportunity to focus on their wellness. Stay tuned for more details! 🍎Microwave Reminders + Lunch Options 🍽️
We've noticed an increase in burnt food incidents in our microwaves — especially popcorn! Many students are using popcorn as lunch, as well, or sharing with friends, but we’ve found an increase in popcorn on the floor creating a mess for all students. To keep our lunch areas safe and enjoyable for everyone, we kindly remind students to use the microwaves responsibly and follow proper heating instructions. Thank you for helping us keep our school a safe and welcoming space for all! 💻 Chromebook Usage
A friendly reminder that school issued Chromebooks should be used for instructional purposes during school hours and at home. We appreciate your support in reinforcing responsible digital citizenship at home. Students are expected to stay on task, avoid distractions like gaming or social media, and use their devices responsibly, as well as their school Google accounts.
Please review the SRVUSD Technology Responsible Use Agreement that you and your student signed at registration. Families, we appreciate your support in reinforcing these expectations at home. Let’s work together to ensure technology is used as a tool for learning and success! 🚲 Street Smarts Safety Assembly – March 18 🚦
On March 18, our students will participate in a Street Smarts Safety Assembly, designed to promote safe and responsible travel within our community. This engaging presentation will cover crosswalk etiquette, helmet laws, bike and scooter regulations, avoiding distractions, and more—helping students stay safe while biking, scootering, or skateboarding to school. Corporal Wickman, our school resource officer, will be joining us as well! Thank you for supporting student safety! 🚴♂️🛴
Thanks for all you do. We’re looking forward to a wonderful March full of fun! Best, Stephanie Davenport |
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Allergy Season is upon us & we need Kleenex |
Please help our classrooms and offices with Kleenex! Any amount would be greatly appreciated! Sign up to bring Kleenex or any other goodies for our staff!
If you would like to show our teachers and staff some appreciation, this is an easy way to do so. Our school health room can also use some snacks and other various supplies when students are ill. Thank you for your continuous support for our staff, students, and community.
Wish List can be found here: Sign Up Genius |
Marquee Birthday Messages! |
Wish your child Happy Birthday on our School Marquee by purchasing a birthday message! As you drive into the school you will see your child's name in lights with a small message from you! Birthdays that are on a weekend or non-school day can be displayed on a day of your choice. Requests must be submitted 48 hours in advance to ensure time to program the message. Summer birthday? Have your message posted over the summer or on a day of your choice! Questions? Email Ms. Monticelli
Each message is only $20! Pay Online or with Check or Cash
Please fill out this form and return it, with payment, to the front office. Please see pages 6-7 of the WRMS Student Handbook regarding Food, Flowers, Desserts, etc. on campus. *Please note*
All messages will be displayed for 1 day. |
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February flew by, but not without some exciting library happenings! Despite being the shortest month of the year, 1,338 books were checked out – proving that great reads are always in demand.
6th graders visited the library to learn how to have productive conversations using evidence, tackling the topic: Do violent video games contribute to a violent youth? Meanwhile, Mr. Heagle’s class wrapped up their survival book unit with a thrilling Breakout EDU game as their culminating activity.
In 7th grade, Ms. Teevens' class dove into book clubs exploring literature through the lens of power, while Ms. Eastman and Ms. Nishihira's classes focused on the Refugee Crisis through their book selections. Across all grades, we explored how to use AI for research in an ethical way, preparing students to navigate new technologies thoughtfully.
We celebrated the Lunar New Year by showing Kubo and the Two Strings at lunch and are now looking ahead to Women's History Month by highlighting women writers, strong female characters, and women who have changed history. This month, students can try their luck with our ChatGPT book matchmaking service – if the AI gets it right, they'll receive their perfect book match just in time for St. Patrick’s Day! Happy Reading! Julie Garrahan - Librarian |
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PTSA - Seeking Officers for 2025/2026 |
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GET INVOLVED WITH WRMS! SEEKING NEW PTSA OFFICERS FOR 2025-26
Are you looking for a way to get more involved and stay informed about everything happening at WRMS? PTSA invites current students, parents, and community members to consider serving on the 2025-26 WRMS PTSA Leadership Team. Nominate yourself or someone else to join our team! VIEW THE INTEREST/NOMINATION FORM
Please submit nominations by Thursday, March 10th. For questions, contact Shivangi Bhatt , Sri Sudha Pandrangi, Emma Castro or Arpita Doshi
Job descriptions for the elected positions can be found at http://toolkit.capta.org/job-descriptions/table-of-contents/ Elections will be held during the March/April WRMS PTSA Association meeting. The details for this meeting will be sent out soon.
Please submit nominations by March 10, 2025 using the form link. |
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Transfer & Enrollment Reminder
For 2025-26, all Intradistrict Transfer Requests must be submitted by May 1, 2025. Visit the Intradistrict Transfers webpage for more information. Please note that if your student is currently attending school in the district and will be moving on to middle or high school next year, and they are planning to attend the school they are assigned to based on residence, you do not need to submit a transfer request or submit a new student enrollment application for their enrollment to move from elementary to middle or from middle to high school.
More info: Sandy Cattarusa |
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In-person Dyslexia Simulation - An Interactive Event for Families & Staff When: Thursday, March 20, 6:00–7:30 PM Where: SRVUSD Boardrooms
The SRV Council of PTAs’ Exceptional Education Committee is hosting an in-person, interactive workshop that will help individuals gain a better understanding of and empathy for children and adults with dyslexia. Leaders of Decoding Dyslexia CA’s Tri-Valley Dyslexia Support Group will facilitate the experience. The event is designed for adults, but families with older children may wish to participate together. Guests from other school districts are welcome! |
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March Resolutions & Resources
At this week’s regular Board of Education meeting, the following March Resolution presentations were shared: Women’s History Month
San Ramon Valley Unified School District recognizes the month of March as Women’s History Month. Women of every race and ethnic background have contributed to our country’s triumphs and accomplishments in countless ways and continue to play critical roles in the economic, cultural, and social spheres of our nation. Women of diverse backgrounds have served as leaders at the forefront of every major progressive social change movement and although their efforts have been overlooked or undervalued in the past, they hold an important place in the body of American and world history.
Arts Education Month
San Ramon Valley Unified School District recognizes the month of March as Arts Education Month. Education in the arts is an indispensable part of basic education for all students to enhance their understanding of the world and to develop to their full potential. Instruction in the arts helps children foster creativity, self-expression, and discipline. The arts are also important repositories of culture and experience. SRVUSD is proud to focus on the value of arts education, especially during the month of March.
Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month
San Ramon Valley Unified School District recognizes the month of March as Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month. Prescription medications such as stimulants, sedatives, and opioids hold powerful medical benefits however can have serious consequences and additive risks. Overdoses are on the rise in our community, county and nation. SRVUSD participates in the CA Department of Health Services’ Naloxone Distribution Project and district schools have a stock of the opioid overdose rescue medication Naloxone. SRVUSD encourages drug abuse awareness, education, and prevention of all citizens.
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The City of San Ramon Teen Council Ambassadors have put out a survey, and SRVUSD encourages all middle and high school students across the district to participate! The survey asks teens about their organizational skills in school, study habits, and academic life. Take the survey today. |
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| Arriving late to school:
Students arriving to school after the bell rings to their first class period must sign in at the attendance office before going to class. If a student arrives to school 30 minutes after their school day has started, a parent note or phone call is required (p. 10-11, WRMS Student Handbook). Leaving during the day: If a student must be dismissed before the end of the school day, an email, a phone call or note must be given to the attendance office in advance.
The parent or guardian must come to the attendance window to sign the student out. Additional information on leaving early can be found on page 11 of the Student Handbook. |
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Advisory / Tutorials Students are responsible for signing up in advance for Monday and Thursday Tutorials.
Students should check their schedule in the Student Portal everyday to ensure they are attending the correct Tutorial. If the student does not attend their assigned tutorial they will be marked absent. If they have gone to a class other than their assigned tutorial, it is the student's responsibility to have that teacher email school attendance. Parents are not able to clear these absences. Additionally, student's who do not attend the correct Tutorial will receive consequences.
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Tardies: Students who arrive to class after the bell rings for any of their class periods will be considered and marked tardy for that class. Accumulated tardies within the quarter will receive the following consequences: The 5th tardy will result in a lunch detention The 8th tardy will result in an after school detention 10 tardies or more may result in a Saturday School Please see the WRMS Student Handbook/Planner (p. 10-11) for more information regarding our tardy policy.
Please remember that the only absences that are excused are illnesses and medical/dental appointments. To report an absence, please call the 24 Hour Hotline or send an email with student first & last name, student ID # and reason for absence.
925-479-7470 / wrattend@srvusd.net |
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We love parent volunteers!
All volunteers must apply through Be A Mentor. All information and details as well as links to apply can be found HERE on the District Website.
*If you are already cleared through Be A Mentor, be sure to log into your account Dashboard and add Windemere Ranch as your student's school. Please note, you must provide proof of TB clearance every 4 years. |
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Digital Classroom Support |
- You will find a lot of great information in your student's planner. Please take a minute and read the School Rules section with your student.
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If your student has forgotten their lunch at home, you may drop it off outside the main office on the grade level lunch carts.
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Please do not have a meal delivery service (Uber Eats, Door Dash, etc.) deliver lunch to your student. If you choose to bring your student food from a restaurant, please place the food in a distinguishable lunch box or plain bag labeled with student name, rather than the restaurant bag to avoid any mix-ups.
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If your student forgets something at home, you may bring it into the office. Students may pick it up only during passing period, break or lunchtime.
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Windemere Ranch Middle
11611 East Branch Pkwy., San Ramon, CA 94582
(925) 479-7400 |
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