WMS Academics
Our curriculum and instruction intertwine concepts, content, and skills to engage students providing them with opportunities to develop and demonstrate their proficiency in the following district foundational, academic, personal, and social competencies.
Curriculum
The sixth grade program is designed to meet the needs of each sixth grade student and ensure that their first year at Weston Middle School is both educational and rewarding.
6th Grade Supply List
- three ring binder
- dividers
- reinforced loose leaf paper
- 5 marble composition journals lined
- 1 marble composition journals graph
- 11 pocket folders (10 for English, 1 for Foreign Language)
- Spiral 1-subject notebook
- blue pens
- 1 red or colored pen
- 5 dozen pencils
- erasers
- white out
- colored pencils
- highlighters
- paper bag books covers (no book sox please, they damage the spine and corners of the book)
- post-it notes
- metric ruler
- four function calculator
- index cards
- Spanish-English or French-English dictionaries
ACADEMICS
Grade 6
TEAM LEADERS: Michele Clark and Marilyn Harasiuk
Welcome to the sixth grade. This will be a year of exciting and educational experiences. The sixth grade program at Weston Middle School is one that provides students with an academically challenging curriculum. Together with students, the sixth grade teachers work to ensure that all students are successful in their transition from the intermediate school to the middle school.
Throughout the year students will be offered unique opportunities to explore the subjects of English, math, science, and social studies. In addition, students are exposed to a number of other courses offered through our diverse Practical and Fine Arts program. A more detailed description of our 6th grade program course offerings is listed under Grade 6 Curriculum.
6th Grade Staff Leaders
Team Leaders
Michele Clark
Marilyn Harasiuk
6th Grade Staff
See a directory list of all our 6th grade staff & teachers
FAQs
Get answers to our most often asked grade 6 questions.
STAFF
6th Grade Staff
INVENTORS
Team Leader: Marilyn Harasiuk
Team:
- Sheila Cooperman
- Connie Clark
- G Ferro/M Harasiuk
- Melissa Souza
- Eliza Cole
- Luiza Kozminsky/C Geel
- Brenda Steensa
- Jennifer Nolle-Berg
PFA TEAM
J. Holmes – Team Leader
Betsy Fogarty/Holly Hawthorne – Art
Evan Grace – Music, Choir
Jeff Holmes – Band/Music
M Smart-Music, Orchestra
Koryn Soboleski – Music, Band
Matt Medve – PE
Tim Murray – PE/Health
C. Wolf-Gallo – PE/Health
Patty Powers- PE/Health
Liz Morris – Music
John FitzGerald – Music
Rebecca Kaplan – Tech & Engineer
Amanda Quaintance – Project Challenge
Rich Blozie – Library, Media Center
A DiTocco – Tech & Engineering
Guidance Staff
Counselor: Jen Doyle
English
English
Math
SpEd
Social Studies
World Language
World Language
Science
PUPIL SERVICES TEAM
Ann Soutar – Team Leader
Marci Ames/M Souza
Lindsay Murphy
Amy Kreutzer
Tiffany Pena
Nicholas Martorano
Tom Ragusa
Laura Greene
Jen Doyle
Ande Ogden
Lauren Davi
M O’Connor/Martine King
INNOVATORS
Team Leader: Michele Clark
Team:
- Dana Goetz/S Kolodney
- Peter Dey
- Michele Clark/Greg Ferro
- Amy Kreutzer
- Shara Kolodney
- L Kozminsky/Colleen Geel
- Christina Donigian
- Allison Kovac
WORLD LANGUAGE TEAM
Gretchen Mancuso
Brenda Steensma
Christina Donigian
Colleen Geel
Luiza Kosminsky
FAQ
Grade 6 Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need everyday for school?
You should refer to the sixth grade supply list linked on this website. Your teachers will provide you with specific details about what you need for class.
Where do I keep my belongings?
Each student is assigned a locker with a combination lock. You should keep your backpack and personal belongings in your locker. Only a frameless backpack will fit into your locker. Knowing how to use a combination lock prior to the start of school is recommended.
How much homework are we assigned?
Sixth grade students average between one to two hours of homework per night. This includes one-half hour of independent reading each night. Homework is posted daily by each teacher on his or her website.
What are some of the activities for grade six?
Some activities include morning intramurals, student government, sports programs, band, orchestra, chorus, and various clubs. We encourage students to get involved and become a contributing member of the WMS community.
What are PFAs?
PFA stands for Practical and Fine Arts, which includes classes such as art, music, computer, physical education, Spanish, and technology education.
What is switching classes like?
Switching classes will be something new to you, so it might take some time for you to adjust. Teachers recognize that this is a new experience and will be there to guide you during this transition. During the four to five minutes between switching classes, you will have an opportunity to attend to your personal needs, such as using the restroom or going to your locker.
What does it mean to be on a team?
Everyone is assigned to one of two teams (blue or gold). Each team consists of a group of teachers. Within one team is a social studies, science, math and English teacher. Students on the same team will have the same academic teachers. Curriculum is the same for all sixth grade students.
How can I find out whether or not a book is too hard for my child?
Use the Five Finger Rule – Open a book to a page in the middle and have your child start reading. Each time he/she misses a word, or questions the meaning of a word, fold down a finger. If you have all five fingers down by the end of the page, the book is probably too hard for your child. If your child attempts to read it independently, it may increase his/her frustration level.
How long is lunch and recess?
Sixth grade lunch is thirty minutes. When weather permits, all students go outside for recess during part of the lunch period.
How do I keep organized?
All students are required to keep an assignment book. Teachers suggest using the assignment book available through school. Additionally, all students should have a 2-inch, 3-ring binder and work towards never having any loose papers in the binder. Time management is also key to organization.
Curriculum
Our Seventh Grade program is designed to meet the neds of each seventh grade student and ensure that their second year at Weston Middle School is both educational and rewarding.
ACADEMICS
Grade 7
Team Leaders: Andrew Marone and Barbara George
The seventh grade curriculum is designed to reinforce and extend key concepts and academic skills learned in sixth grade classes. The seventh grade program fuels intellectual excitement and guides students in more advanced learning while encouraging the development of critical thinking skills in an effort to prepare students for future academic years. A variety of instructional strategies such as differentiation, inquiry learning, cooperative learning, and interdisciplinary units is used to provide meaningful learning opportunities for our students.
Seventh grade teachers are committed to preparing students for a rigorous eighth grade year by working closely with students to help them to develop the self-confidence and independence necessary to be lifelong learners. Seventh graders are appreciated and their specific needs are understood. Students are positively encouraged to participate actively and to take ownership of their learning.
7th Grade Staff
See a directory of our 7th grade team roaster and staff
FAQs
Get answers to our most often asked grade 7 questions.
STAFF
7th Grade Team Roaster
ADVENTURERS
Team Leader: Andrew Marone
Team:
- Laura Greene/M Souza
- Meredith Buckley
- Alyson Agler
- Patty Nizlek
- Gretchen Mancuso
- Christina Donigian/L. Kosminsky
- Andrew Marone
PFA TEAM
P Powers – Team Leader
Betsy Fogarty – Art
Liz Morris – Music, Choir
Evan Grace – Music, General
Jeff Holmes – Band/Music
Koryn Soboleski – Music, Band
Meghan Smart – Music, Orch.
Steve Santora- PE/Health
Matt Medve – PE/Health
Patty Powers- PE/Health
MaryFaith Blank – PE/Health
Rich Blozie – Tech & Engineering
Rebecca Kaplan – Tech & Engineer
Peggy Jorgensen – Project Challenge
Aimee Shuhart – Library/Media Center
Guidance Staff
Counselor: Ande Ogden
- SpEd
- English
- Math
- Science
- World Language
- World Language
- Social Studies
PUPIL SERVICES TEAM
Ann Soutar – Team Leader
Marci Ames
Melinda Desposito
Amy Kreutzer
Tiffany Pena
Laura Andrews
Tom Ragusa
Jennifer Gumpert
Jen Doyle
Ande Ogden
Lauren Davi
Melissa Souza
Meghan Skelton
EXPLORERS
Team Leader: Barbara George
Team:
- Laura Greene
- Peter Dey/ J Baldwin
- Greg Ferro
- Cathy Collins
- Gretchen Mancuso
- Luiza Kosminsky/C Donigian
- Barbara George
WORLD LANGUAGE TEAM
Gretchen Mancuso
Colleen Geel
Luiza Kosminsky
Christina Donigian
Nohelia Colon
FAQ
Grade 7 Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to purchase and write down my homework in an assignment notebook since the teachers post their assignments on Teacher Web?
Writing down your homework assignments every day for all your subjects is mandatory in 7th grade and an important part of your success. Although teachers do post the homework on Teacher Web, this resource should be used as a back up to the homework posted in the classroom daily by your teacher.
Do I get my own locker?
Absolutely! During the first few days of school, your homeroom teacher will provide you with a locker and a combination only you should know. Your locker should be neatly organized and used for textbooks, binders, and your jacket. Locker times will be scheduled by your teaching team.
Do teachers have extra help if I do not understand something?
Extra help is offered by all your teachers either before school or after school! The schedule of extra help is posted on this website and all teachers will tell you their extra help times during the first few days of school. Extra help is a time when you can receive more individualized attention and review any questions you may have about the subject material.
When do we go to Nature's Classroom?
Nature’s Classroom is one of the highlights of 7th grade! This field experience is usually the fourth week in October in beautiful Silver Bay, New York! Details to follow!
Do I need certain supplies?
Yes! There is a General Supply List on the 7th grade website. These supplies will help you prepare for the start of your seventh grade. Individual teachers may also request other supplies for their particular discipline! You always need a pencil or pen, your binder, and your willingness to learn for all classes.
How much homework can I expect every night?
You can expect approximately 20 minutes each night for each of your five academic subjects for a total of one and one half hours. Homework includes reviewing for tests and quizzes, note taking, and working toward the completion of long term and independent projects.
What should I do if I am absent or have a music lesson?
You should see your teacher the day you return to school to make up class work and homework assignments. You can always check Teacher Web to get a head start
Curriculum
Our 8th grade program is designed to meet the needs of each eighth grade students and ensure that they are prepared for the transition to high school.
8th Grade Supply List
- Three ring binders or zipper binders (2)
- Notebook dividers
- College ruled lined paper
- College ruled notebooks (6-8)
- Blue or black pens (2 Pkgs)
- Box of #2 pencils with erasers (3-4)
- Colored Pencils of red colored pens (1 Pkg)
- Highlighters
- Pack of 100 Index cards (1)
- 3″ x 3″ Sticky Notes (1)
- 2-pocket folder (6)
- Ruler
- Calculator – A TI-84 graphing calculator is suggested as it is required when students enroll in ninth grade.
- Independent Reading Book
Suggested Supplies
- Three-hole zipper pouches (1 per binder)
- Manual pencil sharpener
- Stapler
- Spanish or French dictionary
- Three hole puncher
- Book Socks
ACADEMICS
Grade 8
Team Leaders:
Colleen Geel – Ext. 5712
Thomas Ragusa- Ext. 5569
The eighth grade curriculum takes advantage of prior experiences to develop a deeper understanding of topics explored in 6th and 7th grades. In addition, students have the opportunity to develop the ability to synthesize knowledge and other skills necessary for future learning success. With this new found knowledge, students will be given opportunities to apply their learning to inter-disciplinary and performance based projects within the various subjects. Each subject area teacher is responsible for differentiating the material to ensure success for all students. The eighth grade team takes a holistic approach in order to address students’ individual needs through team building.
8h Grade Staff
See a directory of our 8th grade team roaster and staff
FAQs
Get answers to our most often asked grade 8 questions.
STAFF
8th Grade Team Roaster
TRAILBLAZERS
Team Leader: Colleen Geel
Team:
- Julie Baldwin
- Greg Ferro
- George Hayes
- Louise Mulcahy
- Gretchen Mancuso
- Colleen Geel
PFA TEAM
- P Powers-Team Leader
- Betsy Fogarty – Art
- Liz Morris – Music, Choir
- Evan Grace – Music, General
- Jeff Holmes – Band/Music
- Koryn Soboleski – Music, Band
- Meghan Smart – Music, Orch.
- Steve Santora- PE/Health
- Matt Medve – PE/Health
- Patty Powers- PE/Health
- MaryFaith Blank – PE/Health
- Rich Blozie – Tech & Engineering
- Rebecca Kaplan – Tech & Engineer
- Peggy Jorgensen – Project Challenge
- Aimee Shuhart – Library/Media Center
Guidance Staff
Counselor: Lauren Davi
- English
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- World Language
PUPIL SERVICES TEAM
- Ann Soutar – Team Leader
- Marci Ames
- Melinda Desposito
- Amy Kreutzer
- Tiffany Pena
- Laura Andrews
- Tom Ragusa
- Jennifer Gumpert
- Jen Doyle
- Ande Ogden
- Lauren Davi
- Melissa Souza
- Meghan Skelton
REVOLUTIONARIES
Team Leader: Tom Ragusa
Team:
- Angela Hare
- Carla Howard
- Allison Kovac
- Amanda Quaintance
- Nohelia Colon
- Colleen Geel
WORLD LANGUAGE TEAM
Gretchen Mancuso
Colleen Geel
Luiza Kosminsky
Christina Donigian
TBD
FAQ
Grade 8 Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Washington, D.C. trip?
Mid-May.
How much homework can I expect?
One to two hours per night.
When do we register for 9th grade classes?
March.
What is the procedure for placement in high school?
Department Chairs use matrices of 5 to 6 factors to determine placement in Math, English and Science. These include CMT scores, quarterly grades, Olsats, etc.
How many quizzes and tests can I have in one day?
No specific number. Tests and quizzes are posted on a grade 8 calendar and teachers attempt to spread out assessments.