April 27, 2020 Dear Families of Red Hill Fifth Graders,
I know that you and your child have been anxiously waiting for news about middle school transition activities. School closure has made a time that is already full of changes and uncertainty even more challenging, but I am excited to announce a few updates:
Each rising sixth grader will receive a personal letter from a Walton Ambassador. The letters are intended to welcome students to middle school and alleviate some anxiety. The letter will also include a note from Walton’s school counselors, Doug Bloor and Makenzie Crawford. Letters to Red Hill Students are scheduled to be sent the week of May 5th, so check your mailbox!
At this time, there is not a virtual tour scheduled.
Ms. Crawford and Mr. Bloor plan to hold Zoom meetings for parents and students, but the dates for these meetings have not been scheduled. Stay tuned!
Finally, I would like to reassure you that we are planning a “moving up” event to celebrate our fifth graders. Leaving Red Hill and starting middle school is a special milestone, and we want to make sure we honor it! Right now high schools are working together to plan a graduation experience that is similar across schools. Once their plans are set, middle and elementary schools will work together to plan ways to honor our fifth and eighth graders. We will send more details in the next few weeks.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me! You can send me a message through SeeSaw or through email ([email protected]).
Best wishes,
Ari Zlotnick “Ms. Z” School Counselor
April 20, 2020
Walton Middle School Website Scavenger Hunt Activity for Fifth Grade Students
Go to the Walton Middle School (WMS) Website https://www.k12albemarle.org/school/wms/Pages/default.aspx . Use the website to find the answers the following questions to learn more about your new school. Make sure to check out the "Family Handbook" and "Daily Schedule" under the "Parents" page. Please feel free to email me if you have trouble finding anything or if you think of any questions or concerns while you search!
Where is WMS located?
What is WMS's mascot? What are the school colors?
What time does school start and end? (Hint: Look at the "Parents" page and click on "Daily Schedule")
How long is a passing period (the time you are given to get to your next class)? How long is lunch?(Hint: Look at the "Parents" page and click on "Daily Schedule")
What is one of the dress code guidelines? What could happen if you do not follow the dress code (Hint: Look at the "Parents" page and click on "Family Handbook"
If we were still in school, would there be any events coming up (like concerts, dances, pep rallies, etc)?
What is the name of WMS's principal? Assistant principal?
What is the name of at least one school counselor?
April 13, 2020
Dear fifth grade students and families,
I'm sure you have questions about what the school closure means for your transition from fifth to sixth grade. School closure has made a time that is already full of changes and uncertainty even more challenging, but we will get through it together!
I will share information and updates about the transition here and through your teachers as I receive it. Right now I do not have any information about alternative plans for the field trip on April 17th or the orientation night on April 30th.
Although a lot of the transition details are out of our control, there are still things you can do to get ready! One thing you can do is become familiar with the layout of your new school. Click on the PDF below to see a map of Walton Middle School! Although some of the teachers and rooms might change next year, this map can help you familiarize yourself with WMS.
Another way you can start to get ready is by learning how to open your locker. This video shows you how to open a combination lock in a few easy steps!