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WELCOME
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Welcome At the Middle School we recognize the interdependent nature of learning, acknowledging how social and emotional growth predicts academic success, and how an academic subject is strengthened when placed in comparison to another. Consider science – it relies on math for calculation, history for continuity and the arts for innovative thinking. Similarly we challenge students to engage works of literature for more than plot, motivation and setting, as we understand literature’s capacity to unlock student’s nascent understanding of human emotion, historical context and ethics. In the Middle School, each member of our community – be they parent, student or educator – is encouraged to engage this educational proposition. With a shared sense of educational purpose we embrace a variety of experiences, cultural perspectives and personal narratives as enriching ingredients, not challenging hurdles. We invite you to take a peek inside our classrooms and into our community to learn more about us. “Coming to WMA Middle School was one of the best decisions I have ever made. From small classes, school trips and great teachers, it was an unforgettable experience. I learned so many valuable lessons not just in the classroom, but outside too. I was always a good student, but WMA has made me a great one. This school pushes you to your full potential and is always willing to help you get there.” -Grace ‘21
Stuart Whitcomb Director, WMA Middle School
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Our
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Program PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS GLOBAL BOARDING PROGRAM DROP EVERYTHING AND READ (DEAR) DIRECTED STUDY AND AFTERNOON STUDY HALL CROSSING BORDERS DAY AND GLOBAL CORNERSTONE PROJECTS ALL-SCHOOL TRIPS TO NATURE’S CLASSROOM, ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, PHILADELPHIA & WASHINGTON, DC & GETTYSBURG ACTIVITIES PERIOD
Program
The WMA Middle School has developed a lively integrated program that thoughtfully aims to accomplish the following: • “Keep me engaged” - Stimulate and The WMA Middle School uses a satisfy the innate and individually unique cross-curricular and project-based curiosity of the young adolescent “ Teach me without teaching” - Feature learning approach to foster a nurturing• learning experiences that are highly integrated environment conducive to learning and and connected to life lessons continued social and emotional growth. • “Watch me grow” - Provide a safe environment for each child to explore his or her emerging identity under the guidance of nurturing adults • “Open my eyes” - Expose students to a wide range of academic, social and recreational opportunities KEEP ME ENGAGED • “Open my mind” - Allow students to Stimulate and satisfy the innate and unique question and explore their environment curiosity of the young adolescent • “Open my heart” - Involve each student in the richness of the world with the TEACH ME WITHOUTgoal TEACHING of developing caring, responsible and Feature learning experiences that are highly ethical citizen
integrated and connected to life lessons
WATCH ME GROW Provide a safe environment for each child to explore their emerging identity under the guidance of nurturing adults OPEN MY EYES Expose students to a wide range of academic, social and recreational opportunities OPEN MY HEART Involve each student in the richness of the world with the goal of developing caring, responsible and ethical citizens OPEN MY MIND Allow students to question and explore their environment LOOK FOR THESE PROGRAM ICONS THROUGHOUT THE FOLLOWING PAGES.
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6 GRADE 6: KNOWING ONE’S PAST
6 Knowing
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One’sPast Students begin their WMA journey with an investigation of the ancient past while building a solid foundation in inquiry, process-based writing and a focus on executive functioning and healthy living. Outside the humanities, we engage students with hands-on learning in a safe and supportive environment, setting the foundation for lifelong exploration in math and science. In Grade 6, students find their voice, both in the classroom and in their work, exploring their own perspective on the world and how that perspective was shaped.
Curriculum Highlights Town Planner/Developer
Dinner with the Gods and Goddesses
Math Around Me: A Digital Collage
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GRADE7:7:KNOWING KNOWINGONE’S ONE’SCOMMUNITY COMMUNITY 88 GRADE
7 One’s
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Knowing Community The theme “Knowing One’s Community” asks students in Grade 7 to investigate the people who surround them and the places in which they live, then consider how these elements inform their understanding of humanity and nature across the globe. They are also asked to consider their own immediate community and how the lessons learned on this smaller stage can be applied not only to larger communities and systems, but to core subject areas as well.
Curriculum Highlights Math in My Life
When Species Invade
Ghanaian Printmaking, Adrinka Symbols
Student Government Food Drive
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10 GRADE 8: KNOWING ONE’S SELF
8 Knowing
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One’sSelf
Grade 8 asks students to consider their own role in the world by teaching them how to break down larger events, systems and processes. Students will be asked to think critically about the world in which they live that they may begin to form their own opinions, and may support those opinions clearly and thoughtfully with evidence gathered through research. Grade 8 also focuses on the expression of new ideas and skills, regularly presenting on topics across the disciplines.
Curriculum Highlights Memorials and Memories presentations
Halloween “candy count” stats project
Pay it Forward Friday
Quabbin Reservoir Excursion and Reflection
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12 BOARDING
Boarding A home away from home, LaBrecque House, the Middle School dormitory, houses 12 students within steps of classrooms and dining. Boys and girls in Grades 7 and 8 join us from across the country and the globe. Boarding students are selected to be mainstreamed in appropriate classes, with additional language support offered to students in need, and with an eye to living in a diverse and close-knit community.
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Afternoon Programs Students are eligible to try out for Upper School junior varsity or varsity sports that are not offered at the Middle School. Middle School boarding students are required to participate in an afternoon program, while day students are not required to participate in an afternoon program but are invited to participate if they choose.
Afternoon Program Offerings
Basketball Drama
Boys’ Lacrosse Lego Robotics
Life Sports Soccer
Afternoon Study Hall
Junior Model UN
Entrepreneurial Venture MS Fitness
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16 LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Learning
Outside the Classroom
Each year, the WMA Middle School expands learning opportunities to outside the classroom and beyond Wilbraham. The annual school trip uses a three-year rotation to visit Nature’s Classroom (Lake George, NY), Acadia National Park (ME) and Philadelphia, Gettysburg and Washington, DC. Each opportunity is uniquely focused on community service, environmental education and United States History. Additionally, students have opportunities for continued learning on field trips to museums, regional cities, musical or theater productions and other events.
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WMA MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY
WMA Middle School
Community
Not surprisingly, when 11 to 14 year-old students hailing from across the country and across the globe come together, there are very similar expectations -- game nights, dances, ski trips, family gatherings and fundraisers. Students are an integral part of the creation and planning of these events, and a motivated parent body and faculty help to ensure their visions are realized. In this way, the Middle School community is like a three-legged stool relying heavily on Students, Parents and Faculty, together, to ensure success.
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423 Main Street Wilbraham, MA 01095-1715 Phone: 413.596.6811 Fax: 413.596.2448