Woodside Summer "Letter from the Principal" & Important Upcoming Events

Good evening, Woodside Middle School families,

It’s hard to believe that we are just a few weeks away from the first day of school on August 7th! I hope everyone has had a fantastic summer break and is feeling rested and recharged. The Clark family enjoyed traveling to Wyoming to visit relatives, soccer & hockey practices/games, time at the pool & lake, potty training for our youngest, and preparing our oldest for Kindergarten at Covington next year. The summer always flies by but we look forward to kicking off the school year and getting back into routines. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to “come home” to Woodside each and every day and can’t wait to welcome students back to school.

Before the 2024-2025 school year begins I wanted to bring your attention to some important upcoming dates and happenings here at Woodside. Please be sure to note the dates at the bottom of this letter. 

This coming school year’s joint initiative for students and staff will be “Better Every Day.” The school-wide initiative will focus on revitalizing the importance of a growth mindset for all students. “Better Every Day” will be a consistent message that will guide us through the school year and keep a positive outlook for what tomorrow may bring. Throughout the year, the message will be crafted around the importance of students and staff building positive work habits as productive members of the school community at Woodside and greater Southwest Allen County. Whether it is in reading, mathematics, band, writing, or out on the competition field, we want the members of Woodside to be dedicated to putting in the work to be better than they were the day before. Students and staff will focus their time and energy on self-disciplined mindsets and healthy habits that will maximize student outcomes and create a safe and distraction-free learning environment. Students and parents should feel confident knowing their counselors, principals, teachers, and school community members deeply care about all members of the “Warrior Family.” 

Please look for further communication that will be sent regarding online registration (July 22), Woodside In-Person Registration (July 31), Back to School Night (August 6), and our first student day of school (August 7).  It is important to read all forthcoming newsletters and communications to be informed and prepared for the upcoming school year. Please note that student schedules are still being finalized as we’re working to balance classes. Students will receive their schedules at registration on July 31st and what you see in PowerSchool between now and then may be subject to change.  

I am confident that with such an exceptional staff, a supportive community, wonderfully talented students, and our partnership with you, it will be another GREAT year at Woodside Middle School. 

                                                                                                         Better Every Day,

                                                                                                                                                                                          Stephen Clark, Ed.S.

                                                                                                                                WMS Principal

Helpful Links to Bookmark:

*Link to the 24-25 Woodside Middle School Important Dates Document

*Link to the 24-25 Woodside Pink/Red/White Day Calendar

*Link to the 24-25 Woodside Parent/Student Middle School Handbook

Upcoming Important Dates/Times (more specifics coming!)

• Online Registration Opens - Monday, July 22nd 

  • Returning students must pre-register online before in-person registration July 31st

• Woodside In-Person Registration Day - Wednesday, July 31st- 8:00am to 8:00pm

  • Students get pictures taken, receive class schedules, collect iPad, & more!

• “Open House”  - Thursday, Aug. 1st & Friday, August 2nd - 7:30am-3:00pm

  • The school building is open with limited access so parents and students can practice walking their class schedule and opening their lockers.

• Woodside “Back to School Night” - Tuesday, August 6th - 6:00-8:00pm

  • A night for parents to meet their student’s teachers and experience a snapshot of “daily life as a Woodside Warrior.”

• First Student Day - Wednesday, August 7th - 7:40am - 2:25pm

  • Doors open at 7:15am, Car riders enter Door 8. Be sure that students know their bus numbers to make for a smooth end of the day!

Other Important Items of interest:

• The first day of school will be a Red Day, students should report to their Warrior Time

  • Normal school day 7:40am - 2:25pm

• Doors open daily at 7:15am, car riders will enter Door 8, not Door 1. Expect longer than normal lines on the first days of school and on days with inclement weather.

  • All 6th graders and any other students who eat school breakfast will report to the cafeteria. 

  • 7th grade assembles in the gym hall in the morning, 8th grade in auxiliary gym

• Students arriving after 7:40am should report to Door 1 for a pass to class.

• Students may utilize book bags, athletic bags, purses, etc. to bring items to school, but all bags will be kept in student lockers and students will not bring them into the classroom. This helps to keep the classroom a safe and distraction free environment.

• Hats and hoods must be removed and cell phones and headphones are to be put away into students’ bags/lockers as soon as students enter the building.

• Students may bring a water bottle to school and bring it with them to class. All other outside drinks, besides water, are prohibited outside of the cafeteria to help keep our school beautiful!

• School counselor assignments - *schedules not “finalized” until July 31st* 

  • Mrs. Bastin - Last Name A to G (mbastin@sacs.k12.in.us)

  • Mrs. Martinez - Last Name H to M (lmartinez@sacs.k12.in.us)

  • Mrs. Zukowski - Last Name N to Z (jzukowski@sacs.k12.in.us)