Woodside's "Summer Letter from the Principal" and Important Upcoming Events Info

Good morning, Woodside Middle School Families, 

I hope you all have been enjoying your summer! It’s amazing that we are just a few weeks away from the first day of school on Wednesday, August 5th. The Clark family spent much of the summer at the pool, the zoo, traveling, soccer, lots of camps for the kids, and as much time as possible with family and friends. Summer always seems to go by so quickly, but we’re looking forward to a fresh start to the school year and getting back into healthy routines. I feel blessed to be able to come to Woodside each and every day and serve our community. I am excited to welcome back students and staff for another great year at Woodside Middle School!

 Before the 2026-2027 school year gets underway, I wanted to reach out with some important upcoming dates and events happening at Woodside. Please be sure to note the dates and links at the bottom of this letter.

This year, our school’s theme is “Level Up: Academics, Character, Community.” These three words capture who we are as a school and who we aspire our future leaders to become. “Level Up” isn't about being perfect. It's about growing every day. It's about challenging ourselves to learn more, lead with integrity, and strengthen the connections that make our school a place where everyone belongs. “Academics” reminds us to pursue excellence in learning in order to be the best student we can be. “Character” entails who we are and how we treat others is just as important as what we know. Finally, “Community” reminds us that there are many excellent extracurricular organizations and student-athlete opportunities for students to get involved with. Also, we achieve more when we support one another as a school. Throughout the year, we'll celebrate progress, embrace challenges, and continue building a school where every student and every staff member has the opportunity to “Level Up” every day. Let's make this a year of growth, purpose, and school pride. 

In the coming weeks, please watch for important details about Woodside’s In-Person Registration Day on July 29, Back to School Night on August 4, and the first day of school on August 5. These updates will be shared through our districtwide communication platform, ParentSquare. Be sure to read all newsletters and communications carefully to stay informed and prepared for the new school year.

Please note that student schedules are still being finalized as we work to balance classes. Students will receive their finalized schedules at registration on July 29. Any schedules currently visible in PowerSchool or elsewhere may change before then.

 We look forward to seeing everyone soon, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school office directly at 260-431-2701.

  “Level Up: Academics, Character, Community.”

    Dr. Stephen Clark

    WMS Principal

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Helpful Links to Bookmark:

*Link to the 26-27 Woodside Middle School Important Dates Document

*Link to the 26-27 Woodside Pink/Red/White Day Calendar

*Link to the 26-27 Woodside Parent/Student Middle School Handbook

Upcoming Important Dates/Times (more specifics coming later for each!)

• Complete Online Registration 

  • Returning students must pre-register online before in-person registration July 29

• Woodside In-Person Registration - Wednesday, July 29 - 8:00am to 7:00pm

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

• “Open House”  - Thursday, July 30 & Friday, July 31 - 7:30am-3:00pm

  • The school building will be 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 4 - 6:00-7:30pm

  • A night for parents to meet their student’s teachers and experience a snapshot of “daily life as a Woodside Warrior.” Door 1 opens at 5:45pm.

• First Student Day - Wednesday, August 5 - 7:40am - 2:25pm

  • Doors open at 7:10am, 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, August 5 will be a Red Day, students should report to their Warrior Time class first thing in the morning. 

  • Normal school day 7:40am - 2:25pm

• Doors open daily at 7:10am, 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.

  • 6th grade and 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 on any day 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 must be kept in student lockers and students will not be permitted to bring them into the classroom. 

• 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 cafe.

• School counselor assignments - *schedules not “finalized” until July 29th* 

  • 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)