The magic of the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to the WMS Library next week, and we want YOU to be part of the story! Whether you're hunting for the latest graphic novel, a spine-chilling mystery, or that iconic giant eraser, Family Reading Night is the place to be.
Mark your calendarsβitβs going to be one for the books!
ποΈ THE DETAILS
WHEN: Thursday, April 9
TIME: 4:00 PM β 6:00 PM
WHERE: WMS Library
β¨ WHY ATTEND?
Explore New Worlds: Browse hundreds of new titles and find your next favorite read.
Support Our Library: Every purchase helps put more books on our school shelves!
Family Fun: Grab some bookmarks, enter our giveaways, and enjoy the library vibes after hours.
Pro-Tip: Skip the cash and set up your studentβs eWallet beforehand for easy, touchless shopping!
We canβt wait to see our WMS families celebrate the power of reading together. See you there, trail-blazers! πβ¨


Create your childβs Book Fair eWallet so they can shop cash-free, worry-free, and independently! Itβs easy to set up and easy for others to contribute funds! Start here: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/washingtonmiddleschool19. #ScholasticBookFairs



Children must be 3 to 4 years of age on or before September 1, 2026.
*Must be a resident of Johnston City CUSD #1 or the child of a district employee.
*HOURS: Early Hours 7:30-8:10, AM Care 8:10-12:10, PM Care 10:45-2:45, After Hours 2:45-5:30, and Full Day Care 7:30-5:30.
*COST: $50 registration fee, due with enrollment forms.
There is a daily fee for wrap-around care.
*Start Date: August 2026
*How to Register: In-Person registration forms can be picked up at Jefferson School or Unit Office. Please return to Renee Grisham, Wrap-Around Supervisor at Jefferson School.
*Registration must be completed by August 1, 2026.
*Questions: Contact Renee Grisham, call 618-983-7561 or email rgrisham@jcindians.org.
ENROLL NOW to reserve your spot!


The wait is over! Itβs time to hit the blocks and kick off an epic season. Whether youβre a returning athlete or trying something brand new, we want to see you on the track!
Check the schedule below to see when your grade takes the field:
π THE LINEUP:
5th & 6th Grade: Monday, March 23 (3:00β4:30 PM)
7th & 8th Grade: Tuesday, March 24 (3:00β4:30 PM)
π LOCATION: High School Track
β οΈ PRO TIP: You canβt run if you arenβt cleared! Make sure your physical and all paperwork are turned in BEFORE you arrive.




Monday, Feb 23
Volleyball (Home) vs. Hamilton County: Itβs CAMO NIGHT! π¦ Hide from the competition, but donβt hide your spirit.
5th Grade Girls Basketball: Away @ Harrisburg.
Tuesday, Feb 24
Volleyball: Away @ Herrin.
5/6 Boys Basketball (Home) vs. Pinckneyville: Come protect our home court! π
Wednesday, Feb 25
Volleyball (Home) vs. Goreville: Get your pink on for PINK OUT / BARBIE NIGHT! π Letβs make the gym a "Dreamhouse" and support a great cause.
Scholar Bowl: Away @ Marion. (Go show off those big brains! π§ )
5th Grade Boys Basketball: Away @ Herrin.
Thursday, Feb 26
5/6 Boys Basketball: Away @ Zeigler/Royalton.
Volleyball: Away @ Sesser/Valier.
Friday, Feb 27
5th Grade Boys Basketball: Round Robin @ Sesser. πͺοΈ
Saturday, Feb 28
Boys Basketball: Round Robin continues @ Sesser.
Volleyball: Away @ Hamilton County.

It is that time of year again to complete the 5Essentials Parent Survey. Your input is important to us!
To complete the parent survey:
Visit: survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/ and select Parent Survey
Select the necessary language to complete the survey. (English or Spanish).
Enter email address and county of your childβs school
Advance to survey questions.
Answer all applicable questions.
Click Submit Survey.
This is a state requirement for us. Please note below information that describes what the 5 Essentials survey is about:
5 Essentials is an evidence-based system designed to drive improvement in schools nationwideβit reliably measures changes in a school organization through the 5Essentials Survey utilizing these five components found to be critical for school success:
Effective Leaders: The principal works with teachers to implement a clear and strategic vision for school success.
Collaborative Teachers: The staff is committed to the school, receives strong professional development, and works together to improve the school.
Involved Families: The entire school staff builds strong relationships with families and communities to support learning.
Supportive Environment: The school is safe and orderly. Teachers have high expectations for students. Students are supported by their teachers and peers.
Ambitious Instruction: Classes are academically demanding and engage students by emphasizing the application of knowledge.
You can also complete the survey in our office. There will be Chromebooks available in the lobby for any parent who would like to come by the school to complete the survey. Our office hours are Monday-Friday 7:30am-4pm.
questions. Students will select their 9th grade courses at this meeting. We hope to see all 8th grade students and their parents at this very important event! *WMS volleyball players will meet at 4:00.
If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Chiaventone, School Counselor, at (618) 983-8638.

Our ALOP (Alternative Learning Opportunities Program) students just leveled up the schoolβs vibe with a serious dose of heart!
For their latest group project centered on Kindness and Caring, students went beyond the classroom to show their appreciation for the team that keeps our school running. This wasn't just a lessonβit was a full-blown "appreciation mission."
π The Mission:
Each student selected two teachers or staff members who have made an impact on their journey. But they didn't just stop by to say thanksβthey arrived with:
Handmade Masterpieces: Custom-designed, heartfelt Valentines created right here in the ALOP classroom.
A Sweet Surprise: Every card came paired with a special treat to brighten their day.
π Why It Matters:
At its core, ALOP is about growth, connection, and community. By taking the time to craft these gifts and deliver them personally, our students practiced the art of gratitude and saw firsthand how a small gesture can create a massive ripple of positivity.
The smiles in the hallways said it allβmission accomplished!
"Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give." β The ALOP Team










If you are paying in person with cash/check, please send your order form to the middle school office by Friday, 2/13. If you are ordering online, orders are due by Sunday, 2/15. Yearbooks are $14.50 each. We will not be able to take any late orders. Thank you!

πΉ Spread the Love (and Support the 8th Grade!)
Looking for a sweet way to brighten someoneβs day this Valentine's? Our Annual 8th Grade Carnation Sale is officially here!
Whether itβs for a best friend, a favorite teacher, or a special family member, a carnation is the perfect way to say "I'm thinking of you." Plus, every flower purchased helps fund our 8th-grade end-of-year activities!
π° Pricing:
1 Carnation: $3
2 Carnations: $5 (Double the love!)
π How to Order:
Don't let the deadline slip by! You can grab an order form in one of three ways:
Mrs. Dobraskiβs Room
The Main Office
Download & Print the form here!
Note: Please return all forms and payments by 2/11/26 to ensure delivery on Friday, February 13.
Thanks for supporting our 8th graders! πβ¨







Our Volleyball Spirit Nights are here! Come out, dress up, and cheer on the team at our upcoming home games. Hereβs the lineup:
Tue, 2/3 vs. Elverado: Neon/Construction Night π¦Ί
Tue, 2/10 vs. West Frankfort: Hawaiian Night πΊ
Wed, 2/11 vs. Unity Point: Patriotic Night
Mon, 2/23 vs. Hamilton County: Safari/Camo Night πͺ
Wed, 2/25 vs. Goreville: Pink Out/Barbie Night π
Mon, 3/2 vs. Christopher: Black Out Night β¬
Wed, 3/4 vs. Zeigler-Royalton: 8th Grade Night (Red & Black) β«π΄
Mon, 3/9 vs. Sesser: Pajama Night π΄
Show your school pride and support our volleyball team! See you there! Go Indians!

The schedule has shifted, but the game goes on! Tonight's home game is off, but our boys are now traveling to West Frankfort to battle it out on the road.
Saturday Morning Basketball: The rescheduled game vs. Hamilton County is set for this Saturday (1/31) at 10:00 AM (Away). Go Indians!

