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WHAT TO EXPECT AT WAMS DURING 8tH GRADE

Disclaimer: Please note that this information is being provided by WAMS PTO as a courtesy for general informational purposes only, and is not official school policy.  Information is subject to change, and families should consult the current WAMS Student/Parent handbook as well as communications from WAMS administration and staff for official policies and procedures. 

 

 

Summer prior to 8th grade

  • Over the summer, student schedules, team assignments and bus assignments will be posted to Genesis. In order to view them, BOTH Parents/Guardians AND students must log in to Genesis and complete the required forms.
    Parents/Guardians should use their email/login, and students must use their own student email/login to complete all forms.
  • Toward the end of summer, WAMS typically hosts (i) an Open House for all families, which is a chance for parents and students to visit the school together and locate the student’s classrooms for the coming year (note: teachers are not present for Open House); and (ii) an orientation for “new to District” families of students who are transitioning to WAMS from a non-BTSD school.


Teams: 8th graders may get a new team color (green, blue, gold) for 7th grade 

 

PE/Health

  • WAMS students have PE every day for 3 marking periods. The other marking period, they have Health instead of PE.
  • Typically, students are required to change for PE. Most students keep a pair of athletic sneakers and change of clothing in their lockers, as well as deodorant.

Cycles

  • 8th graders all have 2 cycles, based on the preferences indicated during the spring of 7th grade (although students are not guaranteed to get their preferred cycles). Each cycle lasts two marking periods.

Band/Chorus/Orchestra

  • Band, chorus and orchestra electives are operated as a pull out program during the school day (usually during a cycle class, foreign language, or PE). Some of the ensembles also have rehearsal once a week after school, or during lunch if they aren’t able to attend after school.
  • WAMS also has various try-out based music ensembles that meet after school.

 

Athletics

  • All WAMS after-school athletic programs are run through the WAMS Athletic Organization (“WAMS AO”). A parent-run non-profit organization, WAMS AO works with school administration and the Bernards Township Board of Education to provide athletic opportunities for WAMS Students. http://www.wamsao.com
  • All WAMS athletic programs are “pay-to-play” and require advance registration and appropriate student health documentation that must be completed by parents with physicians. Typically, registration for Fall athletics opens in June, and Winter and Spring athletics a few months prior to each. It's especially important to watch these deadlines, since spots are limited and athletic programs tend to fill up quickly. Although teams are generally by try-out for 7th and 8th graders, several clinics are offered to 6th graders as well.
  • Fall sports offerings include: Field Hockey, Girls Volleyball, Soccer, Cross-Country Teams, and Basketball and Volleyball Clinics.
  • Winter: Basketball and Boys’ Volleyball.
  • Spring: Baseball, Softball, Track & Field, Lacrosse, and Volleyball and Basketball Clinics.

 

Clubs and After-School Activities

  • In the early Fall, a catalog of clubs and after school activities is distributed in the WAMS Friday Folder. The offerings change year to year depending on advisor availability, space, demand, etc. 
  • There are two categories of after school activities at WAMS - Free and Pay-to-Play
  • Some examples are: student council, yearbook, speech and debate, arts & crafts, gaming, etc.

 

Spring Musical

  • There is one audition-based school musical that typically runs in the Spring. Try-outs typically take place in late Fall and are open to all grade levels. In addition to performing roles, opportunities are also available for stage crew, set design, etc.

8th Grade Year-End Activities

  • 8th Grade Field Trip: In June, the entire 8th grade has a field trip, usually to Hershey Park.
  • 8th Grade Celebration: This PTO-sponsored end of year celebration takes place during school hours one afternoon in June. 8th graders have an opportunity to enjoy lunch and music, play games and sign yearbooks.
  • 8th Grade Dance: This is a tradition sponsored by WAMS PTO, and takes place at the Ridge High School gym one evening in June.
  • 8th Grade Graduation ceremony: The 8th grade graduation ceremony takes place on a late afternoon/evening during the last week of school. Typically, there is a staggered graduation time for each color team, with 3 separate consecutive ceremonies, usually starting at 4:00, 5:30 and 7:00pm. Graduation is held indoors at the Ridge High School Performing Arts Center (PAC) if available or outdoors at the WAMS Oval, weather permitting.

Preparation for Ridge

  • January of 8th grade year - Ridge HS staff lead an informational presentation during school hours to share transition information with 8th graders.
  • January/February - Parents and students are invited to attend a Ridge HS Open House Night where teachers share additional information about courses and electives in a presentation in Ridge PAC, and at student/teacher-run tables in the Ridge Old Gym where 8th graders and their parents can meet them and ask questions.
  • February and March - Ridge HS guidance counselors come to WAMS to meet with students and parents (optional) to initiate 9th grade course scheduling requests.
  • April - Ridge HS usually holds an Activities Fair in the Ridge New Gym, with tables set up representing Ridge HS clubs and athletics to give 8th graders an opportunity to learn more about those offerings.