These final weeks of school will go by in a flash! It’s important to find moments to acknowledge and celebrate your child’s learning and growth this school year. Find moments to reflect on how the year started and where they stand today. Look for opportunities to ask them: What are you proud of this year? What’s something you can do now that you couldn’t do when the year started? Sometimes it’s hard to see growth when it feels more incremental, but it’s there! As these weeks wind down, it’s also a good time to remind your child of the importance of finishing strong. Don’t let off the gas just yet – keep pushing and leaning into our four pillars until our last day! It’s hard to believe summer is right around the corner. I know I am so proud of how much our middle school has accomplished this year!
8th Grade Pancake Breakfast - March 5
As the transition to high school draws near, the class of ‘26 participated in one of our most cherished (not to mention delicious) traditions, the 8 grade pancake breakfast. It is always a joy for them to sit and enjoy their final year at wns together... over a breakfast made with the love and care that has become such a sweet part of their time here.
L E A D E R S O F T O M O R R O W. ”
B U D D I E S
Curriculum Spotlight: Math
6th Grade
Our 6th graders have been actively engaged in a dynamic and differentiated math program, with placement across accelerated, regular, and paced sections to best support their individual needs and growth. Over the past two months, students explored a wide range of key topics, including ratios, proportions, percents, geometry, probability, and statistics. These units not only strengthened their computational skills but also provided opportunities to deepen their critical thinking. One of the highlights of the semester has been the Scale Project. Collaborating in teams, students have applied their understanding of ratios, proportions, and scale to design and construct either scaled-up or scaled-down models. From detailed replicas of household objects to imaginative interpretations of famous landmarks or original creations, the wide variety of projects reflects both mathematical understanding and creative expression. While the process challenges students to think precisely and problem-solve, it has also been A particularly engaging and rewarding experience. Students are excited to showcase their hard work at Open House at the end of May.
7th Grade
In recent weeks, Pre-Algebra students have focused on mastering essential geometry concepts, including angle relationships and the measurement of 2D and 3D figures. Meanwhile, Algebra 1 students have been building a strong foundation in polynomial operations, factoring, and quadratic functions, which represent key skills that will support their continued success in higher-level mathematics next year Across all sections, students are also immersed in the Roller Coaster Project, which is one of the year's most anticipated projects. Working in teams, students are designing and constructing marble-run roller coasters that balance creativity, engineering, and mathematical thinking. Each team must carefully manage its materials budget while aiming to maximize points by meeting design criteria and minimizing penalties. This project culminates in the annual roller-coaster time trials on Thursday, May 21, where each team’s design will be tested, timed, and evaluated. Later that evening, students will proudly share their creations at WNS’ Open House, giving the broader community a chance to experience their innovation and hard work firsthand.
8th Grade
8th grade students continue to build strong mathematical foundations as they prepare for the transition to high school. Whether enrolled in Algebra 1 or Geometry, students have engaged deeply with a range of advanced topics this semester, and are consistently challenged to move beyond procedural understanding and engage in meaningful problem-solving that emphasizes critical thinking and application. Their studies have included systems of equations, polynomials, quadratic functions, geometric proofs, and triangle relationships, all of which require thoughtful analysis and precise reasoning. As students finalized their high school decisions earlier this spring, the math team remained focused on ensuring they are well-prepared for the next step. Teachers have been intentional in designing experiences that not only reinforce core concepts but also prepare students for the expectations of high school-level coursework. The final portion of the year represents an important opportunity to solidify understanding and build confidence.
Curriculum Spotlight
6th Grade
The 6th graders wrapped up their unit 3 and started their project. In this unit, they learned about activities and things they do in class and after school. They expanded their vocabulary to talk about school supplies, classroom objects, and different extracurricular activities. They also practiced how to conjugate -AR verbs in the present tense, allowing them to describe their daily routines and hobbies. Additionally, they learned how to use the contractions “al” and “del” correctly in sentences. For their unit project, they are creating a comic strip illustrating a school day, incorporating the vocabulary and grammar structures they have learned.
7th Grade
The 7th graders wrapped up their “En tu tiempo libre” (In your free time) unit this month. They learned about different leisure activities, such as going to the movies, attending concerts, celebrating at parties, and visiting museums. They explored how these activities are enjoyed in Spanish-speaking countries and compared them to their own experiences. Throughout the unit, they practiced using the preterite tense of -ER and -IR verbs to talk about past events and learned how to use affirmative and negative words correctly in sentences. They are now starting their unit project, where they will write a script choosing one of the topics from the unit. They will also create props to bring their scene to life and perform a short sketch about visiting the place with friends.
8th Grade
The 8th graders have been on an exciting journey through Chapter 3, En tren (By Train), where they explored the importance of trains as a mode of transportation in the Spanish-speaking world Along the way, they have expanded their travel-related vocabulary and worked with the preterite tense of irregular verbs, as well as prepositional pronouns Beyond grammar, students have been actively communicating in Spanish both speaking and writing to share ideas, reactions, and personal experiences. They continue to build their skills in understanding and analyzing a variety of texts, audio, and visual materials. Currently, students are learning about foods from Latin America and Spain, and practicing how to order and pay for a meal in Spanish while exploring how food reflects culture in different regions. This unit helps students see language as part of real-life experiences and traditions. To wrap up the chapter, students will complete a final project in which they plan a 5-day trip to a Spanish-speaking country. They will create a booklet outlining their itinerary, including a plane ticket, hotel stay, and planned activities, and will research real destinations and prices to make their plans as realistic as possible.
Curriculum Spotlight: Design-Code-Make
6th Grade (DIVE)
In DCM, 6th graders wrapped up their Woodworking unit by designing and building their personalized shelves. Each piece was designed to reflect aspects of the student’s identity, resulting in a wide range of creative and meaningful projects. Students gained hands-on experience using tools such as the band saw, jig saw, miter saw, and drills and drivers. They developed independence and problem-solving skills while learning to work safely and confidently in the shop. After Spring Break, 6th graders transitioned into their D.I.V.E (Designing Innovations for Vulnerable Environments) unit, an interdisciplinary collaboration between DCM and Science. In this project, students will work in teams to design a sustainable green space that revitalizes a vacant site in Los Angeles, California. Using 3D Design software, virtual reality applications, and website-building tools, students will bring their ideas to life. Each team will present their proposal at the DIVE Showcase, explaining how their design addresses environmental sustainability and supports the needs of the community.
7th Grade (SPLASH)
7th graders are deep into their Solving Problems for Los Angeles Society & Health (SPLASH) projects, the capstone experience that challenges students to identify real-world problems and connect with the organizations working to solve them. Groups have selected their focus topics and are actively reaching out to community organizations to learn more about the work being done on the ground. Several groups have already conducted phone and Zoom interviews, and some have even made site visits to meet with the people doing this work first-hand The range of topics this year reflects the breadth of our students' curiosity and compassion: food insecurity, mental health, animal adoptions, homelessness, green spaces, and children living in poverty, among others As their projects developed, many groups participated in our Entrepreneurial Day to raise funds and are collecting goods this week during Donation Drive Week Some groups are also planning independent fundraisers Families are invited to celebrate all of this work at our SPLASH Video Showcase on June 1 in the MPR Invites will be sent in the coming weeks
8th Grade (SWIM)
Our 8th graders are in the final stretch of a year defined by action Having completed the core of their community impact work, students are now focused on two capstone deliverables: a video documentary telling the story of their project and an original mechanical automata (a handcrafted kinetic sculpture that represents the essence of their work) Both will be presented at a special evening showcase on May 27 at Playa Vista Cinemark Theatre This year's SWIM cohort leaves behind a solid record of service and impact They’ve built school gardens, distributed food and hygiene kits to those experiencing homelessness on Skid Row, collected gently used clothing for East LA College students, raised funds for organizations like Alexandria House and Safe Place for Youth, volunteered with the Los Angeles LGBT Center, and contributed time and energy to animal welfare organizations, including Wallis Annenberg PetSpace and The Lovejoy Foundation Students have also partnered with Westside Food Bank and built functional models, including a solar charger and a seed dispenser, designed to support communities in need Throughout the year, they have taken full advantage of Donation Drive Week and Entrepreneurial Day to amplify their fundraising efforts Their commitment to making a difference has been inspiring
Affinity Groups
In an effort to help our students feel seen and understood in their daily presence at WNS, we continued exploring our unique identities through thoughtfully cultivated Affinity Groups. These are spaces that the students choose to be a part of, sharing pieces of themselves in safe, supportive spaces with each other. The goal is to foster feelings of belonging, spark insightful conversation about what makes us “US.”
Middle School Spring Fling: Sneaker Ball
THIS YEAR’S SPRING FLING URGED THE STUDENTS TO PUT ON THEIR BEST KICKS AND COME IN STYLE. THE NIGHT WAS ONE OF FUN, FASHION AND FANCY FOOTWORK ON THE DANCE FLOOR, COMPLETE WITH GOOD FOOD AND GOOD MUSIC. THERE IS EVEN PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE OF THE FACULTY ENJOYING THE NIGHT’S VIBES! (GASP!!!)
Entrepreneurial Day - April 24
The entire Middle School has come to look forward to our Entrepreneurial Days as they bring the students together in support of such wonderful causes. It becomes about more than just the crafts and cookies, the beaded bracelets and baked goods... it’s about supporting each other in a spirit of giving that extends beyond the walls of WNS to the external communities we are also a part of. And THAT is what reminds us of how special WNS is as a place of life, love, and learning.
