Woodstock Union Middle School Parent Network

  Who We Are: The WUMS Parent Network is an open, volunteer group of parents helping to foster communication with WUMS, provide information about parenting middle schoolers, and offer ways for parents to meet and connect with one another.  Anyone can join, share in leadership, offer feedback and suggestions, ask a question, or get involved as much or as little as you choose.

 Why We’re Here:  Involvement with your child’s school and education is important to the health and well-being of your teen. We’re only parents of middle schoolers for a short time (although these two years may seem to last a lifetime.)  This fast turnover of parents means that this ‘organization’ relies on all of us for its existence.  The Parent Network aims to be a resource, a home to school connector, a source of information and a gathering of parents to address the small and large questions of and about parenting. 

 What We Do:  We connect through use of email and Edline (and perhaps soon Facebook.) to :

  • Gather parents ideas for workshops. WUMS and the Ottauquechee Community Partnership (OCP) organize presentations to parents,
  • Generally offer one another help, support and ways to connect.  OCP and WUMS collaborate in supporting the Parent Network.
  • Hold “Second Mondays for Parents” workshops on topics of interest to parents. Sometimes they are parent requested, sometimes the school sees the need to communicate with families about school culture, trends and opportunities.

 How We Started:  The Parent Network started in the summer of 2009 when two moms, decided to build a way for  parents to connect and feel more comfortable with a new school system.  As parents of students at WUMS, we come from many different towns, and many of us have a middle-schooler in the family for the first time.  We're learning about WUMS, what goes on, and how information flows from the school to parents, etc. 

Whether you’re looking to talk with another parent about cell phones, social media, middle school pressures and changes, or just find a car pool for your child’s sports team,  the Parent Network is here to help.

Who Else is Involved:  Ottauquechee Community Partnership:  OCP is a community organization that provides support to our Parent Network happen and offers regular workshops and presentations at monthly “Second Mondays for Parents” meetings.

 To join the parent email list, drop us a line at:  MSParentNetwork@wcsu.net

 

Second Mondays for Parents

Supporting parents through workshops and conversations with parents of middle schoolers on second Mondays at 7 p.m. in the Teagle Library

  • Read a Brief overview of the October 11th, 2010 Parent Network meeting with Middle School Counselor, Vali Stuntz, here: http://ocpvt.squarespace.com/second-mondays-for-parents/ 
  • Recent workshops include: "Understanding the 40 Assets"- Jackie Fischer- OCP executive director and "How to Talk to Your Middle Schooler about Sex"- Kate Rohdenburg- WISE and Woodstock Healthy Teens coordinator.

           Upcoming workshops: "Navigating the Middle School Waters-a student perspective"-  various high school students. Monday Jan 8, 2011

                                       "Understanding the teenage brain" Suzy Whitehurst-therapist with extensive youth experience. Monday March 14, 2011