All W-WMS students will be taking the norm-referenced Gates- MacGinitie Reading Test on December 5. This test is composed of two components: reading comprehension and vocabulary. The Gates Test is a powerful diagnostic tool used nationally to help teachers, parents and schools know their students' level of reading achievement. It is extremely important for all of our students to get a good nights rest and eat breakfast prior to taking this test. All students are required to be reading on grade level before the end of each school year. If a student is not reading on grade level, they will not be promoted to the next grade. Please encourage your child to do their very best while taking this test.

Washington-Wilkes Middle School participated in the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Math-a-thon. The Math-a-thon was to raise money for research in finding a cure for cancer as well as other childhood diseases. The participants worked basic math problems in their Math-a-thon workbook, asked sponsors to pledge 5, 10, 20 cents or higher for each problem completed, then collected the money to give to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. As of today, the students have raised over $1000. Participants who raised $35 or more will receive prizes from the Math-a-thon program, such as a t-shirt or Six Flags tickets. Also, all student participants will receive a certificateof appreciation.

The W-WMS Beta Club will be sponsoring a canned food drive December 3-7. The canned food collected throughout this week will be given to God's Marketplace, here in Washington.

Both the band and choral departments will be performing a Christmas concert on December 4 at 7 p.m. The concert is free and will take place in the school's gymnasium.

Yearbooks are now on sale! The cost of the yearbook is $26, or you can make two installments of $13. Your child may pay with cash or by check. If you or your child is interested in purchasing a yearbook, they can see Mrs. Joni Keiser, Mrs. Pam Hall, or Mrs. Dawn Pickens to make their purchase.

The W-WMS basketball teams will play their next game against Elbert County in Elberton. The game is at 4:30 p.m. Their next home game is December 3 against Taliaferro County at 4 p.m. Please come out and show your support of our Tiger basketball players.

The first middle school wrestling match, the Junior Patriot Classic, was on November 17 at Oglethorpe High School at 9 a.m. The next match is at Greenbrier High School on November 27 at 5 p.m. The first home match is on December 11 against Oconee and Hart County at 5 p.m., so come out and support your Tiger wrestlers.

The middle school cheerleaders hosted a pep rally on November 8. The sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade classes played several games such as Dead Bug, Pillow Talk, and a free-throw competition. After the chant competition and the scores were tallied, the sixth grade took first place, the eighth grade got second, and the seventh grade came in third.