Do you have game? The opening speaker for Red Ribbon Week, Michael Douglas, showed students at an assembly on October 21 that he does. The former member of the legendary Harlem Globetrotters spoke about doing well in school and life and demonstrated some of the renowned techniques used by the Globetrotters.

The students are pumped up for Red Ribbon Week, a national initiative for the prevention and education about dangers of drugs and alcohol. Dress-up days this week will be "Too Hip for Drugs," where students will dress-up in hippie attire on Monday, "Elect to be Drug-Free," where students will wear red, white, and blue clothing on Tuesday, "Back Away from Drugs," where clothing will be worn backwards on Wednesday, "Keep Your Future Drug-Free," in which college team clothing will be worn on Thursday, and "Team Up Against Drugs," where students will wear blue and gold on Friday. Students will also sign a drug-free pledge and participate in a poem and poster contest.

Students who passed reading, language arts, and math were rewarded for their hard work with a 45-minute pass party last week. Recognized for their academic improvement, push to do well, and show of good behavior, the following students received the Thumbs Up award, sponsored by Zaxby's: Shay Mills, Mathew Huffman, Jamaree Blackman, Tayla Pope, and Trey James.

Former Harlem Globtrotter Michael Douglas inspired Washington- Wilkes Middle School students to be drug free at a motivational assembly October 21 to kick off "Red Ribbon Week." The Lady Tiger's softball team ended an undefeated regular season with a heartbreaking 6-3 loss to Putnam County at the championship playoffs, October 18. Lauren Chafin threw 119 pitches with 10 strikeouts. Runs were scored by Lauren Chafin, Tiffany Guay and Lauren Roberts. Hits were earned by Jesse Echols, Leslie Souther, and Lauren Roberts. We want to congratulate them on an undefeated regular season and for their fantastic efforts and representation of W-WMS.

On October 18, the W-WMS cheerleading squad traveled to Thomson High School for the cheerleading competition sponsored by the Thomson Competitive Bulldogs. Multiple teams competed from many places in Georgia. Besides the overall competition, there was a jump competition, a tumbling competition, and a stunt competition. Ashley Hearst competed in the jump competition and made it to the top three. In the overall competition, W-WMS placed first in its division.

Don't forget to eat at Pizza Hut Tuesday nights in October from 5:30-8 to support W-WMS! Twenty percent of the total purchases will be donated to our school. We greatly appreciate Pizza Hut and our community for their support.