Math and science teachers have been taking part in the Math-Science Partnership with the University of Georgia (UGA) to build their content knowledge. The middle school has participated in this federal grant program since last year. Dr. Elliott Gootman, math professor at UGA, came to W-WMS on teacher in-service day, October 14, and led a workshop with the math and science teachers. The following day, Dr. Gootman used foam cups to teach about linear equations and developing formulas to Dawn Pickens' and Teresa Eason's seventh grade math classes.

Benchmark testing in math, science, social studies, language arts, and reading is taking place this week to provide teachers with feedback about their students' progress while giving an opportunity to re-teach and revise their lessons.

All middle school and ninth grade high school students were invited last week to submit an essay on the theme, "My Life as I See It," to compete for the opportunity to see the annual Morehouse/Spelman Christmas Carol concert in Atlanta next month, as well as other prizes. The purpose of the essay is to encourage students to make concrete plans for their future by focusing on who they are, what their career goals are, and how they intend to accomplish these goals. The contest is part of a larger program developed by Amethyst Wynn, executive director of Wilkes County Community Partnership, who received a $5,000 grant from Communities in Schools (CIS) of Georgia to enhance connections between CIS, school graduation coaches, students and the community.

Also part of the program will be a career fair for students, grades 6-9, in the gym, Friday, December 19. Called "Career Explorations Day: Fields of Opportunity," the event will consist of motivational speakers and exhibitors of a variety of careers. Wynn is working with counselors, graduation coaches, teachers, and students of the two schools to organize these events.

To wrap up the season, the cross country team attended the region meet in Taliaferro County, October 30. The middle school team was not permitted to run during this meet, but was allowed to run the course to prepare for the next season. Throughout the current season, the middle school runners improved their times. Ivy Safrit improved her time by over four minutes and Dominique Jenkins improved her time by over five minutes. According to coach Tanya Morgan, they were running as fast as the varsity runners and have a great future in the Cross Country event.