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John Winthrop Middle School

Ignite your Spark

JW Charger Chatter - October 8, 2026

Posted Date: 10/08/26 (01:56 PM)
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Charger Chatter

October 8, 2026

Principal's Corner

Good afternoon, JW Families,

As we head into the Columbus Day weekend, please remember that there is no school tomorrow, as our faculty participates in day two of professional development focused on restorative practices. There is also no school on Monday. We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday!

We’re excited for our Halloween dance next Friday. It’s sure to be a fun evening! Please be sure to submit the online form on ParentSquare.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful long weekend!

Carolyn Gbunblee

🎃👻 JWMS Halloween Dance! 👻🎃

Get ready for a fun night at JW! The JW Student Leadership Council is hosting our Halloween Dance on Friday, October 16th from 7:00–8:30 PM in the JW Cafeteria. Tickets are $5.00. Tickets can be purchased online using the QR code listed or at school during lunch waves. The attached Dance Rules & Permission Slip must be reviewed, completed, and submitted for students to attend the dance, along with payment. This has also been sent out to parents via ParentSquare electronically as an option for completion. We hope to see our JW students there for a fun night of music, friends, and Halloween spirit! As a reminder, no masks or phones are permitted at the dance.

Scan the QR code to purchase your ticket online! If an online ticket is purchased, your student will be provided with a physical ticket from JW.

Click Here for a paper copy of the JW Halloween Dance permission slip.
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Region 4 Music Boosters❄️

WREATH SALE - Only 7 weeks until we “Deck the Halls!” Plan ahead now and purchase your wreaths, porch pots, and centerpieces from Reg 4 Music Boosters! Flyers and order forms have gone home with your students and are due back Oct 19th. Snag a band or choir student and order yours today or email:  reg4musicboosters@gmail.com.

**PICK UP MANDATORY on DEC 2nd at VRHS** 2-4pm
Let’s make this season merry and bright—one wreath at a time!

GILBERT & SULLIVAN presents “Pirates of Penzance” at VRHS. Saturday October 17th, 2pm and 7:30pm and Sunday, October 18th, 2pm. For more info and tickets, please visit: https://ctgands.org/tickets/
 
MUSIC BOOSTER MEETING - Monday, October 19th, 6:30 pm, Choir Room #703 at VRHS.  
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Picture Retake Day — November 6

Picture Retake Day will be held on Friday, November 6th for students and staff who would like to have their school picture retaken. 

  • If your student is interested in retakes, they do not need to purchase another package if they already did so on the original day. We ask that the student return their picture package on picture day to the photographer and get their photo taken.
     
  • If the student was not photographed on the original day and their parents would like to pre-purchase a package, they may do so with the new picture day code. Order pictures online at mylifetouch.com Re-take Event number: EVTNRNVBZ 
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John Winthrop Middle School Athletic Updates

Girls Soccer ⚽: Girls soccer played a well fought game versus Old Saybrook on Tuesday. Rylan Lucas scored her first goal of the season! Today the Lady Chargers head to Old Lyme for a big game!

Boys Soccer ⚽: Congratulations to the JW Boys Soccer Team on a big win on Tuesday!

Tuesday’s game was an all-around great team effort. After going down in the first five minutes, the boys stormed back to score four unanswered goals, one in the first half, and three more in the second! To top it off, our keeper came up with a huge penalty save to help seal the victory.

Everyone should be incredibly proud of the way you played, battled, and worked together. The effort, teamwork, and determination was incredible to watch! Next up: Lyme-Old Lyme today.

Keep up the hard work, boys, and let’s go JW! 

Cross Country 🏃‍♂️:  The boys and girls cross country teams travel to Portland today for a meet.  Looking forward to next week, they have their second home meet on Wednesday, October 14th against North Branford and Lyme-Old Lyme.  We would love to see you out on the course supporting the runners!

JWMS Athletic Forms and Information 


JW FALL SPORTS MEDIA DAY PHOTOS  📷 
The Fall Media Photos are now available for purchase!
Visit →  Steady Photography at https://my.photoday.com/g/PGTR36624 
** Access Code: PGTR36624 **

Charger Sideline Store
Looking to show your Charger spirit this season? Check out the JWMS Sideline Store for a variety of gear and apparel available!  
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Get Involved with the JWMS Parent Council!

The John Winthrop Middle School Parent Council is a great way for parents and families to stay connected, share ideas, and support our students and staff. We meet with Principal Carolyn Gbunblee to hear school updates, discuss ideas, and help plan activities throughout the year.

Meetings will be held from 6:00–7pm in the JWMS Media Center on:
December 2 • February 3 • April 7
We are excited to continue some of our favorite events while also welcoming new ideas and opportunities for our school community. There are many ways to help, including volunteering, organizing events, sponsoring activities, donating supplies, or simply sharing your ideas.

📎 Please read the attached PDF to learn more about the ways you can help and sign up to get involved!

To join our JW Parent Council, please email our JW Secretary, Adele McAndrew: amcandrew@reg4.k12.ct.us

Lyn Majors – Lead Parent Council lynmajors@comcast.net
Click Here to Get Involved at JW

Important Dates

  • October 9th - Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL
  • October 12th - NO SCHOOL, Columbus Day
  • October 16th - JW Halloween Dance 7-8:30pm
  • October 22nd & 23rd - Early Dismissal @ 12:12pm - Parent Conferences
  • October 26th - 8th Grade Vinal Presentation
  • October 27th  - Town Hall Tuesday
  • October 29th - 8th Grade VOAG Presentation (Revised Date)
  • November 6th - Picture Retake Day
  • November 25th - 27th - Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL

Lost & Found

Please remember to check our Lost & Found! Labeling jackets, lunchboxes, and other personal items makes it much easier for us to return them to students. Thank you for your help!
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* Attendance Email *

Please email all attendance correspondence to:

ParentSquare

ParentSquare is our school’s main communication tool for keeping families up to date with important news, announcements, reminders, and events. Be sure to check ParentSquare regularly so you don’t miss important information from JWMS!

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