Recent News
WSMS Alumnus Giulia Hines Travels to Serve in Southern India. Giulia took a deferrment from Colorado College to serve those living with AIDS in and around Hyderabad, India. She and a friend left in October for a 10-week assignment in Southern India, where they will spend their time volunteering at an orphanage to tutor children with AIDS, helping on home visits to distribute vitamins and medicines to pregnant women, working in a local clinic, and visiting schools to help educate children about AIDS. Good luck Giulia! We're proud of you!
WSMS Parent Ed Moyer is named the Principal of the Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy. PTHS District 209 Board of Education made it official at their October meeting. He starts immediately and is looking forward to serving the students and families of this exciting new educational opportunity.
WSMS Parent Angie Maguire Aids in Unexpected Home Delivery! Nurse and WSMS Mom Angie Maguire saves the day (surrounded by local firefighters!) when an Oak Park family's new bundle arrives earlier than expected. Full story.
WSMS Parent Mary Colleen Roberts wins Judge in the March 21 Primary. Mary Colleen Roberts, a current WSMS parent, won in the democratic primary race for judge by a wide margin! Many congratulations to Mary Colleen, who won in the 11th judicial subcircuit.
WSMS Parent Kate Maehr Named Executive Director, Greater Chicago Food Depository. After a nationwide search, the Food Depository Board of Directors selected organization veteran, Kate Maehr, as executive director in April of 2006. Kate, who will move into this role from the position of Director of Development, has been with the Food Depository for more than a decade.
WSMS Alumni Parent Maurice Arthur Leads “The Media and Your Child” Workshop. On Thursday, March 16th, Maurice Arthur, a WSMS alumni parent, author, and motivational speaker, led a thought-provoking and well-attended discussion on the power of the media and how it impacts our children at Percy Julian Middle School here in Oak Park. Also discussed was the vital role of parents in fighting television’s negative influences by gaining control of media in our homes. Congratulations to Mr. Arthur, who has recently completed his first book, A Black Man Thinking, Volume One – Raising Children.
WSMS Parent Kirsten Straughan Gives “Healthy Family Eating” Nutrition Workshop at Parenthesis, Oak Park. On Tuesday, February 21st, WSMS parent Kirsten Straughan, R.D., conducted a family nutrition workshop at Parenthesis Parent-Child Center. Parenthesis is a community-based, non-profit organization that offers parenting education and support programs to facilitate the healthy development of parents and young children.
WSMS Institutes Nut-Free Policy. On March 13, after careful consideration, the WSMS Board of Directors voted to institute a no-nuts policy at the school. This was in direct response to the growing incidence of enrolled students with severe, life-threatening peanut allergies. Read more about food allergies, go to www.foodallergy.org.
Our Business Partners
WSMS thanks its many generous partners in the local business community for supporting our efforts! We are proud to be associated with these wonderful, community-committed companies. Learn how your business can help our school by getting involved now!
Kiddieland, Melrose Park, IL
For the 7th consecutive season, Kiddieland has partnered with WSMS for two of its biggest fundraisers each year. The proceeds from this important bi-annual event go exclusively toward the WSMS scholarship fund.
Moss Modern Flowers, Forest Park, IL
Thank you to Moss for providing lovely floral arrangements to help make our Open House a smashing success!
Village of Oak Park, Oak Park, IL
Donated materials helped our parent-run landscaping and facilities committees spruce up our environs in preparation for our yearly Open House. Thank you!
Local Press
Vaughan Kaczkowski and Lola Casillas, both of Ms. Israel's class, had fun during a photo shoot for the "Kindergarten Crush" cover story in the February issue of Chicago Parent. Click here to read the article and see our adorable models at work!
Volunteer Opportunities
A big thank you to the many parents – too many to count! -- who volunteered to roll up their sleeves on recent weekends to help with school cleanup for Open House! We couldn’t have done it without you. Current parents, log in to the Family Portal to see upcoming volunteer opportunities.