Parent Enrichment

Caregiver Enrichment meetings, hosted by the WMS PTO, provide monthly opportunities for parents to meet with WMS Staff regarding curriculum, as well as learn together on current, discussion-worthy topics related to parenting middle-school youth.

This year there will be monthly caregiver enrichment sessions covering a variety of topics. The sessions will be held at different times to try to accommodate different schedules. Stay tuned for a full schedule, and subscribe to the new WMS: School + PTO calendar (click this link on your phone) to have dates automatically noted in your calendar as they are scheduled.

If you have ideas on topics you would like to discuss or learn more about, please email: WaylandMiddleSchoolPTO@gmail.com

Meet & Greets with WMS Staff:

  • 6th, 7th & 8th Parent Grade Check-ins with Cluster Leaders and Principal  (grade specific meetings)
  • Math, Science, World Languages Discussion with Department Curriculum Leaders and Principal
  • English & Social Studies Discussion with Department Curriculum Leaders and Principal

Topics Explored in Past Years:

2021-22:

  • Body Image, Disordered Eating and the Impact of Social Media with Dr. Emily Gordon, Psy.D
  • CONNECT: Creating Safe, Healthy and Informed Technology Practices with Jason Verhoosky, Director of Wayland Youth & Family Services
  • Vaping: Clearing the Cloud with Jason Verhoosky, Director of Wayland Youth & Family Services
  • Talking with Youth about Friendships and Relationships with Jessica Teperow, Director of Prevention Programs and Molly Pistrang-Gomes, Youth Education Specialist of REACH
  • Social Skills Group: Youth Together with Kelsey Sanclemente, LMHC, Wayland Youth & Family Services Clinician

2020-21:

  • Coping with the Stress of the Pandemic on Students and Families with Dr. Dossie F. Kahn, Psy.D, Assistant Director, Clinical Supervisor at Wayland Youth & Family Services
  • Screenagers Next Chapter: Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience with Lindsay Steinsieck, Associate Director at the Human Relations Service (HRS)
  • Creating Inclusive Environments in the Schools with Caroline Han, WPS Diversity & Equity Coordinator
  • Parent Check-in with WMS Guidance Staff and Principal Betsy Gavron
  • Striving to Thrive in 2020-21 with McLean School Consultation Services
  • Reaching Beyond the Post with Jessica Teperow of REACH

2019-20:

  • Evidence-Based Strategies to Support and Empower Children When They Feel Anxious with Dr. Lauren Santucci, McLean Hospital
  • MetroWest Health Survey and Vaping 101 & Current MA Ban with Jason Verhoosky (WaylandCares)
  • Discussion of Key Themes in the 2018 MetroWest Health Survey with a Focus on Negative Trends in Mental Health Stats presented by Sejal T. Srinivasan, with Jason Verhoosky (WaylandCares), Principal Betsy Gavron, and Director of Student Services Richard Whitehead

2018-19:

  • Wellness and Well-being Among Our Students with WMS Guidance Counselors
  • Body Image, Health and Eating Disorders in the Middle School Years with Dr. Emily Gordon – Eating Disorders Handout
  • How to Talk to Children About Race with IDEAS, WMS and Elementary PTOs
  • Your Middle School Kid’s Gonna Be Okay: How Parents Can Facilitate Their Child’s Executive Function Development with Michael Delman, CEO of Beyond BookSmart – Executive Function Handout
  • Conflict Resolution with Middle School Children with Dr. Lindsay Steinsieck, PSYD, and Shannon Mackey, MSW, of the Human Relations Service (HRS) – Conflict Resolution Handout

2017-18:

  • Building Resilience in Children with Dr. Jones and Dr. Hurd of Human Relations Services (HRS)
  • Parenting Your Teen: An Interactive Workshop on Communications with Mark Altman of MindsetGo
  • Internet Safety: Unintended Exposure, Legal Consequences and Protective Measures with Jason Verhoosky of Wayland Youth & Family Services, the Wayland Police and Julie Suratt, Wayland mother of three and journalist
  • Preventative Measures for Stress & When to Worry with Dr. Dossie Kahn of Wayland Youth & Family Services
  • A Sporting Chance: Finding the Right Balance with Youth Sports & Other Activities with Dr. Robert Evans of Human Relations Services (HRS)
  • Talking to Your Kids about the Difficult Stuff- Sexuality, Self-harm, Drinking, Drugs and More with Dr. Dossie Kahn of Wayland Youth & Family Services