It is hard to believe August has arrived and that school is only a few weeks away.  While there is still plenty of time for summer fun, I am already beginning to feel the excitement of the new school year. I know it is going to be a great year, and I look forward to working with your children in this amazing community of learners.

At this point, parents should have a WillyNet password and be able to login. If you are having any issues with your password, please contact the Communications Office at 413-529-3403. When you’ve logged in to WillyNet, please update your profile and make sure we have the correct email addresses for you and your family. This is particularly important because communications from the school are sent regularly via email, including notification of grades and comments, links to webcasts of campus events, a monthly newsletter, and much more.

This fall, we’re excited to welcome John Bul Dau to campus on November 1. Mr. Dau is the author of God Grew Tired Of Us: A Memoir and the founder of the John Dau Foundation, which is dedicated to transforming health care in Southern Sudan. Mr. Dau’s talk will be webcast for parents, and there will be an opportunity for parent/student discussions at a later date.

We’re asking all Williston Middle School students to have read Mr. Dau’s book by the time he visits campus this fall. Knowing that there is no time like the present, you might be interested in having your child start this reading during the month of August. The book is terrific, and I have no doubt your child will enjoy reading it (and you may, too!).