Middle School Division News: Feb. 6, 2025

By Dr. Jenn Milam, Pamela K. Murfin Head of School and Interim Middle School Division Head

Happy Spring Middle School Families! 

While you may be thinking I’m a little off-my-rocker wishing you a happy spring, for this happily-back-in-Texas-girl, I am loving these warm days in February. Last year I was still living in Minnesota at this time, and we were experiencing daily temperatures below zero and I was counting the days until my next transition visit to Winston. It’s hard to believe we are just over halfway through our school year, and yet, it seems like we’ve always been together.  What a joy it is to be with your middle school students at Winston. 

A few important reminders of things that should be on your radar and family calendar: 

• RE-ENROLLMENT @ Winston

The period of re-enrollment for our current families is NOW through Friday, February 14. This is a firm deadline to secure your spot at Winston for the 2025-2026 school year. At that time, we will begin offering enrollment to prospective students currently in the admission process and will monitor class sizes thoughtfully in preparation for next year. Your early and complete enrollment allows us to plan for staffing, curriculum, and scheduling. If you have questions or concerns about this deadline, please reach out to our Business Manager, Mr. Porro, or to your division head. 

NOTE: If you are rising into Upper School, your student will not be scheduled into classes and electives until your enrollment is complete. 

• Thursday, February 13

This day was originally an “EARLY DISMISSAL” day, but was changed last semester to be a full day, in anticipation of a four-day weekend. Lower and Middle School students will celebrate Valentine’s Day the afternoon of Thursday, February 13th. .Please reach out to your student’s advisor for more information and look for updates from your PTO Class Representatives! 

• Valentine’s Day + Presidents’ Day

Friday, February 14th, and Monday, February 17th, are both NO SCHOOL DAYS - a Texas “winter” break, if you will, that coincides with President’s Day observance. 

• Middle School Welcomes Rising Eagles! 

In the coming days, we will begin hosting our rising 6th and 7th grade classes for visit days to welcome them to Middle School at Winston. These are great opportunities for your students to show leadership, share what they love about Winston, and offer some tips and tools to those in our younger grades. I would be grateful if you would take a moment to reinforce a positive message about leadership, kindness, and warmth in serving as an ambassador for Middle School. 

• Parent Teacher Conferences - Thursday, March 13

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, March 13th, 3:30-8pm, for the next round of conferences. We will be sending instructions for registering through PickATime very soon - be on the lookout in your inbox for that next week! 

I want to close this week with a special “SHOUT OUT!” to our middle school basketball teams as they continue to play hard, be great teammates, and demonstrate exceptional Winston pride! I am truly inspired by their commitment to their teams and to developing their skills - what a joy it is to watch them play and grow in their love of sport and camaraderie! 

AND - CONGRATULATIONS to our SHAAN L - who was selected to represent Winston in the IAA ALL-STAR basketball game on Monday, February 10th at 6pm at Fairhill!! Shaan is an exceptional teammate and an outstanding student - way to represent Winston, Shaan! We are proud of you! 

Until next time - be well and take care of one another,

Jenn Milarm, Ph.D.

Interim Middle School Division Head