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William J. Johnston Middle School

Respect for All

Puma Weekly - September 5, 2025

Posted Date: 9/05/25 (3:11 PM)

WJ Puma Logo

Puma Weekly

September 5, 2025

Picture of the front of WJJMS
 
Admin report
Matrix for WJJMS
 

Upcoming Events, Activities & Reminders

 

Picture Day is Tuesday, September 23!

You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVT76GGG7. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!
Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day. Orders after Picture Day must be placed online only on mylifetouch.com .
Picture day flyer
 
Meet the new intern counselor flyer
 

2025 Club Cross Country Information

What is it? Club Cross Country is an after school sport that introduces middle school students to basic fitness running, fun athletic activities and advanced competitive running opportunities (races).
When does CCC meet? The program will start on Monday, September 8th, and will end by Friday, November 7th. The program usually practices on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 2:15 to 4:00 pm.
Where does CCC meet? Practices will begin in the East Gym facing the parking lot. Students in the club will run in central Colchester and at sites such as Bacon Academy, the town green and the Colchester rail trail..
Who can participate? Club Cross Country is available for WJJMS students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Parents and guardians must sign up their children using forms posted on the school website and/or available in the WJJMS main office. In order to attend practice, athletes must have a Parent/Guardian Permission form, as well as a signed Concussion Informed Consent form, and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness form. An updated health form must also be turned in to the school nurse's office. These required forms should be turned before students attend a practice.

cross country image
 

WJJMS Night with Hartford Athletic!

Join us Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7PM for an exciting soccer match! 
Buy tickets here (each one helps our School! www.hartfordathletic.group/wjjms25
Save on parking by purchasing ahead: Parking Link
This game will probably sell out, so grab yours early!
Hartford Athletic logo
 
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Interested in Theater??

BA Theatrics is excited to announce that they are once again looking for middle school students to participate in their fall show, Alice in Wonderland! Students can pick up permission slip packets in the main office. More information can be found in the packets. Signed permission slips are due in the main office by 2:00 on September 15th. Late permission slips will not be accepted. Have questions? Email Miss Brianna Alessio at balessio@colchesterct.org
 

Welcome from New School Counselor, Amber Merwin!

Dear WJJMS Families,
I’m excited to introduce myself as a new school counselor here at WJJMS! My name is Amber Merwin, and I will be working with all 8th grade students as well as 6th graders with last names A-L.
This is my 12th year as a school counselor, and while I’m new to WJJMS, I’m eager to get to know your children and support their growth and success. Please know that I’m here to help with any questions, concerns, or guidance your student may need throughout the year.
Feel free to reach out to me anytime at amerwin@colchesterct.org. I look forward to partnering with you to make this a great year for your child!
Warmly,
Amber Merwin
School Counselor, Grade 8/Grade 6 A-L
William J. Johnston Middle School
Colchester Public Schools
(860)537-2313
 

Band & Chorus News

We are excited to start the new school year. We have great events and performances planned throughout the year. Please read the information below and contact us with any questions.
Scheduling:
● All band students meet one period each week for a pull-out, small group lesson. Lessons will be the same day each week, but will rotate a period each week. Students will not be pulled from math. A makeup assignment will be provided for students who have to miss a lesson.
● The Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth grade bands will rehearse twice a week during WINN Period. Sixth Grade Band meets Period 8 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Seventh Grade Band meets at 11:15 AM on Mondays and Wednesdays. Eighth Grade Band meets at 10:28 AM on Mondays and Wednesdays.
● The Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade Chorus will rehearse twice a week during Workshop. Sixth Grade Chorus meets Period 8 on Mondays and Wednesdays. Seventh Grade Chorus meets at 11:15 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Eighth Grade Chorus meets at 10:28 AM Tuesdays and Thursdays.
How to Sign Up for Band:
● Returning Band Members do not have to re register for Band. Just show up to the first band rehearsal on Tuesday, September 2 or Wednesday, Sept 3 during WINN and confirm your participation for the year. (Bring your instrument and music.)
● Students who have not participated in band need to register on the Band Enrollment Form.
● All small group lessons will begin Monday, September 8.
How to Sign Up for Chorus:
● All students in Sixth Grade already in PowerSchool are in chorus and should attend the first rehearsal on Wednesday, September 3 during Period 8. If your child is interested in joining, they should come to the first few rehearsals to try it out. There will be a participation form handed out at this meeting for anyone not signed up yet. Please fill that out and return to Mrs. Goodwin.
● All students in Seventh Grade already in PowerSchool are in chorus and should attend the first rehearsal on Tuesday, September 2, at 11:15 AM. If your child is interested in joining, they should come to the first few rehearsals to try it out. There will be a participation form handed out at this meeting for anyone not signed up yet. Please fill that out and return to Mrs. Goodwin.
● All students in Eighth Grade already in PowerSchool are in chorus and should attend the first rehearsal on Tuesday, September 2 at 10:28 AM. If your child is interested in joining, they should come to the first few rehearsals to try it out. There will be a participation form handed out at this meeting for anyone not signed up yet. Please fill that out and return to Mrs. Goodwin.

Keith Morrissette, Band Director
Lynn Goodwin, Choral Director 

kmorrissette@colchesterct.org
lgoodwin@colchesterct.org  
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nurse office picture

Greetings from the Middle School Nurses!

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we’d like to provide an overview of current medication policies along with a copy of the state’s general Medication Authorization form, if needed.
Medication Policy Overview
All medications, including prescription and over-the-counter, require written authorization from a licensed physician. Medications must be dropped off in person by a responsible adult in the original pharmacy-labeled container indicating the student’s name, medication, dosage, along with prescriber information. The information on the pharmacy label must match the written instructions from your student’s physician.
Medication Administration During School Hours
All medications must be administered by the school nurse, except for emergency medications (Epi-Pens, inhalers). These emergency medications may be self-carried by students if indicated on the physician’s prescription. In addition, students who plan to self-carry must check in at the nurse to go through the self-administration checklist. Students who meet the requirements will be given a laminated card to carry in school along with their medication.
Field Trip Policy
All non-emergency medications during a day field trip will be administered by a nurse (if present) or a trained chaperone.
Please contact the health office with any questions or concerns:
 
phone: 860-537-3511 
fax: 860-537-6258
 
Thank you for your attention and we look forward to meeting and supporting your students during the upcoming school year.
Sincerely,
Heidi Bochain, RN, BSN, NCSN
Coralys Millbury, RN
William J. Johnston Middle School Nurses
 

Dates to Remember

  • 9/8/25 - Cross Country Begins
  • 9/8 & 9/9 - Soccer Tryouts
  • 9/19/25 - Early Dismissal, 10:50 AM
  • 9/20/25 - Hartford Athletic Game, 7pm
  • 9/22/25 - Camp Hazen (Pi Team)
  • 9/23/25 - Picture Day
  • 9/24/25 - Camp Hazen (Zeta Mu)
  • 9/25/25 - Open House
 
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