CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM (All grades)
The Character Education program, known as Viking Voices Lessons, is designed to foster essential values and skills in students, with a strong emphasis on digital citizenship, respect, positivity and conflict resolution. The curriculum covers key areas such as recognizing and addressing bias language, and harassment, intimidation and bullying behavior (HIB). It encourages students to practice kindness, embrace diversity, and take responsibility for their actions online and offline. Through student-centered lessons, students learn to navigate digital spaces safely and ethically, resolve conflicts peacefully, and build a respectful and inclusive community. The program aims to create a positive and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered.
SIXTH GRADE ACTIVITIES
MOST VALUABLE VIKING
A sixth-grade program that recognizes students (quarterly) who consistently demonstrate characteristics of good citizenship. Their respective team of teachers and counselor selects students each marking period.
Teachers look for students who exhibit the following characteristics:
Responsibility
Honesty
Effort
Respect
Citizenship
Empathy
Kindness
Students receive certificates and letters are sent home to parents. A bulletin board display highlights the students.
CHARACTER EDUCATION DAY
The day before Thanksgiving has become the annual Character Education Day for sixth graders. Students work in groups on team building activities and tasks that require them to work together to reach a common goal.
FIELD TRIP - CAMP BERNIE
Each year in the Fall the entire 6th grade heads to Camp Bernie for a field trip. It is designed to bring students from all the elementary schools together to get to know their new classmates. Students engage in action socialization experiences or team building activities. The core of the team building challenges presents each group with various obstacles, some more physical in nature than others. Although success is encouraged, the group’s success is not determined by whether they complete a challenge or by how fast, but by the degree to which they make progress working together as a group. Overall, students are engaged in team building and adventure programs and all the educational programs offered act in accordance with the 2010 Core Curriculum Content Standards as set forth by the Department of Education.
TALENT SHOW
The day before winter break has become the annual Talent Show for any interested sixth graders. Students prepare and showcase their talent either live and in person or in a video to show to the student body. The entire sixth grade meets in the auditorium to celebrate the talent and unique skills of their classmates.
VETERAN EDUCATION AND CELEBRATION
Typically around Memorial Day but dependent on the schedule of our local VFW, we coordinate to have a group of veterans come into WAMS to speak to our sixth grade students. The sixth graders prepare questions and then engage in a presentation, dialogue, and Q&A with a group of veterans from our local VFW here in Basking Ridge. In addition, students are provided with a lesson about the history of Memorial Day and a discussion of the sacrifices made by veterans. Last, the students take part in a team level assembly to learn about the history of military uniforms. Student volunteers are able to wear the authentic uniforms and learn about the essential tools our soldiers need.
FAMILY FUN NIGHT
The Peer Leaders group hosts a Family Fun Night for sixth grade students and their families each Fall. The night is designed to bring the students together and create a cohesive community. Teachers work carnival-like stations, provide cotton candy, and give out prizes.
SEVENTH GRADE ACTIVITIES
7th GRADE VIKING VIPs
The 7th-grade teams honor students who exemplify character every marking period. Each team of teachers nominates and votes on students based on their dedication to our "Be Statements". The four "Be Statements" are: Be responsible, Be respectful, Be positive, and Be kind. Students who earn the VIP award display the courage to do the right thing when no one is watching, serve as role models, treat others with respect and kindness, demonstrate responsibility, and act with integrity. This award recognizes the actions of the true VIPs at William Annin. The seventh-grade teachers are proud of these students and their accomplishments and recognize their efforts at making our community a better place.
HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY
Each year the students learn about a dark time in our world’s history in order to understand the importance of respect, acceptance, tolerance, and preventing social injustices. In Social Studies students are introduced to historical events leading to the World Wars and the rise of Nazi Germany, with the key goal of helping students realize the importance of protecting basic human rights for all humanity. Students will learn about the economic and social factors in Europe and Nazi Germany that created a climate capable of carrying out a genocide. In English, students are involved in an historical fiction literature circle during which they read selections, such as Soldier X and Milkweed, demonstrating different aspects of World War II and the Holocaust. In Language Arts, students read nonfiction texts to learn about multiple perspectives of the Holocaust and read I Never Saw Another Butterfly. Finally, the seventh grade honors those lost and affected by hosting a Holocaust Remembrance Day during which students participate in activities that focus on bullying prevention, acceptance, and advocacy. Holocaust survivor Tova Friedman speaks to the students about her experiences in the ghettos and liberation from Auschwitz. In 2017 our Holocaust Remembrance Day was awarded as a Promising Practice by Character.org.
iPLAY AMERICA FIELD TRIP
Seventh grade students experience a thrilling trip to iPlay America, an indoor amusement park, where they will enjoy action-packed attractions, games and rides. From laser tag to go-kart racing and a wide array of arcade games, there is something for everyone. This trip is more than just fun-it's an opportunity for students to bond, build friendships, create lasting memories and build school community in a safe and engaging environment.
EIGHTH GRADE ACTIVITIES
8TH GRADE TRIP
Each year, eighth graders at William Annin are invited to attend an end of year field trip. The trip is an extension of many parts of the middle school curriculum and it is also a special culminating experience for the middle school years. All eighth graders at William Annin are invited to participate in an extended day excursion to Hersheypark in Hershey, PA. The day involves chartered coach buses for the two hour and 30 minute drive from WAMS to Hershey, PA and back. At Hersheypark students will go on rides, visit the zoo, play games, create memories, spend time with friends, and enjoy a catered team picnic before heading home.
STUDENT STAR AWARD
At least three times a year, the 8th grade team teachers recognize students as a "Student Star." The criteria for this recognition are good moral character, evidence of school contributions, concern for others, a cooperative spirit, respect for school and others, and a demonstrated sense of responsibility. The award is not academically based, but intended to recognize those students who serve as a role model for their peers. Recipients of the award are recognized by their team teachers and their name appears in the Viking Voice.
8TH GRADE CELEBRATION (sponsored by the PTO)
This end of year onsite celebration is held on an afternoon in June, outside with a live DJ. Eighth graders from every team have the opportunity, as an entire grade, to commemorate their time together at WAMS as they sign yearbooks, play games, enjoy lunch, and listen to music.