School news
Yoh Theatre 2026-2027 Season
Everyone in grades 7-12 is welcome to join in our Yoh Theatre 2026-2027 season, beginning with our October play.
Opening meeting: For everyone interested in our 2026-2027 season, we will have an opening meeting on Sunday, August 30th from 5-7pm. At this meeting, the season will be revealed, the schedule for the first show will be available, and we will have a potluck with finger foods.
Rehearsals will begin on Monday, August 31 with performances on October 16, 17, 18. Rehearsals for HS students are every day after school between 3:15-6:00pm. Rehearsals for MS students are T, TH, F from 3:15-5:00pm
Registration link: https://students.arbitersports.com/woodstock-uhsms/yoh-theatre-2026-october-play
Thank you!
Marcia Bender
Theatre Director
Math is in everything
Pre-calculus students presented at a table top discussion on a topic of their choosing, and then finding the mathematics in that topic. Students chose topics that they were very interested in or had a passion for. Some of the topics were about soccer, ballet, social media, bodybuilding, and more! They presented to another adult in the building and some even had their parents come in to be part of the presentation.
What’s the use of stories . . . If they aren’t even true?
What’s the use of stories . . .
If they aren’t even true?
AP Lit Seniors in Narrative Reality answer that question in a SEA OF Lit-to-Life thoughts, jump-started by their reading of Salman Rushdie's novel Haroun and the Sea of Stories. See what they have to say in their “Ocean of Streams of Stories” staked along the Main Entrance to WUHSMS. The “connections” will be there until the posters get “droopy,” or through graduation, whichever comes first!
ENJOY!
“Peace broke out.” - Salman Rushdie
Ninth graders present at Shir Shalom Woodstock Area Jewish Community
This spring, the ninth graders have been engaged in an interdisciplinary Holocaust and Genocide unit in their English and Modern World classes. In Modern World History with Mr. Wolfe, students learned about the historical background of the Holocaust, studying the escalation of hate that led up to the atrocities. They also made connections between the Holocaust and other genocides, and examined how hate escalates and manifests in the present day. In English with Ms. SJ, they explored the individual stories of people who endured the Holocaust, including survivors, rescuers, and people whose lives were unfortunately lost. They created informative museum exhibits, honoring their chosen people’s lives and legacies.
On June 8th, all ninth graders went to Shir Shalom Woodstock Area Jewish Community where they were joined by Rabbi Haigh, Lois Fein, and 20 other Shir Shalom congregants. Students displayed their final projects for all to examine. Lux Ringenberg, Yanni Amos, Bowie Appelfeller, Heidi Thompson, Nick Melrod, Gwen Boudreau, and Ariana Franco Montesinos presented their final projects in front of the entire assembled group. Students also had the unique opportunity to view a primary source - Shir Shalom’s Holocaust Torah Scroll, which likely dates back to the 1840s. Finally, students were treated to delicious pizza and popsicles, which were generously provided by Shir Shalom.
Students, congregants, and teachers alike were deeply moved by the experience. Charlie Hauze shared how meaningful it was that the congregants joined us and shared their experiences with us. Nick Melrod remarked that he was surprised by how many of the congregants had personal connections with the Holocaust. Other students reflected on how powerful it was to witness the vibrancy of our local Jewish community.
This field trip was made possible by the generosity of Shir Shalom leaders and congregants, including Rabbi Haigh, Lois Fein, President Elliot Goodman. We owe them all many thanks!
Steve Lazona receives McLaughlin Award from student council
The Student Council awarded Steve Lanoza with the James T. McLaughlin Co-curricular Award. The McLaughlin Award is named after Jim McLaughlin who was a former science teacher, administrator and winning football coach at WUHSMS. Students nominated Steve Lanoza, who works in the cafeteria, for this award for his dedication to supporting and encouraging students during sports events, concerts, theater productions, chaperoning the prom and his genuine interest in students' well being.
Upon receiving the award, Steve Lanoza expressed his gratitude by saying, "I would like to thank everyone involved in choosing me for this award. It was a complete surprise to me that left me humbled. I will miss all of the seniors very much. I wish there was a way to stay in touch so I could hear of all their future endeavors. And, I look forward to seeing everyone else next school year!"