Student Connections
From the earliest days in the Early Childhood Center to the last day of middle school, WNS students are part of a special community. Students from all grade levels connect with each other in so many ways, making WNS a special place to be.
Grade Level Buddies
Every grade at WNS participates in our beloved Buddy Program, which pairs older and younger students to foster meaningful cross-grade relationships. Even our youngest learners in the Early Childhood Center are matched with a buddy! These pairings benefit everyone involved—older students build empathy and leadership skills, while younger students gain a trusted role model and friend.
Buddies connect during structured activities, shared playtime, and special events, creating joyful memories and strong bonds that often last well beyond a single school year.
One of the most cherished pairings is between our kindergarteners and the graduating 8th grade class. This relationship is especially poignant, as it bookends the WNS journey—our oldest students guiding those just beginning theirs. A truly heartwarming tradition occurs when WNS alumni return to campus just before starting college: they reconnect with their former kindergarten buddies, now confident and capable 4th graders. These reunions are a beautiful reminder of the lasting impact of mentorship and community.
At WNS, the Buddy Program is more than a tradition—it’s a highlight of the student experience, and one that every child looks forward to with excitement and pride.
Family Groups
Every K-8 student, faculty and staff are members of a family group. There are over 20 family groups comprised of faculty/staff advisors, middle school leaders, and younger students.
Family groups meet approximately once a month with changing activities and a different focus each time. What is constant is the time for bonding and connection between students as they remain in their family group from kindergarten through 8th grade.
Community Gathering
Our weekly community gatherings are a special time for the K-8 and parent community to gather together. Community gatherings incorporate songs, celebrations, presentations, performances, school-wide updates, and more.
ECC Sing
Every Friday morning the ECC community gathers in the amphitheater for their morning sing! It’s a wonderful celebration of songs students have been learning, and a time for the community to bond together. At times, we welcome special guests, and we always invite families to bring any special cultural celebrations or traditions to share with the ECC!
Student Affinity Groups
Affinity groups at WNS are an essential part of our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and connected school community. First launched in 2019 by a group of middle school students, these groups were created to build understanding, encourage allyship, and offer safe spaces for students to explore identity and shared experience.
Over time, the program has expanded thoughtfully across all grade levels to meet students where they are developmentally:
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Grades K–2: These youngest learners participate in interest-based affinity groups, designed to introduce the foundational concept of community through shared interests. Through these playful and positive experiences, students begin to explore the idea of intersectionality in an age-appropriate way.
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Grades 3–5: At this stage, students begin their introduction to identity—exploring aspects of who they are and how they relate to others. These groups offer a space to reflect on identity in a supportive, guided setting.
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Grades 6–8: Middle school affinity groups are aligned with students’ growing capacity for self-awareness, dialogue, and critical thinking. Students meet around racial, cultural, and other aspects of identity, engaging in deeper conversations about equity, representation, and allyship.
In addition to student groups, WNS also offers parent-led affinity groups, providing a space for caregivers to connect, share experiences, and support one another in building a stronger, more inclusive school community.
Through affinity groups, WNS continues to center belonging, voice, and mutual respect as vital components of both the student and parent experience.