A Message from The Principal

August 2025

Greetings Walter Reed Families and welcome to the 2025-26 school year.

Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time this year, we are so glad to have you as part of the Reed family. Middle school is a time of many changes for students and parents alike. We are excited to work with you and your students in navigating the path to academic and social-emotional growth.

I am proud to lead this amazing school where all are welcomed and celebrated. We believe that all students deserve the opportunity to excel and all are capable of greatness. We are committed to equity, inclusion, and safety for all students and their families. I encourage you to keep up with everything that’s happening at Reed by visiting our website at ReedMS.LAUSD.org, following us on social media, reading and listening to the weekly Sunday message, being part of the PTSA, visiting our parent center, and by tracking your students’ progress on Schoology, and the Parent Portal.

Teachers are the reason students come to school, the reason hidden talents are discovered, and the drivers of all student achievement. The Reed faculty is a diverse, dedicated team committed to serving the academic and emotional needs of our students, while bringing joy to the classroom. New faculty members added over the summer will only add to the diversity and strength of the team. Please get to know your child’s teachers and counselors, and communicate with them throughout the year.

At Reed, we set high behavioral expectations by reminding students daily that we are safe, responsible, and respectful. We incentivize positive behavior and take a progressive approach to student discipline. Last year we became a cell-phone-free campus by implementing the Yondr pouch system which was a major success. After initiating the plan in February, we saw phone-related incidents drop, and student engagement rise. We encourage students to contribute to our positive campus climate. Remember, if you see something, say something.

A few key dates to remember for the upcoming year:

Orientation: August 5 and 6

First Day of Instruction: August 14

Back to School Night: August 28

You'll find a listing of all Important Dates, and a view of the whole calendar on our website.

As we begin this new school year, we do so with energy and intention. We will continue to engage in the work we believe in–challenging students academically, supporting them emotionally, and encouraging them to develop a lifelong love of learning. Thank you for trusting, and partnering with us in this critical work. No matter the job, in everything we do, we do it better together.

Warmly,

Paul DeBonis

Principal, Walter Reed Middle School