The Wildcat Chat
What's Happening at Willard? | November 19, 2021
CLAWS Awards & Team Building EDIT
This week we celebrated our Team CLAWS Award winners. These students were recognized for their excellence in the areas of Character, Leadership, Attitude, Work Ethic, and Service. In addition, we held our first-ever team building competitions, which included trivia, minute-to-win-it games, and an ice cream social. Below, you shall find the links to the grade-level presentations and a few photos! Enjoy!
Academic Excellence
Book Fair Starting November 29
Interview with Mr. Rounsley
Our Communications class students have completed a series of interviews with our school administrators. Up first is our principal Mr. Rounsley, who offers his insights about what makes Willard a fabulous place to be and learn. Check it out, by clicking here.
Upcoming Drama Auditions for Shrek Jr.
Toothbrushes for Art
CAMPUS Visit for 8th Graders
Lost & Found
Upcoming CLAWS Lessons
Students in the coming weeks will engage in CLAWS activities that center on our text Song for a Whale, creative writing, grade reviews, and our Second Step efforts. The Second Step work for the week will focus on recognizing bullying and harassment. In 6th grade, students will discuss and build awareness of the differences between bullying and joking around. In 7th grade, students will learn about their responsibility not to harass others, and, finally, in 8th grade, students will examine how social factors can relate to bullying and harassment.
Signs of Suicide Presentation
As you know, life is often a roller-coaster ride of emotions, with teen years being especially susceptible to wide variations in mood. It is easy to misread depression as normal adolescent turmoil; however, depression is among the most common disorders in youth. Suicide is directly related to mental illness, typically depression, and is one of the most serious public health problems facing our youth. Over 90% of youth who die by suicide have a mental disorder that is often undiagnosed or untreated.To proactively address this issue, Willard is offering the SOS Signs of Suicide Program this school year. The SOS Signs of Suicide® Prevention Program is a universal school-based suicide prevention that has demonstrated a significant reduction in self-reported suicide attempts by 40-64%.
We intend to implement this program in the eighth-grade science classes at Willard. The program will take place during the class period as an educational lesson including a video and will be conducted by school psychologists, social workers, and counselors. The presenters will be available for follow-up with students who wish to speak with them. If you do not wish for your student to participate, please send an email to your child’s school counselor by Tuesday, November 23, opting your child out of the classroom lesson. Additionally, if you have any questions or wish to preview the educational materials prior to the classroom presentation, please contact us at 571-252-1013 or access the Screening for Mental Health SOS Signs of Suicide Prevention Program Parent portal.