Warhawk Wise
January Issue
Upcoming Events-Mark Your Calendars
January:
- 7th- Youth Frontiers (seventh grade)
- 14th- Parent Engagement Meeting @ 5:30 pm in Wilson Library
- 14th- Chorus Concert 7 pm @ Lincoln
- 16th- End of Second Quarter
- 17th- No School for Students
- 20th- No School for Students
- 24th- Winter Ball (School Dance) from 6:30-9:00 pm
- 28th- 5th Gr. Northside Orchestra/Band Concert @ 6:30 pm
- 31st- Report Cards Sent Home
Attendance/Truancy Update
Winter Ball: Volunteers Needed
8th Grade Registration & Individual Planning Conference
As a follow-up to Lincoln’s orientation, the 8th grade students met in the Wilson Auditorium and listened to a registration presentation for next year. The program entailed a detailed presentation about graduation requirements, selecting coursework based on their interests, talents, skills, and goals. We also discussed filing out their 9th grade registration form for Lincoln High School and creating a four-year plan leading them towards a successful exit from Lincoln High School. At the presentation each student received their course of study bulletin (if they didn't get it from Lincoln previously), a 9th grade registration form (white sheet) and a 4-year plan sheet (yellow sheet). Additionally, the registration booklet is available online at the Wilson Middle School page. Select your counselor’s name and then click useful links. All completed 9th grade registration forms (white sheet) were due on Friday, December 20th.
Each 8th grade student, and their parents, will be scheduled for an IPC (Individual Planning Conference) between the middle of January and the end of March. The 8th grade families will be receiving letters at home indicating the date/time of these meetings. All parents are encouraged to attend with your 8th grader. At this meeting, each 8th grader should come with their 4-year plan filled out (in pencil) to the best of his/her ability. We will be discussing their future career goals and ambitions, while going over their 4-year plan for graduation.
If you have concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to call or email us!
Mr. Zupek (663-9877)
Students with last names A-L zupekm@mpsd.k12.wi.us
Mrs. Augustine (663-9852)
Students with last names M-Z augustinet@mpsd.k12.wi.us
Vulnerability as a Parent
This year our goal is to build empathy among our community through building positive relationships and helping others. Vulnerability plays a role in this work, when individuals are willing to be vulnerable, they also demonstrate courage and are more willing to take risks. You can help play a part in reaching our goal. Each newsletter, I'll share some insights from Brown's work.
Shame vs. Guilt
Brown explains the difference between shame vs. guilt. Growing up, we never really knew the difference between shame vs. guilt. However, it is so powerful to know the difference and the impact it can have on our lives and the lives of our children. We want to focus on using guilt NOT shame.
Shame deals with an internal look
- I or You are a terrible person
- Examples: I am so stupid, I can't believe I did that. You are such a disappointment.
Guilt deals with an action
- I made a horrible choice
- Examples: It was a bad idea not to study for my test. Hitting another student was a poor choice.
What to Do When Our Children are in Pain
Often when our children are in pain or are struggling, our first response as a parent is to fix it for them. However, Brown recommends we show compassion by being there with them in the moment. It allows us the time to recognize where they are at and what they are feeling/perceiving, demonstrating empathy.
We might say:
- "I know what it feels like to . . . "
- "When I experience . . . I feel . . . "
Being vulnerable with our children allows them to realize it's okay to feel frustrated, sad, angry, etc. It's in these moments that we can best show up for our kids by:
- Sitting there in the darkness with our kids- letting them experience the pain
- Listening to them
- Even just sitting their in the silence with them
- Be vulnerable with them- share moments of our own struggles
These can be the most powerful moments we can have with our children. It shapes who we are and it allows them to practice empathy as well.