WMS Friday Forecast
January 29, 2021 - Week 21
The Importance of Talking to the Teacher First
One of the most frequent types of calls that I get is from parents concerned about something that was said in class. The question I typically first ask is, "Did you talk to the teacher yet?" Most often the conversation has not been had and we connect the teacher and the parent together to resolve the concern.
How middle school students, and just humans in general, perceive a conversation may vary. One person may view it as friendly while the other may view it as confrontational. One may feel a discussion was interesting while another may find it boring. This is part of our human nature!
With this in mind, I strongly encourage parents (or preferably students) to talk to the teacher before calling an administrator when they have a concern. My experience has been that 99.7% of the time there has been a misperception or miscommunication in class and simply calling the teacher clears this up. The other times, administrative intervention is necessary.
I have found that a phone call is far better than an email. "Hello, Mr. Jones. This is Mr. Smith. Can you give me a call at your earliest convenience about something Fred thought he heard in class?" Our teachers are more than willing to call you back and have a productive conversation. I would encourage you to keep an open mind about "perceptions" rather than "facts".
I know I hate it when someone goes and talks to my boss before talking to me. I am guessing you feel the same way. I am hoping we can keep clear lines of communication by starting with the person with whom you have the concern.
Enjoy your weekend!
Tim
Dear Wredling Families
Mrs. Hickman and Mr. Swade, Wredling’s Student Support Coordinators, would like to remind you that we use Gaggle as a tool that filters everything your student does online for safety. Gaggle checks through students emails and use of apps to screen for things like violence, things of a sexual nature, swearing, abuse, depression, and suicide ideation.
We want your student to feel free to use their Chromebook and District 303 email and tools, but they need to remember that our district devices should be used primarily for educational purposes. At times they may write something that might get “Gaggled”, but it is part of a school assignment. That is fine. But for some Gaggle alerts, we may be emailing/contacting you to understand how they are using school time and D303 tools. Often students will send emails to one another forgetting to talk appropriately. As your student(s) communicate in an email, they need to keep conversations appropriate as if they were talking in a classroom at Wredling. We would like you to go over these expectations and remind them to THINK before using their Chromebook inappropriately.
Before you hit send THINK
T- Is it True?
H- Is it Helpful?
I- Is it Inspiring?
N- Is it Necessary
K- Is it Kind?
And if you ever feel that your student is in need of some emotional support, please contact your grade-level counselor or social worker immediately! They are the ones who can offer the best guidance.
Thank you-
Mrs. Hickman and Mr. Swade
Student Support Coordinators
Greetings Middle School Families!
Incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th grade middle school students will be receiving exploratory/elective course selection sheets in the mail over the coming days. These need to be filled out, signed by a parent or guardian, and returned to your elementary school (for 5th graders) or middle school by Tuesday, February 9, 2021.
Descriptions of the explore options can be found on both of the Thompson and Wredling websites under the Academics tab. Replacement forms are on both schools’ websites at the bottom of the home page.
Please note that for some of our students with IEPs, their course selections will be discussed at their IEP or transition meeting.
The Learning and Teaching Department created a video explaining how to complete the Explore Course Selection Forms. Please reach out to your child’s counselor if you have questions.
WMS Guidance Counselors:
- Kirsten Cwinski - 7th Grade 20-21, 8th Grade 21-22
- Bridget Hult - 6th Grade 20-21, 7th Grade 21-22
- Ethan Wood - 8th Grade 20-21, 6th Grade 21-22
We are excited to provide these learning opportunities for our middle school students!
For our incoming 6th grade parents, as we get into the spring, we will update you about transition events for you and your child.
Thank you-
Tim Loversky, Principal
Wredling Middle School
Early Release Mondays
Early Release Monday Dates:
- February 1, 8, 22
- March 1, 8, 15, 22
- April 5, 12, 19, 26
- May 3, 10, 17, 24
Please call the Wredling Main Office at (331) 228-3700 with any questions.
Semester final exam information regarding High School Level Classes
Girls Basketball Information
Any girls interested in playing 7th or 8th grade basketball this year should attend a brief informational meeting either next Wednesday, February 3rd, or Thursday, February 4th on google meets beginning at 4:30. The links for the Google Meet are attached:
JOIN WITH GOOGLE MEET
- meet.google.com/pon-wrsy-tnv - Link to Feb. 3rd meeting
- meet.google.com/irj-mcgq-umk - Link to Feb. 4th meeting
The season will begin on Tuesday, February 9th. Practice will run from 3:45 to 4:45 after school Tuesday-Friday. Athletes must have a current physical on file in order to participate.
We Want Your Pictures!
WE STILL NEED YOUR PICTURE SUBMISSIONS FOR THIS YEAR'S YEARBOOK. Your participation is crucial to completing our yearbook!
Current theme(s):
"Winter Fun" - Fun in the snow
"Family Celebrations" - Holidays, family fun
- Pictures can be shared through the Google drive or email at Timothy.Massie@d303.org OR
- CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW (computer or smartphone) and use access code - redhawks)
Middle School A/B Calendar
Counselors' Remote Office Hours
You can join the office hours using the Google Meets link found on the Counselor Google Classroom page! To join the Counselor Google Classroom page, enter this code: struj2c!
REMOTE REIMAGINED
Remote learning supervision is now being offered by the St. Charles Park District. It's for ANY middle schooler who is struggling with those hybrid/remote days and maybe not signing in, staying on task, or completing any homework. There is a fee associated with the program. For information on financial assistance or payment plans, email Cori at chedlund@stcparks.org. If any family cannot afford the tuition, please contact STC LEARN for possible additional funding.
Please contact the St. Charles Park District if you have any questions about this opportunity.
SEL Survey
St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 strives to provide all students with the best opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and behaviorally in school. As part of this commitment, District 303 is enhancing our Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) across the district for the 2020-2021 school year.
This year, students in grades 2-5 and students in 6-12 will be completing a universal screening tool to assess their academic, social, and emotional learning skills. The use of universal screening allows us to refine and strengthen our efforts to help all students achieve success by taking positive and preventative measures as early as possible. This also provides us with the opportunity to assist students who may need additional support with academic, social, and emotional learning.
One of the universal screening tools used by the District is the ECRA SEL Survey, which focuses on the following areas:
Responsible Decision Making
Self-Regulation
Social/Relationships
The ECRA SEL Survey will be completed three times this school year. The first one was completed in the fall. Students will complete the mid year check between January 18 and January 29. The third check will be April 26 through May 7. If a screening shows that a student will benefit from additional skill development, parents will be contacted and will work in collaboration with school staff to problem-solve and determine next steps.
Additional information about this screener and other assessments in District 303 may be found on our website at https://district.d303.org/departments/assessment. Thank you for your support and assistance in ensuring each of our students has the opportunity to achieve academic and social-emotional success.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRANSFERS - REQUEST PERIOD OPEN FROM FEB. 1 - FEB. 26
Families who wish to submit a Middle School Transfer request may do so beginning February 1, 2021. Families must complete a separate form for each student they want to be transferred. Requests are granted based on space available. This means that siblings are not guaranteed placement. A written decision will be communicated to families before spring break.
Once the request is approved, a student may remain at that middle school throughout his or her middle school career, as long as the student resides in District 303.
Families of students granted permission to attend a school outside of their assigned attendance area are responsible for their own transportation.
Students will return to their assigned attendance area high school regardless of the middle school attended.
The Middle School Transfer request window will close at 4:00pm on February 26, 2021.
If you have questions, please contact Tammy Marsan at: 331-228-2397.
Dear Parents:
Saints Helping Hawks runs every Tuesday and Wednesday (currently virtually) from 4:00-4:45. Students can attend Tuesday, Wednesday, or both days! Volunteer high school tutors from East HS join our Google Meet. We match WMS students to high school students (based on subject area strengths) and the tutoring begins!
If you would like more information about this club, feel free to email one of the teachers (emails listed below) and we will get back to you! Or, you can click on this link and fill out the form and we will get more information to you.
We hope to see your child at Saints Helping Hawks!
Mrs. Breon (shannon.breon@d303.org)
Ms. Parikh (dhara.parikh@d303.org)Chromebook Device Exchange
If you need assistance with a broken device, please contact the live chat service during business hours or visit the IT Technical Resources site for information.
Remote Academy Learning Resources
Welcome to remote learning! Remember that remote students have classes every day. Below are resources for our full remote learners:
Remote Academy Calendar (and Bell Schedule)
You can check the attendance for any of your students at any time by logging into the Home Access Center and clicking on the attendance tab to view. Toggle between students using the arrow in the upper right hand corner.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call the main office at (331) 228-3100! We are here to help!
D303 Remote Learning Resources for Students and Parents
Compass Academy
Registration for Compass Academy is opening on Monday, January 25. Compass Academy is open to any and all students entering grades 9-12 next fall who are interested in an innovative learning environment that offers:
- a flexible schedule with a later start or earlier end to the day
- the chance to join a small learning community
- a voice and choice in learning activities
- opportunities to explore career pathways
- project-based seminars with hands-on learning
Students who attend Compass Academy may take specialized courses, such as band or Driver Education, at their home high school, but they will be able to meet all graduation requirements through courses at Compass Academy. When students graduate from Compass Academy, their diploma will be from their home high school, St. Charles East or St. Charles North High School.
WANTED: WREDLING PTO VICE PRESIDENT
Wake Up Call
February 2, 2021
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Wake Up Call is a three-part drug and alcohol prevention presentation. The first part of the presentation focuses on current trends such as vaping, marijuana, alcohol and prescription pills. Next, attendees will virtually walk through a life-size teen bedroom with more than 20 “red flags” that can signal drug or alcohol use. The bedroom identifies spots where drugs can be hidden, household items that can be used as drug paraphernalia and ways teens try to cover up drug and alcohol use. Lastly, attendees will learn practical prevention strategies to prevent substance abuse and where to go for help if they are concerned. Please fill out this form if you are interested in attending.
Winter Reading Program
AAUW Writing Contest Deadline Next Week!
Attention 7th and 8th graders: Do you like to write? Do you have a story that you are really proud of? Or a poem that you wrote this past year? Maybe an essay or report that is awesome?
Then the 42nd Annual AAUW Creative Writing Contest could be for you! Please click on this link for more details. Entries are due by February 3, 2021.
Looking for a job?
One of the more flexible positions available is that of a D303 Substitute. You can choose to work, or not work, as your schedule permits. Take a moment and read the Substitute Handbook to see what this job entails.
If you are interested and hold a:
- Bachelor's degree in any field you would qualify to apply for a substitute license with the state which allows you to sub for teachers or teacher assistants. You would apply using THIS link.
- Associate's degree you apply for a Paraprofessional license which only allows you to sub for Teaching assistants. You would apply using THIS link.
- High School diploma you have to take an aptitude test with the KANE ROE office. Once you pass that, you apply for a Paraprofessional license which only allows you to sub for Teaching assistants. You would apply using THIS link.
Contact Julie Wenger (julie.wenger@d303.org) with any questions.
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWSLETTER IS CURRENT AS OF PUBLICATION DATE.
Wredling Middle School - Home of the RedHawks
#WredlingLearns
Website: wredling.d303.org
Location: 1200 Dunham Road, St. Charles, IL, USA
Phone: (331)228-3700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wredling-Middle-School-537757163011275/
Twitter: @WredlingD303