WMS Friday Forecast

RedHawk Families:

This year we have faced more challenges at WMS than ever before: with our health, socially, and academically. It sometimes feels like we are climbing a mountain. I realize that one of the greatest struggles for some students is work completion on asynchronous days. For some of our 11-14 year old students, being motivated and having the perseverance to get work done can seem Herculean. But it is our current reality.

Some of you may notice some lower grades than in the past. You may be upset by them and be angry at your child for not completing that work. And while that may be really appropriate for a day or two, our goal needs to improve learning habits for second quarter. Here are some tips that may work:

Be consistent and mean what you say. If you are going to expect something, be sure to follow through.
Find a time that works for you to check work. Initially you may need to micromanage and require that you look at work before it is submitted. As trust is built, you can move to HAC checks every few days and then weekly.
Do a Friday night HAC check. Work not completed means no electronics or friends for the weekend until work is checked by you and turned in.
For a while you may need to externally motivate before kids become intrinsically interested in doing the work.
And when you see your child making progress, give very specific praise- often! I really appreciate the way you are showing perseverance in getting your work done. I'm proud of you!

Here is an article from verywellfamily.com that offers parents some support for managing these challenging situations.

We, here at Wredling and across D303, are here to be your partners in learning. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need support.

Enjoy your weekend.

Tim

PSAT TESTING INFORMATION AND REMINDERS:

Attention Parents, this message includes information about PSAT testing, but also clarifies the learning plan for All students on testing day.

This is a friendly reminder that your child (ALL 8th grade, 6th-7th grade Infinity, and 7th grade AVID students) will be participating in the PSAT test next Wednesday, October 21st (A-Day) or Thursday, October 22nd (B-Day). I've provided a more detailed outline of the testing schedule below for hybrid students ONLY.

If you are a Remote ONLY student and planning to test on Wednesday or Thursday at Haines, please be sure to complete the self-certification form prior to arriving at the Haines Center. It is suggested to arrive between 8:40-8:45 in order to check in, locate the testing room, and get settled prior to the test beginning at 9:00am. If you have any questions pertaining to the testing at the Haines Center, please contact Dave Chiszar at David.Chiszar@d303.org.

Here are a couple of important notes to remember for next week:

Attendance:

Testing will begin promptly at 8:40am. Should a student arrive late to school he/she will be held in the main office until the window for one of the tests has closed. Furthermore, we will not interrupt testing sessions once they begin. For example, if a student currently has a scheduled doctor's appointment during a testing session it would be best to move it to a later time/day, if at all possible. In the event that cannot occur, arrangements should be made for the student to come to the office in between testing sessions and wait for his/her parent there.

Adjustment to Learning:

ALL 8th grade, 6th & 7th grade Infinity, and 7th grade AVID Remote ONLY students will receive “asynchronous learning” on Wednesday, October 21st and Thursday, October 22nd. In other words, there will not be face to face virtual instruction on either testing day. Teachers will assign work to be completed asynchronously.

If a teacher is proctoring PSAT, but also teaches a Remote ONLY 6th or 7th grade class during the testing window, face to face virtual instruction will not occur. These teachers will provide work for these students to complete in the absence of a formalized lesson.

At the conclusion of testing, Hybrid students attending on their assigned day (A or B), will attend classes as normal (period 5-8).

If a teacher is proctoring PSAT, but also teaches a Hybrid 6th or 7th grade class during the testing window, an internal substitute teacher will step in to cover the lesson for that period.

Night Before Testing:

Get a good night sleep
Be sure to charge the chromebook overnight

Day of Testing:

Eat a healthy breakfast
Arrive to school on time

If you have any questions pertaining to testing at Wredling Middle School, please feel to contact me via email patrick.mcguire@d303.org or by telephone at 331-228-5858.

Dr. Patrick McGuire, Assistant Principal

Winter and Lockers and Coats - Oh My!

We have had several inquiries about if we can use lockers this winter for items from the backpacks and winter coats. ISBE guidance has been clear about not using lockers and we are going to continue with that practice. Students can remove coats when they are in class and hang them over the back of their chairs, then wear them for their 4 minute passing period. We realize that this is not ideal, but simply an inconvenience for the winter.

As you know, the State of IL, through ISBE guidance, has stated that schools should not use lockers. We know in schools that lockers are gathering places and we will follow that guidance. With the onset of cold weather, you may have questions about backpacks and lockers. Here are some tips:

Students will continue to carry their backpacks but may use a backpack on wheels. Our PE department coached students on how to fit their backpacks properly, but here is a wonderful article with some tips on how to safely wear a backpack, along with a video that explains some of the more important tips.
I would encourage you to go through your child's backpack with them and remove items that are not used regularly.
During the fall and winter, students will be expected to carry their coats with them. A simple suggestion is that they wear their coats between classes, but take them off during class and put them on the back of their chair.
We will continue to encourage outdoor passing periods, even in cold weather, since kids will only be outside for a minute or two. This will help us continue to keep our hallways clearer and get our kids some fresh air! Once winter hits, we will give students the choice to pass indoors or out.

PHOTOS WANTED!

DON'T FORGET - SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS FOR THE YEARBOOK

Current theme: "PETS"

We want pictures of your pets - you with your pet(s), pets in costumes, foster pets, pet adoptions, etc.

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)

WMS BUILDING SUPERVISED STUDY (BSS)

At Wredling, we are fortunate to have a Building Supervised Study (BSS) Room. This is a space, attached to our Student Support Coordinators' Office, where students may be assigned in lieu of a suspension or for detentions. This was our nurse's office last year, so rooms were large enough to hold desks or cots, and are well lit,

Students in the BSS room will be supervised by a Student Support Coordinator or a Dean's Assistant. Our expectation is that when students are assigned to BSS, they meet with teachers, get work done, and may meet with a counselor or social worker to review the incident that got them into the room. Eventually, we will use that time to work on restorative practice skills (making things right), but we are just beginning training on those practices.

If students are not successful in the BSS room, they will likely be sent home with a suspension. Note that this year is pretty mild in terms of any discipline. Having 550 students in the building instead of 1400-1500 certainly has been beneficial!

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)
Overview and Expectations
Teachers and Resources

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!

NOVEMBER A/B CALENDAR

HERE is our D303 Calendar for November. Please note that we do not have school in the State of Illinois on November 3 due to the election. November 9 is also now a Remote Learning Planning Day with students not in attendance.

WMS STAFF SHOUT OUT

This is your chance to offer a shout out to one of our WMS staff members who has done something great, gone above and beyond the call of duty, or who has made a difference in your life (or your child's life). These will be added to our weekly newsletter to staff!

Parenting The New Teen In The Age of Anxiety

Parent University was developed in response to the need for programming to address the social and emotional needs of students in District 303. Over the last decade, the district has strived to provide information on topics that are relevant, timely, and beneficial for all parents and guardians.

October 29, 2020
Parenting The New Teen In The Age of Anxiety
Virtual
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Dr. John Duffy, a nationally recognized expert in parenting for nearly twenty-five years, wrote this book as a guide for parents raising children who are growing up too quickly and, as a result, dealing with unresolved adolescent issues that can lead to anxiety and depression. Please indicate your interest in getting a copy of the book and event by filling out this form.

STC Learns!

The St. Charles Learning Equality and Resource Network's mission is to help St. Charles School District 303 students access equal learning and academic opportunities regardless of obstacles created by race, culture, primary language, financial circumstances, family situation, or personal hardship so that every student within the St. Charles School District has an equalized opportunity for academic achievement.

They help with tutoring, academic enrichment, childcare relief/student supervision, home study supplies, and other academic needs. Be sure to take a look at their website to learn more. We appreciate the work they do as a growing organization!

Illinois Tollway 2021 Map Cover Art Contest

This year we are marking the 10th year of our annual map cover art contest by recognizing the work of our Everyday Heroes. As Illinois and the nation continue to battle the economic challenges brought on by the pandemic, the Illinois Tollway is looking to recognize the Everyday Heroes that have kept our lives going through these challenging times through the artwork of talented students from across the region.

The contest will provide a venue for displaying young artist talents while also engaging students while raising awareness for the challenges brought on by the coronavirus and the everyday people – healthcare workers, delivery people, truckers hauling goods and supplies, teachers, employees at grocery stores and restaurants and many, many others who have stepped forward to become everyday heroes in our communities. Cover artwork should reflect the student’s perspective as it relates to their vision of the above theme.

Com-Ed Bill Assistance Options:

At Com-Ed, we understand that some families may be experiencing financial hardship as a result of the ongoing pandemic. That is why we’re taking the time to let you know of the bill assistance options available to help those struggling with past-due balances.

CLICK HERE for letter from Com-Ed containing information on this topic.