Willink Principal's Newsletter
Willink Titans CARE
Principal's Message
March 1, 2019
Dear Willink Families,
While our February week off from school was extended by one day due to the high winds on Monday, I wasn't able to find even one student (or teacher) who complained that the vacation was too long! You just never know about the weather at this time of year...who could predict that our two "no school" days so far this winter would be due to high winds and severe cold? As I look out my window this morning, it's also clear that it is still winter at least for a little while longer!
Speaking of a little while longer, that pretty much describes my time left here at Willink Middle School. I have been meeting with Brian Powers lately as we prepare for the transition to him taking over as the permanent principal and there is no doubt that he will be an outstanding leader for our school. His passion for both education and this district is impressive and his compassion for middle school kids is obvious. Brian is a good guy who you will find easy to talk to and ready to help in any way when it comes to your kids. While I will certainly find it difficult to say good-bye to our students and staff here at WMS, it will be a pleasure to hand over the helm to such a gifted and caring school administrator. My final day as interim principal will be on Thursday, March 14.
On another and less positive note I wanted to alert parents to an on-line concern that you may or may not already know about. The Momo Challenge is a hoax internet challenge which has been spread by users on Facebook and media outlets. It's been reported that children and adolescents were being enticed by a user named Momo to perform a series of dangerous tasks including violent attacks and suicide. Superintendent Gumina sent a message to all WCSD families regarding this issue as well and I encourage you to refer to his e-mail for further information. Here's the link that Mr. Gumina included in his message that will be helpful for parents; https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/viral-youtube-challenges-internet-stunts-popular-with-kids
That brings me to our policy of NO TECH TUESDAY & THURSDAY at lunchtime here at Willink. While kids grumbled a bit when I first extended the NO TECH policy from just Tuesday to Tuesday and Thursday, they have clearly adjusted. Many students have actually said they like it as now their friends talk to them more, which is the point after all! Certainly, none of our students are suffering from not enough screen time and I hope you'll join me in encouraging them to engage with their friends more and get active more often!
That's all for this week, enjoy the weekend.........looks like a perfect weekend for a family sledding day!
Dave Paddock
Interim Principal
Care Quality Winners!
Shaun Wolford (Green House) Makenna Curry (Red House) Scott Meeson (Blue House)
FEBRUARY'S MAKE A DIFFERENCE AWARD WINNERS!
Principal's Recognition!
Willink In Action!
Willink's Library Rocks!!!
Student/Parent Portal
Willink PTSA
*Watch the Willink Morning Show on Titan TV
FROM THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
MARCH 2019
Tammy Gurowski, President tgurowski@webstercsd.org
Linda Dioguardi, Vice President ldioguardi@webstercsd.org
Sue Casey scasey@webstercsd.org
Dave Metzger dmetzger@webstercsd.org
Maria Rigillo mrigillo@webstercsd.org
Jan Strege jstrege@webstercsd.org
Mike Suffoletto msuffoletto@webstercsd.org
Common Sense Media Presentation Now Available on WCSD Website
If you were unable to attend last month’s presentation by national speaker Steve Garton of Common Sense Media, you may now watch it in its entirety by visiting the district website:
http://www.websterschools.org/districtpage.cfm?pageid=1659
Common Sense Media is the leading independent nonprofit organization of media and technology. They strive to empower parents, teachers, and policymakers by providing unbiased information, trusted advice, and innovative tools to help them harness the power of media and technology as a positive force in all students’ lives.
Slides from Mr. Garton's informative presentation may also be viewed by visiting the district's Digital Citizenship Resources page at http://www.websterschools.org/districtpage.cfm?pageid=1591 (scroll to the bottom of the page to "Resources").
Strike Up the Band… for the 25th Year!
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Willink Student-Parent Band, and for its silver jubilee the performers are pulling out all the stops for an amazing night of music!
A Webster tradition since 1994, the Willink Student-Parent Band brings students, family, and community together to create music and have fun in the process. It doesn’t matter if performers haven't played in 20 years; the band welcomes all levels of experience, beginner to advanced!
Rehearsals began in January for its anniversary concert set for Saturday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Willink Middle School cafetorium. Since this is an extra special year, the Willink Student-Parent Band is planning an exciting program as well as some special guests, so mark your calendars and don't miss it!
If the Shoe Fits!
Following on the heels of Spry Middle School’s Guys & Dolls, Jr. (staged March 8-9), the district’s enchanted musical season continues with Webster Thomas High School’s presentation of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella later this month. There will be performances March 28-30 at 7:00 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 1:00 p.m. There will also be a magical Breakfast with Cinderella event on Saturday, March 23 at 9:00 a.m. You can learn more about the show and purchase tickets by visiting websterthomasplayers.com.
WonderCare Online Registration Begins Monday, March 18
WonderCare, Webster CSD's new before and after school program, will begin online registration on Monday, March 18. There will be no paper registration for the program and you will need to create an account to register your child(ren). Please visit www.websterschools.org/wondercare for more information.
You can also learn more about WonderCare by attending the remaining Parent Information Nights:
Monday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m. at Schlegel Road
Tuesday, March 5 at 7:00 p.m. at Klem Road North
Wednesday, March 6 at 7:00 p.m. at State Road.
These evenings will be geared for parents only. (Family meet and greet nights will take place in August.) If you are unable to attend your home school date, you may attend any of the three remaining meetings.
WonderCare has been established in an ongoing effort to ease the transition for families as the district prepares to shift to an earlier start time for elementary schools in fall 2019. New start times for elementary schools will be 7:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m., and 8:45 a.m.-3:15 p.m. for secondary schools (middle and high schools), with all times plus or minus five minutes.
If you have any questions, please contact wondercare@webstercsd.org or call 216-0017. You can also follow WonderCare on its new Facebook page, @wondercarewcsd.