McClure Message Week 14
P/T Conferences and Week of November 28 - December 2
Earlier this month, I got the chance to spend time with 10 amazing Bulldogs, who represented McClure at a student leadership conference. Hearing their perspectives about life at McClure has stuck with me as we've come closer and closer to Thanksgiving. One of the things I heard our kids say after they had the chance to talk with students from 13 area middle schools, was how much they appreciated McClure. Without ignoring the issues they identified as things we could make better at McClure, the experience of gaining a wider perspective helped to build gratitude for what we have here at home. I have the same experience as I work with colleagues from LT and the feeder districts. There will always be ways in which we can grow as a school, but I am so grateful for the perspective that allows me to reflect on the strength of the community we have built within our walls and with our families. Thank you for your many contributions to that community whether it be conversations at home, cheering at a basketball game, or volunteering during the day.
I look forward to seeing many of you next Monday as you visit us for conferences. A happy Thanksgiving break to you all!
-Laura
Upcoming Dates
Monday, November 21 ____ In-Person Parent Teacher Conferences
Tuesday, November 22 _____Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences
Wednesday, November 30 ____ Homebase Day
Wednesday, December 7 ____ Homebase Day
Thursday, December 8 _____ Winter Concert - 6:00 Orchestra, 6:30 Band, 7:15 Chorus, and all groups combined at 7:50pm.
Wednesday, December 14 ____ Late Arrival Day, 10am start
Thursday, December 15 _____ PM Assembly, LT Band Tour
Wednesday, December 21_____ McClure Holly Day
Thursday, December 22 - Friday, January 6 ____ Winter Break
Monday, January 9 ____ School resumes
Parent Teacher Conferences
Monday, November 21: 9:00-12:00, 1:00-5:00, 6:00-8:00 (IN PERSON)
Tuesday, November 22: 9:00-1:00, 2:00-6:00 (VIRTUAL)
Scheduling is now closed. Please contact the main office with any changes to your schedule, including any cancellations please. 708-246-7590.
For virtual conferences on Tuesday please use this document to find the link for the teacher(s) you are meeting. This document is also posted on the front page of the McClure website.
December Homebase Lessons
The seventh grade lessons build in the idea that goals are built on tiny habits. In seventh grade kids will practice the skill of identifying small habits toward a larger goal, but the emphasis shifts to how to make those habits stick.
Want to reinforce this skill at home? Try using this habit recipe card that 7th graders will try out. It structures the idea of linking a habit to an anchor action and celebration action to help the habit stick.
One of the three big target areas for homebase lessons is: Use social-awareness and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships. Students will be learning valuable skills in perspective taking during the December lessons. In this lesson, the strategy of Being Curious will be practiced to build the skill of perspective taking. Using pop culture references that catch the interest of our kids, this clip from Ted Lasso sets up the strategy and then students use a scene from Stranger Things to practice seeing a situation from different perspectives.
McClure on the Mic!
Subscribe to the podcast, listen to the latest episode, or review past seasons HERE.
Holiday Travel Plans?
- Will your student miss December 21st? This is Holly Day, a day of community at McClure and there is lots of planning and preparation to do for fun student sessions. Please let the office know as soon as possible if your child will be out on 12/21.
- Will your student miss more than 3 days? Please make sure they come to the main office to pick up an extended absence form.
8th Grade Baby Bulldog Photos!
- Photos must be emailed to MFUMAROLO@D101.org.
- Please write your Bulldog's first and last name in your email. Without a name, the photo will not be featured in the yearbook.
- Photos will be cropped to be square so keep that in mind as you select a picture to submit!
- DUE Friday, December 9
Variety Show!
Based on our student interest, we've moved our variety show to a digital format! Students can submit their acts to Mrs. Federman (afederman@d101.org) by December 9th if they'd like to be included. Students will watch the virtual variety show with classmates on Holly Day.
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Counseling Corner
I have a new favorite game, and it’s a game you can play with your kids; it’s fun and educational! It’s called Contexto. Like wordle, you have to figure out the secret word each day, and you have unlimited guesses. It uses the context in which words are used to calculate their similarity. This game promises to put you in the competitive spirit!
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A Culture of Appreciation
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our efforts to build a culture of appreciation sharing a note for a staff member. If you would like to pass along a kind word or message of gratitude, please fill out a quick form using a link below and I’ll make sure your kind message finds its way to its recipient.
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Parent Council Corner
Poinsettia Sale
Orders for McClure’s Holiday Poinsettia Sale will be held November 11-18th.
Click HERE to place your order! Proceeds support your McClure Parent Council! Order for yourself, friends, and family-they make wonderful gifts! This year we will offer the opportunity to donate a Poinsettia to decorate the stage at the McClure Holiday concert. Following the concert McClure teachers/staff will take home to enjoy!
?s Contact Carol Ann Smith at 708.927.3181
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Word From WSFEE
Happy Thanksgiving! The WSFEE Board is thankful to partner with our amazing teachers, parents, and staff to enhance the education of D101 students. Visit wsfee.org or follow WSFEE on Facebook or Instagram (@wsfee_d101) to hear about events, sponsorship, and donation opportunities
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Community Events
You've got two options to see one of our very own in a production of the Nutcracker this season!
Come see Avery S in a Salt Creek Ballet production at https://saltcreekballet.org/.
Or see Eleanore B perform in the West Suburban Ballet conservatory production at Nazareth Academy. Tickets at www.wsballet.org
Contact Us
McClure Junior HIgh
4225 Wolf Road
Western Springs, IL 60558
Main Office Phone Number: (708) 246-7590
Office Fax Number: (708) 246-4370
Attendance Email: mjhattendance@d101.org
Principal Laura Broadnax: lbroadnax@d101.org
Dean of Students Thomas Sturm: tsturm@d101.org