McClure Message Week 8
October 12 - 14
First, a reminder that we have a 3 day week next week with no school on Monday and a teacher institute day on Tuesday.
Next, safety has been on my mind this week, both physical (see the note below about glass bottles at school) and emotional. It's such a core essential for our classrooms. When our kids feel safe at school, they are more able to be present for learning. One of the areas where we depend on partnership with parents is the social aspect of kids' lives that exists outside of the classroom. A majority of this social life is now conducted in a digital space - text messages, SnapChat, TikTok, etc. It is very common for misinformation, misunderstandings, or miscommunications that happen in a digital space to spill over into how kids are feeling at school, and thus, if they are to be present and ready for learning. This week I attended two webinars around this topic, and I hope you'll join me next Tuesday evening at 7pm for our parent presentation on the topic of digital lives (more info later in this newsletter).
So how do we combat this? The first, and most important, step is to have conversations with kids. At school this happens in a variety of ways - classroom lessons combine communication skills (ex: how to disagree respectfully) with content, SEL lessons include building positive relationship skills, and when needed, we help students navigate specific situations.
How can parents partner in this? Perhaps you already have some of these practices in place:
- Talk with your child about how peers are treating each other in the digital world. Are they seeing messages that show kindness, connection, and respect? Are they experiencing messages of negativity, disrespect, or profanity? Try these slides from Common Sense Media as a starting place for family conversations.
- Try some scenarios. Going through a game plan of what to do in a hypothetical situation is a great way for students to practice skills and think through how to handle potential problems before they are in a crisis. Common Sense Media Education has some hypothetical situations you might use to spark conversation with your middle schooler.
- Help kids set healthy boundaries. The digital world never sleeps, but we know how essential sleep is for kids' brains. Slide 3 in this family packet takes a look at how you might start a conversation about healthy digital habits.
- Sometimes as parents, we operate under the framework of "no news is good news". At this developmental level kids are both pulling away from adult influences, so are less likely to involve parents, and are just learning how to navigate complex social interactions. Just like you sat beside them and helped them sound out words when they first started to read, kids this age need guidance and check-ins on how to interact effectively with their peers. Take a look at those texts, review the SnapChat messages, etc. This gives you peace of mind about what influences are a part of their daily life, and opens opportunities for conversations.
Upcoming Dates
Monday, October 10 ______ No School
Tuesday, October 11 ______Teacher Institute day (No school for students)
Tuesday, October 11 ______Evening Parent presentation, 7pm. Parenting in the Digital Age - Carl Hooker
Thursday, October 20 _____ Book Fair (Students visit during ELA class, online ordering info below)
Friday, October 28th _______ All School Halloween Bash, 7-9pm, McClure gym
Glass Water Bottles
Parent Presentation
Please join us October 11 at 7pm in the McClure gym.
Carl Hooker is a nationally recognized technology expert, keynote speaker, author, district administrator, teacher, and podcast host. His expertise in the crossroads of technology and education brought him to District 101 several years ago as he led a group of teacher leaders as they pioneered tech integration in classrooms.
Mr. Hooker's presentation on October 11 is titled "Parenting in the Digital Age: An interactive discussion around digital wellness, balance, screen time, social media, and more." The topic of our digital lives and how to navigate this as parents is an important one in this day and age. Having seen Carl present several times, I hope you'll join us for this presentation that is sure to be both informative and humorous.
The presentation is open to parents of students in 4th - 8th grade.
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.
Counseling Corner
My four-year-old son is in pre-school, and every day I pick him up and ask him, “How was school?” The answers vary from fine to good; my favorite answer is no answer with a shoulder shrug. Luckily, his pre-K teachers send me a lengthy report of all the things they do, along with cute little pictures, but as they get older, you are relying on them to communicate their days. So, here are some questions from The Every Mom to ask your child instead of ‘How was school?’
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Parent Council Corner
Book Fair - Thursday Oct 20
The McClure Book Fair will take place in the LLC on Thursday, October 20th. All Bulldogs will visit the sale during their ELA period and can pay for books using cash, credit card, Apple Pay, or check made out to Anderson's Bookshop. Encourage reading and support a local business!
Parents can get a jumpstart on their holiday shopping by placing an order online! See the graphic for directions.
Also, a few volunteers will be needed to help out on the day of the event. Please use the Signup Genius link below.
The ALL school Halloween Bash
The Halloween Bash is open to all grade and is coming up on Friday October 28th from 7-9pm in the McClure gym.
DJ Maximus will be there, along with a photobooth and costume contest! We'll have prizes for best individual and group costume! Costumes are encouraged but not required.
The cost is $10 per student and that includes water and Gatorade. Kids will need to bring $10 CASH to the door to pay for their ticket.
We are looking for chaperones for the event so if you would like to volunteer please click on the SignUp Genius link here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B48AAAC2CA3F94-mcclure
Interested in a Chicago Wolves Game?
LAST CALL! Would your kids love to cheer on the Chicago Wolves from center ice? Let us know if we should organize a school event to attend a game! Click here or follow the QR code below for dates and details.
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Word From WSFEE
Have you heard about Renovation for Innovation? It is a district-wide multi-year initiative that supports D101’s instructional improvement plan, of which innovative learning spaces are a part. These renovations allow classroom designs to match innovative teaching and learning methods. WSFEE is excited to have partnered with D101 to accelerate this initiative to benefit more teachers and students sooner by supplementing District funds. These funds have been used for flexible seating and work spaces in elementary school classrooms, lighting projects like the McClure library, and other classroom and school upgrades over the past 4 years. WSFEE has contributed over $200,000 to this remarkable program. Remember to visit wsfee.org or follow WSFEE on Facebook or Instagram (@wsfee_d101) to hear about events, donations and sponsorship opportunities throughout the year.
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LTHS Speaker - Oct 12
Psychologist Dr. Doug Bolton will be speaking about Mental Health Lessons Learned from Covid
WS Park District Halloween Hoopla
The Park District is also looking for volunteers to help with the event!
Interested junior high students can email Rita Bartelt at rbartelt@wsprings.com.
Lions Wrestling Club
PROGRAM: Lions Wrestling Club is a program for elementary and middle school students that stress the fun and fundamentals of wrestling. The program also introduces competition with other clubs and provides a training site and complete schedule for the more experienced wrestlers. The program will run from November 10, 2022, through February 23, 2023. Additional information is on our website: www.LTHS.net/LWC
AGES: Kids in 2nd through 8th grade living in the LYONS TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT.
Blood Drive Update
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Spotlight on Supporters
Please read below to learn more about the businesses that generously sponsored the 2022-23 district calendar!
Kidlist
Have you checked out Kidlist? mykidlist.com has tons of resources to make it easier to plan fun days with your kids. They have seasonal guides, including all the details about Fall Festivals, the Best Holiday Lights Displays, Easter Egg Hunts, and tons more. Kidlist also previews new experiences to give you a sneak peek and also gives you ideas for everyday fun and weekend plans. Get info on classes and camps, ideas for birthday party venues, entertainment to hire and activities for every age group, infants through teens. Your kids are going to love it and you don’t have to spend tons of time searching for fun things to do. It’s all on Kidlist! Sign up for their email newsletter, follow them on Facebook or Instagram, or just check the site when you need some ideas.
Pinnacle Financial Group, LLC
Located in the heart of Western Springs, Pinnacle Financial Group, LLC offers you the comfort of financial advice from someone you trust, a fiduciary that has your best interest at heart. Pinnacle is a fee-only financial planning and wealth management firm and member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors – NAPFA. Our clients say they love working with us because they trust us. At Pinnacle, we understand that trust is earned. Our friendly, responsive staff treats you like family; with prompt responses to your questions and a collaborative process that centers around education so that you understand the choices you are making.
Our services include: Wealth Management, Investment Management, Comprehensive Financial Planning, Retirement and Social Security Planning and College Planning. www.mypinnaclefinancial.com
Spring Orthodontics
Spring Orthodontics is a modern orthodontic practice located in downtown Western Springs.
Dr. Mathrani specializes in orthodontics for both children and adults. Our services include
aligner treatment, braces, retainers, tooth whitening and we offer complimentary
consultations. We work with many insurance companies and pride ourselves on excellent
results and customer service. Visit our website to book an appointment at
Salt Creek Ballet
Salt Creek Ballet’s mission is to offer high quality training to students of all ages; to present
professional quality dance performances to diverse area audiences; to provide high level
performing opportunities for area dancers and to encourage appreciation and awareness of
dance in the community at large. Visit us at: www.saltcreekballet.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