Dear Parents:

In the past few years, we have seen some significant increases in issues related to cell phone and social media use in our schools. I found this article on a website called “Wait Until 8th”. The website share stories and encourages parents to wait until at least 8th grade to allow their kids to use social media or have a smartphone. As a school, we have seen the harm that comes from kids on social media and using their phones in ways that even their parents don’t expect.

With the holidays coming, many of you may be considering buying your child a cell phone. Frankly, I would discourage it. We have found that 99% of our middle school kids are not ready for the responsibility, or how to react when things go wrong in social media. And even our parents are not sure how to monitor what their kids are doing on social media.

If you want your eyes opened, I would suggest you read this article. Titled, “Middle School Misfortunes Then and Now, One Teacher’s Take,” it explains how social media has changed the social-emotional landscape in our schools and in the lives of our students.

I have been in middle schools for about 24 years. In my career, I have never seen anything like the damaging power of social media on young people. And this is coming from a strong technology advocate. Certainly, technology can have some strong points, but it also must be used at the right age. At the elementary and middle school levels, kids are not emotionally prepared for what may happen. The longer you keep your kids off social media and off smartphones, I think you will find the happier they will be. (I get that they may be mad in the short run, but that is what being a grown-up is all about.)

The easiest solution… blame me and tell your kids you are going to “Wait Until 8th!”

Thank you-

Tim Loversky, Principal

Wredling Middle School

Every year, District 303 conducts a satisfaction survey that gives us meaningful feedback from our students, teachers and parents. For the last decade, we have administered a local survey that has provided us with comparable data.

This year, as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) we will now be participating in the statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey. As a parent, this opportunity will allow you to share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness in a survey about your child’s school.

You will receive an email communication on December 3 with the link to the 5Essentials Survey. We appreciate your participation in this anonymous tool used to gather information about our schools.

The Salvation Army’s annual Jim Wheeler Toys for Kids program is once again in full swing. This program, which collects and distributes toys for the needy boys and girls of the Tri-City area, is celebrating its 35th year. The program has been named in honor of the late Jim Wheeler who was the creator and driver behind this effort.

Once again, we are asking for your support of this program for children at Christmas time. We are looking for new unwrapped toys and games and also will be accepting monetary contributions and gift cards to help make this Christmas a very special one.

Collection Boxes are currently at Wredling in the Main Office.

NOTE: Collection Ends AND BOXES WILL BE PICKED UP ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 10TH - This is an earlier date than originally posted on the flyer.