WMS Friday Forecast
April 28, 2023
The Dilemma of Legal Cannabis in Our Community
As cannabis has become legal and more widely available in Illinois, our goal has been to take a proactive approach to stopping students from using. Sadly, we have seen an increase in cannabis use with some Wredling students, though fortunately, it has been a small increase, but enough for us to notice the change. We most commonly see cannabis being consumed through vaping rather than the vaping of nicotine that we had seen in the past. When we talk to students about where they get the cannabis vape cartridges, the most common sources of vapes are from older siblings or peers who got them from older siblings.
Typically, we learn about vaping and cannabis use two ways. First, we smell it when we walk into a specific space, like a bathroom. Second, students let us know a peer or friend is vaping. When we learn about potential vaping, we begin to investigate. And when we investigate, our goal is to do it respectfully and with dignity for each student.
When we suspect vaping or drug use, we follow our “Alcohol and Drug Protocol”. The goal is to keep each student safe at school. After a student concern is reported, we first ask students if they have any vaping materials. We then might choose to do a simple search of student belongings and locker. During that search we may ask them to empty their pockets or pull up their pant legs so we can see if there is anything held in their socks. We may have a nurse check to make sure their vitals are in normal ranges.
Finally, we always call parents to let them know we have done a search. We also offer a visit with a counselor or social worker to support their transition back to class.
We know searches may feel “icky”- especially if the student is not in possession or determined to not be under the influence. We want to make sure students come to school ready to learn with a good mindset. We are thoughtful in how we move through our protocol.
Vaping has become increasingly popular among young people, and many students may not realize the harmful effects it can have on their lungs and overall health. There is no “stereotypical” user- we have seen a wide variety of student vape and use cannabis. In addition, vaping products often contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can lead to long-term addiction issues.
Similarly, cannabis use can have a negative impact on a young person's developing brain, leading to memory and attention problems, decreased academic performance, and an increased risk of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
We understand that it can be difficult to talk to your child about these topics, but it's important to have open and honest conversations about the risks involved. Encourage them to make healthy choices and to seek out positive peer groups who support their well-being.
If you're concerned about your child's use of vaping or cannabis, there are resources available in the St. Charles area. We will be sharing some of these resources in our next issue of the Friday Forecast. If you need to access resources before this time, please call Wredling and our staff will help connect you with one of our counselors.
We urge you to take the time to discuss these issues with your child and to reach out for support if needed. Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our students healthy and safe.
We appreciate your understanding when we move through this process. You are always welcome to call us and ask questions or ask for support.
Thank you!
Tim
A note from Wredling PTO President Megan Stone-
This has been a great year fully returning our school back to its normal activities! We had many fun events and successful fundraisers. This would not have been possible without the time and effort given from our amazing PTO committee chairs! I want to send special thanks out to the volunteers who helped to make that happen!
Nicole Fraser - PTO Vice President, Big Hearts of Fox Valley Chairperson
Jen Kelly - PTO Treasurer
Stephanie Jahnke - PTO Secretary
Laurie Lindsay - Papa Nicholas Fundraiser Chairperson
Lisa Spyrnal - Write a Check Fundraiser Chairperson, 8th Grade Celebrations Chairperson
Laura Halpenny - Color Run Chairperson
Lori Paul - Student Recognition Chairperson
Leslee Schilb - Staff Appreciation Chairperson
Cindy Gibson - Staff Appreciation Chairperson
Maggie Kumar - Spiritwear Chairperson
Elizabeth Naatz - Spiritwear Chairperson
Stacy Rubly - No Cook Nights Chairperson
Barb Diepenbrock - School Beautification Chairperson
Katie Stan - Summer Activities Fair Chairperson
Wendy Fuscone - St. Charles Greater Education Foundation Basket Coordinator
Letsy Laracuente - Material Pickup Chairperson
Brooke Herther - Red Shirt Volunteers Chairperson
Thank you to all the Wredling parent volunteers we have had this year, and to all the families that generously donated to the Wredling PTO. I would also like to give a special thanks Lucy Johnson, who does so much in the Wredling front office to support and assist the PTO. Finally, the biggest thank you to our amazing fearless leader, Tim Loversky, who is truly the heart of Wredling, and makes volunteering at his school a pleasure!
RedHawk Pride
Congratulations to our current RedHawk Pride recipients. Know that we appreciate your effort, how you treat others, and how you follow our Guidelines for Success!
- Brooklyn Ainley from Mrs. Bach
- Carla Almaguer from Señora Nackovic
- Julian Andrade from Team 8-2
- Gianna Anticevich from Mrs. Bach
- Sienna Bellville from Srta. Zmich
- Ben Brolsma from Sra. Breiten
- Fiona Chau from Ms. Vizcarra
- Joey D'Agostino from Mr. McPeak
- Ava Davis from Mr. Bazan & Mr. Swenson
- Beckett Davis from Mrs. Desrosiers
- Kaiden Del Rosario from Señora Nackovic
- Kiley Doran from Mrs. Sienko
- Anthony Farinella from Señora Nackovic
- Alex Gomez from Mrs. Narish & Ms. Vitkus
- Nick Greenspan from Señora Nackovic
- Chris Griffeth from Mrs. Narish & Ms. Vitkus
- Laine Griswold from Team 8-2
- J.D. Hartman from Team 8-2
- Alyssa Hickman from Sra. Kuretsky
- Jae Hisel from Team 8-2
- Massimo Howard from The Infinity Team
- Veer Jiyani from Señora Nackovic
- John Kelly from Señora Nackovic
- James Kersten from Señora Nackovic
- Eoin Little from Mrs. Bennett
- Faith Maleski from Señora Nackovic
- Chloe Mallon from Mrs. Spotak
- Avery Newbolds from Team 6-3
- Nicaela Panzarino from Señora Nackovic
- Hannah Peterson from Mr. Bazan & Mr. Swenson
- Kaelyn Reder from Mrs. Wilczek
- John Rigali from Señora Nackovic
- Natalia ("Talia") Santelli from Señora Nackovic
- Charley Schellerer from Team 6-3
- Riya Shah from Señora Nackovic
- Olivia Slater from Mrs. Bach
- Katelyn Smith from Team 6-3
- Rebecca Strait from The Infinity Team
- Leah Sutherland from Señora Nackovic
- Devin Talaue from Señora Nackovic
- Judai Torres from Señora Nackovic
- Addison Wetzel from Señora Nackovic
- Sam Wollak from Mr. Bazan
Summer Reading Book Fair
Wredling LRC is excited to host a Summer Reading Book Fair the week of May 8-12. The fair will be open to students from 8:15-4:00. Students will also be visiting with their Language Arts classes.
We will be open late Thursday evening (5:30-7:30 pm) to allow time for parents to stop in and shop. What a great way to support our school library and pick up some great books to jumpstart summer reading! We hope to see you there!
We are still in need of volunteers. If you are interested, please click on the link below. Thank you!
NOTES FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE
Medication Pickup Reminder
It’s hard to believe we are coming to the end of the 2022-2023 school year. This is a reminder that you will need to come to school to pick up your child's medication by the last day of school which is Friday, May 26th. The only medications that can be given to a student to transport home are those that are allowed to be self carried (Epi Pens, Pancreatic Enzymes, or inhalers). Medications that are not picked up at the end of the school day May 26th, will be disposed of according to the D303 policy. This policy also does not allow medication to remain in the health office over the summer for reuse to the next school year. Medication must be picked up by a parent or adult designee with the parent’s permission.
Medication Pick up:
- Tuesday May 23rd 9am-2pm
- Wednesday May 24th 9am-2pm
- Thursday May 25th 9am-2pm
*If these times do not work, please call our office 331-228-3704 to try to arrange a pick up time.
Looking ahead to the 2023-2024 school year, if your child requires medication or any action plans, your child will need new physician orders and action plans for the next school year. Forms can be found under health services on the D303 website or linked directly here:
Make your appointments today with the physician, as these appointments fill up quickly!
School Physicals for the 2023-2024 School Year
Students entering 6th grade must submit evidence of a State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination form and are required to include one dose of the Tdap vaccine and one dose of the meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) on or after their 11th birthday. Also, students entering the 6th grade must submit evidence of a dental examination completed within 18 months prior to May 15th of that school year.
If your student is entering an Illinois school for the first time, evidence of a physical examination and a complete record of immunizations must be submitted within 30 days from the first day they start their school day.
The health office is closed during the summer months. We will return for limited hours beginning in early August. Please contact me if there are new medical concerns for your child or if your child will need a health plan at school.
Have a fun, healthy, and safe summer!
The Wredling Nurse Team
Pictures From Team Day
Dear 8th Grade Parents and Guardians:
Here is a list of our 8th grade events for the end-of-the-year:
8th Grade Dance: Friday, May 19 from 6-8 PM- sponsored by our PTO. This is a fun, casual party with dancing, food, along with some other fun activities. Historically, some students come “dressed-up” for this event and some choose to dress casually. If your child chooses to dress-up, please make sure their school clothes are appropriate. Either way, students will have plenty of time in high school for "dress-up" dances.
8th Grade Awards Assembly: Friday, May 26, at approximately 9:30 AM in the WMS GYM. All parents are invited, though please know that this is a fairly short awards assembly and not all students are individually recognized. We will inform parents of those who will be receiving an award so they can choose to be in attendance. Please note that we don't have a middle-school "graduation" ceremony - we leave that to high school - instead, having an awards assembly and some other celebrations for our students.
8th Grade Lunch and Games: Our PTO sponsors a lunch on the last day of school along with some games and activities to celebrate the end of their middle-school days.
We are excited for a fun end of the year with our 8th graders!
WMS Football News
The Wredling Football Mini Camp originally scheduled for May 3rd & 4th has been RESCHEDULED to May 17th 3:50-5:15 at here Wredling Middle School.
Saints Helping Hawks
Saints Helping Hawks is back this week on Tuesday and Thursday after school in the LRC. It will run on Tuesdays and Thursday through May 11th. Please reach out to Mrs. Batka (samantha.batka@d303.org) or Ms. Brummel (allison.brummel@d303.org) with any questions.
School Toolbox
TRYOUTS & SPRING TRAINING
WMS Summer Athletic Camps
Summer is just around the corner and we are busy planning our summer athletic camps. Our camps will offer a variety of opportunities for students to improve their skills and have fun in different sports! Pre-Registration must be done Online via this link. https://store.d303.org/ NO WALK IN Registrations will be accepted at School.
D303 Middle School Culinary Camp
Open to all incoming 7th, 8th, & 9th grade D303 Middle School Students
Participants will be making: Homemade Salsas & Chips, Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl with Avocado Salsa. Focaccia Breads & Homemade Soups, Homemade Pasta & Sauces, Vinaigrettes, Salad & Croutons.
St. Charles East Ultimate Frisbee Summer Camp
Interested in joining ultimate frisbee's summer camp, the Ulti Summer Chill, hosted at East High School? The cost is $65 on PushCoin. All genders and skill levels are welcome. Everyone will receive an athletic shirt and disc. It will be on Wednesday nights: June 14, 21, 28, July 5,12, & 19.
2024-2025
2025-2026
Wredling Middle School - Home of the RedHawks
#WredlingLearns
Website: wredling.d303.org
Location: 1200 Dunham Road, St. Charles, IL, USA
Phone: 331-228-3700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WredlingMiddleSchoolD303
Twitter: @WredlingD303