
Stilwell Newsletter
Updates for Stilwell Junior High School Families
October 10, 2023
Message from Principal Kuhnert
The curse of Snapchat
Families, I am concerned for our students and need to make you all aware of a growing concern on Snapchat. It takes a village they say and we need our families now more than ever. Social media can be a powerful tool as we have seen in our society but it has a dark side. We are experiencing that dark side with large student created group chats where our students are incorrectly navigating conflicts. Some students are using hate speech, bullying, and promoting fighting in these spaces. I am asking our families to open up an honest dialogue with their student and even ask them to show you what is being promoted. It is not issolated to just Stilwell either as many schools in the area are impacted the same way. We do have a safe school but these conversations seem to be very hard for our students to walk away from. I have heard students say they are in it to make sure nobody is talking about them. I have heard students say this is why they feel unsafe at school but they won't remove the app that they hear all of the negative. As the building prinicpal, I do feel that we have great kids and safe hallways. The challenge always is "group" think. I can say or act in a way that is not my normal because everyone else is doing it. I will continue to coach families to monitor this application and make sure you know the conversations your student is having. One way to do this to share a log in with your student or to at least have them show you their page. I know there are many other things I want to focus on but this Newsletter is asking for you support today.
Thanks
Mitch Kuhnert- Principal
School Committees
This year our teacher committees have been tasked to have student focus groups to support and help develop their focus and to get student input. Staff will be meeting this Wednesday, August 30th and will send out information about how students can sign up with a committee they find interesting.
PBIS- At Stilwell Junior High we feel it is important for all students to feel welcomed and respected and most importantly to always choose,”KIND”. Students demonstrate this by following the 3 Stilwell R’s.
Respect
Responsible
Resilient
Tier 1- We are planning for our November 6th PD day. Heavy focus on our sub-group data and being able to get supports in place for students early.
Student and Staff Wellness-The committee discussed how to improve staff and student relationships and how to make Stilwell a place students want to be at - where they feel they belong. We wanted to remind students that we are participating in the Healthiest State Walk in October. We are excited to plan a Homecoming assembly for students to feel more connected to the school. We discussed what we see our student needs are and how to best meet those needs in our Tiger Time Lessons.
School Highlights
Student Anouncements:
Parents if you want to see our daily anouncements you can save this link:
Career Day
Hello Stilwell Junior High Families!
Our annual Career Day is set for the morning of Friday, Oct 27, and we are in need of donations and volunteers for the event. Below is the link for the signup sheet. All the non perishables can be dropped off at the school office by Oct 26th, and perishables on Oct 26th.
Free Tutoring Opportunity!!
Hello, all West Des Moines students!
Are you looking for academic guidance? Look no further! Introducing Gemini, your ultimate peer tutoring platform, connecting students with student tutors for academic support.
Why Choose Gemini?
Peer Connection: Learn from students who have recently mastered the same material.
Free Access: Quality tutoring without the cost.
Flexible Scheduling: Set your own study timetable.
Variety of Subjects: From math to history, we've got you covered.
You don't have to face the challenges of school by yourself. Gemini is here to support you on your journey to success.
For any questions, feel free to reach out to thegeminitutors@gmaill.com
To learn more visit: geminico.org
NHS, SILVERCORD, AND GOVERNMENT HOURS OPPORTUNITY
Important Dates
Conferences
October 9th Full Day of Conferences 7:35am-3:15pm
October 11th 2:00pm-7:00pm In-person
October 12th 3:00pm-7:00pm online
Girls Basketball Information:
slideshow of girls' basketball information
Parent Survey's:
Hello. Recent legislation now requires parent/guardians to give permission for some student surveys. We MUST get your permission ASAP for your [School] student to participate in a district survey starting this month.
On home page, find “Documents Need Attention”
Click on link(s) to review survey information and approve or decline.
This is a NEW requirement by law. View a short video tutorial.
Thank you for your help.
Mitchell Kuhnert
Familia Stilwell: La nueva ley requiere su permiso para algunas encuestas. Ver correo electrónico. Necesitamos tu ayuda.
Picture Retake Day!
¡YA LLEGA EL DÍA DE LA FOTO!
October 16, 2023
Pre-order today on
using your Student ID or
Picture Day ID: EVTM2VSZT
Addams Family Tickets:
These are selling out very fast!
Shows are October 27th @6:30PM and 28th @2PM and 6:30PM
Use this link for purchasing.
https://www.vancoevents.com/us/eventlist/valley
Free Youth Girls Wrestling Clinic
WDM Girls K through 8th grade are invited to attend a free clinic with friends while being introduced to the sport of wrestling. We will cover the basic skills/techniques as well as the rules of the sport. Instruction for this camp will be provided by Coach Corey Rasmussen and a few of the high school wrestlers.
The Valley Girls Wrestling team will provide a safe, supervised, and fun environment for your daughter. A special agenda will be planned just for the kids with art, exercise, obstacle courses, games, and more.
When: October 20th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Where: Valley High School Wrestling Room - Use West Entrance to Valley High School
ACTIVITIES
4:15pm 8th Football (White) vs Ames at Ames Middle School
Tuesday, October 10
4:00pm 8th Boys and Girls CC meet vs SEP @ SEP High School
4:00pm 8th Football (Orange/Black) vs DCD @ DSG
Stilwell Activity Fund Raiser:
Parents all of the Junior High Sports are funded by our anual fundraiser. There will be more information coming but the campaign will run from Oct. 30th- Nov 3rd.