WMS Friday Forecast

Dear Wredling Families, Wredling Middle School is committed to taking proactive steps to curb a problem that is found in schools everywhere: bullying and cyberbullying. In support of this, we have invited Mr. John Halligan, an international speaker and author, to conduct a presentation for our students. He will relay his own tragic experience as a parent whose 13-year-old son took his own life in 2003 after experiencing bullying from his peers since the 5th grade, both in school and online. Mr. Halligan further shares that Ryan wrestled with underlying mental health issues and depression, and these factors contributed to Ryan’s vulnerability and ultimate suicide.

His story is riveting and compelling and reminds students that there is a face, a person, and a heart on the other end of the screen. His presentation on February 28th will begin with a short video collection of home movie clips and still pictures of Ryan. Mr. Halligan will then tell the story of Ryan’s life and the factors that led up to his son’s suicide. The students will gain a perspective from inside the family of a child who is a victim of bullying and cyberbullying. In the wrap-up session, they will receive life-changing lessons about forgiveness, suicide prevention, the role of bystanders, and a challenge to apologize to someone. We encourage you to visit a website named for his son, www.RyansStory.org, for more information.

Because of the sensitive nature of this topic, we wanted to inform you about this presentation in advance. Students will engage in a pre-lesson before the presentation and will have a post-lesson after the presentation.

We encourage you to ask your child about the presentation and discuss it together. Our Support Services Staff will be available throughout the assembly and after for any students who need additional support.

Should you have further questions or if you would prefer that your child not attend this presentation, please email me at tim.loversky@d303.org before February 27, 2024.

I invite you to an evening presentation on Wednesday, February 28 at 7 PM in the Wredling Middle School cafeteria to discuss the intersection of social media and mental health issues in teens. The suicide rate among middle and high-school-aged children has increased drastically since the introduction of the smartphone, and cyberbullying has been a significant contributor to this alarming trend.

As a principal and parent, I know first-hand how overwhelming and dangerous the misuse of social media can be. That is why we booked John Halligan to speak to you. He has developed a presentation about his son, whose heartbreaking story changed his life forever. Through his story, Mr. Halligan has inspired students to reach out before it’s too late.

His program has received much praise for its effectiveness in helping parents and children better understand bullying, suicide prevention, and self-advocacy. He will tell his son’s story and discuss the above-mentioned critical topics. He will also advise parents and guardians on mitigating potential mental health risks. It would mean a lot to me if you could join us.

Please see the included graphic for more details.

Sincerely,

Tim Loversky

1. NO outside drinks (Starbucks, Dunkin’, etc..) can be brought in.
   *Students will be directed to finish beverages that are not water before entering the building.

2. Parents are welcome to drop off lunch but only for their own child - not a group
   *These deliveries have to go through the main office.
   *Food and beverages may only be provided for your individual student. For example, a pizza cannot be purchased for a group of students. And students are not permitted to use apps to have food delivered during the school day.

3. We WILL NOT accept or sign for delivered lunches for students
   *If there is an emergency situation and you need to send something for your student, please contact the main office with details so they don't turn away the delivery driver. 331-228-3700

The District 303 Board has approved boundary maps for elementary, middle, and high schools. Maps are effective with the 2024-2025 school year beginning this fall. The Board's decision completes a process that began last fall to reduce school overcrowding and help to ensure equitable learning experiences across the District. District 303 had contracted with demographer RSP & Associates to create concept maps based on Board-approved guiding principles and community feedback. Please see the parent notice from Superintendent Gordon to learn more and review the approved maps.

One of the ways I get feedback is through the Illinois 5 Essentials Survey. Each year parents take this survey to let us know how we are doing as a school, and how I am doing as a leader.

Can you please take 10 minutes to complete this survey? I like to get to about 50% of our parents/guardians taking this survey, so the sooner we hit that target, the sooner I can quit asking you!

Here is the link to the survey. It is in Spanish and English.

Please be sure to put in Kane County as our county so you can find Wredling. Also, please read the questions and possible answers carefully as they sometimes mix up the "importance" of the responses.

Thank you in advance for your feedback!

Tim

This award is given by our teachers for a variety of reasons, from following our Guidelines for Success to Academic Achievement and Growth. We are proud of our RedHawks who work hard every day.

Current Recipients - presented by

Hey, did you hate having to memorize a certain soliloquy in iambic pentameter? Did you think your head would explode if you saw one more production of Romeo and Julet? If you answered yes OR no to these questions then "I Hate Shakespeare" is the play for you! Come join us for a fun filled zany romp through the world of Will!

Thursday, March 14 @ 7:00

Friday, March 15 @ 4:30

Saturday, March 16 @ 2:00

Tickets are JUST $5.00 at the door

To Quoteth Shylock - "What a deal!"

St. Charles North Football wants to extend an opportunity for individual growth and improvement to all middle school students at our school. Starting in March and running through April, our football program will offer a 2-month, 8-session strength and speed camp called "Speed Stars" for 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade student-athletes. This camp is open to all middle school students, regardless of their future high school affiliation. During the camp, athletes will train for 1 hour and 15 minutes with our certified strength staff at St. Charles North.

Registration is now open (SCAN QR Attached), and we look forward to seeing you this spring at our Speed Stars Strength & Speed Camp.

Please feel free to reach out to Robert.Pomazak@d303.org with any questions or concerns.

#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