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WMS RedHawk Update
July 12, 2024
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Loads of information in this RedHawk Update - Bookmark it for future reference!
Note from Principal Loversky
New Expectations for a New Year
Cell Phone, Cellular Smartwatch, and Earbud Rules
Both WMS and TMS are implementing consistent practices regarding cell phones, cellular smart watches, earbuds, and backpacks to enhance student well-being and safety. Drawing insights from the book The Anxious Generation, which highlights the impact of digital devices on student anxiety and focus, we aim to create a more focused and less stressful learning environment by limiting their use. Additionally, managing backpack use addresses classroom safety concerns by reducing tripping hazards and fostering better organizational skills among students. These measures are designed to promote a healthier, safer, and more productive educational experience for all students, especially in light of recent research linking excessive cell phone use to cognitive development issues, reduced attention spans, impaired learning, and lower academic performance. Cell phones, cellular smartwatches, and wireless earbuds must remain in their locker during the school day.
NEW Backpack Expectations
Backpacks may be used before and after school to transport materials from home to school (and vice versa). During the school day, students will be expected to carry their supplies and use their lockers to switch out items during passing periods. Their backpack needs to remain in their locker during the school day.
Accommodations can be made for students who need to carry a sling bag or backpack to each class due to medical or personal reasons. These accommodations must be approved through a 504 Plan, an IEP, or with permission from the principal’s office.
D303 MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPECTATION: Students will be expected to keep their cell phones, cellular smart watches, earbuds, and backpacks in their lockers during the school day this year.
We have been busy in the office at Wredling gearing up for the school year! There are several things we need you to do as part of our preparation. Take a look below and find the answers to many of your questions. We even included a link to "Frequently asked Questions" for your perusal. Feel free to contact us in the main office (331-228-3700) if you have further questions.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Mr. Loversky
Middle Schoolers Taking High School Courses
A change to the D303 Board of Education policy, aligned with the Illinois School Code, requires that students who complete a high school course in middle school receive credit on their high school transcript. This change benefits students by recognizing their advanced academic achievements. Students taking a high school course in middle school will receive credit for this course on their high school transcript, and their grade in the course will also be included in their high school grade point average. This includes Algebra I, Honors Geometry, Honors Biology, World Language Courses, and High School Project Lead the Way (PLTW), Introduction to Engineering Design.
Please contact Tina King, Senior Director Of Learning and Teaching, with questions at tina.king@d303.org or 331-228-5845.
10 Things to Do Before School Starts!
#1 USE PUSHCOIN TO PAY FOR:
2023-2024 Yearbook - Note that the yearbook is an OPTIONAL add-on purchase. We have sold out of yearbooks the previous few school years because we only order a small number of extra ones. Order your yearbook now to avoid disappointment later!
School Registration Fees - Registration fees will be loaded into Student PushCoin Accounts
Returning 7th & 8th graders purchase replacement locks, heart rate monitor straps, or calculators as needed.
Pay the WMS PTO fee of $25
Band Instrument Usage (if using a school instrument)
Orchestra Instrument Usage (for ALL cello & bass players )
- PLEASE NOTE: All incoming 6th grade students and students who are new to D303 will receive a package containing 2 locks, a calculator, a heart rate monitor strap, and a lanyard (for their ID). You do not need to purchase these items.
#2 COMPLETE ANNUAL STUDENT UPDATE FORM:
The form can be found by clicking THIS LINK. Click the red box "Annual Student Registration Update Form" and log in with your HAC credentials. BE SURE TO CLICK SUBMIT WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE FORM. If you have more than one student, you can toggle between your students at the upper right side of the form. NOTE: You may have already completed this form for your student. If so, the website will not allow you to complete it again.
#3 SIGN UP FOR MATERIAL PICK UP USING PICK-A-TIME:
MATERIAL PICK UP DATES AND TIMES
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
- 8:30 am - Noon
- 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
- 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Your student can enter the school via the gym doors at the time you select on Pick-A-Time. They are welcome to stay in the building and walk their schedule for familiarization. Students in Jumpstart will cycle through Material Pick-Up.
#4 ORDER SCHOOL SUPPLIES:
SchoolToolBox.com is our vendor for prepackaged school supplies from our lists. This is the fastest and easiest way to get school supplies shipped directly to you! If you prefer to shop yourself, you can find our school supply lists on the Wredling website towards the bottom of this page.
#5 GET A BACKPACK & LEARN ABOUT LOCKERS:
Backpacks may be used before and after school to transport materials from home to school (and vice versa). During the school day, students will be expected to carry their supplies and use their lockers to switch out items during passing periods. Their backpack needs to remain in their locker during the school day.
Accommodations can be made for students who need to carry a sling bag or backpack to each class due to medical or personal reasons. These accommodations must be approved through a 504 Plan, an IEP, or with permission from the principal’s office.
#6 GET REQUIRED MEDICAL & DENTAL FORMS COMPLETED:
A completed physical form with required immunizations must be on file with the school nurse prior to the start of school for all students entering 6th grade. The physical must have been completed within one year of the first day of 6th grade attendance. All 6th grade students must also present proof of a dental examination by May 15th of the school year. Forms are located on the Nurse/Health Services page on the D303 website.
#7 STUDENT ATHLETES - COMPLETE ATHLETIC REQUIRED FORMS:
If your student is planning on participating in a sport, every student athlete trying out for a sport must have the following on file with the Wredling Athletic Office in order to try out:
Current unexpired athletic physical. Note: Incoming 6th graders may use their school physical.
All athletes must have a physical that has been completed within the last 365 days in order to try out for a sport.Agreement to Participate in Interscholastic Athletics (AKA the Concussion Form which is generally copied on pink paper)
#8 SIGN UP FOR ATHLETICS CAMPS:
It is not too late to sign up for one of our camps which includes football, volleyball, cross-country, and cheerleading! Don’t wait, sign up as soon as you can to reserve your spot. Registration is through the webstore/push coin.
#9 RETURNING 7TH & 8TH GRADERS:
Time to look for… WMS Locks, and calculators for the coming school year. If your 7th or 8th grader needs any replacements, please order and pay for them via PushCoin. They will be able to pick them up at Material Pick Up. Note: If your RedHawk has forgotten their lock combination, we do have a binder in the office where we can look them up. We will need the code on the back of the lock to do so. (Sample Code 1E00001).
#10 PRE-ORDER/PAY FOR SCHOOL PHOTOS:
School pictures will be taken at Material Pick Up by Color Portraits. You must pre-order and pay for photo packages in advance at https://ordercp.com/ using the information found on THIS FORM and the School Event CODE #10065301 (also pictured below). We also have paper copies of this order form at the Wredling Main office.
The Color Portraits prepay site closes at Midnight the day of each Picture Day to process the orders. If parents missed prepaying they will have a chance to order pictures with their child's Ticket Code. Ticket Codes will be delivered with the bulk picture package order approximately three weeks post Picture Day. When placing an order after Picture Day with a Ticket Code a shipping fee will be added on and picture packages will be shipped directly to the home.
Note: If you are unable to attend either Material Pick Up Day, we have a Picture Retake Day scheduled for Monday, August 28th. There will be a different order form and code for that date, which will be publicized in our Friday Forecast prior to retakes.
WMS INCOMING 6TH GRADE FAMILIES
2024 6th Grade WEB Orientation Invitation
Wredling is excited to invite our new Redhawks to WEB Orientation Day, Friday, August 9th, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Wredling Middle School. WEB is a nationwide program that is designed to help sixth graders transition and achieve success in their first year of middle school. WEB Orientation is a 6th grade, student-only, event that is designed to welcome sixth graders and provide an opportunity for our new Redhawks to participate in small group activities, meet other students from their 6th grade team, and connect with 8th grade WEB Leaders. WEB Leaders are positive role models that have been trained to lead our new Redhawks and help them transition into middle school.
The following is some information to let you know what you and your student(s) can expect at orientation day:
Be ready to have some fun and meet new people.
Students will be organized into small groups with other 6th graders from their team.
The event starts at 2:00 and ends at 3:30.
Drop off students at the Main Entrance between 1:45 pm-1:55 pm
Pick up your student in the Wredling parking lot at 3:30.
Students should wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Cell phone use is forbidden on this day. It is recommended that phones are left at home but if they choose to bring them, they must be set to silent and out of sight. We will not be able to hold student belongings for them, including cell phones. Students are responsible for managing their belongings during orientation.
Please use this LINK to RSVP for this event. Sign up runs through FRIDAY, July 19th.
Please pick up your student promptly at 3:30 pm on Friday, August 9th at the close of the Orientation. We look forward to meeting your student on Orientation Day!
Sincerely,
The WEB Coordinators: Becca Campbell, Kirsten Cwinski, Anni Whitaker
Wredling Administration: Tim Loversky, Francesca Favero, Chris Rzemieniecki
WELCOME NEW D303 FAMILIES
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, July 31 - 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
If your family is new to D303 for the coming school year, attend our "Welcome to Wredling" meeting our Principal, Tim Loversky, will be hosting. During this meeting you will gain an understanding of middle school, meet our administrative team, and get a snapshot of your student's day at Wredling. Hope to see our new D303 families there!
UPDATED Building Hours to Walk Schedule
FAQ's for WMS Families
Many families have asked a variety of questions and we have answered them! CLICK HERE for the responses to the questions you have asked so far. See the Spanish version at the bottom of the linked document.
Get Hooked on Summer Reading & earn some prizes!
FALL MUSICAL "ANNIE JR." AUDITION INFORMATION
Mandatory Audition Workshop:
Monday, August 19th 3:00-6:00 pm
*Students must turn in all audition forms this day
Auditions:
Tuesday, August 20th or Thursday, August 22nd 3:00-6:00 pm
(students will choose 1 of the 2 days)
Callbacks:
Friday, August 23rd from 3:00-6:30
Rehearsals Begin:
Monday, August 26th 3:00-5:30
Audition Materials and the Information Packet will be available beginning July 30th at materials pickup…look for them under the WMS Theatre Poster near the Cafeteria.
Official sign-ups to secure an audition spot will be done electronically via a link on Schoology. Access to the audition site in Schoology will open on July 30th. It is essential that interested students visit and utilize this site to prepare for auditions.
Rehearsals will be held M, T, Th, F from 3:00-5:30 from 8/26 until the performances in October. Wednesdays will be added in late September. Students must be able to attend MOST all rehearsals and cannot have any conflicts during Tech Week rehearsals or Performances.
Shows
Thursday, October 24th (7:00)
Friday, October 25th (4:00)
Saturday, October 26th (2:00 and 7:00)
*This is an auditioned extracurricular activity; cuts will be made. Cast size for this show is 24.
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