The Willis Weekly

A Firebird Publication - September 8th, 2023

A Note From Mr. Delp

Dear Willis Families,

A friendly reminder that we have three weeks remaining in our first quarter. Time flies! This would be a good time to ask your student to log-in to their Infinite Campus account and review their grades with you. If you see areas where they are struggling, encourage your student to seek assistance from that teacher -- or you may reach out to them.

Individual teachers maintain a weekly tutoring time and Willis offers after school Homework Hub -- Monday through Thursday from 4:00 - 4:50 pm. Homework Hub is staffed by certified teachers who are able to provide students with academic assistance. It is a quiet place for students to work on assignments and receive help.

As you will be seeing in our calendar, the end of quarter always brings a lot of events and activities. Encourage your student to be involved and build healthy connections at school!

Have a safe and restful weekend, Firebirds!

Jeff Delp, Principal

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Jeff Delp - Principal

Email: delp.jeff@cusd80.com
Location: 401 South McQueen Road, Chandler, AZ, USA
Phone: 480-883-5707
Twitter: @principaldelp

Patriot Day - Monday, Sept. 11, 2023

On Monday, our country remembers the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It is also a day to celebrate our first responders, veterans, and active duty military members. Never forget.

Lord of the Flies - Mock Trial

Mr. Kimble makes learning fun! His 8th grade Language Arts students recently read the novel, “Lord of the Flies.” Then they conducted a mock trial to demonstrate their understanding of the novel and to make arguments regarding two of the main characters and their innocence or guilt. All of the students had roles ranging from prosecutors, defendants, jurors, and characters from the book. Mr. Kimble was the judge and did an outstanding job facilitating the trial and keeping everyone accountable and engaged. His students had a great time during this meaningful activity as they left with a deeper understanding of the book and its characters.

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1st Quarter Dance - Thursday, Sept. 14 from 4:00 - 5:30 PM

Next week we will be hosting our first quarter school dance for seventh and eighth grade students. Tickets are $3 and will be sold during lunches next week. Some things to keep in mind for the dance.

This event is only open to Willis students
Students should have their ID and ticket ready upon entry
Backpacks will be stored in a locked/secured location until after the dance
School expectations/rules remain in place for the dance
We ask that all students have a ride available promptly at 5:30 pm

We look forward to seeing our students enjoy the first quarter dance!

Fall Break Opportunity - Police Youth Academy

Officer Story and the Chandler Police Department would like to encourage Willis parents to sign their kids up for the Police Youth Academy this fall break. The academy is a one-week program for youth between the ages of 12-17. It provides an opportunity for kids to learn about various jobs and functions within the Chandler Police Department. Officers from the Traffic Unit, Patrol Division, Bike Team, K-9, Community Resources and Training Section instruct students. Students get involved with hands-on activities and insight into police procedures, such as use of force, forensics, crime scene investigation and much more. The Youth Academy was developed to provide awareness and understanding of the role of law enforcement. The goal of the Youth Academy is to foster relationships that will bridge the gaps between law enforcement and youth while exposing them to a possible future career in law enforcement.

We are looking for kids that may be interested in police work or kids interested in learning about police work and/or how we do our jobs.
There is no charge for the Academy and lunch is provided. Space is limited and parents must register their child.
The Academy runs Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check the website for location details.

Date: October 2 to October 5, 2023 – REGISTRATION OPENS ON 9/01/23 @ 9:00 am!

Fore more details go to :

https://chandlerazpd.gov/about/school-resource-officer-unit/youth-academy

Mental Health Corner

September SEL Focus: Suicide Awareness and Prevention

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (https://www.nami.org/mhstats), suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34. We use this month to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (https://nspw.afsp.org/) if you ask someone directly if they are thinking about suicide it will NOT put the idea in their head. Often they will be relieved someone cares enough to hear their about their experience with thoughts of suicide. Asking the question, ‘are you thinking about suicide?’ communicates that you are open to talking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way. Asking directly can open the door for communication about help.

Help is available. There is hope. Suicide can be prevented.

Resources

NIMH » Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?

NIMH » Teen Depression: More Than Just Moodiness

Seize the Awkward

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

What You Need to Know About Youth Suicide | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Signs of Suicide (SOS) Presentation

Seventh grade students will be participating in a Signs of Suicide (SOS) Presentation later this month that will teach them how to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell). More information will follow.

https://sossignsofsuicide.org/parent

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.