WMS Friday Forecast
November 1, 2024
The Importance of Belonging to Something Bigger
In my final year as principal, I had the great pleasure of playing a small role in Annie Jr., Wredling’s musical, this past weekend. I hadn’t been on stage or sung in a musical since my high school days in 1986. Back then, being in musicals was where I found “my people”—a fun, welcoming group who embraced my nerdy and slightly awkward self (at least, that’s how I saw myself). During practices, there was often downtime while others rehearsed their lines, music, or choreography. We’d do homework, tell jokes, play practical pranks, and just enjoy each other’s company. That extra time together helped us build close bonds.
After weeks of rehearsals and a full week of performances, the show would end, and we’d all feel a bit empty. The routine of finishing school and then spending hours with a great group of people was suddenly over.
And that brings me back to last Saturday night.
After Annie wrapped, I stepped outside to congratulate some students and saw one standing by themself, looking a little lost. I told them how wonderful they’d been and asked if they’d had fun. They smiled and said they’d had a great time. But as we talked, their face scrunched up, and suddenly, they were fighting back tears. They said, “I’m going to miss this. I loved this so much.” I gave them a hug and just waited as they composed themself.
For this student—and many others involved in the musical—Annie was their first experience being part of something bigger than themselves. They had become part of a team that supported them, a community where they felt valued. And now, with the show over, they felt a sense of loss. They were going to miss their new friends.
It was exactly what I had felt when a play ended in high school. I’d been part of something important, and then it was over. And I was sad.
There’s something truly special about being on a team that works toward a big goal, whether it’s a musical, a sports team, or a club. That sense of belonging and community is powerful and transformative.
As parents, we can help our children find a place where they feel they belong—something larger than themselves. It may take a few tries, but when they find it, you’ll know it.
Being part of Annie Jr. was my last performance. It was a gift I didn’t know I needed. I’m not sure how to thank Janel Bach, our choir teacher and Director, for this opportunity, or the cast and crew for reminding me of what it means to belong to something bigger.
Best,
Tim
Are You Looking for a Job? Come Join our Team!
Wredling has a full-time Paraeducator position in our RISE classroom. RISE = Reaching Independence through Support and Education. This classroom supports students who are learning life-skills throughout their school day.
You can read more about this position here. We are looking for that special adult to support students in our Rise classroom as they build independence. If you are interested, or know of someone who would be a good addition to our RISE team, you can find the posting here and apply online.
Please also send an email to WMS Assistant Principal George Gouriotis at george.gouriotis@d303.org.
Literacy / Math Tutorial Updates
As we continue into the 2nd Quarter, there are times when students will be recommended to attend a literacy or math tutorial session. These sessions are opportunities to review learning checks and receive reteaching of particular literacy or math standards. These sessions are not punitive. They simply provide timely support needed for all students to meet learning targets.
Extra, Extra! A NEW edition of the Wred Feather is Here! 📰🦅
The latest edition of the Wred Feather Student Newspaper is here, and it is bursting with articles, games, videos, and more. Check out what our talented, creative students have whipped up! Please feel free to show your appreciation by leaving a thumbs up or comment- our hardworking Redhawks would love to hear from you. Enjoy the read!
Yearbook Club - We Want Your Photos!
St. Charles Youth Commission Grants
The City of St. Charles Youth Commission is reaching out to let students and student groups know that we offer financial grants to support kids working to improve the lives of kids in St. Charles! If you are working with young people on a project or you know of some young people working on something positive we'd like to hear about it. If funding is needed, maybe we can help!
The process to request a funding grant is pretty simple:
- We're interested in youth-designed, youth-driven plans, activities or projects that promote healthy lifestyles for the young people of our community. Creative interpretation of this goal is OK!
- Complete the application linked here. All instructions are included. It’s best if it’s in the student’s own words, but don't stress too much. It's really not about the perfection of the application, but it is definitely about the authenticity of the request. We feel the ideas of our young people have the best chance of resonating with other young people. It's also great if your group would like to come to the meeting when your request will be reviewed. The students can answer questions we may have.
- Applications received by the 15th of any month will be reviewed and considered for approval at our monthly meeting at the start of the next month. (FYI - No meetings in July or August).
Another thing...STC Youth Impact Award...Do you know of any D303 students making an especially significant positive contribution to the greater STC community this year? In the spring, we'll be recommending a person or persons for this special commendation at a City Council meeting. We're hoping some school personnel like you can help us identify potential candidates since you work with so many students every day. Let us know!
Please email any questions, applications, or recommendations to us at YC@stcharlesil.gov . A member of the Youth Commission will reach out to you once they receive it.
For more information, see below:
Children's Theatre of Elgin (CTE)
Based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, with a beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, Annie JR. features everyone’s favorite little redhead in her very first adventure.
With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
Performances Nov 14-17, 2024
Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin
Tickets available at https://ticketpeak.co/cteshows/events/9646-Annie%20Jr
The Saturday night performance will feature ASL interpretation.
Presented through arrangement with Music Theatre International
Rating: G
Wredling Middle School - Home of the RedHawks
Website: wredling.d303.org
Location: 1200 Dunham Road, St. Charles, IL, USA
Phone: 331-228-3700
Fax: 331-228-3701
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WredlingMiddleSchoolD303