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Parents/Guardians and Students,

As you may be aware, Mr. Simon, our Industrial Arts teacher, resigned at the end of the first semester. We understand this raised questions about the plan for the second semester.

We are pleased to announce that in a Special Board of Education Meeting held on December 30, 2024, the board approved Mr. Michael Couch as the new Industrial Arts Teacher at Wakefield.

What to Expect

When students return to classes on January 6, 2025, they will remain in the same Industrial Arts class they had in the first semester.

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to a successful second semester!

Dear Wakefield Families,

I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing break! As we begin the second semester, I'd like to extend a warm welcome back to all our students and families.

Our Commitment to Your Child's Success

We are dedicated to providing a supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. Our staff is committed to guiding and challenging your child to reach their full potential.

Key Dates to Remember

January 6, 2025: First Day of Second Semester
January 10, 2025: Semester 1 Grades Sent Home
January 20, 2025: Martin Luther King Jr. Day – (No School)

Important Updates

I'm pleased to report that Wakefield's attendance rate continues to improve! I'd like to extend my gratitude to both students and parents for your commitment to education.

Why Attendance Matters

Regular attendance is crucial for academic success. When a student misses school, whether excused or unexcused, it can significantly impact their learning. Every day counts, and we want to ensure your child doesn't fall behind.

Reporting Absences

If your student will be absent, please notify the office as soon as possible. This helps us account for your child's safety and well-being.

Staying Connected

To stay informed, please:

Review the school calendar for important dates and upcoming events.
Communicate with your child's teacher if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your continued support in prioritizing attendance and education.

Sincerely,

Mr. Moneypenny

Wakefield K-12 School

Principal

Monday, January, 6, 2025

• Second Semester Begins

Tuesday, January, 7, 2025

• High School Basketball @ Canton-Galva
• 4:30 JV / 6:00 Varsity Girls/Followed by Varsity Boys

Thursday, January, 9, 2025

• 5:15 pm Junior High Basketball vs. Peabody-Burns

Friday, January, 10, 2025

• 1st Semester Grade Cards Sent Home
• High School Basketball vs. Centre
• 4:30 JV / 6:00 Varsity Girls/Followed by Varsity Boys

Monday, January 13, 2025

• 4:00 pm Varsity Scholars' Bowl @ Wakefield

Tuesday, January, 14, 2025

• High School Basketball vs. Herrington
• 4:30 JV / 6:00 Varsity Girls/Followed by Varsity Boys

Thursday, January, 16, 2025

• Junior High Basketball @ Solomon

Friday, January, 17, 2025

• High School Basketball @ Peabody-Burns
• Times and Teams TBD

Monday, January 20, 2025

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)

Tuesday, January, 21, 2025

• High School Basketball Centre Tournament (Time TBD)

Thursday, January, 23, 2025

• 5:15 pm Junior High Basketball vs. Centre

Friday, January, 24, 2025

• High School Basketball Centre Tournament (Time TBD)

Saturday, January, 25, 2025

• High School Basketball Centre Tournament (Time TBD)

Tuesday, January, 28, 2025

• High School Basketball @ Blue Valley
• 4:30 JV / 6:00 Varsity Girls/Followed by Varsity Boys

Thursday, January, 30, 2025

• 4:00 pm Varsity Scholars' Bowl @ White City
• 4:00 pm Junior High Basketball @ Little River

Arrival Time

• Doors open at 7:50 am. Please do not arrive before this time, as there is no supervision outside the building until then.

Breakfast

• Students eating breakfast may enter at 7:50 am.
• Students must remain in the cafeteria until they finish their breakfast.
• All food must be eaten in the cafeteria, food is not to be taken to the gyms.

School Security

• To ensure student safety, we kindly ask parents not to enter the building with their student. By limiting building access, we can maintain a secure environment for everyone.

Important Notice Regarding PE/Athletic Locker Rooms

• Please note that the PE/Athletic locker rooms will not be available for use in the morning due to the lack of supervision before school.

Secondary Students

• At 7:50 am, secondary students may:
• Enter the building
• Visit their school locker
• Report to the Old Gym, where they must remain until 8:05 am.

Important Notice Regarding PE/Athletic Locker Rooms

• Please note that the PE/Athletic locker rooms will not be available for use in the morning due to the lack of supervision before school.

Inclement Weather

• In case of bad weather, elementary students will report to the New Gym.
• Please use the entrance doors located by the Elementary Playground.

As a parent, your involvement in your high schooler's sports performance plays a significant role in their success and enjoyment. Staying positive and supportive can have a profound impact on their mindset, stress levels, and overall performance.

Key Benefits of Positive Parental Involvement

1. Boosts Confidence and Motivation: Encouragement helps athletes feel confident and motivated to persevere through challenges.
2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Supportive parents can lessen pressure, allowing athletes to focus on playing their best.
3. Fosters Enjoyment and Love for the Sport: Prioritizing fun and learning encourages continued participation.
4. Strengthens Parent-Child Relationships: Positive interactions around sports can deepen the bond between parent and athlete.
5. Models Positive Behaviors: Demonstrating good sportsmanship and respect sets a positive example for your child.

What to Avoid

1. Excessive Criticism: Focus on mistakes or constant comparisons can damage confidence and motivation.
2. Public Displays of Negativity: Yelling at referees, coaches, or players creates a negative atmosphere and embarrasses the athlete.
3. Prioritizing Winning Overgrowth: Unhealthy stress and anxiety can result from prioritizing wins over personal growth.

How to Be a Positive Sports Parent

1. Focus on Effort and Improvement: Praise hard work and progress, not just the final score.
2. Offer Specific, Positive Feedback: Constructive criticism helps athletes grow.
3. Celebrate Successes, Big and Small: Acknowledge achievements and milestones.
4. Communicate Openly with your Child: Discuss their experiences and feelings.
5. Respect the Coach: Support the coaching staff and avoid interfering with their decisions.

By embracing these principles, you can help create a positive, supportive environment that allows your child to thrive and enjoy their sports experience.

Parents/Guardians,

To ensure student safety and facilitate smooth transportation after athletic events and activities, we have implemented a new procedure:

Post Athletic/Activity Travel Form

Access the form: Visit our school website and find the "Post Athletic/Activity Travel Form" on the left side of the page.

Fill out the form: Complete the form prior to the event, indicating your intention to transport your child home.

Submit to coach/sponsor: Give the completed form to the coach or sponsor before leaving for the event.

Important Reminders

If you forget the form, coaches/sponsors will have paper copies available at the event.

Parent/Guardian transportation only: Your child must be transported home by their parent/guardian.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in ensuring our students' safety and well-being.

As we enter the colder months, please ensure your student dresses warmly and appropriately for school.

Regarding school policies, we have noticed some students engaging in public displays of affection (PDAs). While most students comply with warnings, we will be strictly enforcing the student handbook policy for those who continue to disregard this rule.

Affectionate Behavior (Wakefield Handbook)

Any outward physical display of affection in the hallways, in classrooms, in school facilities, or at school sponsored activities is not permitted. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Students should dress in a manner, which will not be disruptive to the educational process. This dress code was developed to give students a wider variety of clothing to wear. If at any time the principal or teacher believes that a student’s attire is a disruption, that student will be asked to change. This especially applies to clothing fads or trends that become popular for a short period of time. Also, the school reserves the right to disallow or restrict any clothing worn by students to school or school activities that might be associated with a gang or gang activity.

Any extra-curricular group may require a more stringent dress code and those students wishing to participate will also abide by the code for that group.

1. Shorts as approved by the administration are acceptable for school wear. No shorts that look like underwear are allowed. Spandex shorts are not allowed unless worn under other shorts. Shorts must be acceptable in length. Acceptable length is coming to the ends of the fingertips when the student’s arms are down at their sides.
2. Clothing with inappropriate, abusive, crude/profane/obscene/suggestive/distasteful language or artwork is not acceptable for school wear. Examples: clothing with alcohol, drugs, tobacco, weapons, explosives, gore, sexual innuendoes, etc.
3. Clothing that is inappropriate or that exposes chest, shoulders, bare midsection or button such as: bare midriffs, bare backs, spaghetti strap tops with bra straps showing, fishnet shirts, sheer tops with bra straps showing, halters, tube tops or tops without shoulder straps. Pants, jeans, sweats, overalls and shorts are to be worn at waist level. No excessively loose clothing, undergarments showing, or short-shorts. No “sagging”, etc.
4. Clothing that has straps or suspenders must be fastened over the shoulders.
5. Clothing must be worn in the manner for which it was designed. Clothing designed as under garments must not be worn as outer garments.
6. Footwear must be worn at all times during school. Bedroom slippers are not allowed.
7. Students are not allowed to wear hats, caps, or other headgear while in the building prior to or during the regular school day.
8. No colored or dark glasses should be worn except under a doctor’s prescription or direction.
9. The wearing of heavy coats in the classroom is discouraged. Coats may be subject to search at any time at the discretion of the administration.
10. Chains longer than six (6) inches, or jewelry that could cause injury (ie. Spikes, sharp edges) will not be allowed.
11. Gang writing and/or symbolism is not allowed on school papers, notebooks or any material at school or school activities. This includes marking(s) on the body. Gang related colors, language, gestures or designs are not allowed in school or at school activities.
12. Exceptions to the school dress code will be made for formal school events such as Prom and other similar events. Clothing should still be kept in good taste with proper covering of the chest and midriff areas. If in doubt as to what is appropriate, follow the building dress code and/or contact the building administrator.
13. The administration reserves the right to refuse participation if inappropriate clothing is worn.

• First 5 minutes: Students cannot travel during this time to ensure they don't miss crucial instructions.
• Last 5 minutes: Travel is not permitted, allowing teachers to provide closing remarks, homework assignments, and key takeaways.

Rationale

• Attending the beginning of class is vital for students to receive essential instructions. Late arrivals force teachers to repeat information, disrupting the learning environment. By being present from the start, students stay informed and engaged.
• Similarly, the last five minutes are critical for teachers to:
• Provide summary remarks
• Assign homework
• Offer additional guidance

Your cooperation and support in adhering to this new policy will enhance our students' learning experience.

Here's How:

• Digital Sign-Out Process
• Access the Schoology page for your current class.
• Click the "Sign Out" button.
• Complete the Google Form with the designated dropdown options.

Benefits

• This digital sign-out process enables us to:
• Track travel data trends
• Identify potential issues
• Improve classroom management and attendance monitoring
• Your cooperation and participation will help us refine our processes and enhance the learning environment.

Key Features

• Easy access via Schoology
• Streamlined Google Form
• Efficient data collection

Thank you for your cooperation on this new procedure!