Welcome Back Letter to Families
Let's Get Rolling, 2024 - 2025!
August 26th Edition
Dear Winston Campus Families,
We’re excited to welcome our students back to school on Tuesday, September 5th! Please remember that students should be in their classrooms and ready to learn before the first-period bell rings at 7:30 AM. The school day ends at 2:10 PM, except on Fridays, when we have early release and students are dismissed at 1:20 PM.
To help our students transition smoothly into the new school year, our Success and Belong Committee has planned special welcome-back activities for the first three days. During this time, students will participate in sessions focused on:
- Feeling Safe at School
- Understanding What Middle School Is and How to Fit In
- How to Be Academically Successful at School
To support your child's success, we encourage you to take a few minutes to read this short article below.
Please remember that we are here to help you and your child. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.
We look forward to a fantastic school year ahead!
Warm regards,
Maricela Macias
Principal, Winston Campus Middle School
Every Day Counts: Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow
Nine days or less for school success!
Across the state, student absenteeism is getting a lot of attention right now, and for good reason. In Illinois, more than 1 out of every 4 students misses about 2 days a month, or 10% of the school year. Students missing this much of the school year are considered Chronically Absent. Missing two days a month may not seem like a lot, but it amounts to missing a whole month of school. In fact, if starting in kindergarten, a student who misses just 1.5 days each month will have missed 175 days by the end of their senior year. That’s a whole school year of lost instruction!
In District 15, about 1 in five students (21%) was Chronically Absent. The positive academic and social impact of regular attendance is so important that District 15 has committed to reducing the number of chronically absent students in half (from 21% to 10%) by 2027. To support this goal, District 15 is starting an “Every Day Counts: Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow” initiative in the Fall of the upcoming school year.
This Fall, parents will see some new actions and communication from the District and Winston. These actions are designed to promote regular student attendance. In the Fall, families will begin to receive information about the importance of attendance, tips on how to help students attend as much school as possible, and regular updates to help families track how often their student is absent each month. Our schools are also organizing themselves to reach out early and support students and families experiencing attendance difficulties. If you are concerned about your child’s attendance, consider logging into Infinite Campus to check exactly how many absences they had this year.
WCMS Bell Schedule
Cell Phones
Cell Phone Rules in District 15
As we prepare to welcome students to the new school year, I want to emphasize the importance of creating a focused learning environment for all students. To ensure that our classrooms are conducive to learning, the expectation is that cell phones must be kept powered-off or silenced and out-of-sight during the regular school day. Please review the student-parent handbook for additional details. By following these guidelines, we can create a positive and productive classroom community where students can fully engage in their education.
School Arrival
The Transportation Department will be releasing route information in Infinite Campus later this week.
If you are driving your child to school, please use the church parking lot for drop-off. Students should then enter the school through Door 8, which is located on Rolling Street.
Thank you for helping us ensure a smooth and safe arrival for all students.
**NEW THIS YEAR** We will be using an app called "MyRIDE K12". It is the same app that District 211 and 214 are using, so if you have a high schooler, you may already be familiar with it. Details on the new app are available on the transportation page of the D15 website linked HERE. Parents will be able to get LIVE transportation information for their student(s), in English or in Spanish. They will also be able to track their student(s) bus, and the app will give them a real-time ETA to their stop.
DEPARTURE FROM SCHOOL ON BUSES
Students riding a bus home will load the buses that will be parked in our lot outside door 8. Our staff will list the bus order on our Bus Board every day for students to know the location of their bus. Staff will be present to assist students in finding their buses to ensure that they are able to arrive back home safely.
ACTIVITY BUSES
The school will have activity buses for students who stay for clubs, sports and activities after-school Monday - Thursday. In an upcoming newsletter, we will provide the bus routes for the activity buses. Please review the route with your student prior to staying for an after school activity. Parents can expect the after-school activity route to leave at approximately 3:55 each day.
Car
If you are driving your child to school, please use the church parking lot for drop-off. Students should then enter the school through Door 8, which is located on Rolling Street.
Thank you for helping us ensure a smooth and safe arrival for all students.
Walk Your Schedule Day, September 3rd from 12:45-1:30 PM
This is an opportunity for the administration and staff to welcome our students to Winston, and for students to use their daily schedules to walk the school building, and meet their teachers! All you need is your schedule! Please do not bring school supplies because students will not receive their locker information until the first day of school. All students and parents should enter through door 8. The PTSA will be hosting the Kona Ice Truck Fundraiser for our families! Make sure you stop by for a sweet treat! All proceeds will support the Winston PTSA.
School Supplies List
Our school supply list can be located on our website. Each middle school student will be provided a planner on their first day of school.
Spirit Wear
Lifetouch School Picture Day is Coming!!
School Name: Winston Campus Middle School
Picture Day Date: Monday, September 30th
Order Pictures online at: MyLifetouch.com
The district sent out information this week in regards to our fall sports. All students participating or trying out for sports must have a current physical on file. All physicals for sports need to be dated 8/15/2023 or later to be considered current. Updated physicals can be emailed to our school office. There is an activity fee to participate of $85 per student per sport.
All 6th - 8th grade students are welcome to join. All runners will be expected to run either the 1.5 or 2 mile distance. There are NO tryouts. This is a NO-Cut sport. All abilities and experience levels are welcomed and encouraged to register. Practices will take place Monday -Thursday {2:15-3:45}
COACHES:Alex Soto, Susie Gronwick, Kyle Reid, Parker Buetow & Gina Ruta
All 6th - 8th grade students are welcome to try out. There are 4 teams, that are arranged by different grade levels. (6th/7th Team; 7th/8th Team). This is a cut-sport and the coaches will post the team roster after tryouts are completed.
Tryout Schedule: September 9 - 12, 2024 {2:15 - 3:45 pm}
COACHES: 6th/7th: Emmie Galan & 7th/8th: Kristina Wagner
All 6th - 8th grade students are welcome to try out. There are 4 teams, that are arranged by different grade levels. (6th/7th Team; 7th/8th Team). This is a cut-sport and the coaches will post the team roster after tryouts are completed.
Tryout Schedule: September 9 - 12, 2024 {2:15 - 3:45 pm
COACHES: 6th/7th:Michael Mauro & 7th/8th: Diane Hellard
MAP Testing September 9th
We will be conducting the NWEA MAP testing in Reading and Math for students in grades K-8. This assessment is an important tool to help us understand your child’s academic progress and identify areas where they may need additional support. Testing will take place during the week of September 9th. To ensure your child performs their best, it's important that they attend school during this week and are well-rested each day.
We appreciate your support in making this a successful testing experience for all students. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to your grade level assistant principal.
A note from Mrs. Mangognia📒
With MAP testing approaching, we understand that it can be a time of both excitement and anxiety. Tests are an important part of the learning process, but they don’t have to be a source of stress. Our goal is to help every student approach their exams with confidence and calm. Here are some tips to help prepare effectively without feeling overwhelmed.
Encourage Self-Care: Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and taking time for relaxation. A healthy body supports a healthy mind.
Reminders to Stay Positive: Keep a positive mindset. Remind yourself that you’ve prepared and are capable. Replace negative thoughts with affirmations of your strengths and efforts.
Seek Help When Needed: If you’re struggling with a concept, don’t hesitate to ask your teacher for clarification or seek extra help. It’s important to address any difficulties before the test.
Upcoming Dates to Remember,
- September 3rd-Walk Your Schedule 12:45-1:45 pm
- September 5th-First Day Of School
- September 9th- NWEA MAP testing
- September 12th- Parent Orientation 6:00 pm
- September 18th-PTA General meeting 7:00-8:00 in the school Library
- September 26th-Half Day Of Student Attendance
September 30-Picture Day