To read this newsletter in a language other than English, please click on the "Translate Newsletter" link on the upper right-hand side of this page.

Para leer este boletín en otro idioma que no sea el inglés, por favor haga clic en el enlace "Traducir el boletín" en la parte superior derecha de esta página.

As we approach winter break and continue our way through remote learning, we want to make sure that the mental health of our students is at the forefront of our thoughts. We know that different students have different ways of handling adversity and stress. However, there are some things we can all do to monitor our child's mental health:

1. Do daily check-ins with your child. Ask open-ended questions and don't accept "no response" as an answer. What was something you learned today? What was something that was a challenge for you today? How have felt about remote learning?
2. Get your child away from screens. We know this is the greatest challenge with school being online. But get out as a family and take a hike, drive to see Christmas lights, ride a bike on a nice day, or start visiting the amazing forest preserves in our area. And work to leave the screens at home.
3. Look for signs that your child may be struggling. From social media posts to self-harm to sleepless nights- our kids tell us in overt and discreet ways that they are struggling. This is when you might consider getting a counselor/therapist for your child. Hundreds of our students see a therapist to great benefit, and it is something to consider.
4. Inform WMS staff that your child is struggling. We can help in a variety of ways, from a counselor check-in to reducing workload. But we can't help if we don't know.

Before any learning takes place, our kid's mental health has to be a priority. We are here to help and support your child and you.

Thank you-

Tim

All students (hybrid and remote) should check HAC on Monday, January 4, 2021 for possible 3rd quarter schedule changes. Schedules in HAC will not be available until 1/4/21.

What does i-Ready tell you? The video (linked below) will tell you what to do and where we are headed!

The i-Ready Winter Diagnostic Reports for both Math and Reading are being mailed home to parents the week of December 21, 2020, so be on the lookout for them! Included with these reports, you will receive a letter from Mr. Dave Chiszar, who is the Director of Assessment and Accountability, that explains the i-Ready diagnostic report and what is being included in the documents. If you have any questions pertaining to i-Ready, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dave Chiszar at David.chiszar@d303.org.

Compass Academy is a new D303 program that will open in the Fall of 2021 at the Haines Center. Key features of the Academy include flexible scheduling, project-based learning, interdisciplinary courses, competency-based education, and more. Any District 303 student entering grades 9-12 is eligible to enroll at the Academy. There are no entrance criteria and all students are invited to apply. This program is designed to support all students, including those interested in early college courses and/or career pathway experiences.

The Compass Academy brochure is linked below for your review. More information can be found by viewing this presentation from a recent BOE meeting. Interested parents or students should contact Director Sharon Stanley at sharon.stanley@d303.org or via this form.

Click HERE for the Compass Academy brochure

A live chat service is available for device and system support. This is the best way for families to receive fast technical support for district devices and services. The virtual IT team will be available to assist Monday-Friday between 8:00am - 4:00pm. Chat support can be accessed by going to https://helpdesk.d303.org/chat/

When your student is experiencing Chromebook issues, including a problem with their camera and/or microphone, we have some helpful information for you:

• Follow each step in this process (see graphic below).
• DO NOT skip step #4: CHAT with IT as they can often remote in and repair your device directly! (Use the link in the previous news item)
• Only go on to step #5 after you have completed trying the first four steps on the flowchart! This helps us rule out a lot of potential problems immediately when trying to help your student.
• There's also this WMS page, Instructional Tech for Families with a ton of helpful information.

WEB would like to invite you to a Virtual Holiday Social event on December 16th from 3:30 to 4ish. Wear your best Holiday swag/ugly sweater. We will be having a pet show and tell and Holiday trivia. Sign up HERE - You will receive a link to the Virtual Gathering on Monday, December 14th.

WMS Student Council would like to announce our Eighth Grade virtual Holiday Hangout on Friday, December 11 from; 4:30-6:00. A survey was sent out to all 8th graders, so check your emails. If you are interested, please complete the survey. There will be an escape room, bingo, craft, online games, holiday scramble, Would pop you rather…, and an ugly sweater competition. If you have questions, email Mrs. Hagedorn or Mr. Schilb. The survey will need to be completed by Tuesday, December.

Last week our 8th graders participated in zoom meetings with their high school counselors. The purpose of this meeting was for 8th graders to get to know their high school counselors and to begin the process of their high school registration which will take place in January. Please click here to access additional information from the high schools as it will help the 8th grade students as they navigate this year’s course selection process.

Peer Leadership is an extracurricular program that matches selected incoming freshmen with juniors and seniors who make the transition into high school fun and easy and mentor them throughout the year. Because this program meets during the school day, it has to be put into a student’s schedule when registering for next year’s classes. Although we would like to be able to offer this to all interested incoming freshmen, our numbers are limited by available classroom space and our budget. Therefore, in order to start the selection process, interested students should apply using THIS APPLICATION.

If your child is interested in the program, please fill out the application and e-mail it to Jim Reed, the Peer Leadership Coordinator (James.Reed@d303.org). Completed applications must be received no later than Tuesday, January 19th, 2021. For more information about Peer Leadership, please attend Future Saints Night in January.

We hope to hear from you!

Our Wredling LRC will continue to offer curbside book pick up during the 3 weeks of remote instruction. Any books placed on hold by students will be checked-out and placed on the cart in the vestibule. You can pick them up from 8:00 am - 3:30 pm each Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

THERE ARE A TON OF BOOKS READY FOR PICKUP!

The Wredling Lost & Found has quite a few items that are lonely without their people... Please watch the video below to see if any items belong at your house. The office is open from 8:00 am - 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. All items remaining unclaimed after December 18th will be gathered up and donated.

Welcome to remote learning! Remember that remote students have classes every day. Below are resources for our full remote learners:

• Remote Academy Calendar (and Bell Schedule)

• Overview and Expectations

• Teachers and Resources

You can check the attendance for any of your students at any time by logging into the Home Access Center and clicking on the attendance tab to view. Toggle between students using the arrow in the upper right hand corner.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call the main office at (331) 228-3100! We are here to help!

The Wredling PTO needs a Vice President for the 2020-2021 school year! If you are interested in this position, or just need more information, please contact Katie Stan, info@wredlingpto.org

It takes more adults to operate schools safely for students during the pandemic. District 303 currently has numerous job openings in a variety of job categories. If you are looking for temporary, part-time, or full-time employment, please visit the D303 Human Resources page to apply for a position.

One of the more flexible positions available is that of a D303 Substitute. You can choose to work, or not work, as your schedule permits. Take a moment and read the Substitute Handbook to see what this job entails.

If you are interested and hold a:

• Bachelor's degree in any field you would qualify to apply for a substitute license with the state which allows you to sub for teachers or teacher assistants. You would apply using THIS link.
• Associate's degree you apply for a Paraprofessional license which only allows you to sub for Teaching assistants. You would apply using THIS link.
• High School diploma you have to take an aptitude test with the KANE ROE office. Once you pass that, you apply for a Paraprofessional license which only allows you to sub for Teaching assistants. You would apply using THIS link.

Contact Julie Wenger (julie.wenger@d303.org) with any questions.

December 14, 2020
Sessions will be organized as follows:
Breakout Edu Sessions - 3:00-3:30
How to Raise a Reader - 3:30-4:00
Podcasts for Kids, Tweens and Teens - 4:00-4:30
Winter break is coming, and it is the perfect time to explore and try something new or just have fun as a family. Join us for this 90-minute Parent University session where we will share ways to foster a love of learning through fun activities you can do as a family. We will guide you through sites and activities you can use with your child to visit faraway places, create a family podcast, find a new favorite book, and play collaborative problem-solving games. Join Zoom meeting here.

February 2, 2021

Virtual
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Wake Up Call is a three-part drug and alcohol prevention presentation. The first part of the presentation focuses on current trends such as vaping, marijuana, alcohol and prescription pills. Next, attendees will virtually walk through a life-size teen bedroom with more than 20 “red flags” that can signal drug or alcohol use. The bedroom identifies spots where drugs can be hidden, household items that can be used as drug paraphernalia and ways teens try to cover up drug and alcohol use. Lastly, attendees will learn practical prevention strategies to prevent substance abuse and where to go for help if they are concerned. Please fill out this form if you are interested in attending.

Do you like to write? Have a story you are really proud of? A poem that you wrote this past year? Maybe an essay or report that is awesome?

Submit it to the 42nd Annual AAUW Creative Writing Contest!

Please follow THIS LINK for more details. You can submit your entry anytime AFTER November 30, 2020 and BEFORE February 3, 2021.

GOOD LUCK!!!

This is your chance to offer a shout out to one of our WMS staff members who has done something great, gone above and beyond the call of duty, or who has made a difference in your life (or your child's life). These will be added to our weekly newsletter to staff!

ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWSLETTER IS CURRENT AS OF THE PUBLICATION DATE. NEW INFORMATION WILL BE ADDRESSED IN FUTURE NEWSLETTERS.

Contact us on Twitter @WredlingD303

#WredlingLearns

Website: wredling.d303.org
Location: 1200 Dunham Road, St. Charles, IL, USA
Phone: (331)228-3700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wredling-Middle-School-537757163011275/
Twitter: @WredlingD303