November Newsletter 2024-2025

The first quarter of the year is now complete and we are excited to see what November brings for us. As the temperatures start trending cooler and everything turns into Pumpkin' Spice, now is a great time to focus on those things that we are most thankful for. For me, I have been reflecting on the following blessings in my life:

1. My family

2. My faith

3. My opportunity to work with this AH-Mazing Team at Wethersfield #230

4. My country that allows me the civic opportunity to vote in local and national elections

How have you been blessed this past year?

~ Dr. Brooks, Superintendent

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) released the annual Report Card for 2023-2024 this week. The Report Card shows how well our District is progressing toward a wide range of educational goals.

One component of the School Report Card is the annual summative designation – a descriptor of how well our school is meeting the needs of all students. This designation is based on eight indicators of academic performance, including English Language Arts Growth, Math Growth, English Language Arts Proficiency, Math Proficiency, Science Proficiency, English Learner Progress to Proficiency, Chronic Absenteeism, and Climate.

Wethersfield High School has received an Exemplary designation on the Illinois School Report Card, placing it among the top 10% of schools statewide—an honor that highlights the school’s commitment to academic excellence, student engagement, and community support. This achievement, shared by only a select group of schools, underscores the dedication of our District staff from Prek-12th, students, and families in building an environment that fosters success and growth for every student. Both Wethersfield Elementary and Wethersfield Junior High School received the Commendable designation, a reflection of the district’s strength across all grade levels.

Key Highlights of Wethersfield High School’s Achievements

Wethersfield High School’s recognition is grounded in a series of outstanding achievements, all of which outpaced state averages in key accountability metrics:

• 95% Graduation Rate: Wethersfield High School’s graduation rate is significantly above the state’s average of 87.7%, which itself represents Illinois' best in 14 years. This success showcases our district’s commitment to ensuring students graduate well-prepared for their next steps, whether in higher education or careers.
• Decreased Chronic Absenteeism: One of the key challenges in education, especially following the pandemic, has been chronic absenteeism. Wethersfield High School saw notable improvements in student attendance dropping well below the State’s 26.3% average in 2024. This improvement reflects our focused efforts on engaging students and supporting their needs while at school.
• 90% of Freshmen on Track: Research shows that ninth-grade students on track are four times more likely to graduate. Wethersfield’s Freshmen on Track rate of 90% exemplifies our focus on early academic success and engagement, positioning students for a strong high school experience.
• 80% Science Proficiency: Wethersfield students achieved 80% proficiency on the science assessment, a result that surpasses state averages and emphasizes the district’s strength in science education, a critical area for college and career readiness.
• Above-Average Math and ELA Proficiency on SAT: Wethersfield High School’s math and ELA scores on the SAT outperformed state averages, a testament to the quality of instruction and support provided by our teachers in these areas.

Wethersfield High School’s achievement as an Exemplary school reflects the district’s high standards, strong community partnerships, and the commitment of our students and educators. With initiatives in place to strengthen both literacy and math, and a continued emphasis on attendance and engagement, Wethersfield looks forward to building on this success and creating even greater opportunities for all students.

This milestone is a celebration of our collective effort and dedication. Congratulations to everyone who made this remarkable achievement possible and thank you to the entire Wethersfield community for your unwavering support.

On October 23rd and 24th, we held this year's Parent-Teacher Conferences. We hope that you found these conferences to be beneficial and supportive for the success of your student(s) here at Wethersfield. Please know that you may set up a conference with a teacher at any point in time if you have concerns about the performance of your student(s) or questions about their learning. Simply reach out to the teacher(s) through email to get a meeting set up.

How can we work with our children to help them develop an "Attitude of Gratitude?" Below are some helpful tips and information:

1. Gratitude Health Benefits

For most of us, we were taught early on that saying "thank you" was just something that we were supposed to do. But did you know....expressing gratitude has the following health benefits:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves immune system health
• Boosts self-esteem
• Promotes better sleep
• Reduces burnout and fatigue

This video shows some great statistics on the health benefits.

2. Use All Senses

We often forget to say thanks for the little things, such as our health, the lunch we were able to pack that day, the warmth of a fire, hearing our favorite song, and the smell of coffee freshly percolating (do people use that word anymore) in the kitchen.

Have your child(ren) use their five senses. Have them list three things they're grateful they can see, feel, hear, taste and smell. Then, as a family or just together, share yours with them as they share theirs with you.

3. Make a Gratitude Map

• Write down a person (perhaps someone in your family) who demonstrates gratitude on a regular basis in the center of the page.
• List all of the positive qualities these people demonstrate around that person on the page.
• Draw lines between the person's name and the qualities or traits.

4. "Random Acts of Kindness"

Random acts of kindness at home could include writing a thank you letter to a friend, including someone in a game outside, holding a door, picking up litter, and/or volunteering in your neighborhood, church, or local community. This helps children think beyond themselves, to observe their surroundings, and to be appreciative.

5. Self-Gratitude

Being grateful for who you are and what you have to offer is just as important as serving others or saying thanks for your belongings. Gratitude isn't a one-way street and being grateful for one's own efforts or characteristics isn't selfish or prideful, either. Talk with your children about the gifts that they have as this will help boost their self-confidence and self-esteem levels.

6. Keep a Gratitude Journal

Science shows us both gratitude and journaling are potent antidotes to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Journaling can also reduce stress, boost the immune system, and improve physical health.

A gratitude journal is as simple as writing down three things you're grateful for each day. At Thanksgiving time, we have our children create rings and build a paper chain that we string around our patio door. On Thanksgiving, we read each ring aloud.

7. Walk the Walk

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to focus on the power of saying thanks. Our kids are always watching and learning from us. They are always looking to see how we're walking the walk—and being grateful is no different. What are you thankful for today?

We are honored to host this year’s American Legion Veterans Day Program in the Wethersfield High School Gym on Monday, November 11. The event that is open to the public will begin with a Welcome Reception at 9:30 AM with the program starting at 10:00 AM. All Junior High and High School students will attend and/or participate in the program.

To show our appreciation and unity, we encourage all district students to wear red, white, and blue on Monday! This will be a wonderful way for our students to visually show their respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made by our veterans.

Program Details:

Date: Monday, November 11, 9:30AM Reception, 10:00 AM Program
Location: Wethersfield High School Gym

Schedule Highlights:

• National Anthem performed by Brooke Shores & Saphyre Murphy and the WHS band
• Introduction of Color Guard
• POW/MIA Recognition
• Remarks from the Mayor
• Student speakers (one from Wethersfield High School, one from Kewanee High School)
• 21-gun salute on the High School front lawn at 11:00 AM

We look forward to coming together as a school community to honor our veterans and instill in our students a deep respect for their service.

Thank you for your support, and we hope to see everyone dressed in red, white, and blue for this meaningful event.

We are anticipating great things from all of our teams. Wethersfield District #230 promotes positive sportsmanship, grit, and tenacity while competing against other schools. Please consider coming out and supporting your Geese/Titan athletes at our home events. We look forward to seeing you and cheering along with you! All of our events may be found on the district calendar by clicking here.

Also, follow our Livestream.

District Calendar

Important Upcoming Dates

Monday, November 11

Veterans Day Program

November 12th/13th

Dental Clinic

Monday, November 25

Wally Keller Tournament Begins

Monday 25- Friday, November 29

No School - Thanksgiving Break

Our district has a Facebook page known as Victor E. Goose that you can join to follow here. On this page you will find events, news, and fun photos/videos of the activities that we have happening in the district!

Email: abrooks@geese230.com
Website: https://www.geese230.com/
Location: 439 Willard Street, Kewanee, IL, USA
Phone: 3098534860
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002245827575