Willow Parent Bulletin # 24

There is always a lot going on when you have 620-ish little people in one place. The best source of information for you as a parent will be the classroom teacher's newsletters and communications. This weekly bulletin also covers a broader range of what is happening in the building.The Willow School Handbook is also a great source of information. https://4.files.edl.io/30cb/08/12/22/201853-cf33ee8a-ec1b-45bc-a035-3e849f2c3411.pdf Please keep in mind this and the District's handbook are broad and may not cover specifics. If you have questions, the Willow Office can help find the answers. A few of the topics that come up, especially on the warmer days are:

• Bikes should not be ridden by students. This is a privilege that starts when students get to Churchill. We do not have bike racks and due to the heavy foot traffic, it's a safety concern. This would also include things like scooters, shoes with wheels, and skateboards.
• Dogs are also prohibited on school property when students are present.

We appreciate your support and cooperation.

The PTA sponsored Read-A-Thon started this week. We also had volunteers in the building helping with the WOW cart. Big thanks to:

Mary Tuleja

Natalie Martinez

Jamila Houston

Melissa Donoso

Kelly Muller

Cecilia Garcia

Ashley Gusich

Suzanne Henry

We couldn't do it without your help! It's never too late to join PTA and be part of all the wonderful things they do for our Wildcats! Join at: https://homewoodpta.memberhub.com/w/membership

Next Wednesday, March 1st, is an early release day. Dismissal will take place at 11:40 AM. Students are also off the full day on the following Monday, March 6th. Just a reminder that if you will be changing your child's way of getting home on any given day, the office needs notification before 2 PM.

Traffic along the front of Willow has been abundant. You can help us by following all the traffic signage. If the pads where you pull up are full, please loop around for an open spot. Students should not be dropped off in the street. Double parking makes unsafe conditions for everyone. There is little resolution when we don't treat each other kindly. If you have a concern, please bring it to the attention of the Willow Office.

Every year, we participate in a survey called The 5 Essentials. There are different versions: staff , parent and student. Our students don't participate, but they do at the other buildings. This is a great opportunity to let us know how we are doing and areas in which we should work. It will take you about 15 minutes and your responses are completely anonymous.

You can access the survey here: http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/

We will be having Kindergarten Orientation in person this year on Wednesday, March 15th at 6:30 PM in Willow's large gym. We are thrilled to be able to bring prospective parents into the building again.

If you have a child who turns 5 on or before September 1, 2023, he/she/they are eligible to attend kindergarten next year.

During orientation, you will meet the Kindergarten Team, get general information on what a typical day looks like, learn about curriculum, expectations, our screening process, and see a short video. We will have a folder of information for you to take home and a couple of raffle prizes.

If you cannot make it that evening, stop by our office any time to pick up a folder. The evening is designed for parents, not students.

During the month of March, our counselor and social worker will again be visiting classrooms. The final part of their presentations is the most important and serious talk.

During this lesson the students will hear use of proper anatomical language. All lessons will have links for parents to follow up with at home. If you feel this state mandated part of the curriculum is not something in which you want your child to participate, please notify the Willow School Office.

You can find more information at:

http://www.erinslawillinois.org

https://www.secondstep.org/child-protection

Parent Instructions on how to access Home Links and Resources after Erin’s Law presentations:

1. Go to website, http://www.secondstep.org/

2. Enter the Kit Activation Code as assigned by your child’s grade level;

Early Learners (Preschoolers): CPUE FAMI LYGE

Kindergartners: CPUE FAMI LYGK

First grade code- CPU1 FAMI LYG1

Second grade code- CPU2 FAMI LYG2

3. Go to Second Step Child Protection Unit.

4. Click on View Family Resources on the Family Resources tab.

5. Click on your child’s grade level tab.

6. Click on Home Links & Family Resources.

7. Click on Lessons 4 Home Links for details on lessons being taught as well as activities you can do with your child to reinforce the concepts taught.

The lost and found is once again over flowing! If your Wildcat is missing anything, please stop in the office to check in and go down to take a gander. Any items left after spring break will be donated.

Block Party Playtime

Fridays | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Ages 5-10

You are invited to come build, play, and socialize at our block party! Children's ages 5-10 can unleash their imaginations with blocks of all sizes.

REGISTER HERE

Mar 1: Early dismissal at 11:40 AM

Mar 3: End of the 2nd trimester

Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day

Mar 6: Institute Day- no school

Mar 9: report cards go home or can been viewed after 3PM on the Parent Portal

Mar 15: Kindergarten Orientation at 6:30 PM

Mar 24: PreK Fun Friday

Apr 3-7: Spring Break- no school

Apr 4: School Librarian Appreciation Day- we'll recognize April 11th

Apr 5: Assistant Principal Appeciation Day- we'll recognize April 12th

Apr 28: PreK Fun Friday

May 19: PreK Fun Friday