Willow Parent Bulletin #7

Fall is taking over the building with all things apples, pumpkins and a few bats. Besides being beautiful (and sometimes comical) to look at, the art and projects in the building also have an educational purpose... they help with fine motor skills. After a few years at home and on computers, it's one of the areas we find students are really behind. It's also an area with which you can help at home. Anything that builds hand strength and coordination is good. Keep an eye on how the pencil is gripped, too. If you lay it flat, pinch the bottom with the thumb and pointer, then pull it back up, you've got the correct grip. Here's a quick video to help get it right: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPg9qpq6Hhg

If you practice letters and writing strokes at home, you don't always need pencil and paper. A tray of rice or shaving cream is fun and Play-doh/foam helps strengthen little fingers.

Have a wonderful 3 day weekend! We will see you on Tuesday!

We celebrated our fantastic custodial staff this week! HUGE thanks to Rodney, Eleanor, Gerry, Ken and Shannan for all they do to keep the building safe and clean.

The PTA Fall General Meeting is on Thursday, October 13, 6 pm - 7:30 pm in the James Hart Gym. Here is a link with more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pta-fall-general-meeting-school-district-153-referendum-presentation-tickets-430440849167?utm-campaign=social,email&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=strongmail&utm-term=listing

According to the State of Illinois, all students must be fully vaccinated or have a religious exemption on file or they will be excluded from school starting on October 15th. If you are unsure of your child's status, please contact the school nurse, Bethany Long.

If you want to let a Willow staff member know he/she/they are doing a great job, here's how:

https://forms.office.com/r/a7tgKcAjkK

I share all of your kind and encouraging words with the staff!

There all all kinds of fun Fall happenings around town through the Park District. Click the link below so you don't miss out!

https://hfparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-Fall-Choices-Digital-FINAL2sm.pdf

Oct 10: Indigenous People's Day- NO SCHOOL

Oct 20: picture day

Oct 28: PreK Fun Friday

Oct 31: Halloween parties and parade- if your child will not participate, please notify his/her/their teacher

Nov 8: Election Day- NO SCHOOL

Nov 11: EARLY RELEASE at 11:40 AM

Nov 14: School Board meeting

Nov 17: picture retakes

Nov 18: End of the 1st trimester

Nov 21-22: Parent/Teacher conferences

Nov 23-25: Thanksgiving Break- NO SCHOOL