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Wildcat Weekly

News from Westfield Elementary School: May 25, 2023

WildcatWeeklyNews from Westfield Elementary School: May 25, 2023

Westfield families:


I would like to take a moment to recognize all of our students for a successful year and to celebrate our fifth graders as they move on to Glen Crest! Of particular note, we've had many students engage in new clubs and activities such as newspaper and drama. Seeing students grow through these activities - as well as seeing their growth in academics and character - has truly been a joy. I am excited to hear of their accomplishments in the future!


Thank you to all the families as you have supported your children, the staff, and me this year. Thank you for the hours you have given to volunteering at Westfield! The family involvement makes Westfield such a special place.


Thank you to the Westfield staff! The Westfield staff is truly outstanding. In everything they do, they put students first. Their dedication and care for the students and families of Westfield are inspiring.


As I write this last newsletter as the principal of Westfield I am filled with gratitude for the past three years. It has been an honor to have served in this role. I feel privileged to have worked with and gotten to know so many wonderful staff and families. The greatest joy, however, has been to see the hundreds of smiling student faces as they walk through the halls each day!


For the next three weeks, I will work to wrap up this school year and work with Mrs. Ulery to prepare for next school year.


Thank you again for all of your support over this year and the past three years. I hope you all have a wonderful summer.


Always a Wildcat,


Matt McDonald

Upcoming events

May 26: Summer construction begins

June 1: Summer Freckle Challenge starts

June 5: Summer school /summer library begins at Briar Glen

June 9: CCSD 89 Family Summer Bash, noon-3 p.m.

June 19: Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m.

June 23: Last day of summer school / summer library

July 17: Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m.

August 21: Staff returns for 2023-24 school year

August 21: Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m.

August 23: First day of 2023-24 school year for students

August 23: Blood drive at Glen Crest, 2-6 p.m.

Summer construction will affect Westfield

Construction projects at all five CCSD 89 buildings are scheduled to begin on Friday, May 26, the day after the school year ends. It’s critical that students clean out their lockers, check the lost-and-found, and bring home medication at the end of this school year. Families will not be able to retrieve items over the summer. Families are encouraged to stay off the school’s playground equipment when construction crews are actively working at the school. A summary of the 2023 construction is available here: https://bit.ly/41siBbG More information: https://bit.ly/41AOsqE

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Are your kids ready for the Freckle Summer Challenge?

All CCSD 89 elementary students are invited to take on the Freckle Challenge this summer! Freckle is an online learning tool for practicing reading and math. Starting June 1, students will be able to access Freckle through their school computers.


Students can set a goal to practice reading and/or math on Freckle for 30 minutes a day. The more days they practice, the more prizes they can receive in the fall! Look for a flier in your student’s backpack or print one here: https://bit.ly/3Ot1pzb

New LMC furniture

This year we were able to upgrade several furniture items in the LMC! The PTC purchased some through their fundraisers and we won a grant through the Meemic Foundation. The furniture from the Meemic Foundation arrived this week and will be ready for student use next year!
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New LMC furniture from the PTC!
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New LMC furniture from the Meemic grant!
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New LMC furniture from the Meemic grant!

Field Day

Thank you to Mrs. Hanneman for organizing an amazing field day and to all of the parent volunteers for making it happen!
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Students leading the pledge
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Field Day fun!
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Field Day fun!
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Field Day fun!
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Field Day fun!
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Field Day fun!

5th Grade Fling! Congratulations 5th grade!

Thank you!

We did it! We finished the school year with a full calendar of in-person events for the first time in FOUR years! And it couldn't have happened without your help chairing committees, baking cookies, donating food and supplies, and lending a hand at events. We truly appreciate all your help! A big thank you to the parents of graduating fifth graders for all your support over the years. Westfield will miss you!


Thank you to Mr. McDonald, Mrs. Carter, Nurse Stephanie, and the PTC staff liaisons Mrs. Lipinksi and Mrs. Coran for your support this year. We have truly enjoyed working with you!


Thank you to all the teachers and staff for teaching our kids every day. Our children are so fortunate to have you in their lives!


Thank you to all the teachers that sponsor our children’s beloved clubs. The clubs bring joy and happiness to our kids’ school days, thank you for taking on the extra challenge!


Thank you to Mrs. Hanneman, all the staff, and the parents that volunteered at Field Day! It was such a fun way to celebrate the end of the school year!


Thank you to Joan Klaus, Isabel Rubinas, Stephanie Tenconi, and Lisa Pelafas for organizing a fantastic Fifth Grade Fling with a day of fun at Ackerman!


Thank you to Jen Fritz-Reavis and Danya Greschuk for collecting photos throughout the year and creating an awesome yearbook!


Thank you to Sara Fort and Isabel Rubinas for running the school store all year!


Thank you to Elizabeth Altergott for a year full of delicious and profitable restaurant nights!


Thank you to Isabel Rubinas and Tessa Ciarrachi for championing Mileage Club!


Thank you to Carly Walsh for coordinating all the room parents this year and maintaining our website!


Thank you to Kelly Thue for keeping the bulletin boards around school beautifully updated!


Thank you to Tessa Ciarrachi for keeping the birthday books stocked with lots of fun choices!


If you're interested in chairing a committee next year, please reach out to us at westfieldptc@gmail.com. There will be volunteer sign-up sheets at Meet-the-Teacher Day before school starts in the fall.


Please join the PTC Facebook group to stay informed! Search for "Westfield Elementary Parent Teacher Council Group" https://www.facebook.com/groups/417506058937748/


Have a great summer!


School supplies

Use the link below to order your school supplies for next school year. This is a super convenient way to make sure your Wildcat has all the right stuff for the new school year!


https://www.schooltoolbox.com/school-supplies/school/list-boxes/?schoolId=32847

Stay connected with the Westfield PTC

Please feel free to connect with the PTC via:

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“Family Summer Bash” on June 9 will be an opportunity for families to connect

The CCSD 89 Family Summer Bash will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Friday, June 9, at Briar Glen Elementary. The event is free and open to all CCSD 89 families. There will be activities for kids, including henna painting and ice cream. Several organizations will be sharing resources including local libraries, park districts, the DuPage Health Coalition, College of DuPage Adult Education, and more! Info: https://bit.ly/3o4BmmT

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Keep reading! Libraries will have books for all CCSD 89 students


From June 5 to June 23, all CCSD 89 students are invited to check out books from the Briar Glen library, 1800 Briarcliffe Blvd. The Briar Glen library will be open from 8 to 11 am. Monday through Friday to read or check out books. Learn more: https://bit.ly/421gVoW


Any student currently enrolled in CCSD 89 (preschool through seventh grade during the 2022-23 school year) is invited. The Glen Ellyn Public Library has opened its Summer Reading Program to all CCSD 89 students, including those that live in Wheaton, Lombard, or unincorporated Glen Ellyn. Learn more: https://gepl.beanstack.org/reader365

2023-24 school year will start for students on August 23

The first day of the 2023-24 school year for students will be Wednesday, August 23. Staff will start the school year with two planning days on August 21 and 22. The 2023-24 school year is starting about one week later than previous years due to the summer construction schedule. More info: https://bit.ly/401rmZJ

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Unused lunch money will roll over to 2023-24

Any unused money in your student’s MySchoolBucks lunch account at the end of the year will automatically roll over to the next school year. Families of current eighth-grade students will need to contact CCSD 89 Accounting Coordinator Lauren Parker at (630) 469-8900, extension 3507, or lparker@ccsd89.org to request that funds be transferred to a sibling or request a refund check for the remaining funds.