Tiger Prints

As we head into Spring Break next week, I want to pause and recognize the tremendous efforts and accomplishments we’ve witnessed.

Our Science Olympiad team, Girls' Basketball team, and the cast and crew of the school play have all made us incredibly proud. The Boys' Volleyball team is also off to a strong start and has a good chance to win the conference as well. From medals to championships to powerful performances on stage, these achievements reflect the dedication and talent of our students—and the support and commitment of the adults guiding them.

Let's recognize the importance of rest as this part of the school year is a grind. Whether your family is heading out of town or enjoying a staycation, I hope everyone takes time to breathe. We all need it. Our students are incredibly involved in so many things beyond school—sports, clubs, religious education, evening and weekend activities—and their schedules are more complex than many of us remember from our childhoods. And just as we ask students to take care of themselves, we must not forget that our teachers are balancing a great deal, too.

While deeply committed to the students and families of Winfield 34, our staff members also have responsibilities to their own families—parents, children, extended relatives, and close friends—who rely on them for care, connection, and support. As we pause for Spring Break, it’s a good reminder that caring for those we love is part of what helps us return to our work with strength and heart. I hope everyone finds time to do just that.

Lastly, I sincerely thank our PTO and the Winfield Education Foundation (WEF). The big things as well as little things they do matter such as the recent “chips and dips” treat. They remind us how appreciated and supported we all are.

Thank you for all you do to make this community so strong.

5 Essentials Parent Survey

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We invite you to participate in the 5 Essentials Parent Survey, a significant opportunity to share your thoughts on your child’s school environment. Your feedback helps us understand our strengths and areas for improvement, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for all students.

Survey Details:

● Who: Parents, guardians, or caregivers with a child in grades Pre-K through 12

● Languages: Available in English and Spanish

● Time Commitment: Approximately 10 minutes

● Survey Window: February 19 – March 28

● Link to Survey: Click here to participate

Additional Information:

● If you have more than one child attending the same school, you may complete the survey multiple times if you choose.

● If you have children enrolled in different schools, we encourage you to complete the survey for each school.

● Only one parent per household may submit a survey for a given child.

● You will have the option to provide your email address to receive confirmation of survey completion. This is optional, and you may leave the text box blank if you prefer.

Your voice matters! We appreciate your time and input in helping us improve our school community. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you for your support!

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 in the Primary Building we will be having our Kindergarten Preview Open House from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. Parents and/or guardians of students residing within District #34, who will be 5 years of age on or before September 1, are invited to attend along with their child! Children and their grown ups are invited into the building to meet the kindergarten teachers and visit the kindergarten classrooms. This is an open house-style event but we do ask that you call Ms. Hernandez at 630-909-4901 to schedule your 25 minute time slot to visit the classrooms on April 15th. Plan to bring the following items: 3 proofs of residency (i.e. utility bill, driver's license, tax bill) and your child's birth certificate (county stamped original). We are looking forward to meeting our future Winfield Tigers

Spring Break will be from Monday, March 31st - April 4th. No School on those dates. School will resume on Monday, April 7th. Enjoy your time off!

The PTO/WEF Meeting will be from 7:00 -9:30 p.m. in the Central School Commons

Click HERE for the 2025 Airband Competition SignUpGenius

Click the Virtual Backpack Link to see the archive.

Tiger Run - Sunday, 5/18

Our Roaring Tigers Safari Run is less than two months away! Join in on the fun and sign up to run with this link: https://raceroster.com/events/2025/100992/winfields-tiger-run. Register by April 24 to guarantee a shirt!

Chips & Dip Day this past Monday was a big hit with the staff! Thanks to everyone who “chipped” in!

Monday Park Meet-ups

Head to Founders Park after school on Mondays for a casual and fun social setting. Bring your own snack and join us for a picture book reading time and a short game, then free play time on the playground. Picture books and games will be selected with the Primary (K-2) age level in mind, but older and younger children are welcome to either participate or head straight for the playground equipment. We’re starting on April 7th and will meet at Founders Park during April, with the possibility of rotating parks in May. Monday Park Meet-ups will be cancelled in case of inclement weather.

Staff Appreciation Week

We are planning a full week of celebrations for our staff the week of May 5th-9th, which includes National Teacher Appreciation Day. We will be sharing a signup genius link and more information in April for food/drink/raffle prize donations that we will need for these celebrations. Thank you so much for your ongoing support!

We also deliver letters of appreciation to our teachers and staff during this week. Please encourage your children to write notes or pictures of appreciation. We will share a staff list and drop-off info in April but feel free to have your children start working on these cards and notes any time now!

Next PTO/WEF Meeting: Wednesday, April 9th at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend!

This week third graders started a new reading unit on advancements in technology. They are working hard on creating timelines and identifying character traits for their biography projects. This week the 3/4 students learned the difference between primary sources and secondary sources. They used a Venn Diagram to explain how various primary sources were similar and different from secondary sources written about the same topic. The students finished the Alien Kids novel series and are now currently reading a series from the horror genre entitled Our Family Ghost. We have been introduced to a boy named Manuel who has been visited by the possible spirit of his Great Great Great Great Great Great Grandfather Jose' who came to America on his own with no family and friends. Manuel starts to unravel the secrets of Jose's past life and must deal with many supernatural occurrences such as flashing lights, items falling on their own, and strange shadows. Finally, students expanded their vocabulary through dictionary work and Greek and Latin roots. In 5th grade, students worked on reading with expression through a reader's theater. They also wrapped up a unit on multiplying fractions by whole numbers and other fractions.

On Saturday March 8th, our Science Olympiad team competed in a regional tournament at College of DuPage. They worked hard all season to prepare for the tournament and have much to be proud of. Our team medaled in six events: 6th place Fossils, 6th place Helicopter, 5th place Crimebusters, 4th place Write It Do It, 3rd place Optics and 2nd place Mission Possible. We hope to see current 5th, 6th and 7th graders come out and join our team next year!

Forms went home with interested 6th-8th grade boys and girls this week. Please sign both sides of the registration form and turn in with $/fee soon. Check with the office if you're unsure about the status of your physical - it lasts one year from exam - if needed, a good time to get one would be over Spring Break. We start on Tuesday, April 8th right after we return from break with a parent meeting in the cafeteria at 4:45. Please email coaches Kahlfeldt (skahlfeldt@winfield34.org) and Serbick (rserbick@winfield34.org) with any questions/concerns. We are excited to get started, so try your best to exercise and stretch before then.

Parents who have Kindergarten, second, and sixth graders need to have a dental exam completed by a dentist on file by May 15, 2025. If you have not turned in your forms for this school year, please submit them to tmartinez@winfield34.org or fax them to 224-289-5185.