What's Up Willowbrook

Dear Willowbrook Families,

I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all of our students and families. I hope this winter break provides everyone in the Willowbrook community with the chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy special moments with loved ones. It has been a wonderful school year so far, and I am incredibly proud of the progress our students have made.

As we step into 2025, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we are creating an environment where every student can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. The start of a new year offers a perfect moment to reflect on our shared accomplishments and look forward to the exciting possibilities ahead.

At Willowbrook, we remain committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and challenging learning environment for ALL of our students. With your continued partnership, we can help each child reach their fullest potential.

Thank you for your continuous support. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school in 2025!

Happy Holidays!

Warm regards,

Katie Compagno
Principal, Willowbrook School

Thank you to all of our students and staff that made this year's Winter Sing a magical morning! With performances by the Maple band, orchestra and choir, as well as singalongs courtesy of our music teachers at all three schools, students had fun celebrating the season and a successful first half of the school year!

Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3

• Holiday Break - No School

Monday, January 6

• School resumes

Tuesday, January 7

• School Store K-5 (11:15 a.m.-1:10 p.m.)

Wednesday, January 8

• PTO Ice Cream Day

Friday, January 10

• Severe Weather Drill

Wednesday, January 15

• PTO Special Lunch -

Friday, January 17

• Half day of school - Dismissal at 11:45 a.m.
• Preschool AM students attend. No preschool for students in the PM class.

Monday, January 20

• No School - District Holiday

Friday, February 7

• PTO Willowbrook Dance Party (6:00-7:30 p.m.) more info coming soon!

A charter is a working document that is never set in stone. This month as part of our RULER School-Home Connection, we are revisiting our charters to evaluate and revise our ever-changing needs.

We will also be looking at our charters through a lens of empathy to ensure students feel a sense of belonging in our classrooms and brainstorm ways for how we can help everyone in our community feel safe, regardless of differences.

• We can reflect on our charter through an empathetic lens by asking questions:

• Does our charter include trying to understand others’ feelings and perspectives?

• Does our charter include being kind to one another with words and actions so all people feel good and a sense of belonging?

• Ways that we can show empathy towards one another through our actions and words.

• Ask your child if their classroom made any changes to their charter.

• Brainstorm ways your family can use empathy at home and in the community.

• Evaluate and revise your family charter

All schools must conduct at least one severe weather/shelter-in-place drill each academic year to prepare students and staff for potential severe weather events. Our drill will occur on Friday, January 10th, when we return from winter break. If you have any questions, please contact Willowbrook Principal Katie Compagno. Thank you.

The Special Lunch Committee wants to thank the following volunteers for helping to serve Special Lunch on 12/18: Josh Lemeshow, Krissy McDermott, Andrew Given, Katie Michet & Nari Mun.

Adventure Campus has some openings available for AM/PM care during the second semester. Please see the flyer for more information or visit nbparks.co/adventurecampus.

Summer in District 30 means learning, laughter, and loads of fun! Our program has been a longstanding tradition, offering unique and exciting courses for students in pre-K through 8th grade. Whether your child is exploring new interests or diving into creative activities, there’s something for everyone in our vibrant community. District 30 is a wonderful place to grow and connect, and our summer school program is the perfect way to make the most of the season. We hope you will consider joining in the fun!

• 2025 Summer School Dates: Wednesday, June 11 to Friday, July 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. (No school June 19 & July 4.)
• Registration opens: February 5 at 10 a.m.
• Details coming soon: More information about registration and course offerings will be coming soon to district30.org/summer-school.
• Questions? Email summerschool@district30.org.

Sincerely,

Ms. Anna Davis, Summer School Principal

Mrs. Sarah Arends, Summer School Assistant Principal

The Maple World Language Teachers are excited to be visiting the 5th grade classrooms on the following dates:

• Wescott on Tuesday, January 14 from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
• Willowbrook on Thursday, January 16 from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Mini-lessons and presentations will be given about the French and Mandarin classes offered at Maple. Promo videos of Spanish, French and Mandarin will be presented and program questions will also be answered during this time.

The World Language Choice Form will be pushed out to parents electronically via email on Friday, January 17 for both elementary schools. The deadline for the language selection is Friday, January 24.

Get ready to embark on a global journey right here in District 30! The District 30 PTOs are thrilled to invite you to our Multicultural Night on January 31 from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. at Maple School!

Multicultural Night is not just an event; it's a celebration of the rich tapestry of families that make up our vibrant community. We encourage you to be a part of this special evening by hosting a table and showcasing the unique beauty of your chosen country or culture.

Why host a table? It provides platform to share the wonders of your culture. Set up your space with engaging activities, and treat attendees to delicious ethnic snacks that represent the essence of your heritage. Consider creating eye-catching posters or trifold displays filled with fun facts about your country.

Multicultural Night serves as a window into the diverse cultures within our community, allowing students to explore and appreciate the richness that surrounds them. It's also a fantastic opportunity for families of different backgrounds to proudly showcase their heritage.

How to participate: Ready to create a memorable table with your friends? Sign up now by clicking the button below. For any questions or assistance, feel free to contact the committee chair at amandadae@gmail.com.

Let's come together, celebrate diversity, and make Multicultural Night an unforgettable experience for our District 30 family!

How to Participate: Ready to create a memorable table with your friends? Sign Up now by clicking here or the button below. For any questions or assistance, feel free to contact committee chair Sana Chaudry at s.r.chaudry@gmail.com.

Want to share your family’s culture through a student performance? Sign up your student to perform at Multicultural Night and share cultural traditions through:

• Traditional and modern dance performances

• Musical presentations (vocal or instrumental)

• Cultural demonstrations

• And more!

This enriching evening offers your children a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate the magnificent tapestry of cultures within our school community through student performances.

Ready to showcase your culture? Register your performance today! Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Now through Dec. 31, you can register for a discount fo r the 24th annual Lew Blond Memorial 5K Run/Walk happening May 17! We hope you will join us for a day of family fun and philanthropy! Visit lewblondrun.org for pricing and bundles.

Popsicle Party Challenge: This challenge returns with a friendly contest between the three schools of Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 – Wescott, Willowbrook and Maple – to see which school has the most students register for the race. The winning school will win a popsicle party for all students in May! Will Willowbrook take the title again this yearr? Game on!

We are still in need of volunteers for lunch December 11, 16, and 19. Thank you!!

Quest Food Management Services offers a preorder system via myMealOrder

• The meal will consist of an entree, side, fresh fruit, and vegetable, including milk or water.
• All orders must be placed at least three days in advance.

Visit mymealorder.com to open an account, learn more about our preorder system, and view the menu. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ashley Jenkins, Food Service Director for Quest at ajenkins@questfms.com.

Want to know what's going on around the community? District 30 uses a "Virtual Backpack" to share community information while saving paper, costs, and lightening the loads our students bring home. Please click the button below to view upcoming Community Events.

Any time a student feels unsafe, any adult in their school can help!

But sometimes, students or parents wish to reach out for help in a different way or after school hours. Safe2Help Illinois offers students a safe way to share information 24/7 that might help prevent any threat to school safety, including bullying, self-harm or other serious concerns.

The goal of this program is to get students to “seek help before harm;" it is not intended to suspend, expel, or punish. Safe2Help Illinois also offers a Mental Health Toolkit that provides resources for parents and educators reinforce the components of this program.

Safe2Help Illinois offers around-the-clock help via:

• Hotline: 844-4-SAFEIL
• Text line: 72332
• Email HELP@Safe2HelpIL.com
• Plus a website full of resources for young people seeking help for themselves or a friend. Its Ways To Get Help page is a directory of specialized hotlines, and other sections of its website provide practical steps for dealing with depression or helping a distraught friend. The checklist called "20 Questions To Ask Yourself If You Feel Like Giving Up" can help older children overcome a bout of anxiety or depression.

Willowbrook School is part of Northbrook/Glenview District 30, which exists to create an inclusive community that inspires learning, fosters resiliency, and cares deeply for every child. We honor childhood and foster intellectual, physical and social-emotional growth. District 30 serves more than 1,200 students in pre-K through 8th grade across Willowbrook, Wescott and Maple Schools.

We prohibit harassment and discrimination of all forms within our district and follows all policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment for all.

Main Office: 847-498-1090

Health Office: 847-400-8860

Location: 2500 Happy Hollow Road, Glenview, IL, USA

Website: district.30.org/willowbrook

Facebook: facebook.com/ngsd

Twitter: @district30