We have been celebrating! Wedding bells were ringing in the Willow Kindergarten classes as the letters "Q" and "u" got married in most classes this week. We also recognized Mrs. Nilles for Librarian Appreciation Day and Ms. Wood for Assistant Principal's Day.

Kindergarten Orientation was Thursday night. If you have a child or know one in the neighborhood who will turn 5 on or before Sept. 1, 2024, he/she/they are old enough to become Wildcats! Please stop by the office for a registration folder.

Between parent donations (thank you so much!) and the building budget we have been able to get glasses for all of our students to observe the total eclipse on Monday, April 8th. The weather currently shows rain, so I'm not sure how it will go. Students will need to keep the glasses on at all times when outside.

If you do not want your child to participate when his/her/their class goes out, please contact the classroom teacher.

The Homewood Science Center has a program this Saturday, April 6th. Join them for a special STEM Saturday where you can learn all about the upcoming total solar eclipse! Juliet Crowell, The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at The University of Chicago, will be in the building as our eclipse expert leading an activity and answering your questions.

We will also be giving away a limited number of eclipse glasses on a first come, first serve basis - max of 2 pairs of glasses per family.

homewoodsciencecenter.org

STEM Saturday - FREE - 10am-1pm

*As a reminder - this is not a "drop-off" program.

Children 17 & under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

The Willow marching band is gearing up for its last parade of the year. Mrs. Riedel was wondering if any parents in the community play an instruments and would be interested in joining us. Please click the button below.

We will be having a fundraiser at Crumbl Cookies on April 16th. This will support our Unified Champions team as they get ready for Special Olympics. We have a big team of 22 athletes and peer mentors this year! They practice weekly on throwing, running, and other skills. Please stop by for some delicious cookies. We earn money back on every sale!

The time to customize a yearbook has passed, but you can still order one for your Wildcat!

Pending approval at the April 8th Board of Education meeting, policy 7:100 Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students will be amended for Willow School. This means we will be going back to 1st day exclusion of students who do not have the required medical paperwork on file with the school nurse. This includes physicals and up-to-date immunizations.

Students not having this paperwork will be unable to start school. Please make any necessary doctor's appointment now. If you have a PreK student, going into Kindergarten, and his/her/their physical from this year was done AFTER August 21, 2023, he/she/they do not need a new one. Any physicals prior to August 21, 2023 need to be updated.

The term NOMOPHOBIA, or NO MObile PHone PhoBIA, is used to describe the psychological fear of being detached from mobile phone connectivity. If you are addicted to checking your phone or rely extensively on digital devices, it may be time for a “digital detox.” Learn how to curb your screen time to increase productivity and be more present day-to-day.

• Be aware: Pay attention to your surroundings and how you feel when you’re on your smartphone. Are you checking your smartphone because you’re bored, lonely or anxious? If so, you might be best suited by putting your smartphone down and finding a healthier activity.
• Set rules: Set clear rules about when you won’t have your smartphone in your hands or near you, such as when the kids come home for school, during mealtimes or when you go to sleep.
• Get help: Tell family and friends what you’re trying to accomplish and ask for their support.
• Grab a book: Spend a few hours at the library or bookstore and see how it feels to flip through the pages of a book or magazine.
• Move around: Set down your smartphone, go outside and start moving.
• There’s an app for that: If you’re struggling to turn off your smartphone, there are apps that can shut them down for you at pre-determined times.
  

Personal setbacks, emotional conflicts or just the demands of daily life can affect your work, health and family. With help from your GuidanceResources® program, they don’t have to. This company-sponsored benefit is available to you and your family members at no cost and gives you someone to talk to when life’s challenges threaten to overwhelm you. The program is staffed by highly trained, caring clinicians who are available by phone or online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You also have access to digital toolkits that can help you.

Check out ComPsych's Guidance Resources for general tips to assist you.

This program is part of the Museum’s "Understanding & Confronting Anti-Jewish Hate" community series.

Community Partners: ADL Midwest; Evelyn R. Green AJC Chicago Regional Office; Sheerit Hapleitah

Supported by Carole Feiger, David P. Brody Charitable Trust, and the Wiznitzer Family.

We were super popular last week and had 595 readers! We had guest Wildcats in 13 states, Mumbai, and Singapore! Hello, new Wildcats!

If you've noticed anyone at Willow going above and beyond, please use the link to recognize him/her/them! 💖 I share your kind words with them in my staff bulletin.

https://forms.office.com/r/L4vYqd7NpN

Park Pride May 4: https://hfparks.com/event/park-pride/

Mother's Day Tea Party May 11: https://hfparks.com/event/mothers-day-tea-party/

Learn to Skate Classes: https://app.amilia.com/store/en/homewood---flossmoor-park-district/shop/programs/89858?subCategoryIds=4609164&subCategoryIds=4591354

April 9: Eid al-Fitr

Apr 12: PreK Screening

April 14-20: Volunteer Recognition Week

Apr 17: Early dismissal – 11:40 AM

Apr 19: PreK Fun Friday

April 22: Earth Day and Passover

Apr 23: School Bus Drivers’ Appreciation day

April 24: Administrative Professionals’ Day/ Bernie's Book Bank delivery

April 26: Arbor Day

May: Asian & Pacific Island Heritage Month

Mental Health Awareness month

May 2: Family Reading Night 6-7:30 PM

May 3: School Lunch Hero Day

May 4: Special Olympics

May 6-10: Teacher Appreciation Week

May 8: School Nurses’ Day

May 10: Willow Art Show

May 12: Mother’s Day

May 17: PreK Fun Friday

May 18: Speech Pathologist Appreciation Day

May 24: Early Dismissal – 11:40 AM

May 27: Memorial day- no school