Willow Parent Bulletin #34

May 12, 2023

Special everything...

This week we celebrated our staff for Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week! Depending on which site you use (EdWeek or U of I Champaign) teachers work between 54-58 hours per week on average. Sometimes we hear about "summers off," but that's really a misnomer. The first full week off for students, all of our staff will be in full day trainings. Many also teach summer school, do summer writing or have other professional development to attend. It's one of the many examples of why your child's teacher is so AMAZING...he/she/they are always learning, too. We appreciate all the kind words and gestures from you this week!

Last weekend our Unified Champions participated in the Special Olympics. We had a great team of students who represented Willow as either an athlete or peer partner. BIG thanks to our coaches: Kendra Duncan, Colleen Spain, Patti Jo Boehm and Tamika Bledsoe who have worked with this group all year to prepare. Mrs. Boehm, who retires this year, was also recognized during the opening ceremony for her dedication to our team.

The registration deadline for next year is May 26th. So far, only 36% of familes have completed registration. If you think about that in terms of being able to plan for next year, it's like needing 3 teachers instead of 9 with the numbers we are showing. You do not need to pay all of your school fees at this time. If you know of any family or neighbors who will be 5 by September 1st, please encouage them to register for Kindergarten. Please click the button below for a message from Dr. McAlister, Superintendent.

If you need help with the Parent Portal, you can find a step by step guide here: https://www.hsd153.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1135468&type=d&pREC_ID=1402575

Finally, Happy Mothers' Day wishes to all of you who take on the role....moms, aunties, guardians, grandparents and dads. We hope each of you take a minute for yourselves this weekend and know that we appreciate being your partner.

Registration Message from Dr. McAlister

Willow Unified Champions

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Graduates (aka Retirees)

This year we say, "Till we see you again" to three of our long-time staff members. In each of their own ways, their impact on Willow and the Homewood Community has been immense. Next time you see one of them, please share your well wishes as they take on new adventures!

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Patti Jo Boehm

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Michelle Condon

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Mary Beth Johnson

Kindergarten Parents... we need you!

It's time to get ready for the Kindergarten drive-in movie and boxcar parade. We are in need of help transforming the flat boxes into car shapes and predrilling the holes for the accessories. If you are free on Tuesday, May 23 any time between 9:30-11:30, we would love for you and your drill to come help out. Please RSVP with you child's teacher or the Willow Office. 708-798-3720

Positive Office Referrals:

We've seen lots of Willow Way behaviors this week! Look who was recognized for being Safe, Caring and Ready this week! We are super proud of them!

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TV Turn Off

Our Wildcats really turned off the tech last week. Mrs. Johnson's first grade class won a pizza party with 71% of their class participating! Other winning participants were:

Grade high winners and winners of a popsicle party:
Pre-K- Ms Hickey AM
K- Ms. Brecheisen
1st- Ms. Graham
2nd-Ms Boehm

Bookie’s Gift card winners:
K- Everett Kinne
1-Marcus Vincent Peredo
2- Milo Vander Weit

Art 4 Soul $10 gift card winners:
Pre K- Iker Tolentino
K- Benjamin Gusich
1- Carson Aytch
2- Mikey Meehan

Gift cards will be sent home with students once we receive them! Great job, everyone!

4 Traits to Be Successful in School

https://www.weareteachers.com/traits-of-top-elementary-students/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Weekly%7CElementary%7C051123%7CNewsletter&utm_term=Weekly%20WAT%20Elementary

Summer Reading List Suggestions

How to Get Free Books at Barnes and Noble

Here is how it works:

Visit the Barnes and Noble summer reading program and choose any 8 books from the list that you want to read.
Record the 8 books your child reads in the Summer Reading Journal and Tell them which part of the book is your favorite, and why.
When you’re done, bring it to a Barnes & Noble store and choose your free book! Redeemable 7/1-8/31.

All School Ice Cream Party

Summer Camps, Activities and Fun!

Kids at Prairie State College

Are you looking for a summer program that combines fun and education for your child? Look no further than Kids@College at Prairie State College! Our program offers a range of courses and activities designed to spark your child's interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), while also providing opportunities for socialization and teamwork.

Session 1: Firebox - Discover and Create as a Team is the perfect option for kids ages 4-11 who are interested in robotics, coding, and engineering. During the week-long session, your child will work in teams to build and program a robot using LEGO Mindstorms. But that's not all - they'll also explore other STEAM topics like electronics, computer science, and engineering through engaging, hands-on activities and challenges.

Through teamwork, problem-solving, and communication exercises, your child will develop important skills that will serve them well in school and beyond. Plus, they'll have a blast with peers who share similar interests.

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity! Session 1: Firebox - Discover and Create as a Team starts soon, from June 20th-24th. Register your child now at https://prairiestate.edu/kids to secure their spot.