Willow Parent Bulletin # 2

Our Wildcats are in full school mode! Today one of the Kindergarten classes proudley announced that they were all readers and showed me their sight word, "the." I love that they have bought into learning and in many cases don't even realize that's what they are doing!

Our teachers and extended staff work super hard to make learning valuable and engaging. They, too, are always learning. This afternoon they rotated through options like webpages, phonics, Lexia, Dojo and behavior. They also participate in professional development after school twice a month. We are always striving to be better.

We appreciate all the different ways you follow up at home! From reading newsletters to helping teach routines, every little bit matters. If you have concerns about you students, please start by reaching out to the teacher. We have a lot of support at Willow... for you and you wildcat!

Enjoy your 3 day weekend. Did you know it dates back to the 1900's when workers pushed for a holiday to recognize their hard work? Be safe, caring and ready....we will see you on Tuesday!

Serving breakfast is new this year and we are learning as we go. Breakfast is from 7:40- 8:00 AM. If you are a parent dropping off your child who is having breakfast, please have him/her/them here no later than 7:45 AM. Students arriving later end up missing class time. The morning in every classroom starts with valuable community building time that is important for your child to experience. We know the bus students have no control over their arrival and will continue to adapt as needed.

Please remind your Wildcat to go to breakfast BEFORE he/she/they line up outside or go to the classroom. There is a 4 digit code, unique to each child, that is imbedded in the bus tag. Having them come straight to breakfast with their backpack helps us all save time getting fed and to class.

As part of our Response to Intervention (RtI) program, every teacher has a 30 minute WIN math and WIN reading time. During each of these time, classroom teachers and other building professionals work with small groups of students on specific, need based skills. Your Wildcat could be working with a new grown up to refresh skills from last year or receiving practice or a reteach on new material.

Your child's teacher is currently gathering data and information in a variety of ways: standardized tests, common formative assessments, observation. Once your classroom teacher compiles this information, we can better determine what the next steps in your child's learning will be. Groups for WIN times are fluid groups based on skills. So while you Wildcat may or may not start in intervention, that status can also change over time.

If you have been on the north or east side of the building, you may have noticed that we added a fenced play area for our PreK students. Our PreK program is grant funded, which means a yearly audit from the state. One of the things that were cited was our lack of a fully enclosed, age appropriate play area. This also open up additional times for the "big kids" to utilize the playground equipment. It's been a nice win-win for everyone. The new area will only be open during the school day for our students in hopes of keeping the play area in good shape. On a funny note... Ms. Wood and I did leave one night before all the equipment had been assembled and were surprised by 5 dogs romping within the fence. While we are excited for next year's therapy dog, we have no plans for a Willow dog park. 🤣

Open House will be back in the building this year on September 21st from 6:30-8:00 PM! We are thrilled for you to see your child's hard work. Be sure to stop in the large gym to purchase your caramel apples and see some of the groups in the community. So far we will have tables for Boy Scouts, the Parent Music Association (PMA), Willow spirit wear and the PTA. (If you are part of an organization and want a space, please call the school- we have a limited number of tables).

When something significant happens in a family, the entire family is affected. Death, divorce and other losses may appear to be grown-up concerns but they do have a profound impact on children. Because of age and limited life experience, children may find it difficult to express their feelings of grief.

The RAINBOW program is designed to help our kindergarten, first, and second grade students who are experiencing a loss or painful transition in their family. RAINBOW groups are an opportunity for children to share feelings and experiences with other children who are in similar situations. The RAINBOW program is not counseling, however the setting is both supportive and confidential.

Willow School is fortunate to have sensitive and caring adults who have been trained through the RAINBOW program. These adults will help your child put their feelings into words, work through grief, build a stronger sense of self-esteem, and begin to accept what has taken place in the family.

The groups meet on Mondays from 3:00-3:45pm. Students enjoy a light snack, sharing time, a project or game and time for reflection. Children are expected to attend all meetings unless they are ill.

The complete fall 2023 RAINBOW schedule is:

September 18,

October 2, 16, 23, 30,

November 6, 13, 27,

December 4, 11

Families are invited to join us for part of the December 11 meeting.

If you feel your child would benefit from this program, please contact the Rainbow Coordinator, Ms. Snow at mailto:ann.snow@hsd153.org or complete this link:

https://hsd153-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/ann_snow_hsd153_org/EeUeuZmfSqRDo71A5jM4LH0Bk3ismBioflqLs8orvlA7sA 🌈

When: 9/17/2023, 9:00 AM

Where: Begins and ends at James Hart Campus

Lace up your gym shoes and bring your family to Foundation 153's annual 5K run/walk and 153 yard kids’ dash. Our USA Track & Field certified course takes you through our beautiful Homewood neighborhoods. Experience the challenge of a 5K race or if you prefer a slower pace, join other families and friends as they walk in support of our wonderful school district. After the 5K, make sure to stay for the highlight of the day, the 153 yard kids’ dash, and cheer for our youngest athletes as they see who can cross the finish line without losing a shoe. Kids can also participate in a variety of activities such as field games and face painting. Hope you can join us for this great community event.

REGISTER HERE BEFORE AUGUST 27TH TO GUARANTEE YOUR T-SHIRT!

If you've noticed anyone at Willow going above and beyond, please use the link to recognize him/her/them! 💖

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

Sept 1: Early Dismissal 11:40AM

Sept 4: Labor Day-no school

Sept 4-8: Substitute Appreciation week

Sept 10: National Grandparents’ Day

Sept 11: Patriots’ Day- wear red, white and blue

Sept 15-Oct 15: Hispanic Heritage Month

Sept 15: Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset

Sept 17: Fund Run- see above to sign up

Sept 19: IT Professional day

Sept 21: Willow Open House 6:30-8 PM

Sept 25: Yom Kippur- no school