WILLAGAZETTE

Oh boy, do we have a busy month coming up! It's pumpkin season, and we are busy with all things fall, plus some exciting stuff about education!

Our Title 1 Open House is scheduled for this Thursday, October 12th. It's a great opportunity to meet your student's teacher and learn about how our new Title 1 designation benefits your student and our school. We hope to see you there!

I know many of our students are already planning for Halloween, so just a reminder, students are allowed to wear costumes to school on Tuesday, October 31st, but costumes must be 'school friendly'. Here are some general guidelines:

• No props
  
• No masks
  
• No scary or gory costumes (blood, wounds, etc.)
  
• Outfits should not significantly be disruptive to the learning process
  
• No dressing as another race, ethnicity or culture
  

Thank you for helping make this a fun day for all of our students.

And be sure to take a look at the calendar so you don't miss out on anything!

Sheila Minney

Principal, Willagillespie Elementary

Eugene School District 4j

541-790-7100

• October 12th - Open House from 5:15 - 6:15 PM
  
• October 13th - NO SCHOOL
• October 19th - School Pictures
• October 23-25th - Fifth Grade Outdoor School
• October 27th - Spooktacular Carnival from 5:30 - 8:00 PM

If you are interested in helping out some of our wonderful WillaG students who occasionally need a new pair of shoes, a jacket, backpack or other clothing item, please join our WillaG Clothes Closet online group!

When we have a need for specific items of clothing, we'll send out an email to our group to ask for donations. The email will include the item needed, size, gender & color preference. If you have gently used items at home that could fill our 'order' or if you want to purchase new items, you can simply email the office and let us know that you'd like to help!

If you would like to add your name to our Willagillespie Clothes Closet 'Angels', please click here and fill out the brief online form.

Fall is the beginning of illness season and there is much we all can do to decrease the spread of disease and to keep our kids happy and healthy. Teach proper handwashing, keep hydrated, cover coughs and sneezes with an elbow, get adequate sleep (9-12 hours for elementary kids), and stay home when sick. Here is the 4J sick policy.

Here is an excerpt sent out by the CDC:

While the fall season will bring increases in respiratory viral illnesses to the school setting, there are several everyday actions that schools can take to help prevent the spread of germs such as:

· Encouraging students and staff to stay home when sick. CDC recommends that people stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Fever should be gone without the need to use a fever-reducing medicine. Learn about some of the similarities and differences between flu and COVID-19

· Reinforcing and teaching students to cover coughs and sneezes

· Reinforcing and giving opportunities for proper handwashing

· Importance of sleep

Join our next PTO meeting on Wednesday, October 18th at 6:30. It's a great way to get involved at Willagillespie and everyone is welcome to attend! We hope to see you there!

Excitement is in the air, it's time for our annual Spooktacular Carnival! Keep your eyes peeled for more Spooktacular news, but mark your calendars for Friday, October 27th!

Dear Sheldon Region Community and Neighboring Communities,

As we continue to foster a sense of togetherness and community spirit, we need to share

some important developments regarding high school athletics, particularly our beloved

Friday night football games. These events have long been a source of pride and unity for

our region, and we are committed to ensuring they remain a positive experience for all.

In order to provide an even safer and more predictable environment for everyone attending

these games we will be making a change to effective October 13, 2023.

**Supervised Attendance for Middle School and Under Students:**

To enhance safety and the overall experience for our younger community members,

middle school and under students will now be required to be supervised by their parents of

another responsible adult. We believe this measure will ensure that our younger fans have

the guidance and support they need to enjoy the games responsibly. Students without their

parents or another responsible adult will not be allowed into Friday Night Football Games.

These changes are being implemented with the utmost care and consideration for our

community's safety and enjoyment. We understand that some adjustments may be needed,

but we firmly believe that these measures will create a better and safer environment for

everyone who attends our Friday night football games.

We value your support and participation in our community events, and we look forward to

seeing you at our upcoming games. Let us come together to celebrate our local student athletes, build lasting connections, and ensure that these events remain a source of pride

and unity for years to come.

We greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to enhance

the experience for all members of our community.

Thank you for being a part of our vibrant and close-knit community. GO IRISH

Ricky Rodriguez

Sheldon Athletic Director

Be sure to check in with the YMCA for openings for their before and after school care program here at Willagillespie.The YMCA HAS CURRENT OPENINGS FOR THE WILLAGILLESPIE PROGRAM! Please click here to visit their website for more information or to register for the Fall.

Email: serra_d@4j.lane.edu
Website: www.willagillespie.4j.lane.edu
Location: 1125 Willagillespie Road
Phone: 541-790-7100
Facebook: https://facebook.com/willagpto