Willow Parent Bulletin #3

They learn, just like the students. The staff spent Friday working in collaborative teams with an expert on Professional Learning Communities. While the concept has been in the district a long time, we always know that we can improve. The staff worked in collaborative groups to come up with additional ways to make Willow an even better place to learn. You won't find more dedicated professionals anywhere!

I'm sure you have heard that HSD153 has the opportunity to work with Shield Illinois to "drool test" our students. The premise is that anyone who is Covid +, but asymptomatic, will be caught before there is wide spread. It's an extra layer of safety for everyone.

We started with our 2nd graders this week and got through most classes. There is definitely a learning curve, so I am asking for your help. Your child will receive a test tube with a funnel on the top. He/she has to "spit/drool" into it until the bottom 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch is filled. Easier said than done!

Here's where you can help:

• Let your child know that you are having him/her participate to stay safe.
• It's one of the few times you child can lower his/her mask... they won't get in trouble.
• If after some effort, your child just doesn't have enough liquid, please reassure him/her that it's OK to stop. We don't want kids upset and in tears or missing extreme amount of class time.
• Help your child practice first name, last name, and date of birth (including the year).

The nurse also now has a sample tube and funnel. She will stop by classes for K and 1st to show them what's expected ahead of time. You can learn more and find the opt out information on the District website, http://www.hsd153.org.

We have had painters with us all week putting games on the blacktop on the north east corner of the building. They have another day or two to finish, but students will soon have another place to play!

Please label items your wildcat brings to school. Our water bottle collection is growing, as well as the land of missing lunch boxes. Other items like backpacks and gym shoes should also have first AND last name. When the weather gets colder and coats are appropriate, please make sure his/her name is also inside.

Illustrator Michael Robertson designed such an eye-catching cover, I had to read this story first! My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World by Malcolm Mitchell tells the story of Henley and his quest (actually a homework assignment) to find his favorite book. The story shares his feelings about reading, how he wants to find a book that represents who he is and what his solution to the problem was. The Homewood Public Library has an eBook version and the Glenwood Public Library has a hard copy for check out.

Lace up those shoes and join others from the community and staff as we support Foundation 153. for information: https://foundation153.org/events/

The PTA is a huge supporter of our schools. Please join their fundraising effort and purchase some beautiful flower bulbs. 50% of all sales come back to PTA. All purchasing is online and they will ship directly to your house. Click here for more information: https://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/index.php/marketplace/seller/profile/shop/homewoodpta

Please see the flyer below for information. Any questions or inquiries can go to: zsmith@hf233.org

Email: melissa.lawson@hsd153.org
Website: www.hsd153.org
Location: 1804 Willow Road, Homewood, IL, USA
Phone: 708-798-3720
Facebook: facebook.com/homewoodschooldistrict153