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🌟 Happy Sunday, Willard Families! 🌟

Can you feel it? That unmistakable Willard spirit is EVERYWHERE! Last week's Underground Staff Spirit Week was absolutely FABULOUS – our amazing teachers went full stealth mode, and we're still giggling about all the double-takes in the hallways! Did your students crack the code and spot their teachers' matching outfits throughout the week? (We saw some seriously confused but delighted faces!)

The team photos below are too funny – looking forward to inviting the kids in on the next one!

As we zoom into the final week of October with autumn in full swing, we've got some fantastic updates and important reminders to share with you. So get cozy and dive into all the Willard happenings below. And remember – we LOVE hearing from you, so don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, wonderings, or just to share your favorite moment from Spirit Week!

Let's make this last week of October unforgettable! 🍂✨

With gratitude and Owl pride,

AP Ernvall

We had a great time celebrating our youngest Owls during our Kindergarten Crowning! It was a special moment recognizing each child’s growth, confidence, and the bright start of their Willard journey. Congratulations to all our little Owls! 🌟

Welcome! The Evanston Math Circle is an opportunity for school age children to work on fun, out-of-the-box math problems. The goal is to introduce students to interesting mathematics which goes beyond the concepts they learn in school.

It traditionally meets monthly on Saturdays, and the dates for this year can be found on the website! For those that are interested, it is recommended that you fill the google form for registration!

The Panorama Survey window is open and your students will be taking it this week. Students in grades 3–5 will be participating in the Panorama Student Survey, which gathers valuable student voice around wellbeing, belonging, and engagement. Please encourage your students to be honest on their survey as this is the only way we get better as a building/community.

Author Visits!

Kim Long was a fantastic author to kick off our author visit series. The 3rd through 5th grade students loved all the information she shared about cryptids and the way she engaged them in learning. Still interested in a home copy? Check out this link at Booked!

Next Up... Ben Clanton!

We'll welcome the incredibly popular Ben Clanton, author of the Narwhal & Jelly and Tater Tales series, on Tuesday, November 4. To snag a signed copy of one of his books, please use this pre-order link from Booked.

Thanks to our amazing PTA, we've added a signed copy of Kim Long's book to every 3rd-5th classroom library, and we will do the same with the latest book of Ben Clanton's!

Please reach out to Ms. Harries (harriesl@district65.net) if you have any questions.

Happy Reading!

Pitch your imaginary tent and gather 'round the (indoor) campfire for an unforgettable evening designed for families to read together, explore together, play together, and create together! Our school will transform into a camping area, featuring:

• The Books & S'mores Campground: Our multi-purpose room will be the spot to set up your camping gear (sleeping bags, blankets, and/or pillows) and reading material.

• The Critter Walk: Solve riddles as a family while you explore our themed hallway.

• The Camp Read-Aloud: Snuggle up in the library for captivating stories.

• Estimation Station: Test your guessing skills to win awesome bookish prizes!

• Plus... more family fun crafts, games, and treats.

This is more than just a reading night – it's a chance to make cherished family memories and deepen our love for reading and connection.

We Need Your "Camp Counselor" Spirit!

When: Friday, November 14th

Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Where: Willard School, 1st Floor

To make this evening truly magical, we're seeking parental assistance. We're looking for support in two key ways:

1. Materials: Do you have some needed decor or other items to enhance our camping atmosphere?

2. Activity Facilitation: Can you help guide an activity station or lend a hand where needed?

If you have the ability to support us in any way, big or small, please sign up by HERE. Your involvement makes all the difference!

We can't wait to share this cozy evening with you and your family!

Warmly,

Willard Teachers

A parent shared a HUGE Willard ShoutOut!

They had the honor of coaching the cross country 4-5th grade teams through the district/city program this year; runners ran 1.5 miles. Last week, they WON the championship. Let's celebrate and make a Special Announcement to recognize the runners/team accomplishment. They earned a trophy which students decided would go to Kingsley until 2026 then we will deliver to Willard!

Willard Runners:

Caleb Haskin (came in 2nd place overall with 9:45 time)

Patrick Suffredin (5th)

Mabel Binder (5th)

Ada Haggerty (4th)

Amelia Rowley (3rd grade)

Comfy Cozy Day — Friday, October 31st!

This Friday, October 31st, we’re celebrating a Comfy Cozy Day at Willard! Students are encouraged to come to school in their favorite pajamas, Willard wear, or simply come as they are. It’s a day to relax, feel comfortable, and enjoy the cozy Willard spirit together! We can’t wait to see everyone’s comfy looks as we wrap up the week in true Willard style.

As the seasons change and temperatures begin to drop, we wanted to send a friendly reminder about our outdoor recess philosophy! Our Outdoor Promise: If it's above 20°F and not raining, our scholars will be outside enjoying fresh air and active play! We believe in the power of outdoor time for healthy minds and bodies, even when it's chilly.

What This Means for Your Scholar: Please help us by sending your child dressed for outdoor success! As the weather shifts, this might mean:

• Warm coats and jackets
• Hats and gloves
• Appropriate footwear
• Layers for changing temperatures throughout the day

We're Here to Help! It truly takes a village, and we're all in this together! If your family needs any support with winter clothing or gear as we approach the colder months, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to ensure every scholar can comfortably enjoy our outdoor adventures.

Thank you to the more than 60 families who attended the Town Hall, either on Zoom or in person. A special thank-you to Board Member Maria Opdycke for taking the time to answer caregivers' questions, provide data, and listen to our concerns.

Attached is the slide presentation we used, which includes important information and questions from the Willard community.

Our Willard PTA Town Hall Questions Survey is still open if you would like to ask questions to the PTA, principals, District 65, or the Board of Education. We will share your responses with them.

If you are looking for further ways to take action, gather information, or share your story, here are some ways to do so:

• Email your Board Members directly, including Maria Opdycke (Board Member and Willard Liaison) at opdyckem@district65.net.

• Participate in public comments at District 65 Board meeting

• Join the PTA (so we can continue to support students and teachers)

• Attend/Watch the upcoming meetings:

-- Monday November 3rd- Review updated scenarios

-- Monday November 17th- (Tentative) Board votes on final scenario

• All meetings at 6pm at Joseph E. Hill Education Center and live streamed on the D65 YouTube page.
• Gather information: School Closure Hub
  
  Please email willardowlspta@gmail.com with questions

Take a night off and join fellow Willard parents for an evening of drinks, laughter, and BINGO at Fat Shallot (2902 Central St.) from 6:00–10:00 PM! This fun community event is one of our key PTA fundraisers, helping to support and reinvest in the exciting programming and opportunities Willard has planned for our students this year.

Bring your friends, enjoy great food and drinks (a portion of drink sales goes directly to the PTA!), and help make a difference for our school—all while having a blast!

We can’t wait to see you there! 🦉💙

Click the picture for the Sustainability Newsletter!

Don’t miss a beat with all things Willard PTA! 🦉 Check out the Weekly Newsletter for the latest happenings, membership info, and our handy directory. If you missed the latest Owl Notes, click here to catch up!

October:

• 27th: D65 Regular Board Meeting (NEW DATE)
• 31st: 3rd Grade Drama Trip

• 4th: K-2 Author Visit
• 5th: 1/2 Day Early Release