THE WHOOT!

Dear Willard Families,

As we wrap up the final full week of September, we're embracing a time rich with cultural celebration and reflection. This month, we continue to honor Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15), celebrating the vibrant cultures, histories, and countless contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to our communities. From art and music to science and literature, we're exploring the diverse tapestry of traditions that make our world more colorful and connected.

We're also preparing to welcome Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. This meaningful time of renewal and reflection reminds us all of the importance of fresh beginnings, gratitude, and coming together as a community.

The Week Ahead

Here's your rundown of what's happening this week as we make the most of these final September days together:

Welcome back, Team! Sure, today might look like your typical school day with classes, lunch, and PE – but hold up! Tonight, Detroit takes center stage on Monday Night Football under the bright lights! 😉

This isn't just any Monday – this is PRIME TIME MONDAY! So power through OWLS, and get ready because we're about to kick off both an amazing week with multiple events!

Let's make this Monday the launching pad for something spectacular. Monday energy doesn't have to fade – we're channeling it straight into Tuesday's day off!

LEARN HARD, CHEER LOUD, WEEK STRONG! 🏈⚡

Ready to tackle this week? Let's GO!

Today we want to highlight the 3rd grade Team! Check out Ms. Collin's Newsletter where our 3rd Grade friends met with their Kinder Buddies for the first time!

Newsletter Link Here

Updated Date Alert! Mark your calendars for September 25th – it's Picture Day! Time to practice those smiles, coordinate the outfits, and get ready for some cuteness. We can't wait to see all those wonderful faces.

Friday is Sustainability Friday! Nothing specific for today but we want to highlight our Sustainability Updates as Willard Owl Scholars continue to recycle, sort, and compost at lunch!

Please see the Willard PTA Weekly Newsletter for more information on Willard PTA happenings, membership, and directory. If you missed the most recent PTA Owl Notes, click here!

Hello families! I’m Ms. Elyse Stole, and I’ve been a special educator for 18 years. I care deeply about supporting all learners and learning right alongside my students every day. Every once in awhile, I’ll be sharing a quick, practical tip to help us better understand and support children who think and learn differently. These tips aren’t just for school. They can be helpful at home, too!

📝 Tip of the Week: Understanding Attention Differences Children’s attention works in different ways:

Sustained Attention: Some kids can stick with a task for a long time, while others need frequent breaks.

Selective Attention: Some are easily pulled away by sounds, sights, or movement around them.

Hyperfocus: Sometimes, kids get so focused on something they love that it’s hard to shift gears.

How you can support at home:

✔ Break homework or chores into small, manageable steps. Timers and simple checklist add structure.

✔ Limit background noise or visual distractions when possible.

✔ Give movement breaks or let kids use their interests as motivators.

✔ Celebrate when your child’s focus on a favorite activity helps them learn something new.

✔ Gently bring them back on task with prompts like: “Let’s do the next step together.”

We're on a mission to get every Willard student their own Evanston Public Library card – and it's going to be amazing for your family!

An EPL card unlocks thousands of books, resources, workshops, and family events. Even better? Your card works at Wilmette and Skokie libraries too, giving you three incredible library systems to explore!

We've already talked this up during Library classes and the kids are excited. Application forms are available in our Willard Library, and we've attached one to this newsletter for easy access.

This is a simple way to open up endless learning opportunities and fun experiences for your family. Let's make this the year every Willard student gets their library card! - Ms. Harries

Back by student request, we are starting up our Birthday Book Club. For a contribution of ANY AMOUNT, your child can have a new book donated to the school library in their name. During their birthday (or half-birthday) season, your child will choose a new book from a curated selection to add to our Willard Library AND be the first person to check it out! The book will then be available for all students to enjoy, and everyone will see a bookplate with your child's name on it as the donor.

If you are interested, fill out and return this form by Friday, September 26th. Additional questions? Contact Ms. Harries (harriesl@district65.net).

Looking to volunteer at Willard? Click here for our district's volunteer process!

The stage is SET! The lights are BRIGHT! And YOU are the STAR we've been waiting for!

🔥 CALLING ALL SUPERSTARS! 🔥 Got moves that make people go "WOW!"? A voice that stops traffic? Poetry that gives goosebumps? Art that amazes? Dancing feet that can't stop moving? We want YOU to SHINE like the diamond you are!

This isn't just ANY talent show - it's a FIESTA OF TALENTS! 🎉

• Families performing together? ¡SÍ!
• Solo acts that blow minds? ¡ABSOLUTAMENTE!
• Teacher surprises? ¡POR SUPUESTO!
• Whole classes bringing the house down? ¡INCREÍBLE!

What's in store for you: 🌟 Two hours of jaw-dropping entertainment 🍽️ Delicious dinner that'll fuel your energy 🎊 Activities and surprises around every corner 🏆 A night you'll be talking about for YEARS!

Mark your calendars and clear your schedules: 📅 Friday, October 17th - THE night that changes everything! 🕕 6:00-8:00 PM - Where dreams come alive!

Ready to be LEGENDARY? Complete this form to participate or Email Celiaalejos@gmail.com by October 10th and claim your moment in the spotlight!

¡No excuses, no waiting, no regrets - just PURE AMAZING FUN!

Willard School PTA proudly presents... YOUR moment to SPARKLE! ⭐

September

• 23rd: No School Happy Rosh Hashanah!

• 23rd: Virtual Immigration Know your Rights Event! (See Flyer for Additional Details)

• 25th: Picture Day
  

• 25th: Curriculum Night 6:00-7:30pm at Willard
  

October

• 7th and 8th: Parent Teacher Conferences
• 12th: Evanston Free Halloween Pop-Up!
• 17th: Hispanic Heritage Family Event