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Happy Friday, Willard Families! 🎉

We're getting this newsletter to you early so you can prep for an action-packed week ahead – we're THIS close to Winter Break, so let's make these last days count!

We know the long break brings different feelings for different families. Whatever your situation, we're here to help! Need support? Just reach out – we've got your back. Kids getting restless? They can dive into iReady MyPath or explore amazing books on EPIC! Need to just relax and recharge? That's perfect too! We hope the weeks ahead are filled with exactly what you need as we enter a new year!

Next week is PACKED with excitement – field trips, winter wonderland, and Spirit Week are coming! Check out all the details below so you don't miss a thing.

Questions? Wonderings? We're just an email away!

Let's finish strong, Owls! 💪

Best,

AP Ernvall

Get ready to sleigh the competition, Willard Owls! We're turning up the winter magic December 15th-19th with the most AMAZING Spirit Week Winter Edition ever!

Monday: Roll out of bed and roll INTO school - it's PAJAMA PARTY TIME! Fuzzy slippers? Yes! Onesies? ABSOLUTELY! Let's make Monday the coziest day ever! 🛏️✨

Tuesday: Channel your inner snow champion! Rock those beanies, jerseys, and ski goggles because we're bringing the slopes to school! Whether you're team hockey, team snowboard, or team "I just look cool in goggles" - we want to see it ALL! ⛷️🏒

Wednesday: WILLARD PRIDE EXPLOSION! Paint the halls blue and yellow! The more spirit gear, the better - let's show everyone what Willard Owls pride looks like! 💙🤍

Thursday: Winter Wonderland WHITEOUT meets Candy Cane Lane! Deck yourself in red or white while we turn the school into a peppermint paradise! Sweet treats and sweeter vibes! 🍬❄️

Friday: Time to get COZY! Sweaters, fuzzy everything, flannel fantastic-ness! If it's warm, soft, and festive, WEAR IT! Let's hug our way into Winter Break! 🧸🎁

Who's ready to make this the most UNFORGETTABLE week before break?!

#WillardSpiritWeek #WinterEdition #BestWeekEver

We are excited to announce that our 3rd and 4th grade students will be attending a Chicago Wolves hockey game field trip on December 17th! This educational and fun experience will provide students with an opportunity to enjoy professional hockey while experiencing how their learning can apply outside of the classroom.

What Students Should Bring

• Paper bag lunch clearly labeled with student's name and classroom

• Lunch should be completely disposable (bag, containers, etc.)

• No glass containers or items requiring refrigeration

• School lunch pre-order option: Families may pre-order a picnic pack bagged lunch through the school cafeteria (make note with homeroom teacher).

• Weather-appropriate clothing (the arena may be cool)

No additional money is needed for the game. Students should not bring money for souvenirs or concessions.

Thanks again for all the parent support to help make our Family Reading Night - Camping Edition a success! If you lent any camping gear (lanterns, sleeping bags, blankets, tents, etc.), please pick up your donation before winter break. We very much appreciated it!

Calling all detective families!

Have you noticed your child performing magic tricks with their winter wardrobe? You know the one – where a perfectly good coat disappears between morning drop-off and afternoon pickup? Or perhaps you're familiar with the incredible shrinking glove phenomenon, where pairs somehow transform into singles faster than you can say "but you JUST had both of them!"

If you're nodding along while mentally calculating how many mittens you've purchased this season (and it's only December!), we have good news: Those missing items haven't actually vanished at all. They're having a party in our Lost & Found! Please encourage your students to browse the Lost and Found for their missing goods!

Evanston Parks & Recreation winter registration opened November 10th and closes January 8th – don't miss out! Basketball and cheerleading programs are available this winter season. You can find complete details on pages 20-24 of the winter guide which can be viewed here.

For answers to common questions, check out the FAQ page. If you need additional assistance, reach out to Louis Jones at jonesL@district65.net.

Register today to secure your spot for winter sports!

Come together in community for this family-centered healing circle that centers children and their experiences about living in Evanston. Facilitated by EPL Engagement Librarian and trained Restorative Justice Facilitator Laura Florian, kids and their families will experience guided reflection, opportunities for share-outs, poetry, and song. Afterwards, create a colorful votive candle holder to take home. For children Grades K and older with parents and caregivers. No advanced registration required.

The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a Citywide culture of accessibility and inclusivity. To request an accommodation for a program, service, or activity, please call 847-866-2919 to make an ADA service request or fill out a request form online.

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!

December:

• 15th: D65 Regular Board Meeting (6:00-8:00pm)
• 17th: K-2 Winter Wonderland (at school)
• 17th: 3rd and 4th Grade Chicago Wolves Field Trip
• 18th: 5th Grade Northwestern Basketball Field Trip
• 22nd: Winter Recess Begins!