Staff Newsletter

Week of April 14th

Huge shout out to all the families who showed up and showed out. This was our biggest turnout yet as a school community! The night was filled with laughter, fun, and some friendly competition that brought us all closer together. I'm so grateful for the love and energy you brought to the event!

A special thank you to our generous sponsors—Lubotsky Boko Residential, Beth Lewis Mortgage, and Matthew Fowler Insurance. Thank you for helping make the magic happen. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Thank you again to every family who came out to support. We can’t wait to do it again. 💙💛🦉

Our Spring Rummage Sale is this Sat., Apr. 19! To make the sale a success, we need donations of all kinds - child and adult clothing and shoes, housewares, toys, games, sporting equipment, books, and more! Please make sure items are in good condition.

You can drop off your donations at Door 5 during these timeslots:

• Thurs., Apr. 17: 5:00-8:00 pm
• Fri., Apr. 18: 8:00-11:30 am and 5:00-8:00 pm

We also urgently need volunteers to help with the following:

• Donation intake and sorting - Thurs., Apr. 17 from 5:00-6:30 pm
• Donation intake and sorting - Fri., Apr. 18 from 6:30-8:00
• Day of sale support - Sat., Apr. 19 from 12:00-2:00
• Zero waste crew (clean up and haul away) - Sat., Apr. 19 from 2:00-4:00 pm (minivan or SUV helpful)
• Donate snacks, coffee, or donuts for volunteers - Sat., Apr. 19

If you can help in any of these areas, please sign up today! We can't do it without you!

Gratefully,
The Willard PTA

Each year we request your input to support future planning. The information you share will provide us feedback on your preference(s) for your teaching assignment for next year. I appreciate you sharing your preference for next year.

Please note that this does not ensure change of placement. As District 65 employees, final building assignments will be made by your building principal. Please complete this form by the end of day on Thursday, April 3rd.

Our spring SAEBRS and mySAEBRS survey window will be 4/21-5/9.

Goal of a SEL Assessment:

• Use SEL assessment data aggregated at the classroom level to understand the strengths and needs of groups of students to inform SEL instruction and support in the classroom.

• Use assessment data to guide the use of evidence-based SE practices that build on student strengths and address student needs.

• Use SEL assessment data in combination with other information to understand student strengths and needs.

• Provide feedback on the effectiveness of SEL initiatives and support.

The assessment:

1. SAEBRS: Educators complete a 3-5-minute screener of each students’ social and emotional competence (K-8). This is done for all K-8th grade students. **Middle School ONLY- Science/Social Science educators are expected to complete this screener for their assigned students*

1. mySAEBRS: Students in grades 2-8 complete their own 5-10 minute self-assessment of their own social, academic and emotional behaviors.

2. Both surveys are available on FastBridge via the Clever app.

Additional Resources can be found HERE for completing the SAEBRS and mySAEBRS assessment.

I want to take an opportunity to acknowledge our IES Case Managers, who have been working diligently behind the scenes to manage some recent caseload adjustments. They've had to pivot quickly to ensure student minutes are being met, and I appreciate their flexibility and commitment. Please continue to extend grace and understanding as they work through these shifts. Your partnership and patience helps make a difference.

• Bilingual Paraprofessional
• LBS1

Your Culture & Climate Team is so excited to have everyone back in action! We hope your break was filled with rest, fun, and maybe a little sunshine. 🌞 As we dive into April, we’ve got some exciting things coming your way. Think fun community events, uplifting celebrations, and a little extra joy sprinkled throughout the month! 🎉

Click the link or picture above to check out this month’s newsletter and see what’s in store. Let’s make this next stretch one to remember! 🦉💛💙

Ms. Moya, my class would not run without you! Thank you for always going above and beyond with our kiddos. You prepare extra activities, learn about our kids needs in your time off, and take care of them as if they were your own. I appreciate you! - Brandy

Ms. Tala, you were the perfect addition to complete our class! You have kindness and patience with all the kids. You truly understand all the wonderfully unique personalities in our classroom. I appreciate all that you do! - Brandy

Let's keep the good vibes rolling, Willard Owls! 🦉✨ It's time to shout out our amazing colleagues when we catch them spreading joy and love around the school. Whether it’s a warm smile, a helping hand, or a moment that just made your day, let’s celebrate those special acts that make Willard feel like home. Remember, a little acknowledgment goes a long way, so don't be shy—share the love and let’s lift each other up! 🌟 Click here to submit a shout out!

Get hyped because the 5th Grade Student Council is throwing the ultimate party just for 3rd–5th graders. This is our way of bringing everyone together to have fun, celebrate all the awesome things we've done this year, and show off our school spirit in the freshest way possible.

✨Wear your best sneakers, dress to impress, and keep it fresh! 👟💫

There’s going to be music, dancing, and good vibes. Plus, we’re adding some heart to the fun. The 5th Grade Student Council is asking for a suggested donation of $1 to support Rainbows For All Children, an organization that helps kids who are going through grief or loss. So grab your freshest outfit, lace up your flyest kicks, and get ready for a time you won’t forget! Let’s gooo! 🕺💃

- 5th Grade Student Council

By July, District 65 will have reduced nearly $20 million from the annual budget in two years, but more work remains. For several years, district leaders and board members have discussed in public meetings the potential need for school closures or consolidations. This is in response to an aging population within our community, declining student enrollment, underutilized buildings, and dated facilities.

While this process will surely be difficult, it represents an opportunity to reimagine and reinvest for the future of public education in Evanston/Skokie. No decisions have been made regarding additional school closure/consolidations. The District is in the early stages of planning, including developing potential criteria. See more information

The goal is to engage parents, caregivers, staff, students, and community members in a transparent process with clear criteria. Decisions must be made with integrity and rooted in data and community voice.

As such, District 65 invites you to attend an upcoming community conversation:

• April 15, 6:30-8 p.m. at Nichols Middle School (800 Greenleaf St.)

Spanish interpretation will be provided. Can’t attend in person? Share your thoughts virtually by 11:59 p.m. April 15, 2025.

We are so excited to be once again accepting nominations for the High Five! Celebrating Excellence in District 65 Award! Please submit nominations for those colleagues or staff members who are making a difference.

All important dates will be added to the Willard Calendar and shared via a calendar invite.

April:

• 15th: Admin Led PLCs/Haven Band Performance (K-5)
• 17th: Staff Meeting (Culture and Climate)
• 18th: No School
• 19th: Rummage Sale
• 23rd: Open House for New Families
• 26th: Sneaker Ball

• School Wide Event Calendar SY24-25
• Staff Directory
• Supervision Schedule
• Staff Shout Out