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Good Evening Willard Families,

Principal Battle and I continue to be amazed by the extraordinary support you've shown our school. Your presence during morning entry and dismissal, and your "All Hands On Deck" spirit, demonstrates the true strength of our Willard family. We are deeply grateful for each of you.

🌟 MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Family Reading Night is THIS FRIDAY! 🌟 Join us for an evening of stories, snacks, and smiles as we celebrate the magic of reading together! Come in your coziest pajamas, bring your favorite stuffed animal, and let's make some wonderful memories. This is one of our favorite nights of the year – we can't wait to see you there!

As we move forward together, Principal Battle and I want to emphasize that we are here for YOU. If your family needs resources, support, or assistance of any kind, please reach out to us directly. Whether it's academic support, access to community resources, or simply someone to listen, we're committed to helping however we can. Your needs are our priority, and no concern is too small.

Our entire staff stands ready to ensure your children continue to thrive in the safe, nurturing environment they deserve. Your babies are precious to us, and supporting your families through both challenges and celebrations is at the heart of what we do.

We hope this past weekend provided time to recharge and relax. Seeing your children's bright faces back in our hallways tomorrow will be the perfect start to our week! (We heard rumors of some pretty epic weekend adventures – can't wait to hear all about them!)

Please remember: Principal Battle and I are just a drop by or email away. Don't hesitate to contact us – we're in this together.

With gratitude, partnership, and excitement for Friday,

AP Ernvall

Welcome to Right At School — your trusted partner for before & after school programs, camps, clubs and more, all on-site at your school. Our educators create a fun, safe space where kids learn, play, and grow! It's time to get signed up for Winter Clubs. Please click the image above to go to the website!

Winter Registration: 11/10/25-12/21/25

Winter Session: 12/8/25-3/6/26

At District 65, we are committed to ensuring that no student goes without access to food at school. We understand that proper nutrition is fundamental to our students' ability to learn, thrive, and fully engage in their education. That's why we provide breakfast and lunch every day at each of our school buildings to all students (view menus). To accommodate families' schedules and ensure students can start their day nourished, breakfast service begins at 8:30 but also carries on through the start of the day! Many of our students eat breakfast during homeroom.

We recognize that families may need additional support beyond the school day, which is why we're working closely with the City of Evanston to connect families with comprehensive food resources. For food assistance, donation opportunities, and current information about SNAP benefits, please visit: City of Evanston’s SNAP Resources.

For families who may qualify for free or reduced meals but haven't yet enrolled, our application remains open throughout the entire school year—it's never too late to apply. If you're unsure about eligibility or have any questions about our nutrition programs, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our dedicated Nutrition Services team is here to help and support you. Contact us at 847-859-8130 or nutritionservices@district65.net.

Despensa de Alimentos del Centro Comunitario Howard & Evanston: lunes, de 13:00 a 15:00; miércoles, de 9:30 a 11:30.

• 7648 N. Paulina St., Chicago

Evanston Community Fridges has 4 locations open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take what you need.

• Reba Place Church, 620 Madison St.

• Soul and Smoke, 1601 Payne St.

• Childcare Network of Evanston, 1335 Dodge Ave.

Hilda's Place Food Pantry, 9:00 - 11:00 am Monday - Friday; 12:00 - 2:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday.

• 2121 Dewey Ave.

Evanston Salvation Army, every Friday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.

• 1403 Sherman Ave.

Vineyard Church Food Pantry, every Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.

• 2495 Howard St.

Hemenway Church Food Pantry every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

• 933 Chicago Ave.

HIllside Church Food Pantry, Wednesdays, 4:00 - 6:00 pm; Saturdays, 2:00 - 4:00 pm.

• 2727 Crawford Ave.

Humans at Help Foundation Food Pantry, Thursdays and Saturdays, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm.

• 4652 Oakton St., Skokie

Niles Township Food Pantry, Monday through Friday, 9:30 - 11:30 am; 1:00 - 3:30 pm.

• 8341 Lockwood Ave., Skokie

Howard & Evanston Community Center Food Pantry, Mondays 1:00 - 3:00 pm; Wednesdays 9:30 - 11:30 am.

• 7648 N. Paulina St., Chicago

Hersh’s Fridge, the nation’s first kosher, outdoor, community fridge and pantry, open 24/7, for anyone in need to take or share food, is open.

• 8800 East Prairie Road., Skokie

Smile Big! Smile Bright! 🌟

Picture retakes have been rescheduled for November 18th! Retake forms can be picked up in the main office!

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

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

The Structural Deficit Reduction Plan is discussed at School Board meetings as a standing agenda item. Visit the School Board's website to see the meeting schedule, sign up for meeting notices, and more. Members of the public are welcome and invited to sign up at the beginning of the meeting to address the Board on district-related topics.

Next Board Meeting: November 17th

The Public Open Session (the public portion of the meeting) is scheduled to reconvene at 6 p.m.

• Live streamed on the D65 YouTube page.
• Gather information: School Closure Hub
  

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!

November:

• 11th: Climate Action Meeting (4:30pm-5:30pm)
• 11th: D65 Caregiver Council for Disability Inclusion Meeting (6:30pm-8:00pm)
• 14th: Family Reading Night!
• 14th: End of Trimester 1
• 18th: Picture Retakes