The Whoot!

Hello Willard Families!

Summer sunshine, lazy afternoons, and maybe a few extra scoops of ice cream – we hope your summer break has been filled with all the relaxation and fun you deserve! As we hit the midpoint of these golden months, we can't help but feel that familiar buzz of excitement building for the incredible year ahead.

Get ready, because this upcoming school year is going to be AMAZING! We're cooking up some fantastic new fun, planning activities that will spark curiosity and creativity, and preparing spaces where every student can shine. From learning opportunities to community celebrations that bring us all together, we're setting the stage for a year filled with growth, discovery, and countless memorable moments.

So keep soaking up those summer vibes – whether you're on vacation adventures, backyard barbecues, or simply enjoying the slower pace of these warm days. August 25th will be here before we know it, and when it arrives, we'll be ready to welcome everyone back with open arms and hearts full of anticipation for all the wonderful things to come!

Here's to the rest of your summer and an absolutely stellar year ahead! 🌟

We are absolutely thrilled to reintroduce our new Assistant Principal, Stacey Ernvall! Ms. Ernvall brings incredible energy, fresh ideas, and a genuine passion for supporting both students and families. We know you're going to love working with her as much as we do, and we can't wait for you to experience the positive impact she's already making in our school community.

A proud Muskegon, Michigan native, Ms. Ernvall made her way to Chicago to attend North Park University, where she discovered her passion for education and developed a lifelong love of softball that continues today. After college, she embarked on an incredible two-year adventure in Zambia, Africa, where she gained invaluable global perspective and a deep appreciation for diverse learning experiences. This international experience shapes her commitment to providing all students with rich, engaging educational opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom walls.

Most recently, she served as Assistant Principal at Nichols Middle School, building on her extensive experience within Chicago Public Schools. Her educational philosophy centers on creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity and help students discover their unique potential.

When she's not at school, you'll find Ms. Ernvall renovating her newly purchased Chicago condo with the "help" of her adorable 2½-year-old German Shepherd/Husky mix, who serves as both chief supervisor and cuddle companion. She stays active playing softball twice a week and cheering on the Chicago Sky as a season ticket holder. She loves to travel and has just 6 states left to visit in her quest to see all 50 states; when she's not traveling, she can be found on or near the water. Fair warning: come fall, her Detroit Lions pride runs deep – don't be surprised to see some blue and silver in her office!

We're excited to have someone who brings such passion for student engagement, global perspective, and community spirit to Willard Elementary. Please join us in giving Ms. Ernvall a warm welcome to our school family!

At the end of each school year, our staff comes together to thoughtfully create intentional, student-centered class lists. This process begins with scheduling our IES students and students with 504 Plans to ensure ease of services and maximize their instructional minutes. From there, we consider the whole child—their academic profile, social-emotional needs, and existing peer and teacher relationships.

Building class lists is a true team effort. We engage all stakeholders in the process, including classroom teachers, our FAPEL team, special education team, related service providers, and administrators. Every decision is made with the goal of setting each child up for a successful year.

We understand that families sometimes have specific concerns about placement. While changes are made only under extenuating circumstances, families are welcome to use this Google Form to submit a class change request for review. We appreciate your trust as we work to create balanced classrooms where all students can thrive.

Next Kindergarten Playdate

Come and meet other incoming kinder families as your child socializes with their new Willard classmates. Families will gather on the primary playground:

August 16 - 10:00-11:30am

Back to School Meet and Greet

Join us for our annual Back to School Meet & Greet on Friday, August 22nd from 3:30-4:30 PM on the playground! This is a wonderful opportunity for families and students to connect before the school year begins. Come meet your child's teacher, reconnect with friends, grab a popsicle, and make new connections within our school community.

First Day of School

Pack your backpack and get a goodnight of sleep because school starts August 25th - 9:00am! The Owl Staff is getting super excited to welcome you all back!

Rain or shine, our kindergarten families know how to have fun! Despite the drizzling weather, nearly 20 excited kids gathered for July's playdate, proving that a little precipitation can't dampen our community spirit. The children had a wonderful time connecting with their future classmates, and parents are already looking forward to our next gathering. Special thanks to our parent photographer who captured memories for the yearbook – these precious moments of new friendships forming are exactly what makes our kindergarten community so special.

We’d like to share some important information with you regarding school meals.

Meal Options

Breakfast and lunch are available at all D65 schools. This means a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from, as well as hot, cold, and vegetarian meal options. There is also milk available daily as an a la carte option. Menus are available on our website.

Meal Prices

For the 2025-2026 school year, meals will be priced on a tiered scale based on free and reduced-price meal eligibility. Meals are offered at no cost for those who qualify for free meals.

Updated 2025-2026 meal prices are as follows:

• Breakfast (available at all schools)

• Full-price: $2.25; Reduced-price: $.30)

• Elementary Lunch (K-5)

• Full-price $4.00; Reduced-price: $.40)

• Milk (purchased a la carte at all schools)

• $.60 (price for all individuals when not part of a complete meal)

Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications

All families are encouraged to apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits! The process is very simple and can be done online. Completed applications will be processed within 10 days. Approval and denial letters are emailed to the address on file.

There are students who will qualify for free or reduced meals without an application. If you received an email from us confirming your student’s meal status for this school year, you DO NOT need to submit a meal application for the upcoming school year. Your student(s) will automatically receive free or reduced meals. Please ensure that each of your students are listed in the emailed letter that you receive. If you notice a discrepancy, we ask that you call our office as soon as possible to rectify the situation.

There are many benefits beyond meals such as free or reduced-price student fees, summer camp, internet access, and more. Please hold on to your approval letter for future use in accessing these benefits.

If you or someone you know needs help with an application, please call the Nutrition Services office at 847-859-8130.

Below is the back to School Guide, which includes information about school meals, transportation, health requirements, PowerSchool, key dates, and more.