THE WHOOT!

As Ramadan begins, we want to extend our best wishes to all Willard families observing this sacred month of reflection, prayer, and community. We recognize that this time may bring unique needs for students and families, and we are here to support you. If there’s anything we can do to help ensure your child feels comfortable and supported at school during Ramadan, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or Ms. Kornhauser.

This past week, our Black History Month assembly was a beautiful and powerful celebration of our students' voices, talents, and courage. A huge shoutout to Ms. Belizaire for leading the way in creating a space where so many of our students felt confident to step into the spotlight and perform. The level of trust and community that Ms. Belizaire has built with our students was on full display!

I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to Tomeka (mom of a 4th-grade TWI student) for organizing our incredible African Diaspora Night. She brought in the amazing Mama Edie, whose storytelling captivated and uplifted us all. To the staff and families who came out, helped set up, or supported in any way, thank you! It was an evening of culture and celebration that we won’t forget!

Take the 5Essentials Survey!

The window for D65 staff and parents/caregivers to complete the 5Essentials Survey is now open! From now through March 31, 2025, staff and families are encouraged to complete the survey, which usually takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Data from the 5Essentials Survey provides our school leaders with valuable insights that are used to develop effective school improvement plans.

Fourth- through eighth-grade students are also encouraged to complete the survey and will be provided time in school to do so during the survey window.

Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will never be connected to you. School reports will be available to the public in June and Illinois State Report Card in the fall.

Take the time to complete the 5Essentials Survey and help improve our school communities!

About the 5Essentials Survey

The survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including improved attendance and larger test score gains. These five indicators that affect and predict school success are:

• Effective Leaders

• Collaborative Teachers

• Involved Families

• Supportive Environments

• Ambitious Instruction

This data is valuable for school improvement planning and ongoing student support. Prior research in more than 400 schools has shown that schools that are strong on at least three of these “5Essential” indicators are 10 times more likely to improve student learning gains in math and reading than those that are weak on three or more Essentials. This research informed the development of our strategic plan and the survey data is used each year for school improvement planning across the District.

Author and illustrator Alex Willan is visiting Willard for a very special story time and draw-along! He will be here on Tuesday, March 18.

Alex’s newest book is called Mermaids are the Worst!, a super silly picture book about Gilbert the Goblin, whose beachside vacation is ruined by a cast of colorful mermaids and their high-stakes competitive mermaid games. How will he deal with these mermaids interrupting his peaceful bliss?!

Alex’s other books include Unicorns are the Worst!, Dragons are the Worst!, and Yetis are the Worst! He lives in Chicago with his dog, Harley, who is the absolute best.

This visit is presented by Booked, a local independent children’s bookstore on Main Street in Evanston. You can order personalized, signed copies of Alex’s books from Booked at this link: https://www.bookedevanston.com/alexwillan.

The order deadline is Thursday, March 13! Please make sure to include your child’s school as the shipping address and their name, teacher name, and grade at checkout, so that Booked can get the books to the right place!

Email Betsy at Booked with any additional questions about ordering Alex’s books: betsy@bookedevanston.com

Registration for the Right At School Summer Camp is now OPEN!

Location: Kingsley Elementary School

Dates: 6/9/25-7/25/25

Full Day: 7 AM-6 PM

Part Day: 9 AM-4 PM

Half Day AM: 7 AM-12:30 PM

Half Day PM: 12:30 PM-6 PM

Grades: Incoming K-8th

No Camp Days: 6/19 & 7/4

Link to register: https://www.rightatschool.com/school/?school=summer-camp-at-kingsley-elementary&tab=summer-camps

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

Willard Welcome Packet

• English
• Spanish

District 65 Back to School Guides

• English
• Spanish

March

• 5th: School Improvement Half Day
• 24th-28th: Spring Break