THE WHOOT!

In life's rhythm of ups and downs, remember this truth: your spark never dims. Between the rushed morning coffees and midnight worry sessions, you're still weaving everyday magic. Perhaps it's your ability to make someone laugh even when your own smile feels heavy. The chaos doesn't diminish your light – it simply shows how brightly you can shine through the storm.

So on those days when everything feels a bit too much, when you're running on empty yet still giving, know this: your kind of magic isn't in perfection, but in persistence. You're still that same wonderful force of nature, just wearing different weather. Here's to a great week and an even better Winter break!

With love,

Ms. Battle

Our classrooms are full of excitement and meaningful learning! Here’s a quick peek at what’s been happening:

• Ms. Noble and Ms. Johnston: Our incredible 4th grade teachers, Ms. Noble and Ms. Johnston, brought science to life this week with an engaging hands-on learning experience! As students delved into their Wit and Wisdom unit on the Circulatory System, these innovative educators organized a fascinating dissection activity that allowed students to see firsthand what they've been studying in their texts. The excitement and curiosity in the classroom was palpable as students made real-world connections to their learning. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our wonderful family volunteers who helped make this educational adventure possible. Your support and participation enriched the experience for all our young scientists!

• Willard Staff: Currently, our educators are diving deep into professional development led by our Culture and Climate team, exploring the book "Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally and Responsive Teaching and Learning." Through this valuable resource, our teachers are discovering new ways to create joyful learning experiences that put student voices and perspectives at the center while encouraging problem-solving and fun. Ms. Noble and Ms. Johnston's dissection activity beautifully demonstrates how this professional learning translates into meaningful classroom experiences that capture our students' imaginations and foster their natural curiosity.

This year, we are having our first Willard Winter Wonderland celebration on Thursday, December 19th! To make it run as smoothly as possible, we are looking for parent volunteers to help out and add to the magic. You can sign up here for one (or more!) of the 30-40 minute time slots available this Thursday. If you can't make it but know someone who might be able to, please spread the word! We'll need your help running the crafts and movement activities taking place in the gym.

A HUGE shoutout to Ms. Johnston for organizing a NEW Willard tradition!

Hello families!

District 65 is excited to bring back the Spelling Bee in English and Spanish for 4th-8th Graders in the district this year. This email contains information about the English Spelling Bee; information about the Spanish Spelling Bee will be shared soon..

Details for the English Spelling Bee:

• The District-Wide English Spelling Bee will take place on February 4, 2025 from 4:30-6:30pm at Chute Elementary

• Classroom Bees will take place the week of January 13th.

• School-Wide Bees will take place the week of January 20th.

• Date of Regional Spelling Bee; February 25, 2025: The North Cook ISC Regional Qualifier will take place at Lincoln Hall School in Lincolnwood on Tuesday, February 25th

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¡Hola familias!

El Distrito 65 está emocionado por celebrar de nuevo el concurso de deletreo (Spelling Bee) en inglés y en español para los estudiantes desde 4to hasta 8vo grado este año en el distrito. Este correo electrónico contiene información acerca del concurso de deletreo en inglés; la información acerca del concurso de deletreo en español se enviará la semana que viene.

Detalles para el concurso de deletreo en inglés:

• El concurso de deletreo en todo el distrito se llevará acabo el 4 de febrero del 2025 de 4:30 a 6:30 p.m. en la secundaria Chute.

• Las eliminatorias del concurso en cada salón de clases tendrán lugar durante la semana del 13 de enero.

• Las eliminatorias del concurso en cada escuela se efectuarán en la semana del 20 de enero.

• Fecha del concurso regional de deletreo: 25 de febrero del 2025 - La etapa de clasificación regional ISC del área norte de Cook será en Lincolnwood en la escuela Lincoln Hall el 25 de febrero.

Donate Your Change to Willard Thru Dec. 19!

It's students versus staff in the battle to see who will collect the most coins, and win a chance to throw a pie in Principal Battle's face! The Willard Coin Drive is going on now through Dec. 19. Buckets are in the Willard front lobby, the library, and outside of Room 107.

We are gearing up for another exciting season of our Elementary Winter Sports Program, designed for 4th and 5th-grade students in partnership with the Evanston Parks and Recreation Department.

Our winter offerings will include basketball, cheerleading, and ultimate frisbee, all aimed at fostering teamwork, physical activity, and a sense of community among our students. Here are some key details to keep in mind as we prepare for the upcoming season:

1. Registration Deadline: January 3, 2024 (Registration is through Evanston Parks and Recreation Department)
2. Ultimate Frisbee: Thursdays from 5–7 PM, January 16–February 20

3. Cheer Academy: Practices on Tuesdays from 6:30–7:30 PM; cheerleaders will support Saturday basketball games.
4. Basketball Games: Saturdays, January 18–February 22

We are excited to invite you to a special in-person and virtual workshop hosted by the Evanston Illinois Welcoming Center on December 17 from 10am-11:30am. Join us for an informative session presented by immigration attorney Eduardo Roman, who will share valuable insights on keeping our communities safe from immigration enforcement (ICE).

This workshop will be conducted in Spanish and is designed to empower community members with essential knowledge.

Please see the flyer for more details.

Thank you,

Nancy Mendoza, B.S.W

Illinois Welcoming Center /Family Advocacy Worker

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

December

• 13th: Report Cards Distributed
• 17th: Vision and Hearing Screening
• 19th: Willard Winter Wonderland and PJ DAY!
• 21st-Jan. 6th: Winter Break

January

• 7th: Students Return