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Good Evening Willard Families,

First, please accept my apologies for the delayed newsletter this week. I wanted to ensure I could properly acknowledge and include everything our community deserves to hear.

Principal Battle and I want to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible way you showed up this past week. Your support during morning entry and dismissal perfectly exemplifies what it means to be a true community. The "All Hands On Deck" mentality you demonstrated fills us with appreciation and reminds us why our school family is so special.

Please know that our entire staff remains committed to supporting your families and maintaining the safe, welcoming environment your children deserve. Your babies are our priority, and we're here for whatever you need during these times. Please don't hesitate to reach out and let us know how we can best support you and your family.

We hope this weekend brought moments of relaxation and joy with your loved ones. It was wonderful to see all those smiling faces back in our hallways today!

Welcome to November, everyone – and what a way to start it with Da Bears victory yesterday! 🐻

🦁 = 😭

With gratitude and partnership,

AP Ernvall

We know that access to food affects our students’ ability to learn and engage at school. Breakfast and lunch are available every day at each of our school buildings to all students (view menus). Breakfast starts 30 minutes before the school day at our elementary and middle schools and 15 minutes prior at our magnet schools.

We are working closely with the City of Evanston on connecting families with resources. For food assistance, donation needs, and the current status of SNAP benefits, please view this page: City of Evanston’s SNAP Resources.

If you are not currently enrolled to receive free or reduced meals and think you might qualify, the application remains open all year. Not sure if you’d qualify or have questions? Our Nutrition Services team is here to help. Please call 847-859-8130 or email 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!

Griffin's Tale is a children's repertory theater company through Northwestern. They adapt stories from elementary-aged children into dramatic theater productions, which they present to school communities. They are fun, wild, silly, infectious actors with a love for story and theatrics!

They will join us for two productions on May 29th to perform stories written by Willard students. We want our Willard kiddos to write lots of creative stories to submit for consideration.

Essentially, stories need to be written by students (of any grade) but aside from that, there are no restrictions. They can be as long, as short, as wordy, as picture-filled, as serious or as casual as the student wants them to be. Griffin's Tale loves adapting stories of every type! That being said, they do ask that students not use ChatGPT or any form of AI.

All stories must be submitted to your child's teacher or Ms. Harries by December 3rd. We will attach the required Story Identification Form to their submission and get them mailed into Griffin's Tale.

Happy Imaginating!

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

To make this evening truly magical, we're seeking parental assistance. We're looking for support in two key ways:

1. Materials: Do you have some needed decor or other items to enhance our camping atmosphere?

2. Activity Facilitation: Can you help guide an activity station or lend a hand where needed?

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.

NOTICE: Board Meeting Time Clarification

We acknowledge that the process at the October 27th Board Meeting may have created some confusion regarding the public start time. To ensure full transparency and clarity for all stakeholders, the District 65 Board is providing a procedural clarification regarding the official start times for Open and Closed Sessions.

The Open Meeting begins with roll call at 5 p.m., immediately followed by a motion to enter Closed Session.

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:

• 3rd: D65 Committee of the Whole Meeting
• 4th: K-2 Author Visit
• 5th: 1/2 Day Early Release
• 5th: Willard PTA Exec Board Meeting
• 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