THE WHOOT!
August 14th, 2024
A Note From Your Principal: Week of Dec. 2nd
As we turn the calendar to December, we embrace the unique energy of this month—a time to reflect on the progress we've made throughout the year and look forward to the opportunities ahead. December is not just the final chapter of 2024 but also a reminder to finish strong, celebrate our successes, and prepare for a fresh start. Let’s savor these moments of togetherness, growth, and gratitude as we close out the year with intention and joy. Here's to a memorable and meaningful December at Willard!
With love,
Ms. Battle
✨Learning In Action✨
Mr. Vick's 3rd Grade Class
Before fall break, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Mr. Vick's class and witness learning come to life in an exciting way. Students were deeply engaged in exploring informational texts, diving into the fascinating world of squids. As they examined text features like headings, captions, and diagrams, it was incredible to see their curiosity sparked and their understanding deepen. The energy in the room was amazing as students connected the dots between what they were reading and the unique characteristics of these extraordinary sea creatures. It was a true celebration of learning in action, showcasing the thoughtful teaching and active participation that make learning come alive!
Willard Updates
Getting Ready For Winter
As winter creeps in and temperatures continue to drop, we want to remind families that students will still be outside for arrival and recess whenever the weather allows. Please be sure to send your child to school with warm winter gear, including a hat, coat, gloves, scarf, and snow boots, to keep them comfortable during outdoor time.
If your family is in need of any winter items, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or Ms. Kornhauser. We are more than happy to connect you with resources to ensure your child has everything they need for the season.
Additionally, if you have any gently used winter items that you’re no longer using, we’d love your donations! You can drop them off at the front office, and we’ll make sure they go to students who need them. Thank you for helping us keep all of our students warm and ready to learn this winter!
MAP Testing Starts Dec. 3rd
MAP Testing will begin Dec. 3rd until Dec. 12th. Classroom teachers will share their testing schedules! To prepare for MAP...
Night Before the Test:
1. Make sure that your child goes to be on time so that they are well-rested.
2. Keep your routine as consistent as possible. Upsetting natural routines can cause a child to feel insecure and stressed.
3. Be positive and confident in the fact that you know that your child will do their best.
Morning of the Test:
1. Get up a few minutes early to avoid rushing to school.
2. Have your child eat a nutritious breakfast. There is a strong correlation between eating breakfast and cognitive functioning.
3. Allow your child to dress comfortably!
4. Build confidence and stay positive!
After the Test:
1. Talk with your child about their feelings about the test
2. Discuss any challenges
3. Explain that performance on a test doesn't define them as people! It is merely another opportunity to demonstrate learning. (This is super important to reinforce)
Willard PTA
We’ve welcomed 46 new families to the PTA so far this year, and we’d love to keep growing our PTA community. Your involvement and support enables us to provide discretionary funds for teachers, community and cultural celebrations, and much more. Please consider joining today!
Join the Willard PTA
Register to be a Willard/D65 volunteer
Shop the Willard Spirit Wear Store
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.
Bullying vs. Teasing Discussion
Our Middle School Counselors are hosting an event for middle school caregivers about bullying vs. teasing on 11/21 from 6:30-7:30 pm at Haven. This is open to all middle school caregivers from all of our schools.
Right At School
Important Dates:
11/4/24-Scholarship Application Opened
11/18/24- Regular Registration Opens
12/6/24- LAST Day of FALL Clubs
12/9/24- FIRST Day of WINTER Clubs
Right At School has a new Family Portal How-to Center, a dedicated resource designed to help families manage their Family Portal accounts. This center includes visual and written guides covering a range of topics, making it easier for families to navigate the portal. This should help families a lot. There will also be an increased number of customer service staff during registration periods.
What's Happening in Evanston?
City of Evanston Holiday Drive!
Help ensure every Evanston family can celebrate this holiday season. From Friday, November 1 to Monday, December 9, COE is collecting new, unwrapped toys in addition to staple food items for holiday meals, including stuffing, green beans, yams, mac and cheese, corn, and cornbread mix. We're also collecting new and gently used children's books. We are also accepting check and credit card donations through the Evanston Parks Foundation. Click the link below for more information!
Volunteer Process
Looking to volunteer at Willard? Click here for our district's volunteer process!
Useful Resources
Dates to Remember
December
- 4th: School Improvement Day (Early Dismissal)
- 5th: Vision and Hearing Screening Day
- Report Cards Distributed