Bright Beginnings
Week of Monday, Aug 31st - Friday, Sept 4th, 2026

๐ This Week at a Glance
September 7-12
Monday: No School Labor Day
Tuesday: Welcome Back Otters
7:00 pm D200 Board of Education meeting @ WHS Library
Wednesday: Picture Day
Thursday:
- 9:00 Fire Drill Practice with Fire Department
Friday:
- Woodstock Crosstown Spirit Day! Wear either your Woodstock North or Woodstock High School Spirit Wear
Safety Drills
Fire Drill Preparation
Safety is our top priority, and practicing routine responses helps ensure our students feel calm and prepared in any situation. On Thursday, September 3rd at 1:00, our school will conduct a planned Fire drill.
How We Support Our Students During Drills:
Visual & Social Prep: Staff will review social stories and visual schedules with students prior to the drill so they know what to expect.
Sensory Supports: Noise-canceling headphones, sensory tools, and designated quiet spaces will be accessible throughout the practice.
Staff Guidance: 1:1 and small-group staff will guide students through each step at a manageable pace to minimize anxiety.
No action is needed from you, but you are welcome to talk with your child about safety practice at home using your usual routines. If your child requires specific accommodations during safety events that we haven't already discussed, please reach out to your classroom team. I have attached some supports that you may use at home.
Social Story for D200 systems Book:
https://console.nerchat.com/share/6a875d5fcce46eba893b94fa
Fire Drill Song for School | It's a Fire Drill | Social Story | Learning Song for Children
Fire Drill Rules Social Story (with Visuals for ELLs)
Fire Drill Social Script Narrated
Fire Drill at School | Calm Social Story for Autistic & Special Needs
Fire Drill at School | Calm Social Story for Autistic & Special Needs
Picture Day is Coming!
Food Service
Please Visit the D200 Food Service Website for important information and to manage your child's lunch account.
Menus
Mealtime Accounts
Free & reduced Meal Applications
Families and Students Quick Links
Internet Safety
๐ Student Spotlights ๐
Students are getting used to their new schedules
Our Bright Beginnings Students have been getting used to their daily Schedules!
Motor Room
Our Motor Room is growing every week! We are excited to be developing a space where our students can reach their goals!
Independence
Along with our academic goals, our Bright Beginning students are learning to work and attend to activities independently.
Woodstock D200 Challenger Center Anniversary!
๐ค Support & Resources for Families๐ค
The following is a list of community agencies, therapists, and private practitioners which some D200 families have utilized for outpatient counseling or evaluations. This information is provided for informational purposes only. Woodstock District 200 cannot recommend or endorse any particular provider and is unable to determine eligibility or coverage for services.
Options and Advocacy for McHenry County
PUNS:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ak5EsVUAEueyIciRHw9nxdB8inF8IEc5/view
CARES Referral Line
Pioneer Center for Human Services (815) 344-1230
(800) 345-9049 (for families with Medicaid or no insurance)
4031 W. Dayton St.
McHenry