What's Up Willowbrook
October 9, 2026
Important dates
Friday, October 9
- Registration closes for online Parent-Teacher Conferences
Monday, October 12
- No School - District holiday
- PTO Ice Cream Day
- Parent Teacher-Conferences (4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
Thursday, October 15
- Parent-Teacher Conferences (10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
- No school for students
Monday, October 19
- Picture retakes - (please fill out form below)
Wednesday, October 21
- PTO Special Lunch - Chick Fil A
Message from the principal
Leveling up our independence - Backpack checklists
One of our biggest focuses this year is helping our Wildcats become more independent learners who take ownership of their learning, choices, and responsibilities. We are already seeing and hearing about so many great examples!
Some families have shared stories of students making their own snacks for school, and some of our Wildcats are setting goals for the behaviors they want to work on each week. In classrooms, students are developing a stronger understanding of their academic goals and, even more importantly, how they can help themselves reach them. These may seem like small steps, but together they build responsibility, confidence, and independence.
We will continue creating opportunities for students to problem-solve, make decisions, manage their responsibilities, and think about, "What can I do next?"
To continue this partnership at home, we are sending home backpack checklists for every student. We encourage families to let their child lead by using the checklist to pack their backpack each evening. Instead of "Let me do that for you," try asking, "What does your checklist say you need?"
Our goal isn't for students to do everything on their own. It's to help them recognize what they can do for themselves and give them the confidence and opportunity to do it. Whether it's packing a backpack, working toward a behavior goal, solving a problem, or choosing a strategy to move their learning forward, each experience helps our students become more capable and confident.
We appreciate your partnership in giving our Wildcats opportunities to try, make mistakes, problem-solve, and take that next step on their own. The more we empower them today, the more prepared they will be for whatever their next level brings!
Share our administrator role with your networks
District 30 is seeking our next Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations! We know our District 30 families have strong professional networks, and we ask that you please consider sharing this opening with highly qualified candidates.
Those interested can apply directly at district30.org/apply, plus learn more about District 30 overall at district30.org/jobs.
Thank you for your support in helping to recruit a student-centered leader who will maintain District 30's strong finance and operations systems!
Parent-Teacher Conferences Oct. 14-15
Registration is now closed for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Conferences are scheduled for:
Wednesday, October 14, 4:30-8:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 15, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (No school for students!)
Our teachers look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child(ren)'s progress!
Fifth-grade musical "Expressions of Joy"
Congratulations to our talented 5th graders for their wonderful performance of "Expressions of Joy," led by Mr. Barker. They showcased skills with multiple instruments, solo and group singing, and prop choreography. Bravo!
Picture retakes are Monday, October 19
Picture retakes will take place on Monday, October 19. If you would like your child's picture retaken please fill out the google form below by October 14. If you have any questions please contact the front office at 847-498-1090.
Safety drill feedback
Willowbrook is required to conduct six safety drills during the school year. We conducted our observed fire/evacuation drill on Friday, October 9. Everything went great! If you have any questions or concerns please contact Mrs. Katie Compagno, Willowbrook Principal.
Walk for Willowbrook popsicle party
Our Wildcats had a lot to celebrate today during a week-end popsicle party, which they earned for meeting their top fundraising goal in last month's Walk for Willowbrook. We are so grateful to all Willowbrook families for supporting the PTO and their efforts to make a school an even better place to learn and grow!
Get ready for a spooktacular night from the PTO!
Last Day for Trunk-or-Treat discount tickets
Join us for Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 23rd, from 5:30-7:00 PM at Willowbrook! All students and their families are welcome to come dressed in their favorite costumes and enjoy an evening filled with music, games, and plenty of treats. Admission is $10 per child (ages 3 and up) through October 9th and $15 per child (ages 3 and up) after October 9th.
HOST A TRUNK! We are also looking for families to help make the event extra special by hosting a trunk. Sign up using the link below and help us create a fun-filled Halloween experience for our school community!
Looking for a different way to help? VOLUNTEER! We’re looking for volunteers to help with setup, check-in, activities, and clean-up. Please consider volunteering to help make this a boo-tiful event!
Veteran's Day Assembly
We would like to invite any family member or relative that is a Veteran to our assembly on Friday, November 6 at 8:45 a.m. If you would like to be a special guest please fill out the form below or call the front office at 847-498-1090.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
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Level up goal setting at home
Parent Power-Up:
Children are often more motivated and invested when they help set their own goals. At Willowbrook, we want students to understand that goals are not about being perfect; they are about growing. Goal setting helps students identify where they want to go, create a plan for getting there, and reflect on their progress along the way.
By regularly discussing goals and progress at home, families can help children connect their daily actions to long-term growth. These conversations build self-awareness, ownership, and confidence as students begin to recognize that their effort and choices play an important role in their success. Every small step toward a goal is another way students can level up their learning.
IDEAS TO TRY
Reflect Every Friday
Ask:
- What was your goal this week?
- What went well?
- What was challenging?
- What would you do differently next week?
Make a Plan for Obstacles
Ask:
- What might make this goal difficult?
- What will you do if that happens?
Connect Goals to School
Help your child think about goals beyond academics. Examples:
- I will be more organized.
- I will be kind to a new classmate.
- I will ask for help when I need it.
- I will keep trying when work feels difficult.
Health form deadlines coming Oct. 15
For students in kindergarten, grade 2, grade 6 or new to District 30
Health examination form:
- Required for students new to District 30, entering kindergarten, or entering 6th grade.
- Must complete the State of Illinois Health Examination Form, dated within the last 12 months.
- Students without this form and current immunizations may be excluded from school starting October 15, 2026.
Eye examination:
- Required for kindergarten students and students new to District 30 that have moved to the district from out of state
- Submit the completed State of Illinois Eye Examination Form by October 15, 2026
- The eye exam must have been conducted on or after August 20, 2025.
Dental examinations
- Required for all kindergarten, 2nd grade and 6th grade students
- Due by May 15, 2027
Questions?
- Contact your School Registered Nurse Mrs. Lisa Mullen at lmullen@district30.org or 847-400-8860.
April 2027 elections for School Board
Running? File petition by Nov. 23
Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 will have four school board seats to be filled at the Consolidated Election on April 6, 2027. Candidates who are elected will fill four-year terms expiring in April 2031.
Candidates for the office of the school board can begin circulating nominating petitions for signatures. The period for filing nominating petitions runs from November 16-23, 2026.
A candidate for the school board is required to file the nominating petitions, Statement of Candidacy, and receipt for filing their Statement of Economic Interests with the applicable county election clerk and not with the school board secretary or the administrative offices of the school district. The county clerk may have petition forms available, or blank petitions may be downloaded from the State Board of Elections website.
Candidates may also want to consult the “2027 Candidate’s Guide,” which can be downloaded from the Illinois State Board of Elections website, or contact the county clerk or board of election commissioners regarding the requirements of filing. Candidates and voters can get information about District 30 from our website and learn about being a school board member from the Illinois Association of School Boards at: iasb.com/elections.
Candidates who are interested in seeking endorsement from the District 30 School Board Caucus should contact Katie Schick (kateschick0609@gmail.com) by Friday, October 16. The School Board Caucus is a committee of District 30 residents that includes families both with and without children enrolled in Willowbrook, Wescott and Maple schools. The Caucus' role is to source, screen and endorse potential school board candidates. To be considered by the Caucus, candidates will need to complete a detailed application as well as an interview. If you are interested in learning more about joining the Caucus, please contact Katie.
FROM THE WILLOWBROOK PTO
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Yearbook photos
We are excited to begin gathering photos for this year’s Willowbrook School Yearbook, and we would love your help! You can start by uploading your first-day-of-school and Ice Cream Social pictures. Please click the button below to upload pictures you would like to share. We kindly ask that the photos only include current Willowbrook students. Thank you for helping us capture these special moments! We can’t wait to see your photos!
PTO Special Lunch dates
The Willowbrook PTO partners with Lunch Solutions to offer Special Lunch each third Wednesday of the month. All Special Lunch orders are managed by Lunch Solutions and ordered from local restaurants.
SPECIAL LUNCH DATES
October 21 - Chick Fil A
November 18 - Culver's
December 16 - Panera Bread
January 20 - Happi Sushi - Yummy Bowl
February 17 - Epic Burger
March 17 - Once Upon a Bagel
April 14 - Tropical Smoothie Cafe
May 19 - Josh's
Volunteers needed for lunch
Volunteering at lunch is a great way to become involved at Willowbrook! As a lunch volunteer, you get to spend time with your child, get to know your child's classmates and feel more connected with the Willowbrook community.
Volunteers are needed to set up the lunch line, help serve students and do minimal cleanup.
- Lunch service is approximately 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- You can sign up for one or more slots
- Questions? Contact willowpto@district30.org
PTO committee volunteers needed
When adults volunteer, students benefit! There are many opportunities to get involved; please consider signing up for a committee so the PTO can continue to fund events, such as:
- School Store
- Students Night Out
- Staff appreciation events
- And more!
IMPORTANT LINKS
Safe2Help Illinois
Any time a student feels unsafe, any adult in their school can help!
But sometimes, students or parents wish to reach out for help in a different way or after school hours. Safe2Help Illinois offers students a safe way to share information 24/7 that might help prevent any threat to school safety, including bullying, self-harm or other serious concerns.
The goal of this program is to get students to “seek help before harm;" it is not intended to suspend, expel, or punish. Safe2Help Illinois also offers a Mental Health Toolkit that provides resources for parents and educators reinforce the components of this program.
Safe2Help Illinois offers around-the-clock help via:
- Hotline: 844-4-SAFEIL
- Text line: 72332
- Email HELP@Safe2HelpIL.com
- Plus a website full of resources for young people seeking help for themselves or a friend. Its Ways To Get Help page is a directory of specialized hotlines, and other sections of its website provide practical steps for dealing with depression or helping a distraught friend. The checklist called "20 Questions To Ask Yourself If You Feel Like Giving Up" can help older children overcome a bout of anxiety or depression.
Willowbrook School
Willowbrook School is part of Northbrook/Glenview District 30, which exists to create an inclusive community that inspires learning, fosters resiliency, and cares deeply for every child. We honor childhood and foster intellectual, physical and social-emotional growth. District 30 serves more than 1,200 students in pre-K through 8th grade across Willowbrook, Wescott and Maple Schools.
We prohibit harassment and discrimination of all forms within our district and follow all policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment for all.
Main Office: 847-498-1090
Health Office: 847-400-8860
Location: 2500 Happy Hollow Road, Glenview, IL
Website: district.30.org/willowbrook