The

Happy Friday, Willard Family!

What a week it has been! Before we dive into all the exciting things happening in our community, I have to share a little personal highlight — my mom and I just returned from an incredible trip to the Pacific Northwest, and I am still in awe! From the towering Redwoods (I truly had no idea how massive they are until I was standing right next to one!) to hiking all the way to the top of Multnomah Falls, to soaking in the stunning murals and breathtaking views of Seattle — it was a trip we will never forget. Mom had a blast, though she did have a few words about all those hills! 😄

Back home and recharged, what a week we came back to! We had the joy of celebrating our Chess Club, as well as honoring the transitioning students from Kingsley on Thursday! What fun!

This week's newsletter is packed with important reminders for upcoming events, so please read on! We have the Rummage Sale happening TOMORROW, Teacher Appreciation Week, and the AAPI Celebration all just around the corner — you won't want to miss a thing.

As always, if you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to reach out. Enjoy the newsletter, and have a wonderful weekend, Willard Family! 💛

Best,

AP Ernvall

🛍 Dig in. Discover treasures. Take 'em home.

Join us in celebrating our amazing staff during the week of May 4th! We have so many wonderful ways planned to show them how much they're appreciated — and we'd love for you and your students to be part of it! Scan the QR codes for more details, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to Anna Vogelzang. Thank you!

As we approach Teacher Appreciation Week, feel free to show your appreciation for a teacher who has made a difference in your child’s life by making a gift to Foundation 65 in their honor. The teacher will receive a special note, and your donation will help fund innovative educational programs for District 65 students.

Fill out and return this Honor a Teacher form to Foundation 65 or go to https://www.foundation65.org/honor-a-teacher to fill out the form online! Thanks!

The Willard Chess Club wrapped up the tournament season this week at the City Championship - Chute Chess Tournament. With seven more students competing than last year, the team showcased a mix of experienced players and first-time competitors.

Special recognition goes to our Bronze Medalists who placed in their grade categories: Cielo Carlino, Minh Le, and Mateo Williams.

This year was particularly meaningful as we prepare to say goodbye to many of our 5th-graders moving on to Haven Middle School, as well as our TWI students transitioning to Foster School. We wish all students the very best.

A huge thank you goes to 5th-grade teacher, Ms. Furlow, for volunteering her time and classroom to host our players. Also, we are looking for parent volunteers to help keep this momentum going for next year. If you are interested in supporting our growing team, please reach out!

Thank You, Willard family, for your support!

The floor belongs to the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders. Parents, let's make sure the evening mood stays right. Talk through each vibe check below with your child/ren before they arrive.

• Bring your main character energy. Whether you’re hitting the Griddy, showing off your cleanest shuffle, or throwing out some Stray Kids-level choreo, we want to see it. If it’s viral, we want to see it live.

• We're here to slay, not to sprint. No speed running through the halls or the dance floor. Keep the movement to the music

👠 Looking forward to seeing everyone! Thanks! 👟

Let's Dance the Night Away as we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month on Friday May 8th, from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Willard Elementary school! Practice your Chinese Lion Dance skills, learn how to Bollywood dance, listen to K-pop music, create fun crafts and more! Plus, enjoy delicious Thai food catered by our own Willard Family Member and located right here in Evanston, Siam Splendour!!

Please consider volunteering to make this year's AAPI event successful! Volunteer opportunites can be found here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F48A4A92AA0F8C43-63595767-aapi#/

It's time to order your yearbook! Click here to order online, or complete this form and drop it off at the Willard front office with cash or a check made out to Willard PTA. Paper order forms are also available at the main office. Don't miss this opportunity to hold onto the memories, faces, and moments that made this school year one to remember.

May 13th: Foster School Family Night @Bessie Rhodes (6:00-7:00pm)

April 30th : Haven Feeder School Visit - Walking Trip (1:00-2:15pm)

This section of the newsletter highlights flyers from community organizations, partnerships, and programs that your family might enjoy. While these organizations are independent from our school, they offer wonderful opportunities to explore as we head into Spring Break and Summer.

The 3rd Annual Kuumba Evanston Olympic Games are BIGGER & BETTER than last year (watch video)!!

Aimed at fostering a love of sports, teamwork, and personal growth among current 3rd to 6th-grade students, the games bring children from all across Evanston together for 3 weekends of fun at Evanston Township High School. There are 21 different Olympic sports including ours!! In addition to competitive, Olympic style games and challenges, experienced coaches and mentors from Evanston will not only teach their sport, but also instill the Core Values of the games: Spirit, Effort, Teamwork and Sportsmanship.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Confirm your schedule and availability:
• Sports Carnivals: April 25 & 26 and May 2 & 3. Pick one or two of these dates - athletes do not need to attend all four dates.
• Olympic Games: Begin Friday, June 13 and end with the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, June 29.
• Review the event and competition schedule.
2. Register for the Olympics here.
• If you did not participate last year, you will need to create an account. Once an account has been created, you will be prompted to fill out three forms. Please complete the forms in their entirety. You will receive a confirmation email once your registration has been submitted.

If you need support or have questions with registration, please read the FAQ’s or contact olympics@kuumbaevanston.org and they will get back to you as soon as possible.

Join Pink Poster Club - May 1st 4:30-6:30 for a family friendly community event at Larimer park in Evanston. Bring the food you have, a blanket and enjoy our community while members from Pink Poster Club read children’s books about the labor movement.

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!

April:

• 25th: RUMMAGE SALE (8:00-3:00pm)
• 26th: Foundation 65 Community Showcase (2:00-4:00pm)
• 26th: Registration deadline for 6th Grade and Selective Enrollment
• 28th: D65 Sustainability Community Meeting (Virtual)
• 30th: ABC Countdown Begins! (More Details Coming...)
• 30th: Haven Feeder School Visit - Walking Trip (1:00-2:15pm)

• 3rd: Justin Wynn Awards Ceremony (10:30-12:30pm)
• 3rd: D65 Chicago Stars Soccer Game Fundraiser

• 4th: Committee of the Whole Meeting (5:00-7:00pm)
• 5th: 5th Grade Tree Planting!!
• 6th: School Improvement Day (Dismissal at 12:05pm)
• 8th: AAPI Celebration (6:00-8:00pm)