Willow Grove Principal's Message ~ October 28, 2022

Students walking outside the school

Dear Families,

I am very excited about Monday's weather forecast which makes me believe we should be in good shape for our outdoor parade. I'm crossing my fingers and toes! If there is inclement weather and we need to switch to an indoor parade a message will be shared with parents. Unfortunately, parents cannot attend our indoor parade for safety reasons. As I said, I'm thrilled it looks like we'll be in good shape! We are all so excited to see the costumes and excitement of your children on Monday!

We were able to complete our second required fire drill this week. We took advantage of the first day that cleared up and jumped outside for the couple of minutes it takes to complete the drill. Our students are really doing great with our drills this year and we are so proud of them!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jenny Smith, Principal


NEW *October/November Dates to Know*

Monday, 10/31 ~ Halloween Parade and Parties - see details in "Repeat" information

Monday, 11/7 ~ Picture Retake Day: Parents interested in retakes (or if absent on picture day) should email their child's teacher, and send their child in with their original pictures (coming soon). If your child was absent on our original picture day, they will take a picture on this day.

11/8 – NO SCHOOL - Election Day

11/11 – Report period ends

11/18 – Trimester 1 report cards issued

11/23 – NO SCHOOL - District Holiday

11/24 – NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Day

11/25 – NO SCHOOL - District Holiday

11/29 – EARLY RELEASE DAY


Willow Grove banner

Willow Grove ~ Window to the World - Calling All Families!

On the evening of December 8th from 6:00-7:30 PM, we’ll be having a fun family event, showcasing the many cultures represented in our school community.  We are excited to learn from and celebrate each other!  We cannot do this without your support and are looking for parents who would like to share artifacts and traditions from around the country and globe with our students and families.  Parents who are interested can share about holidays, traditions, clothing, games/toys, geographical location and landmarks, music, art, food, etc.  Children or families may do a short performance (dance, music, etc.).  Things families choose to showcase are not limited to places outside of our own country.  Families can share about areas right here in the USA and what makes their family unique to help us all learn about one another.  We are so excited about this event!  We hope that you’ll consider sharing with our school community.  We would all love to learn from you!  If you would be interested in participating, please CLICK HERE BY NOVEMBER 11th to complete this brief survey.  THANK YOU!  

Note: You can partner up with others!  You don’t have to do your booth alone.  We will organize groups based on our volunteers and topics and individuals can feel free to work together, if you choose!

CLICK HERE to see a video from a previous cultural fair! This will give you a great idea of what the event is all about! 

Mark your calendars for the evening of December 8th.  This will be fun for the whole family!


NEW *Student Sense of Belonging Survey*

In District 96, we believe that feedback from students regarding their perception of the school climate and teacher-student relationships provides valuable input about their sense of belonging. Our school district is committed to providing our students with every opportunity to succeed. Substantial research indicates that supporting students’ social-emotional development improves their readiness to learn, positive classroom engagement, and overall academic performance. As a result, District 96 will administer a student belonging survey to all students EC-8. These surveys are below for your review. A physical copy will be available from the district office upon request.

Surveys Below

Student Belonging Survey K-2

Student Belonging Survey 3-5

Student Belonging Survey 6-8

See this letter for further information.


NEW *PTO News*

BOOK FAIR

The scholastic book fair is still open online through October 30th!  Please check our social media for a link and get your orders in before it's too late.

REMINDER TO CONNECT WITH THE PTO

Remember to check the Willow Grove PTO online at the links below for the latest PTO news and events.

Willow Grove PTO Page 

Willow Grove PTO Blog 

Willow Grove PTO Membership Toolkit


REPEAT *Halloween on Monday, October 31*

It’s hard to believe it’s already time to talk about Halloween, but I’ve been seeing costumes pop up at the stores already!  Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. I especially love watching your children in all of their excitement!   I like to provide details about Halloween early so you will know parameters about costumes as you are choosing the perfect one!  There is also an opportunity for you to view our parade I’d like to share with you.

Costumes - As you are choosing or creating a costume for your child, please keep them school appropriate.  No blood or gore and no bare tummies in school. Children may not wear masks. Weapons, real or pretend, are never allowed on school grounds.  No cigars or cigarette items. Please keep hair coloring and make-up simple. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

9:30 AM - Parade - Parents may stand on the front sidewalk to view our parade!  If there is rain, we will need to cancel the outdoor parade. We cannot allow parents in the school to view the indoor parade, for obvious security reasons.  Let's cross our fingers for a beautiful fall day!

10:00-10:45 - Party (Kindergarten, Structured, and AM Blended/ECSE) - Only approved PTO parent volunteers may enter the building for the classroom parties.  Our room parents put together a fun celebration in each classroom!  

2-2:45 - Party for PM Blended/ECSE

Blended and ECSE Program - Blended will have 2 parties (one for AM and one for PM).   Again, only PTO-approved volunteers may attend the party. Blended PM parents may bring their child in just for the parade if they'd like.  Parents must provide transportation to and from the school parade. Students must leave after the parade and return when their typical program starts.  If you choose to bring your child to the parade please notify your child’s teacher so they know to expect your child. You will drop them off in the office and pick them up there after the parade.  Please bypass the line for scanning ID’s for the party and come right in to retrieve your child.  

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR PTO PARTY VOLUNTEERS:

Parents attending the parties may not bring additional family members, other children, etc.  We need everyone to abide by this and will have to ask you to leave if you come with other attendees.  For your sake and ours, please do not put us in this situation. We have many individuals entering our building for the party and cannot accommodate additional individuals.   

Every PTO volunteer approved to come into our school MUST have their license or ID scanned through our security system to enter.  You have to bring this with you or you will not be able to enter. There is always a very long line at this first party, so please anticipate this.  We highly encourage PTO room party volunteers to swing by Willow sometime in the month of October before October 31st to have your license scanned, which will speed up the process.  The more people who come in early to be scanned, the shorter the line! You may also come in the day of the Halloween party BEFORE THE PARADE to have your license scanned.  We will clear out the office just before the parade starts, so please come early, as lines are long for this first party.