Dear Families,
We had two exciting experiences this week! Monday began with a full school election! All classrooms went to the ballot boxes to submit their vote for if Buddy the Bear should order pizza or a hot dog for lunch. Our students love anything to do about Buddy, so they were quite excited. This was a great way to involve our students in current events in a way that was fun for our 3-6-year-olds. If you're wondering, pizza was the big winner! Check out this adorable video that captures the excitement of the election.
On Thursday we kicked off Buddy Classrooms! During our Buddy Classroom events, each early childhood classroom partners with an older kindergarten classroom. We foster a relationship between classrooms to deepen a sense of community and student belonging while supporting the development of positive social interactions. Our kindergartners feel proud to be models and helpers for our younger students, and our younger students learn from our older students and love making these connections. We have one Buddy Classroom opportunity a month, where together, the mixed groupings learn about our featured behavior of the month and share in an activity together. This week, students brainstormed "expected behaviors" at school and enjoyed a coloring activity. We're looking forward to seeing these connections grow throughout the school year. It has been a delight to have students excitedly share about their new friends across our school.
Happy Veterans Day to all and to those who have served our country, thank you for your service! Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Sincerely,
Jenny Smith, Principal
*November Dates to Know*
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
NEW *We'd Love Your Input! ONE QUESTION Parent Survey*
We are hoping for some input related to our January Kindergarten Pre-Registration evening. Every January, we open the school in the evening for families to come in and start the registration process. Families bring in their residency documents and complete paperwork on a bank of computers we have set up. We've noticed our in-person pre-registration evening in January has less and less attendance. This makes sense, as families are juggling many things and we have the technology to have people do it online. We also understand the importance and excitement for some of getting to come into the school for in-person pre-registration. Last year we had such a low number of in-person families, we are considering going online only. We still will have a Kindergarten Kick-Off evening in May, which is when families and children get to come to the school and learn about all things kindergarten, including a school tour. Please know, pre-registration evening does not include any of the Kindergarten Kick-Off festivities that will happen in May, such as a school tour, going into kindergarten classrooms, parent orientation, etc.
We would love your input! Early Childhood families, you are one step ahead as your children are already in attendance at our school so you'll receive instructions to complete pre-registration without attending the evening, but your opinion is very welcome! Kindergarten families, you just went through this in January and we'd love your insights, as well. Thank you for taking the time to complete this ONE QUESTION SURVEY.
NEW *Willow Grove ~ Window to the World Cultural Fair Update*
We have great news! Based on the number of volunteers, we are able to proceed with planning for our Window to the World Cultural Fair. Thank you to those of you who volunteered! We will share information shortly via email that will guide and support you to prepare for the evening.
This is a reminder to all to save the date of December 8th from 6-7:30 PM. This will be a night to remember. Families are encouraged to wear clothing that represents their culture. For some this may mean special, customary garments, while for others it means dressing up to make it a special night. This isn't required. It just adds to the fun. Any attire is welcome!
NEW *PTO News*
ORIGINAL WORKS:
Please be on the lookout for a brochure about Original Works! This is a great opportunity to put your student's artwork on gifts for loved ones! Orders are due by 11/22/22 to ensure arrival before the holidays.
SPIRIT WEAR LIMITED RE-LAUNCH:
If you missed our spirit wear sale earlier in the year, now is your chance to order! We are offering a limited selection of screen printed items and hats! Now including toddler sizes! Please check our social media posts and our blog (linked below) to navigate to the spirit wear store.
REMINDER TO DONATE WHILE YOU DINE
Please save the date! Our next fundraiser is on November 29th, at MOD Pizza in Kildeer. A portion of the purchases made mentioning our fundraiser will benefit our school.
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.