Willow Grove Principal's Message ~ September 8, 2023

Willow Grove Principal's Message ~ September 8, 2023

Dear Families,

It's always an exciting occasion as kids come in dressed and styled to perfection for picture day! Picture Day is not just about getting that perfect snapshot, in fact, looking back at my own kids' photos, the ones I love the most are the ones that probably aren't the best. This is because it's about celebrating the unique personalities and heartwarming charm of our students. Seeing each child dressed up and ready to shine brings immense joy to our school community. I hope you receive a memory you cherish! 

Kindly,

Jenny Smith, Principal

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September At-A-Glance

  • Tues., September 19 - Early Release Day
  • Mon., September 25 - No School - District Holiday

District 2023-2024 School Year Calendar


New: Erin’s Law - Early Childhood

An Illinois law known as Erin’s Law requires schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness/prevention curriculum for Early Childhood through Grade 12. This was previously communicated as K-Grade 12. My apologies for this error.

Opt-Out Procedures

As previously shared, the presentation to Willow Grove kindergarten students will be during the school day on Monday, September 11th. Students in the ECSE, Blended, and Structured early childhood program do not attend the September 11th presentation.  Our school social worker pushes into those settings to provide a developmentally appropriate presentation for our youngest students on September 29th. If you prefer that your child not attend this prevention education session, please submit your written request to [email protected].


New: Willow Walk - Thursday, September 28, 2023

On Thursday, September 28, we will be having our annual "Willow Walk."  Due to the age of our students, this is a reasonable walk designed just for them!  The walk will promote positive school unity and give us all a brief activity to enjoy as a school family.  This is not a 5k-like event.  This is much shorter given the age of our students.  

Please be sure to dress your children for walking in mind and for the weather.  We will go out if it is cold.  If it is rainy, we will try to schedule a rain date.  Let's cross our fingers for a beautiful day!  

Children will be provided with water after the walk (thank you, PTO!).  

Parents may view the walk from the designated viewing area.  The viewing area is on our front sidewalk/grassy area surrounding the flagpole, along Checker Dr.  Do not stand on the circle drive or walk onto our campus during the walk.  We must maintain a safe and orderly environment for all children.  The walk begins at about 9:30 and kids will circle past the viewing area one time for you to cheer them on!

A Special Note for Parents of PM Blended Early Childhood Students

As we want this to be an opportunity for all of our students, you are welcome to bring your child to attend.  Please bring your child to the Willow Grove office at 9:30 a.m. where they will meet their teacher to participate in the walk. You may view the walk from our designated viewing area (grass near the flagpole) and come to the main office after the event to collect your child. If you would like to bring your child to the walk, please email his/her teacher to let them know, so they know who to expect.  

Willow Walk Parent Volunteer Opportunity

We have limited volunteer positions if you are interested. If you are interested in volunteering, CLICK HERE. Sign-up closes on Friday, September 15th, and spots are first-come, first-serve, based on the date/time of completing our volunteer form. Please read and consider all information on the sign-up survey prior to completing it. Volunteers need to be adults-only, no siblings or guests may be with volunteers. Mr. Sutten will confirm with all who offer to volunteer the week of September 18th.


New: Makerspace Learning Center Donations

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New: Fall MAP Reports - Kindergarten Only

Fall MAP Reports will be sent home via email on Tuesday, September 12.


Repeat: Willow Grove PTO Updates

In the latest edition of the PTO blog, explore Willow Grove’s back-to-school offerings. Sign up for the 2023-2024 yearbook, sign up/select options for the upcoming Dessert Days, and find other relevant information for the school year.

Click here for the Willow Grove PTO Blog!


Repeat: Picture Day Information

We have a retake day on Friday, October 13th, for any student who misses photos or whose parents choose a retake.