Dear Families,
We are looking forward to next week's Scholastic Book Fair and Ice Cream Social put together by our PTO! Details are provided in the PTO Blog, so be sure to take a look. We hope to see you at the Ice Cream Social!
Kindly,
Jenny Smith, Principal
October At-A-Glance
- 16-19 - Scholastic Book Fair (see PTO blog)
- 19 - Ice Cream Social (see PTO blog)
- 24 - EARLY RELEASE DAY
- 31 - Halloween Parade & PTO Party
District 2023-2024 School Year Calendar
NEW *Law Enforcement Drill*
On October 20, Willow Grove will be conducting a Law Enforcement Safety Drill (formerly known as a lockdown drill).
In compliance with the Safety Drill Act, parents have the right to exempt their child from the Law Enforcement Safety Drill.
If you do not wish your child to participate in the Law Enforcement Safety Drill, please contact Jenny Smith, Principal, at [email protected]. The administration will arrange for an alternative review of safety procedures with your child.
If we do not hear from you, we will assume your child has permission to participate in the drill.
NEW *Willow Grove PTO Updates*
In the latest edition of the PTO blog, we look forward to everything happening in October. From the Ice Cream Social to the Book Fair, October’s Dine Out Day, and more! Visit the PTO blog for additional details.
Click here for the Willow Grove PTO Blog to keep up on all the Willow Grove happenings!
NEW *Fire Drill Update*
The weather didn't cooperate this week for our scheduled fire drill. We will be holding one on Tuesday, October 17. Should the weather alter our plans again, we will hold one at the next clear opportunity.
NEW *Coming Soon! Willow Grove ~ Window to the World*
On the evening of December 14th, we’ll be having a fun family event, showcasing the many cultures represented in our school community. We hope to encourage our students to learn about other cultures, to celebrate what makes us all unique, and to recognize the cultural traits that we share.
We cannot do this without your support. In the near future, we will be sharing more details in the principal's message about how you can volunteer! We are so excited for this event!
More on this exciting event to come. Watch the principal’s message for more information! Mark your calendars for the evening of December 14th, 6pm-7:30pm. This will be fun for the whole family!
REPEAT *Halloween Costumes*
It’s hard to believe it’s already time to talk about Halloween, but here we are! Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. I especially love watching your children in all of their excitement! It's important that you know the parameters about costumes as you are choosing the perfect one for our school celebration! 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!
Halloween Festivities
9:15 AM - Parade - Parents may stand on the front sidewalk and grass area near the flagpole 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!
9:45-10:30 - Party (Kindergarten, Structured, and AM Blended/ECSE) - Only approved PTO parent volunteers may enter the building for the classroom parties. Approved volunteers may not swap with a different person or bring relatives/siblings. Our room parents put together a fun celebration in each classroom and we thank you so much!
2-2:45 - Party for PM Blended
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-Approved Halloween 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. This includes "trading" with another individual for the approved volunteer.
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 their 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 the lines are long for this first party.