Dear Families,
It's getting chilly outside! Be sure your child comes to school prepared for the weather. We go outside on most days to enjoy some fun and fresh air!
We hope to see you at the Ice Cream Social and Book Fair coming up next week on Thursday! Details are provided in the PTO Blog, so be sure to take a look. Be sure not to miss the PTO Blog, as there are some special details related to purchases for books and ice cream.
Thank you so much, PTO, for our author visit today! The students loved it and this is such a wonderful way to continue to foster a love of literacy with our students.
Kindly,
Jenny Smith, Principal
Upcoming Dates & Helpful Resources
- Tuesday, October 22 - EARLY RELEASE DAY
- Thursday, October 24 - PTO Scholastic Book Fair & Ice Cream Social - 5:30 PM-7:00 PM
- Thursday, October 31 - Halloween Parade & PTO Party
2024-25 School Year Calendar & Hours
NEW *Coming Soon! Willow Grove ~ Window to the World*
On the evening of December 11th, 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 11th, 6pm-7:30pm. This will be fun for the whole family!
NEW *Thank a Bus Driver for School Bus Driver Appreciation Day on 10/22!*
October 22nd is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day in Illinois! We would like to thank all of our bus drivers or all they do each day to make sure our students get to and from school safely. Please join us in thanking our drivers. The District couldn't run without you!
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NEW *Law Enforcement Drill*
On October 28, Willow Grove will be conducting a Law Enforcement Safety Drill (formerly known as a lockdown drill). Similar to the Law Enforcement Drill education we did earlier this school year, we are very mindful of the ages and developmental levels of our students. We conduct this drill thoughtfully, always keeping this in mind.
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 your child's teacher and 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.
REPEAT & FINAL REMINDER *Parent Network*
PARENTS, please join us! On October 24th, Educator/Author/Speaker Michael Brandwein will be speaking at 7 pm at Twin Groves Middle School. In partnership with D102 & D103, Brandwein will present, "Talking it Out: How to Have Great Communication with Your Kids to Build Positive Relationships, Model How to Express Feelings, and Facilitate Problem-Solving". Please join us for a nationally acclaimed, highly entertaining, practical presentation that is packed with specific things to do and say to improve family communication and teach your children (of all ages) essential skills for life. We look forward to seeing you there!
NEW *PTO Update*
Be sure to check out our blog for information about the upcoming Scholastic Book Fair and Ice Cream Social on October 24 from 5:30-7:00 PM!
VERY IMPORTANT: Our Scholastic Book Fair is a CASHLESS event! Be sure to learn about the e-wallet feature in our blog. Tickets for ice cream need to be purchased in advance through MTK, as well.
We are looking for volunteers and would love your support. Details in the blog.
Further details in our BLOG!
REPEAT *Halloween, Thursday, October 31*
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 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 IDs 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.