Dear Families,
As we approach the final stretch of our school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for a truly wonderful year. It has been our absolute joy and privilege to watch your children GROW in confidence, in curiosity, and in connection. From first-day jitters to end-of-year milestones, we’ve cherished every moment.
We still have a few special days ahead — school is in session Tuesday through Thursday next week, with Thursday being a half-day. We’re looking forward to spending this final time together, celebrating all the growth and memories of the year.
A special thank-you to our amazing PTO for organizing such a fun family picnic to celebrate our year. It was a beautiful way to bring our school community together. Our PTO also generously provided supplies to support our new, annual tradition of having kindergarteners leave behind a painted rock in our school rock garden. We're excited to watch this meaningful display grow each year and to have a lasting reminder of every child who begins their journey with us.
We’re also so grateful to Mr. Sutton for planning and leading a fantastic Field Day. Our students had an unforgettable time, full of fun, laughter, and teamwork!
To our kindergarten students, we will miss you so much! We know you’ll continue to blossom as you head into first grade. To our early childhood students and families, we can’t wait to welcome you back next year for more joyful learning and growing together.
A heartfelt thank-you to our incredible teachers and staff, who plant the seeds of wonder and nurture a love of learning in every child. Ms. Payne and I are so grateful to work alongside such a dedicated and inspiring team.
And to you, our families, including our amazing PTO, thank you for your support, your partnership, and the many ways you’ve helped your children thrive. You are an essential part of what makes our school feel like home.
Wishing you a safe, joyful, and adventure-filled summer!
Warmly,
Jenny Smith
Principal
Our Friendship Rock Garden
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We loved watching our school-wide bulletin board grow and change with us throughout the seasons—it was a beautiful reflection of our learning and community all year long!
Upcoming Dates & Helpful Resources
MAY
- Monday, May 26 - No School | District Holiday
- Thursday, May 29 - Half Day | Last day of school & Report period ends/Trimester 3 report cards issued
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Kindergarten (including Structured Kindergarten) and Early Childhood Structured: 8:40 AM - 11:45 AM. Parent drop-off begins at 8:25 AM.
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Blended Early Childhood/ECSE: Blended/ECSE AM and PM alternate days on half-day attendance days. Even if your child attends PM, if it is a district half-day, they will attend AM hours. PM attends on Friday, May 29 (no AM students). Hours are 8:40 AM - 11:10 AM. Parent drop-off begins at 8:25 AM.
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2024-25 School Year Calendar & Hours
New *Library Books*
If you come upon any of our library books, please feel free to swing them by our office. We're open in the month of June. We'll take them anytime! Thank you!
NEW *Summer Reading*
As summer approaches, we encourage you to help your children dive into the joy of reading. Research consistently shows that children who read at least four books over the summer are better prepared for the upcoming school year and avoid the "summer slide"—a decline in reading skills that can occur during the break. Whether your child is an eager reader or a reluctant one, summer offers a unique opportunity to explore new worlds through books and foster a lifelong love of reading.
Our curated summer reading lists include a variety of genres from generational classics to new releases in dystopian, science fiction, historical fiction, and nonfiction, ensuring there's something for every reader.
Please note:
Incoming EC–5 students are encouraged to read over the summer to keep building their literacy skills and love for books—no formal assignments required.
Explore the grade-specific reading lists below:
Incoming Early Childhood and Kindergarten List
New *PTO Updates*
Please read our full blog for information about:
- Connecting with your child's First-Grade PTO
- Need help for end-of-year staff gifts
- PTO feedback survey
- School Supply Kits on sale NOW!
Thank you for your support and involvement in making our school year memorable! If you have any questions, please email [email protected]
CLICK HERE TO READ OUR BLOG FOR DETAILS OF ALL THIS AND MORE!
REPEAT *BEARS Countdown to Summer!*
REPEAT *Trimester 3 Report Cards*
As we approach the end of the report period, we'd like to remind families that Trimester 3 report cards will be issued on May 29th. This marks a significant moment to reflect on student progress and achievements. We encourage parents to review these reports with their children and celebrate their efforts and growth.
To view, parents will need to log into School Insight/TeacherEase. Returning families should have School Insight/TeacherEase log-in information. For new families or anyone who does not have an account established, you will soon be receiving an email from the district. If you have any questions, please reach out to your school's front office. If you forgot your password, please ensure you are selecting "Forgot Password" on the School Insight/TeacherEase log-in page. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a positive learning environment!
REPEAT *Student Summer Tech*
As we approach the end of the school year, we want to take a moment to touch base about student technology and expectations as we wrap up our time with students. Similar to this time last year, KCSD96 will collect all devices before break and return them when students come back in the fall. Please note, students will not be required to back-up any of their files as their data will still be in place when they get their iPads back in the fall.
Teachers will be collecting the following items:
For Grades K, 1, and 8:
- iPad
- Case
- Logitech Crayon
- Block Charger + USB-C cable
- Optional: USB-C audio adapters
For Grades 2-7
- iPad
- Case
- Logitech Crayon
- Optional: USB-C audio adapters
This process allows us to track inventory, so everything is ready for the 2025-26 school year. Additionally, it gives us the opportunity to set clear expectations with students about responsible device use when they receive them in the fall. It also helps us protect our resources by reducing the chances of devices being lost, stolen, or damaged. Finally, by keeping devices at school, we support healthier summer habits focused on outdoor play, social-emotional growth, family time, and rest.
Please note, students who attend ESY will have access to their devices while they are here learning. Additionally, if a student uses their device as a communication tool, the district will not be collecting their device over the summer. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Smith.
REPEAT *Field Day Information!*
Field Day Date: Wednesday, May 21st
We’re thrilled to be hosting Field Day at Willow Grove for all Kindergarten and Early Childhood students! This special event—rain or shine—is all about fun, movement, and teamwork. Students will spend the day rotating through a variety of playful stations, from silly races to parachute games and other high-energy activities sure to bring plenty of smiles. Please review the details below to be sure your child is ready for the fun!
Sun Safety:
Please apply sunscreen to your child in the morning before school. Students are welcome to bring their own sunscreen to reapply, but staff are not able to assist with application. We recommend practicing at home so your child is comfortable doing this independently.
Dress for the Day:
Plan for sunshine! Lightweight, long-sleeved, light-colored shirts are a great option if you’re concerned about sun exposure. Hats and sunglasses are welcome, too! If the forecast looks chilly, layers are perfect for adjusting throughout the day.
Shoes Matter:
Sneakers or gym shoes are a must—kids will be running, playing, and moving a lot! For safety reasons, please avoid sandals, Crocs, or open-toed shoes.
Staying Hydrated:
Please have your child bring a water bottle. Student water bottles will be accessible throughout the event.
Field Day Volunteers & Important Guidelines for All Families:
We’re so grateful for our parent volunteers who help make this day run smoothly. Just a reminder: volunteers must be pre-approved and may not bring additional children or guests. For the safety and focus of all our students, this is not a spectator event—any adult not on the volunteer list will be kindly asked to leave.
We can’t wait to celebrate Field Day with our students—it’s sure to be a blast!
REPEAT: Dental Exams - Current Kindergarten Only
Dear Parents/Guardians of Current KCSD96 Kindergarteners, 2nd, and 6th Grade Students ONLY:
Please note that your child’s completed dental examination has an upcoming due date, per Illinois school law. The deadline for the dental examination is due no later than May 15 of the current school year. Proof of this required dental examination must have been completed within eighteen months prior to the May 15 deadline.
If you haven’t already done so, please make an appointment with your child’s dentist for a dental examination, have him and/or her complete the required form and return it to your child’s school nurse.
State of Illinois Proof of Dental Examination Form - Click Here
In the event that you are unable to fulfill this requirement, the state of Illinois does permit a waiver of the examination - Click here
REPEAT *March 4th Student Registration Opens*
Student registration for the 2025-26 school year opens on March 4th. Parents and guardians of new Kindergarten students (who have submitted all required documents) and returning KCSD96 students will be emailed a link to register their child for the 2025-26 school year.
Complete registration by April 15 to receive a $20 Early-Bird discount. Families with returning students who register after April 15 will pay the standard registration fee.
Registering early helps us to plan for the upcoming school year.
Registration fees paid by April 15 for the 2025-26 school year are:
- Early Childhood Blended Tuition: $2,870 (or $335.07 monthly)
- Kindergarten: $90
- Grades 1-4: $110
- Grade 5: $120
- Grades 6-8: $135
Families new to District 96 can find more registration information here: https://www.kcsd96.org/about/registration
If you have any registration questions, please contact [email protected].
REPEAT *Safety First at Drop-Off and Pick-Up*
We want to remind everyone of the importance of following our parking and pick-up/drop-off procedures to ensure safety for all:
- Cones at Willow Grove Parking Lot Entrances and Checker & Essington: These are in place to prevent parking that obstructs visibility and creates dangerous conditions. Please respect these cones and avoid parking in these areas.
- Crossing Safely: When parking on Checker, always use the crosswalk at our circle drive exit or walk behind the buses near the entrance. Please do not cross through bus traffic. In addition, a parent/guardian must escort children to the entrance—never let them walk alone.
- No U-Turns: U-turns in front of the school during high traffic times are unsafe and illegal. Police monitor this and may issue tickets.
- No Double Parking: Please find a safe parking spot. Double parking, which we have seen on Checker nearest our school entrance, blocks the roadway and is not safe.
- Safe Traffic Signaling: Always use your blinker when pulling into or out of a spot.
Thank you for your kindness, patience, and commitment to safety. Together, we can ensure a smooth and secure drop-off and pick-up process.