Mission Statement:

Willard School educates and inspires our multi- and monolingual students to think and act critically with empathy, kindness, and curiosity. Each member of our community: staff, students, families, and caregivers - actively contributes to a caring, safe environment through both their words and actions. Our entire school community will take the steps needed to address and end all forms of racism, bias, bigotry, and bullying at Willard School. Our collective efforts will help our students feel connected, have access to high academic standards for all, and be able to grow to their full potential.

Willard Families,

Wow the time is here! Our school year launches in less than 24 hours. We are super excited to have you all return for our 22/23 school year.

As we go into this year, know that we are dedicated to working collectively to ensure that every child has a great year, and that they all meet their fullest potential.

We look forward to all of the work that we will do together this school year.

We know that everyone will be super nervous & exited.

We know that this first day will be difficult for some children and parents. To assist in the process, we do ask that parents help their students to line up, once teachers come to the line with their kids, please step back to the grass to allow a smooth transition into the building.

After school please wait along the fence until you see your child's class line up on the blacktop. This allows space for the classes to exit safely and swiftly in an orderly fashion.

Have a great night,

We will see you all bright & early tomorrow.

Principal McCoy

At Willard we believe in teaching Peace. Our Peace Pillars are the foundation of our school expectations, and will be taught on a weekly basis. In the newsletters we will share updated lessons that center the Peace Pillar of the week.

The Willard Peace Pillars:

• Know Peace
• Feel Peace
• Make Peace
• Speak Peace

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PROCESS/PROCEDURES:

• We will begin our 22/23 school year on Wednesday, August 24th.
• School Hours: 9:05-3:35
• The playground opens at 8:50 am (please do not arrive prior to 8:50, there is no staff supervision before this time).
• Breakfast is served from 8:30-8:50 (students eating breakfast should enter through the main entrance).
• Students line up on the black top- Teachers will have signs visible for the first three days of school.
• Dismissal will take place on the blacktop as well, students will exit in the same area that they line-up in the morning.

WHAT DO I BRING ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL:

• Backpack
• Lunch (if your child is not having hot lunch)
• A Huge Smile : )

Instructional minutes/ Breakdown of students' day: (order varies by grade/ class)

• Morning meeting: 20 min
• Reading ( 50 min.)
• Writing (25-30 min.)
• Language Arts (25 min.)
• Reading Acceleration Block (30 min.)
• Math (60 min.)
• Math Acceleration Block (30 min.)
• Science/ Social Studies: (30 min.)
• Extra Recess (10 min.)
• PE (20 min.)
• Specials (40 min.)

Drama, Library, Art, Music

- Coding ( 2nd, 3rd, 5th)

- SEEL (Social Emotional Curriculum- K, 1st, 4th)

• Lunch/ Recess (40 min.). 20 min lunch/ 20 min. recess

BREAKFAST ROUTINES:

• Breakfast will be provided daily before school (8:30-8:50).

• THE PLAYGROUND IS CLOSED DURING THIS TIME.

• There will be a charge for breakfast.
• Students eating breakfast will come into the main entry ways- Door #1.
• They will get their breakfast & eat in the designated space.
• At 8:50 all students will exit the building to the playground for morning recess.
• We will hold a few extra meals for students who may be tardy to school. However if your child is having breakfast please make sure they are on-time so that it does not interfere with their morning class time.

LUNCH/RECESS ROUTINES:

• Students have 50 minutes for lunch & recess. (30 minutes for recess/ 20 minutes for lunch)
• Lunch will take place outside under the tents. When there is inclement & cold weather lunch will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR).
• Please do not pack large lunches, students have a short time to eat.
• Please have your child to practice eating in 20 minutes, it is a huge shift for many students. They may come home saying that they are hungry, but I promise you we make sure that all kids are eating each & every day.
• Recess is 30 minutes. We have two playgrounds & a large field. Students will only be able to access their assigned playground during recess. No students will be permitted to use the field to maximize supervision. We have a primary playground for K-2 and an intermediate playground for 3-5.
• Please have your children to label their jackets & lunch items. This makes items much easier to return to their owners & keeps our lost & found empty.

Did you know that you could pay for school meals online? Learn more at MySchoolBucks.

FREE & REDUCED LUNCH

All D65 families who believe they might be eligible again this school year are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Additionally, meal benefits are only valid for the school year listed at the top of the application; all families must complete a new application each school year.

Complete the application here

Tell us about an awesome book you read this summer!

Yes, we will. Families will have a few options:

• D65 School Aged Childcare offers before & after school care options: Please click here for details
• Right at School: is an alternative after school program option for families as well that has additional electives available throughout the school year. Scholarships are available for after school electives.

We are working on an after school bus for students who want to participate in after school activities. Details to come.

Please take a moment to thoroughly read our District 65 Covid-19 Health Guidance. Below are a few highlights.

• Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must continue to isolate for 5 days. If your child tests positive, please notify the school.

• Contract tracing is no longer recommended for COVID-19. Families will be notified if there is a positive case in their child’s class, bus or activity. However, close contact notices will no longer be communicated.

• Keeping children home when sick is essential to maintaining a healthy school environment. Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines is the best protection against serious illness.

• Quarantine is no longer recommended for people who are exposed to COVID-19 in the school setting. Individuals are encouraged to monitor symptoms and test five days after exposure.

• Masking guidance will be based on local Cook County transmission levels. Masks will be optional when transmission levels are low/medium. Masks will be recommended indoors when transmission levels are high. See full guidance which includes when masks are required and special considerations.

• CDC no longer recommends social distancing and cohorting.

• CDC no longer recommends routine screening testing in K-12 schools. PCR testing will still be available once/week at the District office for students and staff. Home tests may be provided on an as needed basis.

Will we have a list of family volunteer opportunities coming out at the beginning of September.

In the meantime you can check out our District Volunteer Handbook & follow the steps to complete the required district documentation.

D65 Volunteer Handbook