Owl's Nest Parent Newsletter
January 16, 2021
Message from the Principal's Desk
We are back in session and we are so happy to have our students back in person. As we continue to navigate these uncertain times, know that we continue to center safety and education for our Willard students. Our Willard students have shown themselves to be resilient in so many ways. Everyday they show up to school ready to learn & they put forth their best effort. Our teachers are working diligently to keep the learning environment engaging and exciting, yet safe for our students.
It is our goal to continue working towards safety, with instructional integrity at the forefront.
Strive for Success & Nothing Less!
Principal McCoy
Martin Luther King Jr.
Below I have placed a few of my favorite quotes from Dr. King. Please take time to remember him today & to teach your children about his mission of love, justice, and equality.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”
Student Assignment Project (SAP)
JOIN US, YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
STUDENT ASSIGNMENT PROJECT (SAP) VIRTUAL INTERACTIVE PRESENTATION SESSIONS
Last spring, District 65 launched a multi-year Student Assignment Project (SAP) to modernize our district structure and address historic inequities that continue to most significantly impact students of color. Student assignment is a part of our multi-faceted approach to long-term planning for the future of our public schools. D65 organized a SAP Committee charged with making recommendations on student assignment to the School Board this spring. The Committee collectively established some guiding principles for sub-committee exploration:
- Walkable schools/ Revised boundaries
- Decreased transportation
- A school in the 5th Ward
- Broadening magnet programs
Broad community voice is critical to the SAP process
Last fall, a community survey was released to gather input and perspective. We received 197 surveys from staff and 1,804 completed community and family surveys. We invite all members of the D65 community to join us for a virtual interactive presentation to take a deeper dive into the survey data and gather additional feedback based on the results.
The presentations will be held remotely on Zoom, and each session will have a focus topic such as Neighborhood Schools, Selective Enrollment programs, or Magnet Schools.
Neighborhood Schools - This session will focus on how we create walkable and rideable schools for D65 students, what a neighborhood school means to our community, and the potential for opening a 5th ward school.
Selective Enrollment Programs - This session will focus on Two-Way Immersion (TWI) and African Centered Curriculum (ACC) placement needs and support.
Magnet Schools - This session will review the development of our current magnet school model, reviewing magnet schools and magnet programs for diversifying schools, and thoughts on what makes magnet schools attractive.
- January 18, 2022, Tuesday, 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. Focus: Selective Enrollment Programs
- January 22, 2022, Saturday, 1:00 - 2:15 p.m. Focus: Neighborhood Schools
- January 22, 2022, Saturday, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Spanish language only) Focus: Neighborhood Schools, Selective Enrollment Programs
- January 26, 2022, Wednesday, 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. Focus: Neighborhood Schools
- January 29, 2022, Saturday, 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. Focus: Magnet Schools
All sessions in English will have Spanish translation
Additional data and presentation resources can be viewed on the SAP Resource page.
The SAP committee’s meeting agendas and minutes are available on the SAP Committee page. For more details, contact Sarita Smith, Director of Student Assignments.
Zoom dial-in information: One tap mobile : US: +13126266799, or Telephone: US: +1 312 626 6799
All English with Spanish Translation Webinars ID: 87689036661
Spanish Language only (Jan. 22) Webinar ID: 85968482070
Upcoming Assessments
As we enter into the mid-point of our school year, assessment season is upon us.
Over the course of the next several months students will be taking a the following assessments:
- NWEA- MAP Testing:
3 - 5: Reading & Math
January 21st - February 4th
- NAEP Testing:
4th grade only
January 27th
- Access Testing:
K- 5th
All ELL students including those who have waived ELL Services
February 7th - February 25th
- IAR Testing: Illinois Assessment of Readiness
3rd-5th grade
March 30th- April 22nd
- ISA Testing: Illinois Science Assessment
5th grade
March 1st- March 11th
COVID Updates
Shield testing takes place every Thursday.
The district has ordered N95 masks for all staff and students. All students and staff received a masks on Friday when the first set were delivered. Moving forward students and staff will be able to request a new masks on a weekly basis. Students who want a mask will ask their teacher & one will be provided by our health clerk. These masks are complimentary, and should not replace students bringing their own mask on a daily basis.
Please see the district website for details: Test to Stay
If your child has received both vaccine shots, please send a copy of their vaccine card to our Willard health clerk, Mrs. Radillo (radillot@district65.net). Students are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after their 2nd vaccine shot.
Continued safety precautions:
Air filters are placed in each classroom during lunch.
Windows are remaining cracked throughout the school day to maximize airflow & safety.
In order to minimize time that students are unmasked in the classroom, we will no longer be permitting snacks. Classes that have a later lunch (4th & 5th grades) will be permitted a snack time. Teachers will share their snack safety plan with their families.
Morning & Afternoon Entry
Padres, por favor asegúrese de que ustedes y sus hijos estén usando cubrebocas en todo momento cuando estén en la escuela. Esto incluye antes y después de las horas en el patio de recreo.
Principal- Parent Chat
Please join us for the next session in January. This will be a forty-five minute period of time to come and learn about different things that are happening at Willard or to brainstorm ideas to make Willard the best that it can be. I will host 2 sessions: am/ pm & we will have Spanish interpreters present. These sessions will be held virtually.
There were link errors for December, we will make sure everything is up & running for our January session.
Coffee Chats will be held on :
Morning Session (9:30-10:15 a.m)
- Wednesday, January 19th
Evening Session ( 6:00-6:45 p.m.)
- Wednesday, January 19th
Please complete this form to identify topics that you may like to learn more about at Willard.
Coffee Chat Interest SurveyHalf Day Childcare
School aged childcare does offer half day only options. Please see the district childcare link for details.
Rhythm Plus
In February, Willard is excited to launch Rhythm Plus, a FREE interactive virtual after school enrichment activity for 3rd- 5th grade students.
What is Rhythm?
Reaching Hearts of Youth Through Health and Movement (RHYTHM) is a movement empowerment program that targets the SEL competencies. We teach stress management through mind/body exercises as well as promote the development of social/emotional strength within. Every class includes fun fitness, a built in segment focusing on empowering participants by boosting self-esteem and confidence, and end with a meditative cool down.
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to use dance, sports, and other fitness activities to build confidence, self- awareness, social emotional skills, and boldness in the lives of youth.
Core Values:
Respect for all
Live Honest Lives
Have Empathy for Others
Be the Best Version of You
Practice Self Care
Objectives:
Teach fun and engaging dance routines for fitness fun
Provide fun and effective cardio workouts for youth
Empower participants with tools to overcome stress and mental illness
Build self-esteem and confidence
Teach perseverance and other vital character traits
Teach how to eat nutritiously through having a balanced diet
Empower parents with tips and strategies to enhance the development of their children
The program will be held via Zoom after school on Friday's.
Sign-Up Details are coming soon.
Want to learn more, check out the Rhythm website.
Science For Everyone-Coming to Willard on February 16th!
Weather Shifts
We want to ensure that the students are warm & do not get ill.
Donations Welcomed
Accessibility
Please join me for a coffee chat or shoot me an email.
It may take me 24-48 hours to respond, but know that our partnership is important as we work to build a strong community of excellence for our Willard Owls.
Upcoming Events
Principal/ Parent Chat
- Wednesday, January 19th
- 9:30- 10:15 am & 6:00-6:45 pm
MAP TESTING BEGINS
- January 21st - February 4th
- K-5th grade
NAEP Testing Begins
- January 27th
- 4th graders only
School Improvement Day- Half Day
- February 2nd- Noon dismissal
Access Testing Begins
- February 7th - 25th
Science For Everyone Show:
- February 16th (ALL VIRTUAL)
- Day time assembly
- Family Night Show
Willard Elementary School
Home of the OWLS!
We Strive for Success & Nothing Less as WE Walk a Path of PEACE!
Website: https://www.district65.net/willard
Location: 2700 Hurd Avenue, Evanston, IL, USA
Phone: (847) 905-3600