Owl's Nest Parent Newsletter
November 12, 2021
Principal's Message
We have been participating in the Shield COVID testing for several weeks now. We have a pretty strong system in place to maximize safety so that our students are able to get tested. As a next step we will begin sending a letter home to students who have not been able to produce enough saliva to participate in the test. This is an added layer of communication that we want to layer in for families. Since no news is good news, we want to let parents know if their child was not able to test.
We are all excited that vaccinations are now available for students 5-11. We will be awaiting updated guidelines on Shield testing as students become vaccinated.
Anxiety was high by many stakeholders, while mixed with excitement as students returned to schools in August. Yet here we are in November & we are rocking & rolling & our students are doing amazing.
As always we appreciate your partnership & support as we work through this school year.
Principal McCoy
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.
Erin's Law & Anti-Bullying Presentation: If you missed it, you can check it out here!
Right At School Electives Have Begun
Afternoon elective student participants are picked-up at the kindergarten door-#5.
Scholarships: Please click here to access scholarship support
Here is the guidance for scholarship eligibility:
Any scholarship given by RAS, program vendors, PTA, and D65 will follow D65’s Fee Structure that also applies to transportation, meals, and other general fees. Families who qualify for free lunch will receive one at 100% towards their first class and 70% towards a second elective class. Families who qualify for reduced lunch will receive one at 70% towards their first class and 50% towards a second elective class. Families who do not qualify for free or reduced lunch will receive one scholarship at 50% towards their first class and 25% towards a second elective class.
New electives are being rolled out, please see the fliers for details to sign up for the next session.
Important Dates
Registration Opens - Monday, November 15th
Friday, December 3rd - All classes w/ low enrollment are canceled
Friday, December 3rd - Scholarship form is closed
Monday, December 6th - Classes Start
Friday, December 10th - Registration is officially closed
Principal- Parent Chat
This past week we held our first round of Principal-Parent Chats. This time was absolutely awesome to brainstorm strategies to make Willard a stronger- all inclusive community. These sessions also allowed us to get to know one another better as we partner in this work.
Please join us for the next session in December. 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.
Coffee Chats will be held on :
The 2nd Monday of each month in the morning (9:30-10:15 a.m)
- Monday, December 13th
The 2nd Tuesday of each month in the evening. ( 6:00-6:45 p.m.)
- Tuesday, December 14th
Please complete this form to identify topics that you may like to learn more about at Willard.
Coffee Chat Interest Survey
Weather Shifts
We want to ensure that the students are warm & do not get ill.
Background Check Status
Please note that we will not have any guest volunteering inside the building, all opportunities will be for outside support.
Vaccine Updates
SAVE THE DATE
City of Evanston/District 65 Vaccine Event
Saturday, November 13 (first dose)
Saturday, December 4 (second dose)
Joseph E. Hill Education Center (1500 McDaniel Avenue, Evanston)
Open to all Evanston residents, ages 5-11, and Skokie residents who attend D65.
Village of Skokie Vaccine Event
Saturday, November 13
Saturday, December 4
7770 Frontage Rd., Skokie, IL 60077
Open to all Skokie residents, ages 5-11.
Staff Condolences
Please continue to keep Mrs. Garza & her family in your thoughts & prayers.
Staff Updates
- Mr. Succes is on leave until further notice. We have an interim Assistant Principal, Mrs. Homma-Davis who is assisting in amazing ways during his absence. We ask that everyone respect Mr. Succes & his privacy at this time. Mrs. Homma- Davis is available to fully support our Willard staff, students, & families, and she has done an amazing job hitting the ground running since she joined us last week.
- Mrs. Hyser will remain the classroom teacher for Mrs. RIce's Kindergarten class this school year, to provide continuity of instruction & relationship for students. Mrs. Rice will begin her Golden Apple Sabbatical in the Spring, & is set to return in the Fall.
- Mrs. Reyes has opted to take the school year to enjoy her new additions. Mrs. Tkacz's last day is today, we are working diligently to find a new teacher who will be able to continue the great work that Ms. Tkacz began this year. Families in that classroom will be updated once a teacher is solidified.
Lunch
THANK YOU!
On behalf of Willard! Thank You! Our teachers show up every day for our kids, they love what they do & these little gestures make them feel seen, valued, & appreciated.
Community Conversations on Race hosted a beautiful Welcome event for families last week. Thank you all for creating an opportunity for families to share, and to feel welcome at Willard.
Green Team & School Families: Thank you for the beautiful work that you all did on this past Sunday to beautify our school grounds. We have mulch left for any one who wants it. Please help your self, it is on a blue tarp at the front of the building.
Thank you!
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
PTA & Principal Town Hall:
- Tuesday, November 30th 6:00 - 7:00.
- Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 862 9199 8065
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,86291998065# US (Chicago)
End of Trimester 1:
- Friday, November 19th
Fall Break: No School
- November 24th - November 26th
Staff School Improvement Day: Half Day
- December 1st
Principal/ Parent Chat
- Monday, December 13th 9:45-10:15 am
- Tuesday, December 14th 6:00-6:45 pm
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