Dear Families,
It was a pleasure seeing so many smiling faces on CurriculumNight.It was a full house!Thank you for attending. If you were unable to attend or want a reminder, you may click here to review the information Ms. Payne and I went over with all parents/guardians. We are entirely grateful for our partnership with you as we work together to support your child's love of learning and individual growth!
Following are some sweet highlights from our busy first full week! Enjoy!
Kindly,
Jenny Smith, Principal
August At-A-Glance
- Tuesday, August 27th - Early Release Day
September At-A-Glance
- Monday, September 2 - NO SCHOOL - District Holiday
- Friday, September 6 - Willow Grove Picture Day
- Tuesday, September 17 - Early Release Day
- Friday, September 27 - Willow Walk - This is a student event with some parent volunteer opportunities. More information will be provided in a future message.
2024-25 School Year Calendar& Hours
NEW *Early Release*
Don't forget: Tuesday, August 27this an Early Release Day across KCSD96. Kindergarten and grades 1-5 dismiss at 2:05 pm. Grades 6-8 dismiss at 1:30 pm. Structured Early Childhood and Blended PM dismiss at 2:05 pm. ECSE/Blended AM dismisses at 10:10am.
NEW *Parking at Willow Grove on August 29th & 30th*
The Buffalo Grove Police Department has informed me that "NO PARKING" signs will be posted on Checker from Thursday, August 29th, through Friday, August 30th, for Buffalo Grove Days. However, they have advised that you may disregard these signs during our arrival and dismissal times. Please feel free to park on Checker during schoolhours.
NEW *NWEA MAP Assessment*
All students in grades K-8 will be participating in the NWEA MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) assessment on Wednesday, August 28th, and Thursday, August 29th. The MAP assessment is a normed-referenced, computerized adaptive test that helps teachers, parents, and administrators improve learning for all students and make informed decisions to promote a child's academic growth.All students will be taking the MAP test in reading and math during the school day.
NEW *Erin’s Law*
An Illinois law known as Erin’s Law requires schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness/prevention curriculum for Early Childhood through Grade 12.
Kindergarten
Kildeer Countryside CCSD 96 researched and observed best practices and programs for delivering this instruction, selecting Be Seen & Heard ©. For more information about this presentation please go here.
This developmentally appropriate and interactive program focuses on teaching children skills to keep them safe from danger or abuse. Concepts discussed will include distinguishing safe from unsafe touches, safety rules at home and school, saying NO, safe/unsafe secrets, and telling a trusted adult, as well as reinforcing that an adult’s touching him or her is not the child’s fault.
Opt-Out Procedures
The presentation to Willow Grove kindergarten students will be during the school day on September 13, 2024. If you prefer that your child does not attend this prevention education session, please submit your written request or your questions to [emailprotected] and your child's teacher.
Early Childhood
Students in the ECSE, Blended, and Structured early childhood programdo not attend the September 13th presentation. Our school social workerpushes into those settings to provide a developmentally appropriate presentation for our youngest students on September 19th. If you prefer that your child not attend this prevention education session, please submit your written request to[emailprotected] and your child's teacher.
NEW *Label Everything*
Uh-Oh! Our Lost & Found rack is already collecting some jackets. These jackets have one thing in common: no names! Just a reminder to label your child's things, as we can help them find their owner with a name. We collect many jackets and it explodes with winter accessories as we proceed through the seasons. We also see a lot of water bottles.Just a simple Sharpie marker to identify your child'sfirst and last nameis all that's required, and we can help you out.
NEW *Makerspace Donations ~ Thank you!*
NEW *PTO News*
The PTO's Spirit Wear Saleis live! Shop now through September 2nd and items will be sent home in backpacks later in the month. We still are looking for Room Parents and Class Party Volunteers. See what's open and register forMembership Toolkit PTO Portal account if you haven't already.
Click HERE for the full PTO Blog so you don't miss a thing!
REPEAT*District Transportation*
Thank you for your patience with our transportation this week if your child's bus was late. As I've shared, it does take a bit of time to settle into new routes. We sincerely appreciate your support and patience. When children are waiting for the bus here at school, they are always supervised and well taken care of!
REPEAT *Law Enforcement Safety Drill EDUCATION*
On August 28th, Willow Grovewill be conducting the annual Law Enforcement Safety Drill EDUCATION (drill date coming later).This is formerly known as "Lockdown."Students will be learning age-appropriate safety procedures.
We want to assure you that we approach this education and eventual drill with the utmost careat Willow Grove where we are addressing our very young students. We present this content in a calm and reassuring manner to ensure that they understand the importance of safety without feeling frightened. The presentation has been designed very thoughtfully with our aged students in mind. Thank you for your support and understanding as we prioritize the well-being of your children.
In compliance with the Safety Drill Act, parents have the right to exempt their child from the Law Enforcement Drill EDUCATION with their school peers.
If you do not wish your child to participate in the Law Enforcement Safety Drill Education with the other peers, please contact Jenny Smith, Principal,at[emailprotected] and include your child's teacher.We 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 education.
REPEAT *Picture Day Information*
Willow Grove’s picture day is Friday, September 6th. We have a retake day on Wednesday, October 16th, for any student who misses photos or whose parents choose a retake. A paper copy is coming home with details, and the following is information, as well. Watch your child's backpack for the paper copy.
REPEAT *Health Form Deadline*
To comply with Illinois State guidelines, a physical examination – including current immunization records is required for all children entering an Illinois school for the first time, for children enrolling in kindergarten (even if they previously were enrolled in a District 96 Early Childhood program), and for students entering Grade 6.
Health Forms: Provide requiredHEALTH FORMSas soon as possible. A physical and immunization record needs to be on file in the nurse's office by October 15th, or the student will be excluded from school.STATE OF ILLINOIS CERTIFICATE OF CHILD HEALTH EXAMINATION FORM.This form must be completed and signed by the pediatrician. Parents must also complete the fields for their child’s name and address, birth date, etc., at the top of the form on pages 1 and 2 in addition to the parent section on page 2, including a parent signature and date.
Other health forms required includeVISION, due before Oct. 15, 2024 (Kindergarten and new students) andDENTALdue before May 15, 2025(Kindergarten, 2nd, and 6th graders).
You may email forms directly to our school nurse at[emailprotected].
