Principal's Update 1/29/2016

We had another great month at Willow Creek!

January kicked off with our school Spelling Bee! Classroom winners from grades 4th - 6th competed in the school bee in order to determine two students to move on to the District Spelling Bee! This year, Joshua from 4th Grade and Nathan from 5th Grade headed to the district bee and they both did a great job representing our school! All students who participated in the school bee did an excellent job as well, and it was clear that students studied hard for the event! Kudos to all students who were involved! A special "Thank You" goes out to Miss Caithamer and Miss Labadessa who sponsored the school bee and served as our building judges and pronouncers!!

We had several PTO sponsored events this month! As usual, the roller skating party at Lombard Roller Rink earlier in the month was a big hit with our students! Thank you to all of our parents who helped organize the event and volunteered during the event. We also just had our Potbelly Supper Club Fundraiser and a PTO Sponsored Assembly this past Thursday! Thank you to everyone who participated to help raise money for our school by attending the Supper Club! The assembly was about the Magic of Science and the students really enjoyed the learning experience!!

The new visitor procedures that were shared in last month's post are now being implemented. Please remember that you MUST have a government issued photo I.D. to enter the building, as it will be scanned in order to print an official visitor's badge.

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and students often look forward to sharing Valentine cards with their classmates. Each classroom teacher will communicate with students and families whether or not cards will be exchanged in the classroom. Please keep in mind that if your child's classroom is exchanging cards, the students must bring a card for everyone in the class and students may NOT bring in candy or food of any type with the cards or to pass out to the class.

On Friday, January 22nd we celebrated our students of the month from the month of December! We also celebrated our students of the month from November before winter break. These students were chosen either by their teacher or their classmates for this honor. Individuals who are nominated for Student of the Month have demonstrated an ability to follow the school rules, be caring citizens, and show academic responsibility.

December students of the month were as follows:
Kindergarten: AM- Haley Dinaso 
                         PM- Jack Steinberg 

1st Grade: Boots- Omarion Zolicoffer
                   Cannis- Ethan Dusek 
                   Wiese- Melanie Plata  

2nd Grade: Armstrong- Alexis Tenuta  
                     Mack- Isabella Santiago 

3rd Grade: Dietrich- Nathan Bunzell 
                    MacNeil- Liam Bilotta    

4th Grade: Durkin- Matthew Lapacek 
                    Labadessa- Brady Martin 

5th Grade: Caithamer- Jacob Larocco            
                   Wilkinson- Nathan Maniskas 

6th Grade: Driessens- Alyssa Deschamp   
                    Keogh - Olivia Balicki 

November students of the month were as follows:
Kindergarten: AM- Liam Quirk 
                         PM- Nate Rasmussen 

1st Grade: Boots- Angelina Boulos
                   Cannis- April Bartosz 
                   Wiese- Alex Calan   

2nd Grade: Armstrong- Marius Bartkevicius  
                     Mack- Chrisandra Gale  

3rd Grade: Dietrich- Maegan Kennedy 
                    MacNeil- Chloe Dusek    

4th Grade: Durkin- Joshua Poeschel  
                    Labadessa- Peyton Henninger 

5th Grade: Caithamer- Hannah Black             
                   Wilkinson- Leiana Abraham  

6th Grade: Driessens- Isabella Lapacek   
                    Keogh - Denny McNulty  

Upcoming Dates to Remember
Monday, February 1st: Board of Education Meeting, 7:30 p.m. @ JJH
Tuesday, February 2nd: PTO Meeting, 1:30 p.m. in the Art Room
Thursday, Feburary 4th: School store open during the lunch hour
                                            2nd Grade Field Trip to a Play
Friday, February 5th: Report Cards Go Home
Wednesday, February 10th: 4th Grade Field Trip to the Symphony
Thursday, February 11th: 1/2 Day of School, 11:40 a.m. Dismissal
                                              Parent/Teacher Conference 3-8 p.m.
                                              No After School Clubs
Friday, February 12th: No School: Parent/Teacher Conferences 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monday, February 15th: No School: President's Day
Friday, February 19th: PTO Movie Night, doors open 6:00 p.m. and movie begins 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 24th: 6 Flags Read to Succeed Reading Logs Due
Thursday, February 25th: Band Concert, 5:30 p.m. dinner and 7:00 p.m. concert
Friday, February 26th: Monarch and Rebecca Caudill Book Party for students who participate in the reading requirements to vote

Check out the pictures below of students whose names have been drawn in recent "Positive Paws" drawings!

Principal's Update 1-8-2016

Happy New Year!! It was great to have all of our students back to school this past week! I hope everyone had an excellent winter break and happy new year. Now that the new year is upon us, I have included some important and exciting information for parents below. 

Teacher Professional Development
This week, each classroom teacher will be out of the classroom for half of a day at professional development training regarding our new reading curriculum, which we are implementing this school year. 

Gifted Screening and Nominations 

Woodridge 68 uses a four step process for identification of gifted students which includes 1) nominations, 2) screening, 3) review and 4) placement. All students in grades 2 and 6 are automatically screened; parents of second and sixth graders will receive a letter with details in early January. For students in other grades to be screened, a student must be nominated by a teacher or parent. The nomination period is now open and completed nominations must be received in the school office or postmarked no later than Friday, January 29, 2016. No action is required for students who are already a part of the gifted program. Review and identification for gifted services will occur in May, and letters regarding placement will be mailed this summer. 

New Visitor Procedures

Beginning February 1, 2016, all District 68 schools will begin using the Raptor visitor management system to enhance our program of safety for students and staff. Part of keeping students and staff safe is knowing who is in our buildings at all times and the Raptor system will allow us to do so. No more signing in and out on a list.

All visitors will need to present a government issued photo ID, which will be scanned into the

Raptor system. Raptor then checks the ID against the Department of Justice’s national database which includes the registered sex offender list and court ordered custody restrictions.

Once approved, a visitor badge is then printed with the visitor’s name, picture, date, time, and

location in the building where the visitor is approved to go. Upon departure from the building, visitors return to the office and are signed out electronically.

This system also gives office staff the ability to print lists of individuals is in the building in the case of a fire or other emergency.

Safety is our highest priority and the Raptor visitor management system provides a consistent way to aid in ensuring individuals who may present a danger to our schools are not permitted near our students and staff.

Cold Weather Procedures

The health, safety, and well-being of our students is our top priority, and cold winter temperatures require extra attention. Adjustments to recess and arrival routines may be required at the schools during these months.

• Wind chill 0° or below: Although early arrival at school is discouraged, all children will be admitted into the building upon their arrival and recess will be held indoors

• Wind chill -10° or below: Student patrols will not be on duty

The building principal will make the decision regarding recess, early entrance, and student patrols as it relates to the wind chill. If the wind chill temperature has not fallen to the levels listed above, normal outdoor recess and arrival routines will be observed. Please be sure to send your student(s) to school with coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and boots as temperatures drop. Please also consider warmer clothing underneath outerwear to provide another warm layer. These cold weather procedures are also posted in the Parent Resources section of the district website.

Emergency Closing Information 

Please take the time to familiarize yourself with school closing procedures in the event of inclement weather. The decision about closing school in inclement weather is based on the availability of buses, school building conditions, current temperature (actual & wind chill), road conditions, weather predictions, storm severity, and associated winds. This is done in consultation with the superintendents from Community High School District 99, Downers Grove Grade School District 58, and other surrounding districts. Information will be communicated as soon as an open/close decision has been made.

Please be sure your phone and e-mail contact information is up to date in Skyward Family Access, as this is the fastest way in which you will notified of emergency school closings.

Winter Reading Incentives
There are two different reading incentives available for students to participate in this winter. The Woodridge Public Library is currently hosting one reading incentive. Information regarding this program has been posted to our school Peachjar. In addition, students should have brought home information regarding the 6 Flags Read to Succeed Program. Every student who completes six hours of recreational reading is eligible for a free admission ticket to 6 Flags Theme Park. Students must record their reading and return the signed reading log to their classroom teacher by Wednesday, February 24, 2016. 

STEM Open House for Students in Grades 5-8 
The Dupage ROE is offering a free STEM Open House for students in Grades 5-8 on President's Day, Monday, February 15th. Registration is required and information regarding how to register students has been posted to our school Peachjar. Registration is limited, and the window to register will close on February 8th or when capacity for the program is reached. 

Upcoming Dates to Remember
Monday, January 11th - Willow Creek Spelling Bee, 10:05 a.m. 
                                           Board of Education Meeting, 7:30 p.m. @ JJH 
                                           Benchmark Assessments and Access Testing Begin 
Thursday, January 14th - School Store open during the lunch hour 
Friday, January 15th - Young Rembrandt's Art Program Begins 
Monday, January 18th - No School, Martin Luther King Day 
Tuesday, January 19th - Monday Schedule 
                                          Session #2 of After School Clubs Begin 
Friday, January 22nd - 2nd Quarter Ends
                                        Student of the Month Lunch 
Tuesday, January 26th - District Spelling Bee, 6:30 p.m. @ JJH 
Thursday, January 28th - "Magic of Science" PTO Assembly, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. 
Friday, January 29th - Gifted Program Nominations Due 

Check out the pictures below of students whose names were drawn in our "Positive Paws" raffle over the last few weeks! 

Principal's Update October/November

The weeks are flying and the WC students and staff have been working hard and having fun!

On Friday, October 16th we celebrated our Students of the Month from the month of September and on Friday, November 13th we celebrated our students of the month from October! These students were chosen either by their teacher or their classmates for this honor. Individuals who are nominated for Student of the Month have demonstrated an ability to follow the school rules, be caring citizens, and show academic responsibility.

September students of the month were as follows:
Kindergarten: AM- Samantha Mongello
                         PM- Alexis Reed

1st Grade: Boots- Hunter Huizenger
                   Cannis- Evangeline Selking 

2nd Grade: Armstrong- Carly Bleau 
                     Mack- Barack Mohammed 

3rd Grade: Dietrich- Isabella Sandu 
                    MacNeil- Isabel Eide   

4th Grade: Durkin- Christina Diaz
                    Labadessa- Sydney Hnatiuk

5th Grade: Caithamer- Lily Beaurain            
                   Wilkinson- Abby Bleau

6th Grade: Driessens- Quetzalli Chavez 
                    Keogh - Hugo Roman

October students of the month were as follows: 
Kindergarten: AM- Ayssa Pozzie-Escarpita 
                         PM- Brigita Bartkeviciute

1st Grade: Boots- Ja Mari Childs
                   Cannis- Blake Caulk 

2nd Grade: Armstrong- Jakylah Walters 
                     Mack- Andjela Culafic 

3rd Grade: Dietrich- Matas Pocius 
                    MacNeil- Jeff Beaubrun   

4th Grade: Durkin- Sara Kinsella
                    Labadessa- Soumil Naik 

5th Grade: Caithamer- Josh Harap            
                   Wilkinson- David Cigarroa 

6th Grade: Driessens- Paul Whitman 
                    Keogh - Gracie Lapacek 

Our annual Halloween Dance was once again a success this year! Thank you to all of our parents who volunteered for this event, whether it was to plan, set-up, sell concessions, or clean up! Everyone's help is greatly appreciated and our students and staff had a great time!



Thank you to all of our parents who attended the Standards Based Grading information night with Assistant Superintendent Greg Wolcott on Nov. 3rd. If you were unable to attend the meeting, but are interested in learning more about the changes that have been made to the report cards this year, you can find information including the PowerPoint presentation that was used on our website. Click on this page link to go directly to the page on the website. Please also feel free to ask your child's teacher questions about standards based grading/reporting.

Now that the cold weather and snow have already arrived, please be sure that your child comes properly dressed for recess, as we will continue to go outside throughout the winter if the temperature or wind chill are above zero. Hats, gloves, scarves, snowpants, boots, and warm winter coats are recommended. Students must have snow pants and boots in order to be permitted to play in the snow at recess. Students who do not have boots and snow pants will be required to stay on the paved play area, as we do not want them to be uncomfortable and wet returning to class in the afternoon. We are currently collecting extra gloves, hats, and scarves for students, as we have students who frequently loose or forget these items. If you have old winter gear that your child is no longer wearing, please feel free to donate to our school and we will put it to good use!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Break and look forward to the next few weeks with our students leading up to winter break!

Upcoming Dates to Remember
Wednesday, December 2nd: Extra Recess for Fun Run Winners
Thursday, December 3rd: School Store @ Lunch
Friday, December 4th: Last Day of Young Rembrandt's Art Club after school
Thursday, December 10th: Barnes and Noble Family Reading Night, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, December 11th: No School, Teacher Institute Day
December 11th - December 13th: PTO Five Below Donation Club
Tuesday, December 15th: School Store @ Lunch
Wednesday, December 16th: Chorus Concert, 6:00 p.m., JJH, 1st-3rd Grade Musical, 6:30 p.m., JJH
Friday, December 18th: Holiday Parties, 2 p.m.
December 21st - January 1st: Winter Break, No School
Monday, January 4th: School Resumes
Thursday, January 7th: Roller Skating Party

Check out the pictures below of the students whose names were drawn in our "Positive Paws" raffle over the last few weeks!!

Principal's Update 10-09-2015

We are definitely continuing to keep busy at WC!!

We completed multiple safety drills this week including a fire drill with the Woodridge/Lisle Fire Department and a lockdown drill with the Woodridge Police Department. Our students and staff did a great job with these drills and the officers were extremely complimentary of our students, especially after the fire drill! The firemen commented on what a great job our students did exiting the building in an orderly fashion and staying quiet. It was great to hear the positive feedback about our students from individuals who see many students at many different schools. It was obvious that our students took the drills seriously and understood the importance of practicing the drills the right way.

October is fire prevention month and I encourage parents to talk with their children at home about a plan for what to do in case of a fire in the home. Just as we practice at school, it is good for students to practice and know exactly what to do in an emergency situation at home.

On Tuesday, our PTO hosted an assembly for our students about bullying. During the assembly, students learned about the types of bullying and how to respond to bullies. The presenter taught students that if they witness a bully situation to take action while staying safe using the acronym SAFE: Stand tall and speak up, Ask for help, Figure out your options and End it calmly by remaining cool and in control. Also, students were taught how to respond and how to be a HERO - Help out, Empathize, Report and create Open communication.

Thank you to our parents who attended the PTO meeting on Tuesday! There are several upcoming events that our PTO has planned for our students this month, including our Halloween Dance on Friday, October 30th. Volunteers are still needed to make this event a success! We will also be having a Supper Club on Thursday, October 29th from 4-8 p.m. at the Panera on 75th Street in Woodridge. When families show the flyer that evening that has been posted to the Peachjar or sent home with students, a portion of the proceeds from the bill will be donated to Willow Creek PTO!!

There was an information meeting for parents last Thursday regarding the new standards based report cards that our district will be switching to this year for students in grades K-6. If you were unable to attend the meeting, but want to learn about standards based reporting, Assistant Superintendent Greg Wolcott, will be at Willow Creek on Tuesday, November 3rd before the PTO meeting to talk with parents.

Upcoming Dates to Remember
Monday, October 12th - NO SCHOOL, Columbus Day 
Tuesday, October 13th - Bus Evacuation Drills 
Wednesday, October 14th - District Gifted Parent Information Meeting, 6:30 p.m., JJH  
Thursday, October 15th - Monday Schedule  
Friday, October 16th - Student of the Month Celebration from September 
                                       School Store Open @ Lunch
Tuesday, October 20th - 5th Grade Parent Robert Crown Information Meeting, 6:30 p.m. @ Edgewood 
October 26th - October 30th - Red Ribbon Week 
Monday, October 26th - Board of Education Meeting, 7:30 p.m. 
                                         "Red"y to Live a Drug Free Life (Wear Red)
Tuesday, October 27th - Sock-it To Drugs (Wear mismatched socks)
Wednesday, October 28th - I have the Power to be Drug Free (Wear a super hero shirt/dress like your hero)
Thursday, October 29th - Don't Let Drugs Mix You up (Wear mismatched clothes)
                                            School Store Open @ Lunch
                                            Supper Club @ Panera on 75th St., 4-8 p.m.  
Friday, October 30th - First Quarter Ends

                                       Team up Against Drugs (Wear team jerseys)

                                       PTO Halloween Dance, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 
Tuesday, November 3rd - Standards Based Grading Mtg., 6:30 p.m. in the LRC, 7 p.m. PTO Mtg. 

Principal's Update 09-18-2015, 09-25-2015, and 10-02-2015

The last three weeks of September were busy at Willow Creek!

Our all school Fun Run on September 17th was a success! Thank you to all of our parents and family members who volunteered to help with the run or who came out to cheer the students on throughout the day! We had perfect weather for the day and the students worked hard to run as many laps possible during their designated time! A special "Thank You" goes out to Jessica Venouziou and Nancy Llaneta from our PTO who chaired the event and made sure the day ran smoothly!!



During the first few weeks of school, I spent time going to each classroom in the school to discuss important safety rules with every student in the building. I shared with students that they may never bring a weapon or anything that resembles a weapon, even if it is a toy to school. We also discussed that students may not make threats or use their bodies to pretend they have a weapon or play games at recess that include pretend weapons. The purpose of these talks is to ensure that students understand the strict policy that we have when it comes to student safety. Please be sure to reinforce this discussion at home and help your child make good choices about what is a appropriate to bring to school.  The children were instruction to check with their parents if they want to bring something to school for a classroom activity or show and tell. They were also told to double check with a parent if they are unsure whether or not something is safe for school.

In addition, we are continuing to conduct our safety drills with students to make sure that everyone is knowledgeable about what to do in case of an emergency. On September 25th we completed our relocation drill to Hobson Community Church. The students walked to the church following our second fire drill of the year. In the instance that we would not be able to re-enter the school following an evacuation, we would relocate students to the Hobson Community Church. Parents would be notified as soon as possible and provided details as to what the plan would be given the situation. We have a few more safety drills that we will be conducting in the next few weeks, including a fire drill with the Lisle/Woodridge Fire Department, a lockdown drill with the Woodridge Police Department, and bus evacuation drills. Later in the year, we will conduct a tornado drill as well.

This past week, we held elections for our Student Council Executive Board. On Monday, the students who were interested in running for an office gave a speech in front of all 3rd - 6th Grade students in the school. I was so impressed with the students poise and speaking skills that they demonstrated in front of such a large crowd. As a result, even if a student was not voted for an office, all students who ran will be a part of our Student Council Leadership Team! Following the officer presentations, the student body voted for the officers. This year, our Student Council Board is as follows:
                      President: Nate Durkin
                      Vice- President: Angelina Santiago
                      Secretary: Abby Bleau
                      Treasurer: Peyton Horazy
Elections for classroom representatives also took place this week in each homeroom. The students who were voted as classroom representatives will attend student council meetings, provide input to the executive board, and report back to their homeroom and a primary classroom about the decisions and events that will be completed by our student council this year.



Two kindergarten students from Willow Creek represented our school on Monday evening at the Board of Education Meeting. Alyssa and Sophia joined other kindergarten students from around the district in leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the meeting! Excellent job to both girls!!

Our 5th Grade students attended their Outdoor Education Trip on Wednesday and Thursday! The students had an awesome trip full of team building, team and personal challenges, games, food, and fun! Thank you to our 5th grade teachers, parent volunteers, and additional WC Staff who made the trip possible! Also, thank you to all of our families who supported the fundraisers that were completed last year in order to lower the cost of the trip for our students and cover the cost of the trip for our parents! This trip is one that our students will never forget!



Last week, information regarding the new district grading system was posted to the Willow Creek Peachjar. A letter with information will be sent home with each students on Monday to ensure that all parents have access to the information. The district will be hosting an information session regarding our new standards based grading and reporting this Thursday, October 8th at 6:30 p.m. at JJH. In addition, Assistant Superintendent Greg Wolcott will present information about standardized based grading to Willow Creek parents on Tuesday, November 3rd at 6:30 p.m. prior to the PTO Meeting.

This coming week, the students will be running the mile in P.E. class! Mrs. Bailey has requested that all students make sure to have their gym shoes to participate in class this week!

Upcoming Dates to Remember
Monday, October 5th - Fire Drill w/ Lisle/Woodridge Fire Department 
Tuesday, October 6th - PTO Bullying Assembly 
                                        PTO Meeting, 1:30 p.m., Art Room 
Thursday, October 8th - Standards Based Report Card Parent Information Night, 6:30 p.m., JJH 
Friday, October 9th - Lockdown Drill w/ Woodridge Police Department 
Monday, October 12th - NO SCHOOL, Columbus Day 
Tuesday, October 13th - Bus Evacuation Drills 
Wednesday, October 14th - District Gifted Parent Information Meeting 
Thursday, October 15th - Monday Schedule 
Friday, October 16th - Student of the Month Celebration from September 
Tuesday, October 20th - 5th Grade Parent Robert Crown Information Meeting, 6:30 p.m. @ Edgewood 

Check out the picture below of our students whose names were drawn in our "Positive Paws" raffle!!

Principal's Update 9-13-2015

Thank you to all of our parents who attended our Curriculum Night on Wednesday evening! Your support and involvement in our school is valued and appreciated!! If you were unable to join us, please contact your child's teacher for information regarding the curriculum and routines and expectations in the classroom.

On Friday, we held our first fire drill of the year. Our students did an excellent job exiting the building quickly and quietly and they remained quiet throughout the drill, which is critical to ensuring that they can hear all directions provided in an emergency situation. We were originally scheduled to also conduct or relocation drill to Hobson Road Church, however, due to the uncertainty of the weather on Friday, the relocation drill was rescheduled for Friday, September 25th.

Several other emergency drills will be conducted this fall including our Bus Evacuation Drills, which will be conducted on September 22nd. All students and staff will participate in these drills, as all students will ride the bus for field trips throughout the year.

The all school Fun Run will be taking place this Thursday, September 17th! Each student will participate in the run with their class throughout the day. Parents are welcome to attend to watch students and cheer them on as they run! I have included the schedule for the day below in order for parents to know when their child's class will be running! All parents or family members who attend the run must check-in at the visitors table. Please make sure that your child is wearing tennis shoes and appropriate clothes for the weather that day, as they will be running outside. All funds raised for the Fun Run go directly to the school, so any pledges students obtain for the run will definitely benefit our students!!

Fun Run Schedule

9:00 – 9:30       4^th Grade 

9:30 – 10:00      5^th Grade 

10:00 – 10:30    Kindergarten a.m.

10:30 – 11:00    3^rd Grade 

11:00 – 11:30    2^nd Grade 

1:00 – 1:30       Kindergarten p.m.

1:30 – 2:00       1^st Grade 

2:00 – 2:30       6^th Grade 

If you are driving your child to school or picking them up after school, please use extreme caution and be sure to stop when buses have the stop signs out. Also, please drive slowly through the neighborhood and pay close attention to students walking or serving as safety patrols. Children who are being dropped off should exit the car on the curb side of the street in order to avoid their feet in the street when getting out of vehicles in front of the school. Students may be dropped off before the cross walk on Jackson when approaching the school or after the driveway to the parking lot when cars are past the school on Jackson. If you are walking your child to school, please be sure to use the cross walk when approaching and leaving the school, even if your child is not with you. It is important for the adults to be the models for all children! Any cars that pull into the parking lot must wait to exit the lot until the cones are picked up by the student patrols. It is critical that adults do not ask the students to move cones for them. Your cooperation and support in keeping all of our students safe is greatly appreciated. 

Upcoming Dates to Remember
Monday, September 14th - 5th Grade Outdoor Education Parent Information Meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Sipley School
Tuesday, September 15th - Beginning Band Open House 5PM – 8 PM in Jefferson LRC
Thursday, September 17th - Fun Run
Friday, September 18th - No School for Students, Teacher Institute Day 
Tuesday, September 22nd - Bus Evacuation Drills 
Friday, September 25th - Fire and Relocation Drills 
                                            Young Author Class Begin for students who signed-up 
Monday, September 28th - Board of Education Meeting, 7:30 p.m. 
Wednesday, September 30th - Thursday, October 1st - 5th Grade Outdoor Education Trip 
Friday, October 2nd - Picture Day 

Principal's Update 09-06-2015

We had a great first week and a half of the school year at Willow Creek! A Welcome Back Letter was sent home with student on Monday, August 31st. This letter was packed with information for parents as we start the school year. The letter will also be posted to the school website in case a parent did not see it come home in a student backpack! Please be sure to read the letter and return the bottom portion of the Willow Creek Way page that was also sent home with students and requires a parent signature.

Thank you to all of our parents who attended the first PTO meeting this past Tuesday evening! It was great to see so many returning parents and new parents who will be joining the WC community!! Our PTO is already busy planning some exciting events for our students! The first PTO event of the year is the Fun Run, which will take place on Thursday, September 17th! Information regarding the Fun Run went home with students last week and will be added to the Peachjar for parents. Volunteers are needed for this event and parents are welcome to come out and cheer on our students while they run, even if they can't volunteer! Please also be on the look out for information regarding the catalog sale!

We will be holding our Curriculum Night for parents this Wednesday, September 9th! This is an important event for parents to attend in order to meet the classroom teacher, learn about the expectations of the classroom, and become informed about the curriculum for the grade level. The evening will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. in the gym, followed by presentations in each classroom. Each classroom teacher will conduct two sessions in order to accommodate families that have multiple children in the school in different grade levels. Please keep in mind that this evening is intended for parents/guardians.

This coming Friday, our school will be conducting our first fire drill of the year followed by a relocation drill where we will practice walking to Hobson Road Community Church. The purpose of the relocation drill is to ensure that all students and staff know what to do in the case that we need to evacuate the school and are unable to go back inside. As a result, please be sure that your child is wearing gym shoes and is dressed appropriately for the weather and walking outside to the church. In the event that it is raining, we will reschedule the drills, however, it is our hope to complete both drills on Friday.

Upcoming Dates to Remember
Wednesday, September 9th - Curriculum Night, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 10th - 6th Grade Morning Announcer Try-Outs, 3:00 p.m.
Friday, September 11th - Fire and Relocation Drills
                                            9/11 Remembrance
Monday, September 14th - 5th Grade Outdoor Education Parent Information Meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Sipley School
Tuesday, September 15th - Beginning Band Open House 5PM – 8 PM in Jefferson LRC
Thursday, September 17th - Fun Run
Friday, September 18th - No School for Students, Teacher Institute Day 

Check out the picture below of our students whose names were drawn in our first "Positive Paws" raffle of the year!!