www.willowspringsschool.org          January 27, 2012  

TO REPORT AN ABSENCE 467-3650

NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE/PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

01/28 - Yearbook Meeting - 8:30-11:30 a.m.

01/30 - “100 DAY” celebration for K-2

  - Math Club - 3:15-4:15 p.m.

  - Art Club – 3:15-4:15

01/31 - Computer lab open to the community 4:15-7:00 p.m.

02/01 - Math Club - 3:15-4:15 p.m.

  - Art Club - 3:15-4:15

02/02 - 8^TH GRADEPRE-REGISTRATIONFORARGOHIGH SCHOOL – no parent attendance

  - GROUND HOG DAY

02/06 - 8^TH GRADE - ARGOHIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT-PARENTS ENCOURAGED TO

ATTEND

100 DAY CELEBRATION:  Excitement is in the air! On Monday, January 30, 2012WillowSpringsSchool will be celebrating 100 days of school.  The Kindergarten classes will be celebrating by making 100 hat/crowns, doing 100 exercises and other fun activities involving the number 100.  First graders will be stringing 100 fruit loops, flipping coins 100 times, reading 100 words and presenting 100^th day collections and projects to our classmates. Second graders will be celebrating by reading

100 poems and stories, using their 100 chart to find patterns, and bringing in special treats to create a 100 day snack. 

8^TH GRADERS – HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION: 

ARGOHIGH SCHOOL: 

  1) A pre-registration for the 8^th grade students is scheduled for Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 8:30 a.m.  Counselors will come to WillowSpringsSchool to talk to the students about programs that are offered at Argo  High School.  Parents DO NOT need to attend the pre-registration.

2) On Monday, February 6, 2012 Argo H.S. counselors will be at WillowSpringsSchool at 8:30 a.m. to register our 8^th graders and assist them in choosing their classes. PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THIS ENROLLMENT  

3^RD GRADE NEWS: The students of 3A used the "power of the pen" and wrote to President Obama. We expressed our concerns for our country, and gave suggestions of how everyone could learn to work together to accomplish a goal. We are very excited to let everyone know that this week we received a response from the White House. Just seeing a handwritten envelope addressed to Willow Springs School Third Grade was proof to us that writing to express ideas really works!

CAREER FAIR SPEAKERS NEEDED:  This year’s Jr. High Career Fair is being held on Monday, March 19, 2012.  We are in need of parents, grandparents, or guardians willing to come in and talk to the students about their career/professions.  You need only to talk about 10 minutes to a small group of students.  The same talk will be shared with about 4-5 groups.  If you are interested, please leave your name, profession, and number you can be reached on Mr. Patzelt’s voice mail (708) 467-3576 or email mpatzelt@willowspringsschool.org

BAND NEWS:  Reminder for Concert band students:  Concert band members mark your calendars for the solo and ensemble contest occurring February 18, 2012 at FreedomMiddle School in Berwyn.

THE “STOCK MARKET” GAME:  WillowSpringsSchool can feel the excitement in the air again! It’s time for the annual Stock Market Game (SMG).  The 6^th & 8^th grade students are grouped, given $100,000 to start their stock portfolio and will be competing with groups from other schools in this region.  The top five Willow teams will be posted each week in the Willow Weekly.

SCHOOL CLOSING REMINDER:  On days when the school will be closed due to weather or any other unforeseen circumstances (power outage, broken pipes, etc) remember our automated call out system will contact you as soon as the decision is made.  Please keep us up to date with any phone number change so you won’t be left off the call out list.

WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE SCHOOL BUS:  On days when the weather is snowy or icy, traffic can be very slow as you are aware.  The weather and slower traffic also affects the school bus pick-up and drop-off schedules.  We appreciate the patience you have while giving the buses the extra five or ten minutes before calling the school.  Also, please make sure the students are dressed for the extra waiting time outside.

COMPUTER LAB HOURS FOR THE COMMUNITY: The computer is open to the community Tuesday, January ^31st from 4:15-7:00 p.m.  Hope to see you!

REMINDER:  Students attending the computer lab alone MUST have a permission slip signed by their parent/guardian.

WEB SITE OF THE WEEK: Thursday, February 2, 2012 is “Ground Hog Day”.  On Ground Hog Day, Phil the Groundhog comes out of his hole after a long winter’s hibernation. If he sees his shadow, he is thought to return to his hole (some people think this is an omen of six more weeks of bad winter weather).  If he doesn’t see his shadow (i.e., if it is cloudy), he is thought to stay above ground (some people think of this as a sign of mild weather to come.  By going to http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/groundhogday/  the children can find Ground Hog crafts and games to celebrate.