Willard eNews - April 16, 2024

Please click on the links below for important information and upcoming events.

Willard Notices 

Panther Book Club - Grades 3 & 4
Drama Club Academy- Grades 3, 4, & 5

Days off in May?
The Superintendent has not yet announced which days we will be off around Memorial Day, except for Monday, May 27. 
As of now: Friday, May 24 and Tuesday, May 28 are POTENTIAL days off.   
Wednesday, May 29 is now an instructional day (we had a snow day on February 13).

5th Grade Parents - Please update your calendar:
5th Grade Circus Performance - 4/19 at 6:30 PM
5th Grade Talent Show - 4/25 at 7:00 PM

HSA
Some important HSA info:

This Week's Events:

Week of April 15-19: Table to Table's “Bag A Lunch, Help A Bunch" is back! As we lead up to Earth Day next week, students will come home this week with a paper lunch sack. Consider donating the cost of 1 lunch to help feed New Jersey's hungry families. To make an online donation, please use the QR code in flyer here. Table to Table is New Jersey’s first food rescue organization. They are committed to rescuing and delivering healthy, fresh, and perishable food from grocery stores, food distributors, and restaurants to nourish the community and help our environment.

Tuesday, April 16: Willard International Day is this Tuesday! Students will tour the fair with their classes during the school day. The evening portion will be held from 5-7pm, with performances starting at 6:30pm. If you signed up to bring food, please check in with Stacie Taranto at 5pm. We will close the night with a Latin dance class, so please come out and join the fun! Please see the evening schedule for more details. 

Friday, April 19: The Spring Bake Sale will take place this Friday at the 3pm dismissal. There will be 3 tables on the blacktop behind the school and 1 table at the 4th grade door. If you are able to provide treats (nut-free, homemade or store-bought, with a list of ingredients) or work a table on Friday, please sign-up to help.

Friday, April 19: The Fifth Grade Circus will take place at 6:30pm this Friday in the Willard Auditorium. Come see our talented 5th graders perform tricks they learned in P.E. class this month! Food concessions (cash only) and select Willard merchandise will be sold at the event.

Your To-Do List:

• We have 2 tickets available for purchase to Willard's Annual Day at Yankee Stadium, next Sunday, April 21, 1:35pm (Yankees vs. the Tampa Bay Rays).  Please email [email protected] ASAP if you’re interested in these 2 remaining tickets ($70 per ticket). **If you already purchased tickets to the game, you should have received an email with your tickets, as well as other helpful information about game day. If not, please email: willardelementaryhsa@gmail.com.**

• Next week (April 22- April 26th) students will participate in Willard's annual Wellness Week! Students will learn how to take care of themselves through various classroom activities and discussions, and certified children's yoga instructors will take over P.E. classes for the week. Each day students are invited to wear clothing that corresponds with the color of the day, and also to bring a healthy snack that color. Please see the Wellness Week flyer for details.  

ATTENTION ALL READERS!!! Willard's Scholastic Book Fair  will be taking place next Monday-Tuesday, April 22nd - April 23rd. We are looking for volunteers to help make this event happen, including help with setup before school on Monday, April 22nd (kids are welcome to assist as well). The success of our book fair is entirely dependent on our parent volunteers, and we greatly appreciate all the help we can get! Be sure to check out our Scholastic Book Fair website for help setting up eWallet and online shopping.  All online sales benefit Willard School.  

School supply kits for 2024-25 are available for purchase now! Once again, the HSA is selling kits containing the exact school supplies that teachers at every grade level have requested for the 2024-2025 school year. While you may purchase these supplies on your own and have your children bring them in on the first day of school next year, purchasing a supply kit here ensures that they have everything they need waiting in their new classrooms on day one in September. You will be able to take advantage of bulk pricing, with a portion of your purchase donated back to the Willard HSA! These supply kits will only be available for purchase through June 19th; make sure to select a kit for the grade your child will be in next year (2024-2025).

Looking for a great local summer camp option? Consider the Summer Adventure program co-sponsored by Ridgewood Public Schools and the Ridgewood Community School. Please see the Summer Adventure Brochure for more details.

Did you know that April is Autism Acceptance Month?  The DEI Committee's "book walk" has returned now that warmer weather is on the horizon. This month's timely book, which is hanging on the fence on the black top by the 2/3rd grade door, is called All my Stripes: A Story For Children with Autism by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer; illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin.

Yearbooks will be handed out to students the last week of school. All dues paying families will receive 1 yearbook for every student at Willard. If you did not pay dues this year, you can purchase a yearbook for your student on the Willard store. 

·LAST CALL: If you have photos for the yearbook, please email them to: willardelementaryyearbook@gmail.com. Be sure to include the event Name and class code (e.g., 2JU), when applicable, in the subject line. Send a separate email for each distinct event. Pictures that are not on Willard property cannot be accepted -- exceptions include events sponsored by Willard School, the HSA, or Ridgewood Public Schools (i.e. field trips, Yankee Day, Wizards game, etc.)

Last call for birthday books! From now through the end of April, you can purchase birthday books for your children at that link. You can read more about this wonderful Willard tradition at the link as well. Even if you missed your child's birthday month, you can still purchase a book through April 30.

Reminders:

Sunday, April 21:  Willard's Annual Day at Yankee Stadium, 1:35PM (for ticket holders only)

Monday-Tuesday, April 22-23: Willard's Scholastic Book Fair (see info above)

Week of April 22 - April 26: Earth Day (April 22) and Willard Wellness Week (see info above).

Thursday, April 25: Willard Fifth Grade Talent Show, 7pm (Willard Auditorium)

Monday, April 29: Frank the Bee Man, all-school science assembly

Tuesday, April 30:  Kindergarten vocal concert, 9am (Willard Auditorium)

**SAVE THE DATE and book your childcare now!** The Willard Parent Social will take place on Friday, May 17, at 7pm. Details to follow soon!

Community
Girls Lacrosse Fundraiser
Cambodian New Year
Supporting Teens in Reducing Their Stress

Willard eNews - April 9, 2024

Please click on the links below for important information and upcoming events.

Willard Notices 

Drama Club Academy- Grades 3, 4, & 5

Days off in May?
The Superintendent has not yet announced which days we will be off around Memorial Day, except for Monday, May 27. 
As of now: Friday, May 24 and Tuesday, May 28 are POTENTIAL days off.   
Wednesday, May 29 is now an instructional day (we had a snow day on February 13).

5th Grade Parents - Please update your calendar:
5th Grade Circus Performance - 4/19 at 6:30 PM
5th Grade Talent Show - 4/25 at 7:00 PM

HSA
Some important HSA info:

This Week's Events:

• Monday, April 8: Second grade Eyes of the Wild assembly

• Tuesday, April 9: Second grade vocal concert, 9am (Willard Auditorium)

• Tuesday, April 9: Public HSA Board Meeting, 2-3PM, in person at Willard and via this Google Meet link. We will be introducing our 2024-2025 HSA Board members at the meeting, as well as discussing upcoming events this school year. All members of our community are welcome to attend in person or virtually!

• Wednesday, April 10: NO SCHOOL (in observance of Eid-Al-Fitr)

• Thursday, April 11: The next Ridgewood SEPAG information meeting will take place at 9:30am on Thursday, April 11. See link for details.

• Saturday, April 13: The Ridgewood Friends of Music is now accepting applications for its Young Musicians Showcase! The showcase will take place on Saturday, April 27th at Ridgewood High School at 2pm for elementary school students. Please see the flyer at that link for further details. Applications are due next Sat., April 13.

Your To-Do List:

• Table to Table's Bag A Lunch, Help A Bunch is back! Next week (not this week as previously stated), students will come home with a paper lunch sack. Consider donating the cost of 1 lunch to help feed New Jersey's hungry families. To make an online donation, please use the QR code in this flyer. Table to Table is New Jersey’s first food rescue organization, which is committed to feeding our hungry neighbors in northern NJ. Table to Table rescues and delivers healthy, fresh, and perishable food from grocery stores, food distributors, and restaurants, and in doing so, nourishes the community while helping our environment. Thank you to our HSA community service co-coordinators, Jaime Aliberti and Becca Dewan, for arranging another opportunity for the Willard community to help those in need.  

• ATTENTION ALL READERS!! Willard's Scholastic Book Fair  will be taking place on Monday, April 22 - Tuesday, April 23.  We are looking for volunteers to help make this event happen, including help with setup before school on Monday, April 22nd. The success of our book fair is entirely dependent on our parent volunteers.  We greatly appreciate all the help we can get! Stay tuned for updates to the class schedule and our Bedtime Reading with Mrs. Diorio.

• Did you know that April is Autism Acceptance Month?  The DEI Committee's "book walk" has returned now that warmer weather is on the horizon. This month's timely book, which is hanging on the fence on the black top by the 2/3rd grade door, is called All my Stripes: A Story For Children with Autism by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer; illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin.

• Yearbook Tribute Sales have been extended through Friday, April 12th! Yearbook Tributes are an opportunity for parents (or other family & friends) to include a special message to a Willard student. Your child(ren) will be excited to read this personalized message in the Willard yearbook for years to come! Commemorate your student’s last (or first) year at Willard. Congratulate your student on a special accomplishment. Give your student a “high five” for a great year. It’s up to you! 

• Yearbooks will be handed out to students the last week of school. All dues paying families will receive 1 yearbook for every student at Willard. If you did not pay dues this year, you can purchase a yearbook for your student on the Willard store. 

• Remember, parents provide photos for the yearbook, so if you have photos for the yearbook, please email them to: willardelementaryyearbook@gmail.com. Be sure to include the event Name and class code (e.g., 2JU), when applicable, in the subject line. Send a seperate email for each distinct event. Pictures that are not on Willard property cannot be accepted -- exceptions include events sponsored by Willard School, the HSA, or Ridgewood Public Schools (i.e. field trips, Yankee Day, Wizards game, etc.)

• Last call for birthday books! From now through the end of April, you can purchase birthday books for your children at that link. You can read more about this wonderful Willard tradition at the link as well. Even if you missed your child's birthday month, you can still purchase a book through April 30.

Reminders:

Community
SEPAG Information Meeting
The Young Musicians Showcase
12U Baseball
Parenting a Neurodivergent Child
Musketeer Lacrosse
34th Annual Author Luncheon



Willard eNews - April 2, 2024

 

Please click on the links below for important information and upcoming events.

Willard Notices 

Guidance Counselor Corner

Dollars For Dogs
As you know,  we had a visit from representatives from The Seeing Eye in Morristown including dogs-in-training, Val and Goldman, as well as a service dog named Harper. We learned about the training and work of Service Dogs, and even got to pet the pups! As a school, we are participating in Dollars for Dogs to support this special organization. If you are interested, we are continuing our donations until the end of this week. Who knows, maybe we will raise enough money to get to name one of the new pups! Willard would be a fantastic name!

5th Grade Parents - Please update your calendar:
5th Grade Circus Performance - 4/19 at 6:30 PM
5th Grade Talent Show - 4/25 at 7:00 PM

HSA
Some important HSA info:

This Week's Events:

• Friday, April 5: It's almost International Day, a beloved Willard tradition for the past few years, is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16th! The event is sponsored by the Willard DEI Committee. As in the past, there will be a component during the school day for students, as well as an evening portion from 5-7PM with international food, fashion, and performances for students and their families/guests to enjoy. Please carefully read the FAQ sheet prepared by the DEI Committee about this special day, The signup sheet also has ample information and ideas. Students must sign up by this Friday, April 5th, to take part in International Day, to either research a fascinating place in a country of their choice and/or to take part in the activities at night. If you signed up to bring food for the evening portion (signup was due April 1) you will be contacted by the HSA before the event to confirm the details (thanks for your cooperation, we must comply with new food standards and regulations put in place by the Ridgewood Health Dept).

• Friday, April 5: Spirit day for the month of April. Students are invited to wear Willard or Ridgewood gear to school to show their school spirit!

Your To-Do List:

• Yearbook Tribute Sales are now open! Sales close this Friday, April 5th. Yearbook Tributes are an opportunity for parents (or other family & friends) to include a special message to a Willard student. Your child(ren) will be excited to read this personalized message in the Willard yearbook for years to come! Commemorate your student’s last (or first) year at Willard. Congratulate your student on a special accomplishment. Give your student a “high five” for a great year. It’s up to you! 

• Friends of Music is now accepting applications for its Young Musicians Showcase! The showcase will take place on Saturday, April 27th at Ridgewood High School at 2pm for elementary school students. Please see the flyer at that link for further details. Applications are due Sat., April 13.

• Yearbooks will be handed out to students the last week of school. All dues paying families will receive 1 yearbook for every student at Willard. If you did not pay dues this year, you can purchase a yearbook for your student on the Willard store. 

• Remember, parents provide photos for the yearbook, so if you have photos for the yearbook, please email them to: willardelementaryyearbook@gmail.com. Be sure to include the event Name and class code (e.g., 2JU), when applicable, in the subject line. Send a seperate email for each distinct event. Pictures that are not on Willard property cannot be accepted -- exceptions include events sponsored by Willard School, the HSA, or Ridgewood Public Schools (i.e. field trips, Yankee Day, Wizards game, etc.)

• If you missed the chance to purchase tickets to Willard's Annual Day at Yankee Stadium (Sunday, April 21, 1:35pm game, Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays), we are looking into securing even more tickets in section 104 (a little bit apart from section 108-109 where the prior tickets were located). Please look for an update on GroupSpot and email this week!

• If you haven't ordered already, please do not forget about one of our most beloved traditions … BIRTHDAY BOOKS! You can purchase birthday books for your children at that link. If you purchase one, in the first library class of your child’s birthday month, Mrs. Diorio will allow your child to select a new, age-appropriate book for the library, with personalized bookplate. By doing so, you can leave a legacy at Willard! *PLEASE NOTE - Birthday book orders are processed on the 1st of each month. If you want your children to pick out a book closer to their birthday, please ensure that you have made your purchase prior to the start of their birthday month. Summer birthday are honored on a student's half birthday.

Reminders:

Willard eNews - March 19, 2024

Please click on the links below for important information and upcoming events.

Willard Notices 

Dollars For Dogs
Yesterday,  we had a visit from representatives from The Seeing Eye in Morristown including dogs-in-training, Val and Goldman, as well as a service dog named Harper. We learned about the training and work of Service Dogs, and even got to pet the pups! As a school, we are participating in Dollars for Dogs to support this special organization. If you are interested, please send in $1 to school with your child this week. Who knows, maybe we will raise enough money to get to name one of the new pups! Willard would be a fantastic name!

5th Grade Parents - Please update your calendar:
5th Grade Circus Performance - 4/19 at 6:30 PM
5th Grade Talent Show - 4/25 at 7:00 PM

Willard's Technology Corner- March Tip for Parents
Chess Wizards
Lego Robotics

HSA
Some important HSA info:

This Week's Events:

• Tonight is the final Willard BINGO, 6pm, for people who purchased tickets to these sold-out events. Ticket holders received an email last Thursday from the HSA with instructions, but here are a few important points to note. Every BINGO ticket to the event comes with one raffle ticket and BINGO board, but should you want to increase your odds of winning, we will have additional raffle tickets and boards for sale each night (CASH ONLY). We will have food concessions for sale as well (also CASH ONLY), but make sure to bring your own water bottles from home, as we are not selling drinks. Finally, we will have a limited selection of Willard wear/merchandise for sale both nights (cash or credit card for these items).

• Wednesday, March 20: The Ridgewood SEPAG(Special Education Parent Advisory Group) will host a virtual coffee chatat 8pm on Wed., March 20, 2024. If you have questions, ideas, or concerns regarding special ed programs or policies, email contact@RidgewoodSEPAG.org or fill out the SEPAG's Feedback Form. Or write to: Willard@RidgewoodSEPAG.org.  

• Thursday, March 21: Grades 2-5 will enjoy an assembly, entitled A Seat for Rosa, that will discuss the life of activist Rosa Parks and the civil rights movement of the 1950-60s that led to landmark legislation and movements for racial justice that still resonate today.

 

Your To-Do List:

• International Day, a beloved Willard tradition for the past few years, is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16th! The event is sponsored by the Willard DEI Committee. As in the past, there will be a component during the school day for students, as well as an evening portion from 5-7PM with international food, fashion, and performances for students and their families/guests to enjoy. Please carefully read the FAQ sheet prepared by the DEI Committee about this special day, The signup sheet also has ample information and ideas. Students must sign up by April 5th to research a fascinating place in a country of their choice and/or to take part in the activities at night. If you sign up to bring food for the evening portion, you MUST SIGN UP BY APRIL 1, so that we can comply with food standards and regulations put in place by the Ridgewood Health Dept.

• Yearbook Tribute Sales are now open! Sales close Friday, April 5th. Yearbook Tributes are an opportunity for parents (or other family & friends) to include a special message to a Willard student. Your child(ren) will be excited to read this personalized message in the Willard yearbook for years to come! Commemorate your student’s last (or first) year at Willard. Congratulate your student on a special accomplishment. Give your student a “high five” for a great year. It’s up to you! 

• Yearbooks will be handed out to students the last week of school. All dues paying families will receive 1 yearbook for every student at Willard. If you did not pay dues this year, you can purchase a yearbook for your student on the Willard store. 

• Remember, parents provide photos for the yearbook, so if you have photos for the yearbook, please email them to: willardelementaryyearbook@gmail.com. Be sure to include the event Name and class code (e.g., 2JU), when applicable, in the subject line. Send a seperate email for each distinct event. Pictures that are not onWillardproperty cannot be accepted -- exceptions include events sponsored byWillardSchool, theHSA, or Ridgewood Public Schools(i.e. field trips, Yankee Day, Wizards game, etc.)

• If you missed the chance to purchase tickets to Willard's Annual Day at Yankee Stadium (Sunday, April 21, 1:35pm game, Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays), we are looking into securing even more tickets -- after last week's batch of 50 additional tickets sold out in minutes! Please look for an update on GroupSpot and email this week!

• If you haven't ordered already, please do not forget about one of our most beloved traditions … BIRTHDAY BOOKS! You can purchase birthday books for your children at that link. If you purchase one, in the first library class of your child’s birthday month, Mrs. Diorio will allow your child to select a new, age-appropriate book for the library, with personalized bookplate. By doing so, you can leave a legacy at Willard! *PLEASE NOTE - Birthday book orders are processed on the 1st of each month. If you want your children to pick out a book closer to their birthday, please ensure that you have made your purchase prior to the start of their birthday month. Summer birthday are honored on a student's half birthday.

Reminders:

• March 25- March 29: NO SCHOOL, spring recess; Monday, April 1: NO SCHOOL, professional development day.

Willard eNews - March 12, 2024

Please click on the links below for important information and upcoming events.

Willard Notices 

5th Grade Parents - Please update your calendar:
5th Grade Circus Performance - 4/19 at 6:30 PM
5th Grade Talent Show - 4/25 at 7:00 PM

Willard's Technology Corner- March Tip for Parents
Game Club schedule for March
Chess Wizards
Lego Robotics

HSA
Some important HSA info:

This Week's Events:

• Friday, March 15: St. Patrick's Day classroom parties; more info to come from your class parents. 

Your To-Do List:

• If you missed the chance to purchase tickets to Willard's annual day at Yankee Stadium (Sunday, April 21, 1:35pm game, Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays), we are looking into securing more tickets, if possible. Please look for an update on GroupSpot on Wednesday!

• If you haven't ordered already, please do not forget about one of our most beloved traditions … BIRTHDAY BOOKS! You can purchase birthday books for your children at that link. If you purchase one, in the first library class of your child’s birthday month, Mrs. Diorio will allow your child to select a new, age-appropriate book for the library; a bookplate will be placed in the book containing your child’s name and birthday. By doing so, you can leave a legacy at Willard! All proceeds go towards purchasing additional materials for the Willard Library and reading enrichment programs. *PLEASE NOTE - Birthday book orders are processed on the 1st of each month. If you want your children to pick out a book closer to their birthday, please ensure that you have made your purchase prior to the start of the birthday month. You can still make a purchase after the 1st of the month, but please know that the book selection may not be made until the following month. Children with summer birthdays will pick out their books in the month of their half birthday.

Reminders:

• We have two new TICTOC collections on display at Willard: the Africa II special artifacts collection, and a painting collection entitled American Impressionism and 19th Century Alternatives. Our final Art Docent week is this month; thanks to all the parents who signed up for that final session.  

• Please note: The 5th Grade Willard Circus previously scheduled for March 14th has been moved to Friday, April 19, 6:30pm.

• Monday, March 18, and Tuesday, March 19: Willard BINGO, 6pm both nights, for people who purchased tickets for these sold-out events. 

• March 25- March 29: NO SCHOOL, spring recess; Monday, April 1: NO SCHOOL, professional development day

Community
Youth Art Month
Ridgewood Crew Annual Rowathon
Stigma-Free Sticker Contest
34th Annual Author Luncheon
Kangoo Kids Bootcamp
12U Maroon Raiders Flash Sale
Website Design & Coding
Angst - Raising Awareness Around Anxiety
Camp Bernie Confidence



Willard eNews - March 5, 2024

Please click on the links below for important information and upcoming events.

Willard Notices 

Water Bottles - The latest water bottles with just a straw, rather than a secure lid, are spilling regularly in the classroom. If possible, we prefer a lightweight bottle with a secure lid to avoid spills. Thank you!

5th Grade Parents - Please update your calendar:
5th Grade Circus Performance - 4/19 at 6:30 PM
5th Grade Talent Show - 4/25 at 7:00 PM

Willard's Technology Corner- March Tip for Parents
Game Club schedule for March
Chess Wizards
Lego Robotics

HSA
Some important HSA info:

This Week's Events:

• Friday, March 8: Spirit day for the month of March. Students are invited to wear Willard or Ridgewood gear to school to show their school spirit!

•  Saturday, March 9: The Ridgewood SEPAG (Special Education Parent Advisory Group) will host a playdate at Unique Athletics from 2-4pm.

Your To-Do List:

• One more reminder for the Sports Equipment Swap next weekend (March 9-10) at Hawes Elementary. The Green Teams at all 6 Ridgewood elementary schools are sponsoring a Sports Equipment Swap where you can donate and shop for equipment on March 9 & 10; see the link for more info. If you prefer to drop off any donations before then, please leave gently used and clean items on the front porch of 233 Bedford Rd any day this week (M-F, March 4-8). Please note that priority early shopping is NOT granted to those who choose this convenient drop off option.

• If you haven't ordered already, please do not forget about one of our most beloved traditions … BIRTHDAY BOOKS! You can purchase birthday books for your children at that link. If you purchase one, in the first library class of your child’s birthday month, Mrs. Diorio will allow your child to select a new, age-appropriate book for the library; a bookplate will be placed in the book containing your child’s name and birthday. By doing so, you can leave a legacy at Willard! All proceeds go towards purchasing additional materials for the Willard Library and reading enrichment programs. *PLEASE NOTE - Birthday book orders are processed on the 1st of each month. If you want your children to pick out a book closer to their birthday, please ensure that you have made your purchase prior to the start of the birthday month. You can still make a purchase after the 1st of the month, but please know that the book selection may not be made until the following month. Children with summer birthdays will pick out their books in the month of their half birthday.

• Reading Marathon Month: You've read all month and kept track at home, now it's time to SUBMIT YOUR READING! Parents can submit online for their children by Thursday, March 7, to earn one free Ben & Jerry's ice cream per participating student. If desired, donations to the Reading Marathon can also be made online; each contributor giving at least $25 will receive a personalized bookplate in a new Ridgewood Public Library book. Donations help fund programs such as story times, author visits, cooking classes, book clubs, free museum passes, and much more.

Reminders:

• We have two new TICTOC collections on display at Willard. The first is the Africa II special artifacts collection, which includes a number of interesting pieces mainly from West African cultures. The second new collection is a painting collection entitled American Impressionism and 19th Century Alternatives. The children will have the opportunity to view paintings from well-known artists such as Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent. Our final Art Docent week is coming up the week of March 4th; please reach out to your classroom teachers if you signed up for that final session.  

• Please note: The 5th Grade Willard Circus previously scheduled for March 14th has been moved to Friday, April 19, 6:30pm.

• Friday, March 15: St. Patrick's Day classroom parties; more info to come from your class parents.

• Monday, March 18, and Tuesday, March 19: Willard BINGO, 6pm both nights, for people who purchased tickets for these sold-out events. 

• March 25- March 29: NO SCHOOL, spring recess; Monday, April 1: NO SCHOOL, professional development day

Community
Sports Equipment Swap
Kangoo Kids Bootcamp
12U Maroon Raiders Flash Sale
Website Design & Coding
SEPAG Family Play Date
Angst - Raising Awareness Around Anxiety
RHS New Players - Shrek




Willard eNews - February 27, 2024

Please click on the links below for important information and upcoming events.

Willard Notices 

Is your child missing a water bottle? sweatshirt? lunch bag? Our Lost and Found bin is overflowing! Please encourage your child to check out the Lost and Found in the lunchroom for missing items. Labeling items with your child's name is also helpful.  If not picked up by March 1st, clothes will be donated and misc. items will be discarded.

Game Club schedule for March
Lego Robotics

HSA
Some important HSA info:

A message from the Federated HSA: What an incredible two Wizards' games! Thank you to all the families who attended, teachers who played, parents who volunteered and our sponsors of the event, Varsity Hues and Deerkill Day Camp.  Together, we were able to raise a record amount of funds for Ridgewood Public Schools, while bringing everyone together again to celebrate a wonderful community event. We’re already working on dates for 2025! See you there! 

And a special thanks to our Willard staff/teachers who played in the Wizards' games: Mrs. Hoffman, Mrs. Chanod, Mrs. Devaney, Mr. Lucchesi, and Mr. Scully! 

This Week's Events:

• School Inclusion Spirit Week: This week (Feb. 26-March 1), Willard will join other schools across the state in celebrating School Inclusion Spirit Week. Here is the schedule for School Inclusion Spirit Week. Participation is encouraged, but not required. Pajamas definitely work for Wednesday's "comfy day." We hope that every day this week (and throughout the year) offers the opportunity to demonstrate and benefit from the spirit of inclusion at Willard! Go, Panthers!

• Tuesday, Feb. 27:  It's the Willard Science Fair TODAY!  Students will visit the fair with their classes today throughout the day. Parents and guests are welcome to tour the fair Tuesday night, doors will be open from 6-7:30pm, and you must ensure that your child's project is taken home by 7:30pm on Tuesday night. If you cannot make it to the science fair at night to collect your project, please take it home after school on Tuesday.

• Tuesday, Feb. 27:  Ridgewood SEPAG (Special Education Parent Advisory Group) will host a virtual coffee chat at 7:30pm, as well as a sensory-friendly dinner at Puzo's Family Restaurant, 5-7pm. If you have questions, ideas, or concerns regarding special ed programs or policies, email contact@RidgewoodSEPAG.org or fill out the SEPAG's Feedback Form. Or write to: Willard@RidgewoodSEPAG.org.

• Friday, March 1: Please note that the first Friday of every month is typically a school spirit day, when students are invited to wear Willard or Ridgewood gear to school. Since students are invited to wear orange this Friday for School Spirit Inclusion Week, we will move March's school spirit day to Friday, March 8.

Your To-Do List:

• Special "Love Inside" Promotional Sweatshirt Offer! This week (Feb. 25-March 1) ONLY! Did you know that February is Boost Your Self Esteem Month?  Willard's-own Pia Rose Vigoroux, a 3rd grader, has made a beautiful special edition "Love Inside Willard" sweatshirt, and if you order one this week, she will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Willard HSA. Please see the Love Inside flyer for photos of the sweatshirts and for more information, including how to order yours this week!

• Reading Marathon Month: You've read all month and kept track at home, now it's time to SUBMIT YOUR READING! Parents can submit online for their children by Thursday, March 7, to earn one free Ben & Jerry's ice cream per participating student. If desired, donations to the Reading Marathon can also be made online; each contributor giving at least $25 will receive a personalized bookplate in a new Ridgewood Public Library book. Donations help fund programs such as story times, author visits, cooking classes, book clubs, free museum passes, and much more.

• Sports Equipment Swap, March 9-10, Hawes Elementary School. Before you run out to buy new equipment, please keep in mind that the Green Teams at all 6 Ridgewood elementary schools are sponsoring a sports equipment swap where you can donate and shop for equipment on March 9 & 10; see the link for more info. Perfect timing right before spring sports begin!

Reminders:

• We have two new TICTOC collections on display at Willard. The first is the Africa II special artifacts collection, which includes a number of interesting pieces mainly from West African cultures. The second new collection is a painting collection entitled American Impressionism and 19th Century Alternatives. The children will have the opportunity to view paintings from well-known artists such as Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent. Our final Art Docent week is coming up the week of March 4th; please reach out to your classroom teachers if you signed up for that final session.  

Willard eNews - February 21, 2024

Please click on the links below for important information and upcoming events.

Willard Notices 

Is your child missing a water bottle? sweatshirt? lunch bag? Our Lost and Found bin is overflowing! Please encourage your child to check out the Lost and Found in the lunchroom for missing items. Labeling items with your child's name is also helpful.  If not picked up by March 1st, clothes will be donated and misc. items will be discarded.

Game Club Schedule for February
 

HSA
Some important HSA info:

This Week's Events:

• TODAY, Wednesday, Feb. 21, is the last day to sign up for the Willard Science Fair, which will take place next Tuesday, February 27. The fair will be open during the school day on the 27th for every class to visit; parents and guests may attend the fair that evening from 6-7:30pm. Registration is free and open to all students. Participants must provide all their own materials. Please sign up by TODAY, Feb 21, to participate; detailed information on the science fair, including project ideas, can be found at that sign-up link.

• Friday, Feb. 23:  Willard is excited to host prolific children's author Jacqueline Davies this Friday, for students in all grades to enjoy!

Your To-Do List:

• Tickets are $15 per person.

• Plan ahead for the Sports Equipment Swap, March 9-10, Hawes Elementary School. Remember that time you bought expensive sports equipment, only to have your child outgrow it in a month? The Green Teams at all 6 Ridgewood elementary schools are sponsoring a sports equipment swap where you can donate and shop for equipment on March 9 & 10; see the link for more info. Perfect timing right before spring sports begin!

Reminders:

• Next week we will have two new TICTOC collections on display at Willard. The first is the Africa II special artifacts collection, which includes a number of interesting pieces mainly from West African cultures. The second new collection is a painting collection entitled American Impressionism and 19th Century Alternatives. The children will have the opportunity to view paintings from well-known artists such as Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent. Our final Art Docent week is coming up the week of March 4th; please reach out to your classroom teachers if you signed up for that final session.  

•  It's Reading Marathon Month!  Give the Gift of Reading & Help Us Raise $10,000! Each Reading Marathon donation of $25 receives a personalized book plate in a new book of your choosing that will be added to the Ridgewood Library’s collection. Donate when you submit your student’s reading next week or anytime at www.friendsrpl.org/readingmarathon.
   
  Reading Marathon is one of the largest fundraisers for the Ridgewood Public Library. Your donations support the purchase of books and fund all children’s and teen programming, including Summer Reading Club, Craft in a Bag, Teen Tech Club, special performers, and so much more! Any donation amount is appreciated and no donation is required to participate.

• Please see RidgewoodSEPAG.org for Ridgewood SEPAG (Special Education Parent Advisory Group) resources and information. If you have questions, ideas, or concerns regarding special ed programs or policies, email contact@RidgewoodSEPAG.org or fill out the SEPAG's Feedback Form. Or write to: Willard@RidgewoodSEPAG.org.

 

Willard eNews - February 6, 2024

Please click on the links below for important information and upcoming events.

Willard Notices 

Valentine's Day is approaching! Classrooms will have a small class party on Wednesday, February 14th. Students are welcome to bring Valentine cards as long as there is one for each student. Candy is not permitted. Please reach out to your child's classroom teacher with any questions.

Safety Letter From Mrs. Hoffman
Guidance Counselor Corner
Game Club Schedule for February
Don't miss PE Play Week at Willard! 

HSA

Some important HSA info:

This Week's Events:

• Monday, Feb. 5 - Friday, Feb. 9: Keep up the amazing work with our Willard SOUPer Bowl (image courtesy of our 5th Grade Willard Leadership Committee). Willard students are invited to bring in shelf-stable soup to the Willard office through the end of this week (Friday, Feb. 9). All items will be donated to the Social Service Association of Ridgewood & Vicinity. Thanks again to our community service co-coordinators, Jaime Aliberti and Becca Dewan, for making yet another Year of Service activity possible at Willard!

• Tuesday, Feb. 6: The Board of Education meets at 5:00pm for a special public meeting. You can attend live at the Education Center (49 Cottage Place) or via Zoom. The District's website has additional info on viewing the meeting.

• Friday, Feb. 9: Valentine's Day-themed bake sale at 3pm dismissal (cash only, all treats are $2). We will have 3 tables on the blacktop behind the school and 1 table at the 4th grade doors. If you are able to provide treats (homemade or store-bought) or work a table on Friday, please sign-up to help; additional info at that link. Thank you in advance, especially to our bake sale coordinators, Linda D'Andrea and Rebecca Bowlin!

Your To-Do List:

• The Willard Drama Club's costume team needs your help sourcing costumes for their upcoming show (Disney's Finding Nemo Jr., March 7-9, more info to come). Please take a look at this list of desired costume items and email Stacie Taranto ([email protected]) if you have anything to donate.  In addition, if you have extra pool noodles in any color, please email Lauren Jester: laurenljester@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for your help!  

Reminders:

• It's Black History Month, and the Willard DEI Committee has put together a beautiful commemorative display featuring the inspirational words of civil rights activists Ella Baker, Fannie Lou Hamer, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Bayard Rustin. Check it out (to the right of the main office) when you're at Willard this month!

•  It's Reading Marathon Month! We have lots of exciting programs happening at the Ridgewood Public Library throughout the month, including science experiments, storytimes, yoga & an author visit with Gregory Allen on Feb. 20. Registration at www.ridgewoodlibrary.org is required for most events. We hope you’ll join us! These programs and more are funded by your generous donations to the Reading Marathon.

• Week of Feb. 12-16: Mr. Lucchesi and Mr. Scully will hold their annual Parent Play Week from Feb. 12-16. Please see their flyer for info on when you can join your children's PE classes that week!

• Tuesday,  Feb. 13: Don't miss a special presentation by prevention consultant Timothy Shoemaker, M.S., at Benjamin Franklin Middle School on Tuesday, Feb 13, at 6:30pm. Shoemaker will discuss the vaping epidemic that is impacting children as young as middle school across the nation. The talk is co-sponsored by the Ridgewood Board of Education, Municipal Drug Alliance, and the Ridgewood Federated HSA.

• Monday & Tuesday, Feb. 19-20: NO SCHOOL

• Please see RidgewoodSEPAG.org for Ridgewood SEPAG (Special Education Parent Advisory Group) resources and information, including meeting recordings, event details, newsletters and more. If you have questions, ideas, or concerns regarding special ed programs or policies, email contact@RidgewoodSEPAG.org or fill out the SEPAG's Feedback Form. If you have Willard-specific questions, ideas, or concerns, including those relating to sensory and other accommodations at HSA events, you also can email Willard’s SEPAG representatives at: [email protected].

Community
Ridgewood Youth Ice Hockey
Camp Bernie Confidence
West Bergen Mental Healthcare
Encore Music Studio
Sports Equipment Swap
Valentine Cookie Decorating Contest
RHS Band Citrus & Fruit Sale
Vaping - Timothy Shoemaker
Women's History Month Sticker Contest
5th Grade Art Contest
Reading Marathon
Ridgewood Lacrosse
RHS Jamboree Smooth Sailing
Girls Flag Football
Super Science Saturday