Washington Wildcat Chat

Dear Washington Family,

We are settling back into the routines of school and have been working this month to review our school rules and expectations and practice safety in all areas of the building. We also continue to promote a positive school culture through our PBIS system and Second Step curriculum for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) relates to recognizing and managing emotions; demonstrating care and concern for others; establishing positive relationships; making responsible decisions; and handling challenging situations constructively. Research shows that students who master these skills have a greater sense of well-being and better performance in school. The Illinois State Board of Education has implemented SEL standards as part of the Illinois Learning Standards for all students since 2003.

During the week of January 29th, we will administer the second round of the SAEBRS survey for all students. The SAEBRS universal screener helps us understand students’ SEL skills and has two parts; one part is completed by your child’s teacher or teaching team for each individual student in grades K-8. The second part is a short survey completed only by students in grades 3-8. The SAEBRS helps teachers determine which students may need more support with achieving the SEL standards. For example, if students report that they "feel worried" or "argue with others," classroom teachers may help students manage these feelings and resolve conflict.

Please note that if you previously requested that your student NOT participate in SAEBRS in the fall, they will not be a part of the winter screener. Please reach out to me or your child's teacher if you have any questions or concerns.

Warm regards,

Angie

Thank you to all of our students who participated in the Maine South Fine Arts Collaboration! Congratulations to the following students, whose writing was selected to be showcased in the upcoming performance, "Written in Crayon - Music Through the Ages."

The performance will take place on January 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in the Maine South Auditorium. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend!

Christian C

James LS

Corinna L

Adriana J

Wyatt R

Maxwell R

Matt M

Ronan P

Nile I
Marta R

Lily K

Registration opened for all District 64 students this week, including for students entering preschool and kindergarten.

Like last year, we improved the registration process to put us in the best position to help your children. The deadline to register your child for the 2024-2025 school year is noon on Friday, March 22nd. We are offering an early bird discount on families’ school fees if they complete registration, as well as pay fees before noon on Friday, March 22nd. For any families who do not register by this date, you’ll receive a records release as we’re assuming you’re going to another district.

It is important to note that to take advantage of the discount, you will need to have the registration forms filled out and submitted by Monday, March 18th. This allows our staff time to verify documents and send out invoices so you can pay them by noon on Friday, March 22nd. You can find our fee list for 2024-2025 here, and it shows what fees would be before and after the deadline.

Thank you to all the families who registered their children before the deadline in 2023. The earlier families register, the better we can plan for staffing throughout the District, classroom arrangements, and materials needed for the school year.

Where can you find registration information? All of the links and directions for 2024-2025 registration will be placed at the top of our registration page on Tuesday, January 16th.

How can I take advantage of the fee discount? You will need to have the registration forms filled out and submitted by Monday, March 18th. This allows our staff time to verify documents and send out invoices so you can pay them by noon on Friday, March 22nd.

What happens after March 22nd? If you miss the deadline and receive a records release form but want your child to go to school in District 64, You will need to complete a few items to enroll:

• Prove residency, even if you were previously cleared
• Provide a birth certificate of the child registering

• Board of Education Meeting - January 25

• Science Olympiad - February 10

• Valentine's Day Parties - February 14

• Washington Open House - February 15

• No School - Teacher Institute Day - February 16

• PTO Meeting - February 21

• Board of Education Meeting - February 22

• Washington School Dance - March 2

Inspire all students to discover their strengths, embrace learning, achieve personal excellence, and demonstrate care. Students thrive in a rich, rigorous, and innovative curriculum delivered by highly qualified teachers. Each student learns and grows in a safe, nurturing environment. In collaboration with student, parents, teachers and the community, District 64 provides opportunities for each learner to investigate, be successful, be resilient, and become inspired and empowered as they contribute to our global society.