Thursday Notes – November 21, 2024
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From Mr. Brooke’s Desk
Thanksgiving
Psalm 107:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
I am praying for your upcoming Thanksgiving, and asking the Lord to guide us toward being a grateful group. Amidst travel, incredible meals, and time away from school, I am asking the Lord to direct our attention to Christ and the incredible gift the Lord has given us in His Son. I hope you enjoy a change of rhythm next week. Please know that our team is grateful for you and so thankful to be in partnership together. Happy Thanksgiving!
Important Upcoming Dates
Friday, November 22
Sunset Slush Day
Zero Waste Day
Book Fair (8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-4:30 p.m.)
1:15-3:00 p.m. – 5S2 Trip to Wade Center (Wheaton College)
3:30-5:00 p.m. – YA Battle of the Books Year-End Party
4:00 p.m. – Boys’ JV BBall vs. Glencrest MS (WCGS)
5:00 p.m. – Boys’ V BBall vs. Glencrest MS (WCGS)
Saturday, November 23
7:30-8:30 a.m. – Fathers’ Prayer Breakfast (Commons)
Sunday, November 24
BIRTHDAY: Julie O’Malley (1st Grade Teacher) and Carol Sartell (2nd Grade Instructional Aide)
Monday, November 25
BIRTHDAY: Shreanna Powell (4th Grade Teacher)
Hot Lunch – Chick-fil-A
Book Fair (8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-4:30 p.m.)
9:00-10:00 a.m. – Moms in Prayer (Room 605)
Tuesday, November 26
Grandparents’ Day (12:30-3:15 p.m.)
NO HOT LUNCH TODAY
Book Fair (8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-4:30 p.m.)
No PM Extended Care Today
1:00 p.m. Grandparents’ Day Program (Gym)
1:45 p.m. – Grandparents Visit Classrooms
Wednesday, November 27
BIRTHDAYS: D.A. Nichols (P.E. Teacher, Athletic Director) and Vange Schock (Business Director)
NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, November 28
NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving
Friday, November 29
NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break
Monday, December 2
Hot Lunch – Chick-fil-A
8:00 a.m. – Praise Team Rehearsal (Commons)
9:00-10:00 a.m. – Moms in Prayer
6:00-7:30 p.m. – DR Trip Meeting (Commons)
Tuesday, December 3
Hot Lunch – Jersey Mike’s
3:30-5:00 p.m. – Robotics Team (Room 607)
4:00 p.m. – Boys’ JV BBall @ Timothy Christian
4:00/5:00 p.m. – Boys’ 6th Grade BBall @ Timothy Christian
5:00 p.m. – Boys’ V BBall @ Timothy Christian
Wednesday, December 4
Hot Lunch – Barone’s Pizza and Pasta
8:00 a.m. – MathCounts (Room 616)
8:00 a.m. – Praise Team Rehearsal (Commons)
9:45 a.m. – Chapel (Grades 3-5)
10:45 a.m. – Chapel (Grades 6-8)
11:45 a.m. – Chapel (Grades K-2)
3:30-4:00 p.m. – Yearbook Club (Graphics Lab)
5:15 p.m. – Boys’ 5A BBall vs. St. Petronille (WCGS)
6:15 p.m. – Boys’ 5B BBall vs. St. Petronille (WCGS)
7:00 p.m. – Boys’ 5B BBall vs. St. Petronille (WCGS)
Thursday, December 5
3:30-4:30 p.m. – Chess Club (Rooms 604 & 608)
3:30-5:00 p.m. – Robotics Team (Room 607)
3:30-5:30 p.m. – Girls’ BBall Tryouts (Grades 7-8)
4:00 p.m. – Boys’ 5th Grade BBall @ Harvest Christian
5:00 p.m. – Boys’ JV BBall @ Harvest Christian
6:00 p.m. – Boys’ V BBall @ Harvest Christian
Friday, December 6
Children’s Christmas Sale (9:00 a.m.-3:20 p.m.)
Mid-Quarter
Zero Waste Day
3:30-5:30 p.m. – Girls’ BBall Tryouts (Grades 7-8)
Saturday, December 7
BIRTHDAY: Lori Bode (Academic Specialist)
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. – Robotics Team Qualifier (Abbott MS, Elgin)
Library News
See You Tonight at Family Reading Night!
Family Reading Night is tonight, Thursday, November 21, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The food truck from Wheaton Academy, The Shack, will be here, and activities will include shopping at the fair, story times, and a craft and coloring table. We hope to see you there!
The Book Fair Is Here!
This year’s Jungle Book Fair will again be provided by I-55 Book Fairs. It is a Christian company that sells both Christian products and pre-reviewed secular products. A flyer with more information is attached here. This will be a great time to get a head start on your Christmas shopping!
Fair Dates
Thursday, November 21 8:30-12:00, 1:00-4:30, 5:30-7:30 (Family Night)
Friday, November 22 8:30-12:00, 1:00-4:30
Monday, November 25 8:30-12:00, 1:00-4:30
Tuesday, November 26 8:30-1:00, 3:00-4:30 (Grandparents’ Day)
Pack-Up: Monday, December 2
Shop Online! You can shop from our book fair online from November 17-30 and get free shipping on orders over $50. Access our online fair here.
Other Important Information
- Book Checkout: The library will be closed for usual activities like book checkout or AR tests from now through Tuesday, November 26. No books will be due during the fair, but all books checked out before the fair will be due on Tuesday, December 3.
- Class visits to the fair: All K-5 classes will come through the fair during their regular library time from Wednesday, November 20-Monday, November 25. Tuesday library classes and grades 6-8 will be told the time of their book fair visit by their teachers. When students come to the fair, they will be able to shop at that time if you send them with cash, OR they can make a wish list and shop with you during other open hours. You are of course welcome to come sooner than their library day during the before and after-school hours.
- Teacher Wish Lists: Buy a book for your teacher’s classroom library! Teachers will be making wish lists of items that they would like to add to their collections, so be on the lookout for that when you visit the fair.
STEAM+ Notes
Peculiar People Robotics Team
Is your child interested in the WCGS Robotics Team? Do you want to learn about what the Robotics Team has been researching, building, and coding this season? ALL parents, supervised students, and teachers are welcome to come to hear their presentations on Thursday, December 5, from 3:45-4:30 p.m. in the STEAM+ Lab, room 607. This presentation is helping them prepare for their qualifier on December 7. Hope to see you there!
Family Reading Night + STEM Fair = STREAM Fair
The Family Reading Night and STEM Fair are combining for ONE epic night! Mark your calendar for the STREAM Fair on Tuesday, February 11, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. You will not want to miss the opportunity for students of all ages to ignite their passion for reading and science through the integration of science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and mathematics. This event will allow preschoolers through eighth graders to enjoy story times, reading to dogs, crafts, games, hands-on science experiments, demonstrations, and discovery exhibits, while also shopping for amazing science books, STEM kits, and take-home experiments provide through the SciZooka STEAM shop.
Calling All Parents who work in STEAM Fields
WCGS will have our fourth STREAM FAMILY FAIR on Tuesday, February 11, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. If you have a passion and expertise in STEAM related areas, would you be willing to host a table, demonstration, or interactive activity? Families would attend representing children in ages from kindergarten through eighth grade. Please email Jacqueline Lauriat if you are interested in participating.
Zero Waste Day Every FRIDAY.
Thank you for supporting Zero Waste Day every Friday. Please continue to help your child pack a lunch with reusable containers and avoid plastic bags and other single use items. Students are still encouraged to compost and recycle.
Nurse Notes
Winter Reminders
Winter is here! Just a reminder that all students grades K-8 will go outside each day unless it is raining or bitter cold. Please make sure they have the proper gear for snow and an extra pair of pants and socks in their locker. The nurse’s office does not have extra clothes for wet pants or feet after playing outside.
Notable Notes
Lost and Found
Please stop by the Commons to search one last time for any items that may be yours. Current items will be donated by Thanksgiving!
Planning to Extend Thanksgiving Break?
If your family is planning to leave early OR return late from Thanksgiving Break due to travel, please be sure to communicate this to school ASAP by submitting a Pre-Arranged Absence Form. You can use the online form through the FACTS Family Portal, or grab a printed hard copy from the front office. Pre-Arranged Absence Forms should be submitted to the office as soon as plans are made. Please do not request schoolwork unless you intend to have your student complete it during your holiday. For more information regarding our Attendance Policy, please refer to page 9 of the Parent Handbook.
Community Corner
Merriest Market
Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit at the 9th annual Merriest Market on Saturday, December 7! This enchanting event will take place in the Commons and showcase a delightful array of talented artisans offering unique handmade gifts, perfect for everyone on your holiday list. You will discover one-of-a-kind creations, from handcrafted jewelry to cozy home décor. In addition to the incredible artisan offerings, indulge your taste buds with a gourmet coffee vendor serving up delicious hot & cold lattes and bakery treats. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or simply looking to soak in the cheerful atmosphere, the Merriest Market promises to be a joyous celebration of creativity and community. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to support local artisans (many of them part of the WCGS family) and make your holiday season truly special!
Fox Valley Ballet Nutcracker
Looking to do something festive during the upcoming holiday season? Come see the Fox Valley Ballet Nutcracker November 29-December 1 at the Batavia Fine Arts Center! WCGS students Isabel and Hannah Wilding, Pennie Barr, and Libby Cate Green will be performing in it. Get your tickets here.
