Dear West Oak Intermediate Families,

What a fantastic first week of school! Thank you for helping to make the start of the year such a positive experience for our students. From the moment they walked through our doors, our Wolfpack was filled with energy, excitement, and smiles!

This week, our students participated in our Wolfpack Ways stations, where they learned and practiced our school-wide behavior expectations in fun and engaging ways. Students have already begun earning Pack Points for demonstrating these expectations, and they’ll have the chance to cash them in for rewards during the first week of September at our Wolfpack Warehouse store. These systems help us create a safe, respectful, and responsible learning environment for everyone.

One of our school goals this year is attendance—making sure each child is present, accounted for, and ready to learn every day. Studies show that students who attend school regularly are more likely to succeed academically and feel connected to their school community. Families can help by ensuring students arrive on time to school before 8:00 a.m. each morning.

We are so proud of how our students have started the year, and we look forward to a year full of learning, growth, and Wolfpack spirit.

Sincerely,

Natalie Kalette

Principal

West Oak Intermediate School

Curriculum Night: We are looking forward to welcoming you to our building again on Wednesday, August 27th for the West Oak Intermediate School 2025-2026 Curriculum Night from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Please click here for additional information. 

SEL Focus of the Month: We are excited to be using PurposeFull People this year, a program that teaches skills to help students be successful in school and in life. August is Kindness Month! Check out our family connection letter to learn more: English and Spanish.

Drive Carefully – Students Are Back!: Thank you for following our arrival and dismissal procedures! With students back in school, please remember to drive carefully through our neighborhoods. Many children are walking to school or waiting at bus stops in the mornings and afternoons. Your caution, patience, and attentiveness help keep every child safe as they travel to and from school. Thank you for doing your part to protect our students!

WOIS Schedule and Calendar: The West Oak Intermediate school day starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:55 p.m. Please click here to view additional details regarding the WOIS schedule, as well as late start, early release, and non-attendance day calendar. You may also access a printable district calendar here. 

After School Activities:  There will be several after school activities available for students starting in late September. More information and sign ups will be coming soon.

Band and Choir Sign Ups (5th grade only): 5th Graders attended informational sessions during school on Tuesday to learn more about after school Band and Choir. All 5th graders brought home a sign up form that should be returned to their teacher if they are interested in signing up for Band or Choir. For students interested in Band, there will be a 5th Grade Intrument Rental Night on Thursday, August 28th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Innovation Center at West Oak Middle School. This event is for the 5th grade families to get a chance to talk with a Rental Representative and discuss options for renting an instrument. Students who elect to take 5th grade Band or Choir will be routed on a middle school bus for transportation home. Band and Choir will start on Monday, September 15th. 

Diamond Awards: New to this year, we ask families to complete this nomination Form if they would like to recognize a staff member they feel are going above and beyond with what they do in the classroom, school, or district. Please consider spreading the positivity bys highlighting the great work that staff our doing in our district. 

Birthday Treats:  Due to dietary restrictions and various allergies within the classrooms, families will need to refrain from providing birthday treats.  Classrooms will recognize and celebrate students’ birthdays in other ways! We appreciate your understanding. 

Before and After School Care: Check out these flyers from Innovation Learning on before and after school care available: English and Spanish.

D76 CARES: At D76, the well-being of our students and families is our top priority. Understanding the critical role mental health plays in student success, we have launched D76 CARES - a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving access to quality mental health services across our community. D76 CARES stands for Community, Advocacy, Resilience, Engagement, and Support. Treatment services are initially provided free of charge to district families for up to 8 sessions. Click HERE for treatment request.

One of the best ways to support your child’s success is by staying connected with their school life. Ask your child about their day using specific questions like, “What was something that made you smile today?” or “What did you work hard on?” 

This helps your child reflect on their learning and gives you insight to celebrate their efforts. Staying engaged in small daily conversations builds a strong home-school partnership that supports both learning and confidence.

Your student's classroom teacher should be your first point of contact. For building-related information, please call the front office at 847-970-3544 or contact the following individuals via email: 

• Front Office Staff: Ms. Kailey Leon: kleon@dist76.org & Cinthia Maldonado: cmaldonado@dist76.org 

• Principal: Natalie Kalette: nkalette@dist76.org 

• Nurse: Julie Marchese: jmarchese@dist76.org 

• The annual Back to School Bash will be on September 5 from 5:30-7:30. Pre-registration is now open.  Flyers are being sent home or register now when you pay via zelle.

• The Spirit Wear store is open now until Sept 14th. This will be the only spirit wear sale this year! Order here.

• September Dine-Out: The first D76 PTO sponsored dine-out event will be on September 16th at Taco and Burrito Express in Mundelein ! Please view the full invite here. 

• Next PTO Meeting: Tuesday September 16th, 2025 6:00-7:00pm Diamond Lake Elementary School Library. 

Please visit the D76 PTO Website for upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and more!