Dear West Oak Intermediate Families,

It’s been a great first week back from spring break! We loved seeing students jump right back into routines and learning. One highlight of the week was our Wolfpack Ways presentations, where students helped reteach our school-wide behavior expectations for common areas. Their creativity, teamwork, and leadership really stood out!

As we move into April, our Wolfpack Ways Challenge will focus on Responsibility. Throughout the month, students will be encouraged to take ownership of their actions, be accountable for their learning, and make positive choices each day. One way students can show their responsibility is by arriving to school on time every day!

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We hope you enjoy a wonderful and relaxing 4-day weekend!

Natalie Kalette

Principal

West Oak Intermediate School

• Summer Band: Our annual West Oak Summer Band will be available for our 5th-7th graders and will be held at West Oak Middle School from Monday, June 15th - Thursday, July 2nd. We will meet Monday-Thursday from 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM. Please fill out this Form below to sign up your student for this amazing enrichment camp! The fee for this camp is $75.00. Cash or check (Made out to “West Oak Middle School”) is accepted and can be turned into the main office at West Oak Intermediate or Middle School. **Registration will be closing on May 1st** If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask! I hope to see your student in the summer!

• Summer Exploration Camp Registration: We are excited to announce that Summer Exploration Camp registration is open!  Summer Exploration Camp is open to students entering grades K-8 this fall.  Summer exploration camp will run from Monday through Thursday from 8am - 11:30am at Diamond Lake School.  The dates of Summer Exploration Camp are June 3rd to July 2nd.  There is no cost, and transportation will be provided.  Please click here to register.

• Pick Up Procedures: This is a friendly reminder to please call the school office by 2:00 p.m. if there is any change in your child’s transportation plan for the day (for example, if your child will be picked up instead of taking the bus). If you plan to pick up your child and they typically ride the bus home, please be prepared to show a valid photo ID at pickup. Thank you for your help in keeping our dismissal process safe and smooth!

• Illinois Science Assessment: From April 8th-10th, all 5th grade students will be taking the Illinois Science Assessment. (ISA) The ISA aligns with our new Illinois Learning Standards in Science. This assessment helps families understand how well students are performing academically and see whether they are on track to succeed in college. The ISA represents Illinois’ commitment to preparing all students for college and careers, including in the high-demand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The assessment also satisfies federal accountability requirements and is designed to reflect classroom experiences. Please ensure your 5th grader brings a charged chromebook to school on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. 

• Bus Safety: Please review the following letter as our bus company will be upgrading their safety protocols by wearing reflective vests in order to make themselves more easily identifiable. 

• Yearbook Order Forms: Yearbook order forms were passed out in classes today! The order form and yearbook money ($20) is due by April 10th if your student would like to order a yearbook. 

• Clubs Session 2: Please click here to view the after school clubs and activities schedule. 

• SEL Focus of the Month: April's SEL focus is COURAGE! Students will be developing skills like focusing, organizing, and goal-setting through our Character Strong curriculum during morning meeting. Please see below for the monthly family newsletters: 

  • 3rd Grade Family Newsletter: English Spanish 

  • 4th Grade Family Newsletter:  English Spanish

  • 5th Grade Family Newsletter: English Spanish

• 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 by highlighting the great work that staff our doing in our district. 

• 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.

Building Responsibility: Helping children take responsibility at home supports their success at school. Encourage your child to manage simple tasks like packing their backpack, completing homework, or keeping track of important items. Offering guidance while allowing them to take ownership builds independence, confidence, and a sense of pride in their actions.

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 

• School Supply Kits: 2026-2027 School Supply Kits are on sale now through April 24, 2026. This year D76 PTO has partnered with #SchoolKidz to provide parents a convenient, easy, and affordable way to order their student’s school supplies for the upcoming school year.  Click below to order by April 24, 2026. Diamond Lake use account # 22102, West Oak Campus # 30405.  www.shopttkits.com

• Next Fun Night: Join us for a fun afternoon at Just for Fun Roller Rink on Sunday, April 12th from 3:30-6:00. $10 to skate, $5 for spectators.  Food will be available to purchase.  Students Pre-K through Fifth Grade must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.  

• Teacher Appreciation Week: Exciting information regarding Teacher Appreciation Week coming soon!

• Next Dine Out: Thursday, April 16th Bill’s Pizza Dine out all Day

• Next PTO Meeting: You are invited to join us at our monthly PTO meeting. Tuesday April 21st, 2026 6:00-7:00 pm Diamond Lake Elementary School Library. All are welcome to attend.