The 5Essentials is a research-based school improvement system and framework that defines, measures, and utilizes the most important organizational conditions, including aspects of a school’s culture and climate, to improve student outcomes. The 5Essentials Survey for parents is comprised of approximately 26 questions. The responses from the parent survey are meant to complement the teacher and student data.
The 5Essentials Survey and Supplemental Parent Survey are administered 100% online at https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois. Survey participants must complete the survey between February 3, 2026, and March 13, 2026, as administration dates will not be extended.
Good evening. Due to the forecast, AlWood CUSD 225 will utilize an E-Learning Day for tomorrow, Monday, January 26th.
Should be a fun night! Get your tables reserved now before they are all spoken for!
FFA Strawberry Fundraiser-
Fresh from Florida delivery the week of March 2nd. One flat $30 & half flat $15. Reach out to your favorite FFA student.
Here is the link to WQAD's page that includes the form and an option to fill it out online:
https://www.wqad.com/article/news/local/contests/wqad-news-8-invites-students-to-honor-teachers-in-my-favorite-teacher-contest/526-d0fb3cf9-d3a2-4804-a49a-82c0b3b3f653
Due to the incoming weather, all AlWood and Ridgewood athletic events and practices are cancelled for this evening.
Do you struggle with having genuine conversations with your teen? Do you want to help create dialogue to support and learn how to help them?
Here are 5 questions (rooted in positive-psych research and kid-friendly in language) that parents can ask their students to tap into curiosity, confidence, and connection at school.
“What are you most excited to learn about this week and why?”
Sparks curiosity; when kids get excited about what they love, they naturally want to learn more.
“What is one strength you have that can help you handle challenges?”
Helps kids recognize their inner superpowers, like kindness or perseverance, so they know they’ve got what it takes.
“Who’s someone at school you’d love to connect more with and how can you be a good friend to them?”
Friendships fuel emotional health. This question nudges kids to think about connection and empathy.
“What does a ‘great day’ at school look like for you?”
Visualizing a good day helps kids feel more confident and optimistic. It’s like a mental warm-up for success.
“If you start feeling nervous or stressed, what’s something that has helped you feel calm or strong before?”
Encouraging emotional awareness and giving kids real tools to handle the tough stuff when it shows up is so valuable.
Hopefully, these questions will be beneficial.
ALWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Who: 6th & 7th grade students
What: Snow Play Day- Dressed in all 5 items (hat, gloves, winter coat, snow pants & snow boots) Students will get to play in the snow during their PE class.
When: Tuesday & Wednesday, December 2nd & 3rd, 2025 during their PE class.
(A Day-Tuesday, B Day-Wednesday)
Students do not HAVE to participate in this snow play day; an alternate activity will be in the middle school gym for the students who do not want to play in the snow. Please do not bring sleds. Upon arriving at school, students will put their bag of snow gear in the middle school gym bleachers. Snow gear will be allowed to dry after PE class and be brought home at the end of the day.
Any questions please contact Lyndsey Haars, haarsl@alwood.net, 309-334-2102 (school)
AlWood CUSD #225 will now dismiss one hour early due to predicted snow for this afternoon. No PM Preschool and No After School Activities. Thank you and please stay safe.
Looking to order a 2025-26 Yearbook?
Students will be receiving an order form during Advisory on Friday, November 21st. If you are interested in ordering a yearbook, fill out the form and bring it back to the Middle-High School Office. Payment should be cash or check, payable to AlWood High School.
You may also fill out the Google Form below instead of turning in a physical form. Please remember to bring in your cash or check payment.
2025-26 Yearbook Online Order Form
If you have any questions, please reach out to Andrew Lister (listera@alwood.net).
Please read the attached information from the AlWood Holiday Box Committee. This is about their annual supply boxes they put together and give away for free over Christmas break.
They have extended the deadline to this coming Friday. Just email Alwoodholidayboxes@gmail.com to tell them that you would like one of their free holliday boxes. Each box contains cereal, canned goods, snacks, easy-to-make lunch supplies and toiletries.
Unfortunately, the Bridges PTO is postponing "Son's Night Out" tonight, due to unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances. They will reschedule for a later date.
We are very sorry. Thank you for your understanding.