An Update from Hough Elementary

Dear Hough Families,

This month, our students have been actively demonstrating empathy through their Character Strong social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons. Empathy—understanding and sharing the feelings of others—is a key focus, and we are proud of how our students are embracing this important skill both in and out of the classroom. The holiday season is a wonderful time to show empathy towards others - whether it means donating some items to the Barrington Day of Giving, spending time with people that could use an extra dose of holiday cheer, or helping out around the house since parents are extra busy.

Students are learning to put themselves in someone else’s shoes, recognize different perspectives, and respond with kindness and understanding. These lessons are not only teaching our students how to care for others but also helping them build stronger friendships and classroom communities.

We encourage you to continue these conversations at home. Ask your child how they’ve shown empathy this week, or share examples of moments when someone’s understanding made a difference for you. Together, we can reinforce the importance of compassion and connection in our school and community.

We are excited to announce that our second grade teacher, Mrs. Laughlin (formerly Holmberg), and her husband, welcomed their first baby, John ("Jack") Steven Laughlin on Sunday, December 1st. Everyone is home and settling in nicely. While on maternity leave, we are happy to have Mrs. Ruhland as her long-term substitute teacher. Mrs. Ruhland has been subbing in Barrington 220 for three years, and was recently a second grade long-term sub at Barbara Rose School.

In our effort to keep everyone safe at drop off and pick up, we want to remind all drivers to park in the same direction as the flow traffic. As well, please observe the street signs, as there is no stopping/waiting along Lincoln Avenue, from the corner of Hough Street to Lil Street. It remains a traffic hazard. We have received multiple complaints from community members who are concerned with safety at drop off/pick up. Thank you so much for help keeping everyone safe.

You may have noticed that part of the big playground fence was damaged during a recent wind storm. We have a vendor coming later this week to make the repair. Thank you for your patience.

Barrington 220 continues to make student attendance a priority. We certainly understand the realities associated with cold and flu season and fully support students remaining home until they are well. We will continue to make parents aware of student attendance through the letters that are mailed to homes when a student reaches 4, 8 and 12 absences. Barrington 220 has published the attendance procedures on the Barrington 220 website, for further review.

Holiday Bake Sale - The Hough Bake Sale is in need of your home made (or store bought) goodies! Please drop off your items, packaged individually to sell on Tuesday, Dec 10th between 7:15 am-3:30 PM. Please stop by the Hough gym to shop the Holiday Bake Sale and to check out the latest Hough playground renderings and information while your child is shopping at the Holiday Market. Please remember to bring CASH for the bake sale!

Holiday Market - The Holiday Market takes place on Tuesday, December 10th from 5 – 7:30 PM. Shopping times are as follows: K-1st (5-6 PM), 2nd-3rd (5:45-6:45) and 4th-5th (6:30-7:30). There is one parent volunteer spot available for set-up. Click Here to help set up from 2-3:30 PM.

Holiday Market Helpers - We are in need of 5th grade elves and/or Hough Alumni to assist our youngest Hough students with their shopping. We ask 5th grade helpers to be at Hough from 4:45-6:45PM. If your child is available please sign up: HOLIDAY MARKET ELVES

Holiday Movie Night - Drop your little holiday rascals off with The Grinch and enjoy two peaceful hours to yourself on Wednesday, December 18th from 4:00-6:00 PM. This is open to all Hough students; $20 per student and the Hough sibling price is $15. Please prepay to reserve a spot! Students may wear Christmas PJs, an "ugly" holiday sweater or festive attire! Bring a small stuffed animal, sleeping bag or blanket to stay cozy. Drinks and snacks will be sold for $1 (cash only).

POP-Packs of Plenty Volunteering - Please check out the link for newly added January and February packing dates. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Hough Street School Book Drive- Bernie's Book Bank extends a HUGE thank you for Hough's incredible donation effort last month. With everyone's help, Hough donated over 2,000 beautiful books that will be shared with children in need.

Hough Turkey Bowl Thank You - The first ever Hough Turkey Bowl at Bowlero was a success! The families had a blast bowling, winning prizes at the arcade, and eating yummy food! A HUGE thank you to our three event sponsors: Home Team Collectibles, Grand Frame, Inc. and Northwest Golf Academy. We all had fun while raising money for our new Hough playground. We will have the event again in 2025!

-Tuesday, December 10th: Boys B-Ball (Red) 2:45-3:30* PM AND Holiday Market & Bake Sale 5:00-7:30 (baked goods drop off 7AM-3:30PM)

-Thursday, December 12th: Girls B-Ball 2:45-3:45

-Friday, December 13th: Girls B-Ball 7:05-7:50 AND Boys B-Ball (Red) 2:45-3:45 AND BHS Winter Wonderfest 6:00-9:00 PM

-Saturday, December 14th: BHS Winter Wonderfest 6:00-9:00 PM

-Monday, December 16th: Final 4th Grade STEM Club 2:45-3:45 AND Boys B-Ball (Black) 2:45-3:45

-Tuesday, December 17th: Boys B-Ball (Black) 7:05-7:50 AND Chess Club AND Boys B-Ball (Red) 2:45-3:45

-Wednesday, December 18th: All School Movie Night 4-6PM

-Friday, December 20th: Girls B-Ball 7:05-7:50 AND AND K-2nd Field Trip 9-11:30 AND Classroom Parties 1:30PM (Happy Winter Break!!!)

-Tuesday, January 7th: School Resumes

-Wednesday, January 8th: 2nd-3rd Grade STEM Club Registration opens 8:00 AM