Thanksgiving, which occurs later this month, is a wonderful time to celebrate our families. The theme that we observe in November across the district is “Our Families are Important.” We encourage our students to share about their families, their family traditions, and what makes their family special to them.

Families and the community are also a crucial part of the social-emotional development of our students. While we have lessons about understanding our emotions, building relationships, understanding others’ perspectives, and making good choices and decisions, these lessons at school alone, are not as effective as they are when supported at home by the families that surround our children. Spend time as a family over this month celebrating one another, and engaging in activities that are fun! The Wilmette Public Library has regular events for families, and check out this list of opportunities to spend time together by catching a show, apple or pumpkin picking, heading to a museum and more!

Board of Education Meeting

The Board of Education gathered this past Monday for a public hearing on the 2024 Tax Levy and its monthly business meeting. During the business meeting, the Board adopted the 2024 Tax Levy, received a presentation on long-term enrollment projections, and shared committee reports. Agendas and materials for all Board of Education meetings are posted online the Friday prior to the meeting.

Parent Education Event

Make plans to join us on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 11 am for our next Parent Education event titled “Youth Substance Use Trends Parents Should Know About.” This presentation explores the latest substance use trends among youth (including alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis), using visual aids, to help parents know what to look out for when it comes to vaping devices, misleading packaging, and stash compartment items. The presenters will include prevention strategies and tips that parents and caregivers can implement at home. This is presented by PEER Services and the Knowledge Empowers Youth (KEY) Coalition.

Families are encouraged to join us in-person at the Mikaelian Education Center, but can also participate virtually via Zoom. Registration for this event is now open. Please visit our Parent Education webpage for our full schedule of events as well as archived recordings of past events.

Friendships through Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)

There is an emerging technological trend that we want to share and encourage conversations with your child(ren) regarding safe technology use. Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) chatbots have been on the rise and some children may be using them as companions or, in rare circumstances particularly among older children, entering into relationships with them. Below are a few tools to keep an eye on that child(ren) may be using:

• My AI in Snapchat

• Character.ai

• Replika - replika.com

• Kindroid - kindroid.ai

• Nomi - nomi.ai

Designed with human-like characteristics, these A.I. chatbots can enter into conversations and seem like real people to children. The attraction to an A.I. chatbots can be non-judgmental listening, emotional support, escape from real world stressors, and a readily accessible friend. One major concern is that if a child is having symptoms of sadness or depression, these interactions with chatbots do not provide the appropriate direction and support that may be needed. In fact, these interactions could lead to a much more serious situation. Another concern is spending an excessive amount of time developing a relationship that is not real at the expense of interacting with real-life peers.

As you have conversations with your child about healthy technology use, please include asking about A.I. chatbots. Here are some discussion starters:

• Have you talked to an A.I. character?

• How do you think it’s different from talking to a real friend?

• What does it look like if someone is spending too much time using one?

• Who could you go to if you needed help?

If concerning behavior exists, please seek support from a mental health professional. If you have additional questions regarding A.I. chatbots, please reach out to Tony DeMonte, Assistant Superintendent for Technology and Safety.

Save the Date – Registration for the 2025-26 Academic Year

As we approach fall break, we wanted to share that registration for the 2025-26 school year will open on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. District 39 is excited that it will be offering full-day kindergarten for all families beginning in Fall 2025! Additionally, our school calendar committee is currently busy building next year’s school calendar. The committee expects to present a draft of the 2025-26 School Year Calendar to the Board on December 16 and to receive final approval of the calendar at the January 27th Board of Education Meeting. More details to follow in the coming weeks.

Donate to the Teacher and Staff Holiday Gift Fund Today!

'Tis the giving season! There's nobody more deserving than our incredibly hard-working HMS teachers and staff.

If you haven't already, please consider donating to the Teacher and Staff Holiday Gift Fund. The suggested donation of $25 per student ensures every HMS teacher and staff member is gifted by the student community this holiday season. Donate here.

Winter After School Clubs

Please visit https://www.highcrestpto.org/afterschoolclubs for all details on clubs. More clubs being added soon!

SKYLINE CHILDREN’S THEATER - MOANA JR.

Rehearsals Wednesdays, 3:45-5:45 PM, Feb 26 – May 14 (No class on Mar 26) (11 sessions) at HMS

2 shows – Wednesday, May 21, 2024 (time TBD)

Fee: $370

Click HERE to register! (Waitlist available HERE)

This coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana and friends as they set sail across the Pacific to save Motunui and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery as they learn to harness the power that lies within. Skyline's Broadway Performers is a no-cut program designed for middle school actors. Performers will be challenged by a professional teaching artist, and level up by learning advanced performance skills. Every actor who participates is assigned a named role and receives a script and rehearsal materials.

CHESS-ED

Thursdays, 3:45-4:45 pm, Jan 9 – Mar 20 (11 weeks) at HMS

EARLY pricing 12/5 - 12/27 - $198; LATE Registration 12/28 to 01/06/2025 - $228

Registration opens: Dec 5, 2024, 10:00 am. Click HERE to register.

Each week, students will enjoy an engaging lesson with supervised time to play with classmates. Students will grow their knowledge of the game from basics through opening theory, middle game tactics and end game combinations. Playing chess increases IQ performance, improves memory, uses analytical and critical thinking skills, social skills and more. Open to all students and all playing levels.

ACES DEBATE CLUB

Thursdays, 3:45-4:45 pm (Advanced Debate **only for debaters who have done debate before), Jan 23 – Mar 13 (8 weeks); Fridays, 3:45 – 4:45 pm (Intro to Debate **only for debaters who have not done debate before), Jan 10 – Mar 14 (8 weeks, no club on ‘No School’ days) at HMS

Fee: $280

Registration opens: Dec 5, 2024, 9:00 am. Click HERE to register

Learn research, writing, and oral argumentation. Programs for beginning and experienced debaters, 5th - 8th grade! The program concludes with a 2-hour session to give students an opportunity to demonstrate their new skills in full debates.

We need help stocking the teachers' lounge for our awesome staff! We need a lot more sign-ups this month! Please click here to sign up!

• November: Grade 6th, House 3 (Heyde, Flintz, Eakley, Facchini)
• December: 6th Grade House 4 (Bishop, Resis, Everhart, Flanigan)

HMS has spirit days throughout the year--show your Hawks pride with some swag! Available online at Humankind!