Happy Friday, HMS Families!

We have noticed many of our students love to ride their bikes to school. We are so fortunate to have so many paths to take to get to Highcrest, and a community that is always on the lookout for bike riders in the morning. Unfortunately there has been an uptick in unsafe incidents while biking to and from school, so we are asking for your partnership in supporting students as they arrive and return home safely on their bikes.

If your child is a bike rider or hopes to ride their bike to school in the future, please review these practices with them over the weekend so that Monday is the safest arrival yet!

• Wear helmets when riding bikes to and from school (and always!)
• Stay on the paths and sidewalks on the way to school, especially around the parking lot.
• The path can be crowded with bikers and walkers, so it is important to give everyone space to ensure the safety of all.
• Carry books, phone, and any other school items in your backpack when on the bike. Carrying things in the basket can cause the bike to become unbalanced.
• Be aware of the directions of supervisors when around school. Look for an adult and report it right away if there are any issues.
• LOCK YOUR BIKE once at school. This is important to do! If you need to find a space to lock your bike, ask the supervisor out there and they will be happy to assist.

We have supervisors by the bike racks and on the path, but we need your help in reinforcing the message to ride slowly and cautiously when approaching the school, and to share the path with others who are biking or walking. Slow and steady is the best way to maneuver in the crowded bike areas around the school!

We appreciate your help in sharing this message with your children. We value your partnership as we work together to keep our kids safe here at HMS!

Have a great weekend!

Kelly, Linda, and Susie

We would like to remind you that toys resembling weapons, including Nerf guns, are not allowed on school grounds. These items can be disruptive to the school environment and may cause safety concerns. Please ensure that your child leaves any such toys at home. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and focused learning atmosphere for all students. Thank you for your support in reinforcing this with your children.” This can be found on page 34 of the parent handbook.

We are so grateful for our many volunteers who help our school...especially during lunch. While we know how enlightening it can be to be a part of our lunchroom and other school events, we want to ask that you refrain from taking photos while in our school building. We want to make sure that we maintain the privacy of our students and their families during the school day and at school events. Thank you for your help!

Please disregard this message if you have already submitted your student's health forms.

Exclusion day is 1 month away! 6th grade physicals and immunizations must be submitted to the nurse, Mary McLone, to ensure that all of the State of Illinois requirements have been completed and documented. Starting Tuesday October 15th, students who have not submitted completed 6th grade State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health forms will be excluded from class until the required form has been submitted and reviewed by the nurse.

Please email Mary McLone at mclonem@wilmette39.org if you have any questions.

NWEA MAP testing will be MATH on 9/17 (this coming Tuesday). Results from the MAP will be mailed home on 9/26, so families can expect to receive results shortly thereafter.

Are you in 6th grade? Do you like math competitions? Do you want to represent HMS at the regional MathCounts competition on Saturday, February 1st, 2025? Then try out for the MathCounts team.

On October 22nd, we will go over the program, and solve some Mathcounts practice problems. On October 29th, November 12th, and November 19th, students will take 3 school contests. The 12 top scoring students will be chosen to represent HMS at the regional competition. These 12 students will continue to practice for the regional competition on December 3rd, 10th, 17th, and January 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th.

The Regional Competition is on Saturday, February 1st. Please make a note of that now, to ensure that your child does not have a conflict with that date, should they make the team. Students who do well at the regional competition may be invited to the State Competition which is usually one of the first two weekends in March. The four top scoring students from the Illinois State competition will be awarded an all expense paid trip to the National Competition in May.

Parents, please fill out this form by October 15th if your student is interested in Mathcounts. The first club date will be October 22nd.

All 5th and 6th graders are invited to compete in the Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle School competition (MOEMS). Students will meet after school (3:40 - 4:40pm) once a month from October to April.

The club dates are Oct 28, Nov 11*, Dec 9*, Jan 13*, Feb 24*, March 17* and April 7. It is important for students to attend all starred dates as these are the dates of the competitions.

Parents, please fill out this form by October 21 if your student is interested in MOEMs. The first club date is Oct 28 when the rules of MOEMs will be discussed and students will practice a past competition.

Please email Jess Radcliffe (radclifj@wilmette39.org) if you have any questions.

High Five Junior Choir registration is open! You can register your student in grades 5-8 using this link. Please note that this choir is different from the grade level choirs at HMS and WJHS. If you want to better understand what High Five Junior Choir is, please watch this video or contact Mrs. Martin at martinj@wilmette39.org

During our Curriculum Nights across the district, we have enjoyed sharing with you the focus of our SEL curricula in our classrooms, as well as the objectives targeted at each grade level. Information about social-emotional learning in D39 can be found HERE. Be sure to check it out for information about what your child is learning, how to support social-emotional learning at home, and gain information about resources available to families.

Additionally, at Curriculum Night, we shared the District 39 commitment to providing a safe and equitable learning environment that fosters a mindset of empathy, respect, and belonging for all district students and staff. To help foster this inclusive mindset, we are focusing on monthly themes throughout the year. As classrooms explore these themes, students will be able to learn about their identities, understand the unique qualities and perspectives of their classmates and community, and gain insight into celebrations and traditions from around the world.

Themes:

SEPTEMBER: Our Names are Important

OCTOBER: Our Identities are important

NOVEMBER: Our Families are Important

DECEMBER: Our Traditions are Important

JANUARY: Our Actions are Important

FEBRUARY: Our Features are Important

MARCH: Our Foods are Important

APRIL: Our Abilities are Important

MAY: Our Histories are Important

With September focusing on the importance of our names, we encourage you at home to have a discussion with your child about their name, how their name came to be, and if there is any significance to their name story. It could prompt a fun dinner conversation for the whole family!

Board of Education – Committee of the Whole Meeting Recap

This past Monday, the Board of Education gathered for its monthly Committee of the Whole meeting. These committee meetings inform the Board’s monthly business meeting and offer the group an opportunity to review, discuss, and provide valuable insight on District initiatives. While the Board gives its final approval to these initiatives during its regular business meeting, these important committee meetings are characterized by dialogue and an exchange of ideas. Just like the monthly business meetings, these committee meetings are open to in-person attendance and also streamed live on our YouTube channel, with a recording also made available for viewing.

At last Monday’s meeting, the Board was presented with a final draft of our Strategic Plan Action Steps for 2024-25 and also reviewed the summer 2025 construction budget. The agenda and accompanying materials for this meeting are available online.

Parent Education Events – Let’s Play Series

District 39 is proud to be partnering with the Alliance for Early Childhood, Wilmette Public Library, and BackYard Nature Center for a series of Parent Education events designed to highlight the benefits of free play for our students. These events are meant to be a family adventure into creative, child-led free play that sparks imagination and fuels growth. This experience is designed for you and your child(ren) to explore a variety of fun-filled activities designed to flex your “play muscles” and strengthen your bond. The schedule for these events is listed below. Registration is required and can be done online through the respective school links.

LOCATION DATE TIME

McKenzie Wednesday, Oct. 2 3:30-4:30 pm

Romona Monday, Oct. 7 3:30-4:30 pm

Harper Friday, Oct. 18 2:30-3:30 pm

Central Monday, Oct. 21 3:30-4:30 pm

Highcrest Monday, Oct. 28 3:50-4:50 pm

Parent Education Event – Researched-Based Mathematics

D39 is offering a Parent Education event, titled “Researched-Based Mathematics Teaching and Learning,” on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 11 am. This event will be held virtually via Zoom. Dr. Jen Munson, an assistant professor of learning sciences at Northwestern University, with a Ph.D. in Teacher Education and Mathematics Education from Stanford University, will help our families gain insight into the ways children understand and engage with math. Learn what research suggests students need in order to develop strong mathematical skills. Registration is open for this event.

Looking For Fulfilling Work? Join Our District 39 Team!

District 39 seeks caring and qualified individuals to join our D39 team! We are accepting applications for paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, a substitute nurse, and maintenance/custodial associates. If you are interested in working as part of a dynamic team in a vibrant and welcoming setting, or know of someone who may be, please visit our D39 employment webpage.

Help Stock the Teacher’s Lounge in October- 6th Grade House 2

Help the PTO stock the teachers' lounge this school year! Each month, a different house will bring items to the teachers' lounge so it stays fully stocked year-round. Click here to sign up!

Next for October: 6th Grade House 2 (Jansyn, Gust, Dubs, Espinoza)

Volunteer for Lunch Duty!

Highcrest is in need of volunteers for lunch duty. The job is easy and it’s a great opportunity to see your child at school. Sign up here!

Verify Directory Information

Please log in to your PTO Membership Toolkit account and verify your information. Event tickets to Freaky Friday and other events are coming soon and will require your active Membership Toolkit account to purchase tickets.

Also join the PTO and gain access to the HMS directory on Membership Toolkit!

The Back to School Shop is open in the Membership Toolkit site, where you can purchase your Yearbook and Birthday Book and contribute to the Teacher Gift Fund and iGNITE!

Help Fund Your Child’s Enrichment: Donate to iGNITE

Please consider donating to iGNITE at Highcrest. The Highcrest iGNITE program raises funds to pay for enrichment programs such as field trips and school assemblies along with contributing to enhancements to our schools directly related to our students such as outdoor learning environments and athletic equipment. The district does not pay for these activities. It is 100% funded by the iGNITE. The PTO is pleased to provide these programs and appreciates your donation, which will ensure their continuation.

Here are some upcoming enrichment activities planned for the school year (more programs to be scheduled):

5th grade - 5th Grade Connections (Sept), Matt Wilhem visit (Oct), Lloyd Bachrach visit (Jan), Field trip to the Adler Planetarium (May)

6th grade - John Halligan visit (Oct), Field trip to Heller Nature Center (Oct), Joey FineRhyme visit (Oct), Mr Freeze (Jan), Night Sky Viewing (tbd)

After School Clubs - You can still register!

The PTO organized after School Clubs will be starting up soon. There is still time to register for the following clubs. Please visit the PTO website here for more information on After School Clubs. .

Chess-Ed Chess Club The chess program, guided by professional instructors, is open to all students in all grades and of all playing levels. Beginners are welcome. Spots still available. ($228)

Club days and times: Thursdays, 3:45-4:45PM, Sep 19 – Dec 19 (No club on ‘No School’ days)
Club meeting location: HMS Cafeteria

Registration Link: https://highcrestmiddleschoolchess.eventbee.com

Ace’s Debate Club Learn research, writing, and oral argumentation. ($280)

Intro to Debate is full for fall. There is still room in the Advanced Debate.

Advanced Debate (**only for debaters who have done debate before) - Thursdays, 3:45-4:45PM

Club meeting location: HMS Rooms 109 & 111

Register @ https://www.acesdebateclub.com/register/.

Skyline Children’s Theater: Wizard of Oz Jr., Broadway Performers - a few Friday section spots still open! ($380)

Rehearsal Days: Fridays, 3:45-5:45 pm, Sep 20 - Dec 13 (No class on ‘No School’ days)

Rehearsal meeting location: HMS Auditorium / Drama Room (Room 123)

Show Day: Thursday, Dec 19, 2024, time TBD @ HMS Auditorium

Register @ https://wix.to/cJdf5ga

High Five Choir The High Five Junior Choir aims to share the love of music with peers regardless of abilities, share our voices through music, and have a lot of fun! ($125)

**Please note that this is different from the HMS grade level choirs.

Club days and times: Thursdays, 3:45 – 4:45, Sep 19, 2024 – Jan 16, 2025 (No club on ‘No School’ days)

Club meeting location: Music Room 134

Winter concert dates and times: Jan 23, 2025, 4:15 – 4:45 pm @ HMS Auditorium

Instructor: HMS Music Director, Mrs. Martin

Register @ https://www.highcrestpto.org/store/12338

PASS 39 Coffee Hour - October 4

PASS39 (Parent Association of Student Services) is a parent organization committed to supporting parents of children with learning, behavioral, emotional and developmental challenges.

The PASS39 Coffee hour is scheduled for October 4th 9:30-11:30AM. Come meet the representative and other parents of PASS39. RSVP to PASS39@Wilmette39.org for the location. Preschool kids and younger are welcome too!

5th Grade Connections will take place on Sept 20

5th Grade Connections is a fun, interactive day just for the 5th graders. It’s designed to provide the students an opportunity to meet and get to know new classmates better.

When: Friday, September 20th

Where: Highcrest Middle School

Times: House 1&2: 9:30am-12:00pm, House 3&4: 11:15am-1:45pm

Thank you to everyone who has signed up to volunteer so far. There are still a few volunteer spots open. Click here to volunteer.

Did you know enrichment activities like 5th Grade Connections are funded by the PTO? If you haven't already, please consider donating to our iGNITE fund, which funds this event (in addition to other enrichment activities).

Help the PTO Recycle Plastic Bags

Did you know you cannot put plastic bags in your regular recycling? Never fear, you can drop them off at HMS! We have bins set up in the front entrance and in our teachers' lounge so families and staff can recycle.

But we need your help to keep this program going. Twice a month, a parent volunteer picks up the bags and takes them to the Jewel on Greenbay Rd. Be a part of our plastics project and sign up here!

PTO Volunteers

The PTO is looking for volunteers in the areas below. Interested in learning more? Email PTO president Laurel Nelson: president@highcrestpto.org.

EDUKITS LEAD VOLUNTEER: Edukit volunteer responsibilities include: confirming Edukit supply list with HMS principal and teacher representative (January), finalizing online ordering and publicizing EduKit ordering (spring), and manage delivery of kits and distribution to classrooms (August).

BOOK FAIR COMMITTEE: The HMS Book Fair with Anderson Books is October 21-23. We are looking for four or five committee members to support our Book Fair chairperson. As a committee member, you will help the chairperson market the fair, set up and break down, create SUGs for volunteers, coordinate a food truck and work with the librarian to ensure correct books are ordered.

VARIETY SHOW CHAIR: The HMS Variety Show takes place some time in the spring on a date determined by the Chair and HMS Principal. General duties include: Set a date, assemble a team of volunteers (PTO Exec board can help create a team). Hold auditions across 2-3 days, six to eight weeks before the show. Create a rehearsal schedule for the two weeks before the show. HMS/WJHS tech crew will be available for show date and dress rehearsal. (More detailed notes available to those interested).

WEBMASTER: The Webmaster is responsible for the design, content and functionality of the PTO website. A priority for the webmaster this year will be to upgrade the design of the current website. Some other responsibilities would be updating the content - removing past content, linking new sign ups etc.. Preferably looking for someone with prior website design and maintenance experience, or ability to pursue training.

Spiritwear - Available at Humankind!

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

Questions? Reach out to PTO President Laurel Nelson: president@highcrestpto.org

See you next week!