Cardinal Corner

District News

December 7: Coffee with the board 9:00 - 11:00 AM

December 10: Policy Committee Meeting 5:00 PM; School Board Meeting 6:15 PM

December 17: Superintendent Open Door 2:00 - 4:00 PM

School News/Sports

December 2: Boys BBall vs Jane Adams 3:30 8th first

December 3: Sunrise Hoops 6:45 - 7:45 AM

December 4: 7th Grade Girls Basketball Sectionals 6:30 PM; 6th Grade Intramurals 2:45 - 3:25 PM

December 5: 6th Grade Intramurals 2:45 - 3:25 PM; Boys Basketball Tourney @ Thomas

December 6: 7th Grade Girls Basketball Sectionals

December 7: Boys Basketball Tourney @ Thomas

December 9: Boys Basketball vs Plum Grove 3:30 PM

December 10: Spelling Bee 3:00 - 4:30 PM

December 12: Q2 Midterms

December 14: Holmes Hawks Wrestling Tournament

December 16: Boys BBall @ Lincoln-PR 3:30 7th first

December 18: Jazz Band & Choir Concert 7:00 PM

December 19: SMS PTA Meeting @6:30pm (Via Zoom)

December 20: 7th Grade Field Trip to the Metropolis, Winter Break begins at 2:45 PM

December 23- January 6th: Winter Break

January 6: Institute Day Staff Only

January 7: Students Return to School

Dear South Parents and Guardians:

We hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving. It is amazing to think that Winter Break is less than three weeks away.

We are thrilled to say that we collected over 1,600 food items and gift cards for the Wheeling Food Pantry. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this event.

Our holiday Music Concerts are fast approaching. The Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Wind Ensemble Concert will take place on December 12 at 7pm and the Jazz Band and Choir Concert will take place on December 18 at 7pm. Please join us for two wonderful evenings full of music and song.

South's Student Council is planning a Spirit Week for December 16-20, 2024. Each day, students will be asked to dress up to show their South spirit. More information to follow.

As we continue to prioritize the safety and efficiency of our daily routines, we want to remind all families about our morning arrival drop off process. To ensure all students are on time to Homebase by 7:50am—please allow for extra travel time on inclement weather days.

Morning Arrival Reminders

• Efficient Unloading: Upon entering the drop-off lane, please pull forward as far as possible, before coming to a complete stop. This will allow multiple vehicles to unload simultaneously, minimizing wait times for all.
• Quick Goodbyes: We kindly ask that all farewells and last-minute preparations be completed before reaching the designated drop-off zone. This will contribute to a swift and efficient flow of traffic.
• Safety First: As always, please exercise caution and adhere to the speed limit while navigating the drop-off lane. Our top priority is the safety of our students and families.
• Indoor Lineup Days: On days when students line up indoors, any grade student can enter any door. Please still pull all the way forward; while the farther down doors may not be your child's usual door, they are likely closer to their Homebase.

Thank you for your cooperation to help make a smooth and efficient morning arrival for all families.

Finally, Winter Break is a time for everyone to take a step back, reflect, and restore our energy. Having children ourselves, we understand their desire to play video games and communicate with their friends over social media. Research shows that reading a book, making a puzzle, or playing games that involve problem-solving stimulates the brain. This will help your child be mentally ready to return to school in January.

May your winter break be filled with moments of joy, connection, and relaxation for you and your loved ones. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year!

Happy Holidays!

South Administration

Las Posadas is a festival that takes place in Latin America and some Mexican communities in the United States from December 16–24. The word posada means inn or lodging, and traditionally posadas are a celebration of the Christmas story.

"Hanukkah" means dedication in Hebrew, this holiday is also known as The Festival of Lights and represents joy. Celebration includes time with loved ones, gifts, food, and lighting a candle on the menorah each night.

*Dates change year to year

A federal holiday celebrated as a religious and cultural celebration in all states and territories as well as across the world. Celebration includes time with loved ones, gifts and a feast.

A seven day, African American cultural festival dedicated to the 7 principles: unity, self determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Celebrated December 26- January 1

On Saturday, November 2, several South music students participated in the ILMEA, (Illinois Music Educators Education Association) District 7, music festival. The students had to submit audition recordings and were selected from multiple schools in District 7. Their day began early. Each ensemble, band, choir, and orchestra, rehearsed for 3 hours and gave outstanding performances to finish the day.

Each year, a retiring director is selected to conduct our National Anthem. This current school year, there were only three retiring directors from ILMEA District 7. As there were only three directors retiring, they agreed to conduct together; similar to the Marching Band style. Our own Mrs. Lukaszewskyj had the privilege and honor to be one of the three directors to conduct the National Anthem.

South Middle School was so fortunate to have one of our band members selected for the Festival Band. Alyssa C. was selected to perform in the flute section. The flute section usually has some of the fiercest competition. We are so proud of Alyssa for being selected for this honor!

In addition to being selected to perform for the ILMEA District 7 Festival Band this year as an 8th grader, Alyssa was also selected to perform in the District 7 Festival Band last school year as a 7th grader. The music department is extremely proud of Alyssa C. for this wonderful achievement on being selected two years in a row. She did a splendid job of representing SMS!

South’s choir also sent several students to perform in the district choir. Those students were: Vada J.(Soprano), Natalie J., Max L., Ava R. (Alto), Elan P., Siobhan S., and Jack H. (Baritone). These students did a fantastic job singing and representing South Middle School.

Congratulations to all of our wonderful musicians!

Our South Speech students had a busy day competing with their contest pieces along with hundreds of kids from 8 other schools during the IESA Speech Contest which took place at South on Saturday, November 9. South's turnout was amazing, along with the results.

Judge's Choice Award: Division I & Selected best overall performance in the contest room out of 14 competing pieces per room.

• Nathan D. (8) & Jack H. (8) - Duet Improv

• Kimmie K. (7) & Claudio R. (7) - Duet Improv

• Diya M. (7) & Kinsey P. (7) - Duet Acting

• Cecilia F. (6) & Eleanor Z. (6) - Duet Acting

• Emily K. (8) & Addison S. (8) - Duet Acting

• Katelyn G. (7), Kimmie K. (7), Diya M. (7), Kinsey P. (7), & Claudio R. (7) - Team Improv

Division I

• Chloe G. (8) - Solo Acting

• Bea P. (6) & Natalie J. (8) - Duet Improv

• Ameera F. (8), Julia P. (8), Victoria S. (8), Elizabeth S. (8), & Emily W. (8) - Team Improv

• Claudio R. (7) - Storytelling

• Libby A. (8), Nathan D. (8), Jack H. (8), Tegan S. (8), & Nate S. (8) - Team Improv

• Elan P. (7) & John T. (8) - Duet Improv

• Chloe G. (8) & Julia P. (8) - Duet Improv

• Mattias G. (6) & Archie K. (6) - Duet Improv

• Emerson H. (7) & Annabelle N. (7) - Duet Improv

• Natalie J. (8) & Elan P. (7) - Duet Acting

• Dylan B. (6) & Ella D. (6) - Duet Improv

• Libby A. (8), Victoria S. (8), & Emily W. (8) - Small Group Acting

• Emerson H. (7) - Solo Acting

• Katelyn G. (7) & Kinsey P. (7) - Duet Improv

• Ellie J. (7) & Lillian M. (7) - Duet Acting

• Ameera F. (8) & Emily W. (8) - Duet Acting

• Nathan D. (8), Jack H. (8), & Nate S. (8) - Small Group Acting

• Dylan B. (6), Cecilia F. (6), Mattias G. (6), Archie K. (6), & Eleanor Z. (6) - Team Improv

• Stella F. (7), Silas G. (7), Elan P. (7), & John T. (8) - Team Improv

• Tegan S. (8) & Elizabeth S. (8) - Duet Improv

Division II

• Elizabeth S. (8) - Solo Acting

• Ellie J. (8) & Lillian M. (8) - Duet Improv

• Victoria S. (8) & Sofia S. (8) - Duet Acting

• Stella F. (7) & Silas G. (7) - Duet Acting

• Ellie J. - Solo Acting

Division III

• Julia P. (8) - Poetry

NWEA MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) is a valuable tool that provides us with insights into your child's academic strengths and areas for growth. Unlike traditional standardized tests, the NWEA MAP adapts to your child's individual performance, offering a personalized assessment experience.

We understand that testing can sometimes be stressful, but we want to assure you that our primary goal is to create a positive and supportive testing environment. Please encourage your child to do their best, get a good night sleep and eat a healthy breakfast before testing.

These student were recognized by their teams for one of the following categories Caring, Achieving, Respectful, Dedicated or Serving! Congratulations Cardinals!

Dear Parents of Future Freshmen Knights,

We are excited to welcome you to our Electives & Career Pathway Fair at Prospect High School. During this event our families and students will learn about the various courses and pathways we offer at Prospect and also learn about the Auto Accelerate Policy that is implemented during the course selection period.

To ensure all students and families have enough time to meet with our staff, we have broken up the event into two groups. Families will enter the fair during their allocated time based of the student's last name. Below you will find the details about this event and if you have further questions please email API Dania Saleh at dania.saleh@d214.org

PHS Elective & Career Pathway Fair

• When: December 4, 2024
• Where: Prospect High School- Door 23/24
• Time/Schedule:
  • Session 1- Last Name A-M - 5:30-6:45
    • Doors Open at 5:15
  • Session 2- Last Name N-Z- 6:15-7:30
    • Doors Open at 6:00

At the end of the event, all students and families will receive a Course Selection Google Form to rank their elective choices. Please note that while students may request specific electives, enrollment in their top choice of courses is not guaranteed. This ranking provides us with flexibility in scheduling and ensures that students have the best chance of being placed in one of their preferred courses. We strongly encourage parents to discuss course options with their students to ensure they make informed decisions.

We hope this information helps you and your student prepare for a successful transition to PHS. We look forward to welcoming your family to our community!

Class of 2029 Mark your calendars for incoming Freshmen Night on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Rolling Meadow High School at 6 p.m.

On Wednesday, November 20, 8th graders in band who will be attending RMHS in the fall participated in the "8th Grade Band Night." Our 8th grade band members combined with 8th graders from Holmes Middle School, Sandburg Middle School and all of the students who participate in band at RMHS.

The evening began with high school students in Jazz I, performing two songs. The parents of the 8th graders then attended a meeting to learn about life as a high school band parent. During this time, all of the musicians, grades 8 - 12, had a thirty-five minute rehearsal. 8th grade students were seated between high school students to get the effect of being in high school band.

After the rehearsal, the parents were invited back into the theater and all of the young musicians gave a performance of the two songs they worked on during the rehearsal. We were so proud to see that more than half of the RMHS band is comprised of SMS band alumni!

It was a fun evening and the students gave a wonderful performance. Congratulations to all!

Additional information and the opt-out form can be found on the D25 website.

We are looking to honor South Middle School graduates who have made significant accomplishments/achievements by displaying them on an SMS TV monitor that is located in our school entrance. We are asking you to please complete this form and provide us with a picture of the graduate.

PTA Meeting December 19th @6:30pm via Zoom. The link will be shared out from the PTA.

Hope to see you there!

Join the PTA: The South PTA has many active PTA members and is always looking for more. We support many school and student programs through our memberships. One yearbook for your son/daughter is included with a PTA membership. If you didn’t join when registering your student, JOIN NOW!

The SMS Office is open Monday-Friday, 7am-3pm.

Address: 400 South Highland Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Twitter: @AHSD25South

Main Line: (847) 398-4250

Absence Line: (847) 506-6999 x7300

Fax line: (847) 394-6260