An Update from Hough Elementary

Welcome Back, Hough Families!

I hope everyone had a wonderful and refreshing spring break! It seems like we are creeping into spring weather and I am hopeful that soon gloves, snow boots, and hats will long be forgotten as our Hawks play outside in consistently warm weather! As we return for the final stretch of the school year, I am excited to continue the great work happening in our classrooms and throughout our school community.

This month, our Character Strong theme is Courage—an important trait that helps us take on challenges, stand up for what’s right, helpful, and kind even when it can be hard or scary. We have talked about growth mindset with our students this year,, so discussing how they can be courageous gives our students a chance to grow as learners and individuals. We encourage our students to reflect on what courage looks like in their daily lives, whether it's trying something new, speaking up for a friend, or persevering through a tough problem. There are many ways our students can show courage both at home and school. Please review the Character Strong courage newsletter for family ideas.

I am also thrilled to introduce Annie Anderson as our new Assistant Principal TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment). Annie brings a wealth of experience in supporting students and staff, and we are excited to welcome her to the Hough community for the 25-26 school year. You will have the opportunity to meet Annie at our Parent Night Out (PNO) fundraiser, where we will be coming together to support the new playground project happening this summer. I look forward to seeing many of you there for a great night in support of our school!

Let's make this last part of the school year the best one yet!

Heather Schumacher
Principal, Hough Street School

Congratulations to Mrs. Goitein's 1st graders for working hard to earn the Character Strong trophy to kick off April.

Many of our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders have volunteered to be Mindfulness Ambassadors. They spent the month of March learning various mindfulness strategies and are now sharing these practices with our younger students. The feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, as they report being better able to calm themselves in new or challenging situations.

The Hough Student Council invites all students to volunteer at Feed My Starving Children in Schaumburg on Wednesday, April 30th for a wonderful event. Please click here for complete details and to register your child. Contact Mr. George or Mrs. Goitein with any questions.

The Hough Fundraiser- We are so excited for all of the tropical fun that we will have on Saturday! A few fun facts for attendees: 1) We invite you to embrace the tropical vibes of our Luau Fundraiser. While the dress code is cocktail casual, feel free to get creative and dress for the theme. Think bright florals, Hawaiian shirts, and festive accessories – the more fun, the better. 2) The committee is working with the Wild Onion to provide options for the NCAA Final Four viewing. 3) Shuttle buses will leave at 10:15 and 10:30 PM from the Wild Onion for drop off at Hough.

Not Attending? No problem! Check out the Silent Auction Items, donate to the Teacher Ticket Pool, and become a Playground Sponsor.

Select Silent Auction Items- Some items are now open for bidding. Not able to attend the fundraiser this weekend? No problem. You can start bidding on select items now, and the remainder of the silent auction items will be available for bidding beginning Saturday, April 5th at 8:00 AM and open until 9:00 PM. Click here to start your bidding on the following items: Cubs Tickets, Mother's Day Basket, Front Office for the Day, A Day at Biltmore, Field Day Master of Ceremonies

Big Hawk/Little Hawk Family Sports Night at Canlan- Registration for the Hough Big Hawk/Little Hawk Family Sports Night is open HERE until Friday, April 4th. It will be a fantastic night of friendly competition at Canlan Sports Complex. Please contact Lauren Hummel at lct42@yahoo.com or Andee Blomquist andee.blomquist@gmail.com with event-related questions. Instructions for registering can be found HERE.

Who: Hough parents along with their K-5th grade students

What: Big Hawk/Little Hawk Family Sports Event

Where: Canlan Sports Complex (28156 W Northpointe Pkwy in Barrington)

When: Friday, April 11th 5:30 PM check-in, 6:00-8:00 PM

Cost: $15/person

Misc: Canlan concession stand will be open for food/beverages purchases.

2025-2026 PTO Slate- Please take just a few minutes to indicate your interest in next year’s PTO Exec and Committee Positions. If you have questions about the position details, please reach out to hellohoughpto@gmail.com

PTO Meeting- Don’t miss this month’s PTO meeting on Thursday, April 10th from 6:30-7:30 PM. We will share exciting wrap up notes from the fundraiser, have opportunities for feedback and to help with thank you notes. There will also be a stellar lineup of babysitters ready to play with the kids in the gym!

5th Grade Graduation Signs and Yearbook- It's hard to believe it's already time to order yard signs for our fifth graders. We need all commitments for ordering by Friday, April 11th. Please complete this 5th Grade Yard Signs form to secure your graduation lawn decor. Contact Taylor Knapik with any questions.

This is the last call for 5th Grade Pictures and their favorite things for the Yearbook. Please upload a photo of your child to this folder (use your child's last name as the folder title) and then complete the spreadsheet by April 11th. If you have any questions or want to email photos separately, please each out to Rachel Schiewe (rachellschiewe@gmail.com). To upload and edit, please click here.

Spring Art Fair & Bake Sale - Bring the whole family and celebrate the arts on Friday, May 2nd from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on the big playground. We’ll have live performances, artsy activity stations, yummy baked goods, silent auction items, spirit wear and 241 framed student masterpieces on display! All proceeds support the new playground. We need volunteers for this fun event – Click HERE to sign up

PTO DATES

April 5- The Hough Fundraiser (Adults, Hawaiian-themed)

April 10- PTO Meeting 6:30-7:30 (Babysitting available in the gym)

April11 - Big Hawk/Little Hawk Sports Night (parents and kids)

April 21-25- Earth Week

April 28-May 2- Spring Book Fair

May 2- Mini Marathon (after school)

May 2- Art Fair and Bake Sale (5-7 PM)

May 16-- Fifth Grade Escape to Middle School

May 22- Hough Field Day (Rain Date May 23)

May 30- Fifth Grade Recognition/Last Day of School

-Tuesday, 4/1

• Winter Chess Club 2:40-3:45 PM
• Creativity Project Kick-off (all except Ms. Hettlinger's group) 2:40-3:15 PM
• 5th Grade Track & Field open for registration

• IAR Testing begins (3rd - 5th grade)

• Drama Club 2:40-3:45 PM
• Creativity Project Kick-off (ONLY Ms. Hettlinger's group)

• Spirit Day - Dress Hawaiian

• Hough Fundraiser at The Wild Onion 5:30-10:00 PM

-Monday, 4/7

• Drama Club 2:40-3:45 PM

• Spring Chess Club begins 2:40-3:45 PM

• Creativity Project (Ms. Hettlinger's group-session 2) 2:40-3:40
• PTO Meeting 6:30-7:30 PM