Stay Up-to-Date in D158
Huntley 158 Families,
Happy New Year! I hope this message finds you well-rested and ready to tackle the second half of the school year with a renewed energy and focus. As we return to our routines, I ask that everyone take a moment to reflect on the incredible strides we’ve made together so far and share our excitement for the months ahead. We still have so much to do, experience and accomplish!
While the new year often symbolizes fresh starts, I’d like each of us to see this as a time to refine goals and build upon the progress already achieved. If a fresh start is needed, that’s okay, too, but let’s not forget all of the growth that has been made. Each of our students, staff, and families has worked diligently to set a strong foundation during the first half of the year, and now it's time to deepen that work, ensuring we stay on course to meet our goals.
Throughout this half of the school year I encourage continued collaboration with your children’s educators, keeping in mind open communication is essential. I also encourage you to continue to engage with your children about their learning journey. Ask them about their personal goals for the remainder of the year, what they’re most proud of thus far in terms of their education and where they feel they can grow. As a parent I know that oftentimes our questions are met with short answers like, “fine,” “nothing,” or “I don’t know.” Don’t give up, your kids will come around when they realize you aren’t going to stop asking. Staff, parents and children talking together is key to student success. This collaborative effort aligns with Huntley’s motto, All Students Always, ensuring every student feels supported and empowered to achieve their full potential.
I also want to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of your voice. Your insights and feedback shape our work as a district and ensure we remain a place where All Students Always is more than a motto—it’s a commitment. As we embark on our new strategic plan (see update below), this is a place where your voice can be heard. We hope you will consider participating in the opportunities provided throughout this process to share your insights and experiences with us.
Together, let’s make this half of the year one of intentional focus, meaningful progress, and celebration of the many achievements yet to come.
Go Huntley!
~Jessica
January Huntley High Five Winners
Congratulations to the following January Huntley High Five winners! Pictured left to right: Oliver Cottrell - 3rd grade, Leggee Elementary School; Madison Onines - 3rd Grade, Conley Elementary School; Timothy Joseph (TJ) Mayerbock - Kindergarten, Chesak Elementary School; Barrett Walker - 6th grade, Marlowe Middle School; and Reagan Bell - 10th grade, Huntley High School. Other winners not pictured are: Havisha Manyam - 2nd Grade, Mackeben Elementary School; Sophia Lopez - 5th Grade, Martin Elementary School; Andrew Rivers - 6th Grade, Heineman Middle School; and Olivia Alms - LIGHT Program
Huntley 158 Strategic Plan Update
In this final year of the district’s current strategic plan, Huntley 158 is taking steps to launch a new strategic plan that will span the next five years. The new plan, called Huntley 2030: Building Tomorrow Together, will be rooted in collaboration. Visit our website to learn more about our planning process and how you can get involved!
Special Olympics Team Heads to State
The Huntley Hurricanes Special Olympics team will be heading to state! The high school basketball team (pictured) received 1st place at the regional tournament at Jacobs High school and will compete in the state tournament in Bloomington in March. Cody Binger (3rd grader at Leggee) and Gabbi Ford (7th grader at Marlowe) also qualified for the state tournament in Basketball Skills. Pictured (left to right): head coach Shelby, Devin Dobbertin (8th grade, Marlowe), Patrick Kwilos (10th grade, HHS), Louis Martinez (9th grade, HHS), and assistant coach Keely. Third grader Cody Binger (Leggee) and 7th grader Gabbi Ford (Marlowe) also qualified for the state tournament in Basketball Skills. The entire team gathered at the District Office on 1/15 to celebrate their season with a pizza party.
Martin 5th Grader Wins International Science Competition
In December, Martin 5th grader Osman Uran took first place in the 2024 International Environmental Science Olympiad competition in Puerto Rico, winning the elementary school division. Uran said he prepared for the International Academic Competition (IAC) by reading books and watching videos - learning about economics, environmental science, and climate change. He participated in his first IAC competition in geography in Vienna, Austria, last summer and took 17th place out of 42 students. He will compete in nationals this summer in Orlando, Florida. Congratulations, Osman!
ACADEMIC UPDATES
Resetting Expectations
As we return from winter break, staff have focused on resetting and refocusing on positive, engaging learning environments for all. Extended breaks can often disrupt established routines, so this is the perfect time to recalibrate classroom expectations and foster a sense of community and consistency. Taking a moment to revisit classroom rules and routines helps students transition smoothly back into the rhythm of school, ensuring they feel supported and ready to learn.
Our district-wide adoption of CHAMPS (K-8) and STOIC (9-12) plays a vital role in creating consistent and positive environments. These frameworks emphasize teaching appropriate behaviors, rewarding positive actions, and setting clear expectations, which helps maintain a respectful and productive atmosphere. Additionally, our recent Satchel Pulse screener data highlights the importance of focusing on self-awareness and self-management skills to better support students. These skills help children understand their emotions, manage challenges, and stay motivated in their learning. By addressing these needs and reinforcing positive routines, we can create a strong foundation for a successful second half of the school year. We’re grateful for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ growth!
Institute Day Recap
Our final Institute Day of the school year provided a meaningful opportunity for staff to engage in professional learning and collaborate on strategies to enhance student success. Sessions were tailored to meet the unique needs of each group, ensuring a productive day for all participants.
Highlights included training on early literacy skills and a focus on comprehension and vocabulary for 6-12th grade. Staff also worked on progress monitoring for English learners, improving IEPs with focused goals, and analyzing assessment data. These sessions reinforced our commitment to professional growth, equipping educators with tools to support every student’s success.
UPCOMING ASSESSMENTS
What: CogAT® Screener
Who: All 2nd graders and newly identified 3rd-5th graders
When: January 27 - February 7, 2025
The CogAT® (cognitive abilities) screener, a shorter version of the full CogAT® test, is used with other achievement measures, such as STAR, to inform decisions about placement as part of the district’s identification process for the gifted and talented program. The CogAT® screener provides a composite score based on one subtest from each of three areas: cognitive, verbal, and quantitative and nonverbal reasoning. Students who meet specific criteria will be administered the full CogAT assessment from February 24 to March 7th. Families will receive information regarding their child’s gifted placement in the spring.
What: ACCESS Testing
Who: EL students in grades K-12
When: January 15 - March 4, 2025
English Language Learners take an English language proficiency test every year. Testing helps teachers understand whether students have the language skills they need to fully participate in the classroom. Students are assessed in reading, writing, listening and speaking and the scores are used for teachers to decide how to best teach each child. Test scores also help teachers track student progress in learning academic English and help schools decide what English language support services to provide. This assessment will be administered throughout the school day between January 15th and March 4th. You will see communication from your building about this in the near future.
What: PreACT and ACT
Who: HHS students in grades 9-11
When: April 8, 2025
On April 8th, all students in grades 9-10 will participate in the PreACT and all students in 11th grade will participate in the ACT. These assessments cover critical reading, math, writing, and science skills. Now is a great time to start preparing! Visit the HHS Assessment Website for links to help support your child at home. Your student can begin preparing by taking practice tests provided by the ACT.
Inclement Weather Reminder for Families
As the winter weather sets in, please take a moment to review our district's cold weather policies:
Outdoor Activities: Students will go outside when the air temperature or wind chill is above 15°F.
Dress for Success: Make sure your child is dressed warmly for the cold temperatures—coats, hats, gloves, and scarves are essential!
Illness Guidelines for Keeping Your Child Home from School
While we aim to have all students at school every day, we recognize that the cold and flu season is upon us. We encourage you to keep your child(ren) at home if they are not feeling well. If you are not sure whether or not to send your child to school, please review "when to keep your child at home" guidelines on the district website. Thank you for doing your part in keeping Huntley 158 schools a healthy place for all students and staff to teach and learn!
New Safety Threat FAQ
As we begin the second semester of the 2024-25 school year, we'd like to provide families with some information related to school safety. Over winter break, we added a page to our website under Departments/Safety and Security called Safety Threat FAQs. We hope this will serve as a resource for families to learn more about Huntley 158 safety and communication protocols in response to threats.
THANK YOU: Celebrating Student Attendance
We have some good news to share…Despite an expected dip in student attendance in December and January due to illness, our cumulative student attendance numbers are higher than last year. THANK YOU for partnering with us and continuing to prioritize your student’s education. Our efforts go so much farther when our students are in school! #YourPresenceIsYourPower
Huntley 158 Virtual Bulletin Board
The Huntley 158 Virtual Bulletin Board (VBB) is a way to connect Huntley 158 families with enrichment and educational events and programs in the community. We encourage you to visit the VBB page to learn about what’s happening for students and families in the community!
Note: To submit a program or event for inclusion on the Huntley 158 VBB, organizations must be not-for-profit or a taxing body based in Huntley 158 boundaries or a surrounding community. Please email your event flyer in PNG or PDF format to kimoore@district158.org and include "VBB" in the subject line. To ensure accessibility for all, flyers must be accompanied by a brief description of your event that includes the name of your event, date, time, location, call to action/website link (if applicable) as well as contact information.
Windy City Bulls Event on 1/20
Looking for some family fun on MLK day tomorrow? Come out to the Windy City Bulls game at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates and have some fun while supporting the Huntley 158 Education Foundation. A portion of all ticket sales will go back to the foundation to fund scholarships and grants for Huntley 158 staff and schools. Tickets can be purchased at: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/wcbH158
LIGHT Open House and Ribbon-Cutting
Monday, January 27
5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
10401 Vine Street in Huntley
Huntley 158 is excited to announce a new location for its LIGHT transition program starting in January! All staff, students, families and community members are invited to attend an open house and ribbon-cutting event on Monday, January 27th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 10401 Vine Street in Huntley. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 5:15 p.m. After the ceremony, attendees will be able to tour the facility and learn about the new space. The LIGHT program supports students with special needs (ages 18-22) with the transition from high school into adulthood, providing services in three areas: employment, education/training, and independent living. To learn more about the move and how this new space will benefit LIGHT students and the community, visit the district website.
Huntley 158 Special Services Mental Health and Wellness Fair
Wednesday, January 29
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Huntley Park District
Huntley 158 is partnering with the Huntley Park District to host a Mental Health and Wellness Fair on January 29th for staff, parents, students and the community. Given the continued need for specialized services that address both mental health and wellness, the district is committed to increasing awareness and access to resources available to students and families throughout the community. The event will feature over 30 local businesses and community organizations offering information on mental health services, wellness, financial aid, support groups, therapies, youth programs, and more. There will be several raffle prizes for area businesses and activities to enjoy. This event is free and open to the public. Kids are welcome!
MONTH AT-A-GLANCE
January
Mon., 1/20 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day; no school; D158 Foundation's Windy City Bulls Game; tip-off @ 11am; click link for the flyer
Wed., 1/22 - Special Education Talks: Assistive Tech (virtual); 6pm-7:30pm
Thurs., 1/23 - Incoming freshmen course selection night at HHS; 5pm-9pm
Mon., 1/27
- MPAC meeting @ district office, 6pm-7:30pm
- LIGHT Open House and Ribbon-Cutting Event, 5pm-8pm
Wed., 1/29 - Mental Health and Wellness Fair @ Huntley Park District, 5pm-7pm
February
Thurs., 2/6 - Committee of the Whole Board of Education meeting, 6pm (open session)
Wed., 2/12 - Strategic Plan Guiding Team meeting, 5:30pm-8:30pm, district office
Thurs., 2/13 - SIP Early Release Day and ECC Parent Education Day
Fri., 2/14 - Non-attendance day; no school
Mon., 2/17 - President’s Day; no school
Thurs., 2/29 - SEAC meeting @ 6pm at district office
Thurs., 2/20 - Regular Board of Education meeting, 7pm (open session)
February Observances
2/15 - National School Resource Officer Day
Black History Month
The Huntley 158 Board of Education meets twice monthly. Regular board meetings are held the third Thursday of each month and Committee of the Whole (COW) meetings are held the first Thursday of each month. All meetings are held at the Huntley 158 district administration building, 650 Dr. John Burkey Drive in Algonquin, unless otherwise noted. Meetings are live streamed and archived on the Huntley 158 YouTube Channel. Visit the D158 website for more information.
Regular Board Meeting - January 16, 2025
- Click the link for the agenda and supporting documents or watch the meeting via YouTube.
- PHOTO: Three HHS juniors (left to right: Jill Dobek, Michelle Sobolewski and Sawsan Shaik) were recognized for receiving a perfect score on the PSAT/NMSQT this fall. A perfect score means a student has achieved the highest possible score, demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the areas of reading, writing and math.
Regular Board Meeting - December 19, 2024
Note: Meeting minutes are approved at the next month’s board meeting and can be found on the district website under About / Board of Education / Minutes and Agendas.
School Attendance Lines
Chesak: (847) 659-5711
Conley: (847) 659-3711
ECC: (847) 659-5411
Heineman: (847) 659-4311
Huntley High School: (847) 659-6611
Leggee: (847) 659-6211
LIGHT: (847) 659-4928
Mackeben: (847) 659-3411
Marlowe: (847) 659-4711
Martin: (847) 659-5311
Links to Resources