An Update from Hough Elementary

Dear Hough Families,

What a weekend! A huge thank you to everyone who came out to our Parents Night Out fundraiser — it was an incredible evening filled with laughter, connection, and generosity. It was so special to experience this evening with all of you, our amazing Hough families. Thanks to your amazing support, we are one big step closer to our dream of a brand-new playground this summer. We are so grateful to our PTO and all the volunteers who made it happen!

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, we're also focusing on our April Character Strong theme: Courage. At Hough, we’re talking with students about how courage isn’t just about big, bold actions — it’s also about speaking up, trying something new, standing up for what’s right, and being true to ourselves. We’ve already seen students showing courage in countless ways, and we hope you’ll continue the conversation at home.

The coming weeks are packed with exciting end-of-year events — from Earth week activities to the Lion King performance to Field Day and our 5th-grade celebrations. Be sure to keep an eye on classroom updates and our end of year school calendar so you don’t miss a thing!

One important reminder: To ensure a safe and productive end to each day, please do not enter the playground area at dismissal until 2:40 PM. Our staff often uses this space as an outdoor classroom right up until the end of the day for PE, and it’s important to maintain that calm and focused environment for all students.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support — let’s finish the year strong and full of joy!

Warmly,

Heather Schumacher

A big shout out to Mrs. Schweiger's kindergarteners for earning the Character Strong trophy for their exemplary hallway behavior.

Congratulations to our most recent Athletes of the Month, as they regularly demonstrated the Character Strong attributes in P.E. class.

Top Row (L to R) - Reese, Alex & Seyla

Middle'ish Row (L to R) - Jack, Dominique, Hayden, Donovan & Morgan

Bottom Row (L to R) - Theo, Delaney, Leighton, Georgia

Hough's very own, Coach Meckert, is inviting all Hough Hawks to Pack the Pool at BHS on Wednesday, April 16th to support the Barrington Girls' Water Polo Team. There will be fun games, including Chuck a Duck, and concessions for sale.

If you prefer to take advantage of your school supply ordering in advance, please visit 1st Day School Supplies and click on the grade your child attend in the '25-'26 school year. Orders must be placed by June 30th. If you prefer to purchase school supplies on your own, a complete list of grade specific supplies will be listed on the Hough website in May. Students in Mrs. Haney's/Mrs. Christian's class will receive separate information regarding ordering school supplies.

Lion King Kids Dress Rehearsal Tickets Available - Please see the flier below and use this link to purchase your tickets. Every dollar raised supports Hough Street School’s new playground. If you have a student actor and are interested in purchasing space in the Lion King Kids program, please fill out this form/following link. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSconY5VGqZ0KzXAQZOF-MnWuQlwtCZVvodj_S7K9yqVKfuIYQ/viewform

Every dollar raised supports Hough Street School’s new playground.

Spring Art Fair & Bake Sale - Bring the whole family and celebrate the arts on Friday, May 2 from 5-7 PM on the big playground. There will be live performances, artsy activity stations, yummy baked goods, awesome silent auction items (featuring the arts), Hough spirit wear and 241 framed student masterpieces on display. All proceeds support the new playground. Pre-purchase your child’s artwork HERE. The suggested donation is $15. All families will receive their child’s masterpiece. Please consider volunteering for this fun event.

GiveSmart Silent Auction Items Are Still Ongoing - We have six more amazing prizes up for grabs closing on Friday, April 18th at 9:00 PM. Click on the items below to place your bid.

A Day at Medinah, Mockingbird Swag Basket, BASA Camp, Cubs Tix - Pick Your Game!, Cross Fit Barrington, Pizza Party for Two.

Spring Book Fair 2025- This year’s Spring Book Fair will be open Monday, April 28th - Friday, May 2nd for students to shop with their class during their library time. Click here for class schedule. It will also be open on Friday May 2nd from 5:00-7:00 PM, during the Spring Art Fair. Please consider volunteering when you child is shopping at the fair (teacher names are listed so parents can easily find the best time to volunteer).

Earth Week 2025 - Hough will be showing our love for nature this Earth Week with the following spirit days.

• Monday, April 21: Animal Day - Wear something with an animal image, print or anything that shares your love for animals.
  
• Tuesday, April 22: Earth Day - Wear something with an image of the earth, an earth-loving message, or simply wear blue & green.
• Wednesday, April 23: Plant Day - Wear something with an image of plants or flowers, or simply wear green.
• Thursday, April 24: Water Day - Wear something with an image of water (rivers, oceans, lakes, waves etc.), or simply wear blue.
• Friday, April 25: Arbor Day - Wear something with trees on it, or simply wear green.

2025-2026 PTO Slate - We need YOU to bring your talents to the PTO. Please take 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.

*Also, if your already responded to this survey and indicated interest in the VP of School Programs role, please resubmit the form or email us— your name was not captured, and we want to be sure to reach out to you regarding role.

PTO DATES

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, 4/15

• Spring Chess Club 2:40-3:45 PM

-Thursday, 4/17

• Early Release Day 11:15 AM
• NO DRAMA CLUB REHEARSAL

-Friday, 4/18

• NO SCHOOL

-Monday, 4/21

• Drama Club 2:40-3:45 PM at Hough
• Creativity Club (Miss Donlon and Mrs. Koegel's group) 2:40-4:10

-Tuesday, 4/22

• Spring MAP testing window opens
• Spring Chess Club 2:40-3:45 PM
• Creativity Club (Miss Lasky's group) 2:40-4:10
• Lion King Kids parent set building 4:30-7:00 at Hough

-Wednesday, 4/23

• Lion King Kids dress rehearsal 4:30-7:00 at BMS - Station (215 Eastern Avenue)

-Thursday, 4/24

• Creativity Club (Miss Damiano & Mrs. Conant's group) 2:40-4:10
• Creativity Club (Ms. Hettlinger's group) 2:40-3:40
• Lion King Kids performance 6:30 PM at BMS - Station (215 Eastern Avenue)

-Friday, 4/25

• Lion King Kids school assembly 1:00 (Hough Gym)

-Monday, 4/28

• Book Fair Begins
• 5th Grade Track & Field practice 2:45-3:30
• Creativity Club (Miss Donlon & Mrs. Koegel's group) 2:40-4:10