Cougar Courier
ELM MIDDLE SCHOOL’S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
December 16, 2022
Principal's Message
Greetings Elm Families,
We hope everyone had a wonderful week! It was certainly a busy one here at Elm: Students participated in an all school AimsWeb testing day. Wow, did our students show up; great job to everyone!
The fun didn't stop there; students in Mrs. B's Social Studies class made cartoon comic strips telling the story of the Boston Tea Party. Our students are so creative, and it's so wonderful to see their ideas come to life in these projects.
We are in the homestretch before winter break; let's finish strong Team Elm! Spirit Week is next week; we look forward to seeing tremendous spirit throughout the building. This Principal is certainly excited for Pajama Day!
As a reminder, course selections for the 23-24 school year close on December 23rd. Please make sure your student had their course selections filled out in PowerSchool.
Additionally, students, teachers and families will receive their EPCUSD 401 gear next week before the holiday break on Friday, December 23rd. We are still on schedule to receive all the items by then; however, if we have any new information, we will update you.
Please take a few minutes to read through this week’s Cougar Courier. As always, should you need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. Have a fabulous weekend! #TeamElmStrong
Most Sincerely,
Ms. Ashley Groeneveld
Assistant Principal's Corner
To our Elm Families,
This week, I had the opportunity to make it into Ms. Fuentes' English class to witness some of the project-based learning that was taking place. The students designed and built their interpretations of the Globe Theater, most notably used for Shakespearean plays. The students first studied the historical background of the theater and then utilized recyclable material to construct their version of it. The project assessed a variety of learning styles and gave students the vehicle to enhance cooperative learning and communication skills. Each authentic product of student learning was unique and demonstrated a great depth of knowledge and thought.
Go Cougars!
David Parolin - Assistant Principal
Dean's Den
We have seen an uptick in families (and students) having food delivered to Elm. Unfortunately, this is not something that we allow. Any food brought to the school during the school day must be brought by a family member, and under no circumstances can students have food delivered by UberEats, DoorDash or Postmates Etc.. to school. Addtionally, if a lunch is being dropped off by a parent or guardian and includes a drink, the drink must be bottled. Thank you for your understanding.
Have a nice weekend,
Mr. Goodman
Spirit Week
Cougar Athletics
This Week:
Monday: Basketball @ Lincoln
Monday Plan:
As we enter the cold weather months, we wanted to provide our student-athletes with the option of staying at school prior to Monday practices. Students will be allowed to remain in the cafeteria after the bus riders are released for the day. A combination of staff will be utilized to supervise the students.
Parents, please reiterate to your student-athletes that they must have academic work to accomplish during this time and failure to display appropriate behavior in the cafeteria will result in loss of participation privileges.
8th Grade Dinner Dance
Dance Letter: English
Dance Letter: Spanish
Dance Letter: Polish
Dance Letter: Ukrainian
Severe Weather Procedures
Clubs and Extra-Curricular Activities
Box Tops for Education
Join Elm in earning cash for our school by using the Box Tops app. It’s an easy way to make a difference. All you have to do is buy Box Tops participating products (like Cheerios) and scan your grocery receipt. Box Tops are worth 10 cents each, and they add up fast. Twice a year, our school receives a check to help pay for whatever we need - equipment, supplies, or experiences the kids love.
Use this referral code K7Y8751D when you sign up, and you will get 25 Bonus Box Tops when you scan your first receipt now through 05/31/2023, while supplies last! Download the Box Tops for Education app here: https://btfe.smart.link/c2jjdifkw?referral_code=K7Y8751D
Attendance Reminders & Community Resources
If a student is going to be absent from class, a parent or guardian should call our Attendance Clerk at (708) 583-6600 or email elmattendance@epcusd401.org.
When calling, please spell your child’s last name and give their student ID number.
For instruction on how to use PowerSchool for attendance please see the video here!
Take a few minutes and read through this list of Community Resources provided by West 40.
Upcoming Events
December 19th-23rd: All School Spirit Week
December 23rd: Course Selections Close
December 23rd: Holiday Break Begins
January 9th: School Resumes
Need Help? Contact Us!
Ms. Ashley Groeneveld, Principal: 708-583-6227, groenevelda@epcusd401.org
Mr. Dave Parolin, Assistant Principal: 708-583-6228, parolind@epcusd401.org
Mr. Michael Goodman, Dean of Students:
708-583-6238, goodmanm@epcusd401.orgMain Office: 708-452-3550, elminfo@epcusd401.org
Website: https://www.epcusd401.org/elm
Location: 7607 W Cortland St, Elmwood Park, IL 60707, USA
Phone: 708-452-3550