HMS Headlines
April 6, 2023
A Message from Our Administrative Team
Dear HMS Families,
As we returned from Spring Break on Monday, we welcomed our students back with a HAWKS Day. Students began the day with a fun broadcast from Mrs. Carlson and Ms. Moric, complete with a performance from our Cheerleading Club, and then build their social-emotional skills in the area of relationship skills, self-management, social awareness, and more throughout the day. In art class students chalked the walkways with positive sayings, in 6th grade ELA class, students discussed and practiced taking others' perspectives, and in 5th grade math, students played challenging math games, working as a team to problem solve and support one another.
Our HAWKS community continues to grow and flourish throughout this school year, and we are looking forward to a fantastic spring together!
Have a great weekend,
Kelly, Linda, and Susie
23-24 Placement Input Forms
Rising 6th Graders (Grade Level Administrator: Mrs. Carlson) - FORM
Rising 7th Graders (Grade Level Administrator: Mr. Dees) -FORM
If you have additional questions, please reach out to the appropriate administrator.
APPLE PENCILS
Parent Resource for iPad Use
At Highcrest, students are issued a school iPad. Their school device has access to the internet and school approved apps. When used appropriately, it is a powerful educational tool. However, it can also be a distraction to students both in school and at home.
As a school/ district we already have the following safeguards in place: The District utilizes the built-in content filter that is provided by Apple. We set the iPad to "Limit Adult Content". We then block specific sites entirely when we know they are malicious, inappropriate, or a distraction. Any additional filtering, or blocking of sites can be implemented by families at home.
If you as a parent/guardian would like to increase your student’s restrictions or monitor their iPad more carefully at home here are a few ways you can do so:
Check their Safari History: This will tell you what websites your child has been visiting and when. Students do not have the ability to delete this. Directions for how to check your student’s Safari History can be found here.
Use Screen Time to Block Websites or Limit App Usage: Blocking specific websites, and setting time restrictions called “Downtime” are things that can be added using Screen Time. You will need to enter a passcode that is different from your student’s passcode. Do not share this passcode with your student, however it is helpful if you share it with their homeroom teacher. Directions for how to block additional websites can be found here. Please be careful about adding "app limits" as this could affect your student’s ability to access certain apps at school if they go over the time limit. Directions for how to set up “Downtime” can be found here.
Temporarily Restrict a Student Access to a Single App Using Guided Access: While using use feature you can disable areas of the screen that aren’t relevant to a task, or areas where an accidental gesture might cause a distraction, disable the iPad hardware buttons, and limit how long your student can use the app. Directions for how to use Guided Access can be found here.
Please note that there is no absolute solution to prevent student distraction, but using these tools can help drastically reduce it. In addition, it is important that students come to school with charged devices. We recommend having your student keep their device in a neutral place (like a kitchen or living room) and making sure it is charging every evening.
BUS RIDERS
Graphic Novelist Jerry Craft Visiting Highcrest
Award-winning graphic novelist Jerry Craft visits Highcrest on Tuesday, April 11th to share his NEW book, School Trip! Students can order the book and Mr. Craft's two companion graphic novels, New Kid, and its sequel, Class Act.
Order the books on this page from The Book Stall and receive a 10% discount. Mr. Craft will also be autographing each book.
Deadline to order books: Thursday, April 6th. Please choose "School Pickup" and we'll deliver your order directly to your child at school on the day of the author visit.
SECOND SEMESTER CLUBS 2023
There are still some clubs being planned, so bookmark this list, and re-visit it frequently! Mrs. Jackson will have an announcement about the clubs on the broadcast on Monday, so get ready to hear more details then! RECENTLY ADDED: Lights, Camera, Action Club, and COMING SOON: Circle of Service Club. Stay tuned!
WHMS LIVE BROADCAST! TUNE IN EVERY MONDAY!
DISTRICT 39 UPDATES
School Safety Reminders and Resources
With the recent tragic incident in Nashville and other local incidents threatening school safety, we would like to re-share resources and information regarding school safety in District 39. Safety measures across our D39 schools are of paramount importance and partnerships with our entire community as well as with our local law enforcement agencies are critical to maintaining safe, supportive schools. We continue to partner with our Wilmette Police Department as well as other local and regional experts in school safety for ongoing review of our safety and security measures, for training, and for review of critical incidents. The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority and we are incredibly grateful for our close partnership with the Wilmette Police Department. Working in step with WPD for training and ongoing review of our safety and security measures, their feedback and guidance is invaluable as we work to keep our schools and community safe.
Please review our updated school safety and security webpage for details on our comprehensive safety planning. This webpage provides a wealth of information, as well as a list of helpful resources. This site also provides links to recent presentations, including our Parent Education event titled “Safety in District 39 Schools,” which was offered in partnership with our D39 leadership, the Wilmette Police Department and Family Service Center. The presentation provides an overview of our safety measures and safety protocol in our schools, and addresses many frequently asked questions. All parents are strongly encouraged to watch this webinar recording.
Part of our collective responsibility for safety within and beyond our learning community includes proper handling and storage of firearms in the home. Last July, the Wilmette Police Department held a presentation on firearm safety. Our Village also provides critical firearm safety programs and services. Please review these resources. For families who own guns, data show that keeping firearms locked and safely stored at all times can drastically reduce the risk of harm to self or others. Additionally, this past February, our D39 partner, the Family Action Network, hosted a Parent Education event titled “Gun Safety in Our Communities.” Safety throughout our community is all of our responsibility.
Finally, in District 39 we remain committed to promoting the importance of our supportive Wilmette community in helping keep our schools safe. If you See Something, Say Something. Using Safe2Help Illinois to seek help if someone is in need or something doesn’t feel right within the schools, calling 911 if an imminent threat exists, and using our HAWKS reporting form and WOLVES reporting form are all key ways to make a report. Teachers and staff also have additional resources within our schools and our school mental health professionals provide additional guidance and support as does our Threat Assessment Team protocol. Being vigilant and reporting suspicious or concerning activity helps to keep our schools and community safe and is the responsibility of all members of our school community.
Keeping our community safe is a collective responsibility in which we all have an important role and we are grateful for the partnership and support of our families. Thank you for your support.
Parent Education Opportunities
The third part of our series titled “Being An Ally: Supporting Inclusivity and Approaching Difficult Conversations at Home” will be an in-person, evening event next Wednesday, April 12 (7 pm) featuring Kelly Jackson, Highcrest Middle School Principal and District 39 Administrator for Social-Emotional Learning and Family Engagement, leading a book study and discussion. Please see the linked flyer for more information on the event as well as information on the two books that will be the focal point of the discussion. Be sure to visit our D39 Parent Education webpage to learn more about our parent education program and find recordings of past presentations.COMMUNITY NEWS
Wilmette Park District seeks residents input and feedback to help create a clear vision for parks, facilities, and recreation to meet the needs of residents for play, health, wellness, open spaces and nature places. Project Parks and Play: Explore the Possibilities. Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit https://berrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/wilmetteparkdistrict
Kindergarten Boys & Girls - join Illinois Baseball Academy for Mini-Majors Spring League A great way to learn baseball fundamentals and have fun. Form your own team, register as a group or as an individual. Register through the Park District - last year sold out!
Wilmette Baseball Association Spring House League registration is open for K-8th grades. www.wilmettebaseball.org
Oakton College offers STEAM Youth Summer Camp with in-person and virtual options. Virtual courses: June 6 - August 26 and In-Person Courses: June 12 - August 3
New Trier Township offers a Food Pantry 10am - 4pm weekdays for families that live/work in the township. NT Township also offers Emergency Financial Assistance, Legal Aid Clinic, property tax assistance, social service referrals and other available resources. Go to www.newtriertownship.com for more information.
Wilmette Food Pantry is open every Tuesday 10:00-11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church.
YOUR PTO IN ACTION: Teacher Appreciation Week May 1st-May 5th
Help us celebrate your students' teacher during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 1st - May 5th! The PTO will be providing meals and snacks for teachers throughout the week. We will be having a raffle for the teachers and giving gift cards to show our appreciation. We would love any donations you are able to give. CLICK HERE to contribute! Many thanks from the Highcrest PTO!
REGISTRATION INFO FOR SPRING AFTERSCHOOL CLUBS
Registration for Chess Enrichment and Aces Debate Club is still open! Please see below for information about each club. To register, please visit the HMS PTO website HERE.
Chess Enrichment Program - Space still available!
Chess- Ed will continue to provide this unique, exciting and dynamic chess instruction which lifts each student to a new level of expertise. Each week students will enjoy an engaging lesson with supervised time to play classmates. Students will grow their knowledge of the game – from the basics through opening theory, middle game tactics and end game combinations. Students’ vocabulary and math skills will continue to advance.
Club dates/times: Thursdays 3:45-4:45 pm, starting 4/6
Aces Debate Club – Check out the flyer with more information HERE
SAVE THE DATE- HIGHCREST BEACH BASH IS MAY 12TH
D39 EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION EVENT: CHEERS & BEERS EVENT TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
We are excited to announce District 39 Educational Foundation’s annual “Cheers & Beers” event at Double Clutch Brewing Company on Friday, April 28th from 7-10pm. Please join us for an evening of fun, delicious food, and live music featuring local, well-loved bands Antler Chandelier and AM Slingers. Tickets are $100 each and include passed hors d’oeuvres and two drinks. The evening will include a silent auction, filled with goods and services generously donated by local businesses. Purchase tickets HERE.
Wilmette AAPI Celebration on Sunday May 21
Wilmette will be having its very first Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) celebration! The event will be held on Sunday May 21, from 1 to 4 pm at Wilmette Community Rec Center. We will have tables set up for arts and crafts from different countries, Ikebana demonstrations, learning to dance Filipino Tinikling, and other interactive activities during the first half of the event. We will then have cultural performances in the auditorium during the second half of the program, including dance performances, music and martial arts.
If any families are interested in participating in this year's AAPI celebration, please contact Alice Chow, commissioner of the Human Relations Commission for the Village of Wilmette at alice.chow@katsconsultingllc.com
D39 EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: TRUSTEES NEEDED!
The D39 Educational Foundation is seeking general board candidates for the 2023-24 year and beyond (3 year commitment required).
Interested in volunteering to support the entire district and working with a smart, creative, passionate group of D39 parents and teachers? Do you have experience/interest in marketing, event planning, enrichment or finance? We’d love to hear from you! Monthly evening meetings (a good fit for working parents). Contact Julie Hanahan at jrhanahan@gmail.com
SEEKING 2023-2024 WJHS PTO BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Make friends. Be in the know. Make a difference. Support our teachers and staff. Enrich our student’s school experience. There are so many reasons to serve on the PTO. Please consider sharing your talents as a volunteer for the 2023-2024 WJHS PTO. For more information, please email president@wjhspto.com.
IS YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION TO VOLUNTEER MORE? The HMS PTO Needs YOU!
The HMS PTO is looking for volunteers for the 2023-2024 school year - there are so many great ways to get involved at the school to fit your schedule. Please reach out to Jennifer Englehaupt at jennifer@englehaupt.net to learn more - we would love to have you!
HMS PTO VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are many ways to get involved at Highcrest! See links below to sign-up:
School Store - Sign-ups are available on Wednesdays during lunch.
Lunch - sign ups for help during lunch period for both 5th & 6th grade
PASS 39 NEWS: UPCOMING EVENTS!
Want to learn more about what is going on at PASS 39? HERE is the PASS39 February/March Newsletter.
Spring Games at Prospect High School on April 15th and April 16th
Please email Coach Joe Taylor for more information and to sign up! taylorjo@wilmette39.org
GREEN CORNER
Trex Plastic Recycling Challenge – From Bag to Bench
The Trex Plastic Recycling Challenge is ongoing! Thank you to all that collect their difficult to recycle plastic film items, such as produce bags, bubble wrap, and plastic mailers (see list) and bring them to HMS. One bin is located at the entrance of the school office, one in the front lobby, and one in the teacher’s lobby. The Environmental Affairs Committee will weigh, collect, and bring the plastic film to the collection sites.
One Earth Film Festival
Date & Time: April 19, 2023- April 23 2023
Venue: Various Locations or Virtual
Organizer: One Earth Film Festival
View Events Website
Get ready to get loud and celebrate Earth Day with the One Earth Film Festival at the Earth Day Mini Film Fest in partnership with the City of Chicago from April 19-23, 2023. This weeklong celebration features powerful films and discussions that will help you understand critical environmental issues and take concrete actions to celebrate our planet on Earth Day and beyond. Films screened during the festival include: Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire; Follow the Drinking Gourd + Remothering the Land; Biocentrics; and The Street Project. Don’t miss out on these incredible events, which are free with a suggested $8 donation. Get your tickets now! Tickets: https://bit.ly/oneearthday