HMS Headlines
January 20, 2023
A Message from Our Administrative Team
This weekend marks the start of the Lunar New Year (1/22/23), which is traditionally celebrated throughout Asia. This year marks the year of the rabbit according to the Chinese Zodiac calendar. While celebrations across the world vary, Highcrest's Mandarin classes took the opportunity today to mark the event by doing crafts, tasting some traditional foods, and learning more about the Lunar New Year celebrations. Many students also wore the color red for good luck and health in the new year.
Tomorrow there will be a Lunar New Year celebration at the Wilmette Public Library involving Hsu Lao Shi from HMS as well as Highcrest students, and you can enjoy the Lunar New Year parade taking place in Chinatown next weekend! It's sure to be a fun event for everyone!
Have a great weekend!
Kelly, Linda, and Susie
MAP TESTING
December Students of the Month
SAFETY REMINDERS
- Our mornings are extremely busy at 8:00 when instrumental music students arrive, and again at 8:45 when the rest of the student body arrives. It is important that you plan ahead to arrive at Highcrest earlier than the start time of school. Prior to break we had several days where students arrived late to school and where the car line was backed up at 8:50 (our start time) due to many late arrivals.
- The morning car line stretches around the entire parking lot, and students are to be dropped off by Gym C on the side of the building. If you arrive after 8:47, please pull into the main entrance. We ask that as you drop your child off, you pull up to the end of the sidewalk, and have your child exit the car quickly. Popping the trunk, long goodbyes, and additional conversations at drop off causes the car line to back up, and can create unsafe situations.
- PATIENCE is essential in the car line. Please avoid getting out of line once your child has exited your vehicle. The line will move soon. We have had several near misses with students and staff in the lot during drop off, and want to make sure safety is our priority during these times. Students should exit on the correct side of the vehicle, adults should refrain from being on cell phones, and stay alert, keeping with the line until it exits the lot.
- We have new signs that will be up directing the car line to stay in place and showing where staff will be walking in the mornings to the building. Please ensure you take notice of these signs and pay attention to their directions (see photo below).
CAR LINE AFTERNOON PICK UP:
- In the winter, we have an increase in the amount of cars picking students up at school in the afternoons. Our bell rings at 3:35, and many families get into the car line early. If you are in the car line prior to dismissal, please remember that our parking lot is active, and refrain from blocking cars from entering and exiting the area while you wait. We have teachers and staff heading to meetings at different buildings, students being picked up for appointments, and have to be careful to keep the lane clear in case of emergency.
- We have had some issues with parents parking in the lot to wait for their students, and other issues with students trying to cross the lot to get to their cars. Students are directed to WAIT at the main entrance and will not be allowed to cross into the lot to meet their vehicle. Do not park in a spot to wait for your child, rather, patiently wait in the car line for your child to meet you in the front. The line will move more quickly if all are patient and wait their turn.
- PATIENCE is essential in the car line. Please avoid getting out of line once your child has gotten into your vehicle. The line will move soon. Students should only get in cars by the main entrance, and adults should refrain from being on cell phones, and stay alert, keeping with the line until it exits the lot.
As always when you are dropping off and picking up your child at school, please mind the directions from our supervisors, and respectfully interact with them. Their first priority is always the safety of the students at Highcrest.
WHMS LIVE BROADCAST! TUNE IN EVERY MONDAY!
DISTRICT 39 UPDATES
Student Registration for 2023-24 Academic Year Opens Monday
Registration for the 2023-24 school year will open on Monday, Jan. 23. For returning students, visit the PowerSchool parent portal, click on the registration link and follow the instructions. For students who will be new to D39, www.wilmette39.org/enroll provides instructions on the registration process for new students. We encourage parents with new kindergarten students to enroll as soon as possible. Additionally, D39 is offering its KEEP39 afternoon enrichment program for kindergarten students. You can register your child for KEEP39 at the same time that you register for kindergarten. Click here for more information on the KEEP39 Enrichment Program for kindergarteners. Preschool registration is already open for our youngest students in the Lechner Early Education Program (LEEP) for three-, four-, and five-year-old students. Click here for for more information on the D39 LEEP Preschool Program.
Parent Education Opportunities
District 39 and the Family Service Center hosted a Parent Education event titled “Supporting Friendship Development and Connection.” A recording of that event can be found here. Please visit our D39 Parent Education webpage to learn more about our upcoming parent education events.
We also invite our families to check out the additional Parent Education events presented by the Family Action Network (FAN). Next week (Jan. 24, 7-8 pm), FAN will host Dr. Robert Waldinger, co-author of The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness, for a webinar conversation where he will share insights from the Harvard University study of Adult Development and what makes a good life. More information here. To register for this event, click here.
Board of Education Meeting – Monday, Jan. 23
The Board of Education will hold its regular monthly business meeting on Monday, Jan. 23 at 7 pm at the Mikaelian Education Center. The meeting will begin with a public hearing on the intent to sell working cash fund bonds. The Board will then hear committee reports, be presented with the 2023-24 academic year calendar for approval, and conduct first readings of selected Board policies during the regular business portion of the meeting. Click here for access to the complete meeting agenda and materials.
Shine on 39
This edition of “Shine on 39” showcases our outstanding school office workers! Often the first faces to greet you upon entering our school buildings, we highlight and appreciate all of their hard work behind the scenes.
COMMUNITY NEWS
LINK: http://www.wilmette39.org/news/community_events
80th Annual Dolphin Show (the largest student produced musical) presents Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical January 20-28 at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson Street, Evanston. See flyer for more information.
BSA Troop 5 hosts: Winter Carnival on Saturday, January 28, 1:00 -2:30 pm at Gilson Park Ice Rink; Open House on Monday, January 30, 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette. Contact Michelle Salama for information.
BLOOD DRIVE! Donate blood on Super Bowl Sunday, February 12 at St. Francis Xavier Gym from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Wilmette Historical Museum presents MEET THE LINCOLNS on Sunday, February 19 from 2:00-3:00 pm.
Loyola Youth Lacrosse Program is taking registrations for students in Kdg-8th grades. Contqact Greg Sprenzel for more information.
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
Wilmette Baseball Association Spring House League registration for K-8th grades is open at www.wilmettebaseball.org
Black History Month Contest: In commemorating Black History Month, the Village of Wilmette Human Relations Commission is sponsoring a poster, essay/poetry, multimedia/music contest. The theme for 2023 is ‘Black Resistance,’ which includes stories about the fight for freedom, justice, and equality. The contest will run from Monday, January 16 through Thursday, February 16; winners will receive a gift card, be presented a certificate of recognition at a Village Board meeting and have works displayed online and at Village Hall. Click Here for more information.
HMS/WJHS: For 6th - 8th grade girls
SKATE FOR GIRLS aims to decrease the gender gap in STEM by teaching math through figure skating. Girls can skate weekly for FREE at Centennial Ice Rink on Sundays, January 15-Feburary 19, 1:00 - 3:30 pm. Register at www.skateforgirls.org
YOUR PTO IN ACTION: HMS Student Variety and Talent Show
HMS Student Variety and Talent Show - Audition Dates 1/20 and 1/27
The annual HMS Student Variety and Talent Show is Friday, March 17 at 5:30pm. Last year the show was a huge hit with acts that included music, dance, comedy, martial arts, spoken poetry and more! We can't wait to showcase your student's talent at this year's show!
Audition for the 2023 Show - Sign up here
Friday January 20 - 3:40- 5:00pm
Friday January 27 - 11:50am - 1:30pm (note: early dismissal)
Questions? Email: varietyshow@highcrestpto.org
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.
$5 MOVIE DAY! "Back to the Future" at the Wilmette Theater
The Wilmette Theater invites HMS students and families for a showing of "Back to the Future" on Friday, January 27th at 1pm. Tickets are only $5 and can be purchased at https://ticketing.useast.veezi.com/purchase/16991?siteToken=eym1b8zj89qyb17se01zmgtfww. This is not a school or PTO sponsored event, just a fun activity for our kids.
WINTER AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
ACES DEBATE CLUB - Friday Intro to Debate still has a few openings, register here!
High Five Junior Choir – Registration is open!
The Wilmette High Five Junior Choir provides a safe learning environment in which students of all abilities come together to create and experience music, build friendships, and raise awareness against stereotypes of individuals with physical and mental disabilities. This club is based off of the High-5 Choir that is offered at New Trier High School. The Wilmette High Five Junior Choir aims to share the love of music with peers regardless of abilities, share our voices through music, and have a lot of fun! For more information: Email Jana Martin, martinj@wilmette39.org.
Club dates/times: Thursdays 3:45-4:45pm on the following dates: 2/2/23, 2/9/23, 2/16/23, 3/23/23, 3/2/23, 3/9/23, 3/16/23, 3/23/23, 4/6/23, 4/13/23, 4/20/23, 4/27/23.
Club fee: $150
6th Grade Boys Volleyball - Registration is open!
Building on the first 6th grade girls volleyball team last fall, we are excited to announce that Highcrest Middle School and the Highcrest PTO are organizing 6th grade Boys Volleyball this winter! Volleyball is a club sport in this first year of the program, so each session will be a mix of practice and scrimmage, and all sessions will be after school at HMS. The opportunity is open to 6th graders, with a maximum of 18 students on a first-come, first-served basis. Please reach out to Dan Magestro (magestro@gmail.com) for more information
D39 EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
Join us for the second annual College Paddle Night!
January 28, 2023 from 7-11 pm at A.C. Nielsen Paddle Hut. Tickets are on sale now for $75 per person at d39foundation.org.
Grab some friends, sport your favorite college-themed gear, and join us for a fun night of paddle! Enjoy food, beverages, and some friendly competition. Raffle prizes will include a paddle and gear from Moonshot Paddle and StretchLabs will be offering free mini stretching sessions. All skill levels are welcome. Similarly leveled players will be matched together in a rotating round-robin style tournament. Don't miss out on the fun!
FAMILY BINGO NIGHT IS BACK!
February 10, 2023 from 6-8pm at Highcrest.
Tickets are available starting at 10am on January 17th for $15 per person at d39 foundation.org.
Bring the entire family for a night of bingo! Enjoy pizza, snacks, and great family fun. All bingo winners will be able to select from our prize table featuring exciting options for adults and children. Go to d39foundation.org to purchase tickets and pre-order your food, starting 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 17th. Don't miss out on the fun!
Order your Yearbook
Order your Yearbook today!
Click HERE to order your 2022-2023 HMS yearbook!
Not sure if you have already ordered one? You can check your inbox for an e-mail confirmation from Jostens. Email yearbook@highcrestpto.org with any questions.
PASS 39 NEWS
Special Olympics Track and Field
Tuesday practices at McKenzie School from 4:00pm - 4:45pm
February 14th - April 11th
Highcrest provides bus transportation to McKenzie School
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 below) 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.
Holiday Lights Recycling Drive!
Location: Wilmette Public Works, 711 Laramie Ave., Wilmette
Date: 24-hour drop-off in the front parking lot through Jan. 31
Contact: (847) 853-7500 for questions.
Don't put holiday light strings in the trash - recycle them! Bring old or broken string lights and extension cords to the Village's Public Works facility for recycling. The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) and its member communities are offering a Holiday Light Recycling Program, free of charge, for all SWANCC area residents.
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