HIGHCREST HEADLINES
September 21, 2023
A Message from the Administrative Team
This week at HMS we had a great time planting our HMS Living Wall! All students were able to participate in the creation of the wall in one way or another, whether by voting in homeroom on the bin and the plant type and signing the bin, or by coming and helping with the actual initial planting. It has been fun to see some color and life come to this area of our Outdoor Classroom. It has also been amazing to see how this has enhanced our learning community as everyone has come together to support a common effort!
The Living Wall was granted to us by the D39 Educational Foundation last year, and we have been working on planning for its initial kick off since last spring. We are so excited to have this new part of our Outdoor Classroom that will be designed and redesigned each season.
If you're at school to volunteer or want to spend some time helping in our garden, check out the Living Wall. The PTO has sign ups for garden volunteers below! We'd love to have you visit!
Have a great long weekend...we will see you TUESDAY!
Kelly, Linda, and Susie
CLUBS SCHEDULE
Below are some club descriptions to help you and your child discuss which clubs they might attend! There are not sign ins or attendance lists for clubs - all clubs are drop in, so there is flexibility if they decide they don't like something or want to try something else at the same time.
NWEA MAP
6TH GRADE TECHNOLOGY PRESENTATION
Mr. DeMonte and Officer Davis also do an annual parent presentation regarding technology safety. HERE is a link to a video of last year's presentation, "Parenting in the Digital Age," and HERE is a link to register for this year's event, taking place on October 11 at 11:00 AM in-person and also virtually. We hope to see you there!
HIGH FIVE JUNIOR CHOIR
******9/27 is PICTURE DAY!******
Stuart-Rodgers is proud to be your official photography studio for Picture Day again this year. Information about Picture Day is available HERE.
After picture day, you will receive an email providing you with your student’s personal password protected online gallery. Approximately 14 days after picture day you will also receive a printed proof sheet that will have your student’s photo and gallery password with directions on how to
order.
Placing an order is easy! You can visit the website at www.srphoto.com > Order Photos > View My Session and enter your password. You can also mail in your printed proof to the Stuart-Rodgers Photography studio on Green Bay Road in Evanston.
If you have any questions please call Stuart-Rodgers Photography at 847-864-7322, or email info@srphoto.com.
WHMS LIVE...MONDAY BROADCAST!
Tune in Monday, September 11th for our first student-led LIVE broadcast of the school year. Every Monday (or the first day of the school week) at 8:52 am Highcrest students put on a live morning news broadcast. Each week a new homeroom is responsible for writing, producing, directing, filming and starring in WHMS News. Want to catch all the action? Please visit our WHMS News YouTube Page and subscribe to get alerts when we go live!
SEL NEWS
District 39 has been working this year to improve our parent communication about Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in the district, and hope you all had an initial introduction to what you can expect as far as classroom SEL instruction this year. All of our grade level objectives, as well as other supports for families are available on the D39 SEL Website HERE.
District 39 is committed to providing a safe and equitable learning environment that fosters a mindset of empathy, respect, and belonging for all district students and staff. For that reason, elements of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging have been integrated into our SEL objectives, and we want to bring about more awareness for all of our students and families about various ways we can celebrate one another in our supportive community throughout the year. This calendar provides dates and information on many celebratory dates for students and staff of District 39.
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 and continues through October 15. There, are many opportunities to celebrate the history and contributions of those who came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central, and South America. In our local community around Chicago, there are many events where you and your family can experience this celebration, and additional opportunities are available on PBS or by checking out some of the virtual exhibits with your child(ren) available online through the Smithsonian Institution.
DISTRICT 39 UPDATES
No School Tomorrow and Monday
A reminder that our schools will be closed tomorrow (Friday, Sept. 21) AND Monday (Sept. 24) for a District-wide Institute Day and Yom Kippur.
Shoutout to Romona Elementary School!
District 39 would like to congratulate Romona Elementary School on being named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School! This is the third time that Romona has earned the distinction (2006, 2017), given by the U.S. Department of Education. The National Blue Ribbon School award celebrates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement. Romona was recognized by National Blue Ribbon Schools as an “Exemplary High Performing School,” one of only 14 in the State of Illinois to be honored in that category. Schools earning this designation are among their state’s highest-performing schools.
We are so proud of all of the teaching and learning that occurs in ALL SIX of our schools and congratulations to Romona on this prestigious award!
Board of Education Meetings
Our Board of Education held its regular business meeting on Monday, Sept. 18 at 7 pm at the Mikaelian Education Center. The Board heard a presentation on our Strategic Plan Action Steps for the 2023-24 school year and approved this plan. The Strategic Plan Action Steps – by goal – as well as a summary of our accomplishments from last school year are available on our D39 Strategic Plan website. The Board also approved several updates to Board policies and conducted its regular monthly business. Agendas and materials for all Board of Education meetings are available here.
Parent Education Events
District 39 is committed to providing family-focused programming throughout the year geared towards providing tips, guidance, and support for our parents! We recently hosted our second event of the year titled “Supporting your Neurodivergent Learner: Strategies for Success.” A recording of that presentation is now available.
Our next event, titled “Parenting in the Digital Age”, is also one of our most popular presentations! Families can participate in-person at Highcrest Middle School or virtually via Zoom for this event, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 11 am. Registration is now open. Please check out our Parent Education page for our full schedule of Parent Ed events, registration links, and archived recordings.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Link: https://wilmette39.ss9.sharpschool.com/cms/one.aspx?portalId=360930&pageId=993841
Destination Imagination (DI) is open for registration. DI is a STEAM problem-solving competition for kids K-12. The teams of 4-6 kids have parent coaches and compete at a tournament. The teams create a skit with specific creative and technical components and also practice building and acting instant challenges.
More information including info sessions and the sign-up form at Wilmette DI hereThe New Trier Girls Cross Country Team is hosting a fundraiser on September 22 to support the American Brain Tumor Association.
GOODFEST~RIBFEST at St. John’s Wilmette: Backyard BBQ’s Ribfest will be held Saturday, September 23 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Goodfest featuring local bands will entertain from 5:00 - 10:00 pm. Portions of the proceeds go to Family Promise North Shore.
Wilmette Historical Museum presents Auto Historica XIX: Muscle Memories Sunday, September 24 12:00 - 3:00 pm 609 Ridge Road.
Wilmette Jr. Trevians Hockey invites you to Jr. Trevians Spirit Day on Saturday, Sept. 30 at Centennial Ice Rink. Drop by anytime between 1:30-5:30 pm to celebrate a new season and cheer on Jr. Trevians teams in regular season games starting at 2:40 pm. Enjoy Grateful Bites Pizza, enter a raffle, join in outdoor games and other festivities.
Is your child curious or ready to play hockey? The Wilmette Jr. Trevians have options for your child to learn the sport this fall/winter. Visit the website for options to get started, including the House Mini-Mite Program (ages 4-6 years) and a two-day “Try Hockey for Free” event in partnership with the Blackhawks (look for options at Centennial Ice Rink).
The Wilmette Stars Special Olympics Team will have its first basketball skills practice on Tuesday, October 10 from 4:00 - 4:45 pm at McKenzie Elementary School. Practices will be held on Tuesdays through the second week of December. Students in grades 3-8 with an intellectual disability are eligible to participate at no cost. All athletes receie a uniform. The program is registered with Special Olympics of Illinois. Contact Joe Taylor at taylorjo@wilmette39.org or 224-220-4736 for more information.
Special Gifts Theatre presents High School Musical Jr. September 2023 - March 2024. This program is for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities ranging in age from 10-22 years. The musical theatre program held at The Skokie School in Winnetka on Mondays 4:15-5:30 pm has openings for students and peer mentors. See flyer for details.
Troop 2 Wilmette: Learn more about BSA’s outdoor based leadership program open to boys and girls ages 11-18. www.troop2wilmette.org bsatroop2wilmette@gmail.com
Central Elementary School Cub Scout Pack 5: Saturday/Sunday September 30 - October 1 - Cub Scout Campout.Contact Pack 5 leadership with any questions: cubscoutpack5wilmette@gmail.com
McKenzie Cub Scout Pack One is recruiting. A jam-packed 2023-2024 schedule includes spring & fall campouts, a museum sleepover, bowling and of course the pinewood derby. Contact ZakStambor@gmail.com for more information.
Loyola Academy offers an advanced Mathematics course for 6-8 graders. The Math+ program includes 6 courses. Each Math+ course focuses on 1 major idea based on key concepts included in Stanford University’s introductory math sequence. The six session course will be taught at Loyola Academy on Saturdays from 2:00-3:00 pm starting on Saturday, September 23 and ending on October 28. The course costs $250. Families can sign-up at www.RedwoodPrep.com
Save the Date: 10/20 is Freaky Friday
Friday, October 20 is Highcrest’s annual Freaky Friday bash–start planning your costumes and get ready for a scary good time!
Volunteer at Picture Day
Picture day is Wednesday, September 27, and volunteers are still needed. Click here to sign up for a spot!
Sign Up for Outdoor Classroom!
Would you rather volunteer outside than in the cafeteria? Sign up for outdoor classroom here.
Get Involved at HMS!
The Highcrest PTO is an 80+ person volunteer organization that links together parents, teachers, and students to further enrich HMS experiences for our kids. We facilitate events like 5th Grade Connections, Freaky Friday and the Beach Bash; Parent Speaker Series (in place of General PTO Meetings), After School Clubs, Fall Book Fair, Enrichment, Make a Difference Day, Environmental Awareness, and School Store.
But we need your help to get it all done! We have many different volunteer roles listed here: PTO OPENINGS
More sign-up opportunities are coming for Freaky Friday and other events. Watch future Headlines for sign ups!
Please email Jennifer at president@highcrestpto.org for more information on getting involved.
Membership Toolkit Directory Information
On Monday, 8/21, you received an email from Membership Toolkit Directory that outlined how to join the PTO/get access to the school directory (including class lists). In this app, you are also able to contribute to iGNITE (our main fundraiser), purchase Birthday Books and contribute to the Teacher's Holiday Gift Fund, which is a one-time gift given before winter break. If you haven’t received this important email, please contact directory@highcrestpto.org or click here.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are so many ways to get involved at Highcrest! See links below to sign-up:
School Store - Hawk Hut sign-ups are available on Wednesdays during lunch
Lunch Duty - Volunteer to help with lunch on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays
PTO Positions - There’s lots of ways to get involved! Click to see open positions.
Order Your Yearbook!
Yearbooks are available to order now. Click here to order your 2023-2024 HMS yearbook!
Fall After School Clubs
Aces Debate Club
Learn research, writing, and oral argumentation. Programs for beginning and experienced debaters, 5th through 8th grade! All programs consist of weekly class sessions held at HMS for 60 minutes with supplemental debate activities. Program concludes with a 2-hour session to give students an opportunity to demonstrate their new skills in full debates.
• Club dates/times: Thursdays 3:45-4:45pm (Intermediate/Advanced Debate), Fridays 3:45-4:45pm (Intro to Debate)
• Club fee: $275
• Registration opens Tuesday, September 5th at 9am
Chess-Ed
Chess-Ed provides 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 basics through opening theory, middle game tactics and end game combinations. Students’ vocabulary and math skills will continue to advance. Studies confirm students who play chess do better academically. Playing chess increases IQ performance, improves memory, uses analytical and critical thinking skills, teaches problem solving, responsibility, sportsmanship, social skills and more. The chess program is open to all students in all grades and of all playing levels.
Club dates/times: THURSDAYS 3:45-4:45, Fall Session: 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, (No School-11/16- PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES), (No class 11/23 Thanksgiving), 11/30, 12/7, and 12/14
Club fee: $198 through 9/7, $208 (9/8-9/15), $228 (9/16-10/5)
High Five Junior Choir
The Wilmette High Five Junior Choir provides an empowering 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 disabilities. This club was designed after the High-5 Choir 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!
• Club dates/times: Thursdays 3:45-4:45 pm on the following dates: 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 1/11, 1/18. An afternoon concert will be held on 1/25. There will also be an evening choir concert in tandem with HMS & WJHS choirs in December, date TBA
• Club fee: $125
Skyline Studios: Matilda Jr
Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and unforgettable characters, Matilda is a magical musical theater experience. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.
Skyline's Broadway Performers is a no-cut program designed for middle school actors. Performers will be challenged by a professional teaching artist, and level up by learning advanced performance skills such as solo vocal technique, sophisticated character development, complex blocking, and challenging musical theater choreography.
• Club dates/times: Wednesdays 3:45-5:45; 9/27-12/10 (no class 11/22), show is 12/20
• Club Fee: $370
HMS Spiritwear
Your Highcrest PTO is thrilled to announce our new spirit wear partnership with humanKIND, locally owned by a D39 Alum! Order featured items OR create your own! Local pickup available at no additional cost. Check it out by scanning the QR code below or click here.