HMS Headlines
May 13, 2022
A Message from the Administrative Team
The Countdown is On! We started our ABC countdown until the end of the year last week, and already today we are on the letter "H" for HAT DAY! Check out some pictures of our students and teachers celebrating HAT Day today!
Looking ahead we have a great week planned for the next letters...
I - INSIDE OUT DAY - wear your clothes inside out
J - JEAN DAY - wear denim jeans, jean jackets, shirts...anything!
K - KINDNESS DAY - wear something to represent kindness
L - LIGHT UP HMS - wear neon and bright colors
M - MISMATCH DAY - come dressed in your best mismatched patterns
It's hard to believe that we have less than 26 days left in our school year! We hope you join in the fun as we celebrate the great year we have had!
Have a great weekend!
Kelly, Linda, and Susie
VIRTUAL AUTHOR PRESENTATION AND BOOK ORDER OPPORTUNITY!
Best-selling author Jennifer Nielsen ("The False Prince" "A Night Divided") will be giving a virtual presentation on her new book "Lines of Courage" on Thursday, May 19. This is her new historical novel about World War I.
Some teachers have opted to share this presentation with students.
Students can order a copy of the book from The Book Stall in Winnetka at a 10% discount. Each copy will include a bookplate signed by the author. Books will be shipped to Highcrest and distributed to students.
Here's the order link if you are interested.
6th Grade Dental forms DUE
MAP TESTING
REGISTER FOR THE 2022 SEP PROGRAM!
REGISTER YOUR CHILD(REN) for the 2022-23 ACADEMIC YEAR
Registration remains open for the 2022-23 academic year. For returning students, visit the PowerSchool parent portal, click on the registration link and follow the instructions. For new students to D39, visit www.wilmette39.org/enroll for instructions on the four-part registration process. We encourage parents with new kindergarten students to enroll as quickly as possible. Additionally, D39 is offering its KEEP39 afternoon enrichment program for kindergarten students. Click here for more information. You can register your child for KEEP39 at the same time that you register for kindergarten.
DISTRICT 39 UPDATES
COVID-19 Reminders
We continue to closely monitor case counts at the local and regional level as well as reported within our schools. These metrics are reported daily on our D39 COVID metrics page and we remain in communication with the CCDPH.
As a reminder, anyone experiencing symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, should isolate at home and seek a COVID-19 test. It is important that we continue to monitor symptoms daily and take even mild symptoms seriously. Those who have been exposed to a positive individual should also seek testing. We recommend that symptomatic individuals and those exposed to a positive case test more than once if possible, as we have seen individuals test negative before subsequently returning a positive test result. Additionally, we encourage you to consider having your child(ren) wear masks in indoor spaces and remind everyone of the importance of being kind, supportive and respectful of one another. Thank you for helping us keep our schools and community healthy and safe.
District Strategic Advisory Team Meeting
Our District Strategic Advisory Team (DSAT) held its final meeting of the year yesterday morning, reviewing feedback and finalizing the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will guide our progress as we continue to implement our strategic plan. This group did some amazing and important work throughout the year and I want to thank all the community members who served on this team. Please check out our strategic plan webpage for more information on our strategic plan.
COMMUNITY NEWS
LINK: http://www.wilmette39.org/news/community_events
Wilmette Theatre welcomes WJHS students for a community building event. Flashback Fridays presents GOONIES on May 13 & 27 at 5:00 pm. Tickets & Information at https://www.wilmettetheatre.com.
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. The Township is also sponsoring a paper shredding event tomorrow, May 7th 8:30-11:30 am at Regina Dominican High School.
The 2022 Summer Debate Institute at Northwestern University’s Evanston Campus will be held August 1-5 for all rising 6th-9th grade students. Enroll prior to June 8 using this form. Additional information on the website or contact Camp Director Camila Vincens.
New Trier Dance Division hosts Summer Dance Camps for children age 4 through the 9th grade June 20-24.
Buddy Baseball Registration is open to special needs children 7 - 22 years old throughout New Trier Township at no cost. Buddy Players are paired with Buddy Volunteers and games last approximately 75 minutes. Register at www.wilmettebaseball.org
The Village of Wilmette’s Sesquicentennial Celebration includes many fun activities and projects. Donations of $25 and up will receive recognition in the Commemorative 150th Edition of the Wilmette Communicator. See flyer for details or go to http://www.wilmette150.org
Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) is hosting Campyardigan Summer Camp options for students ages 5-13 with disabilities. The Spring Guide lists summer recreation programs.
The Trevian Girls Softball Association is adding 8-10 year olds to their spring and summer teams. Contact Kelsey Farmer for more information.
Wilmette Food Pantry is open every Tuesday 10:00-11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church.
"Best Step Tutoring” offers free online tutoring for PreK-12 grades.
Loyola Academy offers Junior High Enrichment Summer Programs. For more information contact summerschool@loy.org or www.goramblers.org/summerschool
McKenzie Pack One is hosting an Information Night this Sunday, May 15 at 4:00 pm at St. Joseph School, 1740 Lake Ave. Come and build rockets!
All McKenzie students are welcome. Email wilmettepackone@gmail.com for more information.
Cub Scout Pack 8 is welcoming Harper and Highcrest students (K-5 graders) to join the pack. Contact cubmaster@packeight.com for more information.
BSA Troops 5G (girls) & 5B (boys) are looking for interested kids in grades 5-12 to join. Contact Laura.Myerholtz@gmail.com for more information.
The HMS PTO Needs YOU!
The HMS PTO is looking for volunteers for next year - there are so many great ways to get involved at the school to fit your schedule. We are looking for people for the following roles: several executive board positions, book fair, environmental awareness, parent connections, yearbook, hospitality, teacher appreciation - incoming 5th grade volunteer, civics & safety, school store & after school clubs liaison. Please reach out to Megan Gemp at president@highcrestpto.org to learn more - we would love to have you.
HMS Student Variety Show & Talent Show May 13th
Tonight, many talented students from HMS will rock the big stage at WJHS. Two shows, one night only! Friends and families welcome!
Tickets $7 at the door (cash only) or online by clicking here.
Show times: 4:30pm and 7:00pm
Location: Wilmette Junior High School Auditorium, 620 Locust Rd.
Mask optional. Social distancing possible.
It’s going to be an amazing show! Please join us!
Purchase your EduKit School Supplies for the 2022/23 school year NOW!
Highcrest Middle School offers the EduKit program as a convenient option for busy families to order school supplies for the 2022-23 school year. EduKits include the supplies approved by our school. Order your EduKit now! Everything your student needs for the school year comes packaged in one convenient box, customized to your teacher’s requests!
Go to https://www.edukitinc.com/schools/11971/ to order today. Regular sales end June 3rd! Last Chance Orders will be available from June 4 - July 25 for an additional fee. Highcrest PTO receives a $5 donation for each kit sold to support our school.
Appreciation Certificates Available
Looking for a way to say thank you to a special teacher, staff member or administrator? For your $39 donation, the staff member(s) of your choice will be honored with a personalized certificate sent via email and their name posted on our website's virtual Wall of Honor. All donations will benefit our schools by funding the D39 Educational Foundation's Gripp Grant program. Purchase your Appreciation Certificate here.
Connections for the Homeless Donations
Did you travel over spring break? Highcrest student council is hosting a toiletry drive for Connections for the Homeless. Please bring any unopened toiletry items- shampoo, conditioner, lotion etc. collected during your travels to school upon your return. There are collection boxes both inside the front office and the lobby of HMS. Student Council will sort and have the items delivered to those in need. Thank you for thinking of others!
Wilmette Baseball Association Buddy Baseball
Wilmette Baseball Association Buddy Baseball is seeking players ages 7-22 with special needs to play baseball! The program is open to all residents throughout New Trier Township (non-residents based on 45 total). Dates: June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 10 & 17 (Fall season Sept 11, 18, 25 & Oct 2). Time: 1:00 First Pitch. Games @ West Park in Wilmette, all turf field. Must register @ www.wilmettebaseball.org Yes Fee. More info about game play at www.wilmettebaseball.org. Questions: email: Jeff Kost@ jkost@wilmettebaseball.org.
TRUSTEES NEEDED!
The D39 Educational Foundation is seeking General Board candidates for the 2022-23 year and beyond (3 year commitment required)
Interested in volunteering to support the entire District, working with a smart, creative, passionate group of D39 parents and teachers, and have expertise in marketing, event planning, enrichment, finance? We’d love to hear from you! Monthly evening meetings (a good fit for working parents). Contact Rebecca Lieber rebecca_lieber@sbcglobal.net
Spirit wear is now online and ordering is super easy!
Show your Hawks pride with a variety of spiritwear options!
CLICK HERE to get your orders in! Please contact Jen at spiritwear@highcrestpto.org with questions!
All announcements to be included in Headlines must be submitted via the Communications Request Form by Wednesdays at 2pm.