HMS Headlines
May 27, 2022
A Message from the Administrative Team
As we prepare for this Memorial Day weekend, we want to take a minute to recognize the sacrifice of so many for our country and our freedoms. While it this weekend serves as a kickoff to summer, it also is a wonderful opportunity to pause and give thanks for the privileges that we enjoy as Americans.
We wish you a wonderful three-day weekend, and look forward to the final two weeks ahead with our HMS Hawks!
Take care,
Kelly, Linda, and Susie
HIGHCREST ANNUAL OUTDOOR CONCERT IS BACK! POSTPONED!
7th Grade Transition Webinar on YouTube
BIKE TO HMS FOR 4TH GRADERS!
With bike safety in the forefront at Highcrest, this week we welcomed more than a hundred 4th graders from Harper and Central Schools, as part of the return of Bike to Highcrest events! During the students' after school visits to HMS, Kelly Jackson and Linda Moric spoke to kids about biking paths and rules on HMS's busy campus, Officer Valerie Davis talked about the biking safely to and from school, and 5th grader Noah Magestro shared tips on arriving early, obeying crossing guards, and respecting others' bikes in the racks.
The events conclude next week with 4th graders from McKenzie and Romona. Thanks to HMS students and parents for making space for our visitors!
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
District 39 Message and Resources Regarding Robb Elementary
Earlier this week, we were deeply saddened by the news of the shooting at a Texas elementary school and the tremendous loss to the Uvalde community. We communicated that the safety of our students is our top priority and that our schools have a comprehensive safety plan in place that is reviewed and updated annually in partnership with the Wilmette Police Department.
As a part of this plan, please know that all exterior doors at all six of our schools are locked at all times and individuals can only enter our school buildings by being buzzed in through the main entrance. We also partner closely with the Wilmette Police Department (WPD) who provide ongoing support and guidance to us on safety and security measures, and are very fortunate to have Officer Valerie Davis as our Community Resource Officer. Officer Davis is a terrific liaison between D39 and WPD for any threats or suspicious activities in or around our schools and we are grateful for such a strong partnership with WPD.
We know that your child(ren) may have questions about this week’s events and we are here to support you as you work through these difficult topics of discussion. Here are some recommendations from the National Association of School Psychologists on how to best talk to children about violent acts.
Lastly, we are grateful for the supportive Wilmette community in which we live. We want to remind you to please call 911 if you hear of an imminent threat or use Safe2Help Illinois to seek help if you see someone in need or something that doesn’t feel right within the schools. Students at Highcrest Middle School may also report through the HAWKS reporting form and at Wilmette Junior High School through the WOLVES reporting form.
COVID-19 Metrics Review and SHIELD Testing Information
District 39 will maintain its current COVID mitigations through the end of this school year. Based on CDC metrics, the Cook County COVID community level was elevated to “high” earlier this week and we continue to see cases reported across our schools. Based on this review, it is prudent to maintain our current D39 Off Ramp mitigation measures for the final two weeks of the year. One convenient testing option for D39 families has been through our partnership with SHIELD Illinois. With the school year winding down, next week will be the last week that onsite SHIELD testing is available. Individuals may test on Tuesday (May 31) or Thursday (June 2) from 3:30-6:30 pm at Wilmette Junior High.
Board of Education Meeting
On Monday evening, the Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting. In addition to liaison reports and administrative updates, the Board heard a presentation from our District Strategic Advisory Team (DSAT) on the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that will be used to measure and monitor our progress toward accomplishment of our Strategic Plan goals. The Community Review Committee also presented their final report to the Board. This year’s report is titled “Building Responsive Social-Emotional Learning through Strengthening Parent-Teacher Communication and Increasing Parent Understanding of and Engagement in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Instruction.” Additionally, the Board heard a presentation on the District 39 Fiscal Year 2023 Draft Budget and approved lunch fees for the 2022-23 school year. Click here for access to the complete meeting agenda and materials.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Good morning and Happy Friday!
LINK: http://www.wilmette39.org/news/community_events
Join the Saint Joseph and Saint Xavier Jubilee Jog on Monday May 30 with 8:00 am start at St. Joseph School. All ages are welcome! https://www.jubileejog5k.com/Race/IL/Wilmette/jubileejog5k
"Students Demand Action" and "Moms Demand Action."Join us in Winnetka for a 5K Walk/Run to honor lives lost due to gun violence June 5th at 9:30 am at Indian Hill Park, 131 Wilson Street, Winnetka. Wear Orange https://act.everytown.org/event/wear-orange-2022/44449/signup/?akid=.2120740.h30do_&zip
School Supply Reuse Recycle Drive: Last year the National Charity League organized a school supply collection during the final week of school to divert hundreds of school supply items from going into the landfills. Please donate gently used/unused items to needy students and families. Students and teachers, please place all unused or gently-used school supplies into the bin located outside your school the week of June 9–12.
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
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 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.
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
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.
Field Day Volunteers Needed!
Click HERE to help hand out popsicles at Field Day (Monday June 6th for 6th grade and Tuesday June 7 for 5th grade)
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.
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.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.
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.
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.