HIGHCREST HEADLINES
September 15, 2023
A Message from the Administrative Team
We are excited to announce the kick off of our in-house before-school, lunchtime, and after-school clubs for students! Some of our clubs have already started, and others will be starting in the coming weeks.
Goal 2 in our District 39 Strategic Plan is all about building a supportive community that is inclusive and gives students an increased sense of belonging. At Highcrest we have used interest-based and supportive club opportunities to offer students somewhere to connect with others, find a new activity that interests them, and to provide some options for engagement at lunch or before and after school. Different from PTO-sponsored clubs, these are all run by staff within the school, are drop-in so students do not need to sign up, and there is no fee associated with the clubs. We are excited to see so many of our students eager to get involved in our school community.
Clubs are held either before school from 8:00 - 8:40 AM, during a lunch period (4th or 5th period), or after school from 3:45 - 4:45 PM. Before-school clubs will require students to be dropped off early at the main entrance to the school just before 8:00 am, at which time students will head to the designated club room. After school, students may be picked up by car at the main entrance to the school after 4:45, or they may take the late bus from school, which will drop them off close to home (teachers will show them where to pick up the late bus).
Please read below for information about our clubs, and talk to your child about different ways to get involved at HMS.
Have a great weekend,
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.
CLUB DESCRIPTIONS
SUPPORTIVE CLUBS:
5th GRADE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT CLUB
Emotional Support Club is another safe space where students can join with staff to discuss challenges that they are facing with respect to the school environment. We find regularly that student stress level, friendship challenges, and pressures from the world around them increases as they move to middle school. The Emotional Support Club will help students who attend to have a safe space to share their experiences, develop skills to cope with some of the challenges they face, and create a community of support and understanding to know they are not alone.
Emotional Support Club is a drop-in club and will be available at different times during the week. Parents may want to have a conversation with their child about attending ESC, to share their thoughts about their child’s attendance. We highly encourage these conversations. Together students will navigate the many challenges of middle school life, and learn skills to help them find success.
PRIDE CLUB
Starting September 29
Research shows that having a Gay-Straight Alliance at the middle school level can benefit school climate and individual social and emotional health for all students. Our GSA at Highcrest is called Pride Club. The mission of the Pride Club is to create a supportive environment that helps build a community of allies and advocacy for all students at Highcrest. LGBTQ+ students are at higher risk for being targets of bullying and are at higher risk for suicide. Having a Pride Club at Highcrest gives students who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies a community that fosters a sense of belonging and support, and helps to improve our community for all students.
Pride Club is not a space where students are asked to come out, or where sexual education is taught. It is a place where students lead the club, decide on a focus for the group, address issues of bullying or discrimination at school, and plan the agendas and activities to foster a positive climate, with adult supervision.
While Pride Club is a drop-in club open to all students, we know that parents may want to have a conversation with their child about Pride Club and their attendance. We highly encourage you to have this conversation with your child, and let them know your preferences as a parent. To support you with that conversation, we have compiled some resources for all parents to use.
NO PLACE FOR HATE
Starting Soon
No Place for Hate is a student-led initiative to build an environment where students feel a sense of belonging and safety, where student leaders plan activities to address bullying and hate in the school, and where kids work together with their peers to be upstanders in an identity-safe environment.
No Place for Hate is a part of Highcrest’s partnership with ADL to challenge and work toward preventing incidents of bullying and hate at school. By creating student leaders who develop activities and engage the student body in examining our school climate, we can build community and support a more inclusive, caring environment for all Highcrest students. Students will sign up to represent their homerooms on the NPFH team, if they are interested in taking a leadership role in working toward a hate-free community at HMS. Talk to your child to see if this might be something they are interested in joining. More information about this program is available HERE.
INTEREST-BASED CLUBS
In THIS FOLDER you will find flyers for current clubs that are being offered for fifth and sixth grade (or both). Some clubs (like Clay Club and Craft Club) are self-explanatory. Others (like Meet and Eat, Animator, or Shark Tank Club) may need some more explanation to help your child decide! Check it out!
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.
WJHS FIELD HOCKEY DAY FOR 5th and 6th GRADE GIRLS
OFFICE HOURS AND ABSENCES
If you are going to be absent or if you are picking your child up early for an appointment, please be sure to call the Nurse's Attendance Line at 847-512-6550 to report the absence, or email Office-HMS@wilmette39.org.
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!
TRANSPORTATION SURVEY - VILLAGE OF WILMETTE - PLEASE COMPLETE
The Village of Wilmette will be applying for a grant to improve intersections inline with the Village’s Master Bike and Active Transportation plan and is requesting your help. Please print and complete this brief survey on how your children arrive at school. This data is essential for the grant application which, if earned, will help protect students and encourage walking and biking, thereby fostering a healthier community.
This survey should be printed and completed by the parents. If you have multiple children at Highcrest, please only fill out one survey. Return your completed survey either to the main office or to your child’s homeroom teacher by Wednesday, Sept. 20.
5th GRADE TRANSITION SURVEY
Students will fill out a similar survey with their homeroom teachers.
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
Parent Education Events
Thank you to everyone who joined us both in-person and virtually for our Parent Education event on Wednesday titled “Supporting your Neurodivergent Learner: Strategies for Success.” A recording of this presentation is now available.. Please check out our Parent Education page for our full schedule of Parent Ed events and registration links.
D39 Communication Survey
District 39 is committed to providing timely and relevant communication in ways that fit your needs. In alignment with Goal 4 of our strategic plan, we are gathering feedback from families on District- and school-level communication preferences. Please take this brief survey to help us learn how to continue to effectively and efficiently communicate. Note: this survey does not include classroom-level communication from teachers.
Curriculum Night
Thank you to all the parents who have joined us at our schools for Curriculum Night presentations. We hope that you have found them informative and beneficial as your children settle into the new academic year. Our final Curriculum Night (8th grade) is set for Thursday, Sept. 21 at WJHS.
Board of Education Meetings
Our Board of Education will come together for its regular business meeting on Monday, Sept. 18 at 7 pm at the Mikaelian Education Center. The Board will hear a presentation on our Strategic Plan Action Steps for the 2023-24 school year and will conduct first and second readings of several Board policies. Agendas and materials for all Board of Education meetings will be posted here the Friday prior to the meeting.
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 hereSeptember 19 is School Night for Scouting! Stop by your local elementary school on Tuesday, September 19 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm to learn about Cub Scouts (Grades K-5) and Scouts BSA programs (ages 11-17). Join Scouts at BeAScout.org
Central Elementary School Cub Scout Pack 5: Attention Kdg - 4th graders! The first Cub Scout meeting - Tuesday, September 19 at 7:00 pm; 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.
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.
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.
Join Troop 2 Wilmette for the Open House Tuesday, September 19 at 7:30 pm
at Crow Island Woods. Learn more about BSA's outdoor based leadership program
open to boys and girls ages 11-18. www.troop2wilmette.org bsatroop2wilmette@gmail.com
The Wilmette Jr. Trevians have options for your hockey lover to learn the sport this fall/winter. Visit the website for options to get started, including the House Mini-Mite Program (ages 4-6 yrs) and a two-day "Try Hockey for Free" event in partnership with the Blackhawks (look for options at Centennial Ice Rink).
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
Freaky Friday Planning Committee Volunteers Needed
Friday, October 20 is Highcrest’s annual Freaky Friday bash, and planning is underway! Want to be part of the planning committee? Contact Alexandra Eidenberg to get involved: freakyfriday@highcrestpto.org.
NOTICE THE CHANGE FROM LAST WEEK: FREAKY FRIDAY IS NOW 10/20/23
Volunteer at Picture Day
Picture day is Wednesday, September 27, and volunteers are 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.
Stock the Teacher’s Lounge
Help to stock the Teacher's Lounge with snacks and drinks to thank our wonderful teachers for all that they do! Please use the signup genius HERE to help stock the lounge!
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
- Registration is open!
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 TBD
- Club Fee: $370
- Registration is open!
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.
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.