HMS Headlines
December 2, 2022
A Message from Our Administrative Team
Brrr! It is cold out there! If your child is anything like mine, they don't feel the cold, and often chooses to leave the house with no coat, hat, mittens or anything else in spite of the temperature. While I often get yelled at for nagging her, she usually complies, and is grateful for having listened to her mother :)
Please remind your child to bring their winter gear to school, as we go outside daily for recess, and want them to enjoy their time outside by being bundled up! We will go outside unless the weather is inclement or reaches below 5 degrees or a wind chill of 5 degrees. It is highly important that they wear their warm clothing, and remember to bring it with them to lunch and recess as well.
Please also remind your child to wash their hands regularly, and to stay home if they are feeling ill. As you have probably noticed on the news lately, winter colds, the flu, COVID, and other respiratory illnesses are on the rise, so we want to make sure our students are taking care of themselves, getting enough rest, and practicing good hygiene!
Have a great weekend, and stay warm!
Kelly, Linda, and Susie
FUN AT HMS!
WHMS LIVE BROADCAST! TUNE IN EVERY MONDAY!
DISTRICT 39 UPDATES
Parent Education Event
Make plans now to join us for next month’s Parent Education event which will be part one of a three part series centered around supporting inclusivity and approaching difficult conversations at home. The topic for part one is “Talking with Your Teen About LGBTQ+ Identities.” This event will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 11am. Parents can participate virtually via Zoom or watch the recording afterward. We will not have an in-person option for this event. Please click here to register and click here for the full schedule of the 2022-23 parent education events.
Solar Panel Installation
As you may have noticed, our District 39 schools are in the process of having solar panels installed! These panels are the result of a grant received this past spring from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, providing energy and educational opportunities to our schools. D39 has a strong commitment to sustainability initiatives and these solar panels also provide a wonderful teaching and learning opportunity for our students, faculty, and
COMMUNITY NEWS
LINK: http://www.wilmette39.org/news/community_events
New Trier is offering Beyond Diversity for Community Members. The sessions will be on December 9 and 10 at New Trier Northfield Campus from 8:30-3:30. Participants must attend both days. These sessions are specifically designed for community members.
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.
"Best Step Tutoring” offers free online tutoring for PreK-12 grades.
Cub Scout Pack 10: Dens 3 (Lions) & 4 (Tigers) is West Wilmettes local troop for Kdg - 1st graders. The next pack meeting is Monday, December 5 at First Congregational Church, 1125 Wilmette Ave., 6:15 - 7:30 pm. email: thirdson88@yahoo.com for more information.
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: TEACHER TREATS DURING CONFERENCE DAYS
Just a few photos from the meals and snacks provided by the PTO for the teachers during Parent/Teacher conferences. A huge thanks to Carrie Phillips for organizing and setting up!!
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
The Parent Association for Student Services in District 39 (PASS39) is a parent organization committed to supporting parents of children with learning, behavioral, emotional, and developmental challenges.
Check their latest newsletter for more information HERE
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.
Webinar: Cold Climate Heat Pumps
Date: December 14th, 2022
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Presented by Electrify Now, this webinar will give you a jump start learning about the next best thing in reducing home energy use – heat pumps.
High efficiency heat pumps are a key technology in helping individuals and communities move towards rapid electrification and decarbonization no matter where they are located. Speakers will share the latest research and updates on cold climate heat pumps. REGISTER HERE (Eventbrite.com - Cold Climate Heat Pumps - Warm homes on the coldest days)
Evening Owl Prowl
Date: December 16th, 2022
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062
A guided walk on trails of the River Trail Nature Center to search for local owls. Ages 8 & up. REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call River Trail at 847-824-8360. Deadline: 12/13.
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
Village Wide PTO - Please contact the President of the Presidents’ Council, Barb Bentivenga, at bentivenga4@icloud.com for more information.