Input forms were sent out this week as we begin to plan for placement for next school year. If you would like to complete this optional form for your child, please click on the correct link below. FORMS CLOSE ON 4/28/23.

Rising 6th Graders (Grade Level Administrator: Mrs. Carlson) - FORM

Rising 7th Graders (Grade Level Administrator: Mr. Dees) -FORM

If you have additional questions, please reach out to the appropriate administrator.

At Highcrest, students are issued a school iPad. Their school device has access to the internet and school approved apps. When used appropriately, it is a powerful educational tool. However, it can also be a distraction to students both in school and at home.

As a school/ district we already have the following safeguards in place: The District utilizes the built-in content filter that is provided by Apple. We set the iPad to "Limit Adult Content". We then block specific sites entirely when we know they are malicious, inappropriate, or a distraction. Any additional filtering, or blocking of sites can be implemented by families at home.

If you as a parent/guardian would like to increase your student’s restrictions or monitor their iPad more carefully at home here are a few ways you can do so:

• Check their Safari History: This will tell you what websites your child has been visiting and when. Students do not have the ability to delete this. Directions for how to check your student’s Safari History can be found here.

• Use Screen Time to Block Websites or Limit App Usage: Blocking specific websites, and setting time restrictions called “Downtime” are things that can be added using Screen Time. You will need to enter a passcode that is different from your student’s passcode. Do not share this passcode with your student, however it is helpful if you share it with their homeroom teacher. Directions for how to block additional websites can be found here. Please be careful about adding "app limits" as this could affect your student’s ability to access certain apps at school if they go over the time limit. Directions for how to set up “Downtime” can be found here.

• Temporarily Restrict a Student Access to a Single App Using Guided Access: While using use feature you can disable areas of the screen that aren’t relevant to a task, or areas where an accidental gesture might cause a distraction, disable the iPad hardware buttons, and limit how long your student can use the app. Directions for how to use Guided Access can be found here.

Please note that there is no absolute solution to prevent student distraction, but using these tools can help drastically reduce it. In addition, it is important that students come to school with charged devices. We recommend having your student keep their device in a neutral place (like a kitchen or living room) and making sure it is charging every evening.

Please see a list of new and continuing interest-based clubs linked below. Please note that before- and after-school clubs are open to both grades. Lunch clubs will specify if they are for 5th grade, 6th grade, or both grades. Announcements about the clubs, and descriptions of the clubs will occur on MONDAY morning during the Broadcast. Remind your child to tune in if there is a new club they are interested in joining!

There are still some clubs being planned, so bookmark this list, and re-visit it frequently! Mrs. Jackson will have an announcement about the clubs on the broadcast on Monday, so get ready to hear more details then! RECENTLY ADDED: Lights, Camera, Action Club, and COMING SOON: Circle of Service Club. Stay tuned!

LINK TO THE LIST OF CLUBS

LINK: http://www.wilmette39.org/news/community_events

Wilmette Park District seeks residents input and feedback to help create a clear vision for parks, facilities, and recreation to meet the needs of residents for play, health, wellness, open spaces and nature places. Project Parks and Play: Explore the Possibilities. Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit https://berrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/wilmetteparkdistrict

Glide to Growth is a non profit organization that aims to provide one-on-one free figure skating lessons to children with disabilities. Ice skating is an excellent therapeutic activity that promotes physical, emotional, and social growth. Contact www.glidetogrowth.com

Wilmette Wings / Chicago Rush North Shore - Learn more about travel soccer with the Wilmette Wings Soccer Club (U7-U12) and Chicago North Shore (U13-U19) and how to register for tryouts in May. www.wilmettewings.com/tryouts OR www.chicagorushnorthshore.com

Kindergarten Boys & Girls - join Illinois Baseball Academy for Mini-Majors Spring League A great way to learn baseball fundamentals and have fun. Form your own team, register as a group or as an individual. Register through the Park District - last year sold out!

Wilmette Baseball Association Spring House League registration is open for K-8th grades. www.wilmettebaseball.org

Cub Scout Pack 1 Hiking Club is back! All are welcome to attend. The first hike is April 29 at 4:00 pm at Glenview Woods. email ZakStambor@gmail.com for more information.

Oakton College offers STEAM Youth Summer Camp with in-person and virtual options. Virtual courses: June 6 - August 26 and In-Person Courses: June 12 - August 3

Northwestern presents Wildcat Science Camp! Session 1: Insect and Pollinator Behavior July 10-14. Session 2: Engineering Rockets July 24-28. Scholarships available for families with need.

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.

6th GRADE ENRICHMENT RECAP: COMEDY SPORTZ

This past Monday and Tuesday, the 6th graders enjoyed fun and exciting Enrichment programming by members of the CSz Theater Chicago.

The students worked with professional ComedySportz coaches on improv and amazing life skills such as teamwork, communication, listening, tolerance and good sportsmanship. Ask them about it!

All HMS Enrichment programs are sponsored and organized by the HMS PTO Enrichment Committee. Enrichment programs are funded by family contributions to iGNITE. Thank you for your iGNITE donations and making these educational programs possible.

HIGHCREST OUTDOOR CLASSROOM: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Outdoor Classroom will be open to students on Wednesdays through the end of the school year! Please see the Sign-Up Genius below to volunteer. We need volunteers to help with projects and cleanup during lunch periods (11:20-12:45). https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AA9AB2BA4F5C16-outdoor2

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR

The HMS PTO is looking for volunteers for the 2023-2024 school year - there are so many great ways to get involved at the school to fit your schedule.

Open Positions:

Ignite (2 slots)

Yearbook (2 slots)

5th Grade enrichment (2 slots)

5th Grade connections (2-3 slots)

Freaky Friday/Spring Party (2-3 slots)

Hospitality (2-3 slots)

School Supplies (1-2 slots)

Community Service Liaison (1-3 slots)

Variety Show (1-2 slots)

Environmental Awareness (1-2 slots)

Outdoor classroom (1-2 slots)

Please reach out to Jennifer Englehaupt at jennifer@englehaupt.net to learn more - we would love to have you!

SEEKING 2023-2024 WJHS PTO BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Make friends. Be in the know. Make a difference. Support our teachers and staff. Enrich our student’s school experience. There are so many reasons to serve on the PTO. Please consider sharing your talents as a volunteer for the 2023-2024 WJHS PTO. For more information, please email president@wjhspto.com.

HMS PTO 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

Wilmette AAPI Celebration on Sunday May 21

Wilmette will be having its very first Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) celebration! The event will be held on Sunday May 21, from 1 to 4 pm at Wilmette Community Rec Center. We will have tables set up for arts and crafts from different countries, Ikebana demonstrations, learning to dance Filipino Tinikling, and other interactive activities during the first half of the event. We will then have cultural performances in the auditorium during the second half of the program, including dance performances, music and martial arts.

If any families are interested in participating in this year's AAPI celebration, please contact Alice Chow, commissioner of the Human Relations Commission for the Village of Wilmette at alice.chow@katsconsultingllc.com

PASS 39 NEWS: UPCOMING EVENTS!

Want to learn more about what is going on at PASS 39? HERE is the PASS39 February/March Newsletter.