Cougar Courier

ELM MIDDLE SCHOOL’S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

January 7, 2022

Principal's Message

Greetings Elm Families,

Welcome back! We hope everyone had a wonderful break! We've had an exciting first week back here at Elm. We've spent the week reviewing expectations, routines and all of our procedures. And we are so proud of our students as they have transitioned back to learning.


It's hard to believe that only 6 weeks remain in our Trimester! Now is a great time to check in with your student to make sure they are on track to finish the Trimester strong. Also, 8th grade parents, please check your email as 8th grade student enrolled in high school courses report cards were emailed out today.


Please take a few minutes and read through this week’s Courier! As always, should you need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. Stay safe! #TeamElmStrong

Most Sincerely,
Ms. Ashley Groeneveld

News, Updates and Information!

Vaccination Event

EPCUSD 401 will be hosting a Pfizer booster vaccination event on Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 3PM-5PM at Elmwood Elementary School. On Thursday IDPH approved Pfizer booster shots for 12-15 year old children, as long as they are 5 months after their final dose. This event is for anyone fully vaccinated to receive the Pfizer booster shot if they are 12+ years old. It is open to students, staff, families and the community. If you would like to sign up you can do so here: January 13, 2022 Pfizer Booster Sign Up

8th Grade Dance

Dear 8th grade families,

As 2021 comes to an end, we can’t help but to think of new beginnings and what lies ahead for us in the new year. The Elm Middle School PAT is starting the new year by planning and organizing the 2022 8th Grade Dinner Dance. The dance will be held in May of 2022.


As you know, planning an event such as this, takes plenty of time and preparation. With the current health and safety measures and the guidelines given to is from EPCUSD 401, this event will be an outdoor tented event. The Elm Middle School PAT will secure a large heated tent, tables, chairs, dinner, dessert, music entertainment and decorations for the event. This event will cost $45.00 per student and will be broken up into 2 payments due at the beginning and the end of January. These fees are NON REFUNDABLE. The payment schedule and timeline are not subject to change or exceptions. More information on payment details will come early in the new year.


Thank you,

Elm Middle School PAT

Arrival & Dismissal for Winter Weather

Please remember that during the colder months students can enter the building no earlier than 7:45am. If they would like to enter before the normal 8am arrival time, they must enter through DOOR 1.

Parent Partnership

Here are some resources for you that were presented at our first Parent Partnership:


Communicating with Your Teenager

Navigating Social Media Presentation

Tips for Setting Boundaries for Social Media

Example of a Social Media Contract

We look forward to continuing to partner with parents as we support our students! We will be offering these discussions at different times in order to accommodate different schedules. We also will have translator available for any Spanish speaking families.


The next Parent Partnership will be January 12th at 7:30pm in the Main Gym.

Testing for Multilingual Students

From January 12 to February 15, 2022, Multilingual students are required to take the Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners (ACCESS) assessment. Please see this letter for more information!

Attendance Reminders

If a student is going to be absent from class, a parent or guardian should call our Attendance Clerk at (708) 583-6600 or email elmattendance@epcusd401.org.


When calling, please spell your child’s last name and give their student ID number.

Upcoming Events

January 12 - Elm PAT Meeting, 6pm
January 12 - Parent Partnership, 7:30pm

January 13 - Vaccination Event @ Elmwood School, 3-5pm
January 19 - Regular Board of Education Meeting

January 20- EPCUSD Safety Event

Need Help? Contact Us!

7607 W Cortland St, Elmwood Park, IL 60707, USA 708-452-3550 epcusd401.org/elm