HIGHCREST HEADLINES
February 16, 2024
A Message from the Administrative Team
Dear HMS Families,
This week we enjoyed celebrating Random Acts of Kindness. One of the most engaging parts for our students and staff of our kindness week was homeroom Kindness Bingo!
Our students worked as a group to do kind things such as making a journal entry about things they are grateful for, doing chores without being asked, inviting someone who was eating alone to join me, and more. The center of the bingo board asked the homeroom to come up with a group act of kindness that they could work together to complete. One of our homerooms came up with an all-group power handshake...check it out below!
We hope that these acts of kindness continue far past this week...we know that even the smallest act can change a person's day for the better.
Have a great long weekend, and we will see you on Wednesday!
Kelly, Linda, and Susie
WHMS LIVE BROADCAST! TUNE IN EVERY MONDAY!
DISTRICT 39 UPDATES
Registration for 2024-25 Academic Year
Registration for the 2024-25 academic year is now open. ALL students, including those already attending D39 schools, must register.
For returning students, visit the PowerSchool Parent Portal, click on the registration link, and follow the instructions. For students new to D39, visit wilmette39.org/enroll for instructions on the new student registration process. We encourage parents with new kindergarten students to enroll as soon as possible. D39 offers its optional KEEP39 afternoon enrichment program for kindergarten students, and parents can register for KEEP39 when registering for kindergarten. Registration for our Lechner Early Education Program (LEEP) for three- and four-year-old students is also open.
D39 Summer Enrichment Program Registration Opens on Monday
Looking for a fun and educational summer experience for your child(ren)? Our District 39 Summer Enrichment Program runs from July 2-31 and provides a variety of academic and hobby-based courses for students currently in grades K-7. This year, K-3 courses will be held at Romona Elementary School with grades 4-7 being offered at Highcrest Middle School. Online registration opens on Monday (Feb. 19) and our most popular courses will fill fast. Please reference our SEP Registration Guide for more details on the registration process. Visit our D39 Summer Enrichment Program website for more details on this wonderful summer option.
Parent Education Event Make plans now to join us for our next Parent Education event, “School Refusal and Encouraging Positive Attendance,” which will take place on Wednesday, March 13 at 11 am. Families can participate in-person at Highcrest or virtually via Zoom. Registration is currently open for that event. Visit our D39 Parent Education website for our full schedule of events, registration links, and archived recordings. Crossing Guard Update There is still an opportunity and a need for substitute crossing guards. If you, or anyone you know, might be interested, please see the attached flyer for more information and visit the Village of Wilmette website to apply online.
SEL NEWS
The month of February is Black History Month. While learning about and honoring the contributions of Black Americans to the history of our country and their impact on our world today, is something we do year-round at HIghcrest, this month is a great time for families also to set aside time to recognize these trailblazers and engage in learning about the contributions of African-Americans...especially in our area. Did you know that the Bronzeville neighborhood in Chicago is considered the birthplace of Black History Month?
A couple of family-friendly opportunities include the Chicago History Museum Family Event for Black History Month or the Multiple Events, both musical and historical at the Field Musuem. In Wilmette, children are offered the opportunity to participate in the Village's annual Black History Month contest or visit the Wilmette Public Library for one of their events.
Engaging in these activities as a family supports your child in developing their social-emotional skills as they learn about identity, engage in perspective-taking, and celebrate many various traditions and experiences.
HMS Got Talent - Parent Volunteers Needed
HMS Got Talent will highlight the talent and skills of our Highcrest Students on April 12th. We would love your help to see our kids shine. We need photographers, parent monitors, ushers and more. Please sign up HERE!
Trustees Needed
Do you enjoy planning fun events, have a knack for marketing or want to find special ways to support students and teachers in District 39? The D39 Educational Foundation is recruiting new trustees for the 2024-25 year and beyond (3-year term).
Join our board of smart, creative, passionate volunteer D39 parents and teachers! Share your talents/interest in event planning, marketing enrichment, graphic design or finance. We’d love to hear from you! Monthly evening meetings September - May. Contact Julie Hanahan at jrhanahan@gmail.com.
Join the 2024/25 PTO Exec Board!
Want to have a voice in your child’s HMS experience? Looking for a place to connect with other HMS parents? Join the HMS PTO executive board!
Members of the exec board meet monthly to work with the school principal to help create a robust, well-rounded experience for all students. They oversee events, help raise funds for enrichment programs, and much more.
Next year’s board has openings in a wide variety of positions. Want to learn more? Email communications@highcrestpto.org. We can’t wait to meet you!
Want to get involved this year? Click here to see open positions.
Volunteer Sign-Ups!
See links below to sign-up:
Lunch Duty - Volunteer to help with lunch on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays
Stock the Teachers Lounge - Thank you for helping keep the staff lounge stocked for our awesome teachers and staff.!
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.