Principal's Corner

Rotary Run - Save the Date!

Please save the date for the annual Rotary Run- Hinsdale's Family Race! Sign up using this QR code.

Reporting your Child's Absence

New this year is the ability for families to report student absences directly in Skyward. We encourage families to report absences directly into Skyward Family Access to ensure timely and consistent communication to teachers and office staff.

Please follow the link below to learn more about this new feature:

Reporting Student Absences in Skyward Family Access 

Law Enforcement Drill Notification

Per the School Safety Drill Act covered under Illinois Statute (105 ILCS 12/20), this notification is being provided to parents and guardians of students attending Elm School. On 9/19/2025, Elm School will conduct a lockdown drill that will include school staff, students, and Burr Ridge law enforcement agency representative(s). During this drill, teachers will utilize the linked Google Slides to instruct students. 

We understand that some parents/guardians may want to opt out of this type of drill for their child. As the parent/guardian of a student attending Elm School, you have the option to exempt your child, for any reason, from the drill. If you choose to exempt your child from the drill, please notify Mrs. Miscimarra at 630-861-4001 or mmiscimarra@d181.org no later than 8:00 AM the morning of the drill.

Curriculum Night - Thank You!

Thank you so much for joining us at Curriculum Night! It was great to see so many of you in the building, connecting with our staff and getting a glimpse into what your children will be learning this year. We truly value your partnership and support—it makes a big difference.

We're excited for the school year ahead and all the growth, learning, and fun it will bring. As always, we’re here to support your child and your family every step of the way.

Attached you’ll find:

• Principal slides from Curriculum Night

• Slides from the Department of Learning, K-2, 3-5
  

• Slides from our amazing specials teachers

Superintendent Survey

The Board of Education of CCDS181 is pleased to announce its nationwide search for a Superintendent of Schools to succeed Dr. Hector Garcia following his retirement and eight-year tenure in June 2026. To build upon D181's existing framework of achievement, your input is welcomed in the Superintendent search process. Please scan this QR code to take the survey by 11:59 PM on Tuesday September 9th.

Upcoming Author Visit - Erin Soderberg Downing

Join us for a very special evening for students in grades 3-8 and their families for a presentation and book signing by author Erin Soderberg Downing! Seating is limited and pre-registration is recommended - use the QR code to sign up!

Room Parent Application - Submit by Sunday 9/7

Room parents serve an integral role at Elm. They communicate important information to parents, serve as fall and winter party coordinators and photographers, and act as leaders to help foster a strong community. Each class has two room parents, and all room parents are required to be members of the PTO. If you are interested, please submit the Elm Room Parent Application by September 7th.

Bike Rodeo - Wednesday 9/10, 3pm

Hello 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Parents! If your child would like to ride to school, he/she will need to participate in the Bike Rodeo after school on Wednesday, September 10th. Please visit the PTO website for more information and to sign up by September 7th.

Afterschool Enrichment Activities

Elm is excited to offer the following afterschool enrichment activities. Visit the PTO website for flyers and more information.

Monday: Spanish* (9/15-12/15, 3:00-4:00pm)

Monday: Girl Scouts for 1st and 2nd Graders (entire school year, 3:00-4:15pm)

Tuesday: Chess* (9/16-12/16, 3:05-4:05pm)

Wednesday: BAM Theatre* (10/1-12/10, 3:05-4:05pm)

Thursday: Golf* (9/18-12/18, 3:00-4:15pm)

Friday: Art* (9/19-12/5, 3:00-4:15pm) 

Weekdays: Before and After the Bell with The Community House

*Registration closes one week prior to the first session.

Bowser Bash Volunteer Sign-up

We are so excited for our inaugural Bowser Bash on October 3rd, but we need YOUR help. In order for this event to be successful, we need a few parent volunteers. Please help to make this event fun and festive for the Elm Community!

Special Lunch Parent Volunteer Sign-up

New this year - Join your student during their lunch hour on Special Lunch days! You will be monitoring your child's class while they are enjoying their lunch. This special time is only for PTO members so if you are not a paid member, you will be taken off the schedule. Sign up HERE. Only sign up for ONE date as any additional dates will be deleted. We may open up unbooked dates as the year progresses.
*As always, be sure to bring your photo ID for entry into the school.
**Kindergarten sign-ups will NOT start until October to give our tiniest friends a bit more time to acclimate and become comfortable in their routine.

Principal's Corner

Curriculum Night Information

Please join us for Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 4, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Kindergarten through second grade classroom sessions will run from 6:00 to 6:30, followed by a short presentation from the principal in the gym from 6:30 to 7:00. Third through fifth grade classroom sessions will take place from 7:00 to 7:30. 

Our Elm specials teachers—art, music, PE, and library—may be available for informal conversations throughout the evening. Their presentation is also linked here.

September 4, 2025

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

All School Presentation is at 6:30 pm in the MPR

Purchasing Milk

Families will be able to pre-pay via Skyward for milk to be available for your child daily. Please use the directions linked here to complete this process. 

NOTE: We will not collect cash/coins for milk purchases during lunches. This is a one-time fee at the beginning of the year, and families are encouraged to sign up through SchoolPay via Skyward during the month of August. If you miss this sign-up, you will need to send your child with their own drink.

Dismissal Note

A quick reminder as we head into the new school year: we kindly ask that you do not wait near the classroom windows at the front of the school during pick-up time. Our students are engaged in learning right up until the final bell rings, and when people peek inside the windows, it can be distracting for them.

Thank you for helping us maintain a focused and productive learning environment for all students!

NWEA MAP Assessment - Fall

Use of MAP Results

District 181 uses the data from this assessment in a variety of ways. In the classroom, it provides teachers with a means for monitoring student growth in reading and mathematics over time. At the District and building levels, MAP data help us set goals and evaluate initiatives. Finally, in conjunction with other criteria, MAP scores have historically been used in placement decisions. MAP continues to be one of several indicators used to monitor student academic achievement and growth. 

Course Placement for 2026-2027

At this time, specific recommendations for math placement at grades 3-8 as well as middle school English language arts (ELA) and social studies placement for 2026-2027 have not yet been defined. Historically, MAP scores have been included as one of the requirements for students to move into advanced courses. The expectation is that the fall data point will continue to be utilized for 2026-2027 placement decisions. Placement criteria from previous years can be referenced for informational purposes on the District 181 website.

Preparing for MAP

A student who is well rested, well fed, and has a positive attitude about assessment is best prepared for testing. You can help your child do his or her best by considering these tips:

• Make sure that your child is in school and on time on test days.

• Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and eats a healthy breakfast before each day of testing.

• Be sure your child fully charges their device and brings it to school each day. 

• Remind your child that this assessment is only one measure. Emphasize that you have confidence in his or her ability to do the best job possible.

• Remind your child to listen to the directions and read each question carefully during testing. 

Communication of MAP Results

Your child’s scores will be available in Skyward after administration is complete and all reports are available. 

Elm NWEA MAP Assessment Schedule

Grade 2: September 3

Grade 3: September 2

Reporting your Child's Absence

New this year is the ability for families to report student absences directly in Skyward. We encourage families to report absences directly into Skyward Family Access to ensure timely and consistent communication to teachers and office staff. Please follow the link below to learn more about this new feature: Reporting Student Absences in Skyward Family Access 

Law Enforcement Drill Notification

Per the School Safety Drill Act covered under Illinois Statute (105 ILCS 12/20), this notification is being provided to parents and guardians of students attending Elm School. On 9/19/2025, Elm School will conduct a lockdown drill that will include school staff, students, and Burr Ridge law enforcement agency representative(s). During this drill, teachers will utilize the linked Google Slides to instruct students. 

We understand that some parents/guardians may want to opt out of this type of drill for their child. As the parent/guardian of a student attending Elm School, you have the option to exempt your child, for any reason, from the drill. If you choose to exempt your child from the drill, please notify Mrs. Miscimarra at 630-861-4001 or mmiscimarra@d181.org no later than 8:00 AM the morning of the drill.

First Special Lunch of the Year - Thursday 9/11 (Order by 9/3)