Principal's Corner

Inclement Weather Plan

At the past board meeting, the inclement weather plan was adopted and approved by the Board of Education. Our goal is always to keep schools open; however, there may be days when the weather is so severe that we cannot ensure the safety of our students and staff. This year instead of a traditional “snow day” where school is canceled, inclement weather days may lead to remote learning days for all students. This would allow students to continue learning and eliminate the need to make up missed days at the end of the year.

• The day will consist of live virtual instruction and asynchronous/independent work

• The focus of live instruction will be in literacy and math

• Staff will host office hours to answer questions

• Art, stem, music and PE lessons will be asynchronous/independent work

• Pull-out services, reading specialist services and differentiated instruction services may be held during the asynchronous work portion of the day

• Asynchronous independent work will be completed using either SeeSaw or Google Classroom depending on the grade level

• Information and links will be shared with families from the classroom teacher

Winter NWEA MAP Assessment Information and Schedule

12/15/25: 3rd Grade Math

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.

• 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 Student Scores

We will continue the use of Skyward to communicate your child’s scores on MAP. This will allow families to receive their student’s results more quickly. An email will be sent alerting families when scores are visible. Directions for viewing results will be included in this follow-up email. Should a paper copy of the report be preferential, please contact your child’s principal.

We cannot hold make up sessions in January so if they miss their assessment date, they won’t have Winter data for placement.

Winter Party Food Information

At the upcoming Winter Parties, we will be serving SkinnyPop Popcorn. The ingredient label is below. Any questions, please contact your classroom teacher, Kim Pavich, or Sara Olson. 

Cold Weather Reminder

As we move through the winter months, please continue to send your child each day with a warm winter coat, hat, boots, and mittens. Our goal is to go outside for recess as often as possible. Fresh air and active play are important parts of the school day, and students benefit greatly from the chance to move and recharge. When making decisions about outdoor recess, we consider both the temperature and the wind chill. As a general guideline, if the “feels like” temperature is zero degrees or higher, we will most likely head outside—even if only for a short time. Thank you again for helping keep our students safe, comfortable, and ready to learn!

Empathy Brainstorm

This weekend, we kindly ask families to take a few minutes to review the Empathy Brainstorm with their child. Next week, our Bulldog Bestie groups will be extending their learning about empathy—what it is, why it matters, and how we can practice it every day. Having a personal experience to share will help to deepen our group discussions. Thank you for your support in helping our students grow as caring and compassionate Bulldogs!

GiftCrowd for Teacher/Staff Holiday Gifts - Thursday 12/18 6pm Deadline

Did you hear the exciting news? The PTO is pivoting to GiftCrowd for teacher and staff holiday gifting this year! Click here for details and instructions. As always, participation in these gifts is completely optional and the monetary contribution amount is up to each family. Should you wish to contribute, please do so by 6pm on Thursday 12/18. Gifts will be sent out electronically immediately so this is a firm deadline. Please email roomparents@elmschoolpto.org with any questions. Thank you so much!

Winter Spirit Week

Join in the fun of the holiday season with our Winter Spirit Week!

Kindness Club Baby Wipe Drive This Week!

The Kindness Club is hosting a baby wipe drive for HCS Family Services until Friday, December 19th. It's a high-need item that they never have enough of. Donation boxes are at the main entrances. You can also purchase on Amazon - the wishlist will close on Tuesday, December 16th to allow time for shipping. Thank you for your support and generosity this holiday season!

Principal's Corner

Inclement Weather Plan

At the past board meeting, the inclement weather plan was adopted and approved by the Board of Education. Our goal is always to keep schools open; however, there may be days when the weather is so severe that we cannot ensure the safety of our students and staff. This year instead of a traditional “snow day” where school is canceled, inclement weather days may lead to remote learning days for all students. This would allow students to continue learning and eliminate the need to make up missed days at the end of the year.

• The day will consist of live virtual instruction and asynchronous/independent work

• The focus of live instruction will be in literacy and math

• Staff will host office hours to answer questions

• Art, stem, music and PE lessons will be asynchronous/independent work

• Pull-out services, reading specialist services and differentiated instruction services may be held during the asynchronous work portion of the day

• Asynchronous independent work will be completed using either SeeSaw or Google Classroom depending on the grade level

• Information and links will be shared with families from the classroom teacher

Winter NWEA MAP Assessment Information and Schedule

12/8/25: 2nd Grade ELA, 5th Grade ELA

12/9/25: 4th Grade ELA, 5th Grade Math

12/10/25: 1st Grade ELA, 2nd Grade Math

12/11/25: 3rd Grade ELA

12/12/25: 4th Grade Math, 1st Grade Math

12/15/25: 3rd Grade Math

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.

• 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 Student Scores

We will continue the use of Skyward to communicate your child’s scores on MAP. This will allow families to receive their student’s results more quickly. An email will be sent alerting families when scores are visible. Directions for viewing results will be included in this follow-up email. Should a paper copy of the report be preferential, please contact your child’s principal.

We cannot hold make up sessions in January so if they miss their assessment date, they won’t have Winter data for placement.

Winter Party Food Information

At the upcoming Winter Parties, we will be serving SkinnyPop Popcorn. The ingredient label is below. Any questions, please contact your classroom teacher, Kim Pavich, or Sara Olson. 

Cold Weather Reminder

As we move through the winter months, please continue to send your child each day with a warm winter coat, hat, boots, and mittens. Our goal is to go outside for recess as often as possible. Fresh air and active play are important parts of the school day, and students benefit greatly from the chance to move and recharge. When making decisions about outdoor recess, we consider both the temperature and the wind chill. As a general guideline, if the “feels like” temperature is zero degrees or higher, we will most likely head outside—even if only for a short time. Thank you again for helping keep our students safe, comfortable, and ready to learn!

Winter Classroom Party Volunteers Needed!

The Winter Party will take place on Friday, December 19th, and we need your help to make it happen! Volunteers must be PTO members. They will help run the activities and provide in-classroom support. All materials are provided with instructions. If you are interested, please complete the form HERE by Wednesday, December 10th. :) Any questions? Ask us at: roomparents@elmschoolpto.org

Order by Wednesday 12/10 12pm for Special Lunch on Thursday 12/18

The next Special Lunch (Home Run Inn) is on Thursday, December 18th. Orders must be placed by 12pm on Wednesday, December 10th. See ordering instructions HERE. 

VOLUNTEER AT LUNCH TIME! Join your child 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. 
*As always, be sure to bring your photo ID for entry into the school.

Principal's Corner

Parent Placement Night

This year’s D181 Parent Placement Night will be held on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025 in the HINSDALE MIDDLE SCHOOL CAFETORIUM as follows:

• 5:45-6:45pm - Current 2nd-4th Grade Families

• 7:00-8:00pm - Current 5th-7th Grade Families

This event provides our families with the opportunity to learn more about the 2026-2027 placement process for 3rd-8th grade math and 6th-8th grade A-ELA and ACE courses. A question and answer session will be held after the presentation related to placement requirements and the summer math bridge program. 

A copy of the presentation and frequently asked questions will be available after the event at https://www.d181.org/departments/learning/placement
 

Questions?

Contact Kristin Reingruber

Director of Assessment, Instruction, and Evaluation

kreingruber@d181.org

Spelling Bee Information

Throughout the month of December, students in third, fourth, and fifth grades will participate in their classroom Spelling Bee assessments, given in a paper format. To help your child prepare, you can use the study list linked here. Participation in the Spelling Bee is optional. If you prefer that your child not participate, please contact your child’s classroom teacher to let them know.

Winter NWEA MAP Assessment Information and Schedule

12/8/25: 2nd Grade ELA, 5th Grade ELA

12/9/25: 4th Grade ELA, 5th Grade Math

12/10/25: 1st Grade ELA, 2nd Grade Math

12/11/25: 3rd Grade ELA

12/12/25: 4th Grade Math, 1st Grade Math

12/15/25: 3rd Grade Math

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.

• 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 Student Scores

We will continue the use of Skyward to communicate your child’s scores on MAP. This will allow families to receive their student’s results more quickly. An email will be sent alerting families when scores are visible. Directions for viewing results will be included in this follow-up email. Should a paper copy of the report be preferential, please contact your child’s principal.

Head Lice Notification

We are sending this letter to all parents/guardians to increase head lice awareness. Direct, physical, head-to-head contact is the usual method of transmission. Lice do NOT jump or fly. Head lice die within two days when not on the head. Eggs not attached to the head will not hatch. Indirect transmission may occur through sharing of bedding and other personal items such as brushes, hair accessories, or hats of an infected person. Remember, head lice do NOT transmit disease.

                                
HELP KEEP HEAD LICE OFF YOUR CHILD 

• Check your child’s head weekly for signs of head lice 

• Teach your child not to share or trade personal items 

• Contain long hair in braids or ponytails 

• Teach children to avoid head-to-head contact

• Even though they do not jump or fly, they can spread from one student to another by sharing combs, brushes, clothing, hats and in bedding. To reduce your child’s risk of getting head lice, make sure that long hair is tied up. Head lice can happen to anyone. It is not a sign of poor health habits or being dirty. Remember - Anyone can get head lice – they have no preferences for cleanliness, hair color, hair type, ethnicity or age.

• Please reach out to our building nurse, Kim Pavich If you have any questions or concerns KPavich@d181.org or 630.861.4008