Remind Text Update

The Remind platform has recently changed its policy around sending text messages. If you're subscribed, you will no longer receive messages via text. Remind messages will only be delivered via email or app, so you will need to either enable email notifications in your account settings or download the Remind app to keep receiving messages. 

Thank You, Mrs. Santini!

We are so thankful for having our very own social worker, Mrs. Santini, present at our PTO meeting last week. She discussed zones of regulation, which is what our children use at Elm School to describe their feelings and moods. We learned how all feelings are okay, all zones are okay, but not all behaviors are okay, and what tools to use to help us and our children in each zone. It was great to learn these strategies so we can bridge the experience to our homes. Thank you so much for teaching us!

Registration Open for Spring Session of Golf

HMS PTO Nominations

A message from the HMS PTO:

Hello 5th Grade Parents (incoming HMS 6^th Grade Parents)!

As we gear up for the 2025/2026 School Year, the HMS PTO is looking to engage with incoming 6^th Grade Parents who would like to serve on the PTO. It is a good and positive way to continue to stay involved with your child’s education and give back. We have no doubt you will enjoy this HMS Community!

We are kicking off the nomination process for the positions which include the Exec Board (President, VP Technology, VP Fundraising, VP Communications, Corresponding Secretary, Secretary, and Treasurer). In addition, we are looking for leadership to fill the roles of Activities Chair, Back to School Day, Directory, 8^th Grade Activities, E-blast, Social Media, Future Funds, Fortnightly, Lost and Found, Membership, School Supplies, SELAS/Service, Spirit Wear, Staff Appreciation, and WW II Day.

Please reach out to Michelle Riley and Molly Painter at president@hmspto.org if you have any interest or know of anyone who would be interested. We would be delighted to welcome you into the community and build an exciting group to work with! Our deadline to accept nominations is March 24, 2025.

Principal's Corner

Ramadan

With the Ramadan holiday upon us, we recognize that some of our students will be fasting during the school day. Wanting to be sensitive to their needs, we will have lunch tables outside of the cafeteria during the lunch period where they may sit if they choose to do so, or, the option to NOT go to the lunchroom and instead participate in an extra recess period. Please notify your child’s classroom teacher of your wishes. Thank you!

District 181 Summer Camp Expo

Fifth Grade Placement Writing Assessment 

The Placement Writing Assessment (PWA) and Placement Literature Assessment (PLA) will be administered to all fifth grade students at Elm on March 4, 2025 and March 6, 2025. PWA and PLA scores are considered in the sixth grade placement process for Advanced English Language Arts (A-ELA) and Affective Cognitive Enrichment (ACE). More information about A-ELA and ACE placement can be found on the Placement, Advancement, and Acceleration page of the D181 website. 

The Placement Writing and Literature Assessments are:

• Designed as pre-assessments by William & Mary University

• Measure prerequisite skills necessary to be successful in middle school A-ELA and ACE courses

• Aligned to Common Core State Standards for writing and literature

• Assesses each student’s ability to use claim and opinion writing, support, elaboration, and conclusion

The assessment will be split into two parts and given over the course of two days. Multiple fifth and sixth grade teachers will score the assessments. Once all student work from the assessment is scored, your child’s score will be made available in Skyward. 

More information about the PWA/PLA can be found on the Assessment page of the D181 website. 

Please contact your child’s teacher or building principal with any further questions.

Lockdown 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 3/10/25, 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 the morning of the drill.

Thank you for your continued support.

Order by Wednesday 3/5 12pm for Special Lunch on Thursday 3/13

The next Special Lunch (Potbelly) is on Thursday, March 13th. Orders must be placed by 12pm on Wednesday, March 5th. See ordering instructions HERE. 

PTO Meeting - Friday 3/7, 9-10am

Please join us on Friday, March 7th at 9am in the staff lounge for our monthly PTO Meeting. You can also access the meeting via Zoom HERE if you're unable to attend in person (Meeting ID: 833 9431 6349, Passcode: 347206). At the beginning of our meeting, Mrs. Elyte Santini, our AMAZING Elm Social Worker, will speak to us about “Zones of Regulation,” which our children are learning every day. We are excited to welcome Mrs. Santini to our meeting!

Spring Fundraiser Tickets on Sale Now!

Don’t miss Elm School’s Spring Fundraiser on March 22nd! Join us for a night of prime March Madness games, cocktails and mocktails, photobooth, elevated bar bites, and great company - all while supporting our school. Snag your tickets now and don't miss your chance to win incredible auction items, including premium Bears tickets and custom artwork created by your children. It’s an event you won’t want to miss! Get your tickets today!