All 6th graders are invited to attend the 6th Grade NEON Dance on Friday, April 7th from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. at the Hinsdale Central High School Cafeteria.  The dance is hosted by the Leap into Africa Club at HCHS.  Cost to attend is $5 per person.  All proceeds will benefit LEAP Math and Science Schools serving South African children in need.  For more information about the dance, please see the attached flyer or contact Madalina Cirlincione.

D181 is Changing IEP/504 Software Systems

Beginning on April 3, District 181 will be implementing a new online software program to manage IEPs and Section 504 Plans. The new system is called Power IEP/Power 504. Staff training on this system occurred during the March Institute Day. Parents may notice a difference in format, but all of the components in an IEP or Section 504 Plan will remain consistent. You can learn about the system online at www.poweriep.com.

April 18 Parent Event: “How to Support Language & Literacy for Preschoolers and Toddlers”
All community members are invited to a one-hour presentation on how to support language and literacy for preschoolers and toddlers. This event takes place Tuesday, April 18 at the D181 Administration Center (9:30-10:30am). No registration is needed. Current research shows the home literacy environment of young children have a measurable effect on later developing literacy skills. Come learn what you can do at home to set up your child for success! The presenter is Patricia A. Ward, M.S.,, CCC-SLP/BCBA, a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 35 years of experience working with children in the medical, education, and private sectors. Click here for more information.

Please have your student check the Lost & Found for missing items on the tables set up in the hall off the cafeteria. Items must be picked up by the end of day on Tuesday, March 21st. All unclaimed items will be donated!

D181 Middle School Start/End Times Changing Beginning Next Year
Please note that during the March 13, 2017 Board of Education Business meeting, the Board approved the administrative recommendation that the start and end times for middle school change beginning next school year. The current times are 7:55am – 2:45pm. The new middle school times starting in 2017-18 will be 8:25am – 3:15pm. The elementary school times will stay as they are currently. The District thanks all parents and staff who responded to the recent online survey on this topic. For more information, please view the School Times Board Report available on BoardDocs.

Nominations Due March 24 for “World Changer” D181 Employee Awards
Has your family been deeply and positively impacted by the actions of a D181 employee? The call for nominations is open now through March 24 for “The District 181 World Changer Awards: A Celebration of Exceptional Employee Achievements.” This is a new program that recognizes the above and beyond contributions of teachers, support staff, and administrators in District 181. Click here to access the Awards Overview for more information about eligibility and the nominating process. Then, if you have a staff member you would like to nominate for this honor, complete the online nomination form linked on the D181 website. Call 630-861-4924 with any questions.

Learn More about the Board-Approved Tech Plan for D181!
Did you know that the Board of Education recently approved a Digital Learning Environment (DLE) Plan for the District? You are invited to learn more about this technology plan and how it will impact all students starting in the 2017-18 school year. Click here to visit the D181 website to access an FAQ and the complete proposal explaining which devices students will receive, which grade levels will be 1:1, and when a new technology fee will be coming, among many other key topics.

April 18 Parent Event: “How to Support Language & Literacy for Preschoolers and Toddlers”
All community members are invited to a one-hour presentation on how to support language and literacy for preschoolers and toddlers. This event takes place Tuesday, April 18 at the D181 Administration Center (9:30-10:30am). No registration is needed. Current research shows the home literacy environment of young children have a measurable effect on later developing literacy skills. Come learn what you can do at home to set up your child for success! The presenter is Patricia A. Ward, M.S.,, CCC-SLP/BCBA, a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 35 years of experience working with children in the medical, education, and private sectors. Click here for more information.

Thanks so much to everyone who attended our PTO meeting last week. We’ve had several requests for material from the presentation on The Changing Moods of Adolescence by Peggy Kubert, LCSW. Please see the notes from our PTO meeting for information.  Or, visit Erika’s Lighthouse website for printable PDF documents, bookmarks, etc.

HMS students love the Spartan Shack where they can purchase snacks, school supplies and spirit wear. The Shack is open from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. during lunch on days we have volunteers. Parents, this is a great opportunity for you to see your child during the school day!  No experience is necessary.  Split the shift or work together with a friend. To volunteer for one or more shifts please sign up using the Signup Genius button below. Questions? Contact Susanne King or Emily Van Houtte at spartanshack@hmspto.org

Mark you calendar, make your shopping list and plan on stopping by the HMS Book Fair.

The PTO-sponsored Book Fair will be held in the MRC starting Monday March 6th through Thursday March 9th.

Book Fair Hours:
Monday, 3/6: 7:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. — HMS Choir Performances
Tuesday, 3/7: 7:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 3/8: 7:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. — Peer Leadership Tour for incoming D181 5th Graders, Mr. Pena speaks
Thursday, 3/9: 7:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Book Fair closes after school.

All profits from the sale will benefit the HMS PTO as well as the MRC.