Important Dates

Friday 11/6, 9-10am - PTO Meeting 

Monday 11/9 - Absentee & Retake Picture Day

Wednesday 11/11 1pm - Veterans Day Assembly (parents welcome to attend)

Thursday 11/12 - Special Lunch (Home Run Inn)

Saturday 11/14, 11:30-1:15pm - Family Volunteer Event: Feed My Starving Children

Thursday 11/19 - Special Lunch (Culver's)

Saturday 11/21 - last day of Charleston Wrap fundraiser

Monday 11/23 - Tuesday 11/24 - NO SCHOOL (Parent-Teacher Conferences & Holiday Market)

Wednesday 11/25 - Friday 11/27 - NO SCHOOL (Holiday - Thanksgiving)

Principal's Corner

CoGAT Information: Second and Fifth Grades Only 

The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) will be administered to all second and fifth grade students between November 9 - 13, 2026.  Fifth Grade students will take their CoGAT on November 9, 11, and 12, 2026. Second Grade students will take their CoGAT on November 11 and 13, 2026. 

This assessment indicates the level and pattern of a student’s cognitive development compared to other students enrolled in the same grade level and/or of the same age.

The results of the CogAT will be utilized in D181 for varied purposes. First and foremost, the scores are used to drive classroom and instructional practices to guide our efforts in adapting teaching methods to meet the varied needs of our students. Second, the scores will also be used as one component in an assessment portfolio to determine areas of strength and identification for program placement. This is just one piece of the data that school staff will review as a component of multiple criteria used in planning for your child’s course trajectory.

How your child can prepare for assessment—and what you can do to help

A student who is well-rested and well-fed and has a positive attitude about testing 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 her or his assigned test day.

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

• Remind your child that these tests are 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.

Your child’s score report will be sent home after administration is complete and all reports are printed.  We appreciate your ongoing support.

Elm School Veterans Day Assembly – November 11

Elm School will celebrate Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. We invite all Elm families to join us as we recognize and honor their service. 

Our assembly will include a special performance by the Elm School Choir, along with a slideshow honoring veterans. We would also love to include photos of your family members who have served in the military. Parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family members are all welcome to be included! Please submit photos and information using this form by Tuesday, November 10. If you prefer, you may email photos directly to hwelk@d181.org. 

We look forward to coming together as an Elm community to recognize, thank, and celebrate the veterans who have given so much in service to our country!

Absentee & Retake Picture Day - Monday 11/9

Parent-Teacher Conferences - Monday 11/23 & Tuesday 11/24

Holiday Market Volunteers Needed

Our Holiday Market is back on Thursday 11/19 (preview day), Friday 11/20 and Monday 11/23 (selling days). Everything will be priced $5 or less for your kids to purchase holiday items for mom, dad, siblings, grandparents and even pets! Consider signing up to volunteer for a 1hr slot to help the students create their wish lists and shop for their items.

Charleston Wrap Fundraiser

Shop for the Holidays & Give Back to Elm! Get a head start on holiday shopping while supporting Elm School! Our Charleston Wrap Fundraiser runs November 1–21, featuring over 2,500 gift ideas, including wrapping paper, home goods, chocolates, and more! Shop at registercw.com using Organization ID: 17172. Share with family and friends—every purchase makes a difference!

Thank you to our Premier Sponsors!

Hinsdale Central Drama Presents Six: The Musical!

Divorced. Beheaded. Died. Divorced. Beheaded. Survived.

Six queens. One stage. And it's their turn to tell the story! Hinsdale Central Drama presents SIX, the high-energy, pop-concert musical about girl power, sisterhood, and finding your voice. Henry VIII's six wives trade heartbreak for harmony as they take back the mic and remind us that we're stronger together.

At about 80 minutes with no intermission, it's a great family night out, and a chance for future Red Devils to see what's waiting for them at Hinsdale Central! Shows are: Friday, 11/20 at 6 PM, Saturday, 11/21 at 1 PM and 6 PM and Sunday, 11/22 at 1 PM. Tickets can be purchased here: https://ticketpeak.com/go/hcdrama/events. Use coupon code FOTC to receive $5 off each ticket!

Principal's Corner

Community Speaker Series - David Murray

D181 Foundation - The Art of Gratitude Family Night Out

CoGAT Information: Second and Fifth Grades Only 

The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) will be administered to all second and fifth grade students between November 9 - 13, 2026.  Fifth Grade students will take their CoGAT on November 9, 11, and 12, 2026. Second Grade students will take their CoGAT on November 11 and 13, 2026. 

This assessment indicates the level and pattern of a student’s cognitive development compared to other students enrolled in the same grade level and/or of the same age.

The results of the CogAT will be utilized in D181 for varied purposes. First and foremost, the scores are used to drive classroom and instructional practices to guide our efforts in adapting teaching methods to meet the varied needs of our students. Second, the scores will also be used as one component in an assessment portfolio to determine areas of strength and identification for program placement. This is just one piece of the data that school staff will review as a component of multiple criteria used in planning for your child’s course trajectory.

How your child can prepare for assessment—and what you can do to help

A student who is well-rested and well-fed and has a positive attitude about testing 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 her or his assigned test day.

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

• Remind your child that these tests are 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.

Your child’s score report will be sent home after administration is complete and all reports are printed.  We appreciate your ongoing support.

U.S. News and World Report Best Illinois Elementary Schools

We are incredibly proud to share some exciting news about Elm School! According to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, Elm School has been recognized as the #6 elementary school in the state of Illinois! This recognition is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our students, teachers, staff, and families.

While rankings are just one measure of a school's success, this recognition speaks to the strong learning community we continue to build together. Our students' growth, curiosity, achievement, and well-being remain at the heart of everything we do. Congratulations, Elm School!