Important Dates

Wednesday 8/26 12pm - order deadline for 9/3 Special Lunch

Thursday 9/3 - Special Lunch (Jimmy John's)

Friday 9/4, 9-10am - PTO meeting

Monday 9/7 - NO SCHOOL (Holiday - Labor Day)

Thursday 9/10 - Special Lunch (Culver's)

Thursday 9/10, 6-7:15pm - Curriculum Night

Friday 9/25, 4-7:30pm - Bowser Bash

Principal's Corner

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. 

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 1: September 2 and September 3

Grade 2: August 31 and September 1

Grade 3: September 4 and September 8

Grade 4: September 2 and September 3

Grade 5: August 31 and September 1

Parent Square

Starting this summer, ParentSquare will serve as your primary source for all district and building-level correspondence, ensuring you receive essential information in an accessible and timely manner. This includes:

• Board of Education meeting previews and summaries every month

• Monthly District and Superintendent Newsletters

• Weekly school-specific newsletters, school announcements

• Critical emergency notifications and safety alerts

Because ParentSquare syncs directly with Skyward, you are already integrated into the system. To optimize your experience, please take these steps:

1. Activate Your Account: Follow the link in your invitation email to verify your contact information.

2. Download the Free App: Get the mobile app for iOS or Android to receive push notifications on the go.

3. Customize Your Preferences: Choose to receive posts instantly or as a daily "Digest" at 6:00 PM. Please note that emergency notifications will always be sent instantly, regardless of your settings.

We look forward to the enhanced engagement and efficiency this platform will bring to our community.

Directions for Purchasing Milk

• Log in to Skyward Family Access: http://skywardfamily.d181.org

• Click on the Fees & Fee Payments under an individual student

• Scroll down to Available Optional Fees

• Next to the specific Milk you would like to order, click Add to Fees

• Click Make a Payment within the Fees tab to pay for the Milk in RevTrak

September at Elm School

Library News

New Family Guide

We put together a New Family Guide to help make the start of the school year a little easier. Inside you’ll find the basics on school hours, absences, arrival and dismissal, staying connected, Special Lunch, after-school enrichment, important events, PTO resources, and more.

2026-2027 PTO Membership

Join the Elm PTO! Support our school, enjoy member perks, and help fund the programs and experiences our students enjoy all year long. Membership is just $40 per family for the 2026 - 2027 school year, and meetings and volunteering are always optional.  

Join the PTO Today!

First Special Lunch of the Year - Thursday 9/3 (Order by 8/26)

Curriculum Night - Thursday 9/10, 6-7:15pm

Join us on Thursday, September 10 for Elm’s Curriculum Night. Meet the teachers, visit classrooms, and learn more about the curriculum, routines, and school year ahead!

Bowser Bash - Friday 9/25, 4-7:30pm

Save the Date for our 2nd Annual Bowser Bash Fall Festival! This year we are fundraising to enhance our outdoor spaces. Tickets on sale now! Purchase raffle tickets or make a donation to help support this fundraising effort!