Stay Connected

Join the PTO

Attend PTO Meeting

Subscribe to our Calendars


Follow us on Instagram

Upcoming PTO Events

Principal's Corner

ELM

 

Welcome Back!

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! We are so excited to welcome our Elm School families back for another wonderful year together.

We look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday, August 18th and beginning a new year filled with learning, growth, connection, and plenty of joyful moments. The information below includes important updates about our day-to-day procedures to help your family feel prepared and ready for a great start. We are grateful to have the opportunity to partner with you in making this a successful and memorable year for your children.

We can’t wait to see them back at Elm!

 

Partners in Education,

Mrs. Sara Olson

 

Class Placement

As of Tuesday, 8/11, you will be able to log into Skyward Family Access to view your child’s homeroom teacher.

Your Login ID is your first name and last name (all one word and lowercase), i.e., “minniemouse.” If you cannot log in, use the Forgot Login/Password? link on the login page and follow the prompts to reset your password. If you receive an error message, contact Nick Skrip at nskrip@d181.org.

Please know that placements are finalized, and we are unable to make any changes. Our grade-level teams and specialists (reading specialists, differentiation specialists, resource teachers, and art, music, and PE staff) work together to share input and create class compositions conducive to learning. We take into account your child’s academic, social, and emotional needs. Our goal is to create equitable classes in terms of size, instructional support, gender, etc., and to allow for groups of students who can benefit from learning together.

 

School Day
Kindergarten–5th Grade School Day: 8:40 a.m.–3:05 p.m.
 
Student arrival will begin daily at 8:25 a.m. Please do not drop your child(ren) off before this time, as we do not have adult supervision.
 
Student dismissal will begin at 3:05 p.m.
 
We recognize the need for appointments and understand that situations may arise that require you to pick your child up early from school. We ask that you please try your best to schedule appointments outside of the school day and avoid picking your child up early whenever possible, so as not to disrupt the learning process.
 
If your child must be picked up early, please ring the bell in the vestibule to let the office know who you are picking up. Students can be signed out on the sheet on the cart in the vestibule.
 
Please use Skyward Family Access to report your child's absence.
 

First Day of School Arrival Plan

On the first day of school, we will meet on the back blacktop in lines by grade level and classroom teacher. This will give parents the opportunity to briefly see the classroom teacher and say an extended goodbye to their child.

At 8:40, teachers will lead their classrooms into the building and assist students in navigating their way through the school. For parents who wish to drop their child(ren) off in the car lines, there will be school staff available to assist students in finding their homeroom teachers on the blacktop starting at 8:25.

On Day 2, students are asked to use only the proper entrance door, per our usual routine.

 

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

school map

School safety is the number one priority at Elm School.

Arrival and dismissal times are the busiest times of day. It is important that families adhere to the posted signs and speed limits around the school to ensure the safety of our students. Please inform all grandparents and caregivers of these procedures.

 

ORANGE ZONE is the Bus Line: Buses Only

GREEN ZONE is the Primary Car Line: Enter the Primary Car Line by turning right from 60th Street only and exit onto 60th Street by turning right only. Cars traveling westbound on 60th Street are not permitted to turn left into the drop-off lane.

BLUE ZONE is the Prairie Garden Line: Enter the Prairie Garden Line by turning right from Elm Street only. Exit onto Elm Street.

RED ZONE is for the Crossing Guards: Crossing guards are at the corner of Garfield and 60th Streets and at the corner of 60th and Elm Streets. When a crossing guard is assisting students, traffic should stop in all directions.

 

Important Safety Reminders

  • It is illegal to be on your cell phone in school zones.
  • DO NOT double park on 60th or Elm Streets. Even for a short period of time, this can be dangerous and is illegal. Absolutely no children should be dropped off or picked up from a double-parked car on 60th Street.
  • All pedestrians should use the crosswalks that are supervised by Elm staff. Please do not cross between cars or outside of the crosswalk, as this could model unsafe behavior for our students.
  • Pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks and should follow all yield signs.
  • It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus while it is loading or unloading children. The bus will have its stop arm extended and its red lights flashing to let you know that it is unsafe to pass.
  • Parents should not exit their cars in the car line. Please remain in the driver's seat. Children should be seated on the curb side of the car for easy exit. This may require families to switch their car seat locations.
  • Dogs are not allowed on school property. We appreciate you ensuring that your pet is not on school property during arrival and dismissal.
  • If you are walking to the front doors to pick up your child at the end of the day and arrive earlier than 3:05, please remember that our second-grade classrooms are still teaching until 3:00. Please do not wave to students or look in the windows, as this disrupts their classes.
  • Please be aware that the Elm School playground is not open until after all students have been dismissed from school. Additionally, all students who wish to play on the playground after school must have an adult present to supervise them for safety reasons.
  • Students should not use the blacktop to pass through during arrival or dismissal. Supervision will not be provided on the blacktop.
  • We use only the front door (near the cow) and the fifth-grade entrance (along Elm Street) to enter and exit school each day. Students are welcome to use either door, whichever is most convenient for your family.

 

Curriculum Night - Save the Date

Please mark your calendars for Curriculum Night, taking place on Thursday, September 10th, from 6:00–7:15 p.m.
  • Kindergarten–Second Grade: 6:00–6:30 p.m.
  • Principal Presentation: 6:30–6:45 p.m. in the gym
  • Third–Fifth Grade: 6:45–7:15 p.m.

 

Bicycle Rules

Many students walk to school each day. Students in grades 3–5 may also ride their bicycles, provided helmets are worn and they have participated in the Bike Rodeo. Bicycles must be walked while on school grounds and should be locked in the bike racks. Students must cross at the crosswalks with the crossing guard and should not cross in the middle of the street for any reason.

 

Food Allergy Management Policy
The D181 Food Allergy Management Plan was adopted by the District 181 Board of Education on May 21, 2018. You can find the full plan on the District website here: D181 Food Allergy Management Plan
 
The Plan is aligned with Board Policy 7.285 and provides a comprehensive, districtwide plan to prevent or reduce allergen exposure, educate staff, and respond to food allergy emergencies. The following is a summary of action items for District students and parents.
 
The Plan is communicated to all staff, students, and parents prior to the first day of student attendance and includes information on allergies and anaphylaxis, federal nondiscrimination and disability law, classroom food guidelines, and resources for parents and staff. The Plan will be reviewed annually by a Food Allergy Committee organized by the Superintendent.
 
Parents play a critical role in ensuring a safe school environment. Please help protect the health and safety of all students by following and encouraging students to follow all established guidelines below.
 
Classroom Snack – as directed by the classroom teacher
  • Fruits or vegetables only (including dried fruits such as raisins and applesauce).
  • No additions, toppings, or mix-ins (such as dips or spreads).
Lunch
  • For any classroom lunch or field trip lunch, the building principal will send an email stating that lunches should contain no peanuts or tree nuts. Please ensure that student lunches do not contain any peanuts or tree nuts on those days.
Elementary Classroom Parties
Classroom parties shall be food-free or, at teacher discretion, may include Outshine Fruit Bars (lemon, grape, and/or tangerine), Annie’s fruit snacks, and/or Original SkinnyPop brand popcorn.
 
Students shall not bring food to give as gifts or share with other students (such as with Valentine’s cards, on Halloween, or as holiday gifts).
 
 

Bowser Notes

Bowser Notes is a weekly communication emailed to families registered with the Elm School PTO on Sundays. It provides families with the most up-to-date information regarding everything happening at Elm School.

 

New Family Tours

New families are invited to tour Elm School on Thursday, August 13th, between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. The whole family is welcome to attend. If you can't attend, please don't worry. We will make sure to assist your child on the first day of school. Please enter through our main entrance on 60th Street (the doors closest to the large cow statue located in front of the school).

 

Attention 3rd Grade Families: iPad Swap

At the beginning of the year, all 3rd grade students will be transitioning to a new iPad that they will use for the remainder of Elementary School!

  • What to Bring: Please ensure your student brings their district-issued iPad, charger, and charging cable to swap them for their new iPad

Thank you for your support in making this a smooth technology transition for our 3rd graders!

 

CCSD 181 is now taking payments online using RevTrak!

Starting July 1, 2026, RevTrak has replaced SchoolPay as our fee collection and food service payment vendor. We are making this switch to provide a more reliable user experience. With the RevTrak system, you can pay when it’s most convenient for you with a computer or mobile device at https://ccsd181.revtrak.net/

You can pay any assigned student fee or payment with eCheck, debit, or credit cards.

Click here for RevTrak directions.

New Family Open House - Thursday 8/13, 2-3pm

New to Elm? We’d love to welcome you! New families are invited to stop by Thursday, August 13 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM for a casual tour of the school before the first day. The whole family is welcome to attend!

8-9-26 BN - New Family Tours

Kindergarten Meetup - Friday 8/14, 2-3pm

Incoming kindergarten families are invited to join us on Friday, August 14 from 2:00-3:00 PM at the Elm School Playground. Come meet the kindergarten teachers, let the kids play and meet some new classmates, and connect with other Elm families before the first day of school!

8-9-26 BN - Kindergarten Meetup

Save The Date: Bowser Bash Fall Festival & Fundraiser - Friday 9/25

Be sure to save the date for our 2nd Annual Bowser Bash on Friday, September 25th! Interested in volunteering? Email waysandmeans@elmschoolpto.org for more info. We would love to have you as part of the team!

The Write Stuff - Order Supply Kits for Next School Year

Go to www.write-stuff.com/storefront/school/elm to order your student supply kit and get it shipped right to Elm School if you order before June 5, 2026. There is no cost to have your kits shipped to school during the sale dates. If you order after June 5, a flat $10 rate will apply to have the kits shipped to your home. The storefront will remain open until August 3. 

5th Grade Parents - Order Supplies for HMS

Order here: https://www.educationalproducts.com/ShopPacks/
Use School ID: HIN022
Order Deadline: May 31st. Prices go up an extra $10 June 1st.

HMS Back to School Day - Tuesday 8/11

Hinsdale Middle School’s Back to School Day

Save the Date: Tuesday, August 11th. Incoming 6th graders & families 

Get your locker, walk your class schedule, take your school photo *new this year* and much more!

Principal's Corner

Countdown to Summer


One-Day Sock Collection, May 26th

This month at Elm School, our Social Emotional Learning theme focuses on helping our community. Through our BESTIES lessons, students will be learning about empathy, kindness, and the importance of supporting others — especially those who may be less fortunate.

Did you know that socks are one of the most requested items at homeless shelters? To put our learning into action, Elm School will be hosting a one-day sock collection on Wacky Sock Day, May 26.

We invite students and families to wear their wackiest socks to school and consider donating new socks to help individuals in need within our community.

Your generosity helps our students see how small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference. Thank you for partnering with us to teach compassion, service, and care for others.

 

5th Grade Graduation Ceremony

 

Field Day Food Notification

As we look forward to Field Day on Thursday, May 28, we would like to share an important update regarding student refreshments for the event.

Thanks to the generosity of the Elm School PTO, each student will receive:

  • One Lemon Outshine Popsicle

  • One bottle of water

These items have been reviewed and approved in accordance with our Food Allergy Management Plan. Ingredient labels are included below for your reference. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your child’s classroom teacher. Thank you, and we look forward to a fun and exciting Field Day!

 

Last Day Dismissal Details

Student dismissal will take place at 11:40 a.m. on Friday, May 29. Prior to dismissal, our annual indoor “Clap Out” celebration will begin at approximately 11:30 a.m. During this tradition, our fifth grade students will walk through the main school hallway as students and staff cheer them on before exiting through the doors nearest the music classroom.

All other students will be dismissed from their regular dismissal doors at approximately 11:40 a.m.

If your child normally rides the bus but will not be taking the bus home that day, please notify the front office in advance. Additionally, if your child will be going home with another student, we will need that information as well. Thank you!

End of Year Pool Party Tickets on Sale Now!

School's out (almost)! Come celebrate with the Elm Elementary community at our end-of-year pool party.
May 28 | 4–7 PM
Hinsdale Community Pool
All families welcome. Come make a splash!
Grab your tickets early! $5/person through May 26 at 5pm, or $10/person at the door. Get tickets HERE!

Newer Posts Older Posts

Upcoming Events

Full Calendar