Hinsdale Historical Society Pumpkin Decorating - Sunday 10/18, 10-12pm

Principal's Corner

Those Who Excel Nominations

Here in District 181, we have incredible educators who go above and beyond to support our students. Please encourage your staff and your families to nominate educators for the annual ISBE “Those Who Excel” awards! Awards are presented in seven categories: classroom teachers, early career educators (teachers 1-4 years), school administrators, student support personnel, educational service personnel, community volunteers, and teams.

ISBE Those Who Excel / Teacher of the Year Nomination Form (Nominations only take a few minutes!) More Information, award categories, and past winner information can be found here: https://www.isbe.net/TWETOY 

The deadline for nominations is Thursday, October 1, 2026.

D181 Town Hall

The Community Speaker Series

Michaeleen Doucleff, PhD

Author of “Dopamine Kids”

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

7:00pm – 8:30pm In Person at Hinsdale Middle School

Register

Parenting advice around screens is woefully outdated. It hinges on psychology and neuroscience from 25 to 50 years ago. It doesn’t work and often makes our lives harder.  Michaleen Doucleff, author of Dopamine Kids, offers you an easier and more effective approach. With a 5-step protocol, you’ll learn how to retrain your children’s brains so they naturally seek out activities and foods that bring gratification and true joy. The healthy option becomes the default in your home.  

Can't join us that evening? Please register, and a recording will be emailed to you after the event. The registration link is: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/CSSDoucleff

Questions? Contact speakers@d181foundation.org.

Library News

Students who purchase one of Aaron's books to be autographed for the author visit will receive a 3D printed Jasper bookmark as a free gift!

 

Battle of the Books:

If your 4th or 5th grade student is interested in participating in Battle of the Books this year, please return the permission slip by Friday, October 16, 2026. Please note that meetings will be held on Wednesday mornings from 7:50-8:30 AM in the library, beginning October 21st. Battle dates and a list of Battle books are attached to the permission form.

 

October Library Bookmarks:

Each month two grade levels will be able to create and design bookmarks for the library. For the month of October, any 2nd or 3rd grader that would like to create a bookmark for the library can participate. The entry form can be found here. Students also brought a paper copy home in Friday Folders. Be creative and have fun! Bookmarks are due by Friday, October 2nd.

Stock the Staff Lounge - Friday 10/2 drop-off

1st and 2nd grade families - please help stock the lounge for our wonderful Elm School teachers and staff!

PTO Meeting - Friday 10/2, 9-10am

Please join us on Friday, October 2nd at 9am in the staff lounge for our monthly PTO Meeting. You can also access the meeting via Google Meet HERE if you're unable to attend in person. 

Special Lunch Ordering & Volunteering

Elm Spiritwear Clearance

Stock up on your favorite Elm designs before we restock! All remaining spiritwear is now up to 50% OFF! Limited sizes and quantities available, so grab your favorites before they’re gone! Shop HERE!

Rotary Run Mascot & Tricycle Race Volunteers Needed!

Bowser Bash - Thank You!

Elm families and teachers, thank you for attending Bowser Bash and supporting Elm School! Your presence and participation help make a difference for our students and our school community. Thank you to our amazing volunteers - we could not have done this without you!

Thank you to our generous sponsors! Your support helps make Bowser Bash possible and helps us create wonderful spaces and experiences for Elm students. We are so grateful for your generosity and partnership!