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Parenting advice around screens is woefully outdated.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.

Curriculum Night - Thank You!

Thank you to all of our Elm School families who attended Curriculum Night! We truly appreciate you taking the time to learn more about your child’s classroom, curriculum, and learning experiences. Your involvement in your child’s education makes a meaningful difference. Research consistently shows that when families are engaged in their children’s education, students tend to have stronger academic achievement, better attendance, and more positive attitudes toward learning. We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to working together to support your child’s growth and success. The slide deck can be accessed HERE. 

Become a Room Parent!

Room parents serve an integral role at Elm as fall and winter party coordinators and photographers, communicate important information, and act as leaders to help foster strong community. Each class has two room parents and all room parents are required to be members of the PTO. If you are interested in being a room parent this year, please complete and submit the form by September 16th.

Family Volunteer Event: Blanket Making - Friday 9/18, 3:30-4:45pm

Help make tie blankets for local hospital patients! All ages are welcome and no experience needed - we'll provide all supplies and instructions. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please sign up by Tuesday, September 15th. 

Bowser Bash - Friday 9/25, 4-7:30pm - ADVANCE TICKET SALES END 9/20

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW for the 2nd Annual Bowser Bash! Advance ticket sales end 9/20. Door sales will be at $40 per person, so purchase before the prices go up again. Also consider sponsoring our school by purchasing a family sponsorship package (available through 9/14 to include sponsorship sign) or additional raffle tickets. Proceeds are going towards adding a large shaded structure by the Elm School playground!

 

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! Help to make Bowser Bash a success by signing up to volunteer HERE!

 

After School Enrichment Programs

Visit the PTO website for more information about our after school enrichment programs!

Student Clubs: Choir, Running Club, Game Club, Destination Imagination

CHOIR: It is time to sign up for 4th/5th grade combined choir! This program is for students who love to sing as well as students who want to develop their voices. All are welcome! Rehearsals will take place weekly on MONDAYs from 8:00-8:30am in the music room. Please note this was misprinted as Wednesday on the physical form. Choir Begins 9/14. Sign up HERE. Please contact Mrs. Welk with any questions: hminer@d181.org

RUNNING CLUB: Students in grades K through 5th are invited to participate in Running Club! This morning club will meet 8:00-8:30am on September 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 and October 5 and 7. Students will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of distance running and the benefits of exercise. They will also earn “Toe Tokens” for participating while keeping track of the amount of miles they run/walk throughout the club. Sign up HERE. 

GAME CLUB: Mrs. Guzaldo, Mr. Kolar, and Mrs. Soofi are excited to host Game Club at Elm School. We will meet every Thursday during recess from October 1st thru March 25th. We will teach the children board games and card games during their recess. Depending on the weather, we may play outdoor games too. Grades 1-5 are invited! We look forward to fun times!

DESTINATION IMAGINATION: Destination Imagination (DI) is a thrilling, student-led adventure in creative problem-solving! DI challenges students to work in teams to solve open-ended problems using imagination, innovation, and collaboration. Guided by parent volunteers (Team Managers), students take full ownership of their solutions—every idea and decision comes from them! For more information, visit the PTO website. 

Bike Rodeo - Thank You!

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 3: September 8

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.

Curriculum Night

We look forward to seeing you at Elm School’s Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 10th from 6:00-7:15. Kindergarten, first and second grade will present from 6:00-6:30. There will be a general presentation in the gym with Mrs. Olson and the Elm School PTO for all grade levels at 6:30. Third, fourth and fifth grade will present from 6:45-7:15.

Curriculum Night is an opportunity for parents and guardians to learn more about grade level curriculum, assessments, services and classroom expectations. Parents are welcome to visit their child’s classroom on the side opposite of your grade level presentation, however, if you have specific questions about your child, we ask that you reach out to the teacher or service provider at a later time.

Our Specials teachers may be in the building Thursday night, however, you can access their introduction presentation here. 

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

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