Rotary Run - Sunday 10/4 - Flash Sale!

Save the date for the Rotary Run on Sunday, October 4th! The Rotary Run is an annual community event that raises charitable funds for several local and international organizations. 

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

Safety Week Drills

As we begin the week of August 31, we will be conducting our annual Safety Week to ensure that all staff and students are prepared to respond appropriately in the event of an emergency. 

Please review the schedule below:

• Monday, August 31 at 10:00 a.m. — Fire Drill #1

• Tuesday, September 1 at 1:30 p.m. — Severe Weather Drill

• Wednesday, September 2 at 9:30 a.m. — Lockdown Drill

• Thursday, September 3 at 1:30 p.m. — Fire Drill #2

September at Elm School

A busy month is ahead! Save the flyer for important dates and reminders.

🎟️ Bowser Bash
Buy tickets by 9/11 for early bird pricing and sign up to volunteer!

❤️ 2026-2027 PTO Registration
Help support Elm students, teachers and school programs. Join the PTO!

📸 Follow us on Instagram!
Stay up to date at @elmschoolpto with all you need to know!

What a sweet start to the school year!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out for the Elm Back to School Ice Cream Social! It was a blast seeing our Bulldogs and their families filling the gym with friends, laughter, creativity, games, and of course, plenty of gelato! And an extra big thank you to all of the volunteers and everyone who helped make the afternoon such a sweet success! Here's to a wonderful year ahead, Bulldogs!

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

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)