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!

 

Picture Day - Tuesday 9/22

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Parenting advice around screens is woefully outdated.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. 

Important Dates

Thursday 9/17 - Special Lunch (Home Run Inn)

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

Sunday 9/20 - last day to purchase advance tickets for Bowser Bash

Tuesday 9/22 - Student Photo Day

Thursday 9/24 - Special Lunch (Buona)

Friday 9/25, 4-7:30pm - Bowser Bash

Friday 10/2, 9-10am - PTO meeting

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

Library News

Bike Rodeo - Tuesday 9/8, 3:05-4:30pm

Calling all 3rd graders and any 4th or 5th grade students who are new to Elm or haven’t completed the Bike Rodeo yet! If your child plans to ride their bike to and from school, this is an important and required safety course to complete. Sign up by Sunday, September 6th. 

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!

Join Our WhatsApp Community

Join our WhatsApp Community - now open until September 11th!