Important Dates

Monday 11/2 - NO SCHOOL (Institute Day)

Tuesday 11/3 - NO SCHOOL (General Election Day)

Thursday 11/5 - Special Lunch (Jimmy John's)

Friday 11/6, 9-10am - PTO Meeting 

Monday 11/9 - Absentee & Retake Picture Day

Wednesday 11/11 1pm - Veterans Day Assembly (parents welcome to attend)

Thursday 11/12 - Special Lunch (Home Run Inn)

Saturday 11/14, 11:30-1:15pm - Family Volunteer Event: Feed My Starving Children

Saturday 11/21 - last day of Charleston Wrap fundraiser

Monday 11/23 - Tuesday 11/24 - NO SCHOOL (Parent-Teacher Conferences)

Wednesday 11/25 - Friday 11/27 - NO SCHOOL (Holiday - Thanksgiving)

Principal's Corner

Community Speaker Series - David Murray

D181 Foundation - The Art of Gratitude Family Night Out

CoGAT Information: Second and Fifth Grades Only 

The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) will be administered to all second and fifth grade students between November 9 - 13, 2026.  Fifth Grade students will take their CoGAT on November 9, 11, and 12, 2026. Second Grade students will take their CoGAT on November 11 and 13, 2026. 

This assessment indicates the level and pattern of a student’s cognitive development compared to other students enrolled in the same grade level and/or of the same age.

The results of the CogAT will be utilized in D181 for varied purposes. First and foremost, the scores are used to drive classroom and instructional practices to guide our efforts in adapting teaching methods to meet the varied needs of our students. Second, the scores will also be used as one component in an assessment portfolio to determine areas of strength and identification for program placement. This is just one piece of the data that school staff will review as a component of multiple criteria used in planning for your child’s course trajectory.

How your child can prepare for assessment—and what you can do to help

A student who is well-rested and well-fed and has a positive attitude about testing 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 her or his assigned test day.

• Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and eats a healthy breakfast before each day of testing.

• Remind your child that these tests are 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.

Your child’s score report will be sent home after administration is complete and all reports are printed.  We appreciate your ongoing support.

U.S. News and World Report Best Illinois Elementary Schools

We are incredibly proud to share some exciting news about Elm School! According to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, Elm School has been recognized as the #6 elementary school in the state of Illinois! This recognition is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our students, teachers, staff, and families.

While rankings are just one measure of a school's success, this recognition speaks to the strong learning community we continue to build together. Our students' growth, curiosity, achievement, and well-being remain at the heart of everything we do. Congratulations, Elm School!

Library News

Last chance to sign up for Feed My Starving Children!

FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN - Saturday, November 14th, 11:30-1:15pm @ FMSC, Aurora. Sign up by Wednesday, November 4th!

PTO Meeting - Friday 11/6, 9-10am

Please join us on Friday, November 6th 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. 

Absentee & Retake Picture Day - Monday 11/9

Special Lunch Ordering & Volunteering

Charleston Wrap Fundraiser

Shop for the Holidays & Give Back to Elm! Get a head start on holiday shopping while supporting Elm School! Our Charleston Wrap Fundraiser runs November 1–21, featuring over 2,500 gift ideas, including wrapping paper, home goods, chocolates, and more! Shop at registercw.com using Organization ID: 17172. Share with family and friends—every purchase makes a difference!

Thank you to our Premier Sponsors!