Reminder: 2019 Picture Days

Monday, Aug. 26 @ James Hart
Friday, Sept. 6 @ Churchill
Friday, Sept. 13 @ Willow
Dear District 153 Families and Friends:
A LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Portable units await installation at Churchill School.
Welcome to the 2019-20 school year! (Where did the summer go?)

We're off to a great start. Many thanks to those of you who--despite the rain--managed to "chalk the walks" with encouraging and inspiring words and pictures to greet our students on their first day. Your efforts lift the spirits of students and staff alike.

Our students are learning or re-learning routines and expectations, and our staff is getting to know a new classroom of learners. 

What's new this year? Portables at Churchill School

You may have noticed the additions being put in place at Churchill School. These portable units will give our Churchill staff a little more space to do some of the things we think are good for kids. Best practices in education have evolved so much since our buildings were erected. Nowadays, we're offering more "specials' than ever before. In addition to rotations in music, art, and the STEM lab, Churchill students will also be attending new sessions to support their social/emotional needs and to hone basic technology skills. Moreover, we're pulling out many more small groups of students to give them the extra attention they need. 

These are the types of activities that will be housed in the portable units. We are hopeful that they will be ready for students by October 1st. 

What's new this year? Great new staff!
We welcomed 33 new teachers and assistants this year! You can check them out on our Facebook page. 

What's new this year? Twitter
District 153 is adding Twitter to our social media platforms this year (@Homewood153). So like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Not on Facebook or Twitter? You can still see our posts in the social media block on the school district homepage (hsd153.org).

Starting the New Year on the Right Foot
Finally, if you haven't already done so, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE consider becoming more involved in your schools. You can start with the following:

Thanks for your support. Let's have a GREAT 2019-20!





Dr. Dale Mitchell, Superintendent
ISO: the Next Generation of Parent Leaders
VIDEO: Why I Volunteer
As the new school year starts, District 153 asks you to give deep consideration to volunteering in our schools and/or with one of our parent leadership organizations ( Homewood PTA, Homewood Parent Music Association, Foundation 153). 

We are fortunate to be able to provide students in 153 with schools in which they can flourish academically, artistically, athletically and socially. But your schools and their staff cannot do it all! Your child's school experience depends on parents and other caring adults, just like you, to help with all the "extras" that make District 153 schools so special. 

District 153 needs more people to raise funds for such things as assemblies and other special experiences for our students, technology, uniforms, and other needed equipment. We need more people to chaperone trips, plan and implement classroom parties and community fundraisers, and help with special events like field days. 

Why should you volunteer? Listen to these busy, veteran, all-star District 153 volunteers and their now-grown children about the benefits of being a parent leader.

District 153 is looking for the next generation of parent leadership. Will you step up?

Why I Volunteer
Why I Volunteer

Interested in Getting Involved? See Below!
PTA logo
PTA
homewoodpta.org
Homewood PTA is a membership organization made up of parents, staff members and others in the community. Through membership fees and other fundraising activities, PTA raises dollars to support building-wide activities, such as field trips and assemblies at all three schools. Homewood PTA also supports schools and classrooms by providing hundreds of hours of volunteering each year.
PMA
homewoodpma.org
The Homewood Parent Music Association (PMA) is a membership organization that helps the school district provide a rich musical education at every grade level. Through membership fees, magazine and candy sales, PMA raises funds for such things as scholarships for summer music camp, the purchase of instruments and equipment, and for field trips. PMA volunteers also lend helping hands at school music events.
Foundation153
foundation153.org
Foundation 153 is a private, not-for-profit organization established to raise funds to support innovative educational programs in School District 153. Currently, its focus is on funding STEM initiatives. Recently, it has purchased hundreds of technology devices throughout the district, supported the James Hart SmartLab and Music Lab, and purchased various STEM materials for Willow School. It organizes two big fundraising events each year: the Homewood Schools Fund Run and an annual spring gala.
SUPPORT YOUR SCHOOLS!
CLICK THE IMAGES BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Register by Aug. 30 to guarantee your t-shirt!

Cook's Night Out 
Tues. Sept. 3
TO SUPPORT THE 6TH-GRADE WHITE PINES TRIP