Martin Memo
Sept 20, 2026
From the Principal
Illinois State Assessments
Each spring, students in grades 3-8 participate in the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), a statewide assessment required by the Illinois State Board of Education. The IAR measures student achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics based on the Illinois Learning Standards. Students in grades 5 and 8 also participate in the Illinois Science Assessment each spring.
We have received your child’s individual score report from the state, and you will see this report coming home with your child this week. You can also access your child’s personalized score report through the online family portal.
For additional information:
Family Portal User Guide - information about accessing and navigation your child’s score report.
Parent Score Report Interpretation Guide - information about understanding and interpreting your child’s scores.
As always, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions about the results or to learn more about how you can partner with us to support your child’s continued growth and learning.
Celebrations 🙌
Spanish Pledge
🌟 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! 🌟
From September 15–October 15, we celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, languages, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. We are proud to celebrate the diversity that makes our Martin community so special! 💙💛
Morning Announcements
🎤📺 Leah did an amazing job on our morning announcements today! Watch out, ABC 7 News—a future journalist may be on her way! 🌟🎥 We loved her confidence and Husky spirit! 💙💛🐾
New Pet Husky 💛🐶
🌟🐾 Exemplary Huskies 🐾🌟
Congratulations to our outstanding Huskies! 💙💛
We are excited to celebrate this week's Exemplary Husky winners! These students were recognized for going above and beyond our schoolwide expectations through kindness, responsibility, leadership, and respect. They are wonderful examples of how Good Things Happen at Martin and They Begin With Us!
Upcoming Events 📅
Sept 21-25-Start with Hello Week
Sept 22-Early Release Day-Dismissal at 12:55
Sept 22-PTAC Meeting at District Office 6-8pm
Sept 24-School Store Open during lunch/recess
Sept 25-CMPTA Fun Run
Sept -29-School Anxiety, Avoidance & Refusal: Symptoms and Interventions
Oct 1-Thriving Parent Support Group 6:30-7:30pm
Oct 13-Huntley 158 Movie Night
Oct 14-CMPTA Dine and Share-Chick-Fil-A
Announcements & Reminders 📣
“It Starts with Hello” Week Sept 21-25
Join us September 21–25 as we celebrate friendship, kindness, and belonging through special dress-up days and activities! We will also recognize Deaf Awareness Month by learning ASL greetings throughout the week. Our celebration will finish with the CMPTA Fun Run on Friday. Students should wear their grade-level team color: 3rd grade red, 4th grade orange, and 5th grade blue. Good things Start with Hello and happen when we come together at Martin!
Monday Sept 21 “Good Things Start with Hello”
Wear Martin Spirit colors-red & black
Students write or draw one good thing they can do to make someone feel welcome on flower and staple it to the "Good Things Happen Here" main lobby board.
Tuesday Sept 22 "Spotting Good Things in Others"
Wear polka dots, spots, or bright patterns. “I Spotted Something Good!" Compliment Cards
Students write down one good quality or kind action they "spotted" from a staff member on a paw print- Paw prints are delivered to the staff member by the student.
Wednesday Sept 23 "Mix It Up for Good"
Wear mismatched socks or shoes to celebrate trying new combinations and stepping into new friendships.
Recess / Lunch Buddy Up “Mix It Up” During lunch, students will be encouraged to say hello and connect with someone they do not usually talk with by asking, “What good thing happened to you?”
Thursday Sept 24 "Shine a Light on Good Things"
Wear neon, metallic, or reflective clothes/accessories.
"You Light Up Martin" Secret Compliment- During classroom circles, students will hold a flashlight and give a glowing message about a friend in class.
Friday Sept 25 “Good Things Happen at Martin”
Show Your Team Spirit! Wear your Fun Run Colors
3rd Grade—Red
4th Grade—Orange
5th Grade—Blue.
District News 🪧
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! 🎉
At Huntley Community School District 158, we’re proud to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Join us in honoring this vibrant heritage and the diverse voices that make our community strong.
Join Us for Our Upcoming MPAC Meeting!
Huntley Community School District 158 is excited to welcome all Huntley 158 multilingual families to our next Multilingual Parent Advisory Committee (MPAC) meeting on Monday, September 14, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at the District Office, Room 180, 650 Dr. John Burkey Drive in Algonquin. MPAC provides families an opportunity to connect with district staff, share ideas, ask questions, and help support the success and well-being of our multilingual students. Your voice matters, and we hope to see you there!
The Huntley Hurricanes Special Olympics team
The Huntley Hurricanes Special Olympics team is excited to kick off the 2026 basketball season in a few months! To gauge interest and tailor our plan for the fall, we kindly request your assistance in participating in an interest survey. See below for two Special Olympics basketball opportunities that will be available this fall/winter.
To be eligible to participate, students must be at least 8 years old (at the start of the 2026-27 school year) through age 22 and have an intellectual disability or an impairment approved with physician consent. There is no cost to participate, other than to ensure proper attire including athletic shoes.
Basketball Team- Students will be on a team playing basketball games against other Special Olympics teams in the area. Commitment: At least three games and weekly practices leading up to the regional competition
Basketball Skills- Students will compete focusing on these skills: Target Pass, 10-Meter Dribble and Spot Shot. Commitment: Weekly practices leading up the regional competition
Please fill out this form by September 25 if you are interested in signing up your child for the 2026 Special Olympics Basketball Team or Basketball Skills. This is only the first step of the process as we are seeking to gather interest. You will be contacted directly regarding next steps. By collaborating with you, we can ensure that our efforts align with the needs and preferences of our community.
If you encounter any difficulties or have any questions regarding the survey or the initiative itself, please let me know. Thank you for your cooperation and support in this endeavor.
Sincerely,
Keely Grasse
Special Olympics Coordinator
Email: kgrasse@district158.org
Huntley 158 Family Learning Series
Topic: School Anxiety, Avoidance & Refusal: Symptoms and Interventions
Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 6PM - 7PM
Presenter: Jacqueline Rhew, LCPC
Open to all Huntley 158 families
Join via Google Meet
September is Attendance Awareness Month and Huntley 158’s motto is “Your Presence is Your Power.” Every day a student is in school is an opportunity for them to build relationships, learn and access support.
The district is kicking off its first virtual Family Learning Series this year with a presentation by Jacqueline Rhew, a licensed clinical professional counselor, who specializes in school refusal and anxiety in children. The virtual event is free and open to all Huntley 158 families.
Rhew’s presentation will provide parents and caregivers with practical strategies to support their child who may be struggling with school anxiety, avoidance, and school refusal.
She will explore factors that contribute to school avoidance and help parents learn how to recognize early warning signs and unhelpful coping patterns, and better understand how anxiety and avoidance can reinforce one another.
In addition, Rhew will outline specific interventions to help children manage anxiety, increase motivation, set realistic goals, and gradually re-engage in school. Parents will also learn strategies for responding to anxiety without unintentionally reinforcing avoidance, promoting healthy coping and problem-solving, and using communication that builds self-advocacy, confidence, and independence.
Thriving Futures Parent-led Support Group
The Thriving Parent Support Group is a parent-led support group for Huntley District 158 parents/guardians of students with IEPs. The goal is simple: to help parents build connections with one another so they can strengthen the supports that are vital for their child’s success.
Families are invited to connect, share experiences, and support one another through casual conversations, roundtable discussions, and occasional learning opportunities. Parents of IEP learners of all ages are welcome, and attendance is flexible—come when you can. Please share with other parents that may benefit!
When: Thursday October 1, 2026
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Morkes Chocolate, 11801 Main St, Huntley, IL 60142
If you’d like to stay informed about future meetings, please take a moment to complete this form
Smart Social Online Workshops
AI for Student Success: Being Productive & Learning Future Skills
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 @ 6pm
Bring your kids and unlock the power of AI together! Discover cutting edge AI tools and skills that spark curiosity, boost learning (without cheating), and prepare your child for the future of AI.
The Impact of Screen Time on Motivation, Health & Academics
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 @ 6pm
Learn how screen time affects motivation, health and academics while gaining practical strategies to set limits and reconnect as a family.
Join Us on 10/13 for NEW Huntley 158 Movie Night
Grab a blanket and get comfy for Huntley 158’s first sensory-friendly movie night! Join us on Tuesday, October 13, at Heineman Middle School for a fun and inclusive evening open to all ages.
The featured movie, Out of My Mind (rated PG), is an inspiring story about a young girl with cerebral palsy who finds her voice and challenges others to see what she is capable of. With powerful themes of friendship, inclusion and perseverance, it’s the perfect film to bring our community together.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and the movie begins at 6:15 p.m. Come dressed for comfort and bring a blanket for floor seating; an accessible seating area will also be available. We’ll provide snacks and water, or feel free to bring your own. Stop by our “selfie station” and enter for a chance to win a prize! The evening will wrap up at approximately 8 p.m. Students under age 13 must attend with a parent or guardian.
Questions? Contact Ina Hall, Huntley 158 Family Engagement Liaison, at ihall@district158.org.
4th Annual Recycle for Sight Used Eyeglass Collection Drive
Huntley School District 158 is excited to once again partner with the Huntley Area Lions Club for the 4th Annual Recycle for Sight Used Eyeglass Collection Drive, taking place at all District 158 schools during the week of October 19-23.
How can you help? Take a few minutes to look through your dresser drawers, closets, and other
places where old eyeglasses may be collecting dust.
We’re collecting:
- Prescription eyeglasses
- Prescription sunglasses
- Reading eyeglasses
- Empty plastic and metal eyeglass frames
Don’t wear them anymore? Donate them and give them a second chance to help someone else see clearly! And don’t forget to ask your friends, neighbors, and family members to join in! Donation boxes will be available at all District 158 schools and the Administration Office from Monday, October 19, through Friday, October 23.
Let’s come together as a community and surpass our record of 282 pairs of eyeglasses
collected! Every pair makes a difference!
PTA News 👪
💙💛 Join the CMPTA! 🌟
We're excited to kick off another amazing school year and continue supporting our wonderful Reed Road school community! 🎉 The CMPTA helps make so many fun events and memorable experiences possible for our students and staff.
Can't make the meeting? No worries! We'd still love for you to become part of our CMPTA community and enjoy all of the great events and opportunities CMPTA supports throughout the year. Every family is welcome, and every level of involvement makes a difference! ❤️
🏃♀️🐾 Fun Run Volunteers Needed! 🐾🏃♂️
Our upcoming Fun Run is the only fundraiser sponsored by the CMPTA, making it an especially important event for our Reed Road Campus! It is a wonderful opportunity for students, families, and staff to come together for a day filled with movement, school spirit, and fun.
We are looking for volunteers to help make the event run smoothly and safely. If you would like to volunteer, please register using the link below by September 18.
For planning and safety purposes, late registrations and day-of volunteers will not be accepted.
CMPTA Family Event- All Seasons Orchard-Sept 20th
Join the CMPTA Family Events Committee for a fun family day at All Seasons Orchard on Sunday, September 20th with a rain date Sunday, September 27th!
Tickets are $9 per person for PTA members and $11 per person for non-PTA members, and your ticket includes full barn access. If your family would like to go apple picking, that is an additional $12 per person and can be purchased at the event.
Tickets must be purchased by September 9th, so start texting your ECC, Chesak, and Martin friends to see who will be joining! Ticket pick up information will be sent via email week of the event. Check out the All Seasons website to see more information about the farm-https://allseasonsorchard.com/
CMPTA Spirit Night Fundraiser at Chick-fil-A in Algonquin on Wed, October 14
Join us for a CMPTA Spirit Night Fundraiser at Chick-fil-A in Algonquin on Wednesday, October 14, anytime from 4:30–8:00 p.m.! When ordering in the dining room or drive-thru, be sure to mention Spirit Night. For mobile orders, select the option to support a community event and enter the code Husky. Enjoy dinner while helping support our Martin students and school community!
Breakfast & Lunch Menus
NEW: Explore School Meals with My School Menus
New, interactive school breakfast and lunch menus are now posted online! Visit the My School Meals website or download the mobile app to view interactive menus and nutritional information in the language of your choice. Read this article below for more information about My School Meals, MySchoolBucks, and more!
Breakfast Menu
Click on the image to enlarge the menu.
Lunch Menu
Click on the image to enlarge the menu.
Meal Prices
Lunch-$3.70
Milk Only-$0.50