An Update from Hough Elementary
April 10, 2026 Newsletter
Letter from Principal Schumacher
Hello Hough families,
This month, our Character Strong focus is Courage. At Hough, courage means trying something new, standing up for what is right, and continuing to grow even when things feel challenging. We are encouraging students to show courage in their learning, friendships, and daily choices.
We had a very special treat on Thursday, thanks to the PTO, as we welcomed author Chris Barton to Hough! Students were engaged, inspired, and full of curiosity as they learned about his writing process and the power of storytelling. It was a memorable experience that sparked excitement for reading and writing across all grade levels.
As we move into spring, we will also celebrate Earth Day. This is a great opportunity to remind students about the importance of taking care of our planet. We encourage families, when possible, to have students walk, bike, or scooter to school and to think about small ways they can make a big difference for the environment.
Looking ahead, we have many exciting events coming up:
- Our 4th and 5th graders are hard at work preparing for their musical, Madagascar—we can’t wait to see their incredible performance on April 23rd.
- Save the date for May 1st, when we will host a fun-filled family day, including our Mini Marathon, Bake Sale, Book Fair, and Art Sale—a true celebration of our Hough community.
With the warmer weather, we are excited to see students enjoying more time outdoors. The playground is a space for connection, creativity, and active play—we encourage students to be present with one another, engage in games, and build friendships, rather than spending time on iPads or devices.
Earlier this week, you should have received a survey regarding our Social Media Awareness & Digital Citizenship initiative this year, also known as “B Here. B Now. B Engaged.” We want to check back in to see how things have progressed during the year! The survey is open through Monday evening. Click here to take the survey!
Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support. We are looking forward to a strong and joyful finish to the school year!
Warmly,
Heather Schumacher
Field Day Volunteer Sign Up!
We’re so excited about the amazing group of parents who have already signed up to help with Field Day—thank you for your enthusiasm and support! To make this end-of-year celebration truly special for all of our Hough Street students, we still need a more volunteers.
Field Day is a highlight of the school year and a wonderful opportunity for parents to see their children in action—laughing, playing, and making memories with their classmates. Your help makes all the difference in creating a fun, safe, and memorable experience for every student. Please take a moment to sign up and be part of this special day. We can’t do it without you!
Seeking Volunteers for Art Fair!
Hough's Annual Art Fair & Bake Sale will be on Friday, May 1st. This event is held rain or shine. If it rains, we'll be in the gym. We need your help! CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP for any of the volunteer opportunities below:
On Saturday, April 18th and Tuesday, April 21st -help us frame the 260+ student masterpieces.
On event day (Friday, May 1st) from 3:00pm - 6:30pm -sign up to help set-up, run the event and/or break-down! Various time slots available to fit your schedule!
2026-2027 School Supply Boxes!
Congratulations, HOUGH STREET ELEMENTARY families—your 1st Day School Supplies store is officially open! 🎉 Yes, it might feel early… and that’s exactly the point. 😉
It only takes a few minutes to select our school and choose your child’s grade. Everything will arrive packaged and ready for the first day. 🎒✨ There’s something pretty great about heading into summer knowing one big thing is already taken care of. 😌
Click here now- Hough School Store Link. The deadline to order is July 1, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Jordan at michelle.anne.jordan@gmail.com
5th Grade Families
We are excited to start a new chapter with your child next year at Prairie Campus & Station Campus! Conversations about next year are happening! Click here to check out important middle school transition information. Please save the date for Friday, May 15th 6:00-7:30pm for our epic 5th Grade Escape to Middle School Night and Friday, May 30th for 5th Grade Recognition from 8:00-9:30am.
Happy Earth Day, Hough Street!
Earth Day is a special time to celebrate our amazing planet—and all the plants, animals, and natural resources that make life possible! From the air we breathe to the water we drink, the Earth gives us so much every single day. Teachers will feature lessons/activities about the Earth, nature and animals in the day’s curriculum.
Hough Spirit Day on April 22nd – Wear something nature-themed, or simply green and/or blue!
Bike/Roll/Walk to School on April 22nd - Move your body, get fresh air and reduce emissions by biking, rolling or walking to school!
Hough Yearbook Pictures Needed!!
Can you believe it? We’re in the home stretch—just about a month and a half left of school! Our yearbook team is busy putting together something special, and we need YOUR help to make it unforgettable.
Got great photos from this year? Classroom fun, field trips, school events, spirit days, or those candid moments that capture the joy of Hough Street—send them our way! The more memories we can include, the better the yearbook will be.
This is a call to all parents (and especially our awesome parent leads!): please share your photos by sending them to the provided email or through the PTO.
Let’s work together to create a yearbook full of smiles, memories, and Hough Street pride! 💙 Click here HOUGH YEARBOOK 2025–2026 Google Drive or email houghhawksyearbook@gmail.com
MAP Testing 4/22-5/8
Starting on April 22nd the 2-5th graders will begin MAP testing. Stay tuned for more information about MAP testing that will be sent to your emails soon.
2nd Grade:
- April 24: 8:30-10:30 AM
- April 30: 8:30-10:30 AM
3rd Grade:
- April 23: 12:00-2:00 PM
- May 1: 12:00-2:00 PM
4th Grade:
- April 22: 12:00-2:00 PM
- April 28: 12:00-2:00 PM
ESC:
- April 22: 12:00-2:00 PM
- April 28: 12:00-2:00 PM
5th Grade:
- April 27: 12:00-2:00 PM
- May 4: 12:00-2:00 PM
Important Dates
4/16 6:30PM HOUGH PTO MEETING: Joe Robinson, Director of Innovation will be joining us! Joe leads 220’s initiative to minimize non-academic device use, promoting engagement, learning and well-being. Come with your questions! Free childcare in the Hough Gym!!
-Saturday April 11th- Save the Date for Big Hawk Little Hawk at Canlan @ 1:00pm-3:30pm
-Thursday, April 16th- PTO Meeting @ Hough 6:30-7:30pm
-Friday, April 17th- Hough Mini Marathon after school
-Wednesday, April 22nd- Earth Day Ride or Bike to School Day
-Thursday, April 23rd- Madagascar Jr. Musical @ Station 6:00pm
-Thursday April 30th- Friday, May 1st- Hough Book Fair in Library
-Friday, May 1st- Art Fair, Bake Sale & Book Fair- 4:30-6:00pm
-Friday, May 15th- 5th Grade Escape to Middle School Night- 6:00-7:30pm
-Thursday, May 21st- Hough Field Day (rain date 5/28)
-Friday, May 30th- 5th Grade Recognition 8:00-9:30am
-Friday, May 30th- Last Day of School/5th Grade Clap Out 2:40pm
Stay in the Know with your PTO- Email any questions to hellohoughpto@gmail.com.