OLHMS Update (6/2/26)
Final Week!
OLHMS Families,
As I sat down to write this week's Tuesday Weekly, someone gently reminded me that this would be my last one as Principal of Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School.
That realization brought a flood of emotions. While the conclusion of this school year is filled with excitement, celebration, and anticipation for our scholars, it is also joyfully sad and undeniably bittersweet for me. After nearly seven years of serving this extraordinary school community, I have accepted the opportunity to serve as a superintendent and will be concluding my time as Principal of OLHMS for just a couple more days.
The significance of this transition became even more apparent today during our Awards Ceremony and SELECT 123 recognition. As I looked around the room and listened to the stories of our scholars, I was reminded of the greatness that exists within our school community. The achievements we celebrated today were not simply individual accomplishments; they were a reflection of what is possible when dedicated scholars, supportive families, passionate educators, and caring staff come together with a shared commitment to excellence. It served as a powerful reminder of why OLHMS is such a special place and why leaving it is both exciting and difficult.
Serving as the OLHMS Principal has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career. Together with our staff, scholars, families, and administrative team, we have worked to truly embody our mission and vision, "Creating a dynamic and supportive environment that ignites lifelong learners who embrace diversity and contribute positively to our community and global society." Every day, we have focused on "Creating a Dream and Making it a Reality" while intentionally "Preparing Today's Learners for Tomorrow's World."
As I reflect on our journey together, I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished as a community. While academic scores have naturally fluctuated over time, the overall OLHMS experience has continued to elevate. Through expanded programming, increased opportunities for scholar involvement, and a wide variety of clubs, sports, activities, leadership experiences, and service opportunities, we have built a school culture that scholars are proud to be part of. More importantly, we have cultivated a place where scholars feel connected, supported, and inspired to give back. That sense of belonging has been one of the defining strengths of OLHMS and something I hope will continue for years to come.
I have been continually inspired by the professionalism, passion, and dedication of our staff. Every day, they bring extraordinary care and commitment to their work on behalf of our scholars. I am equally grateful for our outstanding administrative team, whose leadership, expertise, and heart have helped make OLHMS the remarkable place it is today.
While I may be leaving my role, I am not leaving without tremendous confidence in the future of this school. I am completely confident in this incredible district, this amazing school, our passionate educators, and our outstanding leaders. More importantly, I know our scholars will continue to "Level Up" in the place they truly "Belong."
In the final few days of the year, there is still important work to do, celebrations to enjoy, memories to create, and opportunities to continue living our mission together.
Thank you for your trust, your partnership, your support, and your belief in our school. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving your children and being part of your family's middle school journey. Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to have served this remarkable community.
With Appreciation & Gratitude,
Sean McNichols
Congratulations to our 2026 SELECT 123 Scholars
In partnership with our D123 Ed Foundation, congratulations to this year's prestigious group of scholars!
Asha L., Christina F., Emma A., Howard H., Jimena G., John Mc., Katherine C., Kennedy K., Lukas K., Matthew N., Maya A., Nathan L., Nathaniel R., Nora S., Olivia, K., Quentin K., Rahma E., Riley C., Roman C., Samantha G., Teagan G., Vaidehi P., Vivienne G.
Commencement Ceremony
June 3, 2026: 8th Grade Commencement Ceremony (7:00pm)
Livestream will be posted on the D123 Website
We are looking forward to a wonderful celebration tomorrow! The Commencement Ceremony will begin promptly at 7:00pm.
Doors will open at 6:15 pm for all ticketed guests. All tickets have been distributed and guests should enter the main doors.
Our ceremony should run for about 90 minutes and be live-streamed at 6:55 pm.
Celebrate our entire class and refrain from individually cheering scholars. We do not want any names to be missed or unheard as they cross the stage.
Any items impeding the viewing audience should not be brought into the ceremony.
Fully dressed graduates should enter Door 2 (Bus Entrance) between 6:15- 6:30 pm and go directly to advisory rooms.
Graduates should be wearing school-awarded medals, cords, ribbons and/ or pins only.
As always, please feel free to contact the main office at 708-499-6400 with any questions or concerns. We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 with our graduates and their families!
We have noticed an uptick in student cell phone and smart watch usage during school hours. As a reminder, we do have very simple cell phone policy. All scholars should be turning cell phones off and leaving them locked in their lockers during the day. Smart watches will be treated the same if students are using these devices to do anything other than check the time. We have also noticed student wearing headphones, these should also be left in lockers. Students needing headphones for school use should have wired headphones.
Student are given a warning on the first offense with documentation in skyward. Students will receive consequences for subsequent violations.
Our main entrance vestibule will serve as the visitor reception and waiting area. Guests will continue to be warmly welcomed, greeted by the staff member hosting them, and escorted to their meeting location. This update is part of our continued effort to strengthen safety and streamline visitor check-in procedures.
As we continue partnering with our local safety agencies, we remain committed to refining our practices and keeping safety at the heart of all we do. Ensuring a secure environment for our students, staff, and families is always our top priority.
To support this shared goal:
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Please bring a valid driver’s license or photo ID when picking up a student during the school day.
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For everyone’s safety, visitors may not leave the main office without a staff escort.
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All students, staff, and guests are expected to wear their designated ID badges while on campus.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our Mustang community safe, connected, and thriving.
All parents/ guardians/ staff & students are highly encouraged to join the PTSA and attend meetings. This is an incredible opportunity, partnership and fun way to support our scholar’s experience at the middle school!
If you are interested in supporting our school in a different capacity please reach out to our PTSA! Maybe you do not have the time to donate, but your contributions can still be made through your membership!
2026–2027 OLHMS PTSA Board:
President, Amana Stone
Vice President, Kristen Moffitt
Secretary, Denise Masse
Treasurer, Corey Chavosky
Membership(Click Here) is $7.00 per student and $10.00 per adult
PTSA Meetings are at 6:00pm monthly
- Reach out to Delecta Harris, our current PTSA President for more information (olhmsd123ptsa@gmail.com)
- PTSA Facebook
6/3/26: Graduation 7:00 PM
6/4/26: Tri 3 Celebration
6/5/26: Last day- Half day!
