The Porcupine Post

We are continuing to build connections with all the people in our school and learning our routines. This week we focused on the expectations on the playground and in the motor room to keep us safe while having fun. On Friday, we had the CMPTA Fun Run! We enjoyed the obstacle course, bubbles, music, and popsicles! Thank you to all of the families that donated to the fundraiser!

Sincerely,

Dr. Sheryl Pauwels

What an amazing week in Mrs. Ferrarini's class!

Huge thanks to Mrs. Yonker for helping our students master crayon grip and following directions with a spectacular firework coloring activity! We also explored hall walking rules and created our own classroom expectations together.

Mrs. Cruz brought the excitement with a mystery box activity where we reviewed what it means to be Responsible, Respectable, and Safe at ECC. And Mrs. Kubitz introduced categories in a way that had students catching on lightning-fast!

Best part? Both classes filled up their STARS on their capes and earned a popsicle party on Friday! What a fantastic week of learning and growing together!

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September 22nd - No School ECC ONLY Parent Education Day (see below for information)

September 29th - ECC Picture Day

October 12th - No School Columbus Day

October 23rd - No School ECC ONLY Parent Education Day

Please be sure to contact the ECC Office regarding changes to arrival and dismissal. The teachers are unable to check messages and emails during the school day, they are busy with the students or preparing for the students.

Reminder: Last minute changes can be difficult for young children. Please prepare your child before school if there will be a different routine.

Be sure to leave a message on the attendance line when your child will not be in school or will be late. D158 Early Childhood Center Handbook for more information regarding absences.

Come learn about the key areas of development in early childhood—social-emotional, communication, motor, and cognitive skills. Our ECC team will share what occurs within the classroom setting and practical tips for supporting your child at home. This interactive, encouraging session will help you feel confident in understanding and supporting your child’s development.

The presentations will take place inside a classroom, giving you a chance to see where your

child learns and grows every day.

FAMILY ACTIVITY

We will be staying right here at the Early Childhood Center for our family involvement activity

this month! We’ll enjoy Ms. Jamie’s Farm Show in two groups. While you’re waiting for your

group’s showtime, you can explore and play on our playground! Miss Jamie’s Farm show is a high-energy, audience-interactive musical play with farm animal puppets. Kids can sing along, dance, and participate in question-and-answer trivia about farm Animals and farm foods.

Please let us know if you will be attending by clicking HERE

Check out the CMPTA Website for details on all the activities they have planned

The Huntley Hurricanes Special Olympics team is gearing up for the 2026 basketball season! Families of eligible students are invited to complete an interest survey for two opportunities available this fall/winter:

• Basketball Team: Students will participate in weekly practices and play at least three games against other area Special Olympics teams leading up to regional competition.

• Basketball Skills: Students will participate in weekly practices and compete in Target Pass, 10-Meter Dribble and Spot Shot events at the regional competition.

To participate, students must be ages 8–22 and have an intellectual disability or other qualifying impairment with physician consent. There is no cost to participate, aside from appropriate athletic attire and shoes.

Interested families should complete the interest form by September 25. Completing the form indicates interest only; families will be contacted with additional information and next steps.

Questions? Contact Special Olympics Coordinator Keely Grasse at kgrasse@district158.org.

Are you looking for a meaningful way to get involved in our school district? We invite you to consider serving as a representative on our district Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee (PTAC) for the 2026–27 school year.

This year, we are working to strengthen communication and connection between our schools and the district by increasing awareness of the important work of PTAC. We are seeking one parent and one staff representative from each school to attend three meetings during the year and serve as a liaison between their building’s parent group and the district PTAC.

About PTAC
PTAC is a school board-required committee led by the superintendent that meets regularly to review and provide input on key areas, including:

• Student discipline policies and their implementation, including considerations for students with disabilities

• The reciprocal reporting system between the school district and local law enforcement

• School bus safety procedures and how they are reflected in discipline policies

• Policies addressing student behavior, including supports for students at risk of aggressive behavior and bullying

• Guidelines related to the administration of medication at school

Meeting Schedule
All meetings will be held at the District Office from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on:

• Tuesday, January 12, 2027

• Tuesday, April 20, 2027

Representatives will be asked to share updates and gather feedback at their school’s parent meetings (such as PTO/PTA or school advisory groups) to ensure two-way communication between the district and each building.

Important Note
While PTAC plays an important advisory role and informs recommendations to the Board of Education, it is not a decision-making body.

Interested in Participating?
Please complete the interest form by Sunday, September 6, 2026.

Your voice matters, and your perspective is essential to this work. We look forward to partnering with you to support our students, staff, and school community.

If you are looking to be involved at the school level rather than the district level, more information on ways to do that will be coming out soon.

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.

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.

This partnership provides mental health care coordination services. This resource is completely confidential and available to all students, staff, and their families at no cost.

As the new school year begins, supporting our youth's mental health is more important than ever. The new school year can bring feelings of both anxiety and excitement as students transition into a new grade or perhaps even a new school.

We have provided a Back to School resource packet for parents and families who are navigating through this time. Click here to access the kit.

By working together, we can create an environment where our children thrive. As a reminder, Care Solace partners with our school to offer valuable mental health care coordination services to connect you with community-based providers for counseling, therapy, and more.

To access Care Solace:

Call 888-515-0595: Their multilingual helpline is staffed 24/7/365.

Visit caresolace.com/huntley: Explore mental health providers independently or click "Book Appointment" for personalized assistance.

Thank you for being dedicated parents in the Huntley Community School District 158 community!

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