News from District 153

Congratulations to the James Hart Softball Team! They defeated Chicago Heights Tuesday to earn the regional title. They take on Frankfort's Hickory Creek Middle School in the sectionals this Saturday, 1PM, at Summit Jr. High. Let's go, Panthers! #153Proud

The breakfast program operates like the lunch program, complying with federal nutrition requirements and free or reduced in price for eligible students. The school district uses a cashless, computerized payment system for both breakfast and lunch.

Students will eat their bagged breakfast in the cafeteria at James Hart and Willow Schools. Churchill students will eat their breakfast in their classrooms. Monthly menus are posted on HSD153.org.

Parents and guardians with questions about school breakfast (or lunch), should call Dana Pries, 153's Food Services Director, at (708) 922-2417.

James Hart School got some great news over the summer—the school was one of only 55 recipients in the U.S. and Canada to receive a Riding For Focus grant from Outride, a California-based non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of youth through cycling. The grant will provide James Hart with everything needed to get 6th-8th grade students riding in gym class, including 30 bikes, 30 helmets, teacher training, and curriculum.

Physical education teacher Matt Somodi researched and applied for the grant on behalf of James Hart.

“I was looking for a way for all our kids to have the chance to enjoy riding a bike and experience the health benefits that comes from riding," said Somodi.

Somodi will test out the new biking curriculum in October, beginning with his own classes, and expand to more classes in the spring. Plans include a future after-school bike club.

We are very grateful to local bike shop, GoodSpeed Cycles, for donating its labor to put together the bikes. (See photos above.)

You can get a look at the new Specialized bikes this Sunday at the 2023 Fund Run. Somodi and GoodSpeed Cycle representative, Steve Buchtel, will be “pace bikers” for the fundraising 5K.

Foundation 153's 5k, the Homewood Schools Fund Run, is this Sunday! The 5K starts at 9:00 AM and the kids' dash starts at the conclusion of the 5K (around 10 AM). You can still register onsite on Sunday, 7:30-8:30 AM!

If you've already registered, you can pick up your runner's packet and T-shirt

• Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Homewood Farmer's Market, 8AM-1PM
• Sunday, Sept. 17, before the start of the 5k, 7:30-8:30AM

You may have noticed a new fenced-in play area on the north side of Willow School. The new area is solely for use by our PreK students. Our PreK program is grant funded, which means a yearly review from the state. Our last review pointed out a lack of a fully enclosed, age appropriate play area, so this new space was added. It's a win-win for everyone as it opens up additional times for the "big kids" to utilize the playground equipment.

At its August meeting, the school board approved a proposal by Willow School 1st-grade resource teacher, Colleen Spain, to train a therapy dog for Willow School's 2024-25 school year. Spain and a dog trainer will work this year to get her Labrador Retriever, Walter, ready for his role at the school. Spain envisions a system where teachers will be able to schedule time with Walter for whole classrooms or individual students.

Homewood School District 153 is the proud home of the James Hart Panthers, Churchill Bulldogs and Willow Wildcats.

Email: shelley.peck@hsd153.org
Website: hsd153.org
Location: 18205 Aberdeen Street, Homewood, IL, 60430
Phone: 708-799-8721
Facebook: facebook.com/hsd153
Twitter: @Homewood153