OLHMS Update (5/20/25)
Did you know that OLHMS will use traditional letter grades next year?
OLHMS will return to a Traditional Grading system for the 2025-2026 school year. This decision was made after thoughtful consideration of feedback from teachers, parents, and students. We believe this change will help support our scholars by aligning more closely with the grading practices and expectations students will experience in high school, and allow for a smoother transition as students rise into the 9th grade. Additional information is below.
Did you know that some of our students are being influenced by social media?
We have learned about a social media trend that a few students have taken part in with reference to damaging their very expensive Chromebooks. Please speak with your student about the importance of being responsible with this devise, families are being charged hundred of dollars for this intentional damage. There is no reason for foreign objects to be inserted into charging and usb ports.
Did you know that the Returning Student Registration in now open?
Go to Skyward Family Access and complete Returning Student Registration. Please complete this registration before May 30th! This can be found on the left hand side of the screen and the second option down. Families who miss this deadline should expect delays in August with processing as we will be utilizing a new version of Skyward.
For more information regarding registration, health requirements, etc, please visit
Returning Student Registration
If you have any questions or need assistance with your username or password, feel free to reach out to your school or the district registrar at 708-857-5020.
Mustang Families,
What an incredible time to be a Mustang!
We are still beaming with pride after last Friday’s Spring Band Concert at the beautiful Performing Arts Center at Oak Lawn Community High School. With over 200 talented D123 band students performing, the night was an unforgettable celebration of music, growth, and community spirit!
Our Beginning Band, Intermediate Band, and Concert Band each took the stage for their final performance of the year and what a finale it was! A true highlight was the Concert Band’s performance of "Near the Tracks," a powerful piece commissioned in 2011 by our very own Music Boosters Association to honor our district’s retired band teachers. Not only has this piece since been published, but it also featured remarkable soloists who showcased the depth of talent we are fortunate to have in our district. Bravo to all our performers and music educators for making the evening so special!
As we head into the holiday weekend and look toward the final two weeks of our school year, the excitement continues! This week, we will announce our distinguished 8th Grade SELECT 123 scholars, and close out the week with a show-stopping Jazz Concert that is sure to dazzle a packed house!
With so many exciting celebrations, events, and milestones still ahead, we ask for your partnership in helping our scholars finish strong. Please remind them of our Mustang Musts: Be Safe, Responsible, and Respectful—and always Choose Kindness. Let’s end this successful year with pride and positivity!
Thank you for your continued support!
GO MUSTANGS!
Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, OLHMS will return to a Traditional Grading system. This decision was made after thoughtful consideration of feedback from teachers, parents, and students. We believe this change will help support our scholars by aligning more closely with the grading practices and expectations students will experience in high school, and allow for a smoother transition as students rise into the 9th grade.
Why This Change?
To closely align with high school grading systems.
To support efficiency and consistency in communicating student progress to OLHMS families.
To respond positively to the preferences and feedback from the OLHMS learning community.While we transition to traditional letter grades, we remain committed to continuously monitor student progress toward grade-level standards through meaningful assessments and expanded opportunities for classroom feedback.
What Will the Traditional Grading System Look Like?
Grading Categories & Weights
70% of the trimester grade will be calculated from: Summative Assessments (i.e. unit tests, major projects, etc.)
30% of the trimester grade will be calculated from: Formative Assessments (i.e. quizzes, exit tickets, classwork, homework, etc.)
Grading Scale (No plus or minus grades):
A = 90–100
B = 80–89
C = 70–79
D = 60–69
F = 59 and below
Please note: As a non-credit-bearing institution, OLHMS will not calculate GPAs or publish honor roll.
Additional Key Information:
Traditional grades will be used across all subjects and grade levels at OLHMS.
Skyward Family Access will currently serve as our platform for tracking progress and staying informed.
Periodic progress reports will be provided to support consistent family-school communication.
Retakes will be available for students in the Summative Assessment category. OLHMS leadership is currently drafting building-wide retake procedures to ensure growth and mastery throughout the learning process.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers or a member of our administrative team. We are here to support our scholars and families through this transition.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s educational journey.
OLHMS students stepped beyond the classroom to take part in Service Learning Day- a school-wide event dedicated to giving back to the community through hands-on, meaningful volunteer projects. With hundreds of students participating and countless service hours completed, the day showcased the power of coming together across all grade levels.
Service Learning is a unique educational approach that blends academic learning with civic responsibility, empowering students to engage directly with real-world issues. This year’s event truly reflected that mission, offering opportunities for students to serve, reflect, and grow as active community members. Check out this Special Edition Newsletter for more information on our day!
Graduation Fees: The deadline for online payments has passed. Bring cash payments into the main office.
Class of 2025: Information has been distributed for our Class of 2025 and the end of the year events! Here is the LINK to the letter.
SELECT 123: The application deadline has now passed for this year's prestigious alumni group. Congratulations to 70 applicants! This year's class will be announced on May 23rd!
We do expect and desire to have 100% of our scholars earn the opportunity to walk the stage with their graduating 2025 Class. We have been and will continue to communicate with families if any scholar is in jeopardy of this opportunity.
May 29, 2025: 8th-Grade Trip
May 30, 2025: 8th-Grade Dance
June 3, 2025: SELECT 123 Breakfast(7:30am) & 8th-Grade Awards(9:00am)
June 4, 2025: Elementary Grad Walk(1:30pm)
June 5, 2025: 8th Grade Commencement Ceremony (7:00pm)
Mustang families we need your support!
We need all families dropping off or picking up our scholars to be more responsible, respectful and safe. Recently, we have seen too many cars driving too fast during drop off and pick up. We have also seen cars passing and driving around other cars way too close to students- please be patient, cautious and courteous. Remember was are all modeling our Mustang Musts! The same can be said while buses are loading and unloading. Please pull all the way up in the circle drive before dropping off. This will help the traffic flow.
As a reminder, families should not be using the main entrance parking lot to drop off or pick up between 8:15-8:45 am and 3:15-3:45 pm while the buses are present.
Bus Behavior: Please remind bus riders that we must be following our Mustang Musts. We have been hearing about challenging, inappropriate and unsafe behavior on the bus riders to and from school. We do have the ability to request bus video footage. Students will be given consequences for their behavior which may include a suspension from the bus.
Bus Loading and Unloading: Families should not be passing buses in our parking lot. This is dangerous and almost caused an accident. Do not pass buses with their stop sign extended.
Membership is $6.00 per student and $10.00 per adult
PTSA Meetings are at 6:00pm monthly
- Next PTSA Meeting is next school year in September
- Reach out to Delecta Harris, our PTSA President for more information (olhmsd123ptsa@gmail.com )
- PTSA Facebook
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!
Final Stretch of Dates:
5/20: Beginner Band Meeting
5/21: Beginner Band Meeting
5/22: Jazz Band Dress Rehearsal
5/23: Jazz Band Concert
5/26: No School
5/27: 6th Grade Breakfast & 7th Grade Trip
5/28: Band Breakfast & 7th Grade Trip
5/29: Beginner Band/ Chorus Breakfast, 8th Grade Trip & 6th Grade Incentive
5/30: D123 Returning Student Registration Due & 8th Grade Dance
6/2: 7th Grade Breakfast
6/3: SELECT 123 Breakfast & 8th Grade Awards
6/4: Elementary Grad Walk
6/5: 8th Grade Commencement Ceremony
6/6: Final Day of School (½ Day)
Oak Lawn Community High School
Your 3rd-8th grader has the opportunity to join an exciting Flag Football League starting June 20th! Chicago Christian Schools, in partnership with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, will be hosting its first annual faith-based flag football league.
- Friday nights: 6-8:30 pm
- Location: Chicago Christian High School (12001 S Oak Park Ave, Palos Heights)
- Dates: 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, 7/18
Build skills, make friends, and create lasting memories!
Providence Catholic High School
