Cougar Courier
November 13, 2026
Principal's Message
Greetings Elm Middle School Families,
Happy Friday! Well, we did it! We're officially closing out trimester one of the 2026-2027 school year! Our students have been so diligent, dedicated and locked-in and I truly couldn't be more proud of our school community! We're all in on The Elm Expectations and we will celebrate every single students who met the accmplishment next week during our trimester one celebration! Way to go, Cougars!!
As a reminder, trimester two does begin on Monday, November 16th. Be sure to check PowerSchool over the weekend as elective courses and career study/intervention courses will be changing and we want to make sure everyone knows where they are headed! Furthermore, trimester one report cards will be available via PowerSchool at 3:30pm pm on November 24th.
On January 24, 2013, Governor Pat Quinn signed Public Act 097-1147 into law, also known as
Erin’s Law. This law requires schools to provide child sexual abuse prevention education for
students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. During the school year, district social workers will provide Personal Body Safety lessons to all students in grades PK–12. These presentations will take place on Monday, November 23rd at Elm Middle School. We understand that this topic may be sensitive for some families. If you prefer that your child not participate in this lesson, please submit the Erin’s Law Opt-Out Form. You may complete the form electronically using the provided Google Form here. If you have any questions please see this letter from our Student Services Department for further information.
Please take a few minutes to read through this week’s Cougar Courier. As always, should you need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. Have a wonderful weekend! One League. One Elm. All In.
Most Sincerely,
Dr. Ashley L. Groeneveld
Assistant Principal's Corner
Homework Boards
In this section you will find homework boards at each grade level. Our teachers will update this when homework is given so that students and their families are all aware of upcoming assignments.
Class of 2026
2027--2028 Course Selection Night
Cooking Class
We're excited to continue to offer our Cooking Classes this year! Take a look at our calendar of events for the year here! Any questions? Please reach out to Ms. Cannici with any questions.
Volunteers 2026-2027
We appreciate your partnership and time supporting our District 401 Schools. If you would like to be a volunteer this school year please take a moment to complete our volunteer application using Raptor Volunteer Safe platform.
8th Grade Information
The Elm PAT
We're excited for another year of collaboration with our Elm PAT! Our parent organization is truly outstanding and provide so many amazing opportunties for our students!! For a plan for the year please see here!
- November 13th: End of Trimester One
- November 20th: T1 Celebration
- November 25th: Thanksgiving Break Begins
- November 30th: School Resumes
- December 1st: 2027-2028 Course Selection Night
- December 9th: Elm Holiday Choir Concert
- December 14th: Elm Holiday Band Concert
- December 16th: Chicago Wolves Field Trip (6th Grade)
- December 21st: Winter Break Begins
- January 1st: Winter Break Ends
- January 5th: School Resumes
- January 18th: No School: MLK Day
- February 10th: Parent Teacher Conferences
- February 11th: Parent Teacher Conferences
- February 12th: No School (Conference Exchange Day)
- February 15th: No School President's Day
Elm Information
Dr. Ashley L. Groeneveld
Principal
Michael Goodman
Assistant Principal
Dr. Rikki R. Schullo
Dean of Students
Dr. Leah Gauthier
Superintendent of Schools
Safe2Help
Report Bullying
Need to report an incident?
Use our Anonymous Form.
EPCUSD 401 School Board Members
Mr. Frank J. Parisi, President
Mr. Peter A. Volpe, Vice President
Ms. Jennifer P. Ranallo, Secretary
Ms. Monica F. Doyle
Mr. Timothy P. Loughnane
Mr. Jason Shipinski
Ms. Michelle J. Silver