From the Leopard's Den
September 20, 2026
Dear Leggee Families,
This upcoming week is Huntley High School Homecoming Week, and we are excited to celebrate our Huntley pride with a schoolwide Spirit Week! Students and staff will have the opportunity to participate in fun dress-up days throughout the week as we join in the district-wide celebration.
We will wrap up the week on Friday, September 25, with our annual Fun Run. We are incredibly grateful for the many parent volunteers who will be helping throughout the event and for our PE teachers, who have dedicated countless hours to planning this exciting day for our students. If weather conditions do not allow us to hold the Fun Run on September 25, the event will be rescheduled for Friday, October 2. Students are continuing their fundraising efforts, and we appreciate the tremendous support from our families and community.
We are also excited to launch our first Leo Prime Days tomorrow! Students will receive a prize menu and have the opportunity to redeem the Leo Bucks they have earned by demonstrating our schoolwide positive behavior expectations. Our Tier 1 team has planned a variety of fun and engaging activities and rewards to celebrate students' positive choices while building school spirit and community throughout the day.
It is shaping up to be an exciting week at Leggee, and we look forward to celebrating with our students and families!
Warmly,
Mrs. Weirich
Principal, Leggee Elementary School
This Very Tree and Leggee's Resilience Tree
On September 11, Leggee students read The Resilience Tree and participate in a meaningful schoolwide activity focused on resilience, strength, and hope. Each grade level contributed leaves to create our own Leggee Resilience Tree. Kindergarten and first-grade students drew pictures showing ways they demonstrate kindness and help others. Second and third-grade students wrote pledges describing how they can support their school community during difficult times. Fourth and fifth-grade students shared quotes, words, and reflections about overcoming challenges and persevering through adversity.
As the leaves filled the branches, they created a vibrant, schoolwide Resilience Tree that serves as a visual representation of the resilience, strength, and hope found throughout Leggee Elementary. The completed tree is a powerful reminder that when we support one another, show kindness, and face challenges together, our school community grows stronger. Just like our Patriot's did on 9/11.
Peace Path
Our PE teachers teach students in grades 3–5 conflict resolution and good sportsmanship through the Peace Path. This strategy helps students develop problem-solving skills, communicate respectfully, and resolve conflicts independently when disagreements arise with peers.
To support consistent use throughout the school day, the Peaceful Path will also be shared with the students at lunch and displayed in the lunchroom, giving students a common tool to work through conflicts, build positive relationships, and make responsible choices on their own during lunch and recess as well.
Homecoming Spirit Week & Leggee Fun Run
The image includes the dress up days for the week. Below show the colors your child should wear for the Fun Run on Friday!
FUN RUN : Friday, September 25th
Grade Level Colors to Wear
3rd Grade - GREEN
4th Grade - BLUE
5th Grade - PURPLE
2nd Grade - YELLOW
Kindergarten - RED
1st Grade - ORANGE
Illinois State Assessments
Each spring, students in grades 3-8 participate in the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), a statewide assessment required by the Illinois State Board of Education. The IAR measures student achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics based on the Illinois Learning Standards. Students in grades 5 and 8 also participate in the Illinois Science Assessment each spring. You will see the report coming home with your child this week. You can also access your child’s personalized score report through the online family portal.
For additional information:
Family Portal User Guide - information about accessing and navigation your child’s score report.
Parent Score Report Interpretation Guide - information about understanding and interpreting your child’s scores.
Satchel Pulse
Later this month, students will participate in the Satchel Pulse Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Assessment. This survey provides valuable information that helps us better understand and support our students' social-emotional growth and well-being.
Please review the family letter linked below for additional information about the assessment.
9/22: SIP Early Release Day | 1:30pm
9/25: Leggee PTA Fun Run
9/28: Final Shelter in Place Drill
9/30: PTA Dine out night | Lou Malnati’s 11am-10pm | Code GPFUND26
10/2: National School Custodian Appreciation Day/ Fun Run Rain Date
10/5: Fall Picture Day
10/12: Columbus Day - No School/Offices Closed
10/14: Max Wilhelm and Bully Prevention Assembly during School Hours
10/15: Leggee Family Literacy and Math Night | 5:00 - 6:30pm
10/19: PTA Meeting | MPR316 | 7pm
10/22: Roaring Reward Day for students
10/23: SIP Early Release Day | 1:30pm
10/28: PTA Dine out night | Portillos
PTA Meeting Schedule
Sept. 21
Oct. 19
Nov. 16
Dec. 14
Jan. 11
Feb. 8
March 15
April 19
May 10
2026 -2027 Fun Run
Use the QR code to register your child to begin fundraising for the Fun Run on 9/25.
Next Dine Out Fundraiser 9/30
Dine, Donate, and Make a Difference! Visit Lou Malnati's Pizzeria at 8515 Redtail Dr. on Wednesday, September 30th between 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM to enjoy a delicious meal while supporting Leggee Elementary PTA.
With 20% of your orders being donated, you can savor every bite knowing you're giving back!
Leggee PTA
Leggee PTA supports many events, fundraisers, and programs that benefit our students, staff, and school community throughout the year. We encourage you to get involved by becoming a PTA member and helping support the great things happening at Leggee! See the flyer below for membership information and volunteer opportunities.
Special Olympics Basketball Interest Survey
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.
Smart Social Online Workshops
Check out and register for these upcoming online safety events for families!
AI for Student Success: Being Productive & Learning Future Skills
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 @ 6pm
Bring your kids and unlock the power of AI together! Discover cutting edge AI tools and skills that spark curiosity, boost learning (without cheating), and prepare your child for the future of AI.
The Impact of Screen Time on Motivation, Health & Academics
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 @ 6pm
Learn how screen time affects motivation, health and academics while gaining practical strategies to set limits and reconnect as a family.
Huntley 158 Family Learning
Huntley 158 Family Learning Series (virtual)
Topic: School Anxiety, Avoidance & Refusal: Symptoms and Interventions
When: 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.
She will explore factors that contribute to school avoidance and help parents learn how to recognize early warning signs and unhelpful coping patterns, and better understand how anxiety and avoidance can reinforce one another.
In addition, Rhew will outline specific interventions to help children manage anxiety, increase motivation, set realistic goals, and gradually re-engage in school. Parents will also learn strategies for responding to anxiety without unintentionally reinforcing avoidance, promoting healthy coping and problem-solving, and using communication that builds self-advocacy, confidence, and independence.
Thriving Futures Parent-led Support Group
​When: Thursday October 1, 2026
​Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
​Where: Morkes Chocolate, 11801 Main St, Huntley, IL 60142
The Thriving Parent Support Group is a parent-led support group for Huntley District 158 parents/guardians of students with IEPs. The goal is simple: to help parents build connections with one another so they can strengthen the supports that are vital for their child’s success.
Families are invited to connect, share experiences, and support one another through casual conversations, roundtable discussions, and occasional learning opportunities. Parents of IEP learners of all ages are welcome, and attendance is flexible—come when you can. Please share with other parents that may benefit!
If you’d like to stay informed about future meetings, please take a moment to complete this form
Huntley 158 Movie Night
Join Us on 10/13 for NEW Huntley 158 Movie Night
When: Tuesday, October 13
Time: 6 PM - 8 PM
Where: Heineman Middle School
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.
