An Update from Hough Elementary

This month, we are focusing on the next Character Strong theme of EMPATHY—the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. In our classrooms, students will learn how to "walk in someone else's shoes" through thoughtful discussions, role-playing activities, and stories that highlight kindness and compassion. We’ll explore ways to recognize and respect different perspectives, practice active listening, and respond to others with care. Families can join in by encouraging conversations at home about how empathy can strengthen relationships and make a positive impact in our community. Together, we can create a culture of understanding and support! Please click on the link to review the Character Strong family newsletter.

As the weather is getting wet and colder, I wanted to send out a friendly reminder that students need to come to school properly dressed for the weather including a cold weather jacket, hat, gloves, snow pants and boots, if appropriate. It is highly recommended to send in an extra set of pants/sweats and socks, as many students are coming in from recess with wet clothes. Please feel free to review this temperature chart that the district uses when making the determination for outdoor recess. Thank you so much for your assistance.

As we continue to refine our drop-off and pick-up procedures, please remember that students should be getting in and out of cars on the playground side of Lincoln. Visibility can be limited for those crossing the street since there are parked cars , so entering and exiting family vehicles from the sidewalk closest to the school in the drop-off/pick-up lane is the best way to keep our students safe. Since the weather has gotten colder and more staff are driving and parking, there may be not be parking spaces to pull into. Also, Salem Church lot is for parishioners and preschool traffic, so please do not park in the lot.

Chess Without Borders will be offering Winter Chess Club at Hough every Tuesday, 12/3 - 3/18 (NO CHESS CLUB on 12/10 due to the Holiday Market). This club is open to all grades and all abilities. Please click here to learn more and register.

As we enter the season of giving, the Barrington Fraternal Order of Police is again seeking to assist those in our community who are in need. They have partnered with the Barrington Fire Department to collect more food than ever. We are accepting non-perishable food items in the lobby of the Barrington Police Department until December 13th.

On Monday, March 10th, Barrington 220 will be hosting its annual Speech Tournament for 4th and 5th graders. All 4th and 5th grade Hough students are invited to participate in this optional event.

Interested students should meet in the Library Media Center (LMC) for the first 15 minutes of recess on Friday, December 6th. Digital student information packets and permission slip applications will be discussed at the meeting. All student applications and coaching agreements are due electronically by Thursday, December 19th. This is a hard deadline. Students must bring their iPads to the meeting to join the speech tournament Schoology group. This is where they will access all information, scripts, and the application form. There is no cost to participate.

Turkey Bowling at Bowlero: Please join us for the Turkey Bowling Playground Fundraiser at Bowlero the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Please Purchase tickets here. Bring your friends and family to on November 30th from 12:00-2:00 PM. This event includes two hours of bowling (with shoes), an arcade card, lunch and drinks. All attendees will receive a raffle ticket for a family bowling pass, which includes: 2 hours of bowling with shoes for five people! If you know of a business who would like to sponsor a bowling lane for this event, please email hellohoughpto@gmail.com.

Holiday Market: It’s the most wonderful time of the year and WE NEED YOUR HELP! The Hough Holiday Market is on Tuesday, December 10th from 5:00–7:30 PM. We need parent volunteers to make this event a success! Positions include setting up, taking down, cashiers & shopper leads. Click Here to Sign Up for Holiday Market

Holiday Bake Sale: The Hough Bake Sale is in need of your homemade (or store bought) goodies! Please drop off items, packaged individually to sell any time on Tuesday, December 10th, between 7:15 am-3:30 PM. You can stop by the Bake Sale in the gym while your child is shopping at the Holiday Market, (or scarf down on the walk home...all by yourself). Please remember to bring cash.

Hough Playground Update: We are making way in our planning for the new Hough playground. The committee has a meeting with the district this week, and we will share information, such as budget and design, as it becomes available. In the meantime, we are continuing to fundraise, apply for grants, and work with the district and our vendors on this exciting project. Stop by the Hough gym during the Holiday Market to shop the bake sale and also to view playground plans and share your feedback! We appreciate everyone’s support and excitement!!

-Tuesday, November 26th: Term 1 Report Cards Available on Infinite Campus at 4:00 PM

-Wednesday, November 27th-29th: NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Break)

-Monday, December 2nd: 4th Grade STEM Club (2:45-3:30) & 5th Grade Boys B-ball 2:45-3:45 PM

-Tuesday, December 3rd: 5th Grade Boys B-Ball 7:05 AM AND 2:45-3:30 PM & Winter Chess Club begins (2:45-3:45)

-Wednesday, December 4th: Winter Band/Orchestra/Choir Concert 6:00 PM

-Thursday, December 5th: 5th Grade Girls B-Ball 2:45-3:45 PM

-Friday, December 6th: 5th Grade Girls B-Ball 7:05 AM, 4th/5th Grade Speech Tournament Mtg (first 15 minutes of lunch recess) and 5th Grade Boys B-Ball 2:45-3:30 PM

-Tuesday, December 10th: Holiday Market & Bake Sale 5:00-7:30 PM

-Fri./Sat., December 13th & 14th: BHS Winter Wonderfest 6:00-9:00 PM