The Chesak Chatter

Greetings Chesak Families and Friends,

Week three brought us hard work, laughter, connection, and so many moments of kindness throughout our school. Each smile, encouraging word, and helping hand continues to show what it means to Color Our School with Kindness!

As we head into week four, we have an exciting week ahead! We will kick things off with our Start With Hello Assembly on Thursday and finish the week with our PTA Fun Run on Friday. These events will help us get ready for even more fun during Start With Hello Week and Spirit Week beginning September 21!

Start With Hello reminds us how something as simple as saying “Hello” can help someone feel seen, welcomed, and connected. It is another meaningful way we can continue bringing our theme to life through colorful acts of kindness.

Thank you for helping us create a school community filled with bright minds, kind hearts, and big impact. We are looking forward to another colorful week together!

Here’s to a wonderful week of learning, kindness, and making our Chesak masterpiece even more colorful! #KindnessColorsOurSchool🎨 #BeKind💛 #BeBrave💪 #BeYou😊

With gratitude,

Roshaunda Henson

Principal

rhenson@district158.org

847-659-5700

Get ready for Start With Hello Week! Beginning September 21, we will celebrate a week focused on helping every student feel seen, included, and connected. Throughout the week, students and staff will participate in fun spirit days while learning how simple actions, like saying hello, reaching out, and showing kindness, can make a big difference in our school community.

Be sure to join in the fun: wear green Monday, crazy socks Tuesday, your favorite thing on your sleeves Wednesday, bright colors Thursday, and your best country western or sparkly outfit Friday as we “Be Kind Like Dolly!”

We can’t wait to Start With Hello and continue coloring our school with kindness!

Conferences will be held on the following dates below! Teachers will share information about how to sign up for conferences as the school year gets started.

• November 23 from 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
• November 24 from 7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

This past week, we reviewed our bus expectations with students and practiced bus evacuation drills to help reinforce safe and responsible choices while riding the bus.

Students were reminded to use a voice level 1–2, stay seated in their assigned seat, keep hands and feet to themselves, keep backpacks in an appropriate place, and be respectful in both their words and actions.

Please take a few minutes at home to review these expectations with your child and remind them that making safe choices helps ensure a safe ride for everyone. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our Cheetahs safe! 🚌💛

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.

​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

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.

Huntley Community School District 158 is excited to welcome all Huntley 158 multilingual families to our next Multilingual Parent Advisory Committee (MPAC) meeting on Monday, September 14, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at the District Office, Room 180, 650 Dr. John Burkey Drive in Algonquin. MPAC provides families an opportunity to connect with district staff, share ideas, ask questions, and help support the success and well-being of our multilingual students. Your voice matters, and we hope to see you there!

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