An Update from Hough Elementary

Dear Hough Families,

It has been a whirlwind these past few weeks and the time continues to fly as we approach the holiday season! We are focusing on kindness and gratitude this month at Hough, realizing that we have so many blessings within our school community. Students have spent time reflecting on how to show kindness to others and it is so wonderful to see that kindness emanating throughout the school. Students have also been having conversations during classroom meetings about what gratitude means, how to show gratitude, and how a "thank you" can go such a long way! I am so thankful to be a part of this vibrant community and appreciate all of the support you shower on our students to help them grow in confidence, strength, and wisdom.

We have a lot of exciting activities coming up in the next month and a half including the Variety Show and PTO sponsored Holiday Market. I can't wait to see our students on stage showcasing their creative talents and passions! It is also such a pleasure to see families congregate at the holiday market while students "shop" for treasures for family members.

Please read below for important school, PTO and district news.

With Gratitude,

Heather Schumacher

Holiday/Seasonal Allergy Reminder- we enter the holiday season, many classrooms and grade levels will celebrate with special activities, treats, and events. This is always a joyful time of year, but it’s also important that we keep all students and staff safe by being mindful of allergies and sensitivities. Please click here for an important communication from the district.

Recording Available: Renowned Author Talks About Parenting in the Digital Age -

Barrington 220 was honored to host author Devorah Heitner last week, as she presented two different talks about parenting strategies in the age of smartphones & technology. These are available on demand on the Barrington 220 website until December 5th.

Here is the talk geared for Grades 3-8

Here is the talk geared for Grades 9-12

There is still time to sign up for Winter Chess Club! Click on this link Chess Club link to register!

We are excited to have our traditional Hough Holiday Market again this year on Tuesday, December 9th from 5:00 - 7:30 pm. This is a great, independent, shopping opportunity for your children to experience at Hough. Our 5th graders will resume their rite this year as "Helper Elves." This has been a long time rite of passage for 5th graders as they walk side-by-side with a younger student to help them find the perfect gift for each member of their family and ALSO budget their money appropriately.

• You can preview items available for purchase at Hough Holiday Market Gift Preview

• Want to help make this year a success? Please sign up for one of our parent volunteer slots à 2025 Holiday Market Sign Up Genius

• Have a 5th Grade and/or Hough Alum? Sign them up to help as well! 2025 Holiday Market Helper Elves

  
  

For those new to the holiday market, you can enjoy refreshments from our bake sale and converse with other Hough parents in the multi-purpose room while you wait for your child to shop. Please note that due to high demand it can take children quite a while to shop and have their presents wrapped, so please plan accordingly.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Hough Holiday Market Chairs, Lauren Connolly (Lauren.Connolly@beamsuntory.com) or Crystal Pepper (crystal.d.pepper@gmail.com)

Calling all Hough parents who want to help make this year’s Hough Fundraiser (formerly Parents’ Night Out) totally tubular! We’re kicking off planning for our ’80s Prom—think mixtapes, neon, Ferris Bueller-level fun, and maybe a little “footloose” on the dance floor. Click here to RSVP.

Tuesday, November 18th, 7:00 PM

Kate Fanselow’s house (485 W. Hillside Avenue)

Got a radical idea or a totally awesome connection? We’re collecting donation items like:

• • Event tickets (sports, concerts, theater)

• • Vacation homes or weekend getaways (hello, “Back to the Future” road trip)

• • Unique experiences (chef dinners, backstage passes, golf foursomes)

• • Gift cards, services, and parent-hosted parties (Pretty-in-Pink-themed, anyone?)

• 
  

Can’t make it? No prob—just send your ideas or donations info to your party planners:

Kate Fanselow · kate@kfgcompass.com

Katie Wilson · ohmrswilson1@gmail.com

Hough Winter Wonderfest Tree (BHS Winter Wonderfest 12/12-12/13): This holiday season, we need your creativity to make our Hough Tree shine! The PTO will be sending home a special “book” ornament kit for students to decorate. Here’s what to do:

• Choose your child’s favorite story or character(s).

• Complete the ornament and include your child’s name and grade.

  
  

Kits will come home early next week. Please return completed ornaments by November 24. Let’s fill our tree with the joy of reading and celebrate the stories we love most!

Chipotle - Head to Chipotle (Kildeer) on Thursday, November 20th from 4–8 PM to support the Hough Street School PTO! Just mention our fundraiser when you order or show them this flyer, and 25% of your total will be donated back to our school. Let’s eat for a great cause!

Donations Needed- The PTO is raising funds for families in our Hough community who are experiencing food insecurity this November. All money collected will be used to purchase grocery store gift cards that our administration will distribute to families in need. Please consider donating any amount you are comfortable with so we can get this money in their hands ASAP and help support our neighbors.

You can send donations to:

Venmo: @Samantha-Kunio

Or Zelle: samantha.kunio@gmail.com (on Zelle it might pop up as Nicholas Kunio…same account!)

Hough’s Scarecrow won the Village contest! - Huge shoutout to Caitlin MacLaughlin and the volunteers who helped create our winner!

PTO Meeting- NEXT Thursday, November 20th 6:30pm- 7:30pm in the Hough S.T.E.M Room *babysitters are provided in the gym*

YEARBOOK: Hello! It's never too early to start compiling photos for the yearbook. Have a great pic you want to share? Please upload it to Google Drive here. Email houghhawksyearbook@gmail.com with questions. Thanks! Click HERE to Add Pictures

Stay in the Know with your PTO- Email any questions to hellohoughpto@gmail.com.

• Hough PTO Instagram
• Hough PTO Website
• Hough PTO Information

-Monday, 11/17- 4th Grade STEM club sign up, Variety Show Tickets on sale, 4th Grade Girl Scouts

-Tuesday, 11/18- Choir 7:10am & Chess Club (FINAL ONE) 2:45-3:45PM, 5th Grade STEM Club (Group 1) 2:45-3:30pm

-Wednesday, 11/19- Variety Show Dress Rehearsal @ BHS 4:00pm- Performers only! Variety Show 6:00pm (Doors open at 5:40pm)

-Thursday, 11/20- PTO Meeting 6:30-7:30 @ Hough, 5th Grade STEM Club (Group 2) 2:45-3:30pm

-Wednesday, 11/26- 11/28- No School

-Tuesday, December 9th – Hough Holiday Market 5:00pm – 7:30pm. Click here to volunteer 2025 Holiday Market Sign Up Genius. Bake sale + spiritwear available as well!

-Friday January 30th- Save the Date for Snowball Family Dance

-Saturday April 11th- Save the Date for Big Hawk Little Hawk at Canlan- 1:00pm-4:00pm