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Hooper Happenings

August 8, 2025

Hooper Happenings August 8, 2025

LEARN LEAD SERVE LEARN LEAD SERVE

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Achieve excellence by empowering independent problem-solvers who are empathetic and respectful.

Welcome

Dear Hooper Elementary School Community,


I hope this letter finds you enjoying a relaxing and joyful summer. It is truly an honor to introduce myself as the new principal of Hooper Elementary School and to join such an extraordinary school community. I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to serve this district and to work alongside such a dedicated and supportive group of educators and families.


I come to Lake Villa with a wide range of educational experiences. I began my career as a middle school math teacher and later taught at the elementary level in both Chicago and Waukegan Public Schools. For the past 16 years, my family and I have lived and worked in Springfield, Illinois, where I served as a middle school assistant principal before spending the last 13 years as an elementary school principal.


Joining me on this exciting new journey are my husband, Jason, our daughter Addison (who is almost 16), and our 11-year-old son, Luke. We are excited to become part of this wonderful community.


I am eager to begin this new chapter with all of you and confident that, together, we will continue to create an inspiring and enriching environment where our students can learn, lead, and serve.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children's education. I look forward to partnering with you to make a meaningful and lasting impact in their lives.


Enjoy the rest of your summer, and I can’t wait to meet you soon!


Warm regards,


Patricia Nikson
Principal
Hooper Elementary School
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Meet Our New Hooper Team Members

Please Welcome to the Hooper Family!

Shannon Wagner, 2nd Grade

Stefanie Ziccarelli, 2nd Grade

Jeanna Schlottman LD/ED Kindergarten and 2nd Grade

Marietta Palella- Speech and Language Pathologist

Ruth Gutierrez - TPI

Amanda Cardenas, Librarian Assistant

Laura Winzentsen- 5th Grade Teaching Assistant

Amanda Allen- Paraprofessional

Patrick Molsen-Maintenance

Dan Harder- Technology

Allyce Goheen - Cafeteria Supervisor

Laura Winzentsen - 5th Grade Assistant

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Leader in Me Habit #1: Be Proactive

Next month (September) at Hooper Elementary, we are focusing on Habit #1: Be Proactive—the foundation of personal leadership. Being proactive means taking responsibility for our actions, attitudes, and choices. Instead of reacting to situations, proactive leaders pause, think, and make thoughtful decisions. Our students will learn that they are in charge of themselves and that their choices shape their success.


Hooper Hero Habits—a positive framework that supports common area expectations, school-wide celebrations, and shared language through The Leader in Me community.


🐾 Be a Hooper Hero
Habit 1 – Be Proactive

✨ I choose to do what’s right—even when no one is watching.
🪞 I use good manners and show respect.
🧹 I clean up after myself.
💡 I make smart choices.
🤝 I stop and solve problems peacefully.
🚶 I walk safely and calmly.
🙋 I own my actions.
🚽 Go, flush, wash, leave — without reminders.


We’re excited to see our Jaguars take the lead and start the year with a strong, proactive mindset and use their Hooper Hero Habit.

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION AT HOOPER

We are so grateful for the continued support and involvement of our amazing parents and guardians! As we plan for upcoming events and activities, we welcome volunteers to help make these experiences meaningful and memorable for our students.

In order to volunteer at Hooper School, we ask that ALL interested individuals complete a Volunteer Information Form and Waiver of Liability. These forms help us ensure a safe and organized environment for everyone.


Some of the wonderful ways you can volunteer include:

  • Field Day

  • Mystery Reader in the classroom

  • Chaperoning Field Trips

  • And many more opportunities throughout the year!

Please complete and return the attached Form if you are going to be volunteering at Hooper!!

Thank you for being a vital part of the Hooper School community. We look forward to working together to create great memories for our students!

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Attendance

Attendance in elementary school is essential for academic success, skill development, and socialization. Regular attendance ensures children do not miss critical lessons, helping them perform better academically and develop foundational skills in reading, writing, and math. It also fosters social skills and friendships, establishes routine and discipline, and provides access to necessary support systems. Consistent attendance also encourages parental involvement and sets the stage for long-term educational and career success. Your children need to be at Hooper School all day, every day!

School Registration Fees

Registration Fees must be paid in full by 8/31 to avoid an increase on 9/1.

For more information click here

Student Meals

Reminder that the District provides free and reduced meals for students who qualify.

To apply for Free/Reduced meals visit our website under Food Service.

Click here for information on how to create a meal account for food purchases.


  • Paid Lunch is $3.65 and reduced lunch is $.40.
  • Paid Breakfast is $2.00 and reduced rate breakfast is $0.30.

The Importance of Healthy Eating

Healthy snacks are essential in schools for maintaining energy levels, improving concentration and academic performance, supporting physical health and growth, regulating behavior and mood, developing lifelong healthy eating habits, providing educational opportunities, and creating a health-focused school environment. With this being said, District #41 has updated the snack list to reflect additional items. Please click here to see our latest approved snack list.

Notes from the Health Coordinator

Anne Middaugh

Health Coordinator

(847) 356-2151,21001

anne.middaugh@district41.org


Hearing and Vision Screenings:

During the school year, vision and/or hearing screenings are conducted for students. Please see the student/parent handbook for further information. Additional information will be coming home to families at a later date.


Illinois State Health Requirements:


Incoming Kindergarten students ‘25/’26

Out of State Transfer Students any grade ‘25/’26

Health Requirements:

*Current Physical exam and up to date immunizations

*Dental exam dated 11/15/2024 to current

*Current Eye Exam (from Optometrist or Ophthalmologist)

Launch of the Lake Villa SD 41 CARES Program

Header: Expanding Mental Health Access for Students and Families


We’re excited to launch the Lake Villa SD 41 CARES Program, a partnership with Referral GPS that connects students and families to critical mental health resources (including individual therapy and/or psychiatric medication management).


With 8 initial visits free of charge and the potential for continued care based on funding and need, this program eliminates long waitlists and financial barriers, ensuring timely, equitable support.


Many families seek help for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and stress management, and the CARES Program provides connection with independent community mental health providers to address these challenges.


Take the First Step: Visit District 41 CARES to learn more and get started today!


Together, we can create a healthier future for our community.

Weather Updates

Cold Days - The National Weather Service predicts wind chills below -30 degrees.

Snow Days - The National Weather Service predicts heavy snow or icy conditions overnight or that worsen during the day.

Other Considerations - The National Weather Service predicts blowing snow, winds greater than 20 mph, heavy snow accumulations during travel times, hazardous driving conditions, or ice accumulation. Or there is a concern about the ability of buses to start due to extreme cold and power outages.

E-Learning Days - An E-Learning Day may be used as an alternative to being fully closed. These days do not need to be made up at the end of the year. Students and staff would be notified before the end of the preceding day to bring their Chromebooks home.

Parents - Please make sure your contact information is up to date. Parents may keep a child home if schools are open due to weather. They will be marked as excused, however remote learning is not an option under these circumstances.

If Schools are Closed - A district-wide alert will be sent out via phone and email as early as possible (hopefully the night before). Parents can also check the district’s website at www.district41.org.

Personal Communication Devices

As a reminder-


No personal communication devices, including but not limited to cell phones, are allowed to be used during the school day. Smartwatches may be worn and used as watches. However, they may not be used as communication devices. At the middle school, communication devices should be off or disabled, and phones should be in lockers. At the elementary school, communication devices should be off or disabled, and phones should be in lockers or in backpacks. In addition, personal communication devices should not be used until students are outside of the school building at the end of the school day.

Report a Concern

We are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment. The Report a Concern form offers students and parents a confidential way to report any issues or concerns. Submissions are reviewed by the appropriate school staff, who will investigate and respond as needed.


This process helps ensure all reports are taken seriously, documented properly, and addressed promptly. It also allows the school to identify behavior patterns and take preventive action when necessary.

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Illustrative Math Parent Resources

Imagine IM is a problem-based core curriculum designed to address content and practice standards to foster learning for all. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Teachers can shift their instruction and facilitate student learning with high-leverage routines to guide learners to understand and make connections between concepts and procedures.


Accessing the Family Support Hub:


Visit ilclassroom.com to access the Family Support Hub without logging in. Click the “Explore Curricula” button at the bottom of the screen and navigate to your student’s subject and grade!


Please click this link to access the Illustrative Mathematics Parent Information.

Parent Advisory Committee

At B.J. Hooper School, we believe that strong partnerships between parents, teachers, and school leaders create the best learning environment for our students. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to be part of our new Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)!


What is the Parent Advisory Committee?

The PAC is a group of parents and guardians who work closely with the school administration to provide input, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that benefit our students and school community. This committee serves as a bridge between families and the school, ensuring that parent voices are heard and valued.


Why Join the PAC?

  • Have a Say – Share your thoughts on school practices, programs, and initiatives.

  • Stay Informed – Get updates on school events, curriculum, and upcoming decisions.

  • Build Community – Connect with other parents and school staff to support student success.

  • Make a Difference – Help shape the future of our school and create a positive learning environment.


How Can You Get Involved?

Please contact Mrs. Nikson if you are interested in serving on the PAC.


Dates:

September 18th 4:30-5:30 PM

January 15th 4:30- 5:30 PM

April 23rd 4:30- 5:30 PM


Thank you for being a vital part of our school community!

Parent/Guardian Information

At the beginning of each school year, school districts, charter schools, and non-public schools are required to notify parents and guardians of the availability of ISBE’s Resource Guide: https://www.isbe.net/Documents/Faiths-Law-Resource-Guide.pdf

Calendar of Upcoming Events for the 2025-2026 School Year

August 18- Board of Education Meeting District Office 7:00 PM

August 19- Early Childhood/Grades 1-5 Curiosity Day 3:00-4:00 PM

August 20- 1st Day of School Grades 1-5 (Half Day)

August 20-22- Kindergarten Round-up

August 21- 1st Day of School Early Childhood

August 22- Kindergarten Curiosity Day 1:00-2:00PM

August 25- 1st Day of School for Kindergarten

August 27- Curriculum Night Grades PreK-2 6:00-7:00 PM

September 1- Labor Day-No School

September 3- Curriculum Night Grades3-5 6:00-7:00 PM

September 8- Board of Education Meeting District Office 7:00 PM

September 18- Parent Advisory Committee 4:30-5:30 PM

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Patricia Nikson
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