September 26, 2025

Looking for something for your kids to do on Oct 3? Highcrest kids will have SkyZone all to themselves! Burn some energy and hang with other Highcrest kids. All funds raised from ticket sales go toward student enrichment projects at Highcrest. Drop off or stay while they jump. Highcrest students only!

Support Highcrest’s dedicated staff throughout the year! The PTO stocks the staff lounge with snacks and drinks throughout the year. Each House takes a turn purchasing requested items from the sign-up or donating to fund purchases.

This month (October), it is Grade 6/House 1 turn.

Grade 6/House 1: Zorger, Alperstein, Brisky, and Macfadden

After school club registration is still open for High Five! Club meetings start on 10/9.

The Wilmette High Five Junior Choir strives to provide a safe, affirming learning environment in which students of all abilities come together to create and experience music, build friendships, and raise awareness against stereotypes of differently-abled people. This club was designed after the High Five Choir that is offered at New Trier High School. The Wilmette High Five Junior Choir aims to share the love of music with peers regardless of abilities, share our voices through music, and have a lot of fun! Click here to register!

Club days and times: Thursdays, 3:45-4:45, 10/9/2025-1/29/2026

Winter Concert Date/Times: January 29, 2026, 4:15- 4:45 pm, HMS Auditorium

Instructor: HMS Music Director, Mrs. Martin

Club fee: $125

Introducing the District 39 Educational Foundation’s Innovative Educators Award!

The District 39 Educational Foundation is proud to announce a new award to highlight innovative excellence in our buildings. The Innovative Educators award will recognize teachers who demonstrate excellence in innovative teaching and learning practices in their classrooms and who model the characteristics of the D39 Educational Foundation’s mission.

Nominees for the Innovative Teachers Award are educators who think beyond traditional teaching methods and programs. Some descriptors of Innovative Educators are listed below:

• Try new practices and approaches to reach and teach students.

• Create an environment of innovation within their classrooms.

• Show leadership among their peers and share their innovative practices for the benefit of all students.

• Provide new and innovative opportunities for students in their varied interests and talents.

• Innovative in building a welcoming community within their classrooms where every student is valued for unique abilities, background, and talents.

Nominations for this award will open on Nov. 3 and we will share more information on the nomination process in the weeks ahead. Families are encouraged to nominate qualified faculty/staff as we seek to showcase our amazing D39 educators!

Parent Education Events

Earlier this month, District 39 held its first Parent Education event of the year, titled “Navigating School Safety Scenarios: How Would You Respond?” A recording of that presentation is now available. This event was held in partnership with the Wilmette Police Department, Be SMART, Family Service Center and the KEY Coalition. Please click the links for more information from our contributors.

Mark your calendar for our next Parent Ed presentation, “Generative Artificial Intelligence for Parents and Caregivers,” set for Wednesday, October 15 at 6:30 pm. Amanda Bickerstaff from AI for Education will be our presenter for this evening event held virtually via Zoom. Registration for this event is open now. Please visit our Parent Education webpage for our full schedule of events as well as archived recordings of past events.

Additionally, PASS39 (Parent Association of Student Services) is partnering with the Wilmette Public Library for an event titled “Navigating 504 and IEP Plans.” This in-person event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 6-7:30 pm at the Wilmette Public Library and aims to provide families with clarity and support as you explore educational options for your child(ren). Online registration is open now.

Join Our District 39 Team!

District 39 is looking for caring and qualified individuals to join our D39 team! We are accepting applications for paraprofessionals (also known as teaching assistants) and substitute teachers. The hourly rate for paraprofessionals starts at $20.78 per hour with an approximate work day from 8 am-3:30 pm. If you are interested, or know of someone who may be interested in working as part of a dynamic team in a vibrant and welcoming setting, please visit our D39 employment webpage.

Science Olympiad Coach Needed

Would you like to mentor some of D39’s bright, scientific minds? District 39 is looking for coaches for its varsity and junior varsity Science Olympiad teams for the 2025-26 season. Last year’s team posted a top-10 finish at the state meet and is looking for a mentor to help them build on that accomplishment. This program will not be able to continue if we do not have coaches to support our teams. Please consider sharing your expertise! This position will receive a stipend of $3,213 for the year. If interested, please check out the job descriptions and apply online.

Wilmette Stars / Special Olympics

The Wilmette Stars, District 39’s Special Olympics team, are looking for student-athletes and volunteers who would like to participate in our basketball skills season starting October 7. Any D39 student in grades 3-8 with an intellectual disability is eligible to participate. Volunteers help coach the athletes and must be at least 14 years old. If you would like more information, please contact Joe Taylor at taylorjo@wilmette39.org.