Howe Happenings
October 1st, 2026
Dear Parents and Families,
Can you believe it is October? As the old saying goes, time flies when you are having fun! Our students have been working incredibly hard and diving enthusiastically into rigorous, engaging learning experiences every day. Our hope is that they are sharing these experiences with you at home.
Our teaching staff recently reviewed the Fall NWEA (MAP) assessment results. We are using this data to tailor instruction to each student's strengths and growth areas, ensuring everyone is supported in meeting and exceeding the Illinois State Learning Standards.
Upcoming Highlights & Reminders:
Fall Festival Parties & Parade: We are looking forward to celebrating the season together with our annual Fall Festival Parties and Parade! Keep an eye out for costume guidelines, schedule details, and volunteer opportunities coming home soon.
Parent-Teacher Communications: Please reach out to your child's teacher for detailed NWEA MAP score reports. We will be discussing these reports in depth during parent/teacher conferences.
Seasonal Weather: As. autumn temperatures continue to drop, please make sure your child brings a warm jacket or coat for outdoor recess each day.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in making this school year so wonderful.
Warmly,
Jennifer Convey
Important Information
đź”” Attendance & Timeliness
Regular attendance is a vital aspect of student success and relies on a strong partnership between home and school.
Reporting Absences: A parent or guardian must authorize all absences by notifying the school prior to or at the time of the student’s absence. Please call (847) 599-5362 or (847) 599-5351 by 9:30 a.m.
Tardies & Sign-Ins: Students are expected to be in their classrooms ready to begin instruction when the bell rings at 9:05 a.m. If a student arrives late, they are marked absent until a parent/guardian signs them in at the front office. Parents will be notified if a student accumulates excessive tardies or absences.
Early Pick-Up's: If you need to pick up your child before the end of the school day, please notify the main office by 3:00 p.m.
đź“‹ Medical Forms & Immunization Requirements
All kindergarten students and students new to Howe Elementary School are required to submit physical and immunization records.
Deadline: Please submit these forms prior to October 15th. To ensure uninterrupted attendance, completed forms must be received by this date to avoid school exclusion.
Thank you for your cooperation! If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Stephene Ramirez at (847) 599-5351.
Please feel free to reach out to us at any time with questions or concerns—we are here to help and look forward to a fantastic school year!
Waggle
Waggle is designed for Grades K–8 in Math and English Language Arts (ELA). It acts as a personalized practice tool alongside classroom instruction (such as HMH Into Reading or HMH Into Math).
Adaptive AI Engine: Waggle uses an intelligent engine that tracks multiple data points (like accuracy, attempt history, and idle time) to adapt questions in real time.
Fills Skill Gaps Automatically: If a student struggles with an on-grade skill, Waggle temporarily routes them to prerequisite skills or review lessons before bringing them back. Advanced learners move ahead automatically once they show mastery.
Gamified Motivation: Students earn points, gems, customizable avatar options, and short educational game time as rewards for completing lessons and maintaining accuracy streaks.
Multilingual & Accessibility Supports: It includes audio read-aloud options, visual aids, English Language Development (ELD) supports, and Spanish instructional content.
Holiday Helping Hand
Beach Park District 3 Food Drive Sign-Up Form
As the holidays approach, we want to support families in our district who may need a little extra help providing a holiday meal for their household.
Families can choose from:
Non-Perishable Holiday Food Package – grocery items such as macaroni and cheese, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and canned vegetables.
Thanksgiving Dinner Package – groceries plus a frozen turkey or ham.
Sign-up: September 30–October 7
Pick-up: November 23, 1:00–6:00 PM at Beach Park Middle School during Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Loteria
Picture Day
Trunk or Treat
Student of the Month
Breakfast & Lunch Menu
September Student of the Month Recipients
Katherine Rose Aviles Garcia Matteo Andrez Alcala Dennis Aquirre Matias Dela Sancha Maya Nunez Nevaeh Jokinen Jerald Garcia Fuentes Bentley Malo Felix Onan Annalisse Lasiowski Christian Campos Lexy Hernandez Santos Renteria Yaretzi Guerrero Dayana Fernandez Amelia Ibarra Miracle Baartz Leo Sanchez Santiago Fernandez Marjorie Olivas Julian Zamora Xochitl Castillo Denny Berroa Ophelia De Leon Roselyn Nava Brito Iker Gracia Izaguirre Legend McKelvy Yulianna Sanchez Alianna Quinonez Laila Zawadzki Roselyn Nava Britto Laila Zawadzki
Library Corner
Visiting the library is a fantastic way to spark curiosity, support learning, and enjoy family fun! Libraries offer far more than just books—they host hands-on workshops, storytimes, and community events that make every visit an exciting adventure. Check out the resources below to discover upcoming events and activities in our area:
Important Dates to Remember
- October 6th - SIP Day - Early Release for students at 1:45.
- October 8th - Loteria Night 5:00 - 7:00
- October 12th - No School - Indigenous Peoples Day
- October 15th - PTO Meeting at Howe from 5:30 - 6:30 (All are Welcome)
- October 16th - Trunk or Treat at 5:30 - 7:00
- October 19th - School Board Meeting - 6:30 - 8:30
- October 22nd - School Field Trip to The Suessical
- October 29th - Second & Third Grade Music Concert - 6:30 - 7:30
- October 30th - Fall Festival - Details Coming Soon!