The Porcupine Post

This week, our students continued learning all about schedules and routines while building relationships and interacting with their peers. We are busy learning what school is all about—and we are off to a great start! 😊

We also honored Patriot Day on September 11th by wearing red, white, and blue and talking about the important role our first responders play in our communities. We discussed how police officers, firefighters, and medical professionals help keep us safe and care for others.

A special thank you to all of our first responders for the important work you do each and every day! ❤️💙

Sincerely,

Dr. Sheryl Pauwels

Learning through movement and play!

Our students had fun with their occupational therapists during Pass the Bean Bag by Super Simple Songs and The Beanie Bag Dance by Greg & Steve! These activities may look like simple fun, but they’re also helping our preschoolers build important executive functioning skills—like listening and following directions, stopping and starting their bodies, adapting to changes, and controlling their movements. Learning these skills through music and movement makes practice fun, engaging, and meaningful!

September 12th - Huntley Hootenanny

September 18th - ECC Fun Run

September 22nd - No School ECC ONLY Parent Education Day (see below for information)

September 29th - ECC Picture Day

CLICK HERE to watch the short video we shared today for Patriot Day in honor of our first responders. You can have your child make a thank-you card for a first responder—a police officer, firefighter, or medical professional. It’s a simple way to show appreciation for those who help our community!

Come learn about the key areas of development in early childhood—social-emotional, communication, motor, and cognitive skills. Our ECC team will share what occurs within the classroom setting and practical tips for supporting your child at home. This interactive, encouraging session will help you feel confident in understanding and supporting your child’s development.

The presentations will take place inside a classroom, giving you a chance to see where your

child learns and grows every day.

FAMILY ACTIVITY

We will be staying right here at the Early Childhood Center for our family involvement activity

this month! We’ll enjoy Ms. Jamie’s Farm Show in two groups. While you’re waiting for your

group’s showtime, you can explore and play on our playground! Miss Jamie’s Farm show is a high-energy, audience-interactive musical play with farm animal puppets. Kids can sing along, dance, and participate in question-and-answer trivia about farm Animals and farm foods.

Please let us know if you will be attending by clicking HERE

Check out the CMPTA Website for details on all the activities they have planned

Are you looking for a meaningful way to get involved in our school district? We invite you to consider serving as a representative on our district Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee (PTAC) for the 2026–27 school year.

This year, we are working to strengthen communication and connection between our schools and the district by increasing awareness of the important work of PTAC. We are seeking one parent and one staff representative from each school to attend three meetings during the year and serve as a liaison between their building’s parent group and the district PTAC.

About PTAC
PTAC is a school board-required committee led by the superintendent that meets regularly to review and provide input on key areas, including:

• Student discipline policies and their implementation, including considerations for students with disabilities

• The reciprocal reporting system between the school district and local law enforcement

• School bus safety procedures and how they are reflected in discipline policies

• Policies addressing student behavior, including supports for students at risk of aggressive behavior and bullying

• Guidelines related to the administration of medication at school

Meeting Schedule
All meetings will be held at the District Office from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on:

• Tuesday, January 12, 2027

• Tuesday, April 20, 2027

Representatives will be asked to share updates and gather feedback at their school’s parent meetings (such as PTO/PTA or school advisory groups) to ensure two-way communication between the district and each building.

Important Note
While PTAC plays an important advisory role and informs recommendations to the Board of Education, it is not a decision-making body.

Interested in Participating?
Please complete the interest form by Sunday, September 6, 2026.

Your voice matters, and your perspective is essential to this work. We look forward to partnering with you to support our students, staff, and school community.

If you are looking to be involved at the school level rather than the district level, more information on ways to do that will be coming out soon.

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!

Topic: School Anxiety, Avoidance & Refusal: Symptoms and Interventions

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.

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.

This partnership provides mental health care coordination services. This resource is completely confidential and available to all students, staff, and their families at no cost.

As the new school year begins, supporting our youth's mental health is more important than ever. The new school year can bring feelings of both anxiety and excitement as students transition into a new grade or perhaps even a new school.

We have provided a Back to School resource packet for parents and families who are navigating through this time. Click here to access the kit.

By working together, we can create an environment where our children thrive. As a reminder, Care Solace partners with our school to offer valuable mental health care coordination services to connect you with community-based providers for counseling, therapy, and more.

To access Care Solace:

Call 888-515-0595: Their multilingual helpline is staffed 24/7/365.

Visit caresolace.com/huntley: Explore mental health providers independently or click "Book Appointment" for personalized assistance.

Thank you for being dedicated parents in the Huntley Community School District 158 community!

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