October 24, 2025
Welcome Hawks!
Hello Hawk Families,
What a fun week it has been at HMS! The photo featured here is a follow-up activity completed by our 5th Grade Students from Gigi's Play House! Together, students created a hand for our display that showcased what makes them unique and highlighted our commitment as a school community toward being accepting, generous, and kind.
In this week's newsletter, we focus on:
- Upcoming Events
- Helpful Halloween Hints
- Notable Notes
- HMS PTO Updates
- D39 Updates
- Community News
- Hawk Handbook Highlights
We hope that you all have an amazing weekend ahead!
Go Hawks!
Anthony, Linda, + Susie
As we prepare for our early release schedule on Friday, October 31, we wanted our Highcrest Families to have some tips for success.
Q: What are the school day hours that day?
A: The school day will run from 8:37 AM through 11:46 AM.
Q: Can students dress up for Halloween that day?
A: Yes! Students can dress up in school and age-appropriate costumes, but there are some limits to consider.
Q: What are the limits or restrictions for costumes that day?
A: Yes! For the school day, students should not:
- Bring props (weapons, toys, light-sabers) for their costumes
- Wear masks or face paint
- Need to prepare and get dressed in any of the costumes while at school, come prepared
- Wear inflatables as they will be in the deflated state throughout the school day
Additional considerations:
- Students should be comfortable and wear shoes that allow them to navigate the stairs and building.
Hawk Hut Next Thursday 10/30!
Next Thursday, October 30th, students can shop at the school store during recess. All items are under $2 (cash only). This is a fun way to raise money for the PTO and students love choosing treats and treasures!
We need volunteers to help the students check-out. Sign up here:
www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AA9AB2BA4F5C16-59904332-hmshawk
Athletics Updates: Wilmette Wrestling
The Wilmette Wrestling Team will hold open gym practices on Mondays and Thursdays after school from 4 to 5 p.m. in November. Everyone is welcome to come and give wrestling a try. They will meet in Gym A at HMS. Their first practice will be on Monday, November 3rd. You can find more information on their website: wilmettewrestling.com
Candy While at School
We've heard from students that on their way to school, they are stopping with their bikes at a store like a Walgreens and picking up bags of candy, like bags of Jolly Ranchers. Students then pass these out and even attempt to sell them to peers before or after school. We imagine there may even be attempts to sell throughout the school day. Please help us by reminding students that they should not buy or sell materials at school, nor should they share food or candy here at school. We appreciate any reinforcement you can help provide in partnership with our school!
Buy your tickets HERE: https://www.highcrestpto.org/form/m/360419
The Big Book Drive: Rotary Club
The Wilmette Rotary plans to resume our Big Book Drive this fall, October 1 through November 14, 2025. They request donations of gently used books (excluding textbooks, old atlases, encyclopedias, and dictionaries) for our Book Drive in the fall. Check out the Big Book Drive page for more details.
Donations can be made to the HMS Book Drive Box beginning October 1. Our Bin(s) will be located in our main lobby for students to drop them off until November 14.