Marlowe Message 10.16
October 16, 2026

🐎 Notes from the Corral 📝
As we close out the first quarter and gear up for Quarter 2, our middle schoolers have truly settled into the rhythm of the school year! It has been wonderful watching them navigate new routines, take on added responsibilities, and strive to be respectful, responsible, safe, and involved. From joining sports teams and clubs to making new friends and discovering their unique strengths, our students are growing every day.
With all middle school transitions, growth also comes with learning moments. Lately, we have noticed some challenges with students showing consistent respect toward one another and toward the adults in our building. As we begin Quarter 2, we are taking the opportunity for a community-wide reset to reinforce our school expectations.
Our guiding theme for this school year is “Small Actions, Big Impact.” We are reminding students that everyday habits—like using kind language, actively listening to teachers and staff, and treating peers with empathy—add up to create a positive, safe environment for everyone.
How You Can Partner with Us:
Please take a few minutes to talk with your middle schooler at home about their Quarter 2 goals and what "Small Actions, Big Impact" looks like in action—especially when interacting with classmates and adults at school. Thank you for your continued partnership as we support your student's growth!
Mrs. Pearce * Ms. Clark * Ms. Gordon * Ms. Forestor * Mr. Amaya
Celebrations 🙌
Model Mustangs
6th and 7th Grade
Model Mustangs
6th and 7th Grade
Model Mustangs
8th Grade
We are thrilled to celebrate our latest Model Mustangs! These standout students were nominated by staff for exemplifying what it truly means to be an Empowered Learner—a key pillar of our Portrait of a Learner and district Strategic Plan.
An Empowered Learner takes bold ownership of their educational journey. Day in and day out, our Model Mustangs approach their studies with curiosity, confidence, flexibility, and resilience. They demonstrate strong academic competence, set ambitious goals, and actively seek out new challenges in their pursuit of continuous improvement.
Equipped with strong digital literacy skills and an innovative mindset, these students embrace change, embody the spirit of lifelong learning, and make meaningful contributions to our school and the world around them.
Week at a Glance 📆
Monday, October 19th
Homework Club | 2:30-3:45 PM | Pod 6-4
Service Club | 2:30 - 3:45 PM | B102
Ecology Club | 2:30 - 3:30 PM | A105
Chamber Orchestra | 2:30-3:30 PM | Orchestra Room
Chess Club | 2:30 - 3:30 PM | A104
Jazz Band | 2:30 - 3:30 PM | M110
Tuesday, October 20th
Homework Club | 2:30-3:45 PM | Pod 6-4
Coding Club | 2:30 - 3:45 PM | A203
8th Grade Band Concert | 6:00 PM | Marlowe Gym
Wednesday, October 21st
Homework Club | 2:30-3:45 PM | Pod 6-4
Buddies Club | 2:30 -3:30 PM | Library
Chamber Orchestra | 2:30-3:30 PM | Orchestra Room
Spanish Club | 2:30 - 3:45 PM | A216
Jazz Band | 2:30 - 3:30 PM | M110
NJHS | 2:30 - 3:30 PM | A113
Foods Club | 2:30 - 3:30 PM | F113
Boys Basketball - Parent Meeting | 4:00 - 5 :00 PM | Library
Thursday, October 22nd
Picture Retakes | 7-11 AM in the Fitness Room
Homework Club | 2:30-3:45 PM | Pod 6-4
Student Council | 2:30 - 3:30 PM | B101
7th Grade Band Concert | 6:00 PM | Marlowe Gym
Friday, October 23rd
Early Release | 12:30 PM Dismissal
Important Upcoming Dates
- Wednesday, October 28th: Dia de Los Muertos Event, 2:30-3:45 PM at MMS
- Monday, November 23rd: Parent-Teacher Conferences, No School for Students
- Tuesday, November 24th: Parent-Teacher Conferences, No School for Students
- Wednesday, November 25th-Friday, November 27th: No School
- Friday, December 18th: Early Release Day (12:30 PM dismissal)
- Monday, 12/21/26-Friday, 1/1/27: No School- Winter Break
- Monday, January 4th: No School- Institute Day
Home / School Connection 🏡
Communicating a Concern
Keeping lines of communication open between our families and schools is essential to our students' success! Please visit our District Website for a diagram outlining our chain of communication should you have questions or concerns about your student's educational experience.
At the middle school level, we have additional contact points depending on your specific question or topic. While we always recommend starting with your student's teacher for the specific class, our Team Leaders are also excellent resources.
Key Contacts Directory
General Inquiries & Absence Notes:
Main Office Email: mmsoffice@district158.org
Academic, Schedule & Social-Emotional Support (School Counselors):
6th Grade: Mrs. Bucaro (tbucaro@district158.org)
7th Grade: Mrs. Schuring (tschuring@district158.org)
8th Grade: Mrs. Wuich (kwuich@district158.org)
Social Workers:
6th Grade: Mrs. Hunter (ahunter@district158.org)
7th Grade: Ms. Swanson (aswanson@district158.org)
8th Grade: Mrs. Schwantje (sschwantje@district158.org)
Tier 2 & 3 Interventions:
MTSS Facilitator: Mrs. Blake (pblake@district158.org)
Behavior Support:
Behavior Support TOSA: Mr. Amaya (samaya@district158.org)
- Special Services:
- Coordinator of Special Services: Ms. Forestor (cforestor@district158.org)
Athletics, Activities, Safety & Discipline:
Assistant Principal: Ms. Gordon (hgordon@district158.org)
Curriculum & Instruction, Standardized Testing:
Assistant Principal: Ms. Clark (gclark@district158.org)
Announcements & Reminders 📣
📸 Picture Retakes 😀
Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Fitness Room (Room G124)
Important Note: Students must have an official photo taken through VIP to be included in the school yearbook.
Whether you need a photo retake or missed the first round entirely, please make sure to stop by Room G124 on Thursday, October 22nd!
📌 Need to report an absence, pick up early, or send a message?
Absences: Call the Attendance Line at 847-659-4711. Leave a message with the student's first and last name (please spell the name out) or their student ID number and reason for the absence.
- Early Dismissal Requests: Please notify us at least 2 hours in advance. Be sure to include your student's full name, ID number, and pick-up date/time.
Sign-Out Reminder: Parents/guardians must still come into the main office to sign students out in person.
Messages: Non-urgent messages are emailed to students during the day to avoid class disruptions. Classrooms are only interrupted for emergencies or urgent matters.
Veterans Day Artwork Contest
The theme for Veterans Day 2026 is “Veterans Helping Veterans and Their Families.” This theme highlights support networks, community care, and family assistance provided by and for veterans.
Create a piece of art that represents your idea of how members of the military and military families are supported. Winning artwork will be featured at the Veterans Day breakfast on Monday, November 9th, and the winning student(s) will also be invited to attend!
Due date: Entries must be submitted to your literacy teacher or team leader by Wednesday, October 21st.
- Entries turned in after October 21st will be displayed at the Veterans Day breakfast but will not be eligible for the contest.
- Please make sure your first and last name, grade level, and Team/Teacher (6-1, 7-2, 8-3, Tetrev) are on the back of your entry.
🏀 Middle School Girls Basketball Open Gym 🏀
There will be an open gym for all middle school GIRLS basketball players on
Monday, October 19th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, HHS East Gym. This will be run by high school coaches, and all are welcome.
🎃 Pumpkin Decorating Contest 🎃
Sponsored by Marlowe Student Council
Dates & Location
- Pumpkin Drop-Off: Oct. 19 – 26 (Bring to LRC)
- Voting Window: Oct. 26 – 30 (In the LRC)
Participation & Prizes
- Who Can Enter: All Marlowe students can participate & vote!
- Awards: Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
Important Guidelines
- NO CARVING & school-appropriate entries only
Halloween Costumes
Students are allowed to dress up in costumes on Friday, 10/30 for Halloween.
Please note: Students who come to school in costumes that are violent in nature, inappropriately revealing, or culturally offensive will be asked to change into regular clothing. Students may not wear masks or paint their entire face. NO WEAPONS of any kind, even if they are plastic and no inflatable costumes will be allowed. The Marlowe Middle School administration reserves the right to ask students to change if a costume is deemed inappropriate for the school environment. Please check with an administrator if you have any questions.
Activity Bus Sign Up 🚌
Please be sure to sign up for the Activity Bus if you will be riding it home this week!
You can see the routes HERE or on the sign up form.
Sign-up link: Activity Bus Sign-Up
Plan ahead, sign up on time, and get ready to ride in style! 🚌✨
🏫 Marlowe ABCDE Award 🍎
Marlowe's ABCDE Award gives students and parents a direct way to recognize the exceptional staff who go the extra mile—Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Everyday. These nominations highlight the impactful work of staff members who embody the core principles of our District Strategic Plan: fostering a Supportive, Engaging, and Personalized learning experience for every student. Please consider completing the Google Form nomination linked here.
📸 Capture the Memories! Order Your Yearbook! 📸
Don't miss out on remembering all the best moments, friends, and events from this school year!
Yearbooks are on sale for $40 .
How to Order:
Head over to jostens.com
Search for our school name
Complete your order online in just a few clicks!
Order your copy today!
🐴 Marlowe Spirit Wear 👕
🍂Marlowe Families—hoodie season just got better!
For a limited time, save $10 off Marlowe hooded tees and crewnecks during our Flash Sale. Perfect for cooler days, fall events, and weekends.SHOP HERE: https://1stplace.sale/33272
MMS Boosters 👪
Join us for our next MMS Boosters meeting!
Date: Wednesday, November 11th
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Marlowe Library
All parents and guardians are welcome—no long-term commitment required, just bring your enthusiasm and ideas!
Be sure to follow the Marlowe Boosters on Facebook as well at https://www.facebook.com/MarloweMiddleSchoolBoosters/
District News 🪧
October is ADHD Awareness Month
ADHD affects millions of children and youth, impacting executive function, emotional regulation, and daily learning. Behind every challenge, however, is a student with unique strengths, creativity, and potential.
Need Support? We’re Here to Help. Our district is partnered with Care Solace to provide complimentary, confidential mental health care coordination for our students, staff, and their families. Together, we can ensure every student receives the understanding, care, and guidance they need to thrive.
Care Solace offers 24/7/365 support to connect you with verified local providers who accept your insurance (including Medicaid) or offer sliding scale rates, specializing in ADHD and youth mental health.
Call: 888-515-0595 (Multilingual support available 24/7/365)
Visit: caresolace.com/huntley
Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Meeting
We invite you to join us for our Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) meeting on October 21, 2026 6:00PM-7:00PM. We look forward to sharing information about the many supports and services available to our families and gathering your feedback.
We hope you can join us!
Virtual Google Meet:https://meet.google.com/uzi-ifsx-ibb
The purpose of SEAC is to create a platform for families to come together, collaborate, learn, and build connections as a dedicated community focused on special education. If your child(ren) has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or if you're simply interested in learning more about the special education services provided within Huntley School District 158, we encourage you to attend these quarterly meetings.
Help Us Recycle for Sight!
Huntley School District 158 is excited to once again partner with the Huntley Area Lions Club for the 4th Annual Recycle for Sight Used Eyeglass Collection Drive, taking place at all District 158 schools during the week of October 19-23!
How can you help? Take a few minutes to look through your dresser drawers, closets, and other places where old eyeglasses may be collecting dust. We’re collecting:
Prescription eyeglasses
Prescription sunglasses
Reading eyeglasses
Empty plastic and metal eyeglass frames
Don’t wear them anymore? Donate them and give them a second chance to help someone else see clearly! And don’t forget to ask your friends, neighbors, and family members to join in, too!
Collection Dates: Monday, October 19 – Friday, October 23
Drop-Off Locations: All District 158 schools and the Administration Office
Let’s come together as a community and surpass our record of 282 pairs of eyeglasses collected!
Every pair makes a difference. Thank you for helping us make a difference, one pair at a time!
MPAC Meeting & Family Reading Night
Join us on Monday, November 2 at Martin Elementary for an evening of learning, connection, and family fun! From 6:00–6:30 p.m., our MPAC (Multilingual Parent Advisory Committee) meeting will focus on an overview and discussion of District data. Pizza will be served, and childcare will be provided during the meeting.
Following MPAC, stay for our MPAC-sponsored Family Reading Night from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Families will have an opportunity to enjoy reading activities, explore resources, and learn strategies to support literacy at home.
📍 Martin Elementary, 10920 Reed Road
We hope to see you there!
MMS Quick Links 🔗
Questions / Feedback❓
Virtual Bulletin Board 🎯
Mrs. Jill Pearce, Principal: jpearce@district158.org
Ms. Gabi Clark, Assistant Principal: gclark@district158.org
Ms. Hailey Gordon, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director: hgordon@district158.org
Ms. Carrie Forestor, Coordinator of Special Services: cforestor@district158.org
Mr. Saul Amaya, Behavior Support TOSA: samaya@district158.org
9625 Haligus Road
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
P: 847-659-4700
Attendance line: 847-659-4711