The Porcupine Post
September 25th, 2026
From the Principal
This week our students continue to learn about the different people who work in our school and reviewed the expectations for using the bathrooms at school. We had our first parent education day and it was a huge success! Thank you to all of the families and students that came out. I have shared some of the handouts and information below that were shared on Tuesday during the parent workshop. Then our students and families enjoyed Miss Jamie’s Farm Show and played on our playground. Our next one is October 23rd, hope you all can make it! We also have a fun Family Fall Night on October 20th! (more information coming soon)
September Parent Workshop Information
Car Seat Safety Slides
Sincerely,
Dr. Sheryl Pauwels
QR Code to the handouts from the related services
Celebrations 🙌
Mrs. Pagnotta’s class is investigating trees and leaves over the next month. They are discussing types of trees, how a tree grows, animals that live in trees and what foods grow on trees to name a few topics . The kids enjoyed a syllable counting game with Mrs. Wille. Then they participated in various crafts , math games and stories. They are also investigating leaves and other tree items in their fall sensory tub. Tis the season for fall!
Important Upcoming Dates 📅
September 29th - ECC Picture Day
October 1st - Recycling Day
October 12th - No School Columbus Day
October 20th - ECC Family Fall Night
October 23rd - No School ECC ONLY Parent Education Day
Save The Date Teacher Conferences
Conferences will be held on the following dates below. More information will come out on October 9th.
- November 23 from 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
- November 24 from 7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Home / School Connection 🏡
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 classroom or even start attending school for the first time.
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.
By joining hands as a community, we can provide a nurturing environment that supports the mental health and well-being of our youth. Let's prioritize their emotional growth and create a brighter future together.
Announcements 📣
Fall Picture Day September 29th
No advance ordering is needed. After photos are taken and processed, Visual Image Photography (VIP) will email families a direct link to view their child’s photo along with instructions for placing an order.
Here you can can also order photos and contact the VIP customer support team.
Thursday, October 1st is Recycling Day!
It is a special day when old, used things get a magical second life instead of becoming trash. Our classrooms are going to create a recycled art piece! Please send in a clean recyclable item on September 28th, 29th, or 30th. Examples of clean recyclable items to send in are plastic bottles, newspapers, magazines, empty paper towel rolls, cans, plastic lids, plastic forks or spoons, straws, small boxes, bubble wrap, etc. Please avoid breakable or sharp items such as glass. Have items in a bag secured in their backpack.
FALL FAMILY NIGHT
October 20th
5-6:30pm
Bring your family, wear your favorite school-friendly
costume, and get ready for a fun night at ECC!
Glow Party
Games
Crafts
Science Experiments
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Register here
PTA News 👪
Check out the CMPTA Website for details on all the activities they have planned
District News 🪧
Huntley 158 Family Learning Series (virtual)
Topic: School Anxiety, Avoidance & Refusal: Symptoms and Interventions
When: 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.
She will explore factors that contribute to school avoidance and help parents learn how to recognize early warning signs and unhelpful coping patterns, and better understand how anxiety and avoidance can reinforce one another.
In addition, Rhew will outline specific interventions to help children manage anxiety, increase motivation, set realistic goals, and gradually re-engage in school. Parents will also learn strategies for responding to anxiety without unintentionally reinforcing avoidance, promoting healthy coping and problem-solving, and using communication that builds self-advocacy, confidence, and independence.
Thriving Futures Parent-led Support Group
When: Thursday October 1, 2026
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Morkes Chocolate, 11801 Main St, Huntley, IL 60142
The Thriving Parent Support Group is a parent-led support group for Huntley District 158 parents/guardians of students with IEPs. The goal is simple: to help parents build connections with one another so they can strengthen the supports that are vital for their child’s success.
Families are invited to connect, share experiences, and support one another through casual conversations, roundtable discussions, and occasional learning opportunities. Parents of IEP learners of all ages are welcome, and attendance is flexible—come when you can. Please share with other parents that may benefit!
If you’d like to stay informed about future meetings, please take a moment to complete this form
Join Us on 10/13 for NEW Huntley 158 Movie Night
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.
Thriving Futures Talk
Topic: Planning Ahead: Let’s talk about PUNS
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 6:30–7:30 PM (45-minute presentation with 15 minutes for Q & A)
Location: District Office, Room #180, 650 Dr. John Burkey Dr., Algonquin
Cost: Free
Guest Speaker: Services Inc., Jen Rowzee
During this session, Huntley 158 families who have a student with an IEP will learn about the Timeline to follow when applying for disability-related benefits for their child. The presentation will highlight PUNS, providing an overview of the potential benefits available when families plan early (presented by Jen Rowzee of Service, Inc.). Light snacks will be served.
What is the PUNS list?
PUNS stands for Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services. It is an Illinois list for people with developmental disabilities who may need certain supports and services now or in the future.
Why would I want my child on the list?
Being on the PUNS list can help your child become eligible for certain developmental disability services and funding in the future. Getting on the list early is important because some services have limited funding and there can be a long wait.
We encourage families with children at every stage—preschool through high school—to attend. The information shared will help you better prepare today to shape your child’s tomorrow.
PUNS Registration Workshop
Topic: PUNS Registration Workshop: Let’s Get Started
Date: Monday, October 19, 2026
Time: 30-minute appointments
Location: District Office, Room #180, 650 Dr. John Burkey Dr., Algonquin
Cost: Free
Guest Support: Services Inc.
Ready to take the next step? During this hands-on workshop, Huntley 158 families will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a representative from Services Inc. for assistance registering their child for the PUNS list.
Families will have a 30-minute appointment with a Services Inc. representative who will walk them through the registration process, answer questions, and provide guidance on what information is needed to complete the application.
Who should attend?
This workshop is for D158 families who are confident that their child may qualify for the PUNS list and are ready to get started with the registration process. Families will receive one-on-one assistance from Services Inc. to help complete the PUNS registration and answer questions along the way.
Please note: Appointments are required. Families should register for one 30-minute time slot and plan to attend with the information needed to complete their child’s PUNS registration. SIGN UP HERE
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
At Huntley Community School District 158, we’re proud to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Join us in honoring this vibrant heritage and the diverse voices that make our community strong. If you or your family need support, remember that Care Solace offers free, confidential mental health care coordination services. Call 888-515-0595 or visit caresolace.com/huntley. #HispanicHeritageMonth
October is National Bullying Prevention Month.
Let's stand together to create a safe and supportive school community. Recognize the signs, speak up, and report bullying. Together, we can make a difference.
If you or someone you know is being bullied, there are resources available to help:
The National Bullying Prevention Center
The Trevor Project
StopBullying.gov
In addition, Care Solace is available 24/7/365 to connect individuals to care. Call 888-515-0595 or visit caresolace.com/huntley.