OLHMS Update (1/14/25)
Did you know that the D123 Board of Education has recently approved the New Strategic Plan?
D123 Board of Education proudly unveiled the newly approved School District 123 Strategic Plan Framework. This comprehensive, forward-thinking plan is designed to provide a long-term vision for our district through the year 2030. Central to this framework is the Portrait of a Graduate, a model that embodies the skills and dispositions our students will need to thrive in college, career, and life. Supported by five overarching goals and a series of targeted objectives, this plan is a reflection of our district’s mission: "Preparing Today’s Learner for Tomorrow’s World."
Did you know our scholars took the Winter NWEA MAP Assessment this week?
We are excited for our scholars to demonstrate their learning thus far by taking the ELA and Math portions of this computerized assessment this week.
Help our scholars meet and exceed their goals by getting their proper rest, having breakfast and charging their Chromebooks. Additional information about MAP is below!
Mustang Families,
As we journey through 2025, our focus remains on turning dreams into reality. Together, we nurture a dynamic school community built on academic excellence, character development, and resilience. These values align perfectly with this year’s theme, U Belong!
Guided by our mission of continuous growth, we are dedicated to our School Improvement Plan (SIP) goal: ensuring that 100% of our students meet or exceed their MAP growth targets in reading and mathematics. Our "100% All In" mindset drives the implementation of evidence-based strategies and targeted interventions while continuously evaluating practices to meet the unique needs of each learner. We are incredibly fortunate to have passionate and talented educators influencing our scholars on a daily basis!
Our shared commitment will create transformational growth and long-term success at OLHMS and across District 123. Aligning our daily actions with broader educational goals empowers students to turn aspirations into achievements in reading, mathematics, and beyond.
We are so grateful for your collaboration, support, and partnership- each defining the strength of our Mustang community. Thank you for creating an environment where dreams are nurtured, and success is within reach of reality.
Together, we will Make Your Dreams a Reality (Even Panda Express things so)! I appreciate one of our 8th grade scholars proudly sharing her fortune cookie tag, "Make Your Dreams a Reality." See, even Panda Express know OLHMS!
Speaking of reality, here is the Class of 2025 Graduate Expectation Letter. This letter has been distributed and discussed with our Class of 2025!
Family can expect updated information regarding graduation and fees coming in mid-January!
Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 utilizes systems of academic and social-emotional support linked directly to the assessed needs of our students. Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) provides all students with timely and targeted interventions based upon the results of universal screening tools in reading, math and behavior. Universal screening helps school staff to determine which students may be academically or behaviorally “at risk.” Use this LINK to view the family communications in English, Spanish or Arabic.
We love having fans here to support our Mustang Athletes. Here is the LINK for our Spectator Permission Form and Code of Conduct for student spectators. Student fans unaccompanied by parents, must have an electronic or paper form on file to attend home games. Students cannot stay in the building for games unless they are part of a club or activity.
Bus Behavior: Please remind bus riders that we must be following our Mustang Musts. We have been hearing about challenging, inappropriate and unsafe behavior on the bus riders to and from school. We do have the ability to request bus video footage. Students will be given consequences for their behavior which may include a suspension from the bus.
Bus Loading and Unloading: Families should not be passing buses in our parking lot. This is dangerous and almost caused an accident. Do not pass buses with their stop sign extended.
We are excited to celebrate our scholars success this month! Scholars will be taking the Winter assessment next week. Do not forget to ask them what their Winter goals are for Math and ELA!
Here is a resource LINK for parents and some additional information:
The NWEA MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is a standardized test that measures a student's academic progress in math, reading, language, and science:
How it works
The NWEA MAP is a computer-adaptive test that adjusts to the student's ability level. It's given multiple times throughout the school year, and students can take it on a regular web browser or the NWEA Secure Test Browser.
What it measures
The NWEA MAP assesses a student's current achievement level and tracks their growth over time.
How it's used
Teachers use the results to identify student needs, plan curriculum, and help students progress.
Who takes it
All students in grades K-10 take the NWEA MAP Growth assessment in math and reading.
How it's scored
The NWEA MAP is graded on the RIT scale, which measures between 140 and 300.
It is great to see so many scholars taking advantage of the opportunity to come in early or stay after school for additional time and support with academics. Please remind our scholars that this time should not be treated as a social opportunity and our school expectations of being safe, responsible and respectful should be maintained at all times. We appreciate everyone's support and partnership.
Student Device Repair Program:
Your student's device is protected against accidental damage, theft, fire, flood, natural disasters, power surge and vandalism. If your child’s device needs repair, below are the costs associated with each incident during a school year:
1st incident - No Charge (one-time fee waiver)
2nd incident - $25.00
3rd incident - $50.00
Membership is $6.00 per student and $10.00 per adult
PTSA Meetings are at 6:00pm monthly
- Next PTSA Meeting is February, 3rd at 6:00pm
- Reach out to Delecta Harris, our PTSA President for more information (olhmsd123ptsa@gmail.com )
- PTSA Facebook
All parents/ guardians/ staff & students are highly encouraged to join the PTSA and attend meetings. This is an incredible opportunity, partnership and fun way to support our scholar’s experience at the middle school!
If you are interested in supporting our school in a different capacity please reach out to our PTSA! Maybe you do not have the time to donate, but your contributions can still be made through your membership!
Dates to Remember:
1/14 & 1/15/25: NWEA MAP Assessments
1/16/25: D123 School Safety Town Hall, OLHMS Music Booster Event
1/20/25: No School
1/23/25: D123 Day
1/31/25 & 2/1/25: OLHMS Musical
2/7/25: Make-A-Wish
2/17/25: No School (D123 Family Ice Skating)
2/20 (1/2 Day) & 2/21: Family Conferences
2/26/25: PTSA Open Gym
2/28/25: End of Trimester 2
3/7/25: D123 Ed Foundation Taco ad Trivia
3/13/25: State of the District Dinner
Oak Lawn Community High School
PTSA Activity night for incoming 8th graders on Friday, January 24 from 6pm-8pm.
Freshmen Course Selection Night is February 5, 2025. Information found at Community HS. Additional information and questions can be answered by contacting Maria Vanderwarren, at 708-741-5602 or mvanderwarren@olchs.org.
Friday, January 17, 2025 from 6-9 pm
Middle school boys basketball players are invited to Dunkin' with the Knights at Chicago Christian High School. This is a great way to learn more about the CCHS basketball program. This fun event includes:
-A meet-up with the Varsity Coach
- Watching the game from behind the bench
- Swag, and lots of donuts!
Registration is required. Register HERE.
*Girls night to be announced soon.
Saturday, February 8 from 1-3pm
All ages are welcome!
Monday, February 17 (Presidents' Day) from 7:45am - 1pm
Morning Math (McAuley Pre AP Algebra Class) Placement Test
**Please share with your 7th grade/math teachersSaturday, March 8 at 8am
For current 7th grade girls only
Providence Catholic High School
The 2025 Illinois Radon Poster Contest will run from January 1, 2025 – March 15, 2025 with a goal to raise awareness about the dangers of radon throughout the state of Illinois. Please review more information about this educational opportunity:
2025 Illinois Poster Contest:
- The poster contest is open to students ages 9-14.
- The top three winners will receive a cash prize of $100 (3rd place), $150 (2nd place) and $200 (1st place)
- Posters and entry forms must be received by March 15th, 2025.
- Posters must be sized 8.5x11
- More information can be found here: https://www.lung.org/il/radon-poster
Please find the official rules, details, guidelines and contest entry forms at https://www.lung.org/il/radon-poster. Please make sure students follow the guidelines as close as possible. These guidelines will be the outline for judging.
