The Mustang Minutes
Keeping Families Connected, One Stride at a Time.
Dear OLHMS Families,
As we settle into the rhythm of the new school year, I want to thank our Mustang families for a fantastic second week! Our scholars are adjusting to their routines, diving deeper into their daily learning, and continuing to show up with positive energy every single day.
Looking ahead, we have a few important updates and safety measures on the schedule:
Fall MAP Assessment: Beginning next month, scholars will take their fall NWEA MAP assessments in Reading and Math. These adaptive tests provide us with valuable data to help tailor instruction to your child’s unique strengths and learning needs. Please encourage your scholar to get a good night's rest, eat a solid breakfast, and simply do their very best!
Emergency Preparedness Drills: Student safety is our absolute highest priority. Throughout September, OLHMS will participate in routine safety and emergency drills (including fire, weather, and lockdown procedures). These practice runs help ensure our staff and scholars feel confident, prepared, and safe in the building.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support at home. Together, we are setting our scholars up for a safe and successful year!
Kindly,
Madalyn Laureto
Principal
Students are expected to:
- Properly care for their Chromebook
- Bring their Chromebook, case, charger, and stylus (if provided) to school each day.
- If your student needs chromebook supplies then please have your student ask for a chromebook form from our tech department.
- Wear their school ID daily.
- Keep personal electronic devices (phones and smartwatches) turned off and stored in their lockers throughout the school day
If there are any questions about these expectations then please reach out to your scholar's grade-level administrator:
- Mrs. Daly, 6th grade
- Mrs. Laureto or Mrs. Tlusty, 7th grade
- Mrs. Grabarek, 8th grade
During the month of September, OLHMS will conduct a scheduled lockdown drill in partnership with the Oak Lawn Police Department. The purpose of this drill is to help students and staff practice our safety procedures in a calm, age-appropriate manner. This drill will include the following three phases:
Phase 1: Preparing and Beginning the Drill
Five minutes before the drill begins, a preparatory announcement will be made. Teachers will use this time to remind students that the activity is only a drill, review lockdown procedures, and answer questions.
After five minutes, an announcement will be made to begin the drill. Teachers and students will remain in their locked classrooms, turn off the lights, and move to their designated area of cover.
Phase 2: School Walk-Through
During an actual emergency, law enforcement officers may move through the school and assist staff and students as needed. For this drill, members of the school administration team and the School Resource Officer will walk through the hallways to confirm that established safety procedures are being followed.
Phase 3: Ending and Reviewing the Drill
An announcement will be made when the drill has ended. Teachers will then take a few minutes to review the drill with their students, answer questions, and provide reassurance before the regular school day resumes.
If you have questions about the drill, please contact the school office at 708-499-6400.
If you prefer that your child not participate, please notify me in writing. We will work with your family to make appropriate arrangements and provide alternative safety instruction.
Kind regards,
Madalyn Laureto, Principal
