OLHMS Update (1/20/26)
Mustang Families,
As we come together following this extended weekend, we had the opportunity to both celebrate and pause, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. yesterday. Dr. King reminds us that meaningful change requires more than a dream; it demands vision, intentional action, and the collective commitment of a community working together. Central to his work was the belief that education is a powerful force for breaking cycles of inequality and creating opportunity for all.
We honor this legacy by being all in on our mission and our 100% goal to ensure every scholar meets or exceeds their growth targets in reading and math.
The renewed energy, optimism, and shared commitment surrounding our scholars makes this the perfect opportunity to continue leveling up. Together, we are committed to supporting every scholar achieving their goal, while fostering social, emotional, and academic growth through high expectations, strong support, and our caring school community!
As we look ahead to the Winter MAP Assessment later this month and SEL survey, we are encouraged by the excitement generated through the IXL competition and the meaningful progress our scholars continue to make. We will use this information to guide our next steps and carving our paths forward with purpose and confidence. Thank you for being such important partners in your child’s education, your support, encouragement, and trust make a powerful difference as we build our momentum and Level Up together.
We have had a staff and scholars almost hit by cars driving through the parking lot during arrival and dismissal. Please help keep our school community safe!
The main parking lot is CLOSED from 8:15-8:45am and 3:15-3:45pm daily while buses are present.
- Designating a pick up and drop off area/ location for our scholars to meet their ride has been extremely helpful and allows families to avoid the congestion.
- Please do not have students run across 99th street or Oak Center Dr. to be picked up without adult supervision. We want to make sure all of our students and families are kept safe.
- The rear doors (Oak Center Dr./ Circle Drive) will close at 8:35am during morning arrival and the rear doors will be closed at 3:30pm during afternoon dismissal.
- School tardies will be assigned after 8:30am.
- Please be patient and courteous!
To comply with both District 123 policy and state law, you are asked to call the school before 8:00am if your child is going to be absent. You may leave a message with office staff at 708-499-6400. Please leave your child’s name. Grade level and reason for absence. If the office does not receive a call then the office staff will attempt to reach you at home or work to verify absence, however, please remember that the responsibility for reporting absences remains with parents/guardians. If a student absence is not called in, and office staff is unable to contact the parent/guardian, then the absence will be recorded as unexcused.
Students are expected to be in school except in cases of emergency or for reasons stated below, which according to School Code, are the only legal excuses for absences from a school.
Illness (the school may require a note from a doctor)
Observance of a religious holiday
Death in the immediate family
Family emergency
Other circumstances outside of the student’s control as identified by the Board of Education in each district
Other circumstances which cause reasonable concern to the parent for the safety or health of the student
Absences and Extracurricular Activities
A student who misses a full day of school may not participate in any extracurricular activities on that day.
Students who report to school before 11:30 am may participate in any extracurricular activities on that day.
Students who leave school during the school day, due to illness , may not participate in after school extra curricular activities.
Graduation Fees: The online system will open in March!
Class of 2026: Here is the LINK to the letter sent home with the reminder expectations and future dates.
SELECT 123:SELECT 123: In partnership with our D123 Ed Foundation, SELECT 123 is a prestigious group of scholars who embody aspects of our D123 mission and vision. This is our fourth year to acknowledge twenty three scholars who have not only demonstrated academic excellence, service and contributed to our community- they have each modeled expressions of perseverance, drive and integrity. These 23 leaders will be featured on our “Wall of Fame” for the 2026/ 2027 school year! More than being featured on a wall, we will expect this prestigious and unique group of alumni to remain connected to D123 and provide valuable insight for years to come! Our Class of 2026 will began brainstorming their opportunity to apply as applications went live last week on 1/23!
We expect and desire to have 100% of our scholars earn the opportunity to walk the stage with their graduating 2026 Class!
May 28, 2026: 8th-Grade Trip
May 29, 2026: 8th-Grade Dance
June 2, 2026: SELECT 123 Breakfast(7:30am) & 8th-Grade Awards(9:00am)
June 2, 2026: Elementary Grad Walk(1:30pm)
June 3, 2026: 8th Grade Commencement Ceremony (7:00pm)
For current 7th or 8th grade scholars
Meeting will be Monday, February 2, 7:30 AM in Cafetorium
Community Service Hours - minimum of 15 hours -Due April 6th.
Grading - A majority of A’s and B’s (Every C needs to be balanced with an “A”) during Trimesters 1-3 of the petitioning year in both Core and Encore classes. No overall “D” or “F” are allowed in any trimester.
Creating and maintaining a Digital Portfolio which highlights examples of the five NJHS pillars (scholarship, citizenship, leadership, character, and service) -Due February 2nd
Completion of a Capstone Project focusing on service on Service Learning Day April 25th
Regular attendance at NJHS meetings before school at 7:30 am in the cafetorium
Monday, February 2
Monday, March 9
Monday, April 13
Thursday, May 7- Mandatory Induction Ceremony Rehearsals (7:30 AM) & Ceremony (7:00 PM)
NJHS Sponsors Contact: Ms. Jen DiSalvo jdisalvo@d123.org
Mrs. Maggie Omiecinski mmomiecinski@d123.org
Mrs. Alyssa Zajack azajack@d123.org
Our main entrance vestibule will serve as the visitor reception and waiting area. Guests will continue to be warmly welcomed, greeted by the staff member hosting them, and escorted to their meeting location. This update is part of our continued effort to strengthen safety and streamline visitor check-in procedures.
As we continue partnering with our local safety agencies, we remain committed to refining our practices and keeping safety at the heart of all we do. Ensuring a secure environment for our students, staff, and families is always our top priority.
To support this shared goal:
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Please bring a valid driver’s license or photo ID when picking up a student during the school day.
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For everyone’s safety, visitors may not leave the main office without a staff escort.
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All students, staff, and guests are expected to wear their designated ID badges while on campus.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our Mustang community safe, connected, and thriving.
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.
As technology continues to play a central role in our students’ daily lives, we encourage families to stay actively engaged in monitoring phone and device use. Research continues to show that excessive screen time and social media use can impact adolescents’ social and emotional health, leading to increased anxiety, disrupted sleep, and challenges with peer relationships.
We know that online interactions often extend beyond “after-school hours” and can sometimes affect students’ focus, well-being, and relationships during the school day. That’s why our partnership with families is so important. By setting healthy boundaries, fostering open conversations, and supporting positive digital habits, we can help ensure all Mustangs feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.
We’ve recently noticed elevated challenges on social media, so please take a few moments to talk with your child and check their online activity. Your ongoing support and proactiveness make a tremendous difference!
Here’s a helpful resource for families on preventing cyberbullying.
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!
Thank you to our PTSA Board members, families and scholars for joining us last night for a wonderfully informative first meeting of the year.
Membership(Click Here) is $7.00 per student and $10.00 per adult
PTSA Meetings are at 6:00pm monthly
- PTSA Meeting- February 9, 2026 at 6:00pm
- Reach out to Delecta Harris, our PTSA President for more information (olhmsd123ptsa@gmail.com)
- PTSA Facebook
1/26/26: NWEA MAP Assessment Begins
1/30-1/31: OLHMS Musical
2/4/26: D123 Late Start
2/5/26: Graduation Picture Retakes, D123 Parent University
2/9/26: OLHMS PTSA Meeting
2/16/26: No School
2/19-2/20: Family Conferences
2/24/26: CASE Family Night @ Kolmar
2/27/26: Make-a-Wish
2/28/26: D123 Fun Fair
Oak Lawn Community High School
- Oak Lawn Community High School will host our Incoming Freshman Curriculum Night on Wednesday, January 21st at 7pm in the Spartan Gym.
Rising Bulldogs Open Gym on Monday, January 26, from 6-8:00 pm.
FREE EVENT FOR ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS (GRADES 6-8), January 30, from 5-7:30 pm.
Providence Catholic High School
