HCS Messenger 2/27/2026
PRINCIPAL NEWS:
Celebrating the Bluestem Reading Goal: Mrs. Kispert invited fifty-eight students from fourth and fifth grade who reached their goal of reading a total of eight Bluestem nominated books to an after school celebration to reward their achievement. Students were treated to pizza, ice cream, prizes and games with their friends. It was a great way to celebrate a challenging accomplishment. There were eighteen students that received a special medal for reading all twenty of the nominated books. Congratulations to Ava Mattantipon, Cami Zeng, Cole Minadeo, Jack Laurie, Leo Kapouranis, Lily Mahoney, Ava Mathis, Eli Wilbers, Fynn Redmon, Luke Sanderson, Josie Damitio, Linnea Cartozian, Maybee Craig, Olive Lohman, Rosie Harrison, Teddy Baffes, Matthew Lathrop, and Jacob Sanderson. The students will be casting their votes to determine which Bluestem book was the favorite at HC Storm. We will send our votes on to the Illinois Association of School Library Educators where they will be tabulated with other schools in the state of Illinois and a children’s choice award will be announced in March. Thank you to the fourth and fifth grade teachers, Angie Corley, Deborah Altmann, Danielle Mahoney, Alice Lohman, Sandra Selander, Diana Codita, Michael Isaac, and Valerie Berry for helping at the party and the HCS PTO for funding the party. Thank you to Chick Fil-A and Culver’s for donating coupons to our participants.
Morning arrival: If you arrive prior to the 8:45 front doors opening, please use the circle for quick drop off purposes and do not park/idling in the circle to wait until this time, as this is considered a fire lane. We want to maintain consistent traffic flow and permit the bus to remain in the circle to release children at 8:45 only. Please communicate to anyone who participates in arrival drop off procedures.
Beginning March 2nd and carrying on until spring break students will be completing the Child Protection Unit in grades K, 2, 3 and 5. This program meets the requirements of Erin’s Law, which mandates that all public schools in Illinois must implement a child abuse sexual prevention program in grades Pre-K through 12th. This unit focuses on making our school a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn; specifically addressing touching safety and assertiveness. For additional information or if you do not want your student to participate in either of the programs, please click on the 2024-2025 Elementary Child Safety Letters: English / Spanish, to complete the opt out Google Form along with emailing your student’s classroom teacher (Strategic Plan Priority 2.3).
We understand that there may be circumstances that occasionally necessitate your child’s absence from school, such as illness or family emergencies. In such cases, please communicate with us promptly, and we will work together to support your child’s continued learning. Curious when you should keep your student home? Check out our flyer in English and Spanish.
How to Report an Absence: Please call the attendance line of the student’s school (630-937-8203) and provide:
- The student’s name
- The student’s teacher
- The reason for missing school
- Indicate if the student has any of the following symptoms:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- The recent loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
IMPORTANT DATES AND CALENDARS:
- March 5th – Spring Photos (sibling photos available upon request)
HCS NURSE CARES:
- 2nd grade dental exams are due by May 1
- Accidents happen! Please make sure your student has an extra pair of clothes in their backpack.
HCS HAPPENINGS:
- School Store Update – Thank you for helping support our HCS Student Council by ordering items from the school store. If your child recently ordered the stress ball we may be refunding that amount to your child because the company we purchase them from has discontinued that item. If your child hasn’t ordered yet, here is the new order form to reflect the items available: School Store order form
HCS SHARES:
PTO SHARES:
- Click Here for information about the HCS Online Directory and the PTO Facebook page.
- Next Meeting: March 4th starting at 7:00pm, offering both in-person or virtual options
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION: