August 4, 2009
Dear Holmes Families,
I hope that each of you is enjoying the remaining days of summer. I have enjoyed seeing many of you around town during the break. Whether you are a new family or a returning family, I am confident that this will be an awe-inspiring year at Holmes.
Our teachers and staff have been busy all summer preparing for the new school year. We are all anxious to see the children, to touch base with parents and guardians, and to carry on with the implementation of some innovative programs that will benefit our entire community.
In early September we will forge ahead with a new partnership between Dominican University, Oak Park River Forest High School and Holmes School. This partnership will involve strategic tutoring, as well as mentoring, by trained OPRFHS seniors and Dominican University graduate students. Look for more information about this exciting new opportunity soon.
As we continue our efforts to be “green” this coming school year we will take the next step with our recycling efforts, continue Waste Free Wednesday lunches and reduce the amount of paper that comes home. Please check our district and school websites as well as my blog (holmeshackmiller.blogspot.com) for most school related information. Remember to pay school fees on line as soon as possible. If you haven’t been by to see the Holmes School garden, it is worthy of a visit. I have already enjoyed a hearty helping of green and wax beans and am looking forward to squash and fresh garlic soon.
With the addition of full day kindergarten we are changing our lunch schedules a bit. Please pay close attention to this information in the “Ready, Set, Go” booklets that were recently mailed home. If you did not receive a “Ready, Set, Go” booklet please call the school office and we will be sure to get one to you.
Lunch times will be the same every day…11:00 a.m.
As many of you are aware, we had an exciting evening with our newest friends last week. About 50 of our kindergarteners and their families joined me, our kindergarten teachers and a few other staff, for popsicles and fun in the park. We all had so much fun that I am confident that “Popsicles in the Park” will be a long standing tradition each summer.
Our Welcome Night is August 20, 6:30-8:30 in the Multipurpose Room. Class lists, bus passes and other important information will be distributed then. Our first day (1/2 day) of school is August 25. Please refer to the “Ready, Set, Go” booklet for more detailed information about the first days of school.
Please join me in welcoming the following new staff members at Holmes:
Courtney Dohman-Kindergarten
Anne Kelly-Kindergarten
Shannon Saliny-Kindergarten
Angela Peterson-5th grade
Deborah Mercer-Primary Developmental Learning Program
Sarah Chilton (Rose) - Special Education
Megan Libke-Speech
Jennifer Jaros-Teaching Assistant
Joy Hudson-Teaching Assistant
Keriaynn Strickler-Media Clerk
Margaret O’Malley, Administrative Assistant
Be sure to check my blog (holmeshackmiller.blogspot.com) for information regarding assignment changes among teaching staff.
Following are upcoming dates to keep in mind:
August 20 Welcome Night
August 25 First ½ day of school
September 10 Curriculum Night
September 12 Harvest Social
September 16 PTO Meeting
I am looking forward to another stellar year!
Stay well,
Suzie Hackmiller
Principal
