

OLHMS Weekly 5/23/23
Tuesday's Top of the Mind Topics:
Did you know D123 Summer Programming is NOW available?
Check out this link for D123 Summer programs!
Did you know that many commonly used social media platforms are recommended to be used by young people aged 13 and up?
We are inundated with social media concerns taking place outside of school or on the weekends! Critically important is monitoring the use of our scholars' devices. Please remain vigilant with what is happening on social media- TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram are consuming our scholars! Here is the perspective from the National Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) thinking about whether or not TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram are safe for kids. Please remind our scholars that cell phones should be turned off and locked in their lockers daily.
Announcements/ Reminders
Mustang Families,
Our 7th Graders enjoyed wonderful trips last week on the Architectural Tours and our 6th Graders are getting more and more excited for their trip this week along with our Class of 2023! We greatly appreciate our scholars demonstrating their pride for our school and themselves on our trips!
These are earned privileges and unfortunately, some of our students were unable to attend or may not be able to attend. If this is the case, refunds will be given. Our goal is always to have everyone attend based on our Mustang Musts of being safe, responsible and respectful!
ISBE Award: Congratulations to Nuhie Faheem, OLHMS Spanish Teachers, she was honored with the Award for Meritorious Service by the Illinois State Board of Education during the 49th annual “Those Who Excel and Teacher of the Year” awards banquet. She was nominated by her peers and students for this distinction.
SWIC Art Invitational: Congratulations to the students whose artwork was selected to represent OLHMS at this year's SWIC Art Invitational. Certificates of Excellence were awarded to Norah O'Dea, Abella Vu, Amesley Hill, and Izaak Herrera. Honorable Mention medals were awarded to Makayla Swan and Reagan Smith. The Best of School plaque was awarded to Morgan Hollars. Way to go, Mustang artists!
Hidden in Plain Sight: We are excited to welcome the HERO Foundation this week! In connection to Mental Health Awareness Month students will be hearing about the importance of choice making while parents will have the opportunity to visit the Hidden in Plain Sight Trailer on Thursday from 5:30-7:30pm! The trailer is a support opportunity for parents to spot the potential problems. Adults have to be trained on what to look for- this is your chance! The "Hidden In Plain Sight" trailer is a program that HERO is presenting to show families where drugs may be hidden. Each grade level had the chance to hear John Roberts' personal story and his mission in reference to the substance abuse epidemic facing out nation.
Shark Tank: Congratulations to all of our participants! What a wonderful culminating project for our future entrepreneurs!
Library Book: Please remind scholars to bring back school library books! We are still on the search for about 400 library books!
Oak Lawn Public Library: Speaking of the library, scholars learned about the Oak Lawn Public Library’s “Find Your Voice” summer programs! Huge thank you to our partners for sharing and presenting this week with scholars!
Traffic and Buses: Thanks to our families who have continued to be respectful of our one way during arrival and dismissal. If you have a family member dropping off student(s) or adjusted your routine, please remind them of this one way pattern on Oak Center Dr.
- It is very helpful to pull all the way up on the circle to drop off students or allow them to walk the circle drive to the entrance. We have been experiencing some delays due to cars stopping at the entrance of the half circle.
- Our main entrance is for buses only. Parents should not be using the main entrance to drop students off in the morning(8:30am) or pick them up during dismissal(3:20pm).
Skyward Family Access: Make sure you are checking/ logging into Skyward Family Access routinely. This is a great place to obtain supportive information such as student's courses, bus routes, student fees/ debts.
Student Debts: Please make sure to review student debts via Family Access. There are multiple students who have accumulated debts purchasing items from the cafeteria and lost ID's.
Student IDs: Please remind our scholars that they should be maintaining and wearing their student ID daily. Students do receive charges for lost, missing or damaged ID's.
Class of 2023 SELECT 123
Congratulations to our SELECT 123 inaugural group of scholars! The scholars listed below have been selected as 1 of 23 graduates this year to part of a prestigious alumni group to influence our entire D123 community for years to come!
Alice R., Anthony H., Anthony V., Arianna J., Azul V., Brody I., Caydence S., Desiree F., Eleni P., Emily B., Gabriel S., Grace B., Grace M., Jakob G., James O., Jovani A., Laith A., Maggie B., Mashallah H., Norah O., Patrick D., Rylee A., Zofia K.
Class of 2023 Reminder/ Update
8th Grade activities are here! Each of these activities/ events are privileges for our scholars! Unfortunately, some students will not be eligible based on grades and/ or behavioral expectations. Families will be notified today and tomorrow if eligibility has been changed based on grades.
The graduation fee deadline has passed for online payments. Please bring checks or cash to the office for any payments moving forward. If you have questions about food allergies for the class trip please reach out to the main office.
Here are some additional reminders:
Great America Field Trip - Thursday, May 25, 2023
For safety/organizational purposes we do require that each student purchase and wear a “Class of 2023” t-shirt to Great America. In addition, students will participate in a picnic luncheon at Great America with their entire class.
Graduation Dance - Friday, May 26, 2023, 7:00-9:00 PM
The PTSA shared information a few weeks ago and it is linked above. Forms were due by May 12th.
Graduation Gown and Ticket Distribution - Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Gowns and tickets (3) will be given to student prior to leaving for the day.
Elementary School Graduation Walk - Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Scholars will have the opportunity to reminisce while parading the halls of their former schools, closing the D123 chapter.
SELECT 123 Awards - Wednesday, May 31, 2023, 7:30 AM
Parents and families of the 23 SELECT 123 Group are welcome to attend. This event recognizes students who received our inaugural award.
Awards Assembly - Wednesday, May 31, 2023, 9:00AM
Parents and families are welcome to attend. This event recognizes students who received various honors throughout the year.
Graduation Ceremony - Thursday, June 1, 2023, 7:00PM (Live Streamed)
Each graduate will receive three (3) tickets to the ceremony (the graduate does not need a ticket). The tickets will be given to the graduates during school hours, and will not be split or divided up by school personnel. A ticket for each person (no matter the age) is mandatory for admission to the ceremony.
As always, please feel free to contact the main office at 708-499-6400 with any questions or concerns. We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2023 with our graduates and their families!
PTSA
OLHMS PTSA: Next Meeting (August)
All staff and families 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!
- We are excited for next year's board! Huge THANK YOU to Mrs. Shane for all of her wisdom and leaderships as our PTSA President!
Membership can be online using this link: https://olhmsptsa.memberhub.com/store
Looking Ahead
5/23/23: 6th Grade Awards Breakfast (7:30 am), Jazz Concert
5/24/23: 7th Grade Awards Breakfast (7:30 am)
5/25/23: 8th Grade Trip, 6th Grade Trip, Beginner Band Breakfast (7:30 am), Hidden in Plain Sight Trailer (5:30-7:30pm)
5/26/23: Band Breakfast (7:30 am), 8th Grade Dance 7:00-9:00 pm
5/29/23: No School
5/30/23: Graduation Gown/ Ticket Distribution, Graduation Walk @ 1:30 pm
5/31/23: SELECT 123 Breakfast Acknowledgment, 8th Awards @ 9:00 am
6/1/23: Graduation @ 7:00 pm
6/2/23: Last Student Attendance Day- Half Day(Dismissal at 11:30 am)
2023-24 School District Calendar Approved
D123 Hiring
MAY 30 - D123 Job Fair: Help us Shape Tomorrow's Minds Today
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, May 30, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, as Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 hosts the 2023-24 Job Fair at the District Office (4201 W. 93rd St, Oak Lawn, IL 60453.) This is your chance to join a dedicated team of educators and support staff for the 2023-24 school year. School District 123 is seeking passionate individuals for a variety of roles, including classroom teachers, special educators, paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, educational support staff, and bus drivers. Immediate on-site interviews will be conducted for all positions, with accelerated hiring timelines for select roles. Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to our vibrant learning community. For more information, visit our website at d123.org/join.
High School Happenings
Oak Lawn Community High School
The Richards Activities Department would like to invite the Richards Class of 2027 to the Back to School Bash which will be held on the Eve of Freshman Day - Tuesday, August 15th from 6:00-9:00 pm. Students should enter through the Performing Arts Center (Door S15). Please share the flyer with your students, parents and community. Students can register by scanning the QR Code on the flyer or online at: https://forms.gle/Zp4dgbRiFNAAkJfx7
D218 Freshman Summer Reading Program
Chicago Christian Summer Camps
2023 Viewbook: Learn what IMSA is all about! Our Application for the Academy is open!
IMSA Profile: Information about matriculation, courses, and colleges that our students attend
Families can find all of that information HERE for Summer School.
McAuley Spring Open House - Thursday, April 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. See flyer attached.
SUMMER CAMPS AT McAULEY - we are so excited to be offering a variety of summer camps for all ages. See flyer attached.
Providence Catholic High School
Step Up Night Registration Link