News from Homewood School District 153/December 1, 2017
Like us on Facebook
You're Invited to a Very Special Event This Tuesday

On Tuesday, December 5, Homewood School District 153 will host Holocaust survivor and critically-acclaimed author Marion Blumenthal Lazan at 6:30 pm in the James Hart Middle School gym. This free event is open to the public.

Need more convincing to attend? Watch this video produced by the kids at Panther TV!



Timothy Redmond and Ayomide Ajayi argue a point before the judges.
8th-Graders Test Their Knowledge of U.S. Constitution 

How are powers distributed between the states and the national government under our federal system? Give examples.
 
How did the Supreme Court acquire the power of judicial review?
 
These are just some of the tough questions James Hart 8th-graders tackled during a simulated congressional hearing on November 17th.
 
The students were participating in the program, We the People, a national project to promote civic competence and responsibility among the nation's elementary and secondary students. 
 
The culminating activity for students is a simulated congressional hearing in which they "testify" before a panel of judges.  Students had to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles.  They also were asked to evaluate, take, and defend positions on related historical and present-day issues.
James Hart Names Panther Pride Winners

James Hart School celebrated the accomplishments and character of this trimester's Panther Pride Award recipients on Nov. 30th.

Back (L to R): Amira Lowery, 7th-grade; Jaiden Allen, 8th-grade; Aaron Latman, 8th-grade; Emma Steiner, 6th-grade; Emilia Hilgen, 7th-grade. Front (L to R): Isabella Woodward, 6th-grade; Audrey Zirbel, 6th-grade; Alyson Harris, 8th-grade.

Congratulations to all!

Churchill School Presents Never Give Up Awards

There were plenty of accomplishments and character to celebrate over at Churchill School, too. The school presented its 1st trimester "Never Giver Up" awards on Nov. 28th. Congratulations to following deserving Bulldogs!

5th-Grade: Back Row (L to R) Jackson Grage, Kaylee Vitolka, Milton Carter, Morgan Kimble, Aubrie Camp, Analeese Weber, Zay Enna Simmons, Marissa Harris, Jemiyah McDonald

4th-Grade: Middle Row (L to R) John-David May, Nelah Winston, Madison Jean, Emmanuel Wright, Damien Munson, Violet Rodriguez, Carlos Gil, Noel Castillo, Sophia Castellanos

3rd-Grade: Front Row (L to R)  Janiah Roper, JaKayla Roper, Genesis Kimbrough, Josiah Thompson, Allison Schaffrath, Sawyer Horcher, Cytlaly Zambrano, Tatiana Jackson, Senese Young
Two More Ways to Keep Reading!

Wonderful new additions to report at Churchill and Willow Schools--free little libraries! District 153 staff members Maureen Daley and Nicole LaPorte secured a $750 Illinois Education Association SCORE grant to help with the costs of building, installing and stocking the new libraries. Check them out if you're in the neighborhood!



Schools Participate in Annual Thomas E. Brabec Day of Community Service

Tom Brabec served on the District Board of Education for 18 years before he stepped down in 2015. To honor his example of selfless service, District 153 observes an annual "Day of Community Service" in December. Each school conducts events that, in some way, serve the community...just as Tom did for us. 

Here are this year's planned events in case you want to help!

Willow School: Collecting needed items for the South Suburban Humane Society
 
Donations Accepted: Dec. 4-15

What:  Purina puppy chow, Purina cat/kitten chow, Canned pate cat food, Clorox Wipes, AA batteries, Non-clumping cat litter, Disposable gloves, Large rugs/blankets, Kong toys, tissue, Paper towels, Hand sanitizer
Churchill School: As sembling personal hygiene kits for Suburban Access

Donations Accepted: Dec. 4-7

                                                            What:  soap, washcloths, toothbrushes, and toothpaste 
Members of the James Hart Honor Society with items collected during their food drive.
James Hart School: Thank you for supporting our recently completed drives!

Raised over $500 (matched for a total donation of $1,500!) for the Cancer Support Center.

Collected over 50 boxes of food for the Thorton Township Food Pantry.


Future Dates

December 5 HSD153 Presents Marion Blumenthal Lazan, JH Gym, 6:30 PM
December 6 Early Dismissal
December 7 7th/8th Grade Choir Concert, JH Gym, 7:00 PM
December 11 School Board Meeting, JH Media Center, 7:00 PM
December 19 Churchill School Choir Concert, 7:00 PM
December 21 Early Dismissal
December 22 No School: Winter Break Begins!
Homewood School District #153 | 708.799.8721 |   hsd153.org