2017-18 School year is just days away!

August 15th is our first day of school for students and a FULL DAY as well. Students will attend from 8:23-3:20.

I'm looking forward to seeing all of those smiling faces!

Here are some answers to FAQ's about the start of the year at Hester.  If you have any other questions, please post them below and I'll be happy to answer them so others can see. If you're thinking it, someone else probably is too!

-WHEN WILL I GET MY SCHEDULE?   6th graders got their schedule at Open House on Thursday August 10th from 4-6p.m.   7th and 8th grade will get their schedules on the first day of school.

WHAT HAPPENS ON AUGUST 10?- This is a casual evening where new D84 enrollees and 6th graders can pick up their schedule and students and parents can get comfortable with the building. Gym uniforms will also be on sale.  Office personnel and administration will be present to answer questions. Teachers are not present on this evening.  

-I'M A 6TH GRADE STUDENT. WHEN WILL I GET MY CHROMEBOOK? -Tentatively, 6th graders will get their Chromebooks assigned to them on August 16th.  Chromebooks will be staying at school for the first few weeks.  A "take home day" will be announced once we get through our (hopefully minimal) bumps in the road of our first-ever one:one Chromebook roll out.

-WHAT IF I FORGET MY HOMEROOM TEACHER?  Don't worry, we'll post homeroom teacher assignments on the blacktop at about 8:00 a.m. on August 15th.

-WHEN WILL I GET MY LOCK/LOCKER? Students will receive their locks and locker assignments on the first day of school.

-WHAT IF MY CLASSES ARE REALLY FAR APART AND I'M LATE TO CLASS?  Hester is not as big as it first seems.  After a few days all students get the hang of it and are able to make it to class on time.

-WHEN CAN I GO TO MY LOCKER? There are a few designated passing periods where you have 4 minutes to stop at your locker to get organized for your next class(es).  10:41-45, 12:12-16, 12:59-1:03, 2:29-2:33.  4 minutes seems like a short time, but it really is enough time to take care of business and get to class on time.

-WHEN DO I EAT LUNCH?  6th grade eats at 11:29, 7th at 12:16, and 8th at 12:37.  There are 2-3 hot lunch options each day. Each grade eats for about 20 minutes and has recess for about 20 minutes. Grades 6 and 7 eat before their recess time. 8th grade has their recess before lunch.

Any other questions? Don't hesitate to ask!  I'm looking forward to a fun and productive year!

-Mr. Trotter

*I am always here to help.  Whatever your concern, please don’t hesitate to contact me or Mr. Bulfer.
gtrotter@d84.org    abulfer@d84.org

Marion Blumenthal Lazan Visit 5/1/17

Marion Blumenthal Lazan, Holocaust survivor         http://www.fourperfectpebbles.com/

NJHS Inductions 10.13.16

Franklin Park Fire Department visit 10.13.16

Thank you to the Battalion Chief Halverson and the Franklin Park Fire Department for visiting our 6th and 7th graders this morning to talk about fire safety. Thanks for the reminders about smoke alarms and making a family escape plan.  ........and the free water bottles too!

FUSION starts at Hester! IMSA Fusion after school and Saturdays

Check out Mrs. Pina's FUSION photo gallery at: http://www.d84.org/Page/1854

About Fusion

IMSA Fusion is a teacher professional development and student STEM enrichment program for Illinois students who are talented, interested and motivated in mathematics and science. IMSA Fusion places a special emphasis on students who are historically underrepresented in those areas.  Fusion works with teachers and students in grades 4-8.

In brief, the program goals are:

• Maintain or increase students interest, involvement and literacy in science and mathematics
• Enhance the knowledge and skills of teachers in science, mathematics, and technology; stimulate excellence in schools
• Stimulate excellence in schools' science and mathematics programs
• Help increase access to programming for students who are historically under-resourced in science, mathematics and technology and for all areas of the state

By design, the IMSA Fusion curriculum is inquiry based, problem centered and integrative. The learning experiences focus on helping students "learn how to learn" and emphasize logic, mathematical thinking and experimental scientific thinking. Topics relate to the students' lives, thereby arousing their curiosity and increasing their motivation to learn in mathematics and science. Teachers from each participating school are supported with on-going professional development for the delivery of the curriculum and use of appropriate pedagogy.

https://www.imsa.edu/extensionprograms/fusion

8th graders visit Cook County Circuit Court 9/28/16

Thank you to Hispanic lawyers association of Illinois, Puerto Rican Bar Association, Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans.  

Open house 9-1-16

Matt Wilhelm visits First Day of School 8/15/16

http://www.mattwilhelm.com/

Matt Wilhelm worked his whole life to make it to the largest BMX competition in the world, The X-Games. However, his glory was short lived as he finished in LAST PLACE. Matt refused to give up and went on to win three X-Games medals and two National Championships.

Growing up Matt was made fun of for being “Different” and riding BMX. He was going to quit riding BMX altogether after an intense bullying episode at the local dirt jumps. However, another BMX rider had the courage to stand up for him and include him into the group. From that moment on the other student became Matt’s hero. Matt Wilhelm’s anti-bullying program empowers kids to stand up for others, stand up for themselves, and be everyday heroes.