Best of the Nest!

Dear wonderful CHMS Families,

As you may recall, our amazing PTO sponsors our staff appreciation award, the “Best of the Nest” with a premium parking spot for the winner! Staff members nominate each other based on: Who has inspired you? Who is making you a better staff member? Who is making your day more enjoyable? Who is doing great things for kids? Who is consistently in your corner? Who is implementing innovative strategies in the building?

This award continues to demonstrate the inspiring, kind, and giving staff we have here at CHMS. The incredible words that are written toward each other in response to the thoughtful actions taken are inspirational.

This month, Ms. Jenny Steinhebel (6th Grade Social Worker) is our lucky winner! A few comments shared about her are:

"Jenny always has her door open and is willing to listen and problem solve. It's nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of to best support our students. Thank you!"

"I appreciate Jenny in her role as social worker and teammate in 6th grade, but most especially I am grateful for Jenny because she is a caring and compassionate colleague and friend. She steps up for her students and for our staff in so many ways! Jenny is always willing to listen, lend a hand, and offer support/advice."

"Jenny goes above and beyond to support all 6th graders. She is constantly checking in with them and their families to see what she can do to make their time in middle school as smooth as possible. The students are so lucky to have her and I am even luckier to get to work with her this year!"

"Jenny is a remarkable colleague and Social Worker! She truly goes above and beyond for anyone she knows. Her students are so lucky to have a dedicated, caring and generous person guiding them through this journey!"

Congratulations again to Ms. Steinhebel and all of our nominated staff members!

Dr. Levi Brown
Principal, Clarendon Hills Middle School

Calling all 7th Grade Parents: Stock the Lounge

Dear CHMS 7th Grade Parents,

Please help stock the three CHMS Staff Lounges with drinks and snacks. Our wish list is below. We greatly appreciate your help!

The PTO coordinates this effort with donations from each grade level throughout the school year. Please make sure your donated items do NOT contain nuts.

Please drop off items on FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 between 8am-8:30am to the tables OUTSIDE of the school office. Please do NOT ship items to school or drop off items late. We cannot accept late donations as the team assembles the items and stocks the lounges immediately after drop off at 8:30am that morning. 

If you cannot drop off during this time, please email staffappreciation@chmspto.org and we can coordinate an alternate drop off before the event. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

 

SIGN UP HERE!

Celebrate Valentine's Day with PIZZA!

Order Home Run Inn Take 'N Bake Pizzas!    Choose from heart-shaped pizza, salads, and an array of toppings like cheese, pepperoni, veggies and more. Order by MONDAY, February, 10th. Pickup will be on Thursday, February 13th at CHMS 4:00pm - 4:30pm. **If you are unable to pick your pizza up during this time, please make arrangements for someone pick up for you!!!**   ORDER HERE!    The CHMS PTO wants to show ALL our amazing CHMS Staff how much we appreciate them by giving every staff member one Home Run Inn Heart Shaped Cheese Take 'N Bake Pizza. Home Run Inn is generously selling these pizzas at cost. Any funds raised beyond the cost of one pizza per staff member will be donated to the CHMS PTO General Fund. Please donate HERE!

 

🍕🎤 Get Ready for Pizza Wars 2025! 🎉

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 12th, because Pizza Wars is back—bigger and better than ever! This is not your average pizza night; it’s an epic talent showcase featuring our very own CHMS stars!     🎭 Calling All Performers! Do you sing, dance, play an instrument, or have a special talent to wow the crowd? We want YOU to light up the stage! 🌟 How to Audition: Fill out the audition Google Form here: Audition Form OR scan the big yellow QR codes posted around the school. Once the form is submitted, Mr. Cantrell will reach out to schedule your audition.   Don’t miss your chance to shine at this unforgettable event! Questions? Email Mr. Cantrell at rcantrell@d181.org.

Let’s make this a night to remember, CHMS! 🍕✨

Save the Date: March General PTO Meeting

Please save the date for our next PTO General Meeting on Wednesday, March 19th at 10:00am at Tierra Distilling Co. & Cafe. 

Enjoy coffee, tea, specialty coffees and light breakfast bites while hearing school updates from Dr. Brown, as well as current PTO projects and upcoming events.

*Please note, we will be filling 2025/26 PTO board positions and committee chair roles shortly; if you are interested in getting involved and have questions or want to hear more, you are encouraged to attend!

A Big Thank You to Our CHMS Families!

We’re thrilled to share the success of our 2024 Minted Holiday Fundraising Program! We raised an amazing $715 — with over 17 families participating and approximately $42 earned from each order. Way to go, team CHMS! Thank you for your incredible support and hard work promoting Clarendon Hills Middle School. 

You can keep the momentum going if you’re planning to order graduation announcements, change of address cards, or any other beautiful card designs! Use the link and code below to continue supporting our school:

🌟 Website: www.minted.com
🌟 Code: FUNDRAISECHMS

Thank you again for your generosity and for making a difference! 💚

Calling all 7th Grade Parents to Stock the Lounge

Hi 7th Grade Parents,

Please help stock the three CHMS Staff Lounges with drinks and snacks.

Our wish list is HERE. We greatly appreciate your help!

The PTO coordinates this effort with donations from each grade level throughout the school year. Please make sure your donated items do NOT contain nuts.

Please drop off items on FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 between 8:00am - 8:30am to the tables OUTSIDE of the school office. Please do NOT ship items to school or drop off items late. We cannot accept late donations as the team assembles the items and stocks the lounges immediately after drop off at 8:30am that morning. 

If you cannot drop off during this time, please email staffappreciation@chmspto.org and we can coordinate an alternate drop off before the event. 

Thank you so much 7th grade class!

Save the Date: Pizza Wars

Save the Date for Pizza Wars at CHMS on Wednesday, March 12th. Vote on your favorite pizza slice and come watch the CHMS Showcase!

Students showcase sign-up and more details coming soon!

D86 High School Transition Night

Hi 8th Grade Parents, 

Please join us Tuesday, January 14th at 6:30pm at the Hinsdale South Library to learn how to best support your student during this important transition!

Please see the attached FLIER for more details.

Any questions? Please reach out to parentnetwork@hcpto.org.

Thanks!

Join us for the upcoming Community Speaker Series events!

Registration is now open for the next event of the Community Speaker Series season! We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Michele Borba to share her parenting expertise with our community. Her dynamic approach and deep understanding of empathy will be of interest to parents of all ages of children.

There will be an evening presentation and a morning presentation to accommodate our audience. Both events will be held in person at The Community House. The events are free and open to all.

This year, local businesses are being invited to support the CSS as community partners by providing hospitality at the CSS events. Come out to connect, learn and enjoy!

Wednesday February 5
Evening Session
PM REGISTRATION HERE

Thursday February 6
Morning Session 
AM REGISTRATION HERE
Culled from 30 years of research and experience, Dr. Borba shares why empathy is a skill that's vital for children's mental health, resilience, leadership skills, and job success and provides useful tools that parents can use to help our children become more empathetic.