Holmes Middle School http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/ News RSS Tue, 27 May 2014 19:29:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://floodlightdesign.comlondon-science-teacher-earns-5000-nea-grant-to-expand-global-wildlife-storytelling-projecthttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/london-science-teacher-earns-5000-nea-grant-to-expand-global-wildlife-storytelling-projectWed, 03 Jun 2026 19:44:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/london-science-teacher-earns-5000-nea-grant-to-expand-global-wildlife-storytelling-projectLondon Middle School sixth-grade science teacher Tracy Crowley has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the National Education Association Foundation to expand a global science storytelling initiative focused on wildlife conservation and student collaboration. Crowley received the Learning & Leadership grant for her Wildlife HomeStories project, which will fund a research trip to Kenya in July to study ecosystems and climate change alongside naturalists and scientists in collaboration with National Geographic. The work will help shape a curriculum designed for global classrooms, including all sixth-grade students at London. “I really did not expect this to happen,” Crowley said. “I submitted on a whim and can’t believe it came through.” While in Kenya, Crowley will work with local experts to develop learning experiences that help students build empathy skills by “stepping into the shoes” of endangered wildlife. The curriculum will also explore climate change and ecosystem health through field-based research and storytelling. The Wildlife HomeStories project is part of a broader effort to connect students through narrative science writing using the ESRI/Out of Eden Walk HomeStories Map, a digital platform associated with National Geographic funded Out of Eden Walk. . Crowley said the grant will also help expand partnerships with schools in Kenya and other African countries, with additional plans to collaborate with schools in Canada. Students will exchange conservation ideas and stories while building global awareness of environmental challenges. Locally, the project will continue to grow its partnership with the Illinois Forest Preserves, where students will engage in field-based learning with naturalists and environmental experts. Crowley said there is also interest in developing a community showcase or public event highlighting student work. Natalie Milo-Nicolisan, assistant principal at London, helped spark a key local partnership for the project after connecting Crowley with an incoming family involved in forest preserve education. At the school’s recent incoming sixth-grade night, Milo-Nicolisan met a parent who works in the education department for the Cook County Forest Preserve. Seeing Crowley nearby, she said the connection was too important to pass up. “I immediately looked up and saw Tracy walking our way and said, ‘We must loop Ms. Crowley into this conversation,’” Milo-Nicolisan said. “After a conversation with the two of them, it was clear this was a serendipitous meeting for the ages.” Crowley said the goal of Wildlife HomeStories is to help students develop empathy, scientific understanding and a sense of global responsibility by connecting classroom learning with real-world ecosystems and conservation work. “Students need to research and then use empathy to imagine what home should be like for these wildlife and tell a heartfelt story that drives action,” she added. Looking ahead, she hopes to build a global curriculum network connecting classrooms through shared storytelling and conservation learning. ]]>meet-alexis-phttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/meet-alexis-pWed, 03 Jun 2026 09:03:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/meet-alexis-p ]]>d21-to-launch-more-than-28-4-million-in-summer-construction-projectshttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/d21-to-launch-more-than-28-4-million-in-summer-construction-projectsWed, 03 Jun 2026 08:52:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/d21-to-launch-more-than-28-4-million-in-summer-construction-projectsCommunity Consolidated School District 21 will undertake more than $28.4 million in construction and facility improvement projects this summer, marking one of the most significant investments in district facilities in recent years. Completed primarily during the summer months, the projects will focus on modernizing instructional spaces, addressing long-term infrastructure needs and preparing schools for future generations of students. The largest investment will focus on transforming instructional spaces at the district\'s three middle schools. Renovations will include science classrooms, family and consumer sciences labs, Project Lead the Way spaces, music rooms and student support areas. The work also includes new furnishings, equipment and technology upgrades designed to support modern teaching and learning better. “These projects represent an investment not only in our buildings, but in the experiences our students have every day,” said Superintendent Dr. Michael Connolly. “Our goal is to create learning environments that inspire curiosity, collaboration and creativity while ensuring our facilities remain safe, functional and welcoming for everyone who walks through our doors.\" In addition to instructional upgrades, District 21 will complete several major facility projects to maintain and extend the life of its buildings. Roofing work totaling almost $2 million is planned at Field, Frost and Kilmer. The district has also budgeted an additional $1.25 million for roof repairs at Cooper and Holmes. Other projects include asbestos abatement at Cooper and London, new sound systems for music programs, furniture installations, appliance replacements and infrastructure improvements. The construction work follows action by the Board of Education to authorize the transfer of funds that will help support the district\'s long-term capital improvement plan. Much of the investment is intended to address aging infrastructure while creating learning environments that better support modern instructional practices. \"Our community expects us to be good stewards of its resources,\" Connolly said. “These improvements help preserve our facilities while creating spaces that better reflect the needs of today\'s learners and educators.\" Construction is expected to begin shortly after the end of the school year, with the majority of projects scheduled for completion before students return in August. District officials will provide updates throughout the summer as work progresses across the district\'s schools. The summer projects represent a comprehensive effort to improve both the educational experience for students and the long-term condition of District 21 facilities, while positioning schools to meet future instructional and operational needs. [collapsable_section title=\"Our full list of projects\"]

Cooper

  • Bathroom and sink upgrades in Family and Consumer Science (FCS) and science classrooms
  • New lighting in the main stairwell, FCS, and science rooms
  • New flooring throughout the building
  • New whiteboards for FCS and science rooms
  • New appliances and furniture for the FCS room
  • New servers
  • Ceiling, painting, and sound system upgrades in the main stairwell
  • Asbestos abatement
  • Roof repairs
 

Holmes

  • Sink and lighting upgrades in the FCS room
  • New flooring in the FCS and music rooms
  • New whiteboards, appliances, and furniture for the FCS room
  • New servers
  • New sound system
  • Roof repairs
 

London

  • New boilers
  • Bathroom and sink upgrades in FCS and science rooms
  • New lighting and flooring in FCS and science rooms
  • New appliances in the FCS room and the nurse’s office
  • New servers
  • Asbestos abatement
  • Conversion of select science rooms to support the orchestra program
  • South Commons conversion for Project Lead the Way classrooms
  • Renovation of the front office and North Commons
  • New sound system
 

Field

  • Roof repairs
 

Frost

  • Roof repairs
  • Toilet replacements throughout the building
 

Kilmer

  • Roof repairs
  • Toilet replacements throughout the building
 

Poe

  • Boiler warranty work
 

Tarkington

  • Boiler warranty work
[/collapsable_section] ]]>meet-allison-lhttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/meet-allison-lWed, 03 Jun 2026 08:48:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/meet-allison-l ]]>d21-transfers-20-million-to-support-summer-construction-projects-facility-improvementshttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/d21-transfers-20-million-to-support-summer-construction-projects-facility-improvementsWed, 03 Jun 2026 08:47:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/d21-transfers-20-million-to-support-summer-construction-projects-facility-improvementsDuring its May 21 meeting, the Community Consolidated School District 21 Board of Education approved the transfer of $20 million from the district\'s Education Fund to its Operations and Maintenance Fund and subsequently into its Capital Projects Fund to support a series of construction and facility improvement projects scheduled to begin following the end of the 2025-26 school year, as well as future work identified through the district\'s 10-Year Facilities and Maintenance Plan. District officials said the funding will primarily be used to launch major construction work across schools throughout the district once students leave for the summer, including flooring replacement, restroom renovations, classroom and office upgrades, roofing projects and other facility improvements. The transfer was approved as part of the 2025-26 Annual Budget and authorizes the movement of funds into the Capital Projects Fund, where they will be used to complete planned construction and infrastructure work. Under Illinois State Board of Education administrative code, school districts may transfer eligible revenues from other funds into the Capital Projects Fund to pay for capital improvements. \"The timing of this funding allows us to move directly into a number of important construction projects as soon as the school year ends,\" Superintendent Dr. Michael Connolly said. \"These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to providing safe, modern and well-maintained learning environments for students and staff across District 21.\" District officials noted that the Operations and Maintenance Fund includes property tax receipts and other local, state and federal revenues that may be used for capital projects. The $20 million transferred from the Education Fund will provide dedicated funding to support the summer construction schedule while also advancing longer-term facility planning efforts. \"This investment gives us the ability to efficiently coordinate and execute several major projects during the summer months when school buildings are less occupied,\" Director of Operations Glen Michelini said. \"It allows us to address high-priority facility needs in a focused and timely way while continuing to preserve and improve our schools for the future.\" District leaders said the upcoming projects are part of a broader effort to maintain and upgrade district facilities and ensure learning environments remain safe, functional and aligned with student needs. ]]>meet-lukyan-dhttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/meet-lukyan-dTue, 02 Jun 2026 14:57:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/meet-lukyan-d ]]>meet-grace-rhttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/meet-grace-rTue, 02 Jun 2026 11:37:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/meet-grace-r ]]>frosts-news-club-builds-student-voices-on-and-off-camerahttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/frosts-news-club-builds-student-voices-on-and-off-cameraMon, 01 Jun 2026 15:49:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/frosts-news-club-builds-student-voices-on-and-off-cameraWhat started as a small recess activity led by a handful of fifth-grade boys with dreams of becoming YouTubers has grown into one of the most recognizable student opportunities at Frost. Now in its fifth year, the elementary school’s News Club gives fourth and fifth graders the chance to step in front of – and sometimes behind – the camera to help create twice-monthly video broadcasts that keep students and families informed while building confidence, creativity and community. The club was launched in February 2022 by math interventionist Sarah Betancourt, who watched amid the COVID-19 pandemic several YouTube videos featuring children informing other children about certain topics, “and I thought, ‘how cool would it be if we could do that here?’” With support from school leadership and inspiration from similar student broadcasts across the district, Frost’s first episodes quickly came together using simple equipment. By the following year, the club had expanded enough that Betancourt enlisted fellow sponsor Emily Bochenek, general music teacher, to help grow the program. Today, the club typically includes between 12 and 20 students each session and rotates participation throughout the year. Fifth graders lead the program until winter break, fourth graders take over through spring break, and the final months bring both grades together for a combined session. The broadcasts blend school reminders, student interviews, themed segments and community celebrations. Students might remind classmates to bring weather-appropriate clothing, share attendance updates, highlight cultural celebrations or other events around the school, or interview peers. “A lot of times, we try to match what [Principal Catherine] Joy does with her parent newsletter,” Betancourt said. “Families are getting the information at home, in classrooms, and through the videos.” The videos have become particularly popular with younger students, who often look forward to seeing the older students on screen during the broadcasts. For Bochenek and Betancourt, though, the club’s biggest impact goes beyond announcements. “For the students who tend to be more shy, this gives them a space to become more confident,” Bochenek said. “They can practice in a safe space. We’re totally quiet when someone is filming, and we don’t laugh if they make a mistake.” Betancourt agreed, noting that students quickly learn how to support one another during filming. “If you see someone struggling with the words, help them,” she said. “We teach them that if you mess up, you just pick up where you left off and keep going.” Students practice public speaking skills, facial expressions, teamwork, and presentation techniques while learning how video production works behind the scenes. Though Betancourt and Bochenek now handle the bulk of the editing process, students still help brainstorm segments and contribute ideas for future broadcasts. “We want them to take ownership,” Bochenek said. “It’s writing, it’s fact-checking, it’s public speaking and it’s planning. We want them thinking about what kind of content interests them and how they can engage the school community.” That ownership is part of what drew fifth graders Galilea D. and Bhevika G. to the club in the first place. “When I first saw the channel, I was like, ‘Oh my god, I want to do this because it looks cool,’” Galilea said. “I like practicing before the official recording because you learn how to say things and where to stand.” Bhevika said being on camera is her favorite part. “When the green screen is there and they record you, that’s my favorite,” she said. “I wanted to do it because I want my own YouTube channel someday.” Both students hope to continue building their media skills in the future, whether through interviews, behind-the-scenes production or possibly even broadcasting careers. The club has also helped strengthen school connections beyond the classroom. Families regularly submit photos from celebrations and events at home to be featured in broadcasts, something the sponsors say has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents. “The parents love to see it, and students love identifying themselves,” Bochenek said. “It brings in staff, families and things happening outside of school.” Looking ahead, the sponsors hope to continue expanding opportunities for students to lead more of the creative process — from filming and interviews to producing mini segments focused on topics like sports, school events or student interests. “We definitely want to keep giving students more ownership,” Betancourt said. “They’re already so excited to be here. For many students, that excitement starts with the chance to appear on screen. But by the end of the year, the experience often becomes something much bigger: a place to grow confidence, find their voice and connect with their school community in a whole new way. ]]>seamless-summer-program-returns-for-2026-to-support-local-childrenhttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/seamless-summer-program-returns-for-2026-to-support-local-childrenMon, 01 Jun 2026 10:05:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/seamless-summer-program-returns-for-2026-to-support-local-childrenCommunity Consolidated School District 21 is proud to once again offer free meals to all children 18 and under through its Seamless Summer program for 2026. Designed to ensure children continue to have access to nutritious meals while school is out of session, the program provides meals at no cost — with no registration or paperwork required. Running from Monday, June 8, through Friday, August 7, the program will be available at 15 locations throughout the district’s coverage area. Meals will be served from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with no service on June 19 or on Fridays in July. “Summer should never be a barrier to a child receiving healthy, nutritious meals,” said Superintendent Dr. Michael Connolly. “Through our Seamless Summer program, we are proud to continue supporting families across our community and ensuring children have access to meals in welcoming, convenient locations throughout the summer months.” Please note that children must be present to receive a meal. Meals may not be picked up on behalf of a child who is not at the meal site. This year’s sites include:
  • Alcott Center – 530 Bernard Drive, Buffalo Grove
  • Chamber Park – 131 North Wolf Road, Wheeling
  • Childerley Park – 506 McHenry Road, Wheeling
  • Hawthorne Early Childhood Center – 200 Glendale Street, Wheeling
  • Holmes Middle School – 221 South Wolf Road, Wheeling
  • Indian Trails Public Library – 355 Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling
  • Kilmer Elementary School – 655 Golfview Terrace, Buffalo Grove
  • Kingswood United Methodist Church – 401 West Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove
  • Riley Elementary School – 1209 East Burr Oak Drive, Arlington Heights
  • Tarkington Elementary School – 310 Scott Street, Wheeling
  • Twain Elementary School – 515 East Merle Lane, Wheeling
  • Whippletree Playground – 525 North McHenry Road, Wheeling
  • Whitman Elementary School – 133 South Wille Avenue, Wheeling
  • Willow Trails Park – 1 Apple Drive, Prospect Heights
  • Windsor Ridge Park – 780 Vernon Lane, Buffalo Grove
  The Seamless Summer program is part of District 21’s ongoing commitment to student health and wellness. Whether families are spending the summer at home, participating in local activities, or simply needing additional support, the program helps ensure every child has access to healthy meals throughout the summer months. For more information, including program updates, visit the Seamless Summer page on the District 21 website. ]]>board-briefs-now-available-for-may-21-meetinghttp://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/board-briefs-now-available-for-may-21-meetingTue, 26 May 2026 14:14:00 +0000http://holmes.ccsd21.org/news/board-briefs-now-available-for-may-21-meeting ]]>