Howard B. Thomas Grade School

Recently the HBT Site Team reviewed words brainstormed by staff for a building-wide theme for the upcoming school year of 2012-2013. The word selected as the over-arching element across all grade levels is explore. I am excited when I think about the possibilities this word captures by its very definition: to examine carefully, to search into for the purpose of discovery. Wow! I am enthusiastically awaiting the creativity the staff and students will bring to this theme. I challenge all parents to plan on joining your children next year as they explore classroom learning, music, art, physical education and friendships. Continue providing your strong support to the PTC and the teaching staff so that our students reap the significant benefits a community partnership can achieve. Help us explore the infinite possibilities created by a culture of caring.

Check out the bulletin board in the atrium at school. It has some great pictures from this year and helps us think about all we can explore together next year. In fact, there are some pictures of people we will be meeting next year. A wonderful opportunity for exploring new friendships has come our way in the upcoming school year. HBT will become the home of the preschool and grade school Northwestern Illinois Association Hearing Impaired Program (NIA). This program provides classroom learning and educational services for approximately 40 students. The past few years it has been housed at Country Trails, but with the expanding population there, the decision was made to move the students and their staff to HBT. I know they will all receive a warm welcome from everyone because we care about others!

Jan Harnish, Principal