Incoming 6th Grade Eagle Updates  - Principal's Message from April 9th, 2026

Dear Eagle Families,

We are so excited to welcome your child to Edgewood Middle School! This is the first of several communications you will receive as your child transitions into middle school. Below, you’ll find important information about upcoming transition events, course selection, hot to get involved, and who to contact if questions come up as you prepare for the 2026–2027 school year.

At Edgewood, your child is walking into a school filled with opportunity. From strong academics and a growing focus on writing across all content areas, to clubs, athletics, and schoolwide events like EPIC Week, there is truly something for every student to get involved in and feel connected. Our students take pride in being EPIC Eagles by showing respect, responsibility, and being ready to learn each and every day.

Just as important, your child is joining a community that is deeply committed to relationships. Our staff works hard to know every student, support them, and help them grow not only academically, but as people. Whether it’s through the classroom, student activities, or celebrations, we believe in recognizing and lifting up our students for who they are and who they are becoming.

I know this can feel like a big step for both students and families, but please know we’ve got you. We’re here to support you every step of the way, and there is no question we can’t help you find an answer to. Don't hesitate to reach out!

United We Soar,

Anthony 

In preparation for the 2026-2027 school year, students may select a performing arts class: Band, Orchestra, or Chorus. They will also be asked to select a world language class: French or Spanish, if they are not enrolled in a math or reading intervention course. We want to be sure that student schedules accurately reflect these choices in the fall. You can select the courses through Infinite Campus (see directions linked here).Please complete this step by Friday, April 24th. Requests made in Infinite Campus will not reach 100%. That is OK! The rest of the requests will be automatically populated by the office based on student requirements.

6th through 8th grade students can take one period of creative arts and one period of Physical Education-Wellness. Physical Education-Wellness incorporates the state of Illinois Health Education Standards. Creative arts allows students to participate in a rotation of of Visual Arts, CMA (Communications Media Arts), General Music, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math), and a new course called PaCE. rotations are slightly shorter than quarters, and there are five rotations a year. PaCE is a newer course that focuses on college & career exploration. Students may elect to take a performance arts class that meets during the creative arts period on Mondays and Thursdays.

We hope that you will consider taking advantage of the many performing arts opportunities offered at Edgewood. Students have the option of joining one of the three performing groups: Band, Orchestra, or Chorus, or a combination of Band/Chorus, Band/Orchestra, or Orchestra/Chorus. At this time, classes meet during the creative arts period on Mondays and Thursdays for the entire year. If your child is interested in joining or continuing Band, Orchestra, or Chorus in the fall of 2026, that should be indicated in Infinite Campus (see attached directions). Students with no previous Band or Orchestra experience are welcome and encouraged to join. If you do not wish for your child to participate in a performing art (Band, Orchestra, or Chorus), please indicate that on the form as well.

District 112 middle schools offer French or Spanish as world language classes. Instead of world language or creative arts, some students are enrolled in a resource class or an academic intervention class based on student academic need. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please make a language selection. The office will be in touch if your selections need to be modified. Please have your students select Spanish or French for the fall of 2026 in Infinite Campus (see attached directions).

Below, you will find a list of frequently asked questions about our performing arts and world language classes. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the appropriate performing arts directors or world language teachers by email.

Q.) HOW MANY TIMES DOES BAND, ORCHESTRA, AND CHORUS MEET?

A.) Band/Orchestra/Chorus rehearses twice a week (Monday & Thursday) during the school day as one of their Creative Arts classes throughout the entire year. Additionally, each Band/Orchestra student has one pull-out lesson during the week. Band/Orchestra/Chorus students will participate in all Creative Arts classes.

Q.) HOW DO LESSONS WORK? (Only for Band/Orchestra)

A.) Scheduling for group lessons will operate on a rotational pull-out schedule. Students are placed in a small group according to instrument and ability level.

Q.) HOW OFTEN DOES MY STUDENT NEED TO BRING HIS OR HER INSTRUMENT? (Only for Band/Orchestra)

A.) Students need to bring their instrument for rehearsals on Monday and Thursday, and lessons that rotate each week.

Q.) CAN STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ANY COMBINATION OF BAND, ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS?

A.) On an individual, case by case basis, unique arrangements will be made for students who would like to pursue participation in multiple performing ensembles. Please contact your school’s Band/Orchestra/Chorus teacher to schedule a meeting.

Q.) CAN STUDENTS STILL PARTICIPATE IN BAND, ORCHESTRA AND CHOIR?

A. ) Rehearsals are coordinated and alternate every other week. Many students have been involved in both choir and instrumental ensemble. They share rehearsal time between the groups with the Directors’ consent. When concert time approaches, we are flexible regarding our rehearsal “schedule” and can usually arrange something convenient that works for both the directors and students.

Q. ) WHAT IF WE CANNOT AFFORD AN INSTRUMENT?

A. ) Please contact the appropriate director at your earliest convenience and arrangements will be made. Assistance is available through the district and the rental company and can be easily provided for any family. All students are given the opportunity to play and enjoy our instrumental music program.

Q.) WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT BAND, ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS?

A.) Please contact Mollie Mcdougall (mmcdougall@nssd112.org), Edgewood, Band & Orchestra Director, Evan Canel (ecanel@nssd112.org) Edgewood, Band Orchestra Director or Tiffany Melvin (tmelvin@nssd112.org), Edgewood, Chorus Director

Q.) DO ALL STUDENTS TAKE A WORLD LANGUAGE CLASS?

A.) Most students take either Spanish or French but there are students who do not take a world language class. Students who are enrolled in a resource class or an academic intervention class based on student academic need are not typically placed in language classes.

Q.) WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT WORLD LANGUAGE CLASSES?

A.) Please call the Edgewood Main Office (224) 765-3200 for more information.

Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open for all grades. All students, including returning students, must be registered. Please visit the District Registration Page to learn any steps you need to follow for completing this process.

Please note that all incoming 6th grade students must have the necessary physical exams, immunizations, dental exams, and vision screenings, following state guidelines. Required forms must be submitted by designated deadlines to avoid exclusion from school. These deadlines come quick and appointments can be challenging to get in the summer. See the link below for more information.

 Learn about health requirements for each grade.

On May 29th, 10 am-11 am, students will take a morning field trip to Edgewood to learn about the school and what to expect as they transition to middle school. The orientation is designed to help them feel comfortable and excited for middle school. Students will meet staff and peers, learn about schedules and activities, and get a preview of what to expect.

On August 11, we will host our very first incoming 6th-grade Eagle Day! This is a great opportunity for students to come into the building, get their schedules, walk through their classes, practice opening their lockers, and begin to feel comfortable navigating their new school. Students will also participate in fun activities and team-building experiences to help them get to know their peers and start building connections right away.

More information will be shared over the summer.

On the evening of August 11, we will also be hosting a Family Night for incoming 6th grade parents/guardians. This adult-only event is a great opportunity to hear directly from our administrative team about what to expect during the first days of school, along with important information related to drop-off, pick-up, transportation, and other key procedures.

Families will also have the chance to walk the building and experience a day at Edgewood by following their child’s schedule. This is a helpful way to get a feel for the flow of the day and the spaces your child will be navigating.

Please note that this event is for parents/guardians only, and students will not attend. We look forward to connecting with you and helping you feel fully prepared for the start of the school year!

We’ve updated our Edgewood Extracurricular Document to include the most current days, times, and sponsor/coach information for all clubs and activities. Please note that these clubs will begin at different times throughout the year, and communication will be shared in multiple ways to ensure students get every opportunity to get involved. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out directly to the club sponsor or coach for more details.

Most of your questions can be answered by visiting our Edgewood School Website.

If you need additional clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Main Office at (224) 765-3200.

For grade-specific questions, feel free to contact your child’s Associate Principal, Ms. Hansen – rhansen@nssd112.org

We’re here to support you and your Eagle every step of the way!

To call me: (224) 765-3201