HAWK HAPPENINGS
The Pulse of Waltham Delivered to You
WELCOME TO THE FIRST EDITION!
We’re excited to introduce Hawk Happenings—a new community newsletter designed to connect Waltham Elementary School with the families, neighbors, and supporters who help make our district soar.
While many of our updates live on social media or in student backpacks, we know not everyone is connected. This newsletter aims to bridge that gap by sharing the highlights, accomplishments, and important moments that happen every day inside our school walls.
From student spotlights and academic achievements to music, athletics, and community partnerships—you’ll find it all right here, delivered directly to you.
We hope you enjoy this first edition and feel a little more connected to the amazing students, teachers, and families that make Waltham such a special place to learn and grow.
WHAT IS WEEF?
The Waltham Elementary Foundation (WEEF) is an independent, not-for-profit charitable foundation whose mission is to provide an organization through which charitable giving can improve the educational opportunities and experiences for the students of Waltham Elementary School District #185.
The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors, including local citizens, business leaders, educators, and other vested parties who wish to advance the opportunities of Waltham Students.
Meet Waltham Elementary Education Foundation Committee Member, Caleb Garten!
Join WEEF Every Thursday at 7 PM at Joy & Ed’s in downtown Utica for the Queen of Hearts Raffle! ��❤ 1 ticket for $5 or 6 for $20! ❤��
A NOTE FROM MRS. LUKACSY
We have had a fantastic start to the new school year! This year we welcomed 20 new families to our district, and we are thrilled to see our Waltham community continue to grow. Our enrollment has climbed to 257 students in PreK–8, a steady increase over the past several years. With this growth, our need for learning spaces also increases. While our building presents some challenges, we continue to make thoughtful adjustments—such as relocating classrooms to ensure every child has the best possible learning environment.
Each morning of the week brings a different focus designed to help our students connect, grow, and start their day on a positive note:
Mondays and Fridays are devoted to Tribe Time. During this time, 100% of our students move around the building to participate in high-interest activities led by different staff members. Tribe Time emphasizes relationship-building and connection, giving students the chance to learn from staff and peers they might not normally interact with. Just this morning, I enjoyed making homemade Play-Doh with Mrs. Craven and a group of eager learners from several grade levels a perfect example of the joy and engagement Tribe Time brings.
Tuesdays focus on PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports). These lessons reinforce what it means to be respectful, responsible, safe, and kind at school.
Thursdays are set aside for SEL (Social Emotional Learning). These lessons are co-taught by two staff members and provide important skills to support student well-being and success.
Fridays kick off with a dance party. As students walk into school, they’re greeted with music, movement, and smiles—setting the tone for a fun and positive end to the week.
There is so much excitement around this school year, and we are grateful to have you with us. Let’s make the 2025–26 school year the best one yet!
Mrs. Melanie Lukacsy, Principal
WALTHAM PTCC TO HOST PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The Waltham Parent Teacher Community Club (PTCC) supports students by funding opportunities beyond the classroom—covering things like field trips, classroom supplies, motivational speakers, and other unique learning experiences.
Join us for a morning of delicious pancakes, good company, and community spirit!
When: Sunday, November 9
Start Time: 8 AM
Location: Waltham Elementary School
Tickets available at the door: $5 kids & seniors, $10 adults Kids 4 & under: Free!
All proceeds benefit Waltham students. Your presence not only fills plates, but also strengthens the connection between our school and community.
Upcoming PTCC Meeting Dates
Monday, October 20th
Monday, November 10th
Monday, December 8th
*All
PM
DISTRICT 20 CHAMPS!
Twelve incredible young athletes from the Utica/Waltham community made history this summer as part of the Utica 9/10 All-Stars Softball Team, claiming the District 20 Championship and advancing to the Illinois State Tournament!
Team members include Waltham students Allena, Parker, Aubrey, AJ, Callie, Zaina, Abby, Cassie, Lia, Lorelai, and Reese, along with Utica resident Avery, who proudly helped lead the team to victory. Together, they played with heart, hustle, and teamwork— finishing 5th overall in the state.
Their dedication and sportsmanship made the entire community proud. Way to go, girls—you’ve inspired Hawks of all ages! ����
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Eric Bara on being appointed as the newest Village Trustee for the Village of North Utica!
Mr. Bara wears many hats in our community—as a junior high history teacher at Waltham Elementary, Scholastic Bowl coach, eighth-grade sponsor, and history fair coordinator. He also contributes his time as a member of the Waltham Elementary Education Foundation and serves as manager of the Utica Township Community Building.
We are incredibly proud of Mr. Bara for going above and beyond to support both our school and our village. His dedication continues to bridge the connection between education and community. Congratulations, Mr. Bara!
TRIBE SOFTBALL FINISHES 3 AT STATE! RD
The Tribe Softball Team—a co-op of Waltham, Dimmick, and Holy Cross —had an incredible postseason run. After winning the Sectional Championship on Tuesday, September 16, they advanced to the State Tournament in Normal.
On Saturday, September 20, the team proudly earned a 3rd place finish in the state! Their dedication, teamwork, and spirit shined throughout the season, making their schools and community proud.
We give a special shoutout to Waltham athletes Quinn, Gemma, Kenlee, Preslee, and Mazzy, who represented our school with heart and determination. Congratulations to the entire Tribe team on an outstanding season!
WALTHAM STEAM IN ACTION
Waltham Elementary School District#185 continues to flourish in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education, building on last January’s ROOTed in Place grant success. This initiative empowered students to engage in place-based learning—planting seeds, harvesting popcorn, and deepening environmental awareness.
✨ A Summer of Growth WEG Garden Dedication
On June9, STEAM students, families, and staff came together to dedicate the new WEG Garden, marking a highlight of the school year. Despite the heat of summer, our 8th graders have been busy maintaining the raised beds, tending to plant growth, and ensuring the garden thrives. Community sponsors provided key support donating soil, supplies, and expertise to enrich the learning experience.
�� A Legacy of Innovation & Leadership
Last fall, we welcomed Mrs. Craven to lead our STEAM program, following the retirement of Mrs. Schultz. Together with Mrs. Culjan, they’ve championed hands-on projects that empower students.
From sustainable gardening and popcorn science to planting and harvesting, students explore real-world applications of science and engineering. They develop leadership skills, organizing garden workdays and sharing produce ideas, embodying inquiry and creativity.
The garden stands as a physical and community hub students, staff, and neighbors are invited to read, learn, and nurture alongside our growing beds.
�� Why it Matters
STEAM at Waltham isn’t just about hands-in-the-dirt learning it’s about connecting our school and our community, reinforcing how education and environment are intertwined. Each discovery, each season of growth, helps students see themselves as stewards of their world
Stay tuned for next month’s edition, where we’ll share opportunities to volunteer in the WEG Garden and highlight new student-driven STEAM projects!
WHAT IS STEAM?
WALTHAMSTEAM POPCORNNOW SOLDATLASALLE PERUHIGHSCHOOL FOOTBALLGAMES!
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. It’s a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving. At Waltham Elementary, STEAM is a core part of learning—helping students connect ideas, collaborate, and explore through engaging projects.
SNAPSHOTS OF STEAM
Students prep the Waltham Veggie Stand for another growing season, bringing fresh produce from the school’s garden straight to the community.
POLLINATOR POWER
First graders proudly support pollinators near Waltham’s garden beds — learning how butterflies, bees, and bugs are essential to the ecosystems we grow in.
Junior high students work together to fill raised beds with soil for Waltham’s new educational garden — combining teamwork, science, and real-world learning.
VEGGIE STAND REVIVAL DIGGING INTO STEAM
HISTORY MADE
History was made this August as Waltham’s first-ever soccer team took the field for their debut game. The launch of this new program marks an exciting milestone for our school and community.
On September 17, during 8th Grade Night, the team celebrated another historic moment with a big win! The victory was a proud highlight of their inaugural season and a glimpse of the bright future ahead for Waltham soccer.
We couldn’t be more proud of our players and coaches and look forward to many more seasons of growth, teamwork, and success.
HONORING 9/11: A TRADITION OF REMEMBRANCE
Every September, Waltham Elementary comes together to honor and remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001. This powerful tradition was first introduced to our school by Mrs. Kinzer, 4th grade teacher, whose dedication ensures it continues year after year.
This year, the entire student body from kindergarten through 8th grade joined together to plant almost 3,000 American flags across the front lawn. Each flag represents a life lost, creating a moving display of remembrance that connects students to history in a tangible way. Before planting the flags, the school gathered for a special assembly, where our older students helped lead and reflect on the significance of the day.
The sight of thousands of flags waving in the breeze is both solemn and inspiring. It reminds us of the courage and unity that emerged from tragedy and teaches our students the importance of empathy, respect, and community.
We are deeply grateful to Mrs. Kinzer for her vision and dedication, and to every student and staff member who participated. Through this tradition, Waltham Elementary ensures that we not only remember September 11, but also carry forward its lessons of resilience and togetherness.
�� SPOTLIGHT: SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT ALLISON NICHOLS
Allison Nichols currently serves as President of the Waltham Elementary School Board, bringing steady leadership and a strong sense of community to District 185. A proud Utica resident and active parent of two Waltham students, Allison is deeply invested in the success of the school and its families.
Elected to a full four-year term in April 2025, Allison has been a trusted presence on the Board since first being sworn in back in 2021. Her election reflects the confidence the community places in her thoughtful, student-centered approach to decisionmaking. As president, Allison leads with transparency and collaboration, always keeping the best interest of Waltham students and staff at the forefront.
In her role, Allison works closely with the superintendent and fellow board members to guide district policy, oversee budgets, and support the long-term goals of the school. She plays a key role in shaping important conversations about Waltham’s future, including building expansion, student services, and district growth.
Most recently, she has helped foster increased collaboration between the school board and the Village of North Utica, encouraging open communication around potential funding solutions and shared priorities.
What sets Allison apart is her strong connection to the families and staff she serves. As a Waltham parent, she brings a grounded perspective to board discussions and a personal passion for supporting the school’s mission. Her leadership reflects a commitment to maintaining Waltham’s high standards while ensuring it continues to grow and adapt to meet the needs of today’s students.
In addition to her work on the school board, Allison also serves as Treasurer for the Utica Softball Little League Board, further demonstrating her commitment to creating positive, enriching experiences for youth in our community. Whether on the ball field or in the boardroom, Allison Nichols exemplifies what it means to lead with heart, integrity, and purpose. Waltham Elementary is stronger because of her dedication—and the future is bright under her leadership.
HAVE QUESTIONS? CONTACT OUR BOARD!
Allison Nichols, President - anichols@wesd185.org
Kim Morello, Vice President - kmorello@wesd185.org
Skip DeMaso, Board Member - sdemaso@wesd185.org
Rachel Balestri, Board Member - rbalestri@wesd185.org
Brian Phillips, Board Member - bphillips@wesd185.org
Jake Aubry, Board Member - jaubry@wesd185.org
Drew Partain, Board Member - dpartain@wesd185.org
JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT BOARD MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 @ 6:00 PM
