
**PRESS RELEASE**
Hopkins Park, Illinois - Pembroke Community Consolidated School District #259 is pleased to welcome a new School Board member, Mrs. Dizhon Davis-Hogan, following the April 1st, 2025, elections, along with Mrs. Stacy Noble and Mr. Danya Link who were re-elected to the Board. Mrs. Tonia Jones-Lafi did not run this election after 22 years of service as a School Board member. Thank you, Mrs. Jones-Lafi, for your many years of service!
Mrs. Davis-Hogan has expressed her hope to bring a new perspective to the Board, stating "I am excited about the opportunity to serve the Pembroke community. With a student who has diverse needs, I want to ensure all students receive the support they need to be successful."
Dr. Nicole Terrell-Smith, Superintendent of Pembroke CCSD #259, expressed her gratitude to Ms. Davis and the other Board members for their commitment to the success of the District. "The School Board plays a crucial role in ensuring our students received the best possible educational experience, and I have no doubt that Ms. Davis will contribute to that mission."
Mrs. Davis-Hogan officially took the oath of office Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, at Lorenzo R. Smith Elementary School, located at 4120 S. Wheeler Rd, Hopkins Park, IL 60944 during the regularly scheduled Board Meeting.

SUMMER GROCERY BENEFIT FOR KIDS!
SUN Bucks provides $120 in grocery benefits per eligible school-age child when school is out for summer. SUN Bucks can be used to purchase food from authorized retailers in participating states, Tribes, and territories. It may also be known as Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (or Summer EBT) in certain locations.
Children can receive SUN Bucks on top of other benefits like SNAP and WIC, and in addition to free SUN Meals from local meal sites or SUN Meals To-Go in eligible rural communities.
In states, Tribes, and territories participating in SUN Bucks (Summer EBT), school-aged children whose families receive SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or certain other income-based benefits will be automatically enrolled to receive SUN Bucks. Additionally, children who attend a school that offers the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and whose household income makes them eligible for free or reduced-price school meals may also be automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks.
Children who are not automatically enrolled may still be eligible for SUN Bucks. To qualify, a child’s household must meet certain income limits and other requirements. Apply directly to the agency that administers SUN Bucks in your state, Tribe, or territory.
Once a child is enrolled, SUN Bucks may be automatically added to the household’s SNAP account, issued as a separate electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, or sent in other ways depending on how the program is operated where you live. Click here for more information https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sunbucks


Guess what parents? It's time for our next Parent University. The S.A.F.E. Center will be hosting "Art Therapy with My Family" on April 11, 2025, from 1:30pm to 3:00pm. Join your student in creating a beautiful canvas painting which will be led by our art teacher Mrs. Burks. There will be finger food, drinks, and pastries to enjoy during the event. Use the QR code on the flyer to register. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Broadnax at (815) - 944-5219 ext. 363


Greeting Mustang Families! Tomorrow the Student and Family Engagement Center will be hosting our grand opening from 9am to 2pm. Come take a tour and check out how we can assist you! Families with Boutique Bucks will be able to spend them tomorrow. Hope to see you there!


Attention Mustang Family! Due to inclement weather and expected snow, up to 8 inches, this Wednesday morning on February 12. Lorenzo R. Smith Elementary will be closed for the safety of our children. Teachers and students will log on at 7:50 a.m. via google classroom. Teachers have provided emergency packets for all students and placed IXL or assignments on google classroom for students to complete. Teacher assignments are to assist students to prepare for NWEA and IAR. Sixth and seventh grade students will begin learning the Illinois State and Federal Constitution next week. Everyone stay safe. Remember, "Once a Mustang...Always a Mustang."
¡Atención! Debido al mal tiempo previsto, este miércoles 12 de febrero, la escuela Lorenzo R. Smith estará cerrada por la seguridad de nuestros niños. Los maestros y los estudiantes se conectarán a las 7:50 a. m. através de Google Classroom. Los maestros han proporcionado paquetes de emergencia para todos los estudiantes y han colocado IXL o tareas en Google Classroom para que los estudiantes las completen. Las tareas son para ayudar a los estudiantes a prepararse para NWEA e IAR. Los estudiantes de sexto y séptimo grado comenzarán a aprender la Constitución del estado y federal de Illinois la próxima semana. que estén bien. Recuerden, "Una vez Mustang... Siempre Mustang."


Join Us for our "Family Soul Food Dinner" presented by the Student and Family Engagement center here at Lorenzo R. Smith Elementary School on February 28, 2025. This event will be full of great food, music, and more. Families and staff members are encouraged to sign up by February 15th, 2025 using the QR code provided. If you have any questions please contact Ms. Broadnax at (815)-944-5219 ext. 363.



Attention Mustang Family!! Due to icy roads, LRS will open on a two hour delay start time. Bus transportation will operate approximately two hours later to accommodate St. Anne and our students. Classes are not canceled. Repeat classes are not canceled just a two hour delay. Remember, "Once a Mustang... Always a Mustang". See you soon.


Attention Mustang Families, Due to inclement weather expected for overnight and Tuesday, January 21st, L. R. S. Elementary will be closed for the safety of our children. Teachers and students will log on at 7:50 a.m. via google classroom. Teacher assistants will log on starting at the beginning of the day. All faculty and staff are to be logged on at 7:45 a.m. Teachers will provide assignments using IXL or assignments placed on google classroom for students to complete. All 3rd through 8th grade students should continue completing
Science projects and research papers. Students who do not have internet access should complete STEM projects and begin teacher packets. Be safe. - Dr. Smith


Dear Lorenzo R Smith Elementary School Families,
Quack, Quack! The Heart Heroes are coming back! Our school is participating in the Kids Heart Challenge, Wellness Games, and it’s time for you to sign up your student to become an official Heart Hero.
Sign up TODAY
Download the FREE AHA Schools App for Apple or Android and click on “Register Now” then scroll down to join your school's team.
OR click HERE. and choose “Sign Up” to get started.
The Wellness Games will take place the week of 1/21/2025!!
Thank you for your support, together we are building a Nation of Lifesavers!
If you have any questions or need help, please contact Ms. Broadnax.



The S.A.F.E. Center will be hosting a "Family Vision Board Night" for our Parent University Meeting on January 22, 2025, from 4:30pm to 6:00pm. Come out and create your families vision board for the new year. Each family will enter a raffle for a special gift. Pizza will be served for dinner. This event is open to the community. Please register by Friday January 17, 2025. You may register using the forms that was sent home or contact Ms. Broadnax at (815)-944-5219 ext. 363



Blessing's In A Bag will be hosting their annual children's coat drive at Lorenzo R Smith School on Dec 7th, 2024 from 11am to 2pm. This event is sponsored in conjunction with the Illinois State: Knights of Columbus, the Supreme Knights of Columbus, and Pembroke C.A.R.E.S. Children must be present to receive a coat. For more information contact: vicki@illinoisknights.org


WINTER OUTERWEAR & TOY GIVEAWAY!! For more information, direct contact information is listed on the flyer.


Join us for our Parent University Meeting on November 20, 2024 from 5pm to 6:30pm. Harbor House provides domestic violence services, advocacy, empowerment, and prevention. A Harbor House prevention advocate will be present to talk about the signs of teen domestic violence. Teen domestic violence lives in every community. Let's come together to recognize the signs our teens may be facing. There will be fun, food, and raffles for the whole family!!



The Book Fair is Here!
Monday, Nov 4th to Friday, Nov 8th
LRS Library
Students can shop this week &
During the Family Literacy Event-Thurs Nov 7th 3:30 to 5 pm
Use the link to set up your ewallet and learn more about our fair
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/lorenzorsmithelemschool1





Hello Mustang Families and Staff!! Reminder: Join us for our Parent University Meeting on October 23, 2024 from 5pm to 6pm. We will discuss how to make lemonade out of lemons while dealing with everyday challenges. If you have any questions please contact Ms. Broadnax. We hope to see you there.


Join us for our annual Fall Harvest Festival on October 19, 2024 from 1pm to 4pm. This is a community event you would not want to miss! There will be a costume contest, pumpkin painting, trunk or treat, kid zone, music, food truck, and more for the whole family to enjoy.



Heartfelt Condolences from Pembroke Community Consolidated School District 259
It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims, families, and all those affected by today's tragic school shooting in Georgia. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire community as they face unimaginable grief and loss.
At Pembroke Community Consolidated School District 259, we stand united in support and compassion for those impacted by this devastating event. No words can ease the pain, but please know that we are with you in spirit during this difficult time.
In moments like these, we are reminded of the importance of coming together to support one another. Our hearts are broken for the children, families, and educators whose lives have been forever changed.
With deepest sympathy,
**Pembroke Community Consolidated School District 259**

On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 10:00 am, in accordance with Section 612(a)(10) of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, Pembroke Community Consolidated School District #259 will host a meeting in the Cleatie Butler Boardroom at Lorenzo R. Smith School, 4120 S. Wheeler Rd, Hopkins Park, IL 60948, to discuss the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA). The meeting will cover programming, child find, funding communication, location of services, and conflict resolution. This meeting is not designed to discuss individual students. If you have questions pertaining to this meeting please contact Dr. Nicole Smith at by email at: nsmith@pembroke.k12.il.us


🏫 Join Our Team! We're Looking for Passionate Coaches! 🏀⚽️
Are you passionate about sports and working with kids? Lorenzo R. Smith School is on the lookout for energetic and dedicated coaches to help our young athletes grow, learn, and have fun! 🌟
If you’re ready to inspire and make a positive impact, this is the perfect opportunity. Whether you're experienced or just starting, contact us to talk about how you can help.
Sports Needed:
Basketball 🏀
Soccer ⚽️
Track & Field 🏃♀️🏃♂️
Cheerleading🤸🏽♀️🤸🏽♂️
Why Join Us?
💛Make a difference in young lives
💙Be part of a supportive community
Interested? Please use the following link to apply: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:5657ee33-8f49-43ab-84bb-d378b26952a5


The Mustang Webstore is NOW OPEN! Order your Mustang Swag here!! https://store.onestoneapparel.com/pembroke259/shop/home
