Family Newsletter - 12/9/22

Pennoyer Families, 

We had a successful and productive week at Pennoyer.  Students loved visiting the Winter Workshop and our boy's basketball teams and cheerleaders filled our gym with so much energy, highlights, and spirit during our first home games of the season this year!  I don't know what everyone has planned, but I'm glad I have the weekend off from watching the Bears take another disappointing loss.  I'm really excited though, because my 6th grade daughter Sadie is performing in the Nutcracker this weekend with her dance company.  It always makes me smile to see her up on stage with all the hard work and dedication she has put into dance.  I never knew all it took to be a dancer.

This week, I wanted to take a moment to pass along information to our families and community that might be interested or know somebody that would like to apply to be a substitute teacher at Pennoyer.  We're always looking to add to our family, and we know this is a good opportunity for many people out there.  Read the information below and contact our District Office or come into Pennoyer if you're interested.  Check out this VIDEO too.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Must hold an Associate’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or show completion of 60 semester hours of coursework.
   

*Notes: 

• Valid for substitute teaching in all grades of the public schools, prekindergarten through grade 12.
  
• Short-Term Substitute licenses are valid until June 30, 2023, and may not be renewed. 
  
• Cannot teach more than 5 consecutive days per licensed teacher unless the state has a declared a disaster proclamation in which the short-term substitute may serve 15 consecutive days per licensed teacher.
  
• Must complete a training program provided by the school board.
  
• Can serve as a Paraprofessional.
  
• Coursework must be at the 100-level or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.
  
• How to Become a Substitute Teacher?

REQUIREMENTS

Must meet one of the following:

1. Must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
2. Beginning January 1, 2023, applicants enrolled in an approved Illinois educator preparation program may qualify for the substitute license with at least 90 semester hours of coursework.

*Notes: 

• Valid for substitute teaching in all grades of public schools, prekindergarten through grade 12.
• Substitute licenses are valid for 5 years, and may be renewed with the payment of registration fees.
• View Substitute and Paraprofessional License Checklist
• How to Become a Substitute Teacher?

IF I HOLD A VALID PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE, EDUCATOR LICENSE WITH STIPULATIONS OR PARAPROFESSIONAL LICENSE, AM I QUALIFIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE TEACHER?

If you hold a valid professional educator license, educator license with stipulations or paraprofessional license and hold a bachelor’s degree, you are qualified to be a substitute teacher. You do not need to hold a substitute teaching license.

School Information and Reminders:

Dressing appropriately for Winter months - As it gets colder these next few months, please make sure your students are wearing the proper clothes to school.  We want students to be safe, comfortable, and warm when outside during arrival/dismissal times, and recess throughout the day.  Per our handbook, we will have students outside when the "real feel" temperature is above 15 degrees.  Thanks so much for your support with this.

Interested in some new Pennoyer Spirit Wear...check out this LINK, which is also featured on our PTC website.  Everything can be shipped directly to your home!

Want to get involved, volunteer, or have ideas for our school...Check out the PTC Link!

We Celebrate at Pennoyer!

This week it's my absolute pleasure to celebrate our Library Specialist and Paraprofessional, Linda Krieter.  Mrs. Krieter has helped to transform not only the our Library Resource Center (LRC) this year at Pennoyer, but many other locations in our school as well.  Any chance she gets to find a great deal on furniture that other schools and institutions are getting rid of, she takes it upon herself to find a way to get it and adds to the library space or passes it along to staff here at Pennoyer that are in need.  She welcomes and works with staff and students on a daily basis to help enrich their experiences here at Pennoyer with our vast book collection.  Mrs. Krieter has made our LRC feel like a true home and place of comfort for our students to thrive in.  She has worked with students on a variety of things, including creating some thoughtful and inspiring bulletin boards that can always be seen right outside the library entrance.  Thanks for everything you do!

What’s Around the Corner?

• PreK-4th Grade Pennoyer Winter Concert - Tuesday, December 20th at 6:30pm in the Pennoyer Gymnasium *(Please make sure to have any students performing in the concert here at 6:00pm)
• West 40 - Cookies, Cocoa, and Carols Event on Saturday, December 10th
• Check out this flier for more information.
• Norridge Park District - Holiday Celebrations and Activities!
• Check out this flier for more information.
• West 40 - Newcomer Item Drive - Think about supporting this initiative.  
• HERE is more information if you're interested.
• Winter Workshop opportunities over Winter Break for students
• Check out this flier for more information.
• Important Information for all 8th grade families sending students to Main South next year!
• Main South freshman registration form - Must be filled out before Jan. 1, 2023

• Winter Traditions Around the World Presentation - It's that time of year again when our BPAC (Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee) is supporting a slideshow presentation that highlights the many cultures and traditions of our Pennoyer families and students.  We'll be showing this before our Winter Concert on Tuesday, December 20th.  If you're interested in submitting pictures, please check out this flier.
• Pennoyer T-Shirt Fundraiser to Support Refugees
• Check out this flier for more information. 
• Eisenhower Library Story Essay Activity for Students, Parents, and Families!  Check out this cool opportunity for any creative writers to share their perspective and stories!  There is no deadline I'm aware of to turn these in, but I'm sure the sooner, the better.  HERE is the information!

Sincerely,

Adam

Pennoyer Principal

agreenberg@pennoyerschool.org