Pennoyer Family Newsletter - 1/26/24

Pennoyer Families,

Thanks to all of the parents/guardians that came to our first "fully virtual" Monthly Pennoyer Parent Meeting to Connect - Collaborate - Celebrate.  I so appreciated the turnout and thoughtful dialogue we had back and forth.  We discussed a variety of topics that came through the survey results that many of you participated in.  If you're interested, HERE is a copy of the presentation, and you can view a recording of the meeting using the following link and password below... 

https://pennoyerschool.webex.com/pennoyerschool/ldr.php?RCID=653949b6745b90f7f2e362d0c8311ab4

Password - gC9pTpS5g8*

I'd also like to take this opportunity to formally welcome and introduce our newest Pennoyer staff member who joined us this past week, Ms. Maura Stickley!  Ms. Stickley is our ALOP Student Advocate, and she'll be working closely with our social worker, student services team, and our intervention team to support many of our 4th-8th graders at Pennoyer.  ALOP stands for Alternative Learning Opportunities Program, and we've worked with our regional office at West 40 to bring Ms. Stickley on staff here.  ALOP is an Illinois educational program to support students from 4th-12th grade in areas such as academics, social emotional learning, behavior, and school attendance.  Here's a bio she wanted to share with all of you...

Hello! My name is Maura Stickley and I am a Student Advocate here at Pennoyer! I am very excited to be part of the Hawk community. Before joining Pennoyer I worked as a Student Engagement Specialist at a middle school in Hartford  CT as well as a Behavior Tech at an alternative highschool in East Hartford CT. In both of those roles I was responsible for implementing behavior plans catered to each student, creating attainable goals for students for their post-high school career, as well as providing support to students and their families on the importance of attendance and building a trusting relationship with the school. I also ran small mentoring groups on restorative practices with students to help maintain a positive school community.  I am passionate about supporting and empowering students, parents, and the community to be the best version of themselves. I hold a bachelor's degree in developmental psychology and have one more semester to complete my masters degree in psychology. In my free time I enjoy watching sports, spending time with my friends and family, and trying new restaurants. See you all around!

Finally, we can't wait to celebrate with our 6th-8th grade middle schoolers tonight at our 2nd Annual Middle School Dance... "Another Year, Another Dance".  This is open to Pennoyer middle school students only, and the event is from 7-9pm.  Please use the main office doors when dropping off students.  If you're paying at the door tonight, there's a $5 entry fee.

School Information and Reminders:

*Please make sure to do everything possible to get your children to school on time each morning.  Students are officially considered TARDY if they arrive after 8:15am.  Remember, the school day starts each morning at 8:10am for our students, and that homeroom time is very important to set up their days for success.  Thanks for your support with all of this!

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

We Celebrate at Pennoyer!

This week our celebration is focused on a very special group of students here at Pennoyer...The Principal's Crew!  These 12 students from 3rd-8th grade, were nominated by their teachers earlier this school year to represent their peers and have an opportunity to meet with me once a month and discuss a variety of topics that support our school and students in a positive way.  This year's Principal Crew members are:  Petar, Riley, Davey, Halima, Liam, Oleh, Molly, Penn, Ava, Alexa, Emilia, and Filip.  They have all been an amazing group of students to work with so far, and I couldn't be more proud of them.  They always come with such good energy, they collaborate together, and have come up with some thoughtful ideas this year.  From the middle school dance, to a possible 3 on 3 basketball tournament in the spring, and a book drive, this group of student leaders are challenging themselves and me to make this school a better place.  I'm so excited to work with them this school year...#PennoyerPride

What’s Around the Corner?

• It's that time of year again for the American Heart Association to visit Pennoyer! HERE is a flyer and sign up challenge if you're interested! We will have a school assembly to kick off kids' heart challenge. (6-8th grade hoops for heart) (Jump rope for heart K-5)

This will take place in the gym on February 1st for our students.  Reach out to our PE teachers with any further questions.

            Time: 12:20-1:00pm(6-8)

            Time: 1:05-1:40pm(K-5)




• Lucky Losers Ridgewood Casino Night Fundraiser Event - On behalf of Ridgewood High School, an invite has been extended to the Union Pennoyer staff and families for their 4th Annual Lucky Losers Casino Night Fundraising Event.  Click HERE for a flyer if you're interested. Purchase a couple's ticket for the event if you'd like.  By doing this, you will be involved in the biggest community event of the year for Ridgewood.  You will meet coaches, alumni, parents, school administrators, community members, along with having a fun filled night out with dancing, food, cocktails and casino gaming fun.  Most of all chances to win raffle prizes, 50/50 and the grand prize of $5k (Based on 200 couples). Registration link (https://ridgenet.revtrak.net/lucky-losers-22/?fbclid=IwAR2p3wgNhO3oo7bzgnO-th5CkoWv2oqsmLFndpyJ9o3E84WAn7y28t5VcqY) 
What your ticket includes...
- Admission for 2 people
- All you can eat appetizers
- Buffet Dinner
- Top shelf bar from 6pm - Midnight
- Casino Gambling
- Dancing
- 1 Ticket for the grand prize $5K (Based Off Of 200 Couples)


• Right At School, Pennoyer's trusted provider of after school programs, is accepting new registrations for the rest of the 2023-24 school year. Additionally, families who register by February 9 can save $50 on their first month with Right At School with the code 2024SAVE50. Learn more and register today!  HERE is a flyer if you're interested.

• Interested in Ridgewood's Cheerleading Clinic for K-8th graders...click HERE for more information!

• Norridge/Harwood Heights Rotary Club Spaghetti Dinner night on Friday, February 2nd. Come be a part of this fun event! Click HERE for more information.

• Vipers Baseball program in Franklin Park. If you're interested, check out this flyer!

• Ridgewood High School Art Expo competition for ALL 5th - 8th graders.  Click HERE for more information!

Sincerely,

Adam

Pennoyer Principal

agreenberg@pennoyerschool.org