Pennoyer Family Newsletter - 1/19/24

Pennoyer Families,

Well, we certainly had some difficult weather come our way this past week, but we pushed through it as a school community.  When it was around 18 degrees out on Thursday, it actually felt pretty warm compared to the crazy temperatures earlier in the week.  You gotta love Chicago weather I guess...it keeps us on our toes.  I hope everyone has stayed safe and warm throughout this last week, and thanks for your patience and support with our E Learning days.  We ended the week strong for sure, and it was great to see the students and staff back in our building.  Everyone appreciated being back in person again.

While I know the Chicago Bears aren't playing this weekend, I have to say, I'm jumping on the storyline of the Detroit Lions and would love to see them figure out a way to win and make it to the NFC Championship game.  It's been a long time for them, and hopefully that's what will be in store for our Chicago Bears in the near future.  I don't want a 32 year drought like Detroit, but sometimes it feels like we're getting close.

Thanks to all of our parents/guardians who filled out the survey I sent out this past week.  If you didn't get a chance to complete it and you'd like to share some mid year feedback, please take a few minutes and click HERE by Monday, Jan. 22nd.  I really appreciate and value your ideas.  I plan on using this information to drive some collaborative discussions and reflections at our Parent Monthly Meeting next Wednesday, Jan. 24th.  We're going to do this meeting VIRTUALLY and see what kind of turnout we get.  I know it's easier for some families to join these meetings remotely, so we will not have an in person option for next week.  I still think we can have some good conversations and as always, Connect - Celebrate - Collaborate together.  If you're interested in joining via WebEx, just use the invite and link below.  The meeting will be Wednesday, Jan. 24th from 6:30-7:30pm.

Pennoyer Parent Monthly Meeting - Wednesday, January 26th from 6:30-7:30pm

Meeting link:

https://pennoyerschool.webex.com/pennoyerschool/j.php?MTID=m504c7c8b6addc79afddd922f752b736e

School Information and Reminders:

*Please make sure to dress your students appropriately for school each day during these cold months.  We will be outside for arrival time and all recess times when the temperature is above 15 degrees, so wearing coats, hats, and gloves are really important in these winter months to keep kids safe and comfortable.  Thanks for your support!

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

We Celebrate at Pennoyer!

What a wonderful celebration we have this week!  I'm so excited to announce that our very own social worker, Mrs. Rachel Slawson, will be taking on the newly formed position of Dean of Students at Pennoyer next school year!  Mrs. Slawson truly earned this new job, and we couldn't be more proud of her.  The Dean of Students will support all of our students at Pennoyer in a variety of ways through restorative and thoughtful behavioral interventions, building relationships and connections with them, promoting our PBIS program, and working closely with our Student Services and Intervention Teams to aid in student progress at Pennoyer.  Mrs. Slawson couldn't be a better fit for this position.  She has been such a dedicated staff member through the years at Pennoyer that has truly made a difference in students' lives.  She is highly collaborative, a creative thinker, and such a hard worker.  Most importantly, Mrs. Slawson goes above and beyond and puts the needs of students first at Pennoyer.  We're lucky to keep her at our school and so excited about her journey ahead!  #PennoyerPride

What’s Around the Corner?

• Don't miss out on being part of our 2nd Annual Middle School Dance next week on Friday, January 26th.   Click HERE for more information.  If students did not RSVP, and would still like to go, they can bring $5 to the dance next Friday night and pay at the door.  This is for all Pennoyer 6th-8th graders only.  We can't wait to celebrate with you!

• 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