The Hawk Happenings: Pennoyer Staff Newsletter

Hawk Thoughts & Happenings

Team Pennoyer,

I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to address the disappointment I know we all feel with another referendum initiative that didn't pass. The reason I felt compelled to bring this up in our Hawk Happenings this week is because I hope everyone is able to keep perspective and continue to stay positive about what we're lucky to have here at Pennoyer.

Even though they don't always make the best choices and they give us a run for our money, we have amazing kids here with big hearts. At the end of the day, we have each other too. I can tell you that the number one topic that came up at my first parent night monthly meeting a few weeks ago was the fact that parents love our school and don't want to be anywhere else because of all of you...our teachers and staff! We can have all the money, resources, and programs in place, but without the right people, none of it works. I know we have the right ingredients here at Pennoyer that really count for our students each and every day, so keep that in mind as we move through the ups and downs of this school year. You have my utmost respect, and I couldn't be more proud to come to work each and every day.

Keep your heads up, and we'll work with what we have and make another run in the future.

I also want to take a moment to honor all of the military veterans of the United States Armed Forces that have served with bravery and dignity in times of peace and war. We thank you for your service and sacrifice on this Veterans Day today, November 11th.

Staff Meeting Agenda for next Monday, November 14th in the MPR from 3:15-4:15pm

*Looking ahead, remember I'll be out of town again next Friday, November 18th. Connect with Alicia or Rachel if you need anything.

Hawk Action Items

Honor an outstanding 4th-8th grade teacher by nominating them for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching - Click on the link below if interested https://www.goldenapple.org/nominate-a-teacher
West 40 Webinar opportunity for all staff members on Nov. 22nd. This is a free collaborative PD option that can provide opportunities on how staff can best support refugee students at our school. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/supporting-refugee-students-tickets-453907307977
Important Trimester 1 Grading Period Timeline

November 18th - Trimester 1 Ends
November 30th - Final Grades/Comments are Due in Skyward
December 2nd - Grades are live for families and students and communication will go out

Interested in SEL Professional Development...check out what West 40 has to offer!

Weekly Hawk Playlist/Lyric

"Well, those drifter's days are past me now. I've got so much more to think about. Deadlines and commitments; What to leave in, what to leave out..."

-Against the Wind by Bob Seger

Hawk Celebrations

Staff Shout Out...Thank you to Denise and Audrey for being level headed, calm, and absolutely essential in a difficult situation today. I'd like to add a shout out to Alana as well for being such a wonderful support today with all of this. Great job team!

I'm so excited to celebrate the new Principal's Crew group at Pennoyer this year! We met for our second time two weeks ago, and this amazing group of students is off to a great start already. These special 3rd-8th grade students were chosen by their teachers to represent their peers and share their voice in helping to make Pennoyer the best school possible for everyone. It's been my honor to begin this work with these students, and I can't wait to see all of their wonderful ideas come to light. Congratulations to Maksim, Stevan, Marcus, Miriana, Alexandra, Alex, Nicole, Ava, Alexa, Lara, Aidan, and Bart for being selected this year!