The Hawk Happenings: Pennoyer Staff Newsletter

Hawk Thoughts & Happenings

Team Pennoyer,

This four day week actually went by quicker than I feel they normally do! I hope that's the way it felt for all of you too. So I have to share my new watch on Netflix over the past couple of weeks. It started over Winter Break. Sadie and I discovered The Walking Dead, and we're hooked!!! I know I'm like three of four years late with this series, but we finally got around to checking it out. Probably not the best show to watch back in 2019 when it started with what would have been my 7 year old daughter at the time anyways, but I realize after getting into this show over the past couple of weeks that it's probably not something I should be watching with my now almost 12 year old daughter either, but oh well. We're only on Season 3 or 11, so we've got a long way to go, but so far, so good. Whatever you're watching these days if you're a tv person, I hope it's an enjoyable escape and time away from your work lives.

I have to leave you all with my highlight for the week at Pennoyer. I was getting into classrooms like I try to do as much as possible, and on Wednesday, I popped into our preschool room. Within a few minutes, I found myself dragged into the house, real play area, and watched a couple quick puppet shows put on by a small group of preschoolers. Then they told me it was my turn. I was on the spot, but I grabbed the elephant and the dog puppets and did my best improv with funny voices and everything and they just stopped, stared, and listened. Wondered if I had a hidden talent I didn't know about, but they didn't seem that impressed. I really loved it though and we had fun!

LRC will continued to be closed for the next couples of weeks for ACCESS testing except for Math 1 students from 12:20-1:40pm. We're continuing to look into hiring to fill Linda's position as well. Thanks to everyone for your understanding and flexibility with all of this.

Hawk Action Items

A reminder to staff to please put in work orders (SchoolDude) whenever you have something in your classroom or the building that needs attention from our maintenance crew (i.e. HVAC, furniture set up/removal, etc.). This is the best way for us to keep track of work needing to be done and collect data on our systems and general maintenance of the building.

Just a reminder to staff to check emails each morning by 7:30am if you signed up to help out with internal subbing when we need coverage. Thanks so much for the support with all of this. Anyone else is able to check their email as well and pick up any coverage they might be interested in moving forward. HERE is the doc we'll use every day. You can just fill in your name in the spaces you're available to cover...thanks again!

ESL Volunteer Instructor Program at The Salvation Army - If you're interested, see the message below and contact Pamela Church-Pryor at the Salvation Army. Her number is 708-456-6220 and her email is Pryor@usc.salvationarmy.org *(They can create these instructional classes after school hours so any staff members interested could support and volunteer.)

Here at The Salvation Army, we are looking ahead to ways we can better serve our community in the new year and we feel ESL classes would be beneficial, considering how many immigrants and refugees have come to live among us. We’d prefer to provide classes during the school hours, so parents would not have to worry about child care. But we may also consider evening classes. I am wondering if there are staff or volunteers at your schools who might be able to help us.

Weekly Hawk Playlist/Lyric

Seven Days by Sting

Hawk Celebrations

This week we wanted to celebrate our boys basketball teams and our cheerleaders as they look to finish their seasons in the playoffs coming up. Both the JV and Varsity basketball teams had a solid regular filled with a lot of excitement and great moments! They played hard every game and didn't give up, even when they were up against a difficult opponent. Right there to support them every step of the way, was our dedicated group of cheerleaders. They brought so much spirit on the sidelines during the games and gave some great performances during the half time breaks at home games. Their positive energy was so appreciated. During our home games in particular, I so enjoyed seeing our Pennoyer gymnasium filled with school pride and so many families and friends that came to support these young men and women during the season. A special thanks to Coach Nelsen, Coach Arango, and Coach Palicka for the endless hours and energy they put into supporting these programs. We all wish you and your teams the best of luck in the playoffs...Go Hawks!