Thursday, January 26, 2023

Pennoyer Staff Newsletter - 1/27/23

                               Hawk Thoughts & Happenings

Team Pennoyer,

Well, we got through a little snow this week and a full 5 days!  I can't believe we're already rolling into February next week.  I know I've done this a lot, but I just want to thank our entire staff again from the bottom of my heart for making our students feel so welcome and included here at Pennoyer.  The highlight of my week was certainly a couple of students, and one in particular, that is a newcomer from Ukraine this year and in absolute tears for weeks straight when they started here months ago.  Walking through the hallway this week, I got a fist bump as the student walked by, a huge smile, and we exchanged what we always say over the last few weeks to each other..."pryvit," which I learned means hello awhile back from this student.  It's been going on for over a month or so now with me and a few students actually, but this one moment this past week really got to me, and my smile was beaming from ear as ear as I walked away. 

We have amazing students here at Pennoyer that light this place up every day, but our staff are the ones that bring the best out in them and give them that ability to shine.  Never forget what you mean to these kids...even when they're driving us nuts...lol.



Staff Meeting Agenda for Monday, January 30th

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 continue 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

"Rockets, moon shots.  Spend it on, the have-nots.  Money, we make it.  Before we see it, you take it..."

Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) by Marvin Gaye

                                                                         

Hawk Celebrations

What an amazing celebration to share this week...we had our first annual Middle School Dance last Friday night here at Pennoyer and the New Year, New Dance did not disappoint!  To begin with, I can't thank all of the teachers, the middle school Principal's Crew, Dr. Kopta, her husband and son, and our fabulous PTC enough for all they did to help support this dance and make it a reality for our middle schoolers.  I was filled with so much pride and joy watching our students genuinely have fun on Friday night with all the dancing, playing games, taking pics, eating food, and just hanging out.  They were so appreciative as well, and I am proud each and every day to be their principal.  We definitely plan on doing this every year moving forward and continuing the opportunity to celebrate our middle school students and all they bring to Pennoyer.











January Birthdays! 🎂

Vicki Kafka - 1/11

Kristin Kopta- 1/13

Sarah Adkins - 1/21







Connect - Collaborate - Celebrate

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Pennoyer Staff Newsletter - 5/31/24

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