The Hawk Happenings: Pennoyer Staff Newsletter

Hawk Thoughts & Happenings

Team Pennoyer,

So starting this week with snow, 20 mph winds, and temperatures in the 20's was maybe a bad sign on Monday, but things certainly turned around, and it was a good week. I'm so excited for the Art Showcase/Variety Show that had their auditions this week, and can't wait to see it all come together in late May. We had a lot going on at Pennoyer for sure, but the highlight for me was bringing our 7th graders to Camp Edwards up in East Troy, Wisconsin on Tuesday. Thanks to our incredible team made up of Mrs. Kula, Mrs. Tronco, and Mrs. Strokova that took on this adventure that literally started at 5:45am in the morning on Tuesday and didn't finish until around 9:40pm that night. I couldn't be more proud of our 7th graders as a group! They were so appreciative of this special opportunity and brought so much energy to everything we did all day long! It was truly special to see this group of students come together, have fun, and push themselves out of their comfort zones.

Throughout the day, our 7th graders worked together at meal times as they took on leadership roles of setting the tables for their groups, bringing out food, and cleaning up together. As far as the activities went, our students spent the day with NO CELLPHONES, and immersed themselves in nature and cooperative team building opportunities. We started off with groups taking on the climbing wall and supporting one another to do the best they could. Students also ventured through the low ropes course that challenged their balance and persistence. In the morning activities, 7th graders got to test their aim and skill during archery, and so many of them hit their target!

After lunch, it was time for compass frisbee golf and building shelters. Students learned how to navigate a course with their own compass, while testing their throwing a accuracy with a frisbee. I have to say, my favorite part of the trip was watching this incredible group of 7th graders work in teams to come up with the most amazing shelters built out of all natural materials in the middle of an opening in the forest. One of the structures was so creative and innovative, the camp staff chose to keep it standing for other schools to see moving forward!

Our students also had time just to hang out, talk, play basketball, soccer, and volleyball, and end their day by a campfire making s'mores. It was the perfect end of a perfect day, and I know our 7th graders will hold onto this Pennoyer memory for many years to come.

Hawk Action Items

My plan is to begin setting up interviews for various open positions at Pennoyer in the coming weeks. I am going to try and make these after school as much as possible, and I'd like to extend invites to any teachers who would like to join in this process. I really value staff members being a part of the hiring process, so more to come on this. Please feel free reach out to me with any questions.

Pennoyer Parents Night Out - 8th Grade Fundraiser. Click HERE for more information if you're interested.

Weekly Hawk Playlist/Lyric

"Babe, you know you're growing up so fast. And mama's worrying that you won't last to say, "Let's play." Sister Christian, there's so much in life. Don't you give it up before your time is due, it's true."

Sister Christian by Night Ranger

Hawk Celebrations

I couldn't wait for the celebration this week that's all about the hard work, vision, and dedication of our Principal's Crew! They did an absolutely amazing job updating both locker room bathrooms last Saturday. This incredible group of students came up with the idea to update the bathrooms early in the school year, and we finally made it happen last weekend. This special group of students showed up and put in the work for over 5 hours to make this all a reality. In the end, I know how appreciative all of our students and staff are that get to utilize these bathrooms with a fresh coat of paint, and a lot of positivity up on the walls! Thanks so much to Lara, Nicole, Aidan, Alexa, Ava, Stevan, Miriana, Alexandra, Alex, Marcus, and my very own 6th grade daughter...Sadie! What an incredible effort from all of the students that really showed their dedication to our school and their Pennoyer Pride!!!

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