Pennoyer Staff Newsletter - 9/22/23

                                             Hawk Thoughts & Happenings

Team Pennoyer,

The cooler and rainy weather seems like it's creeping in slowly, but this weekend looks like summer is definitely hanging on.  I'm planning on enjoying some outdoor time, and trying to get my lawn and landscaping ready to survive the fall and winter.  On another note, as a shameless plug for hanging out in the morning car line on Fridays or any other day, I have to share with all of you this image of our very own Porter.  He brings the biggest smile to my face and has the best time most mornings when I play the tunes he likes and dances up a storm for Officer Bob, myself, and all of the students as they enter through the gate.  His moves are way beyond me...I'll stick to singing and playing the guitar.

*Please note that for next week I won't be in the building on Monday or Thursday.  Monday is the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, and Thursday, I'll be with the 5th graders all day at Camp Edwards in Wisconsin.  

Hawk Action Items 

2024 Golden Apple Teacher Nominations for Pre-K-3rd Grade Teachers if you're interested... Nominations for the 2024 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership are now open throughout Illinois! Are there Pre-K-3rd grade teachers at your school who deserve recognition for superior service to your students, school, and community? Show your appreciation to a teacher going above and beyond for students at your school with a Golden Apple Award nomination.

Click Here to Nominate a Teacher

Help us spread the word that Golden Apple Awards nominations are open! Honor an outstanding Pre-K-3rd grade teacher by nominating them for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching today: https://www.goldenapple.org/nominate-a-teacher

New Friday Car Line Opportunity During Arrival Time - Want to be a "Guest DJ" and greeter during morning car line?  Reach out to Adam if you're interested!  You can have your own playlist if you'd like and be a part of a fun part of the day connecting with our families and students on Fridays during arrival time.  This is from 7:50am- to around 8:10am if you're interested.  HERE is a sign up sheet to make things easier, but reach out to Adam with any questions.

• Hand 2 Mind event opportunity for K-5th grade staff.  Check this flyer out and let Adam know if you're interested.

• Creating new Clubs at Pennoyer and Submitting Club Information for Website (Existing or New Clubs)

• If you’re interested in starting up a new club, it's certainly not too late. Please submit your ideas HERE!  You can check out the CBA if needed for more information.  For new clubs, we’ve created a helpful link on our website to showcase the wonderful opportunities for our students at Pennoyer.  Please make sure once your club is approved that you create a one page Google Doc or Slide to share with Adam and Pat.  Also, if you’re continuing a club from last year, please make sure the information is updated if needed...thanks! Here’s an EXAMPLE for your reference.

• Stipend Opening for Varsity Boys Volleyball in the spring...Connect w/ Adam if interested.

Weekly Hawk Playlist/Lyric

Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson

Hawk Celebrations

We have such great students at Pennoyer and so much to celebrate, and this week, it's all about a special group of 7th and 8th graders that went above and beyond during our Circus Amongus event last week!  These student leaders truly shined as they supported activities throughout the morning.  They helped the adult volunteers with running the stations and were great roles models for our younger students.  In the afternoon, these amazing 7th and 8th graders got ready for their own acts, and also supported getting wardrobe and make up ready for all of our other students for the big show!  We're so lucky and grateful to have so many students just like these that are willing to step up and be leaders for their peers.  #PennoyerPride forever!!!

September Birthdays! 🎂

Diana Dylag - 9/3

Justin Widd - 9/13

Maria Torres - 9/13

Megan McManus - 9/15

Kate Barzano - 9/18

Vicki Palicka - 9/18

Barb Raffaelli - 9/21

Connect - Collaborate - Celebrate