The Hawk Happenings: Pennoyer Staff Newsletter

Hawk Thoughts & Happenings

Team Pennoyer,

Well, I got back to my Star Wars roots these past couple of weeks and got into the show Ahsoka on the Disney channel. This genre is just so ingrained in me from my childhood, and I can't seem to let it go. I hope you all have shows or movies from the past that are nostalgic for you and hold good memories. This weekend looks like beautiful weather, so I'm planning on getting outside as much as possible and staying off my tv at all costs. I can't believe it's already October next week. Whether this year is moving slowly or flying by for you, I hope you're all finding moments to really enjoy with our students and have those "experiences" that are so engaging and exiting for us as educators as well!

HERE is the agenda for our Staff Meeting next Monday, October 2nd at 3:15pm in the MPR.

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

Please don't forget to pass out both IAR reports from last spring, and our new fall MAP reports to all families that come to fall conferences next week. You'll have to print out the family MAP reports for your students beforehand. Reach out to Melissa Tronco with any questions about this...thanks!

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

"I will follow you, will you follow me? All the days and nights that we know will be. I will stay with you, will you stay with me? Just one single tear in each passing year."

-Follow You Follow Me by Genesis

Hawk Celebrations

This week's celebration is all about Camp Edwards and our incredible group of 5th graders! I had the best time with them on Thursday this week in Troy, Wisconsin during their outdoor education adventure. There was so much positivity, teamwork, and pride coming from our students as they pushed themselves through challenges many of them have never gotten the opportunity to experience before. I was so proud of each and every one of them! We got to participate in arts and crafts and make some cool tie dye shirts. After that, it was off to the archery range to learn the skills centered around how to shoot a bow and arrow. So many of our students were able to hit the target! We played sport games as well, and then got a chance to go on a forest walk to learn all about the natural environment. 5th graders also challenged their balance and skills on the low ropes course. Finally, it was time to conquer the climbing wall and get out on canoes together to explore the lake around this beautiful camp site. It was so much fun and filled with memories I know they'll have for a lifetime! Thanks so much to Mrs. Tronco, Mrs. Kula, Mr. Widd, Ms. Palicka, and Mrs. Raffaelli for all of their time and support they put into being leaders and directors for this special trip.