Pennoyer Staff Newsletter - 12/22/23

                                             Hawk Thoughts & Happenings

Team Pennoyer,

As we look to start 2024 together, I hope you can all look back with some fond memories and smiles from our time together in 2023.  I know there's been some tough days that have challenged us as a school, but I also know how strong we are together, and how supportive we are of one another.  Even when some of us are feeling like the picture below, our family mentality that truly exists at Pennoyer always shines through.  

We're definitely doing some important and hard work this year to transform our school well beyond just the brick and mortar...although we're definitely doing that too...haha.  We have so much to look forward to in the New Year for students, ourselves, and our families, and I'm so excited to be a part of it with all of you.  Focus on the positives in 2024 and the amazing road we have in front of us.  I'll leave you with the one photo I was able to get from Sadie's Nutcracker show last weekend.  The professional ones we have to pay for and wait for her company to send out.  Like so many of our students and the children that many of you have, she puts in so much hard work to this passion that she loves.  No matter where dance takes her, I know the character she builds from it will follow her for a lifetime.

Hawk Action Items  

• Starting January 8th, when we come back from Winter Break, we'll be instituting our universal expectations each day for all teachers to support students behavior and expectations.  We're calling this our 3 to Succeed! 

                  1. Greet students every morning.

2. Display School PBIS expectations OR PBIS Expectations (BLANK) in the

classroom and review everyday. Example: What are 2 ways we are

responsible in the classroom? In school?

3. Anytime your kids are in the hallway (arrival, dismissal, transitions,) you are

in the hallway with them. Middle school - transitions between classes.

*Also, admin will walk the hallways as much as possible during transitions to help support and check in on our progress, along with weekly pop ins to classrooms to support our 3 to Succeed daily universal school wide expectations. Finally, Meghan has put together a simple Google Sheet linked HERE for grade band teams to do their own fidelity checks weekly and share some of the different ways, where we can all learn from each other, that they're focusing on reviewing our PBIS expectations with students. Thanks to everyone for your openness and support with all of this!

• Wanna make somebody's day at Pennoyer...don't forget about our staff shout outs we'd like to get started up again this year!  It's real easy; if one staff member wants to give another staff member at Pennoyer a positive shout out for something that week, just send a quick email blurb to Adam, and he'll feature it in our weekly Hawk Happenings!

• Great job with all the social media posts shared for the month of December! Keep it up in January. Here's the Google Form for teachers to complete.  Thanks!!!

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

Weekly Hawk Playlist/Lyric

Get Down On It by Kool & The Gang

Hawk Celebrations

There's no better way to celebrate the final week of school and looking to close out 2023 by showcasing the amazing Winter Concert event from Thursday night this week!  Miss Bieda put together an incredible show.  Her hard work, dedication, and thoughtfulness was truly on display, and her leadership is unmatched.  Thanks to all of the staff that helped out as well to make this event all work.  In the end, Miss Bieda truly helped to set the stage for the stars of the show...our PreK-4th graders!  They absolutely crushed it up there.  The spirit and positivity was echoing throughout the gym in every song.  These students worked so hard to prepare for the Winter Concert and it certainly showed.  Their voices were wonderful, and I could see the pride in everyone's' eyes that was there to see our students shine.  This special event was definitely another highlight of our year at Pennoyer!

December Birthdays! 🎂

Viktoriia Strokova - 12/19

Denise Armenta - 12/21

Meghan Loring - 12/27

Pennoyer Staff Newsletter - 12/15/23

                                           Hawk Thoughts & Happenings

Team Pennoyer,

This week I was so excited to hang out with the Kindergartners and share a little bit about my culture and the holiday of Hanukkah with them!  Thanks to Diana and Lucy for inviting me into their space and giving me this opportunity.  The students were great!  We learned a little Hebrew together, talked about the story behind Hanukkah, and made some connections between different traditions and holidays.  It was definitely a highlight of my week.  I also got to show off by ugly holiday "fake" sweater top just one more time this year...haha!

The shout out this week comes from The Middle School Team to Carly Bieda...

Shout out to Carly for making a difference, being a team player on so many of our Pennoyer teams, for always pitching in to lend a hand, or time, or an ear or whatever is needed whenever it is needed, and doing everything she can to support staff and students even in the trickiest of situations. Thank you Carly!

HERE is the agenda for our Staff Meeting next Monday, December 18th at 3:15pm in the MPR.

Hawk Action Items  

• Before Winter Break...Please make sure to tidy up classrooms and throw away/recycle old items, garbage, any food in the classroom, and wipe down classroom surface areas as much as possible (see Alaine if you need wipes). Also, please try and plan to have students clean out any food, garbage, and old items in their lockers. Reach out to our maintenance crew if you need a garbage can for your students and their lockers.

• Wanna make somebody's day at Pennoyer...don't forget about our staff shout outs we'd like to get started up again this year!  It's real easy; if one staff member wants to give another staff member at Pennoyer a positive shout out for something that week, just send a quick email blurb to Adam, and he'll feature it in our weekly Hawk Happenings!

• Great job with all the social media posts shared for the month of November! Keep it up in December. Here's the Google Form for teachers to complete.  Thanks!!!

• 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.

• Friday Car Line Opportunity During Arrival Time - Want to be a "Guest DJ" and greeter during morning car line?  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, and reach out to Adam with any questions.

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

Weekly Hawk Playlist/Lyric

"Can't rewind the hands of time and time after time, I am reminded.  I can't keep it all, I can't leave it all behind me.  Should have known by now, I'm comin' around"

                                                                    -Comin' Around by Andrew Duhon

Hawk Celebrations

This week we want to celebrate our incredible band program here at Pennoyer and the amazing talent of our students!  With our band instructor, Mr. Paul Browne leading the way, our Pennoyer band students have been working so hard this year and showing so much improvement in their skills.  We've been seeing our band program grow over the last couple of years, and I'm so excited to see where we're headed with this great group of students at the core.  Mr. Browne has said these are some really talented students he's working with this year, and they're picking up on musical skills quicker than most students do.  This past Thursday, our Pennoyer band students participated in a regional band concert here at Pennoyer in our gym, and they truly shined.  They even got to play with our very own Superintendent Dr. Kopta on the French horn!  We couldn't be more proud of this special group of students that have put so much into learning their instruments and making music a part of their lives.  #PennoyerPride

December Birthdays! 🎂

Viktoriia Strokova - 12/19

Denise Armenta - 12/21

Meghan Loring - 12/27

Pennoyer Staff Newsletter - 12/8/23

                                                Hawk Thoughts & Happenings

Team Pennoyer,

There's absolutely nothing like seeing students and staff connect in our building and care for one another.  Here's a moment that I loved capturing of our little Hades helping out to fill teachers' mailboxes with the support of Miss Barzano at this side.  I know these kinds of things go on every week, and it's truly what's so incredibly special and important about our jobs.

Then there was the unforgettable moment this week when little Giancarlo was brought into the office with Mr. DeVivo after getting a nosebleed during PE class.  Mr. DeVivo was right there with gloves on to assist, and Denise and Alana worked as an incredible team as always to support Giancarlo.  He had moments he was ok, and sudden moments he got real scared of seeing the blood and not understanding what was fully going on.  Through it all though, he just blurted something out a few times here and there.  Little Giancarlo yelled, "I love you!" to the three of them as they helped him every way they could.  And of course, this incredible team said, we love you too.  It was absolutely the cutest thing.

The shout out this week comes from Rachel Michaels to Kate Barzano...

Kate Barzano is an incredible teacher. Kate is always positive and so easy to talk to you. Kate is such an amazing, dedicated, and passionate teacher. Kate relates to her students on a personal level, which I believe makes her an exceptional teacher. I enjoy working with Kate every day! I want to say thank you for your invaluable ideas and unique insights that make the kids and lessons so successful. It is amazing to see how you inspire these kids. Kate, you are a one-of-a-kind teacher! Also, congratulations on your engagement!!!

Hawk Action Items  

• Wanna make somebody's day at Pennoyer...don't forget about our staff shout outs we'd like to get started up again this year!  It's real easy; if one staff member wants to give another staff member at Pennoyer a positive shout out for something that week, just send a quick email blurb to Adam, and he'll feature it in our weekly Hawk Happenings!

• Just a friendly reminder about putting in Personal Days.  Per the contract, please make sure to have these in 5 days before for approval in case it's an emergency.  This will give us the best opportunity to find coverage and plan ahead.  Thanks so much!

• Great job with all the social media posts shared for the month of November! Keep it up in December. Here's the Google Form for teachers to complete.  Thanks!!!

• 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.

• Friday Car Line Opportunity During Arrival Time - Want to be a "Guest DJ" and greeter during morning car line?  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, and reach out to Adam with any questions.

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

Weekly Hawk Playlist/Lyric

Walk on the Ocean by Toad The Wet Sprocket

Hawk Celebrations

I'm so excited to celebrate our amazing Student Services Director, Miss Alicia Norgard this week!  Miss Norgard is such an intricate part of Pennoyer and all of its success.  She is an incredible advocate for students and families.  She has also been a vital component to creating a successful Special Education Department.  She works tirelessly day in and day out, and ALWAYS keeps a positive attitude and a smile on her face.  Here energy is infectious, and I truly appreciate her as a thought partner and leader on our administrative team.  I lean on her for so much, and she's always there for thoughtful insight or just to listen.  Miss Norgard embodies the spirit of Pennoyer and community.  She is an amazing support for our staff, and I truly know that Pennoyer is a better place with her in it.  We're so lucky to have her!!!

December Birthdays! 🎂

Viktoriia Strokova - 12/19

Denise Armenta - 12/21

Meghan Loring - 12/27

Pennoyer Staff Newsletter - 12/1/23

                                              Hawk Thoughts & Happenings

Team Pennoyer,

I tried my best this week to get in an out of classrooms and walk the hallways as much as possible to support students and see all the incredible things you're all doing.  I thought this week I would just share snapshots of some of the moments I had the opportunity to witness and some that were shared with me as well.  Our students have so many special moments (big and small) that they really enjoy at Pennoyer, and you make that all possible each and every day.  As we roll into December, keep up the great work you're all doing and hang in there for these next three weeks before a well earned Winter Break!

The shout out this week comes from Sarah Adkins to Vicki Palicka...

"Shout out to Vicki Palicka, who rescued Sarah Adkins this past Wednesday when Sarah found herself in the unfortunate situation of vomiting in front of her class full of students. Vicki not only raced to get the trash can in time, but she also seamlessly took over the class so Sarah could leave. Working with people you can count on is priceless. Thank you, Vicki!!"

HERE is the agenda for our Staff Meeting next Monday, December 4th at 3:15pm in the MPR.

Hawk Action Items  

• Wanna make somebody's day at Pennoyer...don't forget about our staff shout outs we'd like to get started up again this year!  It's real easy; if one staff member wants to give another staff member at Pennoyer a positive shout out for something that week, just send a quick email blurb to Adam, and he'll feature it in our weekly Hawk Happenings!

• Just a friendly reminder about putting in Personal Days.  Per the contract, please make sure to have these in 5 days before for approval in case it's an emergency.  This will give us the best opportunity to find coverage and plan ahead.  Thanks so much!

• Great job with all the social media posts shared for the month of November! Keep it up in December. Here's the Google Form for teachers to complete.  Thanks!!!

• 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.

• Friday Car Line Opportunity During Arrival Time - Want to be a "Guest DJ" and greeter during morning car line?  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, and reach out to Adam with any questions.

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

Weekly Hawk Playlist/Lyric

"I know what's on your mind, you feel you're wasting time.  Want to talk about it?  You feel there's something wrong, don't feel like holding on.  You better think about it."

                                                                       -Can't Slow Down by Lionel Richie

Hawk Celebrations

 It couldn't be more fitting this week than to celebrate the gift of "giving" that so many of our students have stepped up and participated in.  This past week on Wednesday, our Student Council, led by Ms. Kopoulos and Mrs. Kafka participated in the Salvation Army holiday bell ringing to help raise money for those in need.  They met up by the local Mariano's, and for two hours, they dedicated themselves to this charitable cause.  We're so proud of our amazing Student Council members!  We also had our Peer Leaders working with Ms. Torossi collecting hats and gloves over the past few weeks to support families in need all around our community.  They did an incredible job gathering up so many hats and gloves that will surely keep those in need warm this winter.  This is another group of students that truly show their Hawk spirit and their kind hearts.  We have so much Pennoyer Pride for all of these students and our incredible teachers that sponsor these special clubs!

December Birthdays! 🎂

Viktoriia Strokova - 12/19

Denise Armenta - 12/21

Meghan Loring - 12/27