Friday, January 5, 2024
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
Hello and Happy New Year!
I hope that everyone enjoyed the holidays and had some memorable moments with family and friends during the break.
Once the kids are back in school Monday morning on January 8th, grab your coffee and log in to the PTO meeting on Zoom at 9:00AM – Zoom Link and Schedule. You’ll hear news about what is going on at both schools, the community, the School Board, as well as PTO happenings.
Thank you all for your continued support into 2024.
Sandy Norbot
STAY INFORMED
The PTO Gifts program grants were announced at the December PTO meeting. Take a look at the PTO website to see all of the amazing items that were made possible by your generosity (fundraising from last year’s Winter Benefit as well as dues payments) and the imaginative ideas from the applications.
6th Grade Social Dance is quickly approaching!
Let's Dance! Sixth grade social dance is taught by a professional dance company that has been serving our Sunset Ridge School District for many years. Two professional dance instructors will lead our children in everything from ballroom dance to the tango.
There are four dances. Dance dates are January 26th, February 2nd, February 23rd, March 1st. Dinner will be served prior to the dance in the SRS cafeteria, followed by a fun night of dancing.
For any questions, please reach out to Jess Adams (adamsjessg@gmail.com) or Hillary Bufalino (hillarybufalino@gmail.com).
Directory
Are you in the PTO Directory, DirectorySpot? If not, you could be missing out on communications from room parents or from other district parents who simply want to get in touch. Email Directory Chair Catherine Lucas at catherineannelucas@gmail.com to have your record added.
2025 Winter Benefit
Yes 2024 has just begun but we are planning ahead for the biennial Winter Benefit in 2025! Current PTO Board chairs Jocelyn Dinkel and Megan Lane who are leading this event are looking for two more volunteers to join them on the board to plan this fun adults night out and our largest fundraiser. Reach out to president@district29pto.org if you are interested!
Parent Connections
The next Parent Connections meeting is on January 24th at 9AM. Zoom meeting login information is available on the D29 Parent/Student Calendar page.
Below are the links also available on the Parent Connections page for December’s meeting, Tiers of Support in D29: Maximizing Learning for All.
Civics In Action (CIA)
The RULER Reps performed a puppet show for the Middlefork 1st graders, highlighting different feeling words from the mood meter. They’ll be gearing up to perform for 2nd and 3rd grade in the coming months. Stay tuned for more helpful information for families about how to have conversations with your child about their feelings!
COMMUNITY NEWS
A Message from the Northfield Park District
Winter Classes for ages 3 through 3rd Grade Begin the Week of January 16th
Register online now! See the schedule for enrichment and athletic classes.
Our Summer Camps Offer you the Most Flexible Schedules
Look for the digital camp guide available soon at northfieldparks.org and get a jump on summer! The Northfield Park District offers flexible camp options for ages 3 years old through 8th grade. Register for camp by the day for the schedule that best fits your needs! Camp runs from June 10th through August 9th. The Counselor in Training (CIT) program is open to those entering 6th through 9th grade.
Resident registration starts January 15th; non-resident registration opens February 5th. Take advantage of early bird pricing through March 31st and save 10%. Some camps may fill early due to the popularity of our camps.
Keep Fit during the Winter at the Northfield Fitness Center
Members and non-members are welcome at our friendly, convenient facility located inside of the Northfield Community Center. A variety of memberships are available at great rates, or you can pay per time. Learn more.
Sign Up for Special Parent-Child Events
Daddy/Daughter Dance on February 9th, 6:15-8:30PM at Sunset Ridge Country Club
Mom-Son Basketball Bonanza on March 8th, 6:30-8:30PM at the Community Center
Early bird online registration is open. Registrations received after the early bird deadlines will be assessed a 20% price increase.
Recycle Holiday Lights
Keep your old, broken, and unwanted holiday lights and extension cords out of the garbage. Collection boxes for recycling are in front of the Community Center and Village Hall until the end of January. Please take lights out of plastic bags. Sponsored by Go Green Northfield, the Northfield Park District, and the Village of Northfield in partnership with Elgin Recycling.
A Message from the Northfield Library
Family Science Event: January 17th 4-4:30PM
Have fun while experimenting! Participate in fun STEAM activities that will leave a lasting impression. Registration required: Family Science
Art Explorers: January 24th 4-4:30PM
Come make a beautiful piece of art! Explore a variety of supplies to let your creative side shine.
Registration required: Art Explorers
PTO SHOUT OUTS AND THANK YOUS
We had so many successful programs in December thanks to all of the volunteers!
Middlefork Book Fair chairs Sarah Cohn, Laura Curry, and Carla Pagni for all of the planning, communications, setup, transactions, and cleanup of this fun and successful book fair! There is no mystery here – they helped to encourage a love of reading while bringing the community together and raising funds for PTO programs.
Holiday Gifts Program chairs Julie Aiello, Sarah Cohn, Carma Pagni, and Maggie Yocom-Piatt for their efforts in making the holidays a little brighter for our neighbors at the Northwest Settlement House. There are a lot of logistics that go into making this program a success – planning with NUSH and district staff, assigning sponsor families, auditing, packing, and delivering gifts, and more! They didn’t miss a beat. It is a true partnership between the PTO, District 29 Staff, and the Student Ambassadors which make this sharing program possible. And THANK YOU ALL for your contributions to the sponsored families.
Read A Palooza Eagle Café volunteers for setting up, mixing, serving, and the cleanup of the hot cocoa bar at Sunset Ridge. Thanks for helping to provide a treat to the students during this afternoon of reading fun!
Room Parents and teachers for holiday parties in the classrooms. What a great way for classmates to wrap up 2023 with fun and holiday cheer!
Junior Great Books chair Maureen Huhs for volunteering her time and helping to oversee the planning of this beloved 3rd grade program!
Social Media chair Kristin Galbraith for keeping us informed of PTO programs and meetings through her creative posts on Social Media and Facebook. Be sure to follow on Instagram: @district29pto and on Facebook: Sunset Ridge/Middlefork PTO.
COMING SOON & NOTES
Important Dates
January 8: PTO Meeting 9AM
January 15: No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 16: Board of Education Meeting 7PM
January 24: Parent Connections Meeting 9AM
February 12: PTO Meeting 7PM
February 13: Board of Education Meeting 5:30PM
February 15: No School – Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 16: No School – Teacher Institute Day
February 19: No School – Presidents’ Day
February 21: Parent Connections Meeting 7PM
All Zoom links can be found on the District 29 Calendar.
How to Help
Community involvement is instrumental in making the PTO a success. Please consider volunteering your time! Contact Sandy Norbot at president@district29pto.org to get involved or with any questions.