Monday, February 5, 2024
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
Hello District 29!
How thrilling has it been to get some extra daylight after that long, cold, and dark January? My kids are acting like it is Springtime already! I really appreciate the brighter days which helps me to recognize some of the other remarkable things around me. Our amazing school district comes to mind as well as the partnership with the parent volunteers, who work to make the PTO programs materialize.
Want to hear more about what is happening with the PTO, how to get involved, as well as community and school district news? Then come to the next PTO meeting on the evening of February 12th at 7:00PM via Zoom – Zoom Link and Schedule. I hope to see you there.
Sandy Norbot
STAY INFORMED
Mid-Year Fundraiser
The PTO conducts fundraising to make the incredible PTO programs happen. Check out the PTO website for more information on the programs. You’ll be receiving a letter from me shortly asking for your support. Thank you! —Sandy
Lunchroom Substitute Volunteers Needed
Lunchroom volunteers help to provide lunch to students at both schools by serving food, washing trays, running the cashier, or helping the teachers keep the lunch room in order as needed. A schedule is set amongst volunteers at the beginning of the school year. However, as we all know, things come up and we can’t always make our commitments. Being a lunchroom substitute is a huge help for these situations! If you would like to be added to the “lunchroom sub list” fill out this form - https://on.loud.us/d29-lunch-sub Contact Laura Hendricks with questions - laurahendricks26@gmail.com
CALLING ALL PARENTS – PTO Board Positions
The PTO is looking for your help next year! We are opening the slate for the PTO Board and collecting names of parents who want to take on a role. You can see all the board positions on the PTO site – PTO Board Positions – District 29 PTO. Click on the paper icon to get a general idea of responsibilities and budget for each role. As we did last year, the slate starts clean which gives parents an opportunity to raise their hand and try something new or for current board members to express in continuing with their role. We welcome all volunteers! Please reach out to PTO Nominating Chair, Christie Caceres, at christiecaceres@me.com or 773-550-5111 with any questions or to express an interest.
P.S. Current PTO Board chairs Jocelyn Dinkel and Megan Lane are leading the 2025 Winter Benefit and are looking for two more volunteers to join them on the board.
8th Grade Activities
The 8th grade students were surprised with Joe Donut delivery on the first day back after the long MLK weekend. It also softened the blow of having to be back in session when all the neighboring towns were taking another snow day!
Invitations are out and final details are being made for the PTO sponsored 8th grade dance on February 9th. The theme is neon inspired, “Let’s Glow Crazy,” and we can’t wait for the graduates to have their first real school dance! The dress is casual and they will be treated to pizza before heading into the gym for dancing and plenty of photo ops!
Sunset Ridge Country Club has been booked for their graduation party, which will be held on Sunday, June 2nd. Thank you to all the parents who have paid their fees and literally made it possible for the committee to give them these memorable and special experiences throughout the year. Thank you also to Erica Marinello and the committee for planning these special events for our 8th graders!
Parent Connections
The next meeting will be on February 21st at 9AM. December’s presentation is also available on the district website:
Topic: Tiers of Support in D29: Maximizing Learning for All
Author Visits – Middlefork
Some exciting author visits and educational entertainment scheduling is in the works for the students at Middlefork School. Be on the lookout for more information from Learning Center teacher Kellie Johnson and the PTO.
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.
Civics In Action (CIA)
We are getting ready for February’s Random Acts of Kindness Week and SEL Day in March!
COMMUNITY NEWS
A Message from the Northfield Park District
Sign Up for Camp by March 31st and Save
Northfield Park District camps run from June 10th through August 9th and offer ultimate flexibility by allowing you to sign up by the day and choose any combination of half or full days. See the camp guideonline at northfieldparks.org for program and registration info. Contact Sammie Jacob at the Northfield Park District with questions.
Camp Counselor Positions Available
We’re hiring camp counselors! Get some valuable work experience in a fun environment. Must be at least 14 years old and available to work Monday-Friday from 6/10/24 through 8/9/24. Experience working with children is preferred. Learn more and apply online.
Save the Date – Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt
This year’s event will be on Saturday, March 16th starting at 10:30AM at Clarkson Park.
A Message from the Northfield Library
Valentine's Day Cookie Decorating – Wednesday, February 14th at 4PM
Decorate yummy treats to celebrate Valentine's Day. We will provide cookies, frosting and add-ons. Bring your creativity and appetite! Please register here.
Art Explorers: Valentine's Day Magnets – Wednesday, February 21st at 4PM
Come make a beautiful piece of art! We have a variety of supplies to let your creative side shine. Please register here.
Family Science: Build a Zoo! Wednesday, February 28th at 4PM
Have fun while experimenting! Participate in fun STEAM activities that will leave a lasting impression. Please register here.
A Message from The Alliance for Early Childhood
Upcoming event: Let’s Play! Winter Nature Exploration – Saturday, February 10th at 10AM-12PM, Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd, Highland Park
Bundle up and head outside to join The Alliance for Early Childhood in partnership with Heller Nature Center and the Park District of Highland Park to engage in imaginative, and child-directed, outdoor free-play. Paint the snow, go ice fishing with our magnetic fish, fort building with sticks and make some icy art pieces. Register here.
PLAY BALL!
Kenilworth-Winnetka Baseball Association is excited to announce the 2024 Spring House Community Baseball Season Programing. Registration is officially OPENED and can be completed through this link. The Spring House League is KWBA’s primary baseball season. The Season runs from April through the first of June with approximately 500 players participating in age divisions ranging from 1st Grade through 8th Grade. The league is open to boys and girls of all skill levels. Email communications@kwba.org with questions.
PTO SHOUT OUTS AND THANK YOUS
To all of the lunchroom volunteers for the variety of jobs you fulfill at either school, from serving food to the checkout line to getting trash in the appropriate place. You are also helping the kids with the important GREEN initiatives, which in turn helps our earth. And thank you Lunchroom Volunteer chair Laura Hendricks for your leadership.
6th Grade Social Dance chairs Hillary Bufalino and Jessica Adams for planning this long standing SRS tradition of getting the students together for a meal and then working it off by learning some traditional dance moves. One, two, three, four evenings of fun!
COMING SOON & NOTES
Important Dates
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 9AM
March 11: PTO Meeting 9AM
March 12: Board of Education Meeting 7PM
March 20: Parent Connections Meeting 9AM
March 22: Early Dismissal – School Improvement Day
March 25-29: No School – Spring Break
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.