DISTRICT 29 PTO MONTHLY MATTERS
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
Monday, April 2, 2024
Hello District 29,
Happy Spring! I hope that you and your families are feeling refreshed and ready for the home stretch of the school year.
The PTO is still hard at work with planning our Spring programs – think Teacher Appreciation week, Sunset Ridge Book Fair, and Family Fun Fair. Some big ones! And we are even planning ahead for the Fall.
Hear more at the APRIL PTO meeting on April 8th at 7:00PM (our last evening meeting of the year). There are two very important items that will be presented to the organization (that’s you!):
1. The slate for the 2024-2025 PTO Board – The Nominating Committee started with an open slate in February, and these are the parents who have volunteered to serve as chairs to run the PTO programs for next school year. A vote will be taken at the May PTO meeting.
2. The proposed budget for the 2024-2025 school year – the budget will show the anticipated income and expenses needed to operate the PTO programs from August 1, 2024 through July 31st, 2025. A vote will be taken at the May PTO meeting.
Here is the Zoom Link and Schedule. I hope to see you there!
Thank you,
Sandy Norbot
STAY INFORMED
Midyear Fundraiser – It’s a wrap!
My sincere thanks to the families who donated to this year’s PTO fundraiser. It was a letter writing campaign where all district families received a heartfelt note in the mail from yours truly, requesting a donation to benefit the PTO programs. We received $5,305 out of the $15,000 goal, with 12% participation from families. See the PTO Website for more information on where these funds are applied. Thank you! - Sandy
District 29 100 Year Anniversary Committee
By now you have likely heard of District 29’s 100 Year Anniversary on April 12th! The 100 year committee has been working to find the perfect tree to plant as well as a plaque to commemorate the occasion. We are giving the District 29 Alumni a chance to donate and have their name engraved on a plaque to be a permanent part of this celebration. Know an alumnus/alumna? Maybe you are one! See the GoFundMe site for details and pass it on! Additionally, the Student Ambassadors have created some D29 spirit wear for the 100th anniversary and it is now available for families and the community to purchase here.
Parent Connections
At the next meeting on April 24th at 7:00PM, US Dept. of Homeland Security Agent Steven Moran will share information to help parents ensure digital and online safety. Due to Security guidelines, this meeting cannot be recorded. Join Zoom meeting, Meeting ID: 824 3856 9277, Passcode: 581059.
Civics in Action
The Ruler Reps will continue their emotion word puppet shows at Middlefork.
Welcomers Program – Become a Mentor!
Every year the PTO seeks to connect new families in our district with "Mentor Families”. Have you had a child at one of our schools for at least one school year? Then you too can be a mentor! Click here for more information and to sign up. Have questions before you commit? Please contact current Welcomers chair Katie Lutz (kj.lutz@gmail.com) or Sandy Norbot (president@district29pto.org).
Sunset Ridge Book Fair
Save the date for the Sunset Ridge Book Fair on May 21st – 22nd. More information coming soon!
Teacher Appreciation Week begins May 6th!
Can we ever fully show the D29 staff just how much they mean to us? The PTO Teacher Appreciation chairs are sure going to try! In the meantime, did you know we have a Teachers Favorite Things page on the PTO Website? Check it out!
Family Fun Fair – Save the Date!
We’ll be celebrating the end of the school year with fun, food, and inflatables on Tuesday, June 4th at Clarkson Park. Volunteers will be needed that day so please consider donating 30 minutes of your time. More details to come!
School Supplies for 2024/2025
The PTO is once again working with 1st Day School supplies to allow for convenient school supply shopping for district families. If you placed an order last year, you may have already received an email from them and can place your order! Be on the lookout for more information later this month from our School Supply chairs.
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.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Cub Scout Pancake Breakfast
The annual Cub Scout Pack 17 pancake breakfast is right around the corner! For $10 a person, the scouts will serve you and your family a hot and delicious breakfast. You can dine-in or take it to-go. There will also be a raffle with fabulous prizes!
When: Saturday, April 13th from 8:00 - 11:00AM
Where: The gym at St. Philip the Apostle Church, 1980 Old Willow Rd (Hyde Park Day School entrance)
Cost: $10 a person (children under 3 eat for free)
A Message from the Northfield Park District
Pickleball Lessons Starting April 9th
One hour lessons taught by Dan and Steph McGuire Tuesdays – Thursdays at 1-4PM at Willow Park. For more information, pricing, and to sign up, contact Dan McGuire, danj_mcguire@yahoo.com.
Glenview Pool and Winnetka Beach Passes Available at Resident Rates
See our website for details and purchase information.
Spring Classes Start April 7th
See the class schedule and descriptions.
A Message from The Alliance for Early Childhood
Let’s Play! At the Farm, Saturday, April 27th 10AM-12PM, Historic Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview
Join The Alliance for Early Childhood in partnership with Historic Wagner for a morning of exploration at the farm in spring. Families can explore the 1920’s historic Wagner farmhouse, barter in the Farm Stand, enjoy the Farm Adventure Area playground, and visit the Heritage Center, which includes a 1930’s recreated grocery store. Registration recommended.
A Message from the Northfield Library
Next Stop: Library! After School Fun, April 16th 4-5PM
Drop in after school to build, play and discover with toys and activities. More info here.
K9 Reading Buddies, April 18th 4-5PM
Read some of your favorite stories to a trained therapy dog! This is a great opportunity to boost reading self-confidence and to become more comfortable around dogs. Please call to register for one-on-one time with one of these excellent animals. Please call the library to sign up for spaces: 847-446-5990. More info here.
Art Explorers, April 24th 4-4:30PM
Join us to make something beautiful! We’ll have a variety of supplies to let your creative side shine. Register here.
PTO SHOUT OUTS AND THANK YOUS
Nominating Chair Christie Cáceres for communicating and collaborating in order to gather a remarkable group of parent volunteers for next year’s PTO Board. We are fortunate to have so many people raise their hands to do the work. Christie’s leadership along with the Nominating Committee helped to fill every position, and thanks to them we will have another successful year of PTO programs coming your way!
Treasurer Yena Levinson for her continuous efforts throughout the year in keeping the PTO funds in order. From drafting the budget to running reports, cutting checks, making deposits, filing official paperwork with the state, preparing for our tax reporting, and everything in-between, her work helps to ensure proper financial management for the PTO.
Communications Chair Sara Thompson for preparing this newsletter each month to bring all the PTO news you can use to the district!
COMING SOON & NOTES
Important Dates
April 8: PTO Meeting 7PM
April 9: Board of Education Meeting 7PM
April 12: D29’s 100th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony
April 24: Parent Connections Meeting 7PM
April 26: Early Dismissal – School Improvement Day
May 13: PTO Meeting 9AM
May 14: Board of Education Meeting 7PM
May 27: No School – Memorial Day
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.
