Harper Happenings
March 30- April 1
What's Happening
Important Upcoming Dates-
Harper Open House: Postponed - Will look to reschedule (TBD)
Monday, March 30th: Schools will be closed. No remote learning will occur.
Tuesday, March 31st - Thursday, April 9th: Remote Learning Days (note 4-day weeks)
Friday, April 10th: No School/Non-Instructional Day. No remote learning will occur.
Monday, April 13: Schools will be closed. No remote learning will occur.
Tuesday, April 14: Instructional Day
PTO Sponsored Movie Night: Postponed- will reschedule
4th Grade Music Show: April 22nd 9:30AM
Principal's Message
Hello Harper Families,
Congratulations to all students, parents, families, and staff for successfully completing one week of e-Learning. I cannot be prouder to be a part of this amazing community! I am so impressed with all our staff who have embraced e-Learning and our goal of creating meaningful activities and instruction for students while not present in the school building. I am thankful for all the parents/families who have been so supportive and understanding and assisted your child(ren) as they learn to embrace school in this unique way. And most of all, I am reminded again about how amazing the students are for their effort this week, commitment to their classrooms and teachers, and understanding of the importance of their own learning. It feels good to be part of District 39 and the Harper community!
To bring our community together virtually, I have created THIS PADLET to share a highlight of your e-Learning week. This is optional but I would love for you to share out with each other (the community) as another way to come together virtually.
Also, after today, please put your iPads/chromebooks away until Tuesday, March 31 - our next day of school, since this device is to be used for instructional/educational purposes only. Thank you for your help!
Social-Emotional Resources
Additionally, I am really excited to announce the first addition of Medsker's Mindfulness, a newsletter from our school social worker, Erin Medsker, providing you with social-emotional tips and resources. This week focuses on support during e-Learning and more resources for supporting your child(ren) through the Coronavirus.
Spring Break Resources
Lastly, we know this Spring Break will be different for many, so one suggestion is to create a schedule for the day. Many children benefit from schedules, structures, and routines. Here are some more resources for ideas of what to do over Spring Break:
Read: The D39 Library Team has created a Virtual Library just for your family! Find information on e-books, virtual spring break spots, author visits, and podcasts for kids all in one easy to access location. Still like the feel of a real book in your hands? The Glenview Public Library has a drive up service available! #d39Reads
Keyboarding challenges
Spirit day/Community
Thank you for participating in our spirit days this week including our tropical theme today. Look for more fun spirit days and community building activities in April. If you have any ideas, please share with me! We are all in this e-Learning experience TOGETHER.
Have a great week. I hope it is relaxing, technology free (or limited), fun, and most of all, stay healthy!
Thanks,
Aaron
Parent Planning Notes
Parent Placement Input Forms: Although we feel confident in our ability to appropriately place your child successfully, some of you may feel that your input is needed. If you feel that extraordinary factors exist that the school should be aware of, HERE is the official optional Harper Parent Placement Input Form that you may use to explain those factors. The form is still open and will now close on Tuesday, March 31 (end of spring break). The factors might include your child’s learning style, special learning needs, or specific qualities of a teacher. Also, we would like to caution you about making positive or negative requests for teachers by name unless your family has a direct experience with that individual. Each family’s experience with a particular staff member is unique. Your submission must be received by March 20.
- Registration for next school year is OPEN: Thank you to all the families who completed the online registration process in a timely manner. It helps us make important decisions for the next school year like how many teachers we need. If you have not yet done so, It would help us tremendously if you could complete this process by the end of spring break. Look for an email sent by our district office or call the school office and they can assist.
Announcements
New Trier Food Bank is in desperate need of donations at this time. If you have the means, please consider buying an extra bag of groceries on your next run and drop off at New Trier Food Bank (739 Elm Street) on your way home. You will need to call ahead to coordinate a donation time (sometime between 10-4, M-F). Contact Brian at 847-446-8203 to arrange. Also, if your family needs assistance in the coming days and weeks ahead, please reach out to Aaron Dubnow (dubnowa@wilmette39.org). In confidence, he can enlist district and PTO resources to help in any way possible.
Thank you to the PTO Nominating Committee for actively filling PTO spots for 2020/2021 school year.
Please find the file below, the excel document with positions filled and POSITIONS STILL OPEN. It takes a plethora of volunteers for PTO to function and we thank you for all you do, especially during this challenging time.
If you have any questions on PTO roles and responsibilities, please email ptopresident@harperpto.com
iGNITE
http://harperpto.com/ignitetaxletter/
If you have not made a donation, it is never too late! We are still short of our goal that assures all enrichment activities are funded for our kids.
http://harperpto.com/ignite-donation/
If you have any questions or can't remember if you made a donation, please reach out to Jill Huebsch, jillhuebsch@gmail.com
Community News
Wilmette Public Library hosts MAKER FEST Saturday, February 29th, 10:30 - 2:30
- Under the LIghts Flag Football registration is open until March 13th for Kindergarten - 8th graders (Co-Ed League). Volunteer coaches needed.
- The Justin Wynn Leadership Academy hosts its Annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament on March 15th for 3rd through 8th grade boys & girls.
- Wilmette Food Pantry is open every Tuesday 10:30-11:30 am at Trinity United Methodist Church.
- The Center for Gifted hosts summer programs. View flyers for details.
- NSSRA offers Campyardigans for Summer 2020. See flyer for details.
- The Trevian Girls Softball Association is adding 9-10 year old players to their spring & summer teams.
- Wilmette Baseball Association House League registraton is now open for Kindergarten - 8th grade children.
All announcements to be included in the Harper Happenings should be sent to Kelly Maggio via the Communication Request Form by Mondays at 9 am. If you do not receive an email response within 24hrs, please send an email to kwmaggio@gmail.com to confirm your Communication Request Form was received.
For more school information, visit the Harper PTO website.
For additional D39 community events, visit wilmette39.org