Greenbriar Gazette 3/15/2024
Volume 33 Issue 27 | March 15, 2024
Principal's Message
Dear Greenbriar Families,
We had an awesome Science Night last night! We had more than 75 students participate in developing about 50 projects and everyone enjoyed seeing their work and creativity. Huge thanks to our PTO Science Night committee and our STEM Lab Teacher, Ms. Maness, for coordinating this great event! I've included a few photos from the event below.
Today, parents of 3rd and 5th graders should receive your child's Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) report. As a reminder, the CogAT is one of the assessments we use to help determine appropriate course placement for math (for 3rd and 5th graders) and ELA (for 5th graders). Please reach out to me or Mrs. Miller (rmiller@northbrook28.net) with any questions. As I shared previously, progress reports for the second trimester will be available electronically next Friday, March 22nd.
We wish peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment to all who celebrate Ramadan this month.
Have a great weekend everyone, ☘️
Ginny
Visitors received a science notebook to track their learning as they visited the projects on display.
Kindergartener Asher proudly displays his volcano.
Mentos and Coke make for an impressive eruption!
News & Notes
Parent Book Discussion on "Yardsticks"
Please join us for a book discussion, at either of the times listed below, to explore together the insightful world of Yardsticks: Children in the Classroom Ages 4-14 by Chip Wood! This book offers a chance to deepen our understanding of our children's developmental stages and connect with other parents. We hope parents will order this book and take a few moments to read through the relevant portions before joining us to discuss questions and insights. The District 28 Principals will be leading the discussions. Let's support each other on this journey of raising resilient and thriving children!
May 14 @ 1:00 - 2:00 PM in the Westmoor Cafeteria
OR
May 14 @ 6:00 - 7:00 PM in the NBJH Cafeteria
Please use this link to RSVP by April 5th.
Eliminating Food Waste at Lunch
Unfortunately, we have been seeing a lot of food waste during lunch at Greenbriar, specifically the additional sides that come with Marla's lunch meals (e.g., bags of carrots, chips, cookies, etc.). To combat this waste, starting after spring break, we will be putting out collection boxes near the trash cans for any unopened packaged items. These will be donated to area food pantries. If you would like your children to bring home any of their unopened food, please confirm with their teachers and we will make sure it comes home in lunchboxes or backpacks.
Dental Records Due May 15th for Kindergarten & 2nd Graders *repeat*
If you have not already submitted the state-required dental forms for your kindergartener or 2nd grader, please submit those to Nurse Sherman by May 15th. Dental forms are only due for these two grades in K-5.
Erin's Law Presentations *repeat*
Erin’s Law (House Bill 6193) was signed into Illinois law in 2013. This law requires schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for grades pre-K through 12. Victor Pacini, a survivor of sexual abuse and motivational speaker, will be assisting our elementary schools in implementing this mandate.
Mr. Pacini's program is developmentally appropriate, interactive, and aligned with learning standards. He will be presenting to Greenbriar students on April 12th. The focus of his presentation is to teach children basic skills to keep them safe from dangerous or abusive situations. Visit Pacini's website.
Please see additional details in this note.
KidCare Registration Opens April 16 *repeat*
KidCare is District 28's before- and after-school care program for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The goal of the program is to provide a fun, safe environment with opportunities including crafts, games, physical activities, and study time.
Registration for the 2024-2025 school year opens April 16 at 7 p.m. Visit the KidCare Webpage for details
Family Service/Greenbriar Gives Off-Site Volunteer Opportunities *repeat*
Join us on Saturdays during the month of April at Feed My Starving Children (Libertyville). This is a great opportunity for the whole family to be of service and support the Family Service/Greenbriar Gives off-site service initiative. Please use this SignUpGenius link to grab your spot. In your sign up submission, please include the names of all individuals who will be volunteering with you. The minimum age to participate is 5 years old. Thank you!
Summer Enrichment Course Descriptions Available
Course descriptions for all of the offerings for the 2024 Summer Enrichment Program are now posted on our Summer Programming website.
The Summer Enrichment and Extended School Year programs will be held Thursday, June 6 - Friday June 28 and will be held at Westmoor School for incoming grades 1-4 and at Northbrook Junior High for incoming grades 5-8.
Registration begins at 7 p.m. Monday, April 1.
For more information about the programs, please visit Summer Enrichment FAQ or
5Essentials Survey Closes Soon!
We want to hear your perspective on your child’s education and learning environment. Please take a few minutes to take the Illinois 5Essentials Survey for parents.
As of this week, Greenbriar School has a 20% response rate from parents (Yay!). We need 20% response rate in order for school administration to receive a report of the findings. This information is also showcased on the Illinois School Report Card under ‘School Environment.’ The survey closes soon.
The Illinois State Board of Education has more information about the Illinois 5Essentials Survey or view District information on our website.
(button) Take the Survey Today!
D225 Strategic Plan Framework Survey
Glenbrook High School District 225 is asking for feedback on its draft strategic framework from the community. We encourage everyone to review the focus areas and priority actions that will guide the district’s strategic direction for the next 3-5 years. Please complete by March 18.
PTO News
The PTO will be sending a weekly update on Mondays...you can also always find the latest news and updates on the PTO website.
Come Out to Family Funday March 19
The PTO Council presents Family Funday March 19 10 a.m. to noon at North Shore Sportscenter, 1900 Old Willow Road, Northbrook. Admission of $10/child includes access to two inflatables and games, open gym with kickball, basketball and volleyball organized by age. Adult supervision is required for every child.
Proceeds benefit Spurgeons Academy, District 28’s Sister School in Kenya.
Sister School in Kenya
Northbrook District 28 has sponsored a sister school in Kenya, Africa, since 2007. Spurgeon’s Academy is an elementary and middle school located in the largest slum in Africa, in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya. More than half of the school’s students are orphans and all of them live in ultra poverty (less than $2 per day). The school is free for students and in addition to offering them an education, they serve two meals per day. Often this is the only food the children will eat that day.
District 28 has a long history of fundraising for our sister school, Spurgeon's Academy. The relationship began in 2007 when Sue Vaickauski, a former Westmoor School administrative assistant and grandmother of three current D28 students, visited Kenya. She came home and started the Concert for Africa, which raised $100,000 over ten years. Her mission was continued by the Fridman family, who visited in 2019 and delivered Chromebooks and several suitcases of donations. Last year the Dallia family, who have children attending Greenbriar and Northbrook Junior High, visited the school.
In 2023, the Dallia family, who have children attending Greenbriar and Northbrook Junior High, visited the school, delivering supplies and visiting with students and staff. They plan to return this year.
Music Parents Club Fundraiser
Dine out at Currito, 2141 Willow Road, Glenview
Thursday March 21 - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
20% of your purchase will go to Music Parents club.
Download and present coupon below when ordering.
Upcoming Events
- March 15: 2nd and 5th grade field trip
- March 18: Junior, Concert Bands & Jazz Factory concert @ 7pm
- March 19: No School, Teacher In-service
- March 20: Kindergarten Art/Music Sharing
- March 21: Greyhound Pack Meetings
- March 22: Progress reports shared with families
- March 25-29: No School, Spring Break
- April 2: PTO Pizza & Spirit Wear Day
- April 4: District 28 Faculty Recital Night @ 7pm
- April 8-12: IAR testing for grades 3-5
- April 9: PTO Pizza & Spirit Wear Day
- April 12: Erin's Law presentations
- April 15, 16 & 18: 5th grade IL Science assessment
- April 16: PTO Pizza & Spirit Wear Day
Mark Your Calendars for Important Events!
You can also visit northbrook28.net/greenbriar to add these events to your personal device. Stay organized by downloading the District 28 Mobile App to access dates and news in an instant.
Virtual Backpack
District 28 invites local non-profit organizations and community government agencies to promote events for families and children. Each week, some event are highlighted in the newsletter. View the complete list of events on the Virtual Backpack web page. To submit an event, please email the web-friendly flier to Terry Ryan, Communications Director. All fliers are subject to approval.
Healthy Kids Running Series - Registration Now Open!
Registration is now open for the five-week Spring series that runs from April 21st through May 19th at Willow Park in Glenview.
Kids ages 2 - 14 participate in five weeks of cross country style races that aim to provide a positive and fun introduction to running. Everyone receives a T-shirt, 5 race bibs and a finisher medal after the final race. Top 3 finishers in each Division receive a trophy too!