Westbrook + Glen Grove PTA
Newsletter for January 17, 2023
PTA News
RECAP: Our Meeting Last Thursday
Thank you to everyone who joined us for last Thursday's daytime PTA meeting! We really appreciate your time, input, and conversation.
Highlights From January's Meeting
- PTA Event Form Submission: We've had one suggestion for a new PTA event via our Google Form, which was parents coming in to have lunch with their student. Given the short amount of time students have for lunch, we discussed in what ways we can increase the opportunities for parents to spend time in the schools in other ways, such as recess, fine arts time, etc. We are brainstorming ideas and will revisit the conversation at our next meeting, if not before.
- Winter Party Feedback: We heard Winter Party feedback directly from two Kindergarten Room Reps who attended the meeting and will combine their thoughts with that provided on our staff and parent feedback forms. We are using all of the input as we create our February Party Plans!
- Author Visit from Newbery Award winner Tae Keller for 5th graders Monday, January 23; this includes PTA sponsored purchase of 25 books for Glen Grove classrooms and LRC
- Glen Grove Community Project team is hosting a Lunar New Year Family Event February 3
- Mouse Trap Machine Assembly coming In February, sponsored by PTA
- Special Fine Arts/PE Week for 3rd Grade Parents coming in February
- Winter Party feedback is being used to inform our upcoming February Classroom Parties
- Next Spirit Night is at PANERA on 2/22
- Family Literacy Night (Prek-2nd) will be coming to Westbrook March 8
- Author Visit for 3rd and 4th graders! Wink author Rob Harrell will visit on 3/14! PTA plans to purchase a selection of the author's books for distribution at the school as well
- Rhythm Is Alive! Music Performances (1st/2nd) coming up at Westbrook March 16/17
- Special Artist In Residence Jimmy Barillas visiting 4th graders this spring, sponsored by PTA
- Room Reps are busy planning Winter Activities for their classrooms. Thank you!
Our next meeting will be February 9 at 6pm on Zoom. All are invited!
Local Artist Jimmy Barillas @ Glen Grove!
Jimmy Barillas will be the upcoming Artist in Residence in Ms. Hausman's 4th grade art classes! Just as students begin their bird painting unit, Mr. Barillas will speak to students about his bird drawing techniques and provide an in-person demonstration. Many thanks to Ms. Hausman for organizing this fantastic experience!
Mr. Barillas's artwork is on exhibit at Awesome Juice Bar, which is located at 3236 Glenview Rd. Please stop in and check it out!
***PTA is proud to sponsor Mr. Barillas's visit!***
Newbery Award-Winning Author Tae Keller @ Glen Grove!
Fifth grade gators will enjoy a visit from Newbery Award winning author Tae Keller on Monday, January 23. She will be talking about her book, When You Trap a Tiger, which has just been released in paperback. Many thanks to LRC Director Lisa Funke for arranging this exciting visit via local bookstore The Book Stall.
Students who wish to have their own copy of the book signed should place their order with The Book Stall by January 18. Click here to place an order Books will be delivered to students on the day of the author visit.
25 Copies of Tae Keller Titles Added To Glen Grove By PTA
When You Trap a Tiger
Jennifer Chan is Not Alone
Science of Breakable Things
Mihi Ever After
***PTA is proud to sponsor 25 books connected with Ms. Keller's visit as additions to the classrooms and school library!***
COMING SOON: Wink! author Rob Harrell to visit with 3rd and 4th graders on March 14!
Mouse Trap Machine Assembly COMING SOON!
The Mousetrap Machine Show combines Science, Math and Art to teach students about how the five essential simple machines work: the Lever, the Wheel, the Pulley, the Inclined Plane and the Screw. We can't wait to see our panda and gators enjoy the show!
Westbrook: February 9 (2 shows)
Glen Grove: February 3 (1 show)
***PTA is proud to sponsor this event***
Have an idea for a PTA event?
We are inviting ANYONE to share ideas about PTA events you'd like to see at our schools!
We've included some key considerations at the top of the form, so check them out and then share your idea. We'll reach out to discuss!
Family Participation Opportunities
Room Reps Are Planning Winter Activities!
We would like to say a huge thank you all of our Room Reps! Thank you for volunteering and for connecting our community!!!
Current Winter Activities
Thank you Room Reps for coordinating such fun events! More events coming soon!
Please watch for direct email communication from your Room Rep(s) for updates, changes, or cancellations to the information listed above.
February Family Participation Save-the-Dates
SAVE THE DATE - 2/3/23
All Glen Grove Families
All Glen Grove families are invited to a special family night to learn more about Lunar New Year! This is the second event this year from the Glen Grove Community Project (GGCP) team, who created the Ofrenda Experience last October -- and it was a huge success!
Many thanks to the GGCP for connecting with our gator families, learning about their varied traditions, and sharing them with the greater community. It's really neat to see how traditions are different across cultures, yet there are clear themes that unite us all.
NOTE: No registration required, just come join the fun!
In addition to Lunar New Year, how do other gators celebrate *NEW BEGINNINGS*? Find out here!
***PTA is a proud supporter of this event and the Glen Grove Community Project***
SAVE THE DATE - 2/3 to 2/6
3rd Grade Families
As noted in the 1/13/23 Gator News, Glen Grove will be hosting THIRD GRADE PARENTS in a very special Fine Arts Week! This is a fantastic opportunity to get to know your child's fine arts teachers -- who they will know for three full years -- and better understand the important role these teachers and curriculums play in your student's overall education.
Can't make it? Schedule *conferences* with your fine arts teachers this spring! Zoom conferences are available!
***PTA is a proud supporter of all Westbrook and Glen Grove Fine Arts/PE events!***
SAVE THE DATE - 2/14/23
All Westbrook & Glen Grove Families
We will be sharing the sign up for parents to volunteer at the February Classroom Parties soon, once we have confirmed the times for the parties.
***PTA will be sponsoring these parties using classroom funds collected at the start of the school year. Thank you parents!***
SAVE THE DATE - 2/15/23
All Glen Grove Families
You are invited to this special night that will serve as the conclusion of the One School, One Book all-school book club! It will be a fantastic evening!
Want to read along with your student or just better understand the schedule of events, check out the Glen Grove One School, One Book Website
***PTA is a proud supporter of the One School, One Book GEF grant!***
SAVE THE DATE - 2/22/23
All Westbrook & Glen Grove Families
Wednesday, February 22 will be our next spirit night @ Panera in Niles (Milwaukee Ave.)!
***Your participation helps us do more in our schools!***
Please see our calendar below for all MARCH save-the-dates, including many for Westbrook!
News For Teachers & Staff
February Classroom Parties
After gathering and reviewing feedback from the December party, we are moving ahead with our February party planning! Thank you to everyone who provided feedback because it is always very helpful.
Per feedback from our teachers, we will be sharing the February Party Plans with Room Reps AND teachers so that everyone has access to the same information. Room Reps and teachers are highly encouraged to review the plan together, discuss, and make any changes needed to suit your individual classroom.
More details coming soon. Stay tuned!
Other News
Winter/Spring 2023 Calendar
*** New Dates Added 1/17***
January
January 17 - Board of Education Meeting 7:30pm
January 18 - Kids Heart Challenge begins at GG
January 18 - Glen Grove Winter Orchestra Concert, 7pm
January 23 - Glen Grove Author Visit from Newberry Medal Author Tae Keller, 5th grade only, 9:30am
January 24 - Parent Connect Zoom: Guiding Your Child through Social Strife, 7pm -- REGISTER HERE
January 28 - GEF Trivia Night, 6:30pm
February
February Classroom Parties
February 2 - GEF Recital Night, 6pm - 9pm (for some Glen Grove students)
February 3 - MouseTrap Machine Show PTA-sponsored assembly, Glen Grove, 1pm
February 3 - Glen Grove Community Project Family Event: Lunar New Year, 6pm
February 6 to 8 - 3rd Grade Fine Arts Week -- parents, save the date! NEW!
February 9 - MouseTrap Machine Show PTA-sponsored assembly, Westbrook, 10am and 1:30pm
February 9 - PTA Meeting with our WB/GG Principals, all invited, 6pm on Zoom
February 14 - February Classroom Parties @ Westbrook and Glen Grove
February 15 - Glen Grove One Book, One School Evening Event, 6pm-7pm
February 20 - NO SCHOOL (Presidents Day)
February 21 - Board of Education Meeting, 7:30pm
February 22 - 4th Grade Artist In Residence Experience (PRE, PAR, DAH), sponsored by PTA New!
February 22 - Spirit Night @ Panera (Milwaukee Ave), 4pm-8pm
February 24 - 4th Grade Artist In Residence Experience (BUR, VIL, PET), sponsored by PTA New!
March
March 3 - NO SCHOOL (conferences)
March 8 - Westbrook Family Literacy Night, 5:30pm - 7pm
March 9 - PTA Meeting with our WB/GG Principals, all invited, 9:15am @ Glen Grove
March 14 - Glen Grove Author Visit with Wink author Rob Harrell, 3rd and 4th grades only, time TBD
March 15 - D34 Parent Connect Presentation: Parenting Through Puberty, 7pm @ Springman
March 16 - Westbrook Music Performance for Hochman, Skogsbakken, Bratko & Davies, 9:30am
March 16 - Westbrook Music Performance for Borkowski, Marsh, Howard, & McIntyre, 1:30pm
March 17 - Westbrook Music Performance for Humpal, Yadava, & Sulak, 9:30am
March 20 - Board of Education Meeting, 7:30pm
March 27 to 31 - NO SCHOOL (spring break)
April
April 3 - D34 K-8th Registration For 2023-24 school year begins (with early bird discount!)
April 7 - NO SCHOOL (Good Friday)
April 13 - PTA Meeting with our WB/GG Principals, all invited, 6pm on Zoom
April 17 - Board of Education Meeting, 7:30pm
April 24 - Family Connect Night for Westbrook & Glen Grove Families, 6pm - 8pm (sponsored by the Debra Gelfand Children's Foundation)
May
May 8 to 12 - Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
May 11 - PTA Meeting with our WB/GG Principals, all invited, 9:15am Westbrook (last meeting)
May 15 - Board of Education Meeting, 7:30pm
May 16 - Spring Chorus Concert, 6:30pm
May 25 - Spring Band Concert, 6:30pm
May 29 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)
June
June 7 - 5th Grade Picnic, time TBD
June 8 - 5th Grade Picnic RAIN DATE (if needed)
June 8 - Last Day For Students
Other Calendar Links
Glen Grove Monthly Calendar (with lunch info)
D34 Monthly Calendar (website)
D34 2022-23 Calendar (PDF)
Click to add the D34 Google Calendar to your calendar
Monthly Friday Hot Lunch Specials
If we are missing any calendar dates let us know ptapresident.wbgg@gmail.com
Helpful Links For Parents
As You Spring Clean, Keep In Mind...
D34 Food Survey
Do you have feedback, thoughts, questions...or maybe dreams? to share with the D34 Food Services Team? You are invited to share as many details as you like in this survey!
D34 has welcomed a new Director of Food and Nutrition Services, Stacy Lenihan, and she is gathering input from anyone who wishes to share it!
Presentation
Date: 1/24/23
Time: 7pm
Format: Zoom
Register: Click here to register
Submit Questions: Click here to submit questions
Sponsored by D34
D34 Preschool
Learn more about D34 preschool, as well as screenings for hearing/vision, concepts, motor and language (English language proficiency if bilingual).
PeachJar
Check out the latest flyers from the surrounding community. Connect with after school programs, community events, and more!
Become A D34 Sub
District 34 is faced with a shortage of substitute teachers. If you have ANY amount of time, please consider joining the D34 team as a substitute teacher. We are seeking caring adults from a range of backgrounds, skills and interests. Get valuable experience, set your own hours, and make a difference in the lives of D34 students!
Become A D34 Associate
Associates (also known as paraprofessionals or teacher's aides) play an essential role within our school district. An associate can tutor students or assist the teacher with managing the classroom and organizing instructional materials.
Join the D34 Volunteer Pool
D34 is looking to build connections and community partnerships that increase opportunities for our students to experience authentic learning. We are asking parents, grandparents and other community members to share their experience and expertise in our classrooms.
Have a great week!
About WB/GG PTA
Email: ptapresident.wbgg@gmail.com
Website: https://www.westbrookandglengrovepta.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1708637696063888/
Twitter: @wbggpta