Yesterday was Administrative Assistants Appreciation Day, and we have two fantastic administrative assistants I would like to shine a spotlight on this week. When you're buzzed in through the main entrance, you're given a warm greeting by Madonna Strom - who literally knows not only every student but every family member belonging to every student at Norton Creek. She also seems to know everything about everything. I can't stump her! She is quick to offer assistance, a supportive word and ear, and is the perfect first face a principal would want someone entering the school building to see. Her partner is the inimitable Deborah Pauling. Deborah has been a part of Norton Creek longer than the school has been open. She opened the school with the legendary Dr. Bob Allison, and her attention to detail, thoroughness, and insistence on doing an excellent job the first time have set up our school for success from day one. Deborah has registered nearly 100% of every student who goes or has ever gone to Norton Creek, and I think she is the perfect person to bring new families into our school. Registration can seem like an overwhelming process, but Deborah always keeps it simple with her calming presence and ability to drill even the biggest tasks down to smaller pieces.

Both of these fantastic administrative assistants will be retiring at the end of this year, and to tell you the truth, I've been nervous about it ever since I knew this day was coming four years ago. We will find excellent people to pick right up where they leave off, but neither Deborah nor Madonna can be replaced. Between the two of them, they literally can answer any question I ask them. Their work ethic is second to none, and in spite of spinning a thousand plates at once...they've never missed a deadline. Mrs. Pauling and Mrs. Strom are two very special people, and Norton Creek will not be the same without them. However, it will also never be the same BECAUSE of them. They have changed our school for the better forever by the superb work they have done in our main office. They are too humble to allow me to salute them for their accomplishments on a regular basis, but I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity this week to salute Deborah Pauling and Madonna Strom for their combined 27 years of dedication and outstanding service to our Norton Creek community. If you have a chance, please, drop them an E-Mail thanking them for what they have done for our school.

I would have loved for us to all have the chance to see all of the departing members of our Norton Creek community - our fifth graders, retirees, and students moving to new adventures. We will try to find ways to do these things in the weeks and months to come - be it in person (if and when Governor Pritzker and health officials say it is safe) or virtually (if that time doesn't come as soon as we would like). Honoring members of our community - of the Norton Creek FAMILY - is important, and however we need to do it, we will find a way.

Enjoy the beautiful weather, Norton Creek! Be kind, be respectful, be problem-solvers...and be safe!

READ TO SUCCEED UPDATE (K-5) hajifarooq@gmail.com

Congratulations to all who participated in the Read to Succeed program this year! Great America tickets will be sent directly to parent/guardian email addresses provided at the time of registration. If you have any questions, please contact Hajra Farooq at the email address above.

PTO COMMITTEE CHAIRS FOR 2020-21 (K-5) nortoncreekptopresident@gmail.com, nortoncreekptovicepresident@gmail.com

Are you looking forward to the next school year? There are several fun opportunities available to help our school and make a positive impact on all of our children. The office of PTO Secretary is open for the 2020-21 school year, as well as several committee chair and co-chair positions. Check out the JOB DESCRIPTIONS to see the details. Questions? Please contact Maggie McPike Carlson, PTO President, or Susan Brewster/Jen Zitella, PTO co-Vice Presidents. Thank you!

ART TO REMEMBER (K-5) annamatkins630@gmail.com

Thanks to our amazing AVIC chairs, our Art to Remember fundraiser is ON! The entire process is online this year. Go to Norton Creek's Art to Remember page and search for your student by name (an online search code is not necessary). Check out all of the great products available and place an order to be shipped directly to you. The deadline to order is April 27. Easy! Original artwork will be returned to students when we return to the school building. If you have any questions, cannot locate your student's art, or wish to have original artwork back sooner (current 5th grade families) please contact Anna Atkins at annamatkins630@gmail.com.

5th GRADE MEMORY MONTAGE VIDEO (5) kimborri@gmail.com

5th Grade Parents: We need your help to make a montage video for our current 5th graders. Pictures needed include Kindergarten yearbook photo; large group photos of current 5th grade students from any school year (school-only events). Please send pictures to Kim Borri at the email address above no later than April 30. See more information HERE. Thank you for helping us make a video that will be treasured for many years to come!

SCHOOL SUPPLY PACKS FOR 2020-21 (K-5) ruhstorfer2008@yahoo.com

School supply packs are an easy and convenient way to get the supplies your child needs for the next school year. The packs are distributed to your child’s classroom shortly before the new school year begins in August. Orders are due June 30. Order your SCHOOL SUPPLY PACK today!