In celebration of Earth Month, students from kindergarten through fifth grade came together for a special half-day activity focused on creativity, teamwork, and sustainability. Mixed into multi-age groups, students worked side by side to turn everyday recyclables into amazing upcycled projects!

From imaginative artwork to inventive games, the range of creations was as diverse as the students themselves. It was inspiring to see how students combined their ideas and skills to give new life to used materials — all while learning the value of reusing and reducing waste.

The energy throughout the school was electric, with students fully engaged, collaborating joyfully, and having an absolute blast. It was a wonderful reminder that when we work together and care for our planet, great things can happen!

A big round of applause to all the amazing students who took the stage at last night’s Talent Show! From singing and dancing to comedy and magic, your incredible performances made the evening one to remember. We also want to give a special thank you to our student emcees, who kept the energy high and the audience engaged all night long. Your creativity, courage, and spirit made this event a shining success—thank you for sharing your talents with us!

A huge shoutout to Kate Knox and the PTA for organizing this wonderful opportunity for our students to participate in!

Dear Orrington Parents and Caregivers,

As we approach the end of the school year, we are in the process of reviewing our School Work Plan (SWP) goals for the 24-25 school year, and beginning the development process for next year's goals. The School Work Plan ensures that building-level goals are in alignment with the pillars of the District 65 Strategic Plan. The focus areas for our goals include student growth and achievement in the areas of literacy and mathematics; professional learning communities to support teaching and learning, and culture & climate and student sense of belonging. Part of the SWP process is to gather collective perspectives and priorities from families to help inform our goal setting for the 25-26 school year.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to provide us with your valuable input.

The link for the survey is HERE!

Y.O.U. Expands Summer Program for Evanston Youth

Evanston, IL – Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U.) is excited to expand its Summer Program for 2025, offering youth in Evanston a summer full of learning, creativity, and fun. The program will run from June 16 to July 25, with a Special Field Trip Week from July 28 – August 1. Youth entering grades 2–8 this fall are welcome to join, with free and paid options available based on household income. Registration opens to the community on March 29, with priority given to Y.O.U. families, and early registration is encouraged due to limited space.

This year’s program features creative workshops in art, music, and writing, STEM projects that foster curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and math, and weekly field trips to exciting locations around Evanston. Participants will also engage in sports, games, mindfulness activities, and other recreation and wellness options designed to keep them active and engaged. The program fosters community building by providing youth with opportunities to connect with peers and caring mentors in a safe, supportive environment.

Program Details:
Dates: June 16 – July 25 (Field Trip Week: July 28 – August 1)
Location: Oakton Elementary School (Elementary), Chute Middle School (Middle School)
Hours: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Registration: Opens March 29, closes May 1.
For more information about Y.O.U. or to learn how to support our programs, please visit www.youthopportunity.org

MetroSquash is hosting a free summer camp for rising 6th - 9th grade D65 and D202 students this summer! We will be exploring topics like STEAM, environment, literacy, learning the sport of squash, and going on weekly field trips. This would be a great program for students who want to try something new over the summer and/or might be interested in our after-school program. The camp will be for families who qualify for free and reduced lunch and will occur from June 23rd through July 25th from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. Parents can use this link to fill out the interest form: https://www.tfaforms.com/4973674

🍎 Honor a Teacher, Inspire a Future! 🍎

Show your appreciation for a teacher who has made a difference in your child’s life by making a gift to Foundation 65 in their honor. The teacher will receive a special note, and your donation will help fund innovative educational programs for District 65 students.

Fill out and return the attached Honor a Teacher form to Foundation 65 or go to https://www.foundation65.org/honor-a-teacher to fill out the form online.

Join Us for a Fun-Filled Thursday Night! 🎉

Looking for a great way to support Orrington and its amazing teachers? Stop by the Fat Shallot on Thursday, April 24th for an evening of good food, great company, and community giving!

🍲 Enjoy delicious bites – 10% of all food sales will go directly to Orrington

🍎 Show appreciation – All tips collected in the back portion of the restaurant will support the Teacher Appreciation Fund.

Bring your friends, enjoy a great meal, and support a fantastic cause! See you there!

📍Fat Shallot | 📆 April 24th, 2025 | ⏰ 5:00PM-9:00PM

It's time to get ready to celebrate our 5th grade graduates!

Action items for all parents and caregivers:

*Send in photos for the Memory Book! orrington2025memories@gmail.com OR add photos into THIS GOOGLE DRIVE

*Donate if you can to help pay for every child to receive a Memory Book and T-shirt: $35 suggested donation to info@orringtonpta.org or check made payable to Orrington PTA, memo-"5th Grade Celebration"

Want to know what's going on around the community? District 65 uses a "Digital Backpack" to share community information. Please click the button below to view upcoming community events and activities.