THANK YOU for the wonderful turn out to Cultural Fest! It was amazing to see so many countries represented. Families were enjoying themselves as they visited the various booths and engaged with the activities and food. There were 19 booths in all.

The Orrington administration team and the Cultural Fest team want to acknowledge and apologize for the oversight in scheduling this event during Ramadan. We thank you for your understanding as we continue to grow in our mindfulness around scheduling events. We appreciate you all partnering with us in to foster a school culture of understanding multiple perspectives.

Did you know that the National Women's History Alliance designates a yearly theme for Women's History Month? The 2024 theme celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” This theme recognizes women who understand the need to eliminate bias and discrimination from individuals' lives and institutions.

As part of our commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment, we encourage all students to reflect on the contributions of women in their own lives, whether it be mothers, grandmothers, sisters, teachers, or community leaders. By recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women, we aim to inspire future generations to break barriers, pursue their passions, and make a positive impact on the world.

We invite parents and guardians to join us in commemorating Women's History Month by engaging in discussions at home, sharing stories of influential women, and encouraging their children to learn more about the remarkable women who have shaped history.

Learn more about Women's History Month at Kids' National Geographic and Women's History Month.

Thank you for everyone's participation in the Read-a-Thon - Orrington raised over $11,000!

In total, the school read 123,278 minutes! Woah!! The class with the highest total was Ms. Bates's class with 15,415 minutes.

All students received a coupon for a free piece of cake from Portillo's. Classes with 100% participation are receiving a movie and popcorn party today.

ATTENTION 5th GRADE PARENTS/CAREGIVERS!

Our 5th grade Memory Book committee is working hard on this year’s book and we need your help collecting photos! In addition to featuring photos from this year, we hope to capture memory photos, too.

Please use this link to upload 5-10 photos (total past and present) of your 5th grader, into the category folders provided. Note: not all photos received will appear in the book. Submissions are due April 8. For questions, please email paula@bodnardesign.com.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered at our last Community Day to help create our Welcome sign for the Cultural Fest! The students had a blast decorating the letters with flowers that represent the various countries around Orrington.

While the letters of Welcome were decorated with the most represented countries of Orrington, the students also decorated flowers from all of the countries.

Save the date! PEP Fest is coming!
Saturday, May 18, 12-5 pm
Washington School Playground (914 Ashland, Evanston)
Get involved and learn more: www.ptaequityproject.com!

PEP Fest is a family-focused, collaborative community effort to raise PTA funds, that will be equitably distributed to support all of our District 65 students.

Vendor, volunteer, collaborator, sponsorship opportunities!

The first few Gatherings for Orrington have gone live! A paint & sip, yoga, and a Double Clutch tasting are available. Check them out - 2024 GFO's - Register Now!

Important dates for the Talent Show on April 18:

• ENTER HERE ONLINE STARTING TODAY! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1udxRoQ6PxVrHhGI6ANh-nwGYKC-lqDpXr6MDiF5APuQ/edit
• If you are doing a group act, please make sure all the parents/caregivers know about the group entry. Email Kate Knox at lindley00@gmail.com for any questions about entries.
• Entry deadline for performers is Friday, April 12
• Friday, March 22 – hard copies of the submission forms coming home in Friday folders next week.
• Online entry is preferred but if needed, please send this printed entry form back with your student to turn into their homeroom teacher.
• Volunteers will be visiting classrooms soon to share and answer questions about the Talent Show in-person for students.
• Help is needed for this night! Sign up HERE.

• 5th Grade Talent Show Emcee Information
• Join in the production of Orrington All-School Talent Show on Thursday, April 18 at 6:00 pm.
• Part of the tradition for the show is for 5th Graders to introduce the performers.
• To sign up as a 5th Grade Emcee students must email Kate Knox at lindley00@gmail.com. Emails should include the 5th grader’s name, confirmation of parent’s permission and parent’s email and phone. Please email by Friday, April 12.
• Participating 5th Graders will be paired up with another student and assigned act numbers to introduce. This information will be shared the week of the show. There will be a rehearsal for emcee’s on Tuesday, April 16 from 5-6pm. If plans change, please email Kate Knox ASAP at 773 454 2748.

Check out the spring FAPEL newsletter from our amazing FAPEL team! HERE is the link to the presentation.

For our April Community Day on April 5th, we need paper bags for our Earth Day clean up!

Please donate paper bags so that each student can have one! Paper bags can be dropped off at the front desk.

Kuumba Evanston is thrilled to announce the launch of a new initiative aimed at fostering the love of sports, teamwork, and personal growth among current 3rd to 5th-grade students. The free Olympic Sports Program is not about winning; it's about expanding sports access, embracing the joy of the game, cultivating sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and encouragement, and challenging both mind and body to achieve greater heights.

The program will offer 17 different Olympic sports, including but not limited to track and field, basketball, soccer, swimming, badminton, wrestling, bowling, volleyball, and gymnastics. In addition to competitive, Olympic style games and challenges, experienced coaches and mentors from Evanston will lead engaging sessions focused not only on skill development but also on instilling values such as perseverance, empathy, and cooperation.

Sign up today!

Host a GFO to Fundraise for Orrington!

We are now collecting ideas for Gatherings for Orrington!!

What are Gatherings for Orrington?

A Gathering for Orrington is part fundraiser, part community-building.

GFOs are events of many kinds! Where hosts sponsor an event for Orrington families, students or caregivers, with all ticket revenues going directly to the PTA as a fundraiser. Those funds can be then used for student-teacher support, equity-focused or other community-building efforts, literacy efforts, like book- nook and so much more. Read more about GFOs.

What Kind of Events?

GFOs can be:

Service Projects: Like picking up trash at Lighthouse Beach

Games & Fun: Like an adult Kickball game or Poker night

Lessons & Workshops: Like a Cooking Class or Cookie Decorating party

Dinners & Tastings: Like a Wine or Beer Tasting or Pizza Party and Backyard movie

Sports & Fitness: Like a Paddle Party or Pickleball tournament

Other: The possibilities are endless! Be creative.

How do I sign up to host a GFO?

Fill out this form and we will contact you to schedule your event!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsWtakWtpSy9aLQiwGeMHWYf6cQGei_61Vs1DqZv7lLgmJww/viewform

You can read more about GFOs Here:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1JDnYD6vWhE58AoP6fC6Ir4igYYN0OSpXsPu2wrO_CnM/mobilepresent?slide=id.p

If you have questions please contact:

Kristi.Raftery@gmail.com or sachakrasney@gmail.com