Thank you for participating in the poll around the frequency of communication!

Results were almost 50/50, so the Eagle Update will come out weekly per time of the year (beginning of the year, middle, and end of the year) and biweekly the remainder of the time.

Hi Orrington Families,

Registration is now open for Orrington Basketball!

Click HERE for more information on how to register through the Evanston Park District. (The Winter Guide is HERE as well)

Cost is $55 (scholarships available)

Please reach out to eeichholz@cityofevanston.org to volunteer as a coach and info@orringtonpta.org for scholarship information.

Have a great day!

Before this week's half day, there was much talk among the students about their buddies. Kindergarteners were eager to meet their older buddies and the fifth graders were reflecting on their years with the buddy program with fondness. The main question was - when will we meet and spend time with our buddies?

The district half days provide an excellent time for buddy classrooms to meet and spend time together. Kindergarteners and third graders created a cornucopia together by rolling a dice. First and fourth graders participated in a STEM challenge where they had to save the gummy worm by getting it into a gummy life saver. The second and fifth graders made their way outside to do a fall scavenger hunt.

In each space, there was excitement and laughter! Check out some photos below.

Orrington is looking to launch a Diverse Books Committee that will celebrate diversity and inclusion in our district to help put more diverse books in the classrooms and the library.

Volunteers for this committee will read and review books for our committee book recommendation list, and brainstorm new and exciting ways to get the Orrington community excited about books!

Members who are interested in this committee will attend meetings approximately every other month, held in person or over Zoom. If you are interested in being a part of this committee, fill out the Google form HERE.

November marks Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the rich histories, diverse cultures, and enduring contributions of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. This month provides an important opportunity for our students to learn about Indigenous peoples' past and present, their sovereign tribal nations, and their vital role in shaping our nation's story.

We acknowledge that our school stands on the traditional lands of Potawatomi, Odawa (Ottawa) and Ojibwe Tribes, also known as the Niswi-mishkodewinan (Council of the Three Fires), an alliance of Anishinaabeg peoples. The area of Evanston also served as an important crossroads and meeting place for a number of other Indigenous tribal nations, including the Ho-Chunk, Illinois, Inoka, Kickapoo, Miami, Menominee, Peoria, and Sac and Fox Nations. We encourage our community to learn about the Indigenous peoples who have long been stewards of these lands.

Learning Resources for Families

Books by Native Authors

• "Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story" by Kevin Noble Maillard (Seminole Nation)
• "We Are Water Protectors" by Carole Lindstrom (Ojibwe)
• "We Are Still Here!" by Traci Sorell (Cherokee)

Educational Resources

• Native Knowledge 360° (Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian)
• Illuminative's Education Resources
• PBS Learning Media's Native American Heritage Collection

Learning Activities

• Study contemporary Native American artists and their work
• Learn about Native American innovations in science, agriculture, and medicine
• Explore Indigenous place names in our local area
• Study Native American contributions to environmental conservation

Local Connection

• Check out the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian for their exhibits - see their website HERE

Continuing Learning Beyond November

While we highlight Native American cultures and contributions during November, we encourage year-round engagement with Native American histories, cultures, and contemporary issues. We invite Native American families in our community to share their perspectives and experiences throughout the year.

Further Learning

• Teaching Tolerance's Native American History Month Resources
• National Archives Native American Heritage Month Collection
• Local tribal nation websites and educational resources
• American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) website for book recommendations

We are committed to fostering respect, understanding, and appreciation for Native American peoples and cultures throughout the year. If you would like to contribute to our educational activities or share resources, please contact your child's teacher.

Check out more information about our Winter Gear Drive in partnership with the Gary Comer Youth Center HERE.

Dear Parents and Caregivers of Orrington,

You are invited to

A school-wide parent/caregiver night out!

Evening for Orrington

November 21st, 7-10pm

Firehouse Grill, Evanston

Dinner, Live Music, and More!

We need your RSVP!

RSVP Here:

https://orrington-events.squarespace.com/

Orrington Cultural Arts Festival is moving to December! Everyone is welcome! Join us in celebrating the many cultural identities in the Orrington community.

Orrington Cultural Arts Festival

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 1-3 pm

Orrington Gymnasium

Families are invited to share about their cultures. Some examples include sharing or teaching about:

• Culturally significant holidays

• Crafts from your country

• Foods from your country

• Cultural family traditions

• Traditional dress

• Historical events that shape your country

• Games, sports, or activities from your country

• Similarities and differences between schools in your country and Orrington

• Songs, music, photographs, and artwork from your country

Want to participate and showcase your family's cultural heritage? Fill out this form or contact Liz Adames (lizfey@gmail.com).

We also need general volunteers to make the day a success. Please sign up here if you can help out. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E4FAFAB2FA3FD0-52396136-orrington

Volunteer during Lunch!

Want to make your kid's or kids' day? Volunteer to serve lunch with your fellow friendly Orrington parents!

What: Parent volunteers help students properly compost and recycle their lunch waste. One volunteer are scheduled per day. Bring your ID for check-in in the school front office.

When: Volunteers are needed from 11:15 AM to 1:15 PM.

IMPORTANT: Please sign up only for yourself! Sign up HERE.

Questions: Contact Orrington PTA (info@orringtonpta.org)

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.