Principal's Message

Dear Greenbriar families,

Thanks to everyone for spending time partnering with teachers this week during conferences. The end of the second trimester is just two weeks away and I know it'll be June before we know it! We're working hard to make use of every moment we have with our students, while saving a little time for fun, of course. To that end, please remember spirit week is next week with optional themes for each day and a school-wide assembly on Thursday.

We're trying to maximize the impact of this newsletter and I'd love to hear your thoughts on WHEN is the best time to receive the Gazette each week. Please take a moment to fill out this very short survey to share your input. We value the feedback!

As a reminder, the IL 5Essentials survey is open until March 31st. We invite parents to take a few moments to provide anonymous feedback about your experience as a member of the Greenbriar community. All parents are invited to fill out the survey (if a student has two parents, both may fill out their own survey). Click here to access the survey. We need 20% of parents responding to receive a report from the state and we currently have 16%.

We have received questions about any news related to the incident last Thursday where an unknown man offered a student a ride after school. The Northbrook Police Department considers the investigation ongoing and, at this time, there is no new information to share. They will keep us updated as the investigation continues.

I wish you all a relaxing and fun long weekend. We look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday.

Warmly,

Ginny

SPIRIT WEEK NEXT WEEK! *repeat*

Student Council has organized a spirit week for February 21-24. Participation in these spirit days are optional for students but we hope everyone will have an opportunity to join in on the fun. Here's the schedule:

• Tuesday, February 21: Bring a stuffy (Krieger or other) to school!
• Wednesday, February 22: Favorite hat day! (note this change)
• Thursday, February 23: GREEN out! Wear as much green as possible!
• Friday, February 24: PJ day!

GREENBRIAR BINGO NIGHT ON FEB. 28TH *repeat*

Join us for a fantastic family fun night at Greenbriar from 6–7:30 p.m. on Feb. 28!  This special night is open to all Greenbriar family and friends! We will have a fun night full of prizes, special bingo callers, and will be selling pizza and snacks. Feel free to come when you want and leave when you want! Please note: this is not a drop off event! 

BUY YOUR BINGO CARDS & PIZZA NOW!

Pre-Register now for Bingo Cards/Buy Pizza Slices: Log into your PTO account to buy pizza slices and to pre-register and purchase bingo cards in advance at a discount. Each card offers unlimited play for the duration of the event. Click here to get started! 

Food will be limited based on pre-order numbers… skip the cooking and have dinner with us! DEADLINE FOR PRE-ORDER PIZZA CLOSES ON 2/21 AT 9PM!

All details & links can be found on the Greenbriar PTO homepage. Click here to visit our website.

FAMILY SERVICE INITIATIVE *repeat*

Join the Greenbriar community in our annual event to come together and give back! This is a wonderful opportunity to talk to Greenbriar students about the power of sharing with those in need, and caring for our community in a variety of hands-on ways.

This year’s projects will be a combination of at-home projects as well as at-school collections.

• Quilt squares: Once again, we welcome families to decorate fabric squares with cheerful, hopeful imagery and messages. Project Linus makes these squares into quilts, and distributes to babies and kids through hospitals and other social service agencies. Quilt squares kits are available for a $10 donation per kit. More information and purchase process on Paperless PTO: https://www.greenbriarpto.com/Grt/index.cfm
• Bernie’s Book Bank Collection: Students are encouraged to collect their gently loved, no-longer-read children’s books (birth through sixth grade), to share with kids across Chicagoland. Book donation guidelines can be found here.
• Cradles to Crayons Collection: Families can get a head start on spring cleaning by donating gently used everyday essentials for children newborn to age 12. See here for what Cradles to Crayons Chicago needs most now.
• Canines 4 Comfort Collection: Canines 4 Comfort – rescue and training organization of everyone’s favorite canine buddy, Krieger – is collecting new or gently used blankets for many rescue dogs, in partnership with The Penny’s Purpose, which provides blankets to rescue dogs, veterans, and people facing illness or surgical recovery. To donate, please check out these online wishlists.
• Amazon Smile wishlist can be found here.
• Chewy wishlist can be found here.

Collection bins for Bernie’s, Cradles and Canines donations will be in the Greenbriar vestibule from February 21 – March 10.

SCIENCE NIGHT, MARCH 15TH *repeat*

Calling All Scientists!! We are very excited for Science Night to come back to Greenbriar. 

Join us for Science Night, Wednesday March 15th from 6-7pm at Greenbriar's gymnasium.

Showcase your love for science with the project of your choice or double the fun and do a project with a friend. Open to all grades. More information was sent home via the Science Night Flyer or on the PTO homepage. Please spread the word & sign up here!

VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Please remember to submit your forms for reinforcement for any party purchases by 2/21. You can find the reimbursement form on the Greenbriar PTO website.

If you were volunteering in any classrooms for the party, please remember to send your pictures to each grade’s photo historian.  Thanks so much, these pictures are so valuable to us!

5th Grade, Ellen Silva/Erika Phenner ([email protected])

4th Grade, Jenn Turk ([email protected])

3rd Grade, Cari Raymond Stoneburner ([email protected])

2nd Grade, Kristen Schotke ([email protected])

1st Grade, Ali Franklin ([email protected])

Kindergarten, Andrea Denes ([email protected])

PTO VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 2023-2024

We have extended the deadline for soliciting volunteer interest for the 2023-2024 school year. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities for next year. If you are interested in becoming more involved and taking an active leadership role in our PTO, please email by end of day, Tuesday 2/21. "[email protected]"

Not sure if you ordered pizza or a treat? *repeat*

To double check your orders, click on this link, log into the PTO website, and look under "my account" and then "my orders."

IMPORTANT LINK

Greenbriar PTO: https://www.greenbriarpto.com/

As always, please reach out to Lori or Shelly should you need anything at [email protected].

District 28 invites local non-profit organizations and community government agencies to promote events for families and children. Each week, some event are highlighted in the newsletter. View the complete list of events on the Virtual Backpack web page. To submit an event, please email the web-friendly flier to Terry Ryan, Communications Director. All fliers are subject to approval.

Northbrook Cultural Fair Feb. 26

The Northbrook Community Commission Presents a Cultural Fair from 3 to 5 p.m. on February 26 at the North Suburban YMCA, 2705 Techny Road.

The event will bring together a variety of cultural organizations in the area to celebrate the cultural backgrounds of Northbrook residents. Come out to enjoy dances, musical acts, art displays, food (samples), and arts & crafts! Admission is free and open to all ages.

Lunch & Learn: Social & Friend Drama

More than ever, our kids are navigating drama amongst peers and friends. It's difficult to escape due to technology and social media, and it can have a significant impact on their mental health. Join CATCH and learn how to help your child navigate different scenarios, when to step up, and when to step back. for a Lunch & Learn online conversation at noon on February 21. Register today.

Jr. Football & Cheer Registration Open

Registration is now open for Northbrook Jr. Spartan Football and Cheer Spring 2023 programs, including 7-on-7, Co-Ed Flag, Girls Flag, and Cheer. Learn more by visiting Jr. Spartan website.

Spring Softball Registration Closes Feb. 17

Register through Feb. 17th for the Northbrook Girls Softball Spring 2023 House League Season! NGSA’s House League accepts girls in 2^nd through 9^th grade regardless of experience or ability. The main priorities of the league are having fun while participating in low-pressure softball instruction. Visit our website for information and registration.

Greenbriar School | Dr. Ginny Hiltz, Principal | 847-498-7950 | [email protected] | Website