Volume 30 Issue 13 | November 13, 2020
Principal's Message

It has been an emotional week for us all as we learned that we will be pausing our in-person learning from November 30 until January 19. Following this shift to remote learning for all, we are confident that we will begin the second semester in January with the opportunity to return in-person for those families who choose that option. Please remember to return your survey by Tuesday to select the learning option for your child(ren) for the second semester (link below).

Our in-person staff members have been honing their remote learning skills over the past several weeks with the support of our fabulous RLA teachers who have become experts in this area. In the next week you will see in-person teachers beginning to send home materials that will be used as we are planning for five weeks of remote instruction. Remote learning will look very different from last spring in that students will follow their current schedules and have a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning each day. We look forward to a seamless transition for our in-person students and to continuing our daily routines in a virtual setting.

Enjoy the weekend and please stay safe.

Warmly,
Ginny

Mask Update

Over the last couple of weeks, we have been looking into the effectiveness/acceptability of the polyester/spandex athletic masks (many sold at Costco) that students were beginning to wear to school. We had some concern since the masks are one layer, however after careful review from Dr. Hewitt and administration, it has been decided that this type of mask can be worn at school. Even though this mask appears to be one-ply, it actually consists of a three layer structure. Thank you for taking extra precaution while we were working to ensure our students and staff remained safe. 

Friendly Reminder: Masks should fit snugly around one's mouth and nose. There should be no gapping on the sides of the face. Bandanas and masks with a one-way valve are not allowed at school. If students choose to wear a gaiter, it must be made of two layers of cotton rather than fleece.
2nd Semester Survey Deadline is Tuesday
If you have not completed the survey for your child(ren)'s second semester learning choice, please do so by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17. Families have the option to remain in the learning environment from the first semester or change for the second semester. This change will go into effect on the first day of the second semester, Tuesday, January 19, when we return after the Martin Luther King Holiday and remain in effect through the end of the school year. In-person learning will be offered as permitted under public health protocols. Please note that students may have different teachers and/or schedules next semester depending on the number of changes that take place. Link to Second Semester Survey
Remote Learning Academy News
In-Person Pivot to Remote
All parents received the letter from the Northfield Township Superintendents on Wednesday and Dr. Hewitt’s letter on Thursday morning pertaining to in-person learning pivoting to remote learning after Thanksgiving Break. This does not impact RLA students’ classes or teachers. However, there will be no school for students on Monday, November 30. This day will be used as a Remote Learning Planning Day for all teachers, as granted by the State of Illinois.
 
RLA Parent Survey - Please complete by today
We will be closing the RLA Parent Survey today. If you have not yet done so please click here to complete the survey. If you have more than one child participating in RLA, feel free to complete a survey for each child. 
 
RLA Material Pickup & Library Pickup is Wednesday
The next materials pick up will be Wednesday, November 18, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Please plan to pick up along Greenbriar Lane, heading northbound just past Greenbriar's back parking lot. In the event of rain, we will move the pick up to the front driveway horseshoe to allow our volunteers and materials to remain inside. In addition to picking up new materials, please return library books so that we receive books back by their due dates. As a reminder, your child can place library books on hold through the end of the day today and they will be ready for the next pickup.
Upcoming Events & Thank Yous
Mark Your Calendars for Important Events!

  • 11/18--RLA student materials pick up @ Greenbriar from 4:30-5:30
  • 11/19--Spirit Wear Day!
  • 11/20--All School Pajama Day!
  • 11/24--Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m. via YouTube
  • 11/23-11/27--NO SCHOOL for students, Thanksgiving break
  • 11/30--NO SCHOOL for students, Teacher institute day
  • 12/1--First day of remote instruction for all
  • 12/3--Spirit Wear Day!
  • 12/9--RLA student materials pick up @ Greenbriar from 4:30-5:30
  • 12/17--Spirit Wear Day!
  • 12/18--All School Pajama Day!
  • 12/21-1/1/21--NO SCHOOL for students, winter break
  • 1/4--School resumes, remote instruction for all
  • 1/15--End of Semester 1
  • 1/18--NO SCHOOL, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • 1/19--Start of Semester 2, planned return for in-person learners
Shout Outs
  • Thanks to everyone who attended our November PTO meeting this week!

  • Thanks to all of our parents who have registered and trained to serve as substitute teachers! You have been an incredible asset to Greenbriar this year!
PTO News
Gift Card Plus Holiday Sale Starts Now!
Thinking ahead to the holiday season? Gift Card Plus is a great way to give twice! See the Gift Cards Plus flyer below to learn how to place your orders! Cut off date is December 4th. Be sure to get your orders in!

PTO Meeting This Past Week
Thank you for all of those who attended this week's PTO meeting on Tuesday.

As always, anyone is welcome to join! For questions, comments or concerns, feel free to email Kim and Marie at greenbriarptonorthbrook@gmail.com

Have a great weekend!
District News
Your board members are, seated, from left, Tony Forchetti, Board President Tracy Katz Muhl, Vice President Michelle Kohler, back row, from left, Michael Gilmore, Mara Silver-Schack, Jennifer Gallinson and Lou Gross.
'Perseverance' is Theme for School Board Member Day

The Illinois Association of School Boards has designated November 15 as School Board Members Day. This year’s theme for School Board Members Day is “Perseverance through Leadership.”

While 2020 has certainly created new challenges for the education community and everyday life, it has also shown the importance of having a quality leadership team that is able to adapt to current conditions while still meeting the local community’s public education needs and students’ goals. Special thanks to the thoughtful governance of District 28 by your elected board members!
District PTO Council Fundraiser
Give a Gift That Gives Twice

Gift Card Plus is a District-wide fundraiser by the PTO. The program offers District 28 families and friends the opportunity to purchase gift cards from various retailers, including movie theaters, hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and specialty stores. The program also features local businesses Sunset Foods, La De Da, and The Book Bin.

There are three ways to shop and give credit to the PTO. Download the flier for details.

Gift Card Plus revenue allows the PTO Council to host family and parent programs, and make a significant donation annually to the Homer O. Harvey Scholarship Fund. 
Virtual Backpack
District 28 shares local non-profit and community partner flyers here in the District's "Virtual Backpack." Materials posted on this page are the responsibility of the organizations represented. You can always check the Virtual Backpack webpage as a handy reference!
NSYMCA Offers Remote Learning Child Care
The NSYMCA will be offering Remote Learning Days for families that need supervision and care for their 2nd-8th grade student. This program will run weekdays from 8:15 a.m to 3:15 p.m. To meet the varying schedules of our area
schools, parents can register for daily options. Visit the website for details
'Upstanders' Film and Discussion on Bullying
CATCH is offering a special screening and discussion group of the documentary about bullying, “The Upstanders.” Register to watch the film and sign up for a discussion group at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19.
Park District Childcare for Remote Learning
Northbrook Park District is offering daily childcare for alternative learning schedules.Children will have the opportunity to engage in virtual learning with adult supervision and assistance as needed.Click for details
Free Parent Webinar
The Glenview Northbrook Coalition on Youth presents a free webinar with Brandon De Jong, Ph.D. on Nov. 20.
Free Meals Program at GBS
Qualifying children up to 18 years of age can sign up for free breakfast & lunch through GBS. Download the flier for details.
Greenbriar School | Dr. Ginny Hiltz, Principal | 847-498-7950 | ghiltz@northbrook28.net | Website