Welcome to Pennoyer School District 79
We're doing some amazing things. Take a peek inside of our classrooms to see our creative and collaborative minds at work.
Tipline Reporting Methods
Website: securly.com/tip
Phone: 1-833-300STOP
Email: tipline@securly.com
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
TTY: 1-800-799-4889
Pennoyer School's 2023 Referendum Video
A Message from the Superintendent
Dear Pennoyer Families,
It is with much sadness that I inform you of the following budget reductions. The Pennoyer Board of Education formally voted on these reductions at the January 17th Board of Education meeting:
Beginning Immediately:
- Leyden Norwood Athletic Sports - Starting this February (girls basketball, scholastic bowl, boys volleyball and girls soccer) and continuing indefinitely
Beginning at the start of the 2023-2024 School Year:
- Full day kindergarten will be reduced to half day
- Any K - 5 grade cohort that has 38 or less kids will combine to 1 class. This will impact next year’s 1st grade.
- Art and music classes will be eliminated
- Physical Education classes will be reduced
- ESL services will be reduced
- Closing of the Media Center/Library
Additionally, Registration fees will increase to $300 per student and the Technology Lease will increase to $100 per student and next year’s school day will end at 2:30 everyday (Monday through Friday) starting next school year.
This decision was not an easy one, but necessary in order to secure reserve money for the numerous building and life safety projects required at Pennoyer School. We have tried to accomplish as much as we could with our limited revenues, however, we have expended our reserves down below the desired threshold and can no longer fund the remaining projects. These reductions have been an ongoing conversation over the past 9 years when the first of 6 referendums failed. Unfortunately, Pennoyer is unable to sustain its current programming and make the necessary building repairs without these reductions.
I will be giving a short presentation and answering questions at the February 15th PTC sponsored event, which is at 6:00pm in the MPR. You may also find the last two articles from the Chicago Tribune linked below, that talk about these reductions.
Norridge's Pennoyer D79 faces cuts after referendum loss_.pdf
Sincerely,
Kristin A. Kopta, Ed.D
Superintendent
Pennoyer School District 79
Quick Links
Our Mission
Inspire and empower all students to thrive
Our Vision
Pennoyer District 79 will empower learners on their educational journey toward individual success.
Learning (Student Empowerment and Ownership)
- Foster expression of student voice and choice
- Empower students to be adaptive learners through collaborative and creative thinking
- Promote student-directed-learning
- Facilitate strong academic rigor
- Provide resources that prepare students for the future
- Challenge each individual student
- Amplify technology
Environment
- Foster supportive learning practices
- Create valuable experiences for students
- Build positive relationships
- Promote an empathetic, inclusive and nurturing climate
- Inspire confidence and risk taking
- Ensure a safe and nurturing environment
Focus on Whole Child
- Support Social Emotional Learning
- Create learning experiences that excite and engage
- Provide opportunities for creative expression
Strong Community and Culture
- Create partnerships between school and community
- Engage and inspire our community to ensure the success of all
- Inspire students to become invested in our community through building authentic relationships
Fiscal Responsibility
- Exercise intentional, purposeful and thoughtful allocation of resources
- Evaluate resources and respond to needs
Board Members
Mrs. Sheila Wachholder
President of the Board
End of Term 2025
Mr. Phillip LaPalermo
Vice President of the Board
End of Term 2023
Mr. David Tarjan
Secretary of the Board
End of Term 2025
Mrs. Maria Salvador
End of Term 2023
Mr. Gary Mohr
End of Term 2025
Mr. Dan Theberg
End of Term 2023
Mr. Luca Parisi
End of Term 2023
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.