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Sunnybrook School District 171

It's What's Best for Kids

Sunnybrook Scoop for the Week of November 17, 2025

Posted Date: 11/17/25 (08:20 AM)


A festive graphic with turkey illustrations and fall leaves, announcing 'Sunnybrook Scoop'.

District News and Updates

School to Home Communication

This is just a reminder that if you ever want to know what is going on in your child's/children's school(s) such as events, field trips, permission slips, items for sale, and more, the very best place to look is in ParentSquare. You can access ParentSquare via their website at ParentSquare.com or download the ParentSquare app. If you have the app, you will have all communications and tools available in one quick and easy-to-access spot. You will never be out of touch with your child's/children's school(s) when you access our communications in ParentSquare.
 

Nathan Hale Updates:

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

On Wednesday, November 5, Nathan Hale kicked off its 'One Book, One School: Mr. Popper’s Penguins' reading initiative. We welcomed our students this morning to Admiral Drake delivering an emperor penguin from Antarctica to the Popper family.

Ask your child to tell you what they learned from the book each night. A big thank you to our PTA for purchasing copies of the book for our teachers to make this experience possible! Please consider purchasing your own copy for your child and read it with him/her. We will be reading this book through the holiday season. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 2 and join us for a Winter Wonderland themed Family Literacy Night. More information to follow soon. 

Students were so surprised to get a visit from Captain Cook, Mr. Popper’s penguin. Captain Cook read a chapter of the book to Ms. Murray's second grade class to foster excitement for Nathan Hale’s ‘One Book, One School’ reading initiative. The students LOVED it!
Children sit on a classroom floor, listening to a person in a penguin costume read a book.
A school hallway is decorated with a penguin theme, including an igloo and penguin balloons.
 

Heritage Updates:

Finsta Debate

On Friday, November 14, sixth grade Communications students learned about, researched, and analyzed the concept of finstas, including the reasons people use them and the potential results of doing so. We used the “Who Are You Online?” Common Sense Media Curriculum. After choosing whether they believe it is worth it to have and use finstas or not, students divided into two debate teams. With laser focus and proper debate etiquette, students began the defense of their side using information from the lesson, real life examples, and rebuttals by first stating, “That is true; however…”. It was astounding to watch how quickly students understood the importance of using evidence-based arguments, working collaboratively, and waiting their turn to speak. Because there was so much more information to discuss, student debates will continue on Monday, November 17. We may have a few rhetoric superheroes in sixth grade this year!
Students raise their hands in a classroom, participating in a lesson.

Amamihe Goes to Urban Air

The Amamihe House of Wisdom had an amazing time celebrating our big win in last year's House Cup Competition with an exciting field trip to Urban Air! Students laughed, jumped, climbed, and soared through obstacle courses and on trampolines--all in celebration of their hard work, teamwork, and outstanding effort. Amamihe earned this special trip for taking home the House Cup last year, showing what can happen when we work together and lead with excellence. The energy, smiles, and team spirit made it a truly memorable day. 
Children jump and play on trampolines at an indoor recreation center.
Three girls navigate an indoor ropes course, smiling and enjoying the activity.

Family Literacy Night Recap

Over one hundred students and parents attended the annual Heritage Family Literacy Night on Thursday, November 6. The theme for the event was “Reading Rebooted”. Activities centered on digital literacy and included such things as Wordles, Text-Talk Translation, Literacy Kahoot, Typing Challenges, Spooky Stories, Book Reviews, and Karaoke. Families decorated emoji sugar cookies and purchased merchandise from the Scholastic Book Fair. Students also used their phones to answer book riddles in a scavenger hunt. All students who answered the riddles received raffle tickets for a chance to win books from the Book Fair. Participants enjoyed sloppy joes donated by a local restaurant, chips, Rice Krispies treats, and apple juice. Families celebrated both the joy of reading and goal-oriented screen time together.
A group of children and adults decorate cookies at a table.
Three people are in a classroom, looking at their phones.

6th Grade 1st Quarter Honor Roll

On Friday, November 14, over 35 sixth grade students celebrated making the first quarter honor roll!
Students enjoy a snack break at a table in a school setting.
A group of students gather around tables, some eating popcorn and using laptops.

3rd Annual Heritage Cup Champions Crowned

After two thrilling semifinal matches that ended in penalty kicks and a very competitive championship match, the “World Cup Boys” emerged as champions in the third annual Heritage Cup!
A group of young people pose with a trophy on a grassy field.

Student Council Recap

Spirit Week

From November 3 to November 7, Heritage celebrated Spirit Week. Students and was amazingly fun! The highlight of the week was the Millennials vs. Gen Z Day. The school looked like we were in a time capsule during Teacher/Student Swap Day. The students had fun, but also the staff really went all out! Students shared that they enjoyed impersonating staff members. Spirit Week went very well, and we look forward to future events! Thank you to all who participated!
Four young girls pose together outside a school building, smiling at the camera.
A large group of diverse students smile and pose for a photo in a school hallway.

Student Council Pep Rally

The Pep Rally on Friday, November 7 was fantastic! Student Council delegates dedicated weeks of planning to make it successful. They put a lot of effort imnto the activities for both students and staff to enjoy. Many clubs, sports, and groups were honored. The student body contributed to song lists and game ideas. Singing could be heard throughout the building, especially during musical chairs. Students and staff were seen cheering and showing school pride. Thank you to everyone for making this such a great event to celebrate the Heritage Nationals!
A group of students sit on chairs in a gymnasium, watching an event.
A group of people participate in a tug-of-war competition in a gymnasium.

Inspiring Fall Leadership Workshop

On Friday, November 14, 37 Heritage Middle School Student Council delegates participated in the Northeast Lake (NEL) District Fall Workshop, hosted at Kolmar School in Midlothian, Illinois.

The event opened with a warm welcome from NEL District Representative—and Heritage’s own—Treasure Brown, who encouraged students to embrace new leadership opportunities and broaden their perspectives throughout the evening.

Delegates engaged in a variety of collaborative activities facilitated by dynamic leadership speakers and connected with peers from across the Northeast Lake District. The workshop offered students the chance to learn more about their personal leadership styles, build meaningful relationships, and explore the “Seven Wonders of Leadership” through hands-on experiences.

The event proved to be both energizing and empowering, leaving students motivated to bring their new insights and skills back to HMS.
Students stand at a podium decorated with flags, possibly for a presentation.
Students gather around a round table in a school cafeteria, working on a project.
Students participate in a fun activity in a gymnasium, holding colorful balls.
A large group of students pose for a photo in a school gymnasium.
 

Upcoming Events

A green apple sits on a book in front of a chalkboard that reads 'School Board Meeting'.

School Board Meeting

Monday, November 17, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Heritage Middle School
A festive 'Happy Thanksgiving' greeting with autumn leaves and a pumpkin.

No School

No School November 26 - 28 due to Thanksgiving Break
Gingerbread house on the flyer with the details shared next to photo.

Gingerbread House Night

Join us on Wednesday, December 3 at Heritage from 3:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. for our annual Drive-Thru Gingerbread House Night. We will be passing out Gingerbread Houses while supplies last.