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Sunnybrook Scoop for the Week of January 5, 2026

Posted Date: 01/05/26 (07:58 AM)
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Sunnybrook Scoop newsletter for the week of January 5, 2026, with a festive star and snowflake design.

District News and Updates

Welcome Back! Let's Be Ready to Learn

We want to welcome everyone back to school, and we all hope everyone had time to relax and unwind over the break. Please support setting your child up for success by helping them arrive on time to school. Being here on time and ready to learn is important. Below are the times that the bell rings, and the student is expected to be in their seat, ready to learn.

Nathan Hale's start time: 8:40am
Heritage's Start time: 7:50am

We want to make sure everyone has time to grab breakfast if needed and have time to get to class relaxed and ready to learn. Just missing those first few minutes of the day and setting a child up for an unbalanced day. Below are the times the doors open.

Nathan Hale doors open/breakfast available: 8:00am
Heritage doors open/breakfast available: 7:20am

We're looking forward to a great start to the new year.
 

Nathan Hale Updates

Kindergarten Made Reindeer Food

Some of the Kindergarteners used a lot of glitter and used special oatmeal to make magic reindeer food. This special food would help guide Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve. They had so much fun and were totally engaged.
A large, brightly lit Christmas tree adorned with blue, gold, and white ornaments stands tall, surrounded by wrapped gifts.

Nathan Hale EL Field Trip

The Nathan Hale EL students went on a field trip to the Science and Industry Museum to see the Christmas Trees Around the World and also the new Spiderman exhibit! A lot of fun and a lot of learning were had by all!
A young girl smiles while interacting with a swirling vortex inside a clear cylindrical exhibit at a science museum.
Three smiling children pose in front of a large, cartoonish Spider-Man-like character.

Nathan Hale Student Council

The Nathan Hale Student Council chose to celebrate our staff by hosting a holiday cookie decorating contest! The students set out & cleaned everything up, created invitations and hand delivered them, greeted teachers at the door, sang carols in the hallway, and voted to find our winners! At the end, the students also got to enjoy and decorate a cookie! Great job, Student Council members! You put a big smile on the faces of the staff! .
Two women are celebrated as Student Council Cookie Decorating Winners, one holding a decorated cookie labeled 'WINNER!' and the other labeled 'RUNNER UP!'.
Two smiling individuals are shown holding decorated cookies, celebrating their wins in a student council cookie decorating contest.
 

Heritage Updates

5th Field Trip to Ninja Kidz Action Park

Our recent 5th-grade field trip to Ninja Kidz Action Park was a huge success!  They played dodgeball, shot hoops, and jumped on trampolines. Some went down two giant slides (both backward and forward) — many conquered fears and tried new things. Of course, one of their favorites was enjoying the concession stands where they enjoyed pizza and nachos. 

Teachers joined in the fun too — several teachers bravely slid down the giant slide and cheered the students on. On the way home, students had big smiles showing they had a good time and a few dozed off on the bus.
This was surely a memorable trip where many students demonstrated perseverance and confidence when trying different obstacles. Teamwork and new friendships were built while tackling new adventures. Congratulations to our 5th-grade students on a memorable trip to Ninja Kidz Action Park! We are proud of every student who participated — their excitement and courage made the day special.


Children play basketball on a vibrant, neon-lit court with a futuristic cityscape mural.
Children slide down a large purple slide into a foam pit at an indoor amusement park.

7th Grade Math Update

Seventh grade scholars engaged in collaborative winter math activities on Wednesday, December 17. Students had to work together to complete a series of rational number operations and word problems within a set timeframe. Teamwork makes the dream work! 
Three students in uniform work at desks in a classroom, writing on papers.
Three students collaborate at a whiteboard in a classroom, discussing assignments.

Project Based Learning Learning at the Federal Reserve Bank Museum

The second quarter Project Based Learning / Financial Literacy classes experienced so much and had a fantastic time at the Federal Reserve Bank Museum of Chicago! Not only did the students get to explore and hear from experts at the Museum, but they also had the opportunity to explore downtown Chicago and visit the Cloud Gate exhibit as well as see the Chicago Holiday Tree!
A diverse group of young people stand together outside the Federal Reserve Bank on La Salle Street.
A diverse group of young people pose for a photo in front of a large, reflective sculpture.

Dosti House Update

In December, students in the House of Dosti learned about the Meals on Wheels program, which provides nutritious means, safety checks, and companionship to homebound seniors and disabled citizens. Students designed holiday cards which were delivered for the holidays to spread cheer in the spirit of kindness and friendship.  

There's Snow Place Like Àtinúdá

Àtinúdá was full of magical moments that the 6th graders would never forget. Students laughed and smiled as they created their own special trail mix using popcorn and other tasty treats.While snacking on their creations, everyone watched snow themed SpongeBob episodes that made the day even more fun. It felt like we had our very own snowy magic, proving there's truly snow place like Àtinúdá.

8th Grade Boys - Undefeated Conference Champions!

On December 18, the 8th Grade Boys Basketball Team finished undefeated in the Cal-Ridge Conference to become conference champions. In the coming weeks they will prepare to make another run at an IESA state championship after making it to the Final Four last season!
A basketball team of young boys in white and red uniforms pose for a photo on a court.
 

Upcoming Events

Illustration of diverse children with backpacks, with text "RETURN to School!" above them.

Student Return

Students Return to School on Tuesday, January 6.
A peach-colored sticky note with the handwritten text 'End of Quarter!'

End of Second Quarter

End of Second Quarter is Friday, January 16.

No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

There will be no school on Monday, January 19, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
A green apple sits on a book in front of a chalkboard that reads 'School Board Meeting'.

School Board Meeting

Monday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Heritage Middle School