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Sunnybrook School District 171

It's What's Best for Kids

Sunnybrook Scoop for the Week of January 19th

Posted Date: 01/20/26 (07:50 AM)


Sunnybrook Scoop newsletter title with the date Week of January 19, 2026, featuring two cute snowmen.

District News and Updates

The words 'ATTENDANCE MATTERS!' are displayed in large, colorful, block letters.

Attendance Matters

Missing a day or two of school here and there may not seem like much, but absences add up.

When a student misses 2 days a month every year, they will miss:
  • 20 days
  • 30 hours of math
  • 60 hours of reading

A student will miss one full year of school by being absent 20 days each year from kindergarten through eighth grade.

When a student misses 4 days a month every year, they will miss:
  • 40 days
  • 60 hours of math
  • 120 hours of reading

A student will miss two full years of school by being absent 40 days each year from kindergarten through eighth grade.

 

Nathan Hale Updates:

Students collaborate on a craft project at a table, surrounded by festive decorations.

Nathan Hale IMSA Update

So far this year in IMSA, we have made foil boats to see how much weight (cargo) they could carry, created a shipping package for a potato chip, and built "Hamster Hot Rods" (cars) out of index cards, popsicle sticks, and Lifesavers, testing them to see which car traveled the farthest distance down various ramps. The students are having a blast!
Three students collaborate on a science project involving cardboard and a small white structure.
Three students collaborate on a project at a wooden table, working with a cardboard box and craft supplies.
 

Heritage Updates:

6th Graders Explore the Layers of the Earth!

After weeks of anticipation, sixth grade students finally unveiled their long-awaited Layers of the Earth projects! Students showcased creative models that demonstrated Earth’s crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core using craft foam balls and paint. The project combined art, science, and a bit of engineering as students learned how the layers of our planet work together to make Earth the dynamic world we live on. WAY TO GO, sixth graders, for turning geology into a hands-on adventure!
Students in a classroom are painting spherical objects with colorful paints.
Children paint globe models in a classroom art project.

Crosstown Champions

Heritage has defended their Crosstown Classic championship by defeating Memorial 40-30 last week at TF South High School in front of a packed house! 
A basketball team in white and red uniforms poses with a trophy and a basketball.

Winter Sports Season Update

Heritage Middle School Nationals athletics have delivered an exciting and memorable winter sports season, filled with hard work, school pride, and outstanding accomplishments across multiple programs.

The 8th Grade Boys Basketball team has put together a remarkable year, finishing as undefeated Conference champions. Their success continued with a victory in the Crosstown Classic against rival Memorial JHS for the second year in a row, highlighting the team’s dedication and teamwork. The postseason begins on January 24, and the team is eager to carry their momentum into regional play.

The 7th Grade Boys Basketball team has also had a strong season and will begin regional competition on January 17. Both teams have represented Heritage with passion and determination throughout the year.

Excitement is also building for Girls Volleyball, as their season opens with an away match at Burnham on January 20. The team will then make its home debut against McKinley on January 21, giving fans the opportunity to support them on their home court.

This year marked a special milestone for the Heritage Dancing Dolls, who successfully completed their first season. Performing at boys' basketball home games throughout the year, they brought energy, enthusiasm, and school spirit to every event.

Also supporting all Heritage teams has been the Cheerleading squad, whose dedication and enthusiasm have played a significant role in the success of the boys' basketball program. Cheerleaders will continue to be an important presence as the teams advance through regionals, sectionals, and state tournament play.

With strong performances across all programs, Heritage Middle School Nationals athletics continue to grow and build a foundation for future success. The school community looks forward to continued excitement as the postseason unfolds.
 

Upcoming Events

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

School Board Meeting

Monday, January 26th at 6:30 at Heritage Middle School
A yellow sticky note with the words 'Early Dismissal' written in black marker.

11:30 Early Dismissals

Students will have THREE 11:30 dismissals next week.

Wednesday, January 28th - Teacher Inservice
Thursday, January 29th - Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, January 30th - Parent/Teacher Conferences
A row of colorful crayons is placed on a yellow lined background with the text 'Parent/Teacher Conference'.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

The second Parent/Teacher Conferences of the year will take place on Thursday, January 29 and Friday, January 30.

Thursday's conferences will be held from 4:00pm - 7:00pm.
Friday's conferences will be held from 12:30pm - 3:00pm

Further details will be coming from your child's teacher about signing up or attending the conferences. Keep an eye on ParentSquare for details.