Skip to main content

Sunnybrook School District 171

It's What's Best for Kids

Sunnybrook Scoop for the Week of October 6th

Posted Date: 10/06/25 (8:00 AM)

A fall-themed graphic with the text 'Sunnybrook Scoop' and autumn leaves.

District News and Updates

The logo for ParentSquare, featuring a square with four colored circles around it.

Make Sure Your ParentSquare is Updated

As with all technology, updates are inevitable. To make sure you always have the best experience when using the ParentSquare app, make sure you are running the latest version. Also, if you ever run into issues with the app, make sure you first check for updates. There was a recent bug found in the Android version of the app that prevented payments from going through. This issue has been fixed, and the latest version will correct that issue.
 

Nathan Hale Updates:

A red door with a silver handle and a window reflecting a playground.

Pre-K is Crazy about Letters!

Pre-K has dove into the world of letter hunting. We read a book this week called "Alphabet Everywhere." This book showed us amazing pictures from around the world in different common areas like a house, a park, or on buildings where letters may appear. The students were very excited when they spotted the letters in the book. When we went outside this week they began to find letters on their own and show "I see a letter!" They saw O's, I's, T's and more. It was wonderful to see them so into this topic and way of learning. I plan to take this and run with it! :) 
Children play on a playground structure, smiling and looking at the camera.
A tall power line tower stands against a cloudy sky.
 

Heritage Updates:

Mayor of Lansing, IL Visits Heritage Middle School

Mayor Brian Hardy of Lansing, IL visited the Grade 5 students at Heritage Middle School to share about his role as mayor and his responsibilities as mayor. The Grade 5 students are learning State Standard SS.5.CV.1 on the three levels of government. 

Students were excited to learn about the Mayor’s role in local government, how he became the Mayor, and his passions to serve and help the Lansing community.
A man in a suit signs a paper for a student, surrounded by other children.
A group of students and an adult pose for a photo, holding up an orange shirt.

Math is in the Cards

Mrs. Saucier’s RtI class has been practicing comparing integers in class, and we took it to the next level by using playing cards. These seventh-grade scholars challenged each other with random playing cards in the Integers War Game. It became quite competitive, but the best part was seeing them demonstrate their math skills while having fun!
Students and a teacher play cards at desks in a classroom.
Two students play cards at their desks in a classroom setting.
A group of students and teachers pose for a photo in a classroom, with a video call on the screen.

Project Based Learning Classes are Learning to Budget

The students did an amazing job and had a lot of fun presenting their group budgeting projects in our Project Based Learning class! They presented to the class and to a special guest Mrs. Debbie Todd, C.P.A. who dialed into our class from Washington state. Mrs. Todd is a nationally recognized Certified Public Accountant and an expert in financial literacy. She asked the students questions and offered feedback which the students enjoyed immensely.
Four students smile, holding a poster about high school student finances in a classroom.
A group of young people stand in a classroom, some holding papers and a sign.

Hispanic Heroes - "Dreamers"

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, students from Hispanic Heroes — Jimena, Laila, and Zoe — created a vibrant bulletin board titled “Dreamer.” The display features a young Hispanic girl gazing into her future, symbolizing that the possibilities before her are limitless.

To honor the strength and spirit of the Hispanic community, the students incorporated the Hispanic Heroes motto, “Sí Se Puede,” celebrating resilience, culture, and the lasting contributions of Hispanic leaders. Their artwork is rich with meaningful imagery: papel picado to represent tradition, monarch butterflies as a symbol of migration and hope, and uplifting messages that inspire all students to dream boldly and believe in themselves.

Three young women stand in front of a colorful Hispanic Heritage Month display.

Ice Cream Social with the House of Dosti & House of Amamihe

What better way to celebrate friendship and community than with ice cream? The House of Dosti and the House of Amamihe came together for a fun-filled Ice Cream Social on Friday, September 26. Students enjoyed building their own sundaes, complete with all the toppings, including sprinkles, candies, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries.

Beyond the sweet treats, the event gave everyone a chance to relax, laugh, and make new connections. The room was filled with chatter, smiles, and plenty of sticky fingers as both Houses shared stories and created memories.

This gathering reminded us that sometimes the simplest things—like ice cream and good company—are what bring people closer together. A big thank you to everyone who helped organize and to all who joined in to make the day a true success!

HMS Futbol Club

The HMS Futbol Club is in full swing. Our first tournament, the “Gatorade Challenge”, took place on Thursday 10/2. All the teams played well, congratulations to Team Giselle for winning the tournament!
A group of young people in matching jerseys hold up sports drinks on a grassy field.
A group of children play a game on a grassy field near a school building.
 

Upcoming Events

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

School Board Meeting

Monday, October 20, 2025 at 6:30 at Heritage Middle School
A yellow sticky note with the words 'Early Dismissal' written in black marker.

11:30 Early Dismissal

October 22, 2025 - Early dismissal for teacher In-Service
Scholastic Book Fair logo featuring colorful books and text.

Heritage Scholastic Book Fair

Heritage will be hosting its annual Scholastic Book Fair from October 29 - November 6. More details to come.
Colorful text announces a Family Literacy Night, with star decorations.

Family Literacy Night

Heritage will be hosting its annual Family Literacy Night on Thursday, November 6, from 6:00 - 7:30. More details to come.