About Pennoyer

Pennoyer School proudly educates children from parts of Norridge, Harwood Heights, and unincorporated Norwood Park Township. During the 1830's, the Pennoyer family came from new England and settled in what is now known as Norridge. The land they settled laid between what is now East River Road and Cumberland Avenue. In 1838, members of the community met at the home of John Pennoyer to discuss the plans for the development of a school. The school began in 1839, in Pennoyer's home. In 1954 it was decided to build a new school at the corner of Cumberland and Foster Avenue. A major addition was added in 2001. The school district proudly educates children in grades PK-8.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Message from IL Superintendent of Schools Dr. Chris Koch

Message From State Superintendent Christopher A. Koch

Bullying has received significant attention in the past couple of years by lawmakers, the public and national and local media. I think this heightened attention to an issue that can be emotionally devastating is healthy for all of us and educators need to pay particular attention to this.

Here at the State Board of Education we have received a significant increase in the amount of complaints from parents about bullying and questions about local policies and how situations should be handled. We had not tracked this information in the past, but we will begin to track this now.

In 2009, we also added a question in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), asking students if they have ever been bullied on school grounds. The baseline results showed 21 percent of students had been bullied. We will soon begin the YRBS 2011 survey and should have results in August. I hope by collecting this data it will allow us to have a more accurate picture of what is occurring and where, so that we can better address the issue.

Additionally, the School Bullying Prevention Task Force was established in law this past spring and is charged with exploring the causes and consequences of bullying in schools and identifying promising practices to reduce incidences of bullying. As part of its work, the Task Force will be evaluating the effectiveness of current anti-bullying policies and other bullying prevention programs. The Task Force is due to complete its work and report to the Governor and General Assembly by March 1, 2011.

I also want you to be aware of a new video the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released that provides guidance on what DOJ can do to stop bullying in our schools. Members of the DOJ relate personal stories and also highlight the ability of the DOJ to step in to assist students and others who may be bullied. Please share the following link with teachers and staff: http://blogs.usdoj.gov/blog/archives/1088.

Happy Holidays

Chris

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