NPES Girl Scout Troop 20432

NPES is the proud new home of Girl Scout Troop 20432.  We are 26 girls strong and boast a multi-age level mix with girls in first through fourth grades.  In November we visited Jewell Animal Hospital at 4501 North Lincoln Avenue.  The Vet Techs there demonstrated the care of pets on the two resident cats.  See the Troop and the cats in the attached photos.  At Sulzer Library we made bird feeders and shared animal jokes and riddles - What do you get from a pampered cow? Spoiled Milk.  Where do polar bears vote?  The North Poll.

In October we started work on our art badge.  In December we take the ice to earn an ice skating patch.  In January we will begin work on our snack badge.

Our Girl Scout Troop is entirely volunteer led.  Troop leaders are Heidi McDermott and Carrie von der Sitt.  Ms. Hovey, Laura Novy, and Andrew Dunlop have committed their time and energy to helping the girls earn badges.  Kim Minscalco and Dawn Zarembski will be instrumental in the most favorite of Girl Scout activities - Cookie Sales.  Liz Burgess and Julia Colpoys have assisted the troop at meetings.  Thanks to them and many others who intend to volunteer in this dynamic organization.
Heidi McDermott (mom to Sammy in 3rd and Marcus in 5th)

Lunch Time Fun and A Safe Ride on the CTA

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of being "lunch mom" and then visiting first and third grades. We are new to NPES, and still consider ourselves "rookies," but our affinity grows with each passing day. Volunteering at lunch time is simply fascinating! Watching the various dynamics and interactions was better than any reality show. More importantly, it reinforced my appreciation for the values taught at NPES, these kids are on their way to success! I was also able to steal a couple of creative lunch ideas.

During my visit to each classroom, I talked to the students about CTA. We looked at a system map and reviewed the various train lines, including the Brown Line just down the street. We discussed how utilizing public transportation is vital to a large city (1.7 million people ride the CTA every day!), how it's good for the environment and how it's good for our health because it involves walking.

But as the former Chief of Safety and Security at CTA I thought it exceptionally important to share with them some important safety tips. Never go on the tracks. Don't horse around on platforms. Always respect crossing gate arms, bells and lights. Boy, did they get it! They asked a ton of great questions, you should be proud of your urban dwellers. I hope they enjoyed the presentation as much as I enjoyed spending time with them, and I hope they always remember the safety issues we discussed.

Celi De La Cruz, Ava (3rd) & Marcelino (1st)