Dear Payton Parents and Guardians,

This is a time of year when we celebrate Thanksgiving...a time of family and friends, a time of reflection and rejuvenation, and a time to give thanks for the bounty of our lives. As I reflect on the world that is Payton, there is so much for which to be thankful. Payton is a place where intrigued and intriguing students, expert faculty, and supportive parents abound. We are so fortunate to have such a collection of people.The German poet Rainer Maria Rilke wrote: 'I'm so glad that you are here, it helps me to realize how beautiful the world is.'  

These lines remind me of all of you, our Payton parents and families.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve with so many talented, dedicated, and loving people. You remind me time and time again of how beautiful the world actually is: a world of dreaming and hoping youth, and a world of kind and committed adults.

I am so glad that you are here.

Simply...thank you,

Where does the time go? November was another very busy month in the Payton counseling office. Many seniors completed early action/decision applications and are anxiously awaiting mid-December results. Freshmen meetings have concluded and now we're starting to shift our attention to the junior class as they begin focus on the college exploration process. Junior Parent Night was well attended on Nov. 6 and 40 juniors enjoyed a Nov. 20 college tour of Indiana University. On Nov. 16, Mr. Mario Ortiz (Counseling) and Mrs. Alicia Gonzalez (World Language) held a successful workshop on college planning for Latino parents and guardians. Individual meetings and enrichments will be held with juniors through January. 

As we look ahead to December, juniors will have the option to take the practice ACT on Wed. Dec. 4 after seminars. On Thur. Dec. 19, the department will host a mock admissions evening presented by senior admission representatives from Lafayette College and Gettysburg College. The event is primarily aimed at sophomore and junior families. Click here to submit your RSVP.   

Following seminars on Fri. Dec. 20, we encourage all students to attend the 4th Annual Payton Alumni College Fair in the Payton gymnasium. Recent Payton alumni return to Payton to represent their colleges and offer perspective to current students with regards to college selection. Parents are also welcome.  

Finally, we'd like to congratulate Payton counselor Ms. Sara Diaz on earning National Board Certification.

The Payton Counseling Team

We are looking for hosts for the Winter PNO, to be held in Feb. or Mar. If you are interested in hosting, please contact Marcia May. 

And Then There Were 9...

Faced with the challenge of paying for international travel, food, and lodging, the UK Experience students and teachers came up with a novel fundraiser: an Ugly Beard competition. Normally clean-shaven teachers and staff members were invited to participate by committing to grow an "Ugly Beard" - no grooming allowed. Each participant had a jar decorated with his photo and each day Payton students and faculty had a chance to put money into the jars of the people whose ugly beards looked the most ridiculous, or into the jar of the person they most wanted to continue growing their ugly beard. Each day, the participant with the least money in his jar was eliminated - and was free to shave!     

The contest was launched on Nov. 4th, and 19 volunteers set their razors aside to help raise money. The nine gentlemen above, still in the race after 10 rounds, are Mr. John Belcaster (Social Studies), Mr. Tim Devine (Principal), Mr. Jason Chau (English), Mr. Paul Escobar (P.E.), Mr. Byron Espinoza (Mathematics), Mr. Walter Kinderman (Science), Mr. McKendry Marano (Mathematics), Mr. Valentin Torres (Science), and Mr. Louis Wu (World Language). The event raised money from an unexpected source when a British businessman encountered a scruffy-looking Principal Devine at the British Consulate. Mr. Devine, self-conscious about his appearance, quickly explained the contest and his role as a participant. Much to his surprise, the gentleman sent a generous contribution to Mr. Devine the next day, which he in turn used to fill the jars of some of his "competitors." 

Three weeks and over $678.20 later, Mr. Devine was the last man....fuzzy! (see Principal Letter above for a final look.) Mr. Belcaster came in second and Mr. Wu took third place.

Looking for a healthy gift idea for you family, friends, clients, or co-workers? Support the Payton Amigos de las Americas Citrus Sale. Purchase a case or two of tree ripened, seedless ruby red grapefruit and/or sugar sweet navel oranges. Each 20 lb. case of grapefruit contains16-24 delicious Ruby Reds and each case of oranges contains 28-40 vitamin C rich navel oranges. The Amigos leadership program is a 6-8 week summer full-immersion cultural exchange and community service project in Latin America. Please drop off your $25.00 per box payment to "Amigos de las Americas" to the Payton main office by Dec. 6. For more information, please email Arielle Haase at ashaase@cps.edu. Muchas gracias!      

Upcoming Musical Events 

The Winter Instrumental Concert will be on Fri. Dec. 6, and the Winter Choral Concert will be on Fri. Dec. 13. Both start at 7PM in the Recital Hall. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students with IDs. A live broadcast of the concert will be available at Payton's website. Sounds of Sweetness will be entertaining at the Friends of American Writers luncheon and many downtown businesses this holiday season as well as cutting their first-ever holiday CD! 

Broadway Gems II shows are scheduled for Jan. 30, Jan. 31, and Feb. 1. Students are choreographing the show and the cast of 25 continues to demonstrate their versatility and enthusiasm. Broadway Gems rehearses during enrichment and seminar to create a revue that covers various styles and eras of Broadway. This upcoming program will include gems from "Oklahoma" to "The Book of Mormon." Save the date!