CutTime Emails

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Good Afternoon Band Family! 🎺🖤💛

How is everyone feeling this afternoon? Me… Great! Stung by a bee on the tip of my finger, but otherwise great. Except that with about every third letter it’s, ow… tap, tap, ow… tap, tap, ow! 🐝

As we have discussed, our Phone-a-Thon did very well, and it is STILL OPEN! We currently sit at $39,280 of a $40,000 goal! WOOHOO! Five days left to go, we will close the event on Thursday at Community night and read you all the total then. Let’s give one last good push - one last set of social media notices, texts, and calls to family and friends. See how far past that $40k goal we can take it. And please remember to thank your loved ones for their generosity! 💛🖤💰

We are also starting our Mums Sale now! 🌼🌺🏵️ Every fall we sell 8” potted mums in all the colors for just $10! Fantastic deal, and while the pots may be 8”, the plants themselves are SO much BIGGER than that! Attached here is an order form you can take to work, run to the neighbors, call your sisters, visit your mom, your aunt, your dad’s best buddy with that great fall garden… ask them if they’d like to buy Mums for their front porch or garden through you. These are plantable, and the do come back each year. They get a beautiful plant, and they get to help the Penn Marching Kingsmen.

$3 from each plant goes straight to your Kiddo’s band account, and can be applied to band fees, new marching shoes, forgotten socks, Winter Guard fees, etc. Have them pay cash or check up front, with checks made out to you. You will make ONE ORDER and ONE PAYMENT to the link here. https://forms.gle/cqNjZtPNJpn5b5Bh8

We will place one large order to Varners and have them all delivered on a September morning. We will set up, organize and sit out waiting for you. You may come with trucks and vans and flatbeds if you need them… but it will be for each of you to pick up your full order. Do not send your loved ones to pick up. You pick up, you deliver. The best part is, you get to see all their faces as they receive their Mums, which will be GORGEOUS! Promise. Varners grows beautiful flowers. This one is really fun! And it earns direct to your kid’s band account. 🌼🌺🏵️

This Wednesday - after Band Camp, be prepared for a delay in pick up. The kids will be having their annual Band Camp Water Balloon Fight in the parking lot! If you have a chance, grab a bag of water balloons and bring them at 5:00 for your kiddo and their section to come and gather. Coolers are great for this! Once all the balloons are broken, there will be an all band clean-up of the parking lot, and snacks, provided as usual by each section’s volunteer for that day. Come and watch, it’s really fun… but be careful not to get too close if you don’t want to be caught up in the melee! 💦🎈💧

This Thursday at 7:00pm is our annual Community Preview Night. Invite the grandparents, aunts and uncles, neighbors, all are welcome. We will get to see the progress the kiddos have made, as they will run as much of the show as they have ready for us! You will be stunned by the amount these kids have learned in just one month together. They will end band camp as usual at 5pm, and our Feed the Band team will have dinner for them. We do need help getting enough food/snacks for 180 kids, so if you could pick something up and bring it to our Feed the Band leaders, click here to make a food donation. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054EADAC2CA4F49-65067317-food

After dinner they will get ready for Community night. So, no need to pick them up right at 5:00, just come to Community night at 7:00. If you are available, we do have spots open to help Feed the Band, and you can sign up here. It’s exciting, you get to know the kids, chat with them, and absorb their energy each time. So sign up to help with dinner service if you are able! 🍕🍎🍪https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054EADAC2CA4F49-65075126-feed

Our Next Band Boosters Meeting will be Monday, August 17th at Penn, in Practice Room C. If you don’t know how to get there, it’s ok, we put out signs. Come and be a part of the decision making, the schedule setting, the fundraising, the committee leading… And again, you get to know more of the families and learn more from the directors. We keep the meetings to about an hour, and we generally get a LOT done in that time. We will always welcome your participation in the boosters meetings. Join us! 📋🕖✅

Senior Banner Pictures were Friday, August 7th

Did you and your Senior make it to Senior photo day? If not, the makeup day for senior banner pictures will take place Thursday, August 13th, during Community Preview Night. 📸

If you have specific questions, please reach out to:

Picture Questions: Sherrie Hoy

Band Uniform Questions: Cassie Tyler

Color Guard Uniform Questions: Nichole Schrock

Here are a few reminders of upcoming deadlines and events:

Round two of spirit wear is open! Take a look through, grab a shirt or a pair of comfy pants for you/your student. The jacket and backpack are both popular options with the students, and be sure to check for the availability to personalize with their name! https://www.paigeslettering.com/penn-marching-band 👚🧢🎒

Also - our Bling Wear site is still open, and the store will remain open through the early fall. https://bleacherblingsportswear.weebly.com/ If you want something with a little more flair, or glitter, if you have been waiting to order your Senior Mom shirt, now is the time! All orders placed before midnight on August 7th will be delivered by August 28th. All orders placed after August 7th will be delivered in the second batch on September 25th. All orders for this second batch will be due by midnight on September 4th and again delivered to Penn for pickup. ✨💖✨

Upcoming Schedule:

Band Camp Week 4: Aug 10-14, 8am-5pm

Wednesday**, August 12th at 5:00pm in the Parking Lot - Band Camp Water Balloon Free-for-All **

Thursday**, August 13th at 7:00pm at Freed Field (Penn) - Community Night Preview **

Monday, August 17th - 7:00pm - Practice room C - Band Boosters Meeting

Wednesday, August 19th - First day of School!

Friday, August 21st - First Home Football Game vs Valparaiso 🏈

Saturday, August 22nd - Extra Rehearsal

Saturday, August 29th - Extra Rehearsal

Friday, September 11th - Home Football Game vs SB Washington 🏈

Saturday, September 12th - Competition Day - Goshen 🏴🎺

Friday, September 18th - Home Football Game vs Marian 🏈

Saturday, September 19th - Picture Day and Competition Day - Concord 🏴🎺

Saturday, September 26th - Penn Carnival of Bands 🕖🤹‍♂️📋

After School Rehearsals:

Mondays - 6-9pm - Full Ensemble

Tuesdays - 3:34 - 6:30 - Winds/Percussion 6-9pm Color Guard

Thursdays - 6-9pm - Full Ensemble

As always, thank you for your time, and please let me know if you have any questions.

Have a lovely day! 🤍🖤💛

Meghan Pozywio

425-503-6850

pozytivelyknit@gmail.com

Sunday, August 2, 2026

Oops . . . Quick follow up, and my apologies that I did not have this information in advance, we are all human. 🤷‍♀️

This week, August 3-6, for Week 3 of Band Camp - Color Guard will continue on the 2pm-9pm schedule. They will move to 8am-5pm for week four only. Sorry for any confusion, but we do need to have all our Color Guard coaches at practice, and this is how scheduling allows us to get them all there. 😉

So the upcoming dates will look like this:

Band Camp Week 3: Aug 3-6, *(No Rehearsal Friday, Aug 7th) *

Winds and Percussion - 8am-5pm

Color Guard - 2pm - 9pm

Friday, August 7th - Noon - Senior Banner Pictures (applies to seniors only)

Band Camp Week 4: Aug 10-14, 8am-5pm - All sections

Thursday, August 13th at 7:00pm at Freed Field (Penn) - Community Night Preview

Monday, August 17th - 7:00pm - Practice room C - Band Boosters Meeting

Friday, August 21st - First home Football Game vs Valparaiso

Saturday, August 22nd - Extra Rehearsal

Saturday, August 29th - Extra Rehearsal

Thank you and again, sorry for any confusion!

Good Evening Band Family!

Wow! What a week! Is anyone else completely exhausted?!? The kids learned so much this week, and the show is already starting to come together. Props crew has been working tirelessly, and there are props for the show, built and ready for painting. I can’t wait to see all those stages on the field! We met up for a pot-luck and learned so much about committees and contest days. (we’ll find a way to shorten that next year, promise!) 😉

Then we held our fundraiser, and OMG, that was Quite and Event! As we have mentioned, last year’s takeaway was $37,000 to the band. That took us 2 weeks to earn. After 2 days, we are currently sitting at $34,000! Just a few more, and we will equal last year’s takeaway! The event will stay open through Community night at the end of next week. Send the link, post to your social media, call your family and friends, text reminders. Every little bit helps!

And remember, we get to keep everything this year, no payout to a third party. So as you check the fundraiser, and watch the numbers climb, our kids get to benefit from all that generosity from our loved ones.

📢 Important Update: Senior Banner Pictures

Date: Friday, August 7th

Report Time: 12:00 PM (Noon)

Please review the specific guidelines for your student’s section to ensure picture day runs smoothly:

🎷 Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion

●Compression Gear: Arrive wearing—or ready to put on—your compression wear. Please ensure you have your long-sleeve compression shirt.

●Hair: We will NOT be wearing shakos for these photos! Hair should be fully styled and photo-ready upon arrival.

●Jewelry: Please remove all jewelry

●Equipment:

-Woodwinds/Brass: Don’t forget your instrument!

-Percussion: Bring your mallets and/or drumsticks.

🚩 Color Guard

●Hair & Makeup: Arrive with hair and makeup styled as desired for your picture.

●Attire:

-Wear your Color Guard jacket with either your black parade t-shirt or a black tank top underneath.

-Wear black pants, yoga pants, or leggings. (Note: The photo crop will be mid-thigh and up).

-Items in Uniform Room: For those who spoke with Sarah last week, your items are in the band uniform room. Please wear your undergarments so you are able to change anywhere if needed.

●Equipment:

-Equipment choices are up to you.

Rifles/Sabres & Flags: All rifles/sabres—and Anna and Abbi, your flags—must be taken home Thursday after practice. Please bring them back to rehearsal on Monday.

●Important Locker Room Note: The dressing rooms and Guard closet will NOT be open the morning of August 7th.

📸 Parent Photos Opportunity & Makeup Date

●Parent Photos: Senior parents are welcome to come and snap a few pictures of their student while they are in full uniform!

●Unable to Attend? If your student cannot make it on Friday, August 7th, the makeup day for senior banner pictures will take place Thursday, August 13th, during Community Preview Night.

❓ Who to Contact with Questions

If you have specific questions, please reach out to the appropriate contact:

Picture Questions: Sherrie Hoy

Band Uniform Questions: Cassie Tyler

Color Guard Uniform Questions: Nichole Schrock

Here are a few reminders of upcoming deadlines and events:

Round two of spirit wear is open! Take a look through, grab a shirt or a pair of comfy pants for you/your student. The jacket and backpack are both popular options with the students, and be sure to check for the availability to personalize with their name! 👕🎒🧢 https://www.paigeslettering.com/penn-marching-band

Also - our ,Bling Wear site is now open, and the store will remain open through the early fall. https://bleacherblingsportswear.weebly.com/ If you want something with a little more flair, or glitter, if you have been waiting to order your Senior Mom shirt, now is the time! All orders placed before midnight on August 7th will be delivered by August 28th. Orders will be processed after the 7th, and delivered to Penn for pick up.

All orders placed after August 7th will be delivered in the second batch on September 25th. All orders for this second batch will be due by midnight on September 4th and again delivered to Penn for pickup. ✨💖

Remember the schedule changes this week:

Band Camp Week 3: Aug 3-6, 8am-5pm *(No Rehearsal Friday, Aug 7th) *

Friday, August 7th - Noon - Senior Banner Pictures (applies to seniors only)

Band Camp Week 4: Aug 10-14, 8am-5pm

Thursday, August 13th at 7:00pm at Freed Field (Penn) - Community Night Preview 🎵🎺🎷🥁 🏴🖤💛

Monday, August 17th - 7:00pm - Practice room C - Band Boosters Meeting

Friday, August 21st - First home Football Game vs Valparaiso

Saturday, August 22nd - Extra Rehearsal

Saturday, August 29th - Extra Rehearsal

I think that will cover it tonight. As always, thank you for your time, and please let me know if you have any questions.

Have a lovely night!

Meghan Pozywio

425-503-6850

pozytivelyknit@gmail.com

Friday, July 31, 2026

Good Evening Band Parents!

Our kids did such an AMAZING job today! For the hour that they made calls, during the “official’” event they raised $22,994 for the band! That is over the top, fantastic! And we still have the chance to raise more.

Our event goal for today was $25,000 and as of 8:00 this evening WE HIT OUR GOAL!! We are right now (9:00pm) over $27,500! The next benchmark would be to surpass last year’s total of $37,000 collected.

The number will continue to climb for the next two weeks. Tonight, tomorrow, check in with your family and friends, anyone that your kid had on their radar to call, and anyone they didn’t. Send out your kid’s link. https://kingsmen-phonathon.vercel.app/me Click here to download the app, and from there you can login as your kid, they have their number, they know how to get their link. Keep the energy up, and we have every opportunity to meet and beat our 2025 numbers.

And remember, because our fabulous band dad Will Myers, made this… we get to KEEP EVERYTHING our kids raise! Congratulate your kid, they did a WONDERFUL job, and we hope they had fun doing it!

Have a lovely night!

Meghan Pozywio

425-503-6850

pozytivelyknit@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Good Evening Band Parents!

If you have not yet heard through your kiddo, we have our first BIG fundraiser coming up this Friday, during camp. If you were part of marching band last year, you may remember the phone-a-thon we did where our students added names and numbers of friends and family to a private list, and for an hour out of their camp time, they called those people, and simply asked for donations to the band. It was a FANTASTIC fundraiser - after calls, a week with an online link sitting open, and social media shares the band walked away with $37,000! 💰💰💰

Here’s the rub - we hired a company to run the event, and had to pay them a percentage of our funds raised. So we could have had closer to $44K. As a team the Band Boosters talked it over, and one of our AMAZING Band Dads wrote an app, just for us, that we are using to repeat the event in house, without paying out thousands of dollars to a third party company. 🙌

THE PLAN - Friday evening, students will take a break from marching to sit in the air-conditioned cafeteria, and start making calls to their friends and family. Using the Penn-a-Thon app built for us by Will Myers, and a script we provided, they will make calls, send the link via text and email, and track donations. We will have a screen running to show our progress, a handful of parents available to help, and as students make calls they will earn treats, prizes, and money for the band! 📞🍭💲

Here’s how you can help:

Help your student find/load the names and phone numbers of family and friends into the app they received at camp. Mr Landoll showed them how to use it 📱

Psych your student up - making cold calls is tough, give them encouragement and remind them, all the calls are to people who know and love them ❤️

Send a quick text, email, message to your friends and family - give them a heads up to have their phone on them if possible on Friday evening, and that your student will be calling with a small request 👋

No donation is too small. With 180+ students - if each kid makes 10 calls, gets a average of just $25/call, they will have each raised $250 and THAT will put us over our total raised last year. Easy Peasy! And keep in mind, this year the band KEEPS 100% of what is raised! (Thank you Will Myers!!) Remember in your info from June days, the budget this year is $210,000; the bigger the dent we can make with each fundraiser, the more support we can offer the students and the bigger we can plan for the future. 😊

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your Boosters Board, or bring your questions to the Parent PotLuck on Thursday. We will gladly chat with you about the fundraiser. We hope to see you all at the PotLuck! 🤞😊

Have a lovely day!

Meghan

425-503-6850

pozytivelyknit@gmail.com

Sunday, July 26, 2026

Good Evening, Band Family!

Week one of Band camp is finished, and can I just say - WOW! I don’t know about yours, but my kid was SO excited to be marching, playing, and moving props! That is HUGE for week one of camp. We should all be very proud of the progress and dedication of these youngsters! 🎵❤🎼

Now to business:

Reminder that our Oil Change Fundraiser is tomorrow - Monday, July 27th, from 1pm-3pm. This will take place in the North Parking Lot, with several mobile units set to change your oil right on site. This event is sponsored by Campbell Ford in Niles. Just look for their vehicles as you bring your student to camp that day! 🚗🚙🚗

This week we will have the uniform committee in, getting all our kids fitted to their uniform for the show. You’re about to hear all about Bibbers, Shakos, and learn six different ways to keep your kid’s hair up tightly. Here are a few notes from our lead Uniform volunteer, Cassie:

Uniform Fitting Volunteers Needed! 🎺📏

(Fittings for woodwinds, brass, and percussion; this does not pertain to color guard)

We are gearing up for uniform fittings this week, and we need a few more hands on deck to make sure everything runs smoothly and quickly for all of our students! We still have several open volunteer slots, with a critical need for help on Monday and Tuesday afternoon from 2PM – 5PM. No prior experience with sewing or fittings is necessary—we will show you exactly what to do! Whether you can cover a full shift or even part of one, your time makes a massive difference in getting everyone fitted on schedule.

Thank you so much for your support and for helping our kids look their best this season! 👍

Also, if your student didn’t bring their compression wear yet, please make sure they bring it Monday!!! They won’t be fitted if they don’t have it.

• Deodorant

• Black long sleeve compression shirt

• Black under-armor type shorts and/or biker shorts

• Pair of Solid Black, tall socks (no logos or designs)

• If long hair, hair tie to secure hair on top of head (boys and girls)

Remember, returning students need to figure out if their shoes from last year fit. If not, they’ll be fitted in a new pair at fittings next week. $50 will be charged to the student’s Cuttime for new shoes. New students will be fitted for a pair of shoes. The first pair is free of charge.

Thank you, Cassie, for all that you do! 🖤💛

Next, we are getting ready for our Parent Potluck this Thursday the 30th at 6:30pm! This is your opportunity to share your favorite dish, bring your most burning questions, and mingle! We will also go over details for football games, contests, and other frequently asked questions. 🍽😋

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054EADAC2CA4F49-64861640-2026

Please use the sign-up to tell everyone what you are bringing in the appropriate category. You can bring more than one dish! Feel free to be lenient with your dish “category.” Make your dish for 10-20 people and bring your own serving utensils. We will provide plates, silverware and napkins. Please bring your own beverages. 🍗🥧

Thank you, Brenda Mitchell, for getting our first round of spirit wear organized and distributed this week! Round two of spirit wear is now open! Take a look through, grab a shirt or a pair of comfy pants for you/your student. The jacket and backpack are both popular options with the students, and be sure to check for the availability to personalize with their name! 🩳🎒

https://www.paigeslettering.com/penn-marching-band

All orders placed after August 7th will be delivered in the second batch on September 25th. All orders for this second batch will be due by midnight on September 4th and delivered to Penn for pickup by September 25th. ✨💖

**This week is going to be very busy: **

Band Camp Week 2: July 27-31, 2pm-9pm

Monday, July 27th, from 1pm-3pm in the north parking lot - Oil Change Fundraiser 🚗

Monday-Friday 2-9pm in the auditorium lobby - Uniform Fittings 📏

Thursday, July 30th at 6:30pm in the Penn Cafeteria - Annual PMK Parent Potluck 🍽

Band Camp Week 3: Aug 3-6, 8am-5pm *(No Rehearsal Friday, Aug 7th) *

Band Camp Week 4: Aug 10-14, 8am-5pm

Thursday, August 13th at 7:00pm at Freed Field (Penn) - Community Night Preview 🎺🥁🎷🎶

I think that will cover it tonight. As always, thank you for your time, and please let me know if you have any questions. 😁

Have a lovely night!

Meghan Pozywio

425-503-6850

pozytivelyknit@gmail.com

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Good Evening Band Family!

Week one of Band camp is rolling, new rhythms are settling in, and the kids are doing GREAT! We see them learning to march, and hit their dots, and soon you’ll be hearing them play parts of the show as you come to pick up. If you’re there early, feel free to come watch the end of rehearsal, there are always several parents sharing experiences, tips, and stories. We’d love to have you join us! 🎵🤝

Now to business:

Thank you Brenda Mitchell for getting our first round of spirit wear organized and distributed this week! Round two of spirit wear is now open! Take a look through, grab a shirt or a pair of comfy pants for you/your student. The jacket and backpack are both popular options with the students, and be sure to check for the availability to personalize with their name! 🩳🎒

https://www.paigeslettering.com/penn-marching-band

We will soon have a link for Bling Wear (yay sparkles!), plus round three with the show gear and design winners opened mid-August, then the Christmas shop opens November 1st! 👕

Remember the upcoming Oil Change Fundraiser is Monday, July 27th, from 1pm-3pm. This will take place, tentatively, on the North Parking Lot, with several mobile units set to change your oil right on site. This event is sponsored by Campbell Ford in Niles. 🖤💛 Just look for their vehicles as you bring your student to camp that day!

Next, we are kicking off the marching band season with a Parent Potluck next Thursday the 30th! The very beginning of marching band can feel very overwhelming and a little lonely if you haven’t tapped into the community yet. This is your opportunity to share your favorite dish, bring your most burning questions, and mingle! We will also be going over the details of football games, contests, and other frequently asked questions. 🍽😋

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054EADAC2CA4F49-64861640-2026

Also, next week July 27th-30th we will have the uniform committee in, getting all winds and percussion fitted. (Info on guard uniforms to come later.) If you are available to help out, there is a sign-up genius for uniform fittings next week. No experience necessary; we’ll teach you how to do it.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4CA9AC2BA7FB6-64813052-pmkuniform#/

There are cardboard boxes in the band room labeled with each section’s name. Please start bringing in your “fitting gear” no later than Friday, July 24th. Bring the following in a Ziplock bag labeled with your kid’s name and section:

• Deodorant

• Black long-sleeve compression shirt

• Black under-armor type shorts and/or biker shorts

• Solid Black, tall socks (no logos or designs)

• If long hair, hair tie to secure hair on top of head (boys and girls)

Returning students need to figure out if their shoes from last year fit. If not, they’ll be fitted in a new pair at fittings next week. $50 will be charged to the student’s Cuttime for new shoes. We only order shoes once during the season, so returners must know if they need to order new shoes prior to fittings. New students will be fitted for a pair of shoes. The first pair is free of charge.

Thank you, Cassie, for all that you do! 🖤💛

I think that is all we will cover tonight. Thank you for your time, and please let me know if you have any questions. I try to get to them as quickly as I can, and if I don’t have an answer, I will at least connect in someone who may. 😁

Have a lovely night!

Meghan Pozywio

425-503-6850

pozytivelyknit@gmail.com

Sunday, July 19, 2026

Good afternoon, Band Families!

Band Camp Starts Tomorrow!! I hope you are all ready, with snacks, giant water bottles, healthy/filling lunches, and sunscreen!! Have your kid set out tonight all the things they will need; it helps to be overprepared. 🕶

Reminder to wear/bring - athletic shorts, t-shirt, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, good socks, and comfortable, supportive shoes - they will do a LOT of walking. 👟 Absolutely NO sandals/crocs/boots, or jeans - we want these kids comfortable in the heat. 🚫👡

Have you turned in your kid’s physical on Aktivate… the link is in last week’s email. By now you should have that in, and the admin team has (hopefully) verified your form and approved your kid’s participation.

Also, have you given us your volunteer interest form AND background check? These need to be in so we can connect you to a committee if you are able to help out your kid/band, and to keep our kids safe with all of us! 🦺 Please let us know if you need the links again to the form or background check.

This week we will also have the uniform committee in, getting all our kids fitted to their uniform for the show. You’re about to hear all about Bibbers, Shakos, and learn six different ways to keep your kid’s hair up tightly.

If you are available to help out, there is a sign-up genius for uniform fittings this week. No experience necessary, we’ll teach you how to do it. 📏

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4CA9AC2BA7FB6-64813052-pmkuniform#/

Here are a few notes from our lead Uniform volunteer, Cassie:

The Uniform Committee will be fitting the Marching Band into their uniforms on July 27th-30th. There will be cardboard boxes in the band room labeled with each section’s name. Please start bringing in your “fitting gear” on Monday, July 20th, and no later than Friday, July 24th. Do NOT forget to label your bag!

Please bring the following in a Ziplock bag labeled with your kid’s name and section:

• deodorant

• black long sleeve compression shirt (once uniform shirts show up, students may switch to short sleeve compression shirt if they prefer)

• Black under-armor type shorts and/or biker shorts

• Pair of Solid Black, tall socks (no logos or designs)

• If long hair, hair tie to secure hair on top of head (boys and girls)

The uniforms are form-fitted, so for a proper fit, the students need close-fitting underclothes. They will wear these under their uniforms all season.

Thank you, Cassie, for all that you do! 🖤💛

If you’ve asked for volunteer information, those committee leads will be reaching out to you as needed and when appropriate for each committee. Again, if you have time this week to help out with uniform fittings, please click on the above sign-up genius link. We’d be so grateful for a little more help.

Band Camp Week 1: July 20-24, 2pm-9pm

Monday-Friday 2-9pm in the auditorium lobby - Uniform Fittings

Band Camp Week 2: July 27-31, 2pm-9pm

Monday, July 27th, from 1pm-3pm in the north parking lot - Oil Change Fundraiser

Thursday, July 30th at 6:30pm in the Penn Cafeteria - Annual PMK Parent Potluck

Band Camp Week 3: Aug 3-6, 8am-5pm *(No Rehearsal Friday, Aug 7th) *

Band Camp Week 4: Aug 10-14, 8am-5pm

Thursday, August 13th at 7:00pm at Freed Field (Penn) - Community Night Preview

That’s all we’re going to review today. Reach out to your boosters, your section parents, committee leads, or friends who’ve done this a time or two if you have any questions. We are all here for you! Band is a family, and we are so glad to have you as a part of it!

Meghan Pozywio

425-503-6850

pozytivelyknit@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

“This one time, at band camp” is not just an iconic line from a 90’s movie, but it is what you are about to start hearing - non-stop - from your teen over the next few years… or the rest of their lives, that’s certainly possible.

Band Camp creates memories. Band Camp builds character. Band Camp cements lasting friendships. And Band Camp begins NEXT WEEK! 🤪 Starting Monday your kid will be out in the heat, standing on the asphalt, learning where their dots are, sweating like crazy, and loving every minute of it!

Band Camp Week 1: July 20-24, 2pm-9pm

Band Camp Week 2: July 27-31, 2pm-9pm

Band Camp Week 3: Aug 3-6, 8am-5pm *(No Rehearsal Friday, Aug 7th) *

Band Camp Week 4: Aug 10-14, 8am-5pm

Just a few items/reminders as you check off the list of things they need for camp:

* Have you completed your student’s registration on Aktivate (formerly Register-My-Athlete) if you have not signed in yet, click here for the PHM page explaining ALL extracurricular activities that sign up through Aktivate https://penn.phmschools.org/athletics/register-my-athlete/ Be sure you upload the Pre-Participation Physical that was sent to all parents and in the Band App in June. These MUST be signed by your Dr. and into the system prior to the start of Band Camp.

Have your student bring to Band Camp:

Sunscreen

Hat

Sunglasses

Deodorant - just trust me

Hair Ties

Wear Comfortable, supportive Shoes - NO FLIP FLOPS or SANDALS!

Wear Shorts, but NOT Jean Shorts (denim) 🥵

After one day in jean shorts, your kid will be extra sweaty, smelly, and about as prickly as a cactus 😬🌵

Pack a Large, Healthy Lunch daily - Extras if you can, some kids eat a LOT

Send the LARGEST Water Bottle you can find - the bigger the better

64oz or even a full Gallon (128oz) is best!

Insulated keeps the water colder longer - yes, they are more expensive, but it is worth the cost to keep them hydrated and cooled down 🧊

Thursday, July 30th at 6:30pm in the Penn Cafeteria we will host the Annual PMK Parent Potluck! Be on the lookout for a Pot Luck sign up to come your way via SignUp Genius. We’d love to see as many families there as we can get! This is another opportunity to get to know your Section Parents, meet a few more band families, and even arrange some carpools through the season! There will also be another chance to learn about a few of the committees we have and find ways you can help keep PMK running smoothly. Sign up, make a dish, enjoy some delicious food, and meet your Band Boosters Board and committee coordinators.

At the end of Band Camp, there is a Community Preview night, where we get to celebrate the start of the season, and see how far the kids have come in the first four weeks. Please join us for the Family and Community Preview Show: Thursday, August 13th at 7:00pm

We have set up an Oil Change Fundraiser for Monday, July 27th, from 1pm-3pm. This will take place, tentatively, on the North Parking Lot, with several mobile units set to change your oil right on site. This event is sponsored by Campbell Ford in Niles. Just look for their vehicles as you bring your student to camp that day!

Prices are great: $55 for a semi-synthetic oil, and $75 for a full synthetic oil change. Penn Bands will get money for every car serviced, and a bonus for every 50 cars we get. PLUS - anyone who does not want to wait in line for an oil change can purchase a coupon at the same price, good for 3 months! So take time to care for the vehicle that you rely on to get from point A to point B, and help the band at the same time. Tell your friends and families - all are welcome to the PMK Oil Change Fundraiser!

Once school starts the band will have regular rehearsals three days a week after school:

Mondays: 6:00-9:00pm (Full Ensemble)

Tuesdays: 3:45-6:30pm (Winds & Percussion only)

Tuesdays: 6:00-9:00pm (Color Guard Only)

Thursdays: 6:00-9:00pm (Full Ensemble)

Freshmen Parents - many of the students will stay after school on Mondays and Thursdays, get some homework done, walk to Subway or Culvers for food, and hang out around the band room till rehearsal. If your student asks about joining them, this is totally normal, and if you’re up for it, I guarantee your kid is ready. (I had the same thoughts last year… my kid survived, thrived, and got good grades in all his classes!)

Carnival of Bands, our annual marching band competition, is a BIG event and another great fundraiser for the band. 💰

Each year we offer families the opportunity to celebrate (embarrass 😉) their students through Shout Out “Ads” that can be purchased to be printed in the program. Attached is a form that must be filled out if you are purchasing an ad. It explains the options, pricing and directions on how to submit. You can submit payment via this Zeffy link. Be sure to choose “Other” and leave the contribution blank so you are not charged extra fees.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/pmk-carnival-of-bands-shout-out-ad

Business ads are also included in the program. 20% of the ad sale goes to the student selling the business ad, so this is a good way for kids to earn money towards their band fees. Take this to your place of business, your cousin’s law firm, your next door neighbor’s auto body shop, your best friend’s restaurant, and ask if they will support the PMK by purchasing an ad. These forms are also attached.

You should be seeing regular emails from me over the next few months with info and reminders, and generally an Upcoming Events calendar at the bottom. Hopefully you find them informative and amusing, even if at times they can get a little long… 😉

Have a lovely night and let me know if you have questions! We’re here for you!

Meghan Pozywio

425-503-6850

pozytivelyknit@gmail.com

Monday, June 1, 2026

Good Morning, PMK Parents!

Just a couple of notes from your Band Boosters as we end one year and begin another. 🎓 📚

June days are upon us! This week, Tues, Wed, Thurs from 6-9pm our students will be learning to march, meeting their sections, getting their music, and making memories for a whole new marching band season. Be ready for the stories to begin…

We will have the Parent Meeting at 7pm on Thursday, June 4, in the Auditorium. This meeting is VERY IMPORTANT. We will go over schedules and volunteer opportunities, meet your section parents (think room mom, but for band), see spirit wear, and give you lots of information. We are excited to see you there. 🙋‍♂️

One of the things we will go over is the Band App that Mr Landoll mentioned in his email yesterday. This will be our best method of communication with students and families. To join the parent group, please click this link:

https://band.us/n/abaebeC5gbq6D

We will also have this available via QR codes during the June Days meeting. 🎼

Another thing we will discuss is that all the kids will need to complete a physical exam before the start of band camp on July 20. This physical will need to be uploaded to the Aktivate database. There is a form to complete, Mr Landoll sent it in April, and we will have it again for you. It would be a good idea to reach out to your GP this week and make an appointment. Just tell them you need an Athletics Physical for school, and that you will have a form for them to sign, and they will know what you need. 🩺

Our Mattress Fundraiser is this coming Saturday, June 6th, from 10am-5pm in the Penn Cafeteria. Please help us spread the word. You can use this Facebook event page link or the attached PDF. 🛏 https://www.facebook.com/events/1417426139670220\

Can’t wait to see/meet you all on Thursday! ❤🎶

Meghan Pozywio

425-503-6850

Pozytivelyknit@gmail.com

Sunday, May 31, 2026

Good afternoon PMK Families,

I am looking forward to getting the marching band together again this week! Here are a few reminders and clarifications as we prepare for this last week of school.

1) Our three rehearsals are from 6pm-9pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week. Students should be prepared to be outside on Wednesday and Thursday; this will mean having water, light clothing (no jeans), appropriate athletic shoes (no sandals), and a hat with a brim. We will reinforce these guidelines with students on Tuesday.

2) We will begin by gathering all students in the Auditorium at 6pm on Tuesday. From there, we will give instructions on where to go next, and where to start the following day.

3) There was some confusion over the day and time of the parent meeting, which was my fault as I proofread the information packet! We will have the parent meeting at 7pm on Thursday, June 4, in the Auditorium. We will end this meeting around 8:30 - in enough time for parents to watch the end of our rehearsal on the last day!

4) Over the summer and during the season, we will again use the Band App to communicate with students and families; after some discussion, it seemed like this met our needs better than creating another ParentSquare group. We will use separate groups for Students and Parents to keep things organized. To join the parent group, you may use this link:

https://band.us/n/abaebeC5gbq6D

We will make sure during the June Days meetings that everyone has access.

5) Don’t forget that our Mattress Fundraiser is this Saturday, from 10am-5pm in our Cafeteria. Please help us spread the word to anyone looking to purchase a mattress, pillow, bedding, or any of the other items offered. The Facebook event page to share is linked here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1417426139670220\

For student volunteers at this event: I am first going to reach out to the handful of families that still owe band fees from last year, and offer this as a way to “work off” a portion of those fees. After I do that, I will open up the volunteer opportunities to everyone else during the June days.

That’s all for now! Lots more info coming your way at our June Days this week.

With best wishes for a joyful end to your school years,

Mr. Landoll

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Good Morning All!

“May-cember” is in full swing, and no one seems to have time to spare. But we’re all in this together… it’s all for the kids… just keep swimming… and all that jazz! You’ve got this, Parents! 😁

Things to squeeze into your calendar:

Monday, May 18th, at 7:00pm is our next Penn Band Boosters meeting. All parents/guardians are welcome to join. If you are ready to share your time and voice with us, get all the band news early, and make an impact in your kids’ favorite part of Penn, come be in the room where it happens. 😉 (Save my number, if you have any trouble getting in the building, text me from Door C!)

Executive Board will meet @5:30 before the Boosters meeting, too.

June Days is two weeks from now, June 2nd, 3rd, and 4th!! 🎵

Incoming Freshmen Parents - June Days full of information, team building, music, and how-to’s; your kids will have so much to tell you each day! 💕

Thursday, June 4th, at 7:00pm we will have a REQUIRED parent meeting in the Penn CPA. Please make time to be there. You will get to meet the other band parents who will be your lifeline through the PMK season! (Can you say carpools?) You will meet your Section Parents who will set up each section (trumpet, sax, percussion, etc) for a great season. You will learn about how you can volunteer. PMK is most successful when we have strong parent support. We will talk about all the things you already have questions about, and you will get answers! 🙌

Hope to see you all soon!

Meghan Pozywio

425-503-6850

Pozytivelyknit@gmail.com

Monday, May 4, 2026

Good afternoon Marching Kingsmen!

Because we have many recent registrants for marching band (and I learned that CutTime file uploads expire), I have linked here the upcoming Season Informational Packet and the Physical form which we need on file before band camp begins.

2026 Info Packet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12tOQZYE14KGiYO9oxGuvvKGXrs60XDLD/view?usp=drive_link

Physical: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10vzi4rranvjoFzBtOteGxFQ7HPuAQA7N/view?usp=drive_link

Also: I have linked information and a schedule for the Memorial Day Parades here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KlbdXkBW8hv_NXxfN_enIWYAVreuzeks1vkHr2yhd8E/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.gjdgxs

We consider the parades a requirement for anyone who was in the Fall 2025 marching band, and are not inviting current 8th graders unless they were with us this past season. This is for “experienced” members only.

Happy to answer any questions you may have.

DJL

Friday, April 17, 2026

Good Evening, All!

🎶 Next weekend, Fri/Sat - April 24th/25th, and the following weekend, Fri/Sat - May 1st/2nd, Penn is hosting the ISSMA District contest, then the Qualifier contest. When we host events, they only run smoothly because of our fabulous parent and student volunteers. We ask your assistance for the upcoming two weekends; we need people to greet bands and give directions, be doorkeepers, hall monitors, and sell concessions.

Please check your calendars and sign up for a spot. Many hands make light work… Thank you in advance for being so giving of your time! 😊

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054EADAC2CA4F49-63542176-issma for the SignUp Genius.

This is the sign-up for adult volunteers; the directors will have a separate sign-up for students. 🎶

PLUS - here are a couple of reminders for upcoming events:

🎌 Colorguard Auditions: April 21, 22, & 23 - 6-9pm

Please plan on attending all dates if you would like to be in PMK colorguard

Following Guard Auditions - We will have once weekly Full Guard Sectionals (Thursdays) and once weekly Weapon technique sectionals (Tuesdays).

Full Guard (6-9pm) - Apr 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28

Weapon Sectionals (6-9pm) - Apr 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26

🛏 Mattress Fundraiser: Are you considering buying a new mattress? On Saturday, June 6th we are hosting a mattress fundraiser. This is a great opportunity to get a good deal, help the band, AND earn money for your child’s Cuttime account. Wow! This is a full-service store that will come to Penn HS. Attached is a flier you can post on your social media. Make sure your friends mention your child’s name!

📅 April 20 – Band Booster Meeting

April 21, 22, & 23 – Color Guard Auditions

April 24 & 25 – ISSMA District Contest (Freshman Bands and Concert Band)

April 30 – Spring Concert

May 1 & 2 – ISSMA Qualifier (Symphonic Winds & Symphonic Band)

May 14 – Spring Jazz Concert in Ironworks Plaza

May 22 – Advanced Jazz performs at Concord Jazz Café

May 26 – Senior Recognition (Mr. Landoll will communicate with the families of seniors)

June 6 – Mattress Fundraiser

Thank you all so much! ❤

Meghan Pozywio

pozytivelyknit@gmail.com

425-503-6850

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054EADAC2CA4F49-63542176-issma

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