Dear Skokie Families,

As we approach winter break in the coming weeks, I'd like to take the next few editions of our weekly newsletter to share out the details of some of the amazing work being done by students through use of our new Enrichment and Inquiry time during afternoon advisory.  This week, I'd like to highlight a large scale project taken on by Mr. Martinsen (5th grade Math/Science teacher and his advisory, along with the support of Mr. Hynes (Kinetic Wellness teacher) and Ms. Dolkart (Classroom associate).  This class of students has taken on the mighty task of revamping our south courtyard as well as approaching several large scale projects within it.  At the time of Skokie's groundbreaking in 1920, the north and south courtyards were incorporated into the building design, intended as outdoor classroom spaces in which students could regularly connect with the outdoors as a part of their progressive educational experience.  Over the years, the courtyards have been home to fruit and vegetable gardens, shrubbery nurseries (later sold to neighboring residences), beehives, rabbit and guinea pig farms (also sold to neighboring residences!) and more.  All of these efforts were led by students under the progressive tenet of exposing students to engaging, hands-on learning experiences that brought real-world meaning to the concepts learned in academics.  As Skokie aged, and even experienced a decade plus of being closed, the courtyards fell into disrepair and periods of neglect.  They have seen more recent attention thanks to a foundation of community members and our dedicated staff; however, they face a rebirth now with the careful attention of our students.

If you find yourself in our building, take a walk through the auditorium, and feel free to enter the south courtyard through the french doors on the left side coming in from our main entrance.  There you will notice several large wooden garden beds, designed and assembled by our students.  The boxes toward the back of the garden have been recent home to a variety of seasonal vegetables, the majority of which were donated throughout the summer and early fall to the New Trier Township food pantry.  The small table in our main entryway regularly hosts a colorful bouquet of flowers from the garden, all of which were planted by this year's fifth graders when they visited the building for Fourth Grade Shadow Day.  

 

 Photography by the Martinsen Advisory

Beyond our raised garden beds, there is a newly cleared area that will soon be home to a green roof prototype.  Mr. Martinsen's class will spend the winter months planning, designing and preparing for the build of a sheltered outdoor workspace with a green roof on top.  They have already spent time tracking shadow patterns, range of temperatures in the space and catalogued much of their work on a self-made website.  Click on the link below to see the amazing work they have done so far.  

 

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE GARDEN'S WEBSITE 

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SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

  SKOKIE AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
   

CREATIVE WRITING

This club is for Skokie students who love to write and want to build their skills, share with others, and work towards publication. Club meets from 7:25 - 8:10 a.m. in Room 176, beginning November 30 and continuing through May 31, 2016. (Club meetings 11/30, 1/4 & 1/18, 2/1 & 2/15, 3/1 & 3/15, 4/5 & 4/19, 5/3, 5/17, and 5/31.

 

PLAY IT NOW MATH CLUB for 5th & 6th Grade Students

ROBOTICS TEAM

Join this adventurous crew as we experience the challenges suggested for The First Lego League. We will determine if we are ready to compete or if we want to pilot the experience for next year's competition. The Team will meet on Wednesdays, from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. November 2 through December 14, 2016, in Room 142.

AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS/CLIMBING CLUB

We are pleased and excited to be offering, for the upcoming 2016-2017 school year, our After School Sports Clubfor fifth and sixth graders, and   Skokie Climbing Club . The Skokie Climbing club is for students who would like to climb the Skokie High Ropes Course after school. 6 - 8th grade students along with 5th grade Adventure Climbers are allowed to enroll during the first semester.

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