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Dear Skokie Families,
Welcome back after what I hope was a restful and enjoyable spring break. We only have nine weeks left of school left, and these final weeks tend to be quite packed. The weather will warm up and excitement will build with the promise of summer on the horizon. We expect to see more students walking and riding their bikes to school, and want to remind both our students and parents to be cautious, safe users of the road. Bikers are encouraged to wear a helmet, check the connections of removable wheels/seats before riding and abide by traffic signs and crossing guard signals when moving through intersections. As you drive/park near school, please avoid calling students to cross between cars. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during drop-off and pick-up times, as we know traffic can be an issue given our neighborhood location.
Our Arts Teachers and students have been diligently planning for a fun and engaging afternoon, next Friday, April 12. Skokie students will participate in our first ever "SkokiePalooza," in which the Arts, project-based learning and integration will be celebrated through various stations that showcase student work as well as allow students to engage in activities. This is a student focused day, designed by Mr. Greenman, Ms. Balkin and Ms. Antman, with the support of our staff and PTO--we are grateful for the time and attention they have given to planning this event, and for the support to focus on the wonderful impact that the Arts have on a balanced educational experience for our students. We look forward to sharing pictures of the afternoon with you next week.
Finally, the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (formerly PARCC) will be administered next week. This test is given to 3rd through 8th graders in our district, and tests in the areas of English Language Arts and Math. While there is no way to prepare for these assessments, we encourage students to get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast to make them as comfortable as possible during the morning testing period.
Enjoy the taste of warm weather this weekend and the time together with your family. We look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Monday.
Most Sincerely,
Kelly Tess
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @skokie36
#beatree #everybodyin
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AP Corner
Diverse Math Classrooms: Why They Work
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to attend the NCSM Mathematics Leadership Conference, along with several colleagues in our math department. I find that having a presence at national conferences is invigorating and always fuels continued growth and development in our teaching practices.
The theme of the conference this year was making waves in math education and examining equity in our math classrooms. I attended several sessions focused on providing high quality instruction for our students with special needs, as well as how to challenge our advanced learners.
As I have learned in the past when reading literature by math education researchers and experts in the field, the sessions I attended reiterated the idea that having a heterogeneous math classroom is beneficial for all learners. Some speakers also encouraged the use of inquiry-based math. They cited that by using inquiry in mathematics, we can increase achievement, provide access to math that is meaningful, provide access to identities as mathematicians, and increase access to future STEM careers.
One of the sessions I attended focused on the learning potential of students with disabilities. The speaker shared the many strengths that our students with learning disabilities bring to the classroom, in that they often have a more visual, big picture understanding of the math, while struggling with algorithmic thinking. On the opposite end, some of our high achieving math students bring that algorithmic mastery, but struggle to conceptualize the math in a visual way. These diverse learners can greatly benefit from discussing the way in which they approach the math. By listening and learning from each other, they can gain a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
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Adventures in Learning 2019 runs from June 17th-July 19th, 2019
No camp on July 4th.
A decades-long tradition, this summer program includes classes as varied as Rock Guitar Band, Life Around the World, Zany Art Explosions, Drone Flight School, Camping Adventures, Make Your Own Music Video, Adventures in STEAM, Archery, The Wacky World of Water, Kitchen Magicians, Programming and Robotics, Tennis, Computer Animation, Improvisation, Yoga for Kids, Animal Care, Purposeful Repurposing and Spa-Liscious to name a few!
Students in grades 2-8 may choose up to four classes from over 100 options. Younger children (pre-Kindergarten through grade 1) will explore educational concepts through guided play and outdoor activities.
This years program will be held at Washburne for the 2nd-8th graders and Hubbard Woods for the Pre-K (4 years old by June 1st, 2019)and K Primary program (5 years old by September 1st, 2019).
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District News
Referendum Outcome
As you are likely aware, the referendum did not pass. Please know we recognize all who have stayed informed, engaged in planning, and provided important feedback to help shape solutions. Information and next steps will be shared in the coming weeks as we maintain our commitment to clear and consistent communication.
Over the past two years during this planning process and referendum outreach, we held firm to our commitment to community engagement, clear and transparent communication, a focus on teaching and learning, and fiscal responsibility.
Although the referendum did not pass, we are dedicated to moving forward in a civil, collaborative manner to determine next steps in how to manage aging facilities and best meet the educational needs of our students.
Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR)
Please read this letter from Barry Rodgers, Director of Innovation, Teaching and Learning:
The
IAR will be administered to students in
Grades
3 through 8 from April 2-19, 2019
. Schools will be sending details concerning specific dates and times of testing sessions.
Winnetka Parents Institute
In partnership with the New Trier Township Schools, the Apple Store at Old Orchard is offering an exclusive event for our parents/guardians. Space is limited to 15 per session. Please sign up for only one session.
All sessions are from 10 am to 11 am. If you can't make one of the sessions, the Apple creatives are always willing to help, just schedule a time to meet with them one on one.
RSVP here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYqM1BuWvu5hYOhfo4b691e1qmmXGQfof5FAlhnpW5X8pb_Q/viewform
Extracurricular Activity
Girls Coding Club starts the week of April 23, 2019. Space is limited, priority will be given to students in grades 3 and 4.
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten pre-registration for 2019-2020 is now open. Children who will be five-years-old on or before September 1, 2019, are eligible to enroll. The District's Kindergarten Committee and Central PTO unanimously approved shifting to an online process versus an on-site process. This shift minimizes the time needed to pre-register and respects the busy schedules of our families.
The Registration process is completed in two steps:
-
Complete an online pre-registration form
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Provide proof of residency (documents can be uploaded online): child(ren)'s original birth certificate and a parent photo ID will need to be provided in person. Opportunities to do so will be made available in Spring 2019.
The list of documents that will meet these requirements is here:
https://www.winnetka36.org/parents/prospectivefamilies
If you have any questions, please contact the District Office at
847-446-9400
.
Redistricting
CW/SK families only
Apple Pencil/Logitech Crayon- Available for Purchase
Great news! The Winnetka Public Schools Technology department is now able to offer discounted Apple Pencils and Logitech Crayons for sale via the newly launched web store. Schools and classrooms across the district have Apple Pencils and Logitech Crayons available for sharing, this offer is to purchase a personal pencil or crayon. The pencil is compatible with iPad (6th gen) and iPad Pros (not 3rd gen), the Logitech crayon is only compatible with the iPad (6th gen).
To purchase an Apple pencil or Logitech crayon, visit the
web store
. You will need to set up an account to complete your order. Your account only needs to be created once and can be used for future purchases from the Winnetka Public Schools. Credit cards purchase only.
Webstore (RevTrak) FAQ
https://winnetka.revtrak.net/FAQ/
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Dates to Note
************************************
5th Grade Orientation
(for incoming 5th graders)
Tuesday, April 16
6:30-7:30
NO SCHOOL--Good Friday
Friday, April 19
CLASS PICTURE DAY
Thursday, April 25
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