The Skokie School Home Scoop
 

Dear Skokie Community,

I wanted to shed some light on what our classrooms look like these days. It has been amazing to see the transformation that our teachers and students have made as they've adjusted to our new learning environment over the past several months. Our teachers are continuously reflecting upon their pedagogy and how they can integrate technology to allow for collaborative learning while 6 feet apart. Our students have been troopers in communicating with each other while wearing masks and sitting behind desk shields for a large portion of the day. 

While learning still looks quite different than it did a year ago, I am enthused to see collaboration between students and hear rich discussions when I make my way around Skokie School. This past week, our 6th graders were drafting fictional stories and had the chance to peer edit with classmates. Meanwhile, our 5th graders have been researching historical figures considered "change makers" and crafting an informational writing piece based on their learnings. Students are able to share their writing with each other using Google Docs and make comments within each other's documents to support the revision process. Our teachers are using Google Docs or Schoology to provide students with feedback on their writing, as well. 

In math, our students continue to think deeply about concepts and articulate this thinking to their classmates in discussion. This week, I heard one of our fifth graders explain how she thought about a visual model of fractions with extreme precision and depth. Our math and science teachers are able to facilitate rich discussions in which students learn from each other's thinking through the use of the Desmos platform. Desmos allows the teacher to see the work each student  is doing on the iPad, as well as project students' work to the entire class to inspire discourse. 

Across the board, our students and teachers are collaborating to make the best of our current reality. I am truly inspired by their resilience and determination to teach, learn, and support one another. 

Take care,

Betty Weir          Louis Kotvis
Principal             Assistant Principal
 
#Skokiereads Challenge
Mr. Burleson wanted to be sure that I sent a reminder to our community regarding the #skokiereads challenge. Participants can enter up to 8 times for Book Stall gift certificates and the drawing will take place when we return from Thanksgiving Break. We encourage the students to participate!  

District News
New Trier High School Testing
Next week, New Trier High School is initiating a voluntary COVID-19 screening test for students returning to campus.  As this screening test is not a COVID-19 diagnostic test, it does not require younger D36 siblings to quarantine while awaiting results.  Thank you to the parents who reached out to inquire. 

2020-2021 Calendar 
Please note that the most current version of the  2020-2021 District calendar is on the main page of the District website. Please be aware that there have been tweaks since the calendar was initially released so the most current iteration is here.

Parent Education Opportunity:
Executive Functioning Strategies to Help Support Your Child During Remote Learning
Friday, November 13 at 10 a.m.
Teresa Bozikis, Speech-Language Pathologist, along with Beth Martin, Director of Student Services, will share an overview of best practices to help your child successfully navigate remote learning. The presentation will include a Q & A. 

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Passcode: 36wins36
Or iPhone one-tap:
+13126266799
Or Telephone:
 +1 312 626 6799 
Webinar ID: 874 2100 5370
Passcode: 54077295

News from The Alliance for Early Childhood
Please access the  2020-2021 Parent Program Flyer to view information on these upcoming events:
  • Pandemic Parenting: Tools and Tips, December 3, 7-7:45pm Register Here
  • Pandemic Parenting: Tools and Tips, February 18,  7-7:45pm Register Here

Additionally, families are invited to participate in Let's Play! 2020-2021 Ongoing Community Programs. Upcoming events are as follows:
  • Let's Play! Fort Building, Crow Island Woods, November 7 and November 8, 10am-4pm. Registration is required.   Register Here. 
  • Let's Play! Winter Woods Exploration, Crow Island Woods, February 20, 10am-4pm

Family Action Network Events
Family Action Network, FAN, hosts a series of parent sessions with renowned authors, educators, and experts.  See FAN's fall schedule here.

 
Replies to this email will be sent directly to Betty Weir. Please note that unsubscribing from this email will unsubscribe from all Winnetka School emails.  

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