WELCOME TO THE FAST 5
A compilation of "snackable" news, announcements, and important reminders!
What's Happening in District 65? The Fast 5 is sent weekly in English and Spanish to staff, families, and community members. Don't want to receive the Fast 5? Unsubscribe by clicking the link at the bottom of this email. Happy Reading!
1
District 65 Family Center Earns Blue Ribbon Designation!
We are proud to announce that the District 65 Family Center has earned Blue Ribbon Affiliate status, a prestigious endorsement from the Parents as Teachers National Center, Inc (PATNC). This status makes the Family Center one of the top performing home visiting affiliates within the PATNC international network. Being named a Blue Ribbon Affiliate affirms that the D65 Family Center is a high-quality member of the home visiting field, implementing the evidence-based Parents as Teachers model with fidelity. In addition, families within the D65 community are positively impacted by the services delivered by this program.

Regarding the esteemed accomplishment of the team, the center’s Managing Director, Angela Johnson, stated “[District 65’s Family Center] gives 100% of their effort to supporting families and it is great to have their work validated and recognized by Parents as Teachers National Center. It is also wonderful to know that we are doing our part in helping the Evanston community reach its goals of Every Child Ready for Kindergarten.” Congratulations team!
 District 65 Family Center Earns Blue Ribbon Designation from PATNC
2
Foundation 65 2020 Annual Report Now Available
Foundation 65’s Annual Report for 2020 is now available to view! The foundation’s annual report provides the opportunity for the public to see how their donations work and come to life. View more information on some of Foundation 65’s most important projects throughout the year, from their COVID-19 response, book collection and distribution projects, strategic impact grants, and more, all via the annual report!

3
Dawes Elementary to Receive Mayor’s Award for the Arts!
The Evanston Arts Council has announced that Dawes Elementary is one of several recipients to receive Evanston Mayor Steve Hagerty’s Award for the Arts! The award is presented by the mayor annually, usually to an Evanston arts organization and an individual who contributes to their community through artistic means. This year, Mayor Hagerty will present the award to Dawes Elementary at A Bright Night for the Arts event, an annual celebration of Evanston art and artists, on Thursday, November 19 at 5pm. The event is free for all to attend! If you’re interested in attending, click the link below to register and you will receive instructions on how to join the event. Let’s celebrate the Dawes community for all that they do to keep art alive and well throughout our community!

4
Want to help students across D65? Become a D65 Monday Beacon Today!
Do you want to become more involved with what D65 students are learning? Do you have an interesting topic or experience that you’d like to share with students across the district? Become a D65 Monday Beacon to provide students with amazing experiences on Remote Learning Mondays! D65 can virtually host outside experts and professionals via Zoom on Mondays when students are usually learning independently. You can use your talents, expertise, and background to help students take virtual field trips, attend virtual workshops, or view a virtual how-to tutorial, all to help students learn more about career exploration and gain deeper insight into fun topics.


5
High Five! Recipients for November Announced!
Congratulations to the D65 staff members who have been nominated for the High Five! Celebrating Excellence in District 65 program, including D65 Student Information Systems Clerk, Harriet Pontikes (pictured below). Harriet has served the district for 16 years and was nominated by her fellow D65 colleague, Saranda Karpuzi, who stated that, “Whether it be deciphering court documents or researching state laws relevant to school code, Ms. Pontikes is sure to be meticulous and consistent. Her dedication is evident in her willingness to do any task necessary that supports positive student outcomes. Harriet does all the small, behind-the-scenes steps that enable the registration team to be successful. She is fearless, never threatened by large workloads and is always willing to teach peers and team members in her area of expertise. Harriet brings years of experience and a welcoming smile to all the people she encounters." Thank you for doing such amazing work on behalf of the district, Harriet! As a reminder, the D65 recipients who were selected will receive a $100 gift card from sponsorship provided by Byline Bank, a framed recognition certificate, and will be recognized at the monthly school board meeting on Monday, November 16.

Curbside Meal Pick-Up
Now Available!

Breakfast and lunch will be available to every child during Remote Learning. Meals may be pre-ordered (by Fridays) and picked up curbside for the week on Mondays at several locations. For more information and details, click HERE.
Join our #D65ReturntoLearn Hashtag Challenge!

Celebrate the start of the new school year by sharing your photos and videos and including the #D65ReturntoLearn hashtag on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Evanston/Skokie School District 65