WELCOME TO THE FAST 5
A compilation of "snackable" news, announcements, and important reminders!
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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!
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EL3 Digital Backpack, a resource for students, parents, and the community |
Want to stay in “the know” about upcoming events and happenings for students and families around the Evanston and Skokie community? The Digital Backpack is filled with information for you to view! The Digital Backpack is hosted on EL3, an online learning platform that links classroom activities, after-school resources, and online learning in one place. The EL3 website allows families to have streamlined access to information about free and paid events, programs, opportunities, and activities - all in one centralized location! The EL3 District 65 Digital Backpack page is updated every Friday.
EL3 is a collaboration between Evanston/Skokie School District 65, Northwestern's Digital Youth Network, and Evanston's out-of-school organizations. If your organization needs an EL3 account or has any questions, visit the Digital Backpack information page.
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‘yHa!’ Gallery Show Featuring Haven Student Artwork a Success! |
This May, Haven Middle School art educators Mr. Dan Engh and Ms. Denise Taylor orchestrated a new gallery show for Haven students called the ‘young Haven artists gallery show,’ known as ‘yHa.’
The gallery show, set up in the school’s fine arts wing, contained over 200 pieces of art and was a huge success. Over 100 parents/caregivers, grandparents, and other family members attended with their Haven student artists. It was one of the first events held in the building that invited family members inside since COVID-19 restrictions began, and everyone was delighted to be part of this fantastic show. Student artists received certificates of achievements and proudly showed their families their works of art, and had a moment to shine on all they had accomplished.
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Students Recieve Library Cards as Summer Reading 2022 Begins! |
Just in time for summer reading, close to 700 D65 K-5 students residing in Evanston received new Evanston Public Library cards this spring as part of a library card campaign collaboration between the D65 Department of Libraries and the Evanston Public Library. With an EPL card (and number), our students have access to not only an outstanding print collection, but they can also place holds and use e-books/library databases! Do you still need a card for you or your student? Evanston Public Library cards are free and more details can be found on the EPL website for what to bring in person to show residency.
While at the Evanston Public Library, you can register your child for EPL's summer reading challenge and check out books from the D65 Read Beyond Borders summer reading list.
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PTA Volunteers Recognized for Outstanding Service |
France Yoli Maya Yeh Joseph and Kate Lister were honored Monday, May 23, 2022, with the Phyllis Ganser Outstanding PTA Volunteer of the Year Award for the above and beyond support they gave students and parents at Evanston/Skokie School District 65 schools over the 2021-2022 school year.
Ms. Joseph is president of the Oakton Elementary PTA and the District 65 PTA Council. During the pandemic, Joseph made sure families at Oakton were kept informed, writing to them weekly. Her messages were inclusive and centered on student and family wellness. Ms. Joseph not only kept Oakton’s PTA together and thriving, but she also set an example for the whole district in her role as PTA council president.”
As President of the Haven Middle School PTA, Ms. Lister worked to build communications between the administration and families, particularly regarding students' well-being. She was vital in ensuring that families felt connected to Haven despite the pandemic. One way that Lister accomplished this was to be sure the administration gave students the opportunity to tour the building before the school year started. This seemingly small step made students feel more comfortable and provided parents/caregivers with helpful information.
Congratulations to Ms. Joseph and Ms. Lister for their hard work this year. We also thank all of our PTA boards, family groups, and volunteers for everything they have done to welcome and support our families and community.
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High Five! May Recipient: Cynthia Battle |
Congratulations to D65 support staff member Cynthia Battle, one of the recipients of the May High Five! Celebrating Excellence in District 65 Award. Cynthia is a Paraprofessional at the Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Center, who has supported students in our community for 21 years. She was nominated by a D65 staff member who shared, “Cynthia routinely goes above and beyond to help each and every student. She sees where the need is and steps up to help every time. I appreciate her artistic talent. Cynthia is a superstar when it comes to helping students with every need that might arise. She does whatever it takes to make sure students feel safe and welcome every day. She is also a person who will help anyone in need. She instills a love of learning wherever she goes."
Thank you, Cynthia, for your positive energy and excellent support of our students and families. We are so grateful for your kindness and many intentional efforts
D65 May monthly award recipients were recognized at the May 23 Board of Education meeting and received a $100 gift card from sponsorship provided by Byline Bank and a framed certificate.
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Evanston/Skokie School District 65 |
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