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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Save the Date - D65 is Celebrating LGBTQ+ Equity Week April 12!
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D65 is excited to celebrate our second LGBTQ+ Equity Week during the week of April 12. As with Latinx Heritage Equity Week and Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action, LGBTQ+ Equity Week is aligned to our equity goals and celebrated in partnership by the District Administration, School Board, and all of our unions representing educators and staff members. Throughout the week, educators and Pre-K-8th grade students will broaden their understanding of identity of self and others, allyship, family structures, vocabulary, gender expression, stereotypes, colors on the intersectional pride flag, and the historical contributions of LGBTQ+ people. We are thankful for our educators, who spent many hours reviewing feedback from the 2019-20 school year, for their hard work in developing robust and developmentally appropriate units of study. These lessons can be accessed through the following website.
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Oakton Principal Publishes Children’s Book - Brotherly Love!
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Congratulations to Oakton Elementary School principal, Dr. Michael Allen, on the publishing of his debut children's book, Brotherly Love. Dr. Allen explained, “This book was inspired by the bond that Gilbert (his youngest brother and co-author) and I developed as black youth and young adults in response to our battles with systemic racism. It is only right to give back everything that we have acquired along the way to humanity.” This chapter book, targeting 5th-8th grade youth, illustrates the transformative power of love and mentorship as well as the values of mindfulness, therapy, and vulnerability. The book was recently reviewed in the prestigious literary magazine Kirkus Review (p.192) which described the book as “a heartening example of how it’s possible to overcome very serious hardships like poverty and familial disruption.” Kirkus Reviews endorsed as well as recommended the book as “a tale with an inspirational message that kids from any background can learn from." Thank you for sharing your story, Dr. Allen! We know that aside from positively impacting our Oakton families and students, it will also inspire other families across our district as well.
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Park School Educators Share Their Experiences Teaching During the Pandemic
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The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly created challenges for all students, particularly those with special needs. Our educators and staff at Park School have shared their insights and experiences regarding teaching and providing instruction throughout the pandemic through a special video from The Daily Northwestern. We are thankful for our educators for sharing their tips and resources in navigating remote learning all while maintaining the best possible connection with their students.
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D65 Doorway to Learning is Open! Open Childcare Spots for Infants and Toddlers
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A friendly reminder that District 65's Doorway to Learning Childcare Center is open! There are spots currently available for infants and toddlers. The Center offers individualized care in a warm and caring environment that supports a child's development. With age appropriate activities and experienced staff, your child will be right at home! To ensure the health and safety of all children and staff members, all Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) guidelines are being strictly followed. The childcare program is a full year, high quality program designed to support working parents. Parents must be working or in school to qualify for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) subsidy. For questions regarding enrollment, please call (847)-859-8966 or fill out the interest form online. Para español, llama (847)-859-8964. The Doorway to Learning Childcare Center is located in the JEH Early Childhood Center (1500 McDaniel Avenue, Evanston).
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D65 Educators Earn National Board Certification!
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Congratulations to six of our D65 educators for earning the very prestigious National Board Certification this past February! These six educators join 164 new Illinois National Board Certified teachers in this accomplishment and now belong to an ever-growing community of more than 6,800 educators across the state who are National Board Certified. Known as the “gold standard” in teacher certification, the National Board was designed to develop, retain, and recognize those educators who show a commitment to improving education for all students. Teachers voluntarily pursue the very rigorous process of earning National Board Certification, earning the profession’s highest mark of achievement through a performance-based, peer-review process, which demonstrates their proven impact on student learning and achievement. Congratulations to Kristi Kerrill (Walker Elementary School), Jennifer Jones (Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies), Jennifer McGuire (Chute Middle School), and our Haven Middle School educators Kyle Gessert, Kristin Wahlgren, and Megan Witt on this exceptional accomplishment!
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Curbside Meal Pick-Up Now Available!
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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.
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Evanston/Skokie School District 65
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