Hello Superstars,

Welcome to a new school year! Can you feel the magic in the air? I can!

I am super excited in anticipation of everything that is to come this school year. It’s no secret that Skinner has the BEST students, the BEST staff, the BEST parents, and the BEST community members. Our future is bright, because of YOUR investment in Skinner’s success and the rich traditions that anchor our school.

I look forward to our collective voices and actions as we continually develop our Superstar students. Your voice is valued, and your feedback is crucial to Skinner’s continued success.

Together, we will journey through another year of learning, living, and loving. As we embark on this voyage, always remember that Superstars shine. It’s in our DNA.

Let’s show that Skinner spirit!

Dr. Bush, Principal

Our goal is to ensure that every scholar has a memorable year which includes access to a high-quality education and extracurricular events. This week, Skinner staff held an orientation for our middle school students where they reviewed the CPS Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook. ALL students are expected to adhere to the principles outlined in the book. Please take a moment to review them with your Superstar. 

Glee Club is open to students in grades 5-8 and is limited to 24 students. All interested students must audition on Wednesday, September 7 between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Please bring the signed permission slip to the audition.

The club rehearses Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in the music room. Rehearsal attendance is mandatory. Learn more on the permission slip

Take a peek inside Ms. Ellis's science classroom where students started the year with construction activities!

And, Ms. Growe’s kindergarten was off to a great start! They learned rules, routines, and finished the week with a friendship lesson where they got to make friendship bracelets with their 4th grade buddies from Ms. Kawa’s class!

Fifth grader Sophia M.'s second podcast came out over the summer. She created, wrote, performed, and directed the podcast, You Say Olympus, I Say West Loop with the Chicago Children's Theatre. Her podcast is an audio tour of the West Loop presented in the format of a play inspired by Greek mythology. She interviewed Dr. Bush and her fourth grade teacher Mrs. Johnson. The podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 

Previously Sophia was featured on the Webby Award Winning podcast called Tell Them I Am, which was co-produced by the Obamas' production company, Higher Ground Audio and Dustlight Productions. 

Is your Superstar doing something super outside of the classroom? Let us know and you could see them in a future newsletter!

Student safety is our FIRST priority. There was a community alert shared via Friends of Skinner West which affects our West Loop community. There have been two recent reported attempted abductions of women.

In addition, Friday morning (around 9:45 a.m.) a Skinner student reported that a male wearing a fluorescent vest and dark shades (in a white minivan) demonstrated suspicious behavior at Throop and Jackson. The student ran to school and reported the situation. Assistant Principal Dr. Brown went to the scene to observe; however, the minivan was not there. Dr. Brown contacted the student’s parents and the Chicago Police District. CPD stated that they would send a squad car to the scene. We are also recording this incident in ASPEN

Skinner West staff have been notified, and we will ensure that all scholars exit the buildings safely.

Please remind your Superstars:

All students are required to bring in their grade level AND ancillary supplies, including science supplies if appropriate. Personal Chromebooks are not required.

We strongly recommend sending your child to school with his/her own water bottle.

You can also find these links on the Supply Lists page on the school web site.