September 3-9, 2022 | Week #3
This week: Walking Math Meeting | Open House | Principal Chat | Lock Down Drill | What Is the LSC? | Special Olympics | Walkathon Save the Date
Dates to Remember
  • Communications Meeting: Monday, Sept 12
  • Walking Math Meeting: Tuesday, Sept 13
  • LSC Meeting: Tuesday, Sept 20
  • Open House: Thursday, Sept 22
  • No School: Teacher Work Day: Friday, Sept 23
  • Principal Meet & Greet: Thursday, Sept 29
COVID-19 Update

Actionable Cases: 3
Non-Actionable Cases: 0

Students in quarantine due to COVID positive status, will receive remote instruction. Masking is required in the following situations:
  • On days 6-10 after testing positive
  • If someone is exposed to COVID-19
  • If there is a positive case identified in an elementary school classroom
  • At the direction of the Chicago Department of Public Health
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Math Curriculum Letter and Meeting

Hello Skinner Parents and Guardians,

Thank you to the many parents who have taken the time to share their feedback on the math program at Skinner West. I am excited to work with you and our teachers to ensure we have the highest quality instructional program in the city that engages all students in challenging and appropriate content.

To that end, I would like to invite you in for a discussion to get your perspectives on what works best for your children regarding math instruction. I will use this time as an opportunity to hear from families and take the information back to the instructional team at Skinner to inform a strong plan moving forward.

I understand your concerns regarding walking math at Skinner. Please know that I am here for you and your children. Skinner will continue to thrive as long as we work TOGETHER.

I would like to invite you to a meeting to address your concerns, answer questions, review walking math, and collaborate to implement a viable solution to ensure that students receive high-quality mathematics instruction.

Please join me (in-person) at Skinner, Tuesday, September 13, 2022 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. This meeting will supplant the previously proposed meeting at Open House (September 22); however, I will remain available during Open House to continue hearing parent feedback.

In partnership,
Dr. Bush, Principal
Open House for Current Families

After a COVID disruption, the in-person open house is back! Not able to join us? We'll still have a virtual option. The open house is for current pre-K to 8th grade families. They can:
  • Meet and greet Skinner West administrators
  • Meet and greet teachers and staff
  • Visit classrooms
  • Check student progress

Thursday, September 22
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
School gym or via Google Meet

Or dial: (US) +1 513-788-1711 PIN: 372 602 075#
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Discussion with Dr. Bush
Dr. Bush hosts an informal, monthly chat for parents and community members. Drop in virtually to chat with our principal.

Thursday, September 29
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Or dial: (US) +1 478-250-9775 PIN: 430 970 437#
Lock Down Drill

Skinner West will hold a lock down safety drill on Thursday, September 29.

Please email Dr. Bush if you want your child to opt out.
What Is the Local School Council (LSC)?

In Chicago, Local School Councils (LSCs) serve as a governing body for each CPS district-managed school. They are responsible for:
  • Approving the school based academic plan (CIWP)
  • Approving the alignment of budgetary resources to the CIWP
  • Engaging in the annual evaluation of contract principal’s professional practices
  • Selecting or renewing contract principals
Comprised of parents, community, educational, and student members, LSCs serve as an important vehicle for participatory democracy, providing a wide variety of stakeholders an opportunity to make important decisions about how students in their communities will be educated.

Skinner West's LSC meets the third Tuesday of each month. The meeting agenda will be sent to this mailing list a few days before each meeting. Meeting minutes will be posted on the school's web site.
Superstar Athletes

Our Superstars will compete in the Flag Football Intramural League next week. Congrats and good luck!
Save the Date for the Walkathon!

Every year Friends of Skinner West (FOSW) puts the FUN in fundraiser by hosting an outdoor walkathon. All of the proceeds go to enhance students' learning through the purchase of supplemental classroom materials and technology that would not otherwise be possible with the regular school budget.

Mark your calendar for October 6, 2022. More information will follow!
In Case You Missed It...
After Care with STAR and the Music House
STAR begins Tuesday, September 6 from 3:45 - 6:30 p.m. The STAR team will survey parents and students to determine interest in various programs, such as sports, chess, choir, STEM, calligraphy, friendship club, and more. Every STAR student will have access to homework help and social emotional learning support. Email skinner.starprogram@gmail.com for more information.

Music House returns to Skinner West and will run concurrently with STAR. You do not have to be in STAR to join the Music House program. There is a separate fee for all students that participate. If your child enrolls in Music House, a representative from Music House will contact you. For more information, visit the Music House web site.
Volunteers Needed!!

Do you have time to help your child's teacher? Then, why not become a room parent volunteer? Room parents will require a Level II volunteer application.
If you don't want to be a room parent, but would still like to volunteer at the school, you will need to complete a CPS volunteer application. The application type depends upon your volunteer interest.

Level I volunteer examples:
  • Overnight field trip chaperones
  • Mentors
  • Tutors
  • Coaches
  • Non-supervised classroom assistants

Level II volunteer examples
  • Day field trip chaperones
  • Assistants in schools with administrative duties
  • Room parents
  • Other volunteer activities in contact with students while supervised
Classroom Connection: Mrs. Twine's Kindergarten Class

You can find Mrs. Twine and her kindergarten Superstars at the Branch. They are off to a great start at school!
Mark T. Skinner West School
Front Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(773) 534-7790
By Appointment Only