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 Financial Update and Special Finance Committee Meeting
On December 2, Superintendent Horton shared an important message regarding the district’s current financial status and outlook. As Superintendent Horton shared, budget reductions, upwards of $1 million, will need to occur for the 2021-2022 school year. Though these decisions will be difficult, they must be made to continue to address the structural deficit that the District has faced for many years. The District understands that in speaking about our financial future, the conversation can be vast and must be inclusive of everyone’s voice. 

To gain further insight into our budget and to have a greater stake in these financial conversations, D65 stakeholders, families, and staff are encouraged to view the Special Finance Committee Meeting that was held on Wednesday. Additionally, D65 has compiled a list of 10 fast financial facts to help bring anyone up to speed on our financial background. Stay tuned for additional engagement opportunities!
2
Understanding K-5 Grade Report Cards
On December 4, report cards for trimester one were electronically distributed to families across the district. As a reminder, D65 has returned to its standard grading and reporting process for students. The return to the standard process for reporting learning has been done to increase consistency for families and to provide feedback on current learning. As a reminder, grades were not issued for Fine Arts, Library, or Physical Education K-5 classes. Educators in these classes will continue to track student engagement and provide feedback to students on learning as students submit projects and assignments.
 
For families with specific questions, please reach out to your child’s educator about the information in their report card.
3
8-Bit Challenge Showcase - December 12!
Save the date! The 8-Bit Challenge’s virtual Citywide Showcase is taking place this Saturday, December 12 from 10-11am! Over 60 students across the district in grades 4-8 have been hard at work since early October designing and coding games, layouts, and custom characters through the 8-bit Challenge. This Saturday, the virtual Citywide Showcase will feature the fun and creative games of these amazing students and (hopefully!) future coders! Tune in and hear firsthand from these students on their gaming inspirations, influences, and their coding processes. The event will be filled with raffle prizes and even Superintendent Horton will join in on the fun and play a game or two! To attend the event, make sure to complete the online registration form.

4
ETHS Virtual Middle School Choral Day - December 14!
On Monday, December 14, D65 middle school students will have the opportunity to virtually attend the Middle School Choral Day at Evanston Township High School through Zoom! The event will be held from 9:00-11:30 am. During this time, participating students will meet with the ETHS choir director Mrs. Sarah Zegree, as well as current ETHS singers, to ask questions, see a performance, experience sectionals in small groups, and learn about what it’s like to be a part of the choir. Feel free to learn more and register your 6th-8th grader for the experience today! Middle School students should complete the registration form and reach out to their music teacher for additional materials and information. All students who participate will be expected to complete any work missed during the choir day activities.

5
High Five! Recipients for December Announced!
Congratulations to Mrs. Mary Young (pictured below), 1st grade educator at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Literary & Fine Arts School, for receiving the High Five! Celebrating Excellence in District 65 award! Mrs. Young has been a part of the D65 family for 15 years and was nominated by a D65 family member who shared, “Hearing Mrs. Young’s voice in my house each morning brings me joy to the point of having tears in my eyes. Her uplifting attitude welcomes my excited kids each morning, but the best is hearing the first grade cheer! Not only does it remind me what day of the week it is, it also pumps up everyone in the house to get to work. She is attentive to each child through meeting their individual needs. She clearly takes time to reflect on her practices - making adjustments as needed and creating an even better learning experience than before. Her dedication to her students can be seen in the way she has collaborated with families to achieve results only possible when a community works together. We are so very grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of her class!" Thank you, Mrs. Young for your commitment to our students and families! Recipients, including Mrs. Young, will receive a $100 gift card from sponsorship provided by Byline Bank, a framed recognition certificate, and were recognized at the monthly school board meeting on Monday.

Introducing Conversations with the Superintendent - Student Support Video Series!
We are excited to present our new Conversations with the Superintendent student support video series! Watch the first video in our series to learn more about local community resources that are available to all parents and caregivers.
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!
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Evanston/Skokie School District 65