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The Skokie School Home Scoop
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Dear Skokie Community,
As we look to a shift in all of our students' schedules next week, whether they are going from half day to extended day, remote to in-person, or staying remote and experiencing a change in their schedule, all members of our Skokie community will be experiencing some sort of change next Monday. I wanted to highlight three important topics in this week's newsletter as we prepare.
A Practice Run on Thursday of This Week In order to support our students and staff in preparing for April 19th, we will be doing a practice run-through of the new schedule this Thursday, April 15. Here is what you can expect: -
AM Hybrid Students will run through their extended day schedule during their time at school in the AM. They will have asynchronous exploratory classes in the afternoon.
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All remote students will run through their extended day schedule in the AM. They will have asynchronous exploratory classes in the afternoon. Students staying remote will do this remotely. Students who will be joining us in person are invited to be in the building in the AM to practice. Mr. Lambros and Mr. Krupinski will share additional details.
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PM Hybrid Students will run through their extended day schedule during their time at school in the PM. They will have asynchronous exploratories in the AM.
We expect Thursday to reveal some areas of the day where we still need to iron out some details. Everyone has proven to be incredibly adaptable this year. We are looking forward to welcoming students back for a longer day and are prepared to be empathetic and understanding as some children adapt to this shift more readily than others.
Supporting Our Children Through Change As we look to next Monday's shift, you might be wondering how you can best support your child. As parents, you know your children best, and you can use your parenting prowess along with the following tips in order to help the children: -
Talking positively about how you think things will go will support your child's mindset going into the merge. Expressing your excitement and enthusiasm can be contagious! In the same vain, the children can very easily pick up on adult anxiety or worry.
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If your child expresses anxiety or worry, ask them about it, validate it, and explain that working through uncomfortable experiences leads to growth. While there have certainly been many negative side effects of the pandemic, a positive is that it has helped us develop grit and adaptability we didn't know we had in us. Helping children understand that working through discomfort is difficult for everyone, and that it is part of life, can help normalize it.
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Help your child understand that things will feel different, and that's okay. The students are doubling their class size and time spent at school. This is no small feat. It may take some time for your child to be comfortable with their new class dynamic. The child may struggle to build stamina to be "on" for a longer school day. We will work together to support the students through this. Encourage your child to be open and honest about how they are feeling.
Virtual Field Trips on Friday This Friday, we have several unique opportunities planned for the students. They will partake in several of the following virtual field trips over the course of the day while they are at school (or in the AM portion of the day if they are remote): -
A virtual author visit with Barb Rosenstock, who will present on the topic of writing with detail.
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A virtual field trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame, focused on the history of integration in baseball.
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A virtual field trip to the International Spy Museum, where students will learn everything they need to know about being a spy.
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A virtual orchestra concert.
There will be asynchronous arts and KW on Friday to make these experiences possible. Students will also spend a portion of the day asking any final questions regarding Monday's new schedule. None of these require any special action from a parent standpoint as they will occur at school.
We are looking forward to a great week! Take care,
Betty Weir Louis Kotvis
Principal Assistant Principal
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District News
District 36 Strategic Planning Survey-Please Complete by Friday, April 16
Please take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete a survey regarding the District's 3-5 year Strategic Plan, which will be finalized by fall 2021. Your input will help the District prioritize its work to best meet the needs of our school community. The survey will close Friday, April 16.
2021-2022 Online Registration for New and Returning Students Begins April 12
Registration information for next year will be sent via regular mail and email on Monday, April 12. Look for these materials in your mailbox and inbox. Once you receive this information, you may contact District Registrar, Carolin Huh, at 847-446-9400 or [email protected], if you have any registration questions, or did not receive notification.
Please register early! Parents are asked to complete registration at their earliest convenience to help inform interest and need for optional services and programs for the 2021-2022 school year, such as bus transportation and the Right at School after-school care program.
This year families will not be charged for school activity fees. The School Board voted at its meeting on March 23, 2021, to approve a one-year moratorium on collecting activity fees for the upcoming school year.
Adventures in Learning 2021
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR WINNETKA RESIDENTS
Program Dates: June 14, 2021 - July 16, 2021
Winnetka Public Schools Adventures in Learning Program will welcome students back to in-person summer classes! The structure of the program has been modified as we continue to navigate the impact of COVID--19 and prioritize the health and safety of our campers, families and staff. The in-person program options being offered adhere to the District's current mitigation plan and successful student cohort and pod framework.
General Program Update: For campers enrolling in the general program (grades 2-8)
This year's general program has been structured to prioritize the health and safety of our campers and staff and offer the variety of fun, rich and creative class experiences that Adventure campers look forward to! It was with that in mind that this year's 5-week session was originally separated into a 3-week and 2-week session of class pods. However, based on enrollment considerations, the general program will consist of one 5-week session with 1 class pod instead of 2 that had been planned. If you have already registered for the general program, you will be receiving an email confirmation of the Pod assigned by Monday, April 12. If you have any questions please contact the District office at 847-446-9400 or via email at [email protected]
Adventures in Learning Animal Care Opportunity
ATTENTION all lovers of rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, reptiles, birds and other small animals! Winnetka's Adventures in Learning/AnimalCare Class is back this summer. If your child's small animal is due for a brief break this summer, please email Anna at [email protected]. If it is time to pass your pet on to another loving family, we can also try to arrange adoptions.
Participate in the New Trier Day of Service on April 17, 2021
Family Action Network (FAN)
Access 2020-2021's District Parent Education sessions below:
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Replies to this email will be sent directly to Betty Weir. Please note that unsubscribing from this email will unsubscribe from all Winnetka School emails.
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