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
MAP Growth and MAP Fluency Workshop for Families - December 10
Join Cindy Gonzalez, D65 Assessment Data Analyst, and Donna Cross (Director of MTSS and SEL) in a virtual workshop about NWEA MAP Growth and MAP Fluency. The workshop will describe the features of the MAP assessments, why we use the MAP assessment, how educators use the assessments to inform teaching and learning, and how to read the family report. The workshop is open to all K-8 families and will be available in English and Spanish. The workshop will be held Thursday, December 10 from 6-7 pm. 

The workshop will be recorded and available for later viewing on the District 65 website at district65.net.
2
Family Tools for COVID-19 and Health Equity Units
D65 understands the many changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused. In an effort to better support students in dealing with changes and challenges that they may be facing due to the pandemic, elementary schools have developed lesson plans and learning units that educators will begin utilizing in their classrooms. Letters for grades K-2 and 3-5 families summarizing the units of learning were shared by school principals in November. These letters provide more information around the units and share that they will be driven by questions and feelings that students may have about the pandemic. As a friendly reminder, these units do not tell students or families what to think or how to feel about the pandemic. As with all learning in school, these units are designed to give students the tools to explore something new and then apply that new knowledge to make their own decisions.
3
Virtual Parent Information Sessions on Digital Citizenship
D65 Librarians along with Common Sense Media are hosting three virtual informational sessions for parents via Zoom! The sessions will be held from December 8-10 at 7 pm and will explore practical ways parents can intentionally balance learning and media use with their children at home. From helping students find the most valuable resources online, to helping children keep their online interactions safe and productive, each presentation is 30 minutes long and will follow with a 15 minute interactive Q&A session to further guide parents of students of all ages. Each session will be recorded, so in the event that you cannot attend one of the sessions, families will be able to view them at a later date.



4
Check out the new D65 Digital Backpack on EL3!
Want to stay in “the know” about upcoming events and happenings for students and families around the Evanston and Skokie community? The Digital Backpack is stuffed to the brim with information for you to view! Even more exciting, the Digital Backpack is now hosted on EL3, an online learning platform that links classroom activities, after-school resources, and online learning in one place. The EL3 website allows families to have streamlined access to information about free and paid events, programs, opportunities, and activities - all in one centralized location!

5
Looking for community resources? Check out the Evanston Care Network!
Are you searching for childcare resources? What about low or free cost meals, or even housing? The Evanston Care Network has you covered! Search the directory by entering your zip code and you’ll instantly be connected to a variety of resources ranging from services related to food, housing, maintenance, health, and legal consultation! The resources offered through Evanston Care Network are endless, and better yet, most of the resources offered are either low-cost or free!

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!
Have an idea - share it with us
Evanston/Skokie School District 65