WELCOME TO THE FAST 5
A compilation of "snackable" news, announcements, and important reminders!
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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!
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District 65 History Makers Series - Wednesday, December 15, 6:00 p.m. |
District 65 is excited to announce our second presentation as part of the History Maker Series on Wednesday, December 15! In this virtual series, guest speaker D65’s own Linda Masumoto will present Countering Stereotypes About Asian Americans: The Myth of the Model Minority. The presentation (and workshop) focuses on long-held but erroneous stereotypes about Asian Americans, and their impact on perpetuating implicit bias in k-12 classrooms and higher academia in the United States. Join us as we take a deep dive into institutional bias against the Asian diaspora from the lens of a cross-cultural perspective and will help educators and school community stakeholders promote best practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion in their educational settings. An overview of Asian immigrant groups will provide historical context, and enhance empathy and awareness of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) experience in America.
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Newly vaccinated? Update your students’ COVID-19 vaccination record |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for ages five and older as the best form of protection against the virus. Vaccination opportunities continue to be available at most local pharmacies, pediatrician offices, and hospital systems. By visiting the website vaccines.gov, users can put in their zip code and select the appropriate age group to see a list of providers in their local area.
In order to maximize safety across our community, proof of COVID-19 vaccination should be submitted to D65. This is especially important for newly vaccinated students ages 5-11. Copies of vaccine cards should be submitted to your school health office (electronically or delivered in-person) and will be securely stored along with other health records.
As a reminder, fully vaccinated individuals are not required to quarantine if they are symptom-free if exposed to COVID-19 unless they receive a positive COVID-19 test.
Thank you for your continued attention and support in helping to keep our school communities safe.
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Students at Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies explore their community |
This year, students at Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies have focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Number 11-Sustainable Cities and Communities. This goal is one of 17 SDGs adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a comprehensive plan to end poverty by the year 2032. The goals focus on improving health and education, reducing inequality, encouraging economic growth, addressing climate change, and working to save our oceans and forests.
Rhodes students have been exploring sustainable cities and communities. Grades K-2 created representations of their community and met with community workers, including the Skokie Fire Department. Middle School students reviewed the D65 Middle School ISBE report cards to look for trends. They met with Sarita Smith, from the D65 Research Department to understand the equity implications of the historical student assignment process. All students learned about the school’s namesake and community leader, Dr. Bessie Rhodes via a school-produced video that features interviews with local educators and officials, as well as historical documents and photographs. Rhodes students will continue their SDG work throughout the school year to make their world a better place.
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LENA Start Supports Sustained Improvements in Language Skills for Children 0-3 |
Last winter, District 65 Family Center began its partnership with the Evanston Public Library to implement the LENA Start Child Development Program. This program uses research-backed methods to encourage and support early talk in children ages 0 to 3. Children and caregivers that participate in the LENA Start Program experience richer language environments, higher early literacy scores, and stronger family relationships.
Any parent or guardian caring for a young child in Evanston is encouraged to participate in this program. The next virtual cohort begins in January and another will start in April. The 10-week sessions will be held virtually, and cohort members will establish a mutual day and time to meet that works for the group.
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High Five! November Recipient: Ajoni Hopkins! |
Congratulations to D65 educational support staff member Ajoni Hopkins, one of the recipients of the November High Five! Celebrating Excellence in District 65 Award. Ajoni Hopkins, also known as A.J., is a Project Analyst in the Research, Accountability, and Data (RAD) department located in the district office. A.J. has supported students in our community for four years and was nominated by a former colleague, Kylie Klein, who shared, “A.J. consistently goes above and beyond in his work to support our district and school teams. He has worked to create training and learning opportunities for staff. A.J. is an outstanding colleague who is a thought partner to many D65 leaders and always shares valuable insights and suggestions. We are lucky to have Ajoni in our district."
Thank you, Ajoni, for going that extra mile to implement systems to utilize data to positively impact our students’ learning outcomes.
D65 award recipients were recognized at the November Board of Education meeting and received a $100 gift card from sponsorship provided by Byline Bank and a framed certificate. The window to submit nominations for January is open! Submit your nomination today!
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Evanston/Skokie School District 65 |
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