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
Information on Student Learning Pathways
Last week, District 65 shared an important update regarding student learning pathways and reopening metrics in anticipation for the tentative start of in-person learning on January 19. For more information and to gain more insight into what your student’s learning pathway will look like per our reopening plans, please refer to our Learning Pathways At-A-Glance document or view the learning pathways on our D65 website.
2
Kindergarten Registration is Live - Visit our New Site to Register Today!
Looking to register your youngster for a new academic adventure? Want more information about kindergarten in D65? We’ve got you covered! Our newly rebranded kindergarten registration page is live and parents and caregivers can begin registering their child today! The new site includes an easy, streamlined process to register your student for kindergarten, along with resources and presentations to help guide you through registration. As a reminder, children must be five years-old on or before September 1 to register for kindergarten. Additionally, students are assigned to an attendance-area school based on the address of their residency. Once students are registered, families may apply to one of D65’s selective enrollment programs or magnet schools. For answers to specific questions or for help in the registration process, please feel free to reach out to our Registration team at [email protected].
3
Food Resources from the City of Evanston - Available Now!
To support residents who may need additional food and resources for the upcoming winter break, the City of Evanston has aggregated a list of food resources and mobile, pop-up food pantries available to all residents at no-cost! To qualify, residents must either have loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, be ineligible or waiting approval for SNAP benefits, or have not applied for SNAP benefits and need assistance to apply. 

Information regarding your immigration status will not be collected or used to determine eligibility for this program. Register for the pop-up pantries by calling the Evanston Public Library, available Monday through Sunday from 10am-6pm or Sundays from 12pm-6pm at 847-448-8630. If you call outside of these hours, please leave a message or call Evanston 311.
4
Bessie Rhodes Educator Wins Best Lesson Plan Award!
Congratulations are in order for Bessie Rhodes Paraprofessional, Linda Matsumoto (pictured below). Linda was among a select group of 50 educators to attend a professional development workshop in the fall co-sponsored by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago. The workshop discussed and compared South Korean and American culture, society, and the impact that COVID-19 has had on both nations. Ms. Matsumoto, being the only paraprofessional amongst the workshop’s middle and high school educators, received first prize in the workshop’s educational competition! She won the Best Lesson Plan award for promoting cultural awareness in her classroom. Congratulations, Ms. Matsumoto! Great job!
5
High Five! December Recipient: Mr. Mario Chess
We are happy to honor Mr. Mario Chess (pictured below), School Aged Childcare Site Coordinator for Kingsley Elementary School, in being selected as a High Five! recipient this month! Mr. Chess was nominated by a D65 Family Member, Emily McMahon, who had wanted to take the time to thank and acknowledge Mr. Chess before the COVID-19 pandemic occurred. She shared in part,“Mr. Mario went OUT OF HIS WAY to make sure that he could address my daughter's needs. He walked her to the door every single day. He held her hand on the playground every single day. He often would suggest little things to me to make her feel better and inform me if and how she was or wasn't improving. He was so kind and understanding, and took the time to make sure she felt comfortable. I know he had a million other things on his plate to worry about, but he still made us feel like we had all of the attention in the world.” Thank you for your kindness and eagerness to support our students, Mr. Chess! As a reminder, both December recipients received a $100 gift card from sponsorship provided by Byline Bank, a framed recognition certificate, and were recognized at the monthly school board meeting on December 7.

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