Skokie Home Scoop
February 26, 2024
February 26, 2024
Dear Families:
Last week, we shared our midyear progress towards our school improvement goals at the School Board Meeting. Each year, we set goals as a school, built upon our reflection on student achievement data, and student and teacher feedback through surveys such as the 5 Essentials survey.
We are extremely proud of the meaningful and experiential learning and the collaborative community that continues to grow at Skokie. Below, please find a few of our highlights based on our goals this year.
Arrival, Dismissal and Hallways: This year, we have been working collectively to support calm and consistent routines for arrival, dismissal and transitions between classes. We revised our end of day routine at the beginning of the year, as students now exit with their classes, supported by educators from their teams. This has led to a more relaxed ending to the day, which continues to set a positive tone within the hallways and across the school. Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to emphasize on time arrival, with the goal of students entering Skokie at 8:15 so they are fully prepared and ready for the start of Advisory at 8:25 each day. This supports our educators and our students as they begin each day.
Skills: Educators on teams are working collaboratively throughout the year to review students’ growth in math, reading and writing as they plan for meaningful and engaging learning during students’ Skills period. Students work with teachers on their team, as well as with our highly trained reading and math specialists during this time each day on math, reading and writing.
During our weekly Professional Learning Community meetings, our educators review and reflect on student growth to set goals for upcoming cycles of instruction. We engage in classroom visits and collaborative conversations to continue to support planning and instruction. Additionally, we come together to review student work to note growth, share observations and questions and plan for next steps.
Project Based Learning: Educators continue to come together to build new experiences and refine existing experiences for students to engage in project based learning. Project based learning is occurring within Skills, led by our Exploratory teachers during a 9-10 week cycle, and by our Advisors within ELA, Social Studies and Math classes. Below, please find information regarding our Project Based Learning design elements and a shared list of some of our many projects that students will engage with this year.
Phones and Watches
In the past week, we have seen an uptick in the use of watches during the day and phones as students enter in the morning. We have reminded students that watches are to be used for telling time during the day, but should otherwise be on silent/school mode during the school day. If students need to reach out to home, or if students need to be reached, all calls should go through the main office. Thank you for your partnership as we communicate these reminders to students.
Educating Outside the Lines
On Friday, we were happy to host Educating Outside the Lines (EOTL) from last year's Health and Wellness Day (Wheelchair Sports and Hidden Disabilities sessions as well as opening speaker, Mac Nong), as they facilitated sessions with our 6th grade students. 6th graders engaged in an Inclusive Playground Design project, designing playgrounds to meet the varied needs of students.
This Friday, March 1st, 5th graders will be participating in a session about Hidden Disabilities with an Anti-Bullying component. To find out more, click here and scroll down the page to find a brief description of each session.
Here are some of the goals of the EOTL program:
Remove barriers of difference and fear
Shift perceptions of what it means to live with a disability
Build bridges to children's everyday lives
Instill a spirit of interest and acceptance that welcomes people of all diverse backgrounds
We hope you have a wonderful week ahead!
WPSF Phone-A-Thon Fundraiser Is Here!
On March 10, Winnetka Public Schools Foundation board members will be reaching out to D36 parents and community members by phone, text and email to secure donations for the coming year. The goal is to raise $85,000 during Phone-A-Thon so that WPSF can continue to fund grants to promote teaching innovation. Every donation makes a difference in our schools! Donate online by March 9, to “Beat the Call.” With your support, WPSF can continue to invest in our students, teachers, schools and community and fund grants to enhance the learning experience for every Winnetka D36 student.
Homework and Executive Functioning Parent Survey
The Homework and Executive Functioning Network, composed of teachers, interventionists, and administrators, is currently working to develop District Guidelines for Homework (grades 5-8) and Executive Functioning (grades K-8).
In order to make an informed decision, the Network would greatly appreciate your honest response to this brief, ANONYMOUS survey so that we can better understand our current practice and perceptions around these two topics. Responses are due by March 13. The information we collect from teachers, students, and parents, paired with research, will guide the Network in developing:
A qualitative, single-point rubric for Executive Functioning that details descriptors in the following areas: Organizing & Planning, Initiating Tasks and Staying Focused, and Managing Emotions.
Executive functioning impacts each student’s growth, development, and achievement. These are essential skills for students in school and life, and are often strong indicators of future success.Guidelines for grades 5-8 Homework Practices to aid in establishing consistent classroom-to-classroom expectations for students, increasing vertical alignment within our system and between levels, and identifying supports in preparing students for “what’s next”.
We understand that experiences may vary by grade level so please complete one survey per grade level and school that your student(s) are in.
Survey link: https://forms.gle/huKAKKvtR4kSv1bV9
Follow us on Social Media!
Please follow the District via the following social media platforms in order to see day-to-day happenings and more.
Facebook and Twitter: @Winnetka36
Instagram: @WinnetkaPublicSchools
Sincerely,
Michelle Cooney and Larry Joynt
Principal and Assistant Principal
The Skokie School