Chute E-Blast!
Family Newsletter
January 13 - 17 , 2024
Around the Building News
E-Learning and unexpected school closures
On rare occasions, it may be necessary to close schools unexpectedly due to inclement weather. When it comes to this decision, the most important thing is our ability to get students and staff to and from school safely. We will provide as much notice as possible if we need to unexpectedly close schools.
District 65 has an approved E-Learning Plan that can be translated into more than 100 languages. An E-Learning Day means that schools will be closed and staff and students will engage in remote teaching and learning. In the event an E-Learning Day is called, more information will be shared by the district and your child’s school.
In response to feedback we heard from staff and parents/caregivers, the decision has been made to put an established cadence in place for calling E-Learning Days (virtual instructional day) or “Snow Days” (no instruction): In any given school year, the first two days of unexpected closure will be E-Learning Days and the third day will be a “Snow Day”. These days do not need to be consecutive. This cadence will be in place as conditions warrant. For example, if there is a widespread power outage, E-Learning may not be possible on that day.
Please double-check: Is your contact info up to date in PowerSchool? To update your phone number or email address, email registrationinfo@district65.net.
D65 Spelling Bee returns in January for 4th-8th graders
The District is abuzz with news about the upcoming D65 Scripps National Spelling Bee and the Spanish National Spelling Bee! We are excited to bring back the Spelling Bee in English and Spanish for 4th-8th Graders to the district this year!
Details for the English Spelling Bee:
The District-Wide English Spelling Bee will take place on February 4, 2025 from 4:30pm -6:30pm at Chute Middle School
Grade level Bees will take place the week of January 13th
Our schoolwide Bee will take place the week of January 20th
The North Cook ISC Regional Qualifier will take place at Lincoln Hall School in Lincolnwood on Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Students can fill out this form to let us know that they are interested in participating in the Bee. Once we have their names, we will email (or hand deliver) them a copy of the words to study. Grade level lists will also be available in the library. Please reach out to Ms. Martin & Ms. Murphy if you have any questions.
Happy Reading and Happy Spelling!
Dental Clinic at Chute Middle School
PLEASE NOTE: RESCHEDULED DATE FOR DENTAL CLINIC
District 65 is hosting a free Dental Clinic on Thursday, January 23 for Chute Middle School students. Preferred Dentistry will perform a dental screening, cleaning, application of fluoride, and placement of sealants.
If you choose to participate in the Dental Clinic, all Dental Permission Slips must be returned to Chute Middle School by Friday, January 17th, if you want your child to receive the dental services.
If your child has not had a 6th grade dental exam, this will complete the requirement. This will also complete the 9th grade requirement for 8th graders.
PLEASE NOTE: If we have less than 40 participants, Preferred Dentistry will cancel the dental clinic at Chute.
Any questions, please contact the school nurse, Ana Rivera-Escobar, at 847-859-8608.
Forms attached
2024-25 Yearbooks!
Chute 2024-25 yearbooks are for sale! Pre-order your Chute yearbook now! The cost is $25. Cash is preferred, or make a check out to Chute Middle School. Turn in your order form and payment to Mrs. Kushner in room 109, or to Mrs. Kushner's mailbox in the office. Order forms are due Friday, March 7th. The yearbook includes student portraits, team and club photos, candids, and snapshots from the many wonderful activities and learning experiences we have here at Chute! (form attached)
Congratulations to our Chute Yearbook Cover Design Winners
Shout out to our 2024-25 yearbook cover design winners- Ariya Thomas, 8th grade, front cover, Isaac Larson, 8th grade, back cover, and Audrey Hwang, 6th grade, inside cover. We had many incredible cover entries this year! Thanks to all our amazing Chute artists who participated in the design contest!
Around the Community News
My65
It’s Time for My65! Don’t Miss Out—Register Today!
Join us on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 7:00–10:00 PM at Palmhouse on Howard for an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and community.
Enjoy great food, drinks, and fun, including an open beer and wine bar and mouthwatering bites from Evanston’s own Soul & Smoke.
Individual Tickets: $120
Sponsorship Opportunities: Starting at $565
Foundation 65 invests in our educators, funding innovative programs that address racial and socioeconomic achievement gaps while creating environments where every student can thrive. By attending My65, you directly support the educators who make a difference for our children every day.
Space is limited, so don’t wait—secure your spot now!
Visit www.foundation65.org/my65-25 to register or become a sponsor.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
8th Grade News & Updates
Clubs
Teen TEE
Teen TEE at Chute is recruiting a new round of Black girls to join us for the Spring 2025 cohort. Teen TEE is designed for Black girls to nurture healthy identities and supportive relationships. We will work together to build a courageous space where girls feel seen and valued. Teen TEE will meet for 10 consecutive weeks after school in the library from 3:15-4:30pm. Snacks will be provided. We are currently recruiting 10-12 girls to join us for the spring cohort to start mid-February 2025. To register: https://forms.gle/9s4gwytxqUGpHXNs9
Climbing Club
Chute Climbing Club will have a gym session on January 14th. Meet after school in the gym. It will last until 4:15 pm. See you there!
Chute Choir
- Field Trip forms for Choral Day at ETHS, January 14th, were given out two weeks ago, ask your student for them so that they can be returned to Mr. P before Thanksgiving Break.
Advanced Music:
Field Trip forms for Choral Day at ETHS, January 14th, were given out two weeks ago, ask your student for them so that they can be returned to Mr. P before Thanksgiving Break.
Stage Crew
Stage Crew
Stage Crew will meet on Tuesday January 14th in the auditorium, 3:15 - 4:15. See the Google Classroom for more information or email Ms. McGuire with questions.
Drama Club
Meets Wednesdays!
Is your student interested in performing or what it takes to put on a show? Drama club is open to all students! Students play theater games, talk about plays, and produce a student-driven show for the Spring! Please contact Ms. Dardai at dardaid@district65.net if you have any questions. Students can just show up or stop by Ms. Dardai's room (110) to find out more information. Late bus is available.
Star Wars Club
Attention students and families!
Chute Middle School's first Star Wars Club meeting will be held on select Thursdays for the rest of the year in room 324. If you're a fan of the galaxy far, far away, this club is for you! To sign up for more information and stay updated, join our Google Classroom using the code "tvlbrlr." We look forward to seeing you there!
Green Steam Club
Come join Green STEAM Wednesdays 3:15-4:15pm in Room 313! Green STEAM connects Chute's garden with science, technology, engineering, art and math. We do sustainability projects, garden, cook delicious recipes with food we grew, do experiments, and create art. This school year we will be designing and making a mural for our butterfly garden next to the parking lot!