Skokie Home Scoop
December 9, 2024
Dear Families:
Even though the weather doesn't feel like it, winter break is just around the corner. We're excited for our orchestra concert tomorrow and the chorus concert and Reindeer Games in KW next week.
Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, December 10th: Trimester 1 Report Cards available Online
Tuesday, December 17th: D36 School Board Meeting @ 7:15 pm
Monday, December 23rd - Friday, January 3rd: No School - Winter Break
We have therapy dogs come to Skokie monthly for students to read to them and interact with them, and we just had to share this adorable team photo!
Report Cards Available Tuesday, December 10th
Trimester 1 report cards will be available digitally at the end of the day on Tuesday, December 10th. Families can access report cards in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. You can see step-by-step directions for how to access report cards using this link.
If you have any questions, please reach out to parentportal@winnetka36.org.
Cold Weather Process
We plan to go outside whenever possible for recess. That said, the weather is getting colder and we ask for families to partner with us to ensure students are prepared to go outside. Our ask is that you take a look at the weather in the morning and send students with the gear needed to head outside even in the colder weather. Below are resources we use as guidance for our district to determine if we are outside or staying inside for recess.
When is it too cold to go outside for recess?
Only in the event of very cold days will we not be going outside for recess. We closely monitor the temperature and if the “feels like” temperature is 10 degrees or colder we will plan for indoor recess. That said, if the day is sunny and students have winter gear we may head outside for a few minutes of fresh air. Please check with your teacher or administrator if you have questions.
How do we monitor the weather?
We will use the Weather Channel to monitor the weather. This gives us our “feels like” temperature.
We use the ISBE windchill guide for guidance.
Exploring Skokie
Technology Communication Design (TCD): students are focusing on visual communication and how graphic design elements including color, arrangement, and style of images can convey information. Students designed visual nameplates by combining images and graphics that illustrate their interests. Also, students are exploring a variety of effects with fonts including type, style, shadows, reflections, and how those changes can impact a message.
Literature Integrated with Technology (LIT): students are synthesizing information that they have researched on concepts that would create a successful colony on Mars. Students created a digital visual diagram that demonstrates an idea of Mars geography, atmosphere, habitability, weather, food production, rover missions, health, safety and colonization challenges. Students are also learning to code mini sphero robots that simulate how robots can be used in space exploration.
Clubs
The winter session of the Baking Club is live on the District Web Store. Registration opens at 9am on Tuesday, December 17th.
January/February sessions of Climbing Club will be open for registration at 9am on Tuesday, December 17th.
Tuesdays: 1/28-2/11
Thursdays: 1/16-1/30
Winter Chess Club Information and Registration
Please Join Us at our December Winnetka Parents Institute
Understanding the IEP and 504 Processes: From Referral to Eligibility and Services (with Ms. Denise Matthews, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Equity and Inclusion, and Ms. Jackie Schwartz, Director of Student Services, Equity and Inclusion)
December 11, 2024
9:30 A.M.
Location: The Skokie School Community Room
This informational session is intended for Winnetka parents who would like to learn more about IEP and 504 services and processes. Parents will be informed about the referral and eligibility process as well the support and services that the District provides to students in grades K-8. This information is intended to assist parents with making informed decisions for IEP and 504 support.
Interested:
Save Time by Pre-Registering Your ID Now for December School Events
In advance of holiday events, we strongly encourage all parents/family members to proactively make a visit to your school to get your ID (Driver’s License) registered in our Raptor System or fill out this form at your earliest convenience (one per guest). This system allows the District to conduct an immediate background check on visitors during school hours so we can ensure that all those within our school buildings are safe and clear to be there. This must be done for each event you are attending; previous Raptor registrations will not suffice for future events. By taking care of this in advance of a holiday event, you should experience a more efficient entry process. If you are unable to do this in advance, remember to bring your drivers license or state ID the day of the event and arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the event in order to register.
To expedite the process even further, please fill out this form (one per guest).
The Dimension of Belonging featured in December is “Known” and monthly observances include Human Rights Month, Hannukah, and Christmas. Learn more by reading the Belonging Means… Newsletter which features contributions from The Skokie School and the Department of Communications, Safety & Security.
Registration for incoming kindergarteners and students NEW to the District (beginning fall 2025) is now open.
Kindergarten enrollment: Children who will be five-years-old on or before September 1, 2025, are eligible to enroll for Kindergarten.
School Admissions and age requirements are addressed in School Board Policy 7:50 School Admissions and student Transfers to and from Non-District Schools.
2-Step Process to complete registration:
Step 1: Click here to begin the online new student registration process.
Step 2: Contact Maria Perez via email marizperez@winnetka36.org or phone 847-446-9400 to schedule a time to drop-in with final verification documents.
Complete BOTH steps of new student registration BEFORE January 17, 2025 and receive a $40.00 discount applied to your child’s 2025/2026 student fees.
Sincerely,
Michelle Cooney and Larry Joynt
Principal and Assistant Principal
The Skokie School
