Skokie Home Scoop
September 16, 2024
September 16, 2024
Dear Families:
We hope you are enjoying the summer-like weather while balancing the busy routines of fall! We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to our Skokie Go to School Night on Thursday, September 19th. If you only have a 5th grader at Skokie, please note the start time of 6:30 for the full group session and 7:05 for the 5th grade classroom sessions.
Skokie Go To School Night from 6:00-7:30 pm
6:00-6:25: 6th grade Advisory and Academic Presentations
6:30-7:00: Skokie School Presentation in the Auditorium
Michelle Cooney, Larry Joynt, and Exploratory Teachers
7:05-7:30: 5th grade Advisory and Academic Presentations
Library Resources
A Winnetka Northfield Public Library card offers children valuable resources that enhance their access through the Skokie School Library. With this card, kids can explore a vast collection of books, e-books, and audiobooks, fostering a love for reading and supporting their academic growth. Additionally, they gain access to educational programs, STEM workshops, and cultural events, enriching their learning experience. Unique features like The Studio provide hands-on opportunities in technology and art, while programs like Museum Adventure Pass offer free or discounted admissions to local attractions. A library card can unlock a wealth of resources that complement their education, and promote independence, and lifelong learning.
Please complete this form if you would like your child to have a library card. I will then share this data with the Winnetka Northfield Public Library. When the cards are ready, I will distribute them to the students.
If your child already has a library card, or you would prefer not to get one, please disregard this form.
Thank you,
Todd Burleson
Vision Screening
Vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor. Your child is not required to undergo this vision screening if an optometrist or ophthalmologist has completed and signed a report form indicating that an examination has been administered within the previous 12 months. (as required within Section 27-8.1 of the Illinois School Code).
SKOKIE CLUB INFORMATION
Chorus
Please complete the following link to sign your student up for Chorus: Chorus 2024-25 Sign Up. The first rehearsal will be after school on Wednesday, September 18 until 4:05 pm.
Skokie After School Sports
The after school sports program will be a coeducational experience with fifth graders participating on Tuesdays. Students will have opportunities to participate in low organized games, facilitated by Skokie Staff. The program will run from 3:35 to 4:30 PM. The first semester will run 10/1/24 - 12/3/24 for 5th Grade. The first semester will run 10/2/24 - 11/20/24 for 6th Grade. Parents are responsible for transportation home from after school sports.
Registration goes live at 9am on Tuesday, September 17th.
Climbing Club (Sept - Dec Dates)
The Climbing Club is for students who would like to climb the Skokie High Ropes Course after school. This is a great way to spend some time climbing in an extended session. All 6th, 7th and 8th graders are allowed to enroll during the September sessions of Climbing Club. Sign up with a friend or come to meet new friends!
OPEN TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED CLIMBING INSTRUCTION DURING KW CLASS AT THE SKOKIE SCHOOL OR DURING ADVENTURES IN LEARNING.
• Climbing Club is conducted and supervised by the Skokie KW teachers.
• 3:35-4:30pm. Personal nut-free snacks are allowed.
• Students are expected to stay until 4:30pm and will assist with clean up.
• Each session is limited to twelve climbers.
• Students are allowed to sign up for no more than 2 sessions at a time.
• Parents are invited to watch their children climb! We must have a minimum of 4 participants in order to hold a climbing club session.
Registration goes live at 9am on Tuesday, September 17th.
3D Design Club
Do you love to create and design in 3D? Are you interested in 3D software and how 3D printers work? Join the 3D Design Club where we will use 3D pens, software and our imaginations to create and explore 3D printing. No experience necessary, just bring your ideas and curiosity!
Registration goes live at 9am on Tuesday, September 17th.
Taylor's Version - Taylor Swift Club
"Calling all Swifties! Are you ready for it? Our Taylor Swift Club is the place where we can all be fearless together! We meet on the 13th of each month (or as close to it as we can-dates listed below) to celebrate all things Taylor.
From discussing her latest songs to sharing our favorite lyrics, we're creating our own love story with fellow fans. Don't be the anti-hero - come shake it off with us! We promise you'll be enchanted.
Meeting Dates: Friday, October 11th; Wednesday, November 13th; Friday, December 13th; Tuesday, January 14th; Thursday, February 13th; Thursday, March 13th; Friday, April 11th; Tuesday, May 13th; Friday, June 13th"
Registration goes live at 9am on Tuesday, September 17th.
Fall Benchmark Assessments Begin This Week!
Benchmark assessments are valuable tools that provide a snapshot of student progress at a point in time. These assessments help teachers to identify areas where students are excelling and where they may need additional support. They can also inform instructional decisions by providing data that can be used to tailor teaching to meet each student's unique needs and strengths. Benchmark assessments are an important component of progressive education, which recognizes that students learn in different ways and at different rates. By using benchmark assessments to inform instruction, teachers can provide a more individualized approach to learning that supports each student's academic growth and personal development.
This year students in Grades K-8 will participate in academic benchmark assessments of literacy, math and social emotional learning starting September 16th. After the close of the window at the end of the month, results will be available online for parents via Otus.com, a digital portal. Assessment reports will not be mailed home. Information about how to access information on Otus.com will be shared with parents at the close of the benchmark window.
New K-8 Literacy Program!
This week teachers are beginning to use the newly adopted literacy curriculum. This new curriculum is includes the following key features:
Systematic phonemic awareness and word recognition instruction and assessment
Knowledge building framework to provide content for applying reading and writing skills
Classroom based data to inform student learning goals and differentiate instruction
Consistent implementation of current best practice in literacy instruction
The Winnetka Parent Institute Event on September 11 provided a deeper look into the new program. The recorded event and slides are available on the District website; click here for direct access.
Deadline to Register for Optional Fees, Programs or Services is September 30th!
These include:
Kindergarten Stay & Play
iPad Insurance
Elementary and Skokie Milk Fees
Central PTO Dues
ALL optional fees, programs or services are accessed via RevTrak https://winnetka.revtrak.net/.
Bus Registration Reopens on Monday, September 16th and will close on September 30th with the rest of the optional fees!
ALL optional fees, programs or services are accessed via RevTrak https://winnetka.revtrak.net/.
Sincerely,
Michelle Cooney and Larry Joynt
Principal and Assistant Principal
The Skokie School