News and information from our district and schools
Scroll to view District updates and news from Meyer, Middleton, McCracken, the PTO, and around town!
May 22, 2026
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TRIMESTER 3 REPORT CARDS
Trimester 3 report cards will be released electronically through the PowerSchool Parent Portal website on MONDAY, JUNE 8th by 3:00 p.m. At that time, parents and guardians will receive an email with instructions for how to view, print, and save their student's report card.
In the meantime, please log into the PowerSchool Parent Portal website at sd735.powerschool.com to make sure your username and password are working. If you need assistance with your account access, please contact the Skokie73.5 Data Office at 847-676-8326.
SCHOOLKIDZ SUPPLY KITS
The Skokie73.5 Caring Hearts Classroom Grants Committee invites all Skokie73.5 families to pre-order school supply kits for the 2026-2027 school year. Ordering is open until FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026. Late orders cannot be accepted. Click or tap a link below to view the lists and more information. Follow THIS LINK for more information, lists, and ordering information.
CURRICULUM REVIEW
Over the course of this school year, Skokie School District 73.5, in partnership with District 219’s Collaborative for Curriculum (CFC), has embarked upon a review of our mathematics curriculum across grades K-8. The purpose of this curriculum review process is to determine how we can further develop our math curricular resources and instructional practices to maximize math learning for all of our district students. Additionally, we seek to ensure that our mathematics programming is fully aligned with current best practices in mathematics education and the Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan.
After engaging in research, learning, and collaboration with district and township colleagues this year, we are excited to announce that our district will be piloting two math curricular resources in grades K-8 during the 2026-2027 school year: Eureka Math2 and i-Ready Classroom Mathematics. These resources were selected based on evidence carefully gathered by teacher leaders from Skokie 73.5 and CFC partner districts.
We will pilot one of these resources in the fall (October 2026 through December 2026) and the other resource in the winter (February 2027 through April 2027). Along the way, we will gather feedback from our students, families, and staff about their experiences with each resource. In May 2027, Skokie 73.5 and its CFC partners will use the larger body of data to recommend a resource for adoption and implementation at the start of the 2027-2028 school year.
We are committed to ensuring all Skokie 73.5 students continue to have access to the strongest possible teaching and learning during the pilots. During the summer months and at various points throughout the 2026-2027 school year, our teachers will engage in a series of professional learning activities to prepare them to support students in having a successful experience with the pilot resources. Additionally, a team of representative teacher leaders from our district will engage in consistent collaboration and professional learning with their CFC colleagues.
Once the school year begins, we will share periodic updates on the pilots with families. We also need families’ voices, so we will also share opportunities for families to provide feedback and to engage with the pilot resources.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in providing all Skokie 73.5 students with the strongest possible learning. We hope all of our students and families enjoy a safe, fun, and restful summer!
Thanks to fundraising efforts this year, we were able to fund a special performance/assembly at each school for year-end. Miss Carol from Macaroni Soup will be performing music at Meyer, Mad Science provided a fun and educational assembly at Middleton, and dance troupe Culture Shock will perform at McCracken. Thank you families and students for your support!
Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities
5th GRADE FAREWELL AT MIDDLETON
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27th at 6:00 p.m.
The 5th GRADE TEAM is arranging an event and cultural feast to celebrate our 5th graders moving from Middleton to McCracken. We need supplies (utensils, heavy-duty plates, etc.) and some volunteers to make this celebration a success. Sign up HERE — THANK YOU!
MEYER END-OF-YEAR BASH
FRIDAY, MAY 29th at 3:00 p.m.
Volunteers are needed for setup and to run ticket/concession sales, a craft booth, and face painting. Click HERE to volunteer!
MIDDLETON CHICAGO BEARS "MINI MONSTERS" FOOTBALL CLINIC
FRIDAY, MAY 29th at 10:15 a.m.
The Middleton P.E. team is partnering with the Chicago Bears to bring a “Mini Monsters Clinic” to the school for 2nd-5th graders. This will be a fun event with non-contact football drills. A current or former Chicago Bears player will be there! Twelve (12) adult volunteers are needed to help run the event at Middleton from 10:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You do not need football skills or knowledge to volunteer. Sign up HERE!
CHICAGO STARS GAME
There's still time to purchase tickets! We hope you can join us.
Bring the family and join the PTO on SUNDAY, MAY 31st for the SKOKIE 73.5 x CHICAGO STARS FC OUTING! Meet us for a Chicago Stars soccer game at 12:00 p.m. at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in Evanston — right on the lake! All students and District families are welcome. We will have our own seating section to cheer on the team. Purchase tickets HERE! Parking at the garages surrounding the stadium is $25. The North Garage is the closest option. Parking can be purchased day-of or in advance HERE. See you there!
SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR
The PTO partners with 1st Place Spiritwear for print-on-demand merchandise. Click a button below to shop the spiritwear stores and watch for sales! Every purchase supports the PTO and our schools!
Content posted on the PTO website is managed by the PTO
Visit district735pto.org and get to know your PTO!
Questions about this calendar or events? Please email [email protected].
AROUND TOWN
DISTRICT DATES
ELL CENTER PROGRAMS
ELL PARENT CENTER
ELL CENTER CLASSES
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
MEYER EOY BASH: Calling All Volunteers!
The Meyer Parent Leaders invite all Meyer families to the Meyer End-of-the-Year Bash!
FRIDAY, MAY 29
3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
In the FIELD BY THE PARKING LOT
There will be lots of fun activities, food, music, and crafts.
We need parent/guardian volunteers to help make the bash a success! Please sign up by using the QR code on the flyer or clicking HERE to help with setup, tickets, concessions, facepainting/temporary tattoos, arts and crafts, or clean-up. Thank you!
ON TO KINDERGARTEN
Incoming kindergartners and parents/guardians attended On to Kindergarten on Wednesday, May 20th, to learn more about our Kindergarten program, meet staff, see a classroom, and get to know one another. For parents/guardians who were not able to attend, please see the PRESENTATION SLIDES for more information about our kindergarten program. We look forward to having your kindergartner join us in the fall!
JUMPSTART KINDERGARTEN
JumpStart Kindergarten registration is now open to incoming kindergarten families. This optional, one-week program provides incoming kindergarten students with the opportunity to practice routines, develop social skills, meet new friends, and begin a review of skills directly before the school year begins.
We will run one session of JumpStart Kindergarten this year, AUGUST 10th-14th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for a fee of $155.00. Spots are limited.
Please see the flyer for the program details and the link to register.
FAMILY CONNECTION: Summer Zones of Regulation
As we head into the summer, we can continue using the Zones of Regulation to help our children with emotional regulation. The summer may bring fewer routines and predictability, which for some children can also bring on bigger feelings. Remember, all feelings are okay, it’s a matter of how we respond to them and get through them.
There are a few ways you can continue to help support your child in learning how to regulate their feelings.
First, let them know that you’re there to help them move through it. Try saying:
- "I can see you’re having a hard time. I’m here."
- "That’s a big feeling. Let’s sit with it, together."
- "It’s okay to feel bored AND I’m confident you can find something to do."
Second, help your child recognize their feelings. Try saying:
- "I notice your body is moving fast. What Zone do you think you’re in?"
- "You’ve been really quiet today. Want to check in and talk about your Zone?"
Third, give your child structured choices to give them a sense of control and trust. Focus on guiding them toward options that support regulation. Try saying:
- "I wonder if a tool might help. Would it help to use a fidget or listen to music for a few minutes?"
- "I’m going to take some deep breaths to help me care for my Zone. Do you want to try a tool too?"
These small, consistent steps, along with modeling how we deal with our own emotions, can help support our children over the summer and into the school year.
(Source: Walz, Emily. “Emotional Regulation for Kids This Summer: 3 Tips for Parents and Caregivers — the Zones of Regulation.” The Zones of Regulation, 8 July 2025, zonesofregulation.com/blog/emotional-regulation-for-kids-this-summer-3-tips-for-parents-and-caregivers. Accessed 21 May 2026.)
PRESCHOOL SCIENCE: Insects
PK4 VISITS TO KINDER
MEYER DATES
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Returning Meyer families, please mark your calendars with these important dates for the 2026-2027 school year:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20th
Party at the Playground
5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
MONDAY, AUGUST 24th
Meyer Student Classroom Visit Day
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25th
First Day of School for Kindergarten Students
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26th
First Day of School for Preschool Students
KINDER SUPERSTARS
PRESCHOOL SUPERSTARS
SPIRIT WEAR
CLICK A BADGE TO ORDER!
This week on Monday, Middleton students had the exciting opportunity to participate in a Mad Science assembly with Brainstorm Bill, sponsored by the Skokie 73.5 PTO. The presentation was incredibly engaging, filled with hands-on demonstrations and interactive experiments that sparked curiosity and excitement across all grade levels. Students were captivated from start to finish and left inspired to keep exploring the world of science.
We are so grateful to the PTO for bringing enriching experiences like this to our school community. Their continued support helps create memorable learning opportunities for our students, and we truly appreciate all they do for our school.
MIDDLETON COUNTDOWN
The Middleton Countdown has begun! Thursday was Movement Day, and today, Friday, was Identity day! Check out this flyer for the rest of our countdown to the end of the year celebration days! Student Council will be making announcements the rest of the year reminding us of the fun ahead. Thank you Student Council for planning our Middleton Countdown to the end of the Year!
GARDEN NEWS
During the summer, we are in need of parent and child volunteers to help maintain Middleton's organic garden. You do not need to be an expert gardener! The goal is to engage in a thoughtful and fun activity with your child. The needs for the summer include watering, pruning, harvesting, and planting. What you harvest you are able to bring home to enjoy! Please email Erin Gregg at [email protected] if you would like to volunteer.
MINI 5K HIGHLIGHT
The 1st and 2nd Grade Running Club Mini 5K race was this past weekend on Sunday, May 17th on McCracken’s field! Students had a wonderful time celebrating all of their running accomplishments with friends, family, and community!
MINI MONSTERS RETURNS!
The Chicago Bears "Mini Monsters" will be at Middleton with 2nd-5th graders next week on FRIDAY, MAY 29th! Please turn in your student waiver if you haven’t already!
MIDDLETON FIELD DAY
MIDDLETON FIELD DAY (for students only) is WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3rd. Students should wear gym shoes, dress appropriately for weather conditions, and apply sunscreen before they leave for school in the morning. This is also the last day of school; students will be dismissed at 3:00pm.
MIDDLETON DATES
PLTW LAUNCH designation is awarded for elementary STEM curriculum that helps students develop transferable skills needed to succeed in an evolving future.
SPIRIT WEAR
CLICK A BADGE TO ORDER!
8th GRADE GRADUATION INFORMATION
We are less than one week away from celebrating the McCracken Class of 2026 at our upcoming graduation ceremony! Eighth grade families received communication this week regarding the distribution of graduation materials to students on Thursday, May 21st. We also shared reminders about the 8th grade celebration, the graduation rehearsal, and the upcoming ceremony on THURSDAY, MAY 28th. Thank you, in advance, for speaking with your graduate about the importance of maintaining continued academic achievement and appropriate behavior throughout the last days of the school year. We are looking forward to celebrating the many accomplishments and achievements of our graduates this year and appreciate your partnership!
8th GRADE LAST DAYS OF SCHOOL INFORMATION (MAY 27th AND MAY 28th)
- The last full day of school for 8th grade students will be on WEDNESDAY, MAY 27th.
- All fees, textbooks, library books, and Chromebooks will be collected on WEDNESDAY, MAY 27th.
- Students will be expected to attend a full day of school on WEDNESDAY, MAY 27th.
- Graduates will participate in our annual clap-out at the end of the school day on WEDNESDAY, MAY 27th for a final walk through the school building and special acknowledgment by classmates and staff.
- 8th grade students will participate in the graduation ceremony on THURSDAY, MAY 28th.
- Students will be expected to attend a half day of school on THURSDAY, MAY 28th.
- 8th grade students are required to report to school at 7:50 a.m. on THURSDAY, MAY 28th to board buses for graduation rehearsal at Niles North High School.
- Students will return to McCracken after rehearsal at approximately 11:00 a.m. Students will be dismissed immediately upon arrival and will need to walk home, be picked up by parents/guardians, or travel by bus (for current bus riders only — the bus will run the late bus route).
- Graduation Ceremony: Students are expected to arrive at Niles North High School no later than 5:30 p.m. (The earliest students should arrive is 5:15 p.m.) Students should enter through Door 1 and will report directly to their assigned classroom to get ready for the ceremony. The ceremony starts promptly at 6:00 p.m. and we will not be able to wait for students who are late. Any student who is not able to arrive on time will be directed to the back of the stage where a staff member will assist in helping them to their seat.
- Please ensure that your graduate is dressed appropriately for the ceremony. We recommend preferred dress clothes and comfortable shoes. Students should arrive wearing their graduation gowns over their clothes.
- Graduates do not return to McCracken after the graduation ceremony. Student records will be transferred to Niles North High School upon the graduates’ completion of 8th grade. If your child will be attending a school other than Niles North High School, please call the McCracken office so we can direct those records to the appropriate school.
ORCHESTRA CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS
On Monday, May 18th, District 219 hosted a township orchestra concert featuring students from East Prairie, Golf, McCracken, Old Orchard, and Niles North. Thank you to Director of Orchestras Eliza Stubbs for sharing some photo highlights from rehearsals and the performance!
FUTURES UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITY
Oakton Community College sponsored a STEM career exploration conference for 7th grade students who identify as female on Thursday, May 21st. This was an all-day program that exposed students to career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Thank you to Ms. Repp and Ms. Monak for chaperoning students on this STEM field trip!
COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER SPIRIT DAYS
NILES NORTH ATHLETIC SUMMER CAMPS
Niles North High School has shared its upcoming youth camp opportunities for incoming 6th through 8th grade students. This is a great opportunity for our current 8th grade students to get acclimated to sports, new teammates, athletic coaches, and facilities. Check THIS LINK for more information about Niles North summer camp registration.
McCRACKEN DATES
PLTW GATEWAY designation is awarded to a select number of middle schools for increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in career-connected learning.
SPIRIT WEAR
CLICK A BADGE TO ORDER!
District Priorities
WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT. We will welcome and engage staff, students, families and community members in our schools.
HIRING & RETENTION. We will recruit, hire, and retain a diverse workforce and improve our human resource processes, procedures, and materials.
INFRASTRUCTURE & FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY. All financial decisions and investments will meet the needs of our diverse learners and staff and promote academic and social growth. We will provide a safe, inclusive, flexible, and innovative space for teaching, learning, and growing.
TEACHING & LEARNING. All students will engage in learning experiences that are cohesive and articulated across PreK-8, flexibly designed to engage all learners and leading to rigorous outcomes for all. We will be a future-focused, real-world learning environment that is responsive, accessible, and meaningful for all. We will become a model district on the use of data for making instructional, curriculum, and programmatic decisions.
Equity Mission Statement
WE BELIEVE that inclusivity and belonging is the foundation for equity.
ALL CHILDREN CAN LEARN, at high achievement levels, when equity is infused into every aspect of education.
WE ACKNOWLEDGE the systemic inequities present in school systems and recognize the impact they continue to have on marginalized communities.
WE COMMIT to teaching, learning, and growing in order to identify and dismantle inequitable systems and to create a community where barriers are removed so that everyone can reach their full potential.
WE BELIEVE that students succeed when they can see themselves represented in our staff, curriculum, opportunities, and our shared environment. We accomplish this through professional development, curriculum revision, community engagement, and systems evaluations.
WE RECOGNIZE the need to teach our students to identify the origins of unjust systems and empower them to use their critical thinking skills and agency to responsibly disrupt the policies and practices that perpetuate inequalities.
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