5Essentials Parent Survey

Meyer celebrated Friendship Day on Thursday, February 26th. Preschool and Kindergarten classes were paired up for a combined playtime to promote kindness, taking turns, sharing toys, and being kind to one another. 

Meyer will host bestselling author Ruth Spiro for an author’s visit on THURSDAY, MARCH 26th. Ruth Spiro is an award-winning children’s author best known for her engaging STEM-themed books. She introduces complex topics like science, technology, and math in ways that are fun, clear, and perfectly suited for curious minds. She's also a former Meyer parent!

Families and staff can purchase signed copies of Ruth's books ahead of her visit from local bookstore Booked! Orders are due by TUESDAY, MARCH 24th. Books will be delivered on the day of the author's visit. If interested, please order at this link: bookedevanston.com/ruthspiro.

Please email Mrs. Kelley at [email protected] if you have any questions.
 

An informance is a way to inform parents of what a typical music class is like. It is similar to a performance in that there is an audience, but instead of rehearsing set pieces, the students demonstrate what they do during music class. The setting is smaller and more intimate than a larger performance. Parents/guardians see first-hand how their child experiences music at Meyer School! Each student may invite up to 2 guests to attend, as seating is limited.

IN 3rd GRADE, our students in social studies have been learning about influential people who have impacted their communities and created positive change. Students were able to select an influential person to research, and make a mini-poster educating us about their life and accomplishments.

IN 4th GRADE, students read and discussed the biographies of several Black American innovators. We learned about Lonnie Johnson, who invented the Super Soaker, and Katherine Johnson, who helped NASA plan the John Glenn mission orbiting Earth. 

IN 5th GRADE, we prioritize diverse literature throughout the year. Some of the books by Black authors and about Black communities and important figures are:

• Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees by Frank Prévot
• Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
• One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams Garcia
• Rosa Parks Biography

At Middleton Elementary, students have worked all year on Being Respectful, Being Responsible, and Being Ready. An important part of being a member of a community is recognizing our own emotions. This week, students may notice two helpful tools posted throughout the halls at Middleton: the Zones of Regulation and an Emotion Wheel. These visuals help children recognize what they’re feeling, find the words to name emotions, and choose strategies to manage big feelings in a safe, respectful way.

The McCracken 8th grade Class of 2026 families recently received communication regarding graduation activities and events. We hope families and students were able to attend the Niles North Curriculum Night event. Please watch for further communication from both McCracken Middle School and Niles North High School throughout the school year. Below you will see a link to a copy of the letter we sent home and some important dates and events.

REMINDER: Please submit the required information and orders for your child's graduation this year. If you have already completed the registration, you may disregard. This information was due by FEBRUARY 26, 2026. (Click here to submit).

► 8th GRADE GRADUATION PARENT/GUARDIAN LETTER JANUARY 2026

Consistent attendance to school is directly linked to higher academic achievement and high school graduation rates. Students can begin to struggle academically when they miss several days of school. Learning continues within the classroom across content areas. Although teachers do their best to help support students catch up when they return, there is no substitute for instruction and learning experiences inside the classroom. Students should miss no more than 9 days of school each year to stay engaged, successful, and on track to graduation. We understand students and families experience illness as well as unexpected emergencies, which qualify as excused absences. Please review the difference between excused and unexcused absences and do your best to promote the importance of showing up to school on time each school day with your child.

What can families do to support good attendance?

Promote healthy student behaviors

• Maintain a regular bedtime and morning routine throughout the week.
• Ensure students eat a good breakfast every morning. McCracken serves breakfast for students beginning at 7:30 a.m.
• Ensure your children get regular check-ups with their medical provider.
• Practice thorough handwashing, particularly before and after eating, and after using the restroom.
• Reinforce the importance of avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick, and not sharing cups and/or utensils with others.
• If your children seem anxious about going to school, ask teachers or administration, the school nurse, a member of the Student Support Team (SST), and/or your medical provider for advice.

See additional McCracken Attendance Reminders HERE!