News and information from our district and schools
McCRACKEN. MIDDLETON. MEYER. Dates to Know. Meal Menu.
JANUARY 13, 2023
DISTRICT NEWS
Upcoming Board Meetings
All are invited to attend the following Board of Education Committee Meetings:
-
Equity Committee
Tuesday, January 17th at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87417470938?pwd=WTAxNWJjaGdLeldvd3QyZ1ppdU5kdz09
Meeting ID: 874 1747 0938
Passcode: 547955 -
Policy Committee
Wednesday, January 18th at 5:00 p.m.
McCracken Middle School
Board Room
Department of Student Services
Welcome back! The executive functioning strategy/skill highlighted this week is METACOGNITION. Below are some strategies from thepathway2success.com that parents can use at home to help their children build skills.
Metacognition is thinking about your thinking. Using metacognition skills helps us consider what we know about a topic before we learn, check in with ourselves while we’re learning, and reflect on how to grow our skills. Some strategies for working on metacognition skills at home include:
- Talk, read, discuss. Choose a book (non-fiction books are the best for this). Talk about the topic and list off things you know about it. For example, if you are reading a book on airplanes, list off everything you know about airplanes. Then, read. Afterward, discuss what you’ve learned. Note that this same process can be done for any non-fiction videos, too!
- Circle share. Choose any topic. Starting with one person, list off one thing you know. For example, if your topic is plants, you might list off that you know plants start as a seed. Then, go to the next person and have them list off something they know. Continue this for as long as you can to help create shared knowledge on a topic.
► ACCESS Testing begins at the end of this month. Please ask your child about their testing schedule. Please also make sure to talk to them about how they can show their English Language skills by thinking about their answers and giving thoughtful details when responding to questions. Also remember to have your child get enough sleep and have a good breakfast the night before testing. Please reach out to your child's EL teacher or Lyla Nissan with any questions.
► Parent Training Opportunity: My Child Qualifies for ESL / Mi Hije Califica Para ESL
Not sure what English Language Services are, or how they may help your child? Come find out! All families are welcome!
¿No está seguro de qué son los servicios del idioma inglés o cómo pueden ayudar a su hijo? ¡Ven a descubrirlo! ¡Todos bienvenidos!
► If your family is experiencing financial hardship, including homelessness, please contact Angela DeMay at [email protected]; the District may be able to provide resources and/or support. If you would like to explore resources on your own, please visit our Student Services web page.
News from the Business Office
The Business Office was advised that the final round Summer 2022 P-EBT benefits was issued in December. If you believe you qualify and have not received benefits, or you have questions about Summer P-EBT, call the toll-free P-EBT Helpline number at 1-833-621-0737. Operators are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday, excluding State holidays. Please know the estimated call wait time is approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Fee Waiver Information
Skokie School District 73.5 waives school fees for eligible families. A "waiver" means that students will not be charged registration fees, school activity/club fees, or field trip fees. A fee waiver application must be completed to receive a waiver, and only one application is required per year. If you have any questions concerning fee waiver eligibility or the application process please contact Karen Hayes in the Business Office at [email protected] or by phone at 847-676-8317.
SD73.5 Priorities
Welcoming Environment. All students, staff, parents, and community members will feel welcome in our District.
Hiring and Retention. Our community's diversity will be represented in our staff and we will create systems to ensure we retain our staff.
Instruction. We will accelerate learning for all students through a strengths-based approach to grow each student from where they are.
Get the (TEXT) Message!
PARENTS, GUARDIANS & STAFF! Snap the QR code or text Y or YES to 67587 to authorize SMS text messages from SD73.5 to your mobile device! You will receive future SMS text messages if you are a registered parent, guardian, or staff member and your mobile number is already on file in PowerSchool.
PTO News
FEBRUARY MEETING
Monday, February 6th
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
McCracken Multipurpose Room
Winter Warming Centers
MLK Jr. Day of Service and Food Drive
On Monday, January 16th, McCracken will hold the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Food Drive. This is an opportunity for students to honor the legacy of Dr. King by volunteering their time to help our school and community. Participants will complete various service projects in the school as well as facilitate a food drive to benefit the Niles Township Food Pantry. Donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries, and cleaning products can be dropped off in the circle drive in front of McCracken on January 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Students who are volunteering need to complete a permission slip which they can pick up outside room 222. There will not be bus service.
8th Grade Upcoming Important Events
Niles North Curriculum & Activities Night
Eighth grade parents and families are invited to attend the Niles North High School Curriculum & Activities Night event on Tuesday, January 17th at 6:00 p.m. Students and families can learn more about academic and extracurricular programming available to incoming freshmen as they prepare to transition to high school next year. Don’t miss this important and exciting opportunity!
Diploma Cards & Graduation Gown/Tassel Orders
We are preparing to place orders for graduation diploma cards, gowns, and tassels for our Class of 2023 graduates! The forms below must be completed by February 3rd.
- Student Diploma Names
- Graduation Gown and Tassel Purchase Options (no graduation caps)
Registration Appointments with Niles North Counselors
Niles North counselors will meet with students and parents to review class placement for the upcoming school year. Placement is based on PSAT scores and teacher recommendations. Families of students who receive Special Education services or English Language services may have alternate appointment dates for more individualized support. Your child’s appointment date and time will be shared with parents and guardians by Niles North High School.
8th Grade Graduation Pictures
Our 8th grade students will have their graduation pictures taken on Wednesday, February 1st at McCracken. One photo will be taken in a purple graduation gown (provided by Lifetouch) and the other in the student's chosen dress clothes. When the photos have been processed, Lifetouch will then send the proofs to the school to be distributed to students and families. Parents/guardians will have an opportunity to review the pictures and order any preferred photos from the delivered proof package. There is no money due on Picture Day. Payment will be due to Lifetouch when families select their preferred photos online. Please see this flyer from Lifetouch for more information.
8th Grade End of the Year Event
McCracken PTO, in collaboration with parents and staff, will host an 8th grade end of the year event at McCracken Middle School on Saturday, May 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Please complete this form if you are interested in helping to plan this fun celebratory event with other 8th grade parents and guardians. We need assistance with decorations, food, games, supervision, fundraising, and more. Thank you in advance for helping to make sure our graduates receive the sendoff they deserve!
8th Grade Baby Pictures
It has been a tradition at McCracken Middle School to include 8th grade baby pictures in the yearbook. We need YOUR help securing these pictures for the yearbook. If you and your 8th grade student are interested in having their baby picture included in the yearbook please submit your student’s digital baby photo to [email protected]. Students can also bring a physical picture to school and give it to their advisory teacher. We need all the pictures by January 13th!
Outdoor Recess Weather Reminders
Students participate in outdoor recess throughout the school year, unless there is a significant weather-related or other external factor that necessitates an indoor program. Here at McCracken, we use the Child Care Weather Watch system to determine students’ participation in outdoor recess. This guide uses a combination of temperature and wind speed to calculate year-round weather safety for our students. Thank you, in advance, for helping to ensure that your child is prepared with appropriate outerwear for recess so that they are comfortable during our outdoor programming! Families in need of outerwear for their child should contact administration for additional resources.
Student Arrival and Dismissal Reminders
- Please drive slowly and carefully when picking up or dropping off students.
- 6th Grade parents dropping off by Door 12 should pull all the way over to the curb on the right and quickly and safely allow their child to exit the vehicle so other cars can continue to Circle Drive. Please use your hazards to alert cars behind you.
- Please do not make U-turns on East Prairie. Use the McCracken Circle Drive to turn around.
- Students cannot cross the Circle Drive in front of cars to get into a vehicle parked on the street. Drivers must pull into the Circle Drive to maintain safety and drop off in the right lane only.
- Students must cross the intersection of Crawford and Oakton assisted by our crossing guards for their safety. Students are not allowed to cross East Prairie and Oakton without an adult before or after school.
- Please be sure to communicate with your child about their after-school plans before school. Are they walking home, taking the bus, or staying after school for sports or a club?
More from McCracken
STOCK THE STAFF LOUNGE!
Drop off bagged snacks, drinks, K-Cups, tea, hot chocolate packets, candy, mints, and more to the school office throughout the year so we can show staff our support.
EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMMING
Here at McCracken, we are proud to offer a variety of student athletic and enrichment programs. These programs allow students to exercise their strengths, tackle areas of growth, and socialize with peers. Be sure to sign up your student for one of our great extracurricular activities clubs or activities! Review the 2022 Extracurricular Slideshow (with videos and important links) and Brochure for information, registration links, and the payment link (for a small number of activities).
Dates to Remember
January 16th
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
No School / District Closed
► McCracken MLK Jr. Day of Service & Food Drive
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
January 17th
8th Grade Niles North High School Curriculum & Activities Night
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
February 1st
Graduation Picture Day
February 3rd
Graduation Diploma Name and Gown/Tassel Forms Due
February 9th & 10th
8th Grade Niles North High School Counselor Appointments
Week of February 13th
McCracken Book Fair
February 16th & 17th
Parent Teacher Conferences
February 20th
Presidents' Day
No School / District Closed
School Movie Night and Dance
On January 27th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. we will have a School Movie Night for grades 1-3 and a School Dance for grades 4-5.
- All 1st-3rd grade students must be accompanied by an adult to attend Movie Night. No permission slip is necessary. You can find more information here.
- All 4th and 5th students are required to turn in their permission slips upon entry to the building.
Do you want to volunteer to help chaperone this event? Please complete this survey!
Spirit Day
Friday, January 20th is Cozy Art Day! Students can wear pajamas or other cozy winter wear and will participate in an art activity planned by the Student Council. Don’t forget your PJ’s on this day!
Bulldog Best Weeks: Benchmark Assessment Window
This week began our benchmark assessment window. Students take a variety of assessments over a short period that provide us with information about their progress and learning. Students take the following assessments during this window:
- Grade 1: Math Automaticity, CBM Reading Fluency
- Grade 2: Math MAP, Reading MAP, Math Automaticity, CBM Reading Fluency
- Grade 3: Math MAP, Reading MAP, Math Automaticity, CBM Reading Fluency
- Grade 4: Math MAP, Reading MAP, Math Automaticity, CBM Reading Fluency
- Grade 5: Math MAP, Reading MAP, Math Automaticity, CBM Reading Fluency
Fountas & Pinnell (F&P) reading assessments took place at all grade levels before the winter break.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Middleton’s Assessment Coordinator and Assistant Principal, Mrs. Stephanie Larenas.
More from Middleton
SHIELD TESTING
Since the District is closed on Monday, January 16th, SHIELD testing will be rescheduled to Tuesday, January 17th.
LUNCH REMINDER
Lunch is not free this year unless you qualify for free/reduced lunch. You will be notified if your child has an outstanding balance, but no student will ever be denied lunch.
Meyer Parent Leaders Meeting
Meyer Parent Leaders (MPL) are parents and guardians dedicated to supporting the Meyer school and community by providing opportunities for Meyer families to connect and socialize.
Please join this month's Zoom meeting. All parents/guardians are welcome to join us! We will discuss Meyer’s Movie Night, scheduled for Wednesday, January 18, 2023, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Zoom link will be sent to Meyer families the day before the meeting.
Meyer Movie Night
Meyer Parent Leaders invite all Meyer families to the Meyer Movie Night on Friday, January 20th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Meyer Gym. Bring the whole family and kick off the weekend with a fun family movie night! Students are currently voting on the movie choice, and a flyer will be sent home with students on Tuesday.
- Wear your PJs, bring a blanket or sleeping bag, and bring a water bottle
- Popcorn will be provided
- Students must be accompanied by an adult
- Please use Door #6 to enter the event
We hope to see you there!
Parent/Guardian Workshop: Size of Problems
We will be hosting our second in-person parent/guardian workshop, Size of Problems, on Thursday, January 26th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Meyer Library. Please register for this workshop by completing THIS FORM and returning it to school with your child by Tuesday, January 17th. Flyers were also sent home in backpacks on Tuesday. Only 20 spots are available!
Meyer Moments
Dates to Remember
January 16th
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
No School / District Closed
January 18th
Meyer Parent Leaders Meeting
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
January 20th
Meyer Movie Night
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
January 26th
Parent/Guardian Workshop
6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
February 9th
Meyer Story Night
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
February 14th
Board of Education Meeting
7:00 p.m.
McCracken MPR
February 16th
Parent/Teacher Conferences
5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
February 17th
Parent/Teacher Conferences
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
February 20th
Presidents' Day
No School / District Closed
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