News and information from our district and schools
McCRACKEN. MIDDLETON. MEYER. Dates to Know. Meal Menu.
Staff Appreciation Week
The PTO has planned a fun-filled week of activities to show our appreciation for Skokie 73.5 staff!
The fun starts with CHALK THE WALKS on Sunday, May 7th from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Bring the family and use sidewalk chalk to leave drawings or messages of appreciation at the entrances to each school.
On Friday, May 12th the PTO is serving DONUTS to all staff in each building!
Check your school's Weekly news below to see what's happening during the week and how YOU can join in the fun!
Summer School will be in session from Wednesday, June 7th through Thursday, June 30th at Middleton Elementary School, 8300 St. Louis Avenue. The program is from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Monday through Thursday (no classes on Fridays). The ELA/Reading class runs from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. and the Math class runs from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Tuition for this year’s summer school will be free. If you are the parent or guardian of a student who has been recommended for summer school and is entering grades 1-8 in the fall, you have received an email with registration information. Please reach out to one of our Summer School contacts with any questions:
- Marty Behm at 847-676-8234 or [email protected]
- Stephanie Larenas at 847-676-8085 or [email protected]
All registrations are due no later than May 12th.
Department of Student Services
Parent Opportunities
Check out some free, family friendly webinars to learn about assistive technology! Sessions are hosted by Infinitec. ► WEBINAR INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
Please join us for our last BPAC meeting of the year on on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Elizabeth Meyer School beginning at 6:00 p.m. The school is located at 8100 Tripp Avenue in Skokie. Enter through the parking lot door; we will be in the gym! Check the flyer for more information.
Join Middleton staff Immediately BEFORE the BPAC meeting at 5:45 p.m. for a brief presentation about 4th grade preparation for next year's White Pines Outdoor Education trip. Check the Middleton Weekly information below for more information about White Pines and the presentation.
Taste of 73.5
School District 73.5 PTO Invites You to the Taste of 73.5
Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Oliver McCracken Middle School
The PTO is excited to invite community members to come together and learn about each others' cultures, religions, foods, history, and practices.
- 1:15 to 1:30 p.m. - Parade. ALL are welcome to join!
- 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. - Booths open for display and food. Music performance by Crossing Borders Music, in partnership with the National Cambodian Heritage Museum.
The PTO is still looking for groups to host a booth where they can create a display of artifacts, offer interactive activities to teach and engage others, or simply share food samples. So far, booths are planned to represent the cultures and countries of Nigeria, Mexico, El Salvador, Philippines, Sweden, Pakistan, Romania, and Jamaica.
If you are interested in hosting a booth, please fill out the TASTE of 73.5 form at https://forms.gle/1euLmJYeXV29wbsg6.
If you are interested in contributing your time as a volunteer on the day of the event, please sign-up on SignUp Genius.
Highlights from the 2020 International Fest
Summer Reading Kickoff
District 73.5 librarians invite district families to a Summer Reading Kickoff event!
Join us in the grassy area next to the Meyer parking lot on Wednesday, May 31st from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. for a celebration of reading with the Skokie Public Library book bike, local authors, face painting, a student art show, and more! Check THE FLYER for more information.
SD73.5 Priorities
Welcoming Environment. All students, staff, parents, and community members will feel welcome in our District.
Hiring & 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!
PTO News
PTO SPECIAL MEETING
Tuesday, May 23rd
7:00 p.m.
Planning for school year 2023-2024
Summer Reading Kickoff
Around Town
The PTO has planned a fun-filled week of activities to show our appreciation for Skokie 73.5 staff!
Here's what's happening at McCRACKEN:
- On Monday, May 8th students can WRITE A NOTE telling a McCracken staff member why they appreciate them. Parents can also write a note or send an email of appreciation to staff.
- The McCRACKEN SNACK BAR is back on Tuesday, May 9th. ► SIGN UP HERE TO VOLUNTEER
- Get creative on Wednesday, May 10th. Show your appreciation and CREATE SOMETHING FOR A STAFF MEMBER. The possibilities are endless: Fold some origami, paint or draw a picture, write a poem or a song, crochet or knit a little something.
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On Thursday, May 11th you can tell the world about the amazing McCracken staff. Post something on your social media or FILL OUT THIS FORM and the PTO will post the SOCIAL SHOUT OUT!
Purple Pride
Purple Pride Week at McCracken is just around the corner! We will be administering the NWEA MAP tests for both reading and math on May 10th and 11th, respectively. We will be following modified schedules on those dates and students will see all of their teachers. Our FastBridge CBM testing for math automaticity and reading will take place on Friday, May 12th. All students will take the very short math assessment in an extended advisory that morning, while some students will take the reading assessment throughout the day. To best prepare your students for all of our assessments, make sure they are getting a good night’s rest the night before testing, a healthy breakfast the morning of testing, and arrive to school on time and with a charged Chromebook.
On to 6th Grade and 5th Grade Visit
Current 5th grade parents and guardians are invited to visit McCracken Middle School on Thursday, May 11th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. McCracken administration and 6th grade team members will be present to review important information to support the successful transition of our incoming 6th grade McCracken Hornets. The team will review general information about advisory, student schedules, lockers, August Meet and Greet, PBIS and CHAMPS behavior supports, social and emotional supports, and extracurricular programming. The administration will also lead an optional tour for families at the end of this program. All of this information will also be shared digitally for families who were not able to participate.
We are also looking forward to welcoming 5th grade students visiting McCracken on Thursday, May 18th during the school day! Please review this "On to 6th Grade" event invitation. Families can also visit our website to access the invitation and Frequently Asked Questions in multiple languages.
7th Grade Camp MacLean Forms and Payments
We are still taking forms and payments for this year’s trip to Camp MacLean! Please fully complete and turn in the forms within the Camp MacLean 2023 Family Packet to the main office as soon as possible (there is an online payment link within the packet as well). Please reach out to Marty Behm at [email protected] with any questions about the camp, packet, or payment. Please reach out to Marryann Warda at [email protected] with any questions about the medical form and medication.
8th Grade Graduation Parent/Guardian Information
The 2023 McCracken Middle School Graduation Ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 25th at 7:00 p.m. at Niles North High School. Each graduate is given up to five (5) tickets for family members/guests to attend the graduation ceremony. In addition, each graduate can request up to two (2) additional tickets using a lottery system. You were asked to identify the number of tickets you need and any additional tickets you are requesting. There is no guarantee additional ticket requests will be granted.
► PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM BY FRIDAY, MAY 5th.
Tickets will be distributed to students at school on Wednesday, May 24th. More information will be shared with 8th grade families next week by mail and email and will be available on our school website.
A letter was shared with families on April 13th which includes important graduation information. Please review this letter with your graduate to plan for the many ways in which we are celebrating our Class of 2023! Students are expected to follow all academic and behavioral expectations through the end of the year to fully participate in events. You can also access this letter by visiting the McCracken Graduation Information page on our website.
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. No student drop off or pick up from the left lane of the Circle Drive.
- 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?
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).
More from McCracken
CHALK THE WALK!
for
Staff Appreciation Week
Sunday, May 7th
2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
McCracken School Entrance
TAP THE SUN FOR SUMMER SCHOOL INFO
Dates to Remember
May 8th-12th
Staff Appreciation Week
May 10th-12th
Purple Pride Spring Benchmarking
May 10th
Choir Concert
6th-7th Grade: 6:45 to 7:30 p.m.
8th Grade: 8:00 to 8:30 p.m.
May 11th
On to 6th Grade Presentation
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
May 17th-19th
7th Grade Camp MacLean Trip
May 20th
8th Grade Graduation End of the Year Celebration
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
May 22nd
Cultural Diversity Day
May 25th
8th Grade Graduation Ceremony
7:00 p.m.
Niles North High School
Please check our public calendar on the district website for athletic game times and locations.
The PTO has planned a fun-filled week of activities to show our appreciation for Skokie 73.5 staff!
Here's what's happening at MIDDLETON:
- The MIDDLETON SNACK BAR is back on Monday, May 8th. ► SIGN UP HERE TO VOLUNTEER
- On Tuesday, May 9th students can BRING A FLOWER to a staff member. It can be a real flower from your garden, a drawing, origami, or any other creative idea.
- Ttell the world about the amazing Middleton staff on Wednesday, May 10th. Post something on your social media or FILL OUT THIS FORM and the PTO will post the SOCIAL SHOUT OUT!
- On Thursday, May 11th students can WRITE A NOTE telling a Middleton staff member why they appreciate them. Parents can also write a note or send an email of appreciation to staff.
Student Pickup
Student safety is our top priority. When your child’s dismissal plan is different from their daily routine please do as follows:
- When possible, please be sure your child is aware of their dismissal plan before they come to school.
- Notify the administrative assistants in the front office as soon as possible. Notifications of dismissal changes MUST be made before 2:00 pm.
- Please DO NOT try to contact your child or their teacher regarding a change in dismissal plans during the school day. Students should not be using personal devices and teachers are not always able to receive messages during the day.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
4th Grade Preparation for White Pines Outdoor Education Presentation
Calling all 4th grade families! Our White Pines Outdoor Education overnight trip (2 nights) is a 5th grade district tradition and an exciting trip for many students. We are excited to continue this trip next year and would love to tell you more about it! Please join us before the BPAC meeting (Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee) from 5:45 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9th at Meyer School to learn more about the trip and to ask questions. ALL families are welcome!
Dinner is Served!
The Middleton greenhouse is in need of some repairs, so we are having a Portillo’s fundraiser on May 24th to raise funds for those repairs! Grab lunch or dinner at the Skokie Portillo's, show the attached flyer, and 20 percent of your meal price will be donated to Middleton. Please tap the attached flyer for more information.
Spring Concerts
Save the dates for the Middleton Spring Concerts!
- 2nd Grade: Tuesday, May 9th from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.
- 3rd Grade: Tuesday, May 9th from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
- 4th Grade: Thursday, May 18th from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.
- 5th Grade: Thursday, May 18th from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m.
The 1st Grade Spring Concert took place on Thursday, May 4th. We wish all of our singers and their audiences a really good show!
Lost and Found
Do you recognize any of these eyeglasses? Contact the Middleton office to help us find their owners.
More from Middleton
CHALK THE WALK!
for
Staff Appreciation Week
Sunday, May 7th
2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Middleton School Entrance
TAP THE SUN FOR SUMMER SCHOOL INFO
Around Town
SUMMER LUNCHES AT THE LIBRARY
Skokie Public Library will offer free lunches Monday through Friday from 12:15 to 1:00 p.m. beginning June 12th until August 11th.
No lunches on Monday, June 19th and the library is closed on Tuesday, July 4th.
The PTO has planned a fun-filled week of activities to show our appreciation for Skokie 73.5 staff!
Here's what's happening at MEYER:
- The PTO and Meyer Parent Leaders will roll in the MEYER COFFEE BAR on Monday, May 8th.
- Tell the world about the amazing Meyer staff on Tuesday, May 9th. Post something on your social media or FILL OUT THIS FORM and the PTO will post the SOCIAL SHOUT OUT!
- On Wednesday, May 10th students can WRITE A NOTE telling a Meyer staff member why they appreciate them. Parents can also write a note or send an email of appreciation to staff.
- BRING A FLOWER to a staff member on Thursday, May 11th. It can be a real flower from your garden, a drawing, origami, or any other creative idea.
Meyer Family Sing-Along
Thank you to all the Meyer families who sang and danced with Miss Carole of Macaroni Soup! at the Meyer Family Sing-Along on April 27th. The "snowball" fight in April was extra fun! We had a great turnout at this co-sponsored event with the Meyer Parent Leaders. While this is the third annual Family Sing-Along with Miss Carole, this was our first in-person event with her.
Arbor Day Ceremony
Meyer School celebrated Arbor Day with the Village of Skokie on Friday, April 28th. Mayor George Van Dusen read the book, Kate, Who Tamed the Wind, by Liz Garton Scanlon & Lee White, to our preschoolers in the Meyer Library. We then presented Mayor Van Dusen with a painting of a tree, with leaves that were fingerprints from our students, and Mayor Van Dusen presented the Meyer Library with six books about trees to add to our collection.
Following the read-aloud, our kindergartners joined Mayor Van Dusen outside for a Tree-planting Ceremony. Earlier in the week, students had voted on Tree Names, and selected "Sparkle" and "Tree-Cera-Tops" as the names of our two new trees at Meyer! The two trees were planted, and each kindergarten student added a handful of mulch around the trees. Special thanks to Mayor Van Dusen, Beautification and Improvement Commission Chair Bob Quane, the Commissioners, Village Forester Cathy Stevens, Dr. Hightower, District Office staff, and our parents/guardians, families, and community members for making this an extra special event for Meyer!
Coffee with the Meyer Principal
Please join the Meyer Principal, Dr. Wei, for Coffee with the Meyer Principal on Thursday, May 11th. This will be an informal way for parents/guardians to hear what is happening at Meyer and to provide a space to ask questions. Parents/guardians will have two opportunities to join on May 11th:
- In-person in the morning: 8:45 to 9:30 a.m.
Please have your photo ID ready for check-in at the Meyer Office
- Zoom in the evening: 7:00 to 7:45 p.m.
The Zoom link will be shared the day before
We hope to see you there!
Meyer Showcase and Book Fair
We are excited to invite Meyer Families to the Meyer Showcase on Wednesday, May 17th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Meyer School. Students will share their hard work and learning with their families in their classrooms. Feel free to come by anytime between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Please use the main entrance. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
Meyer will host a spring Scholastic Book Fair from Monday, May 15th through Wednesday, May 17th in the Meyer Library. It will be open all three days from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m., 12:00 to 12:30 p.m., and 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. The Book Fair will also be open from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. on May 17th to coincide with the Meyer Showcase! Please use the main entrance to visit the Book Fair. If you come during the school day, please bring a picture ID to check in at the Meyer Office. You can also shop online between May 15th to May 28th at bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/elizabethmeyerschool.
Early Childhood Fun Fair
The Early Childhood Alliance (ECA) is hosting an Early Childhood Fun Fair on Saturday, May 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Oakton College Acorn Room, 7701 N. Lincoln Avenue in Skokie. Join us for games, food, crafts, and information on community programs. Please see the attached flyer for more information and the QR code to register. ► 2nd Annual ECA Early Childhood Fun Fair
Meyer Superstars
More from Meyer
CHALK THE WALK!
for
Staff Appreciation Week
Sunday, May 7th
2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Meyer School Entrance
TAP THE SUN FOR SUMMER SCHOOL INFO
Dates to Remember
May 8th-12th
Staff Appreciation Week
May 13th
ECA Fun Fair
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Oakton College Acorn Room
PTO Taste of 73.5
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
May 15th-17th
Meyer's Spring Book Fair
May 17th
Meyer Showcase
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
May 24th
On to Kindergarten
(incoming Kindergarten parent/guardians)
May 31st
Summer Reading Kickoff
5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Near Meyer Parking Lot
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