At Meyer, we learn about the SIZE OF THE PROBLEM. A problem can be something that we might need to fix or something that bothers us. Being able to identify the size of the problem will help us determine the size of our reaction.

• A small problem is something I can fix all by myself. Small problems can be fixed quickly and easily.
• A medium problem is something I need some help to fix. Medium problems might take a little bit longer to solve.
• A big problem is when I need a grown up’s help right away. Big problems might take a long time to solve or could be an emergency.

When you have a problem, our reaction (the way we act) should match the size of the problem.

• Small problems should have small reactions. When I have a small problem, I can talk to the friend, walk away, get a drink of water, or take deep breaths.
• Medium problems should have medium reactions. When I have a medium problem, I can keep trying to do it on my own, get help from a grown up or friend, or take a break in the calm down corner.
• Big problems can have big reactions. When I have a big problem, I can walk away quickly, quietly listen to a grown up’s directions, or tell a grown up.

At home, you can help your child identify the size of the problem when something comes up, and talk about what reaction matches the size of the problem and how to ask for help if they need it.

SAVE THE DATE for ON TO 1st GRADE! Meet the 1st Grade Team at Middleton on Wednesday, May 7 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tour a few 1st Grade classrooms and learn about some of the exciting things our Middleton Bulldogs do each day! This evening event is for parents only. Child care is available on request. Please fill out this form.

When students are outside at McNally Park for recess and P.E. during the school day, supervisors are directed to monitor students within the boundaries of the play space, and not to allow students to interact with any adults who are not staff members or who have not checked in through the main office. Please help our staff by refraining from interacting with students outside during the school day. Thank you!

At Middleton, we talk about the size of the problem when addressing challenge and conflict. Being able to identify the size of the problem will help us determine the size of our reaction.

• A small problem is something I can fix all by myself. Small problems can be fixed quickly and easily.
• A medium problem is something I need some help to fix. Medium problems might take a little bit longer to solve.
• A big problem is when I need a grown up’s help right away. Big problems might take a long time to solve or could be an emergency.

Naming the size of the problem can help us to manage the size of our reactions and take appropriate steps to resolve our problems.

SAVE THE DATE for MIDDLETON FITNESS NIGHT! We are excited to invite Middleton Families to the Middleton Fitness Night on Thursday, May 15 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Middleton School. More information will be sent home in the coming weeks!

SAVE THE DATE for "On to 6th Grade"! We are excited to welcome your student and family to McCracken Middle School during the 2025-2026 school year. In preparation for that transition, we invite 5th grade parents and guardians to join us at McCracken on Thursday, May 8 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. to participate in our “On to 6th Grade” Parent/Guardian Information Night. This event is for parents and guardians only. Child care is available at McCracken during this event upon request. Please fill out this form.

GRADUATION AND STAFFING UPDATES were shared with 8th grade families this month via email and print copies of the information were mailed home. The links to those documents are below. Please read through the graduation letter carefully as there are deadlines for the submission of graduation ticket orders, permission forms, and optional graduation t-shirt orders. Please reach out to the McCracken office or administration with any questions at 847-673-1220.

• 8th Grade Parent Staffing Letter
• 8th Grade April Graduation Letter

Thank you to all of the families who attended our virtual Camp MacLean Information Night this week. As we count down the less than three weeks to go before the trip to Burlington, Wisconsin, please make sure you have submitted all the required forms and payments. Also, you and your student can start working on your camp packing list! Look for more information and reminders from Mr. Behm as we get closer to May 14!

In 7th and 8th grade, McCracken students take one of their Specials classes (art, music, or STEAM) as an extended class – for 90 days. While every student will take all three subjects, their extended class will meet for extra class days and will include extended learning opportunities in the subject they choose. Current 6th and 7th grade families were sent an email on Thursday, April 24 which includes a form to be completed by Thursday, May 1. Parents/guardians should review the form and options together so that you can determine the best choice for your family.

Students at McCracken will participate in Unite Against Racism activities through a variety of advisory activities from April 29–May 3. We partner with the YWCA’s Equity Institute, which is dedicated to promoting racial equity at all levels. We join the Skokie community and surrounding schools annually to learn more about how racial inequities negatively impact the community and explore different ways students can actively unite against racism in their own lives. Thank you to Melissa Arkin for partnering with the YWCA and developing meaningful activities for students to engage in at McCracken.

McCracken will start our Purple Pride Week next Friday, May 2 with our CBMmath assessment in an extended advisory. The following week all students will take the NWEA MAP reading and math assessments on Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8, respectively. Finally, some students will take the CBMreading assessment on Friday, May 9th. As with all assessments, we encourage students to get a good night’s rest on the nights before testing, eat a healthy breakfast, arrive at McCracken on time with charged Chromebooks, and take their time and do their best.