The Weekly - June 2, 2023

Last week we announced that Skokie School District 73.5 would begin delivering student report cards to you by email. Unfortunately, we encountered unexpected technical challenges that cannot be resolved in time for Trimester 3 report card delivery.

Trimester 3 report cards will NOT be delivered by email. They WILL be available electronically through the PowerSchool Student/Parent Portal website after report cards are finalized in mid-June. At that time, please watch your inbox for an email with the following information:

Instructions for logging into the PowerSchool Parent Portal and how to find, view, and print the report card.
Who to contact for assistance and how to request a print copy of the report card from the school office.

We are working with our support partners to correct the error and remain hopeful that we will be able to send report cards by email in the 2023-2024 school year.

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.

• Strategic Plan 2024-2029 and background information

We were able to celebrate the accomplishments of our McCracken Graduating Class of 2023 in multiple ways over the last few weeks. Our special 8th grade end of the year celebration was highly attended by many students, parents, and staff. All of our staff and students joined together as a school community to say a final heartfelt goodbye during the 8th grade Clap Out held at dismissal on our graduates’ last full day of school. The graduation ceremony took place on Thursday, May 25th at Niles North high School. It has been a tremendous pleasure to watch students learn and grow during their time at McCracken Middle School. We are proud to celebrate the many achievements of our students who excelled academically, athletically, socially, and emotionally and look forward to their accomplishments in the future as they transition to high school.

Fond Farewell

We are saying goodbye to several cherished members of our McCracken Middle School staff this year. Ms. Paula Freeman is retiring after 20 years serving as our 6th and 8th grade Spanish teacher. Her dedication and commitment to sharing her love and interest in Spanish culture and language with our students is appreciated. Ms. Moriah Berry will also be moving on in her career as one of our school social workers. She has connected with students and families in many positive ways throughout her time at McCracken and will be greatly missed. Sue Dentzer will be departing her position as one of our valued administrative assistants at the end of June. Her welcoming presence in the office and attention to detail has supported staff, administration, students, and families. Ms. Priya Amin will continue serving students and families in our district as she transitions to Niles North High School as the Social Studies Department Director. We sincerely appreciate her professionalism and compassion as an assistant principal at McCracken Middle School and look forward to continuing to partner with her in District 219. We wish staff well in their new adventures!

As we close out another successful school year we want to share our appreciation to all of our students, staff, and families in Skokie School District 73.5! We value your partnership and wish everyone a safe and fun summer full of special memories with friends and family.

McCracken has been designated as a 2022-23 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Gateway Distinguished School. This award recognizes schools across the U.S. for their commitment to providing broad access to transformative learning experiences and increasing student access, engagement, and achievement through their PLTW programs.

The McCracken Middle School STEAM program is taught by Ms. Lisa Repp. We are incredibly proud of her commitment to our students' learning experiences, and the efforts of our students to participate actively in the program.

ALL SCHOOL READ

Our McCracken All School Read book is When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed. Current 5th through 7th grade students received a free copy of this book at school this week. They are expected to read this book over the summer. Students will engage in planned literacy activities connected to this book during the first month of the 2023-2024 school year. Please encourage your child to read this book over the summer as well as visit the Skokie Public Library!

Middleton Spring Concert Series

Middleton students performed a series of concerts during the first 3 weeks of May. Please enjoy a sample here and then visit our 2023 Middleton Spring Concert Series page for more!

Turn your device sideways for best viewing on small screens.

NOTE: The 1st Grade Concert videos did not record properly and could not be included in this series. We look forward to showcasing our 2022-2023 1st graders in their 2nd grade concert performances during school year 2023-2024.

Thank You!

Meyer families, thank you for all your support during this school year! Our Meyer Shining Stars have grown in a multitude of ways this year, and we are so thankful for your partnership. We hope you have a wonderful summer and that you are able to find some time for family and fun.

Thank you so much to our Meyer Parent Leaders (MPL) for supporting Meyer students, families, and staff all year long! The MPL has brought us so many fun family events this year, including Socktoberfest, Movie Night, Bingo Night, and End-of-the-Year Bash! The Meyer Parent Leaders also helped with Meyer Mart, Treasure Chest and LEGO Collections, Staff Appreciation activities, snacks at Story Night, and co-sponsored our Family Sing-Along with Miss Carole. Many thanks to Odessa Molina and Karen Chan for leading the group, and to all of our various volunteers who helped make the events a success!

Special thanks go to our McCracken students who volunteered at our End-of-the-Year Bash, and parent/guardian volunteers Odessa Molina, Karen Chan, Taylor Crittenden, Annie Bhurya, Wendy Rodas, Katherine Hall, Allyson Ward, Kim Ky, and Ayme Amorin for making the End-of-the-Year Bash extra fun and special!

JumpStart Kindergarten

Registration for our Jumpstart Kindergarten program is now open to incoming Kindergarten families. This 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. Students may attend ONE of two sessions, August 7th to 11th or August 14th to 18th. Spots are limited. Please see this ► FLYER for details, including the link to register.