McCracken Weekly

Sept 21-25, 2015

Everyone, Everyday is Respectful, Responsible & Ready!

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Athletics

Girls' Volleyball

• Varsity (4:00 p.m.)
  • Monday, September 21: Park View @ McCracken
  • Thursday, September 24: McCracken @ East Prairie
     
• Jr. Varsity (5:00 p.m.)
  • Monday, September 21: Park View @ McCracken
  • Thursday, September 24: McCracken @ East Prairie
• 6th Grade (4:00 p.m.)
  • Tuesday, September 22: Lincoln Jr. High & East Prairie @ McCracken

Boys Soccer

• Varsity (4:00 p.m.)
  • Monday, September 21: McCracken vs. East Prairie @ Hamlin Park
  • Wednesday, September 23: Culver @ McCracken
• Jr. Varsity (4:00p.m.)
  • Tuesday, September 22: Lincoln Jr. High @ McCracken
  • Thursday, September 24: Lincoln Hall @ McCracken
  • Friday, September 25: McCracken vs. Park View @ Harrer Park

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Student Council Elections

McCracken Student Council elections were held on Friday, September 11. Our newly elected President is Chizolum N., Vice President is Aithan N., Secretary is Elliott P., and Treasurer is Amreen J. Congratulations to all of our candidates for their interest and hard work!

All School Read Assembly

On Friday, September 25 at 2:00 p.m. McCracken students will participate in our annual All School Read Assembly. The purpose of the All School Read is to provide a student-driven school wide learning experience rooted in literacy. This is the culminating event around our work with the summer 2015 read Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Students will participate in a variety of activities based upon the novel. Advisory groups will earn points based upon how the activities are completed. Advisory groups that successfully participate will win a certificate of participation. Prizes will also be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Advisories. A special thank you to the student committee that helped to select this novel!

Peanut and Nut-Free Classrooms

As part of our ongoing effort to ensure a safe learning environment for all students, classrooms and other learning spaces in our building are peanut and nut free. (Students travel to multiple classrooms each day, so it is not possible to designate only some classrooms as "peanut and nut-free zones.") Therefore, when selecting snacks or meals for your child to eat during activities or events meeting outside of our cafeteria, please send peanut and nut free options. Your child may continue to bring peanut and nut products for lunch in our cafeteria, as we have a peanut and nut free table in that location. Thank you for your support and cooperation!

Extracurricular Programs

Last week, students received a brochure that highlights many of our after-school programs. Please note that some activities are try-out based, others are fee-based, and many are offered free for students! If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Courtney Goodman, Assistant Principal, at 847.676.8265.

Student Handbook

Each family will receive a District 73.5 Student Handbook. Please read through the handbook with your child, and then sign and return the corresponding confirmation form by Friday, September 11. Thank you!

Orchestra 

McCracken is pleased to host an after-school orchestra program for students in grades 6-8. Please review the attached flyer for more information.

English Classes

Once again, free English classes are being offered to district parents and grandparents on Saturday mornings, from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Meyer Multi-Purpose room. There is free child-care. Interested parents must complete the registration form at the bottom of the attached flyer (Urdu translation). Slips can be sent to your school office. Classes began on Saturday, September 12.

Middle School Parents Still Make The Difference 

Visit our website to access a monthly parent Newsletter titled, “Middle School Parents Still Make a Difference!” This resource provides tips for helping your student succeed in school, and suggestions for communicating with your young adolescent. Each edition also includes a monthly calendar of ideas for you and your middle school student. Enjoy!

Reminder: Arrival and Dismissal Safety Guidelines

Ensuring the safety of all students during arrival and dismissal is a collective effort. Please review the Skokie Police ordinances, McCracken Middle School regulations, and safety reminders outlined on the website and distributed to all students on Schedule Pick Up Day so that we may work together toward improved student safety. Please also remember not to block the driveways of homes on East Prairie to ensure that our neighbors may enter and exit safely. Thank you!

Free and Reduced Lunch Information

In order to be eligible for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program for 2015-2016, you must complete an application. Applications are available in the school office and on our website. Families who were approved for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program last year must apply again this year. If you do not apply by September 30, 2015, you will be charged for lunches. If you have any questions, please call Mrs. Elle Karagianes in the District Office at 847.676.8317. 

Learning Center

The Learning Center will open for students at 7:30 a.m. every day before school, and remain open until 4:00 p.m. after school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. (After 7:40 a.m. students must wait to enter the building until the bell rings at 7:50 a.m.) The Learning Center is closed after school on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Cafeteria

The cafeteria is open at 7:30 a.m. for students to purchase breakfast. (After 7:40 a.m. students must wait to enter the building until the bell rings at 7:50 a.m.)  The Learning Center is closed after school on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Annual Asbestos Management Plan Notice

It has been determined by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency that asbestos is a potential health hazard, and precautions should be taken to avoid disturbing any asbestos containing materials. As required, our building(s) were initially inspected for asbestos and a Management Plan completed on May 1989. The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act requires that a visual surveillance of asbestos containing areas be completed every 6 months and a re-inspection conducted every 3 years. Any evidence of disturbance or change in condition is documented in the Management Plan as required. The Management Plan is available for public review at the District Office, 8000 East Prairie Road, Skokie, IL. Should you wish to review the plans, please call to make an appointment between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Any concerns relative to asbestos containing materials should be directed to Ms. Cyndi Cohen at 847.324.0509.

Early Dismissal

Every Tuesday students are dismissed at 2:00 p.m. so that teachers may participate in professional development and collaborative planning sessions.

Late Bus

We offer late bus service again this year. If your child is a current bus rider and has paid for service, there is no extra cost and he/she may use our regular bus pass to ride the late bus. If your child is not a current bus rider, you may pay a $70 fee in the McCracken office to secure a late bus pass. Students must show the driver their late bus pass to ride this bus. The late bus runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and leaves McCracken at 4:00 p.m.. If you have questions, please call the office.

Student/Parent Email Registration:

To receive alerts via email, please register your email address with the district via PowerSchool.

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Introducing "Community Pages"

Visit the Community section of our website for links to Community Pages, an archive of "frequent flyer" handouts shared by our community partners for students to take home in their backpacks and folders.