News and information from our district and schools
Scroll to view District updates and news from Meyer, Middleton, McCracken, the PTO, and around town!
April 17, 2026
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SPRING HEALTH FAIR
Skokie 73.5 is partnering with the Evanston-North Shore Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for a Be Well & Be Ready Community Health Fair on SATURDAY, APRIL 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Join us at McCracken Middle School for safety preparedness and mental health workshops, a blood drive, hands-only CPR training, fitness activities, bicycle and helmet checks, the Kona Ice truck, and more.
RSVP is requested for the Health Fair to help us plan for space and supplies. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for the blood drive and CPR training. Please follow the links below to RSVP for the Health Fair. If you wish to donate blood or sign up for CPR Training, please complete those forms, too.
- Health Fair RSVP Form
- Blood Drive Registration Form (or scan the code in THIS FLYER)
- CPR Training Sign-up Form
SOAR ARTISTS RECOGNITION
At their meeting on Tuesday, the Board of Education proudly recognized our student artists whose work was selected for inclusion in the SOAR Art Exhibition. This honor celebrates their creativity, imagination, and dedication to their craft. We are incredibly proud of our talented students, as well as the art teachers who support and inspire them every day.
View some photos from the meeting HERE, and a gallery of their artwork HERE.
ILLINOIS SCIENCE ASSESSMENT
ILLINOIS SCIENCE ASSESSMENT (ISA)
From April 20th through April 22nd, 5th and 8th grade students will participate in the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA). The ISA is aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards for Science (which include the Next Generation Science Standards). It is designed to provide teachers and families with information about student progress in their learning of science concepts and skills.
Additional information about ISA testing is available on the Illinois State Board of Education website.
To provide flexibility, each school will develop its own testing schedule. Our test coordinators are working diligently in preparation, and we anticipate a smooth testing experience. Please keep an eye on the Middleton and McCracken sections of The Weekly over the coming weeks for school-specific information.
FITNESS NIGHT AT MIDDLETON on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22nd from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The PTO will be serving popcorn, selling drinks, and needs a couple of volunteers to help us make the popcorn and sell the drinks. Sign up HERE. Proceeds will go to the PTO to help fund events for the District. Thank you!
TASTE of 73.5
SUNDAY, APRIL 26th
2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at McCracken Middle School
The PTO welcomes the community to TASTE OF 73.5! Cultural groups are invited to fill out this Google Form to register for a booth to showcase displays and/or food samples that represent their cultural backgrounds. Please contact the PTO by APRIL 20th if you need a booth set up.
TEACHER & STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK
MAY 3rd - MAY 8th
See below for opportunities to participate and show our hard-working teachers and staff some love!
CHALK THE WALKS — SUNDAY, MAY 3rd from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Leave a message or drawing thanking staff on the sidewalks around the schools! The PTO will provide chalk at entrances around the schools.
BUILDING SNACK BARS — Bring snacks/drinks for staff at each school. Please sign up below to bring something in:
- TUESDAY, MAY 5th: McCracken snack bar — sign up HERE!
- WEDNESDAY, MAY 6th: Middleton snack bar — sign up HERE!
- THURSDAY, MAY 7th: Meyer snack bar — sign up HERE!
SOCIAL SHOUT-OUTS — Submit a shout-out/words of appreciation HERE for a teacher, staff member, District team, custodial staff, etc.! The PTO will share the shout-outs on Facebook on MAY 7th / MAY 8th.
DONATE to PTO for staff appreciation and other events using Zelle ([email protected]). If you wish to donate with cash or check, contact Margaret Page at [email protected].
5th GRADE FAREWELL AT MIDDLETON
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27th at 5:00 p.m.
The 5th GRADE TEAM is arranging an event and cultural feast to celebrate our 5th graders moving from Middleton to McCracken. We need supplies (utensils, heavy-duty plates, etc.) and some volunteers to make this celebration a success. Sign up HERE — THANK YOU!
Join the PTO on SUNDAY, MAY 31st for the SKOKIE 73.5 x CHICAGO STARS FC OUTING! Watch the Chicago Stars soccer team take on the San Diego Wave at Evanston's Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium — right on the lake! Game time is 12:00 p.m. and all Skokie 73.5 students and families are invited. We will have our own seating section to cheer on the Chicago Stars. Purchase tickets HERE! Parking in the garages surrounding the stadium is $25; the North garage is the closest option. Parking can be purchased on the day of the game or in advance HERE. See you there!
SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR
The PTO partners with 1st Place Spiritwear for print-on-demand merchandise. Click a button below to shop the spiritwear stores and watch for sales! Every purchase supports the PTO and our schools!
Content posted on the PTO website is managed by the PTO
Visit district735pto.org and get to know your PTO!
Questions about this calendar or events? Please email [email protected].
AROUND TOWN
DISTRICT DATES
ELL CENTER PROGRAMS
ELL PARENT CENTER
ELL CENTER CLASSES
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
The STORY BUS from Kohl Children’s Museum brings the children’s museum to schools in the Chicagoland area. This year, kindergartners experienced the Animal Orchestra Story Bus on Monday, April 13th. The story follows a group of animal musicians from Animalandia who travel together, spreading the love of music to other animals around the world. Kindergartners sang and danced on the Story Bus, learning about different types of music from around the world.
MEYER SHOWCASE
We are excited to invite Meyer families to the MEYER SHOWCASE on THURSDAY, APRIL 30th from 6:00 to 7:00 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 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. Please use the main entrance OR Door 6 by the parking lot. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
SPRING SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
The SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR will be open MONDAY, APRIL 27th through THURSDAY, APRIL 30th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Meyer Library. Please bring a photo ID to check in at the Meyer Office by Door #1.
The book fair will also be open in the evening during the Meyer Showcase on THURSDAY, APRIL 30th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
You can also shop the book fair online from APRIL 27th through MAY 10th at THIS LINK and receive 25% off your online purchase.
All purchases through the Book Fair will benefit Meyer school. Thanks for supporting our kids! Happy reading!
FAMILY CONNECTION: Growth Mindset
At Meyer, we learn about having a growth mindset. A growth mindset can help children become more persistent, more resilient, and better learners. A child with a growth mindset is able to work through things that are challenging or hard, instead of giving up.
The educational psychologist, Carol Dweck, was the first to talk about a growth mindset, comparing it with a fixed mindset. People with a fixed mindset believe that people are just born being good at some things and bad at other things. It has little to do with practice and perseverance.
A growth mindset is the belief that a person’s brain is always growing, and that people can learn new things and improve at them. People grow their brains with practice and effort, and through learning from their mistakes.
We can help our children develop a growth mindset by talking about it, modeling it, and practicing it. You can also praise them for their hard work and encourage them to try again and again until they get better at something. When they make a mistake, we can tell them, “It’s okay,” and talk about what they learned from the mistake.
Below are some things we can say to our children to encourage a growth mindset:
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
For more information, please visit RANGER BUDDIES "Say This, Not That: Words to Foster a Growth Mindset in Kids."
You can also watch a VIDEO with them to talk about growth mindset!
MEYER DATES
KINDER SUPERSTARS
PRESCHOOL SUPERSTARS
SPIRIT WEAR
CLICK A BADGE TO ORDER!
Students at Middleton are celebrating AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH! Some students use an AAC device—special communication tool—to participate fully in classroom activities, including our morning greeting! Every day, these tools help students share their thoughts, answer questions, and connect with classmates in ways that work best for them. This month, we're celebrating neurodiversity—the idea that different ways of thinking, learning, and communicating can be strengths, not challenges. Your child is learning in a classroom where every voice matters, whether it's spoken, signed, typed, or expressed through technology. We're so excited to show you all the amazing ways our students are learning and growing together. Thank you for supporting an inclusive classroom community where all kids can shine!
SPRING MUSICAL
Use THIS LINK to purchase your tickets to “Frozen Jr.”
FITNESS NIGHT
HEY MIDDLETON FAMILIES! Please join us on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22nd from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at MIDDLETON FAMILY FITNESS NIGHT! We’ll have some of our all-time favorite P.E. games, popcorn from the PTO, a Kona Ice truck (available for purchase), and Kaleidoscope Dance leading an epic dance party in the cafeteria!
This is a free event, and all students must be accompanied by an adult. It is NOT a drop-off event. We hope to see you there!
LOST & FOUND
ILLINOIS SCIENCE ASSESSMENT (ISA)
From APRIL 20th through APRIL 22nd, 5th and 8th grade students will participate in the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA). The ISA is aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards for Science (which include the Next Generation Science Standards). It is designed to provide teachers and families with information about student progress in their learning of science concepts and skills. Additional information about ISA testing is available on the Illinois State Board of Education website.
ON TO 6th GRADE PARENT-GUARDIAN EVENT
Current 5th grade parents and guardians are invited to attend an informational event to learn more about the transition to McCracken Middle School on THURSDAY, MAY 7th from 6:00–7:00 p.m. "On to 6th Grade" is your first opportunity to meet members of the 6th grade team and learn more about middle school programs and procedures. Parents are welcome to participate in an optional tour at the end of the event. This event is for parents and guardians only. Child care is available at McCracken upon request. Please fill out this form if you need childcare. We look forward to welcoming you to McCracken Middle School.
3rd GRADE MINI-MUSICAL ENCORE!
Our 3rd GRADE STUDENTS did a beautiful job in their MINI MUSICAL as BUGS AT A PICNIC! Wonderful job to all the actors, singers, dancers, and soloists! We are so proud of you! Thank you families and community members for joining us and supporting your children’s artistic endeavors. Thank you to all the staff who helped out, and especially to Ms. Anderson and Ms. Sylvester for their incredible hard work and dedication to these special performances.
ENCORE! ENCORE! Our 3rd grade students did such a wonderful job in their Mini Musical, so we're posting MORE photos!
MIDDLETON DATES
SPIRIT WEAR
CLICK A BADGE TO ORDER!
Our 8th GRADE STUDENTS recently had the valuable opportunity to welcome representatives from Niles North High School. McCracken Middle School administrators and staff continue to collaborate closely with Niles North to ensure a smooth and successful transition to high school for our students and families.
During the visit, Niles North administrators partnered with members of their Multicultural Student Achievement Network (MSAN), a student group eager to connect with our middle school community. Two of the representatives were McCracken alumni. The high school students delivered an engaging and interactive presentation that included personal testimonials, practical advice, and insights into the high school experience. The session also provided time for meaningful questions and dialogue with our 8th graders.
We are grateful for this continued partnership and look forward to building on these connections in the future to support our students’ success.
ILLINOIS SCIENCE ASSESSMENT (ISA)
All 8th grade students will be participating in the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) during the week of APRIL 20th–24th. Students will complete this assessment during their regularly scheduled science classes.
The ISA is a statewide assessment developed by the Illinois State Board of Education to measure students’ understanding of the Illinois Learning Standards for Science, which are based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The purpose of the assessment is to evaluate how well students can apply scientific concepts, think critically, and solve real-world problems using scientific reasoning in the areas of life science, physical science, and Earth and space science. Students should bring charged Chromebooks to school every day, get a good night’s rest, and eat a healthy breakfast on testing days.
McCRACKEN APRIL SHOW-ERS
Save the date to attend our McCRACKEN MIDDLE SCHOOL APRIL SHOW-ERS COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE event on THURSDAY, APRIL 23rd from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Our teams have planned engaging student and community-centered sessions.
The purpose of April Show-ers is to share our students’ learning and connect with our school community members. Our event promotes community engagement and pride! Families will be given a “Passport” with a menu of available activities to attend sessions with their student and collect stamps along the way. Adults and students must be present to earn a stamp! At the end of the night, head to the gym to enjoy a performance by Hornet Harmony and turn in your passport to be entered into raffles for fun prizes! The performance will begin promptly at 7:15 p.m.
EARTH DAY ACTIVISM
Social Justice Club and Garden Club combined efforts for Earth Day activism. Protecting our planet for future generations is a crucial part of social justice! Students and staff are invited to show some respect for the earth on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22nd by cleaning trash around the school as part of the Clean Green Skokie movement and cataloging biodiversity with the City Nature Challenge.
McCRACKEN SYMPHONIC BAND
We are thrilled to announce our McCracken Middle School Symphonic Band was selected to perform at the prestigious Illinois SuperState Band Festival in May. They are one of only seven middle school bands to be selected for the festival this year. Recorded applications are evaluated by panels of renowned conductors and educators. Congratulations to Chip De Stefano and all symphonic band students for their hard work and dedication to our band program. The festival will take place on FRIDAY, MAY 8th at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. Please access this website for more information.
ON TO 6th GRADE PARENT-GUARDIAN EVENT
Current 5th grade parents and guardians are invited to attend an informational event to learn more about the transition to McCracken Middle School on THURSDAY, MAY 7th from 6:00–7:00 p.m. "On to 6th Grade" is your first opportunity to meet members of the 6th grade team and learn more about middle school programs and procedures. Parents are welcome to participate in an optional tour at the end of the event. This event is for parents and guardians only. Child care is available at McCracken upon request. Please fill out this form if you need childcare. We look forward to welcoming you to McCracken Middle School.
McCRACKEN MARKET FUNDRAISER
The McCracken Social Justice Club has been busy with their McCracken Market fundraisers! Students held a used book sale in March and are preparing for a handmade craft sale in APRIL. Proceeds will help the club support our community through partnerships with three local organizations: The Niles Township Food Pantry, District 73.5 Community Safe Passage & Mutual Aid, and Connections for the Homeless. Any students who would like to be involved are encouraged to connect with Mrs. Gammeri. We are also accepting donations of gently used books. Stay tuned for more McCracken Market updates!
8th GRADE END-OF-YEAR CELEBRATION PTO FUNDRAISER
The Skokie 73.5 PTO and 8th Grade Parent Committee will be hosting an 8th Grade End-of-Year Celebration on FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McCracken.
To make the end-of-year festivities memorable for every student, we’re inviting our parent community to partner with the Skokie 73.5 PTO and 8th Grade Parent Committee in one (or more!) of the following ways. See this letter from the PTO for more details!
8th GRADE GRADUATION COMMUNICATION
The McCracken 8th grade Class of 2026 families recently received communication regarding graduation activities and events. We hope families and students were able to attend the Niles North Curriculum Night event. Please watch for further communication from both McCracken Middle School and Niles North High School throughout the school year. Below you will see a link to a copy of the letter we sent home in APRIL and upcoming events.
► 8th GRADE GRADUATION PARENT/GUARDIAN LETTER APRIL 2026 NEW!
Upcoming 8th Grade Important Dates
- Niles North High School Incoming Freshman Mixer ~ FRIDAY, APRIL 17th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
- 8th Grade End-of-Year Celebration ~ FRIDAY, MAY 22nd from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
- THEME: "Starry Night"
- McCracken 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony ~ THURSDAY, MAY 28th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Niles North High School. We expect the ceremony to start promptly at 6:00 p.m. and last approximately 1–1 1/2 hours.
McCRACKEN DATES
McCRACKEN GAMES
SPIRIT WEAR
CLICK A BADGE TO ORDER!
District Priorities
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.
Equity Mission Statement
WE BELIEVE that inclusivity and belonging is the foundation for equity.
ALL CHILDREN CAN LEARN, at high achievement levels, when equity is infused into every aspect of education.
WE ACKNOWLEDGE the systemic inequities present in school systems and recognize the impact they continue to have on marginalized communities.
WE COMMIT to teaching, learning, and growing in order to identify and dismantle inequitable systems and to create a community where barriers are removed so that everyone can reach their full potential.
WE BELIEVE that students succeed when they can see themselves represented in our staff, curriculum, opportunities, and our shared environment. We accomplish this through professional development, curriculum revision, community engagement, and systems evaluations.
WE RECOGNIZE the need to teach our students to identify the origins of unjust systems and empower them to use their critical thinking skills and agency to responsibly disrupt the policies and practices that perpetuate inequalities.
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