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News and information from our district and schools
Scroll to view District updates and news from Meyer, Middleton, and McCracken!
February 28, 2025
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BOARD OF EDUCATION WORKSHOP
Parents, guardians, and the public are invited to learn about our instructional programs in a series of Board of Education workshops.
The next workshop is on Monday, March 3, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at McCracken Middle School on the topic of MTSS/Responsive Instruction. This workshop will focus on the elements of MTSS (Multi-tiered Systems of Supports) and how it affects learning for our students. Learn how this general education program benefits the whole-child approach to educating students by gathering data in both academics and behavior to inform decisions for properly implementing intervention to address student needs.
Please complete this short Google Form to register for any or all of these informative sessions.
FACILITIES & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMUNITY MEETING
Skokie73.5 parents/guardians, neighbors, and staff are invited to attend the next Community Meeting to explore our school improvement planning process. Learn firsthand about the current state of our facilities and infrastructure and the exciting steps ahead.
WHEN: Monday, March 10 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Middleton Elementary School Media Center
RSVP is requested: Please complete this short Google Form
We hope you can join us for this very important meeting! Find additional meeting date and time information HERE.
5Essentials PARENT SURVEY 2024-2025
Teachers, families, and students across Illinois have an opportunity to participate in the annual statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey. This survey is designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of our schools.
The Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey is open now through March 28, 2025. To take the survey please visit survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois and click the "Parent Survey" to begin. There are 21 questions and the survey should take approximately 10 minutes. If you have children in multiple buildings please complete the survey for each school.
Your participation in the Parent Survey will help us better understand our schools and guide improvement. Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will never be connected to you or your child. The state of Illinois now uses the results of the survey to determine our official school designation at Middleton and McCracken, which is reported on the yearly Illinois School Report Card. If at least 20 percent of families complete this survey, a supplemental report will be generated for each school and will be publicly available. This will allow us to access your valuable feedback.
SOAR ART EXHIBITION
The SOAR Art Exhibition (Student Outstanding Artist Recognition) is here just in time for Youth Arts Month! Sponsored by the Skokie Fine Arts Commission, this free, family-friendly event is open to the public. All are encouraged to attend and support the budding artists from the Skokie community, including several Meyer, Middleton, and McCracken students! Join us in celebrating their outstanding achievements and artistic contributions throughout the month of March!
Opening Reception: Wednesday, March 5 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Oakton College, 7701 Lincoln Avenue in Skokie (enter through door 21)
Ongoing exhibition hours: March 1 through March 31
Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
GET TO KNOW THE PTO!
Thank you to everyone who made it out to Portillo’s on February 13 for the PTO fundraiser! The funds will go towards future projects and events for the District. Thank you for your support!
The school staff lounges could use some K-Cups, hot chocolate, and tea. Individually wrapped snacks are also appreciated (chips, etc.)! Help show staff some extra love as we wrap up these chilly winter months! Donations can be sent to school in kids’ backpacks or dropped off at any school front office. Click or tap a badge below for ideas and to purchase through Amazon.
The PTO welcomes the community to TASTE OF 73.5 on Sunday, April 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at McCracken Middle School. 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.
Email [email protected] if you would like to help plan the event. Meetings will be held on Zoom.
Click or tap the flyer for more information on the PTO website!
Visit district735pto.org and get to know your PTO!
Questions about this calendar or events? Please email [email protected].
DISTRICT DATES
AROUND TOWN
Village of Skokie newsletter
Skokie Public Library newsletter
NTDSE Community Events newsletter
Meyer School celebrated Black History Month in February. During Daily Announcements, our Meyer Shining Stars learned about important contributors to Black History. Some of the contributors featured this month included Dr. Ayanna Howard, Rashard Mendenhall, Melissa “M’Lis” Ward, Robell Awake, and many others.
PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION & SCREENING 2025-2026
Preschool registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open. Our preschool classrooms are filling up quickly! For more information about our program, please see our PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE SLIDESHOW.
Meyer School is offering preschool developmental screenings for the 2025-2026 school year on April 22 and April 23, for District 73.5 families only. If you are interested in having your child considered for the Discount Preschool Tuition Program, or if you have concerns about your preschool-aged child’s development, please sign up for a screening appointment HERE or scan the QR code on the flyer.
WE READ TOGETHER AT SKOKIE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Please save the date for Meyer's WE READ TOGETHER NIGHT at Skokie Public Library!
Thursday, March 6, 2025
6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Storytime Room
All are welcome as Meyer staff members read stories. Students in grades K-5 may drop in with an adult. We hope to see you there!
PBIS FAMILY CONNECTION: THINK SHEET
At Meyer School, students have learned about green expected choices and red unexpected choices. We learned that everyone makes mistakes, and we can use them as opportunities to learn and grow.
To help students reflect on their behavior, we use a think sheet when an unexpected red choice happens at school. We use restorative questions to build self-awareness and think about how their behavior impacts others. We ask our students: What happened? How do you think it made others feel? What can you do to solve the problem? At the end, we review what green expected choices we can make next time and what strategies we can use to handle big feelings.
At home, you can use the think sheet or you can ask your child questions to reflect on an unexpected red choice.
KINDERGARTEN THEATER TRIP: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
PreK FINE MOTOR SKILL ACTIVITY
MEYER DATES
MEYER SUPERSTARS
Ms. LaBarbera's Kindergarten Superstars
Ms. Sanfilippo's AM Preschool Superstars
FIRST GRADE ARRIVAL CHANGE: "SOFT START" — Attention 1st Grade families: Beginning Monday, March 3, Middleton will be piloting a "soft start" entry for 1st graders. The Middleton doors will be opened at 8:15 a.m. for 1st graders only. When the 1st grade students arrive at school, they will enter the building immediately and start unpacking.
During indoor arrival due to recent cold weather, teachers found these additional 10 minutes to be an excellent way for 1st graders to emotionally regulate and get ready for the school day. The soft start entry will continue through the end of the school year.
WE READ TOGETHER AT SKOKIE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Please save the date for Meyer's WE READ TOGETHER NIGHT at Skokie Public Library!
Thursday, March 6, 2025
6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Storytime Room
All are welcome as Meyer staff members read stories. Students in grades K-5 may drop in with an adult. We hope to see you there!
MIDDLETON SPACE 2025-2026
Please see the attached flyer for information about the Middleton SPACE before- and after-school care program for the 2025-2026 school year.
McCracken choir students showcased their many talents during the February Choir Concert this week! Performance pieces featured a wide range of diverse songs and artists. The 6th grade choir performed a complete song in Mandarin. All students delivered a fantastic performance and we thank families and friends for joining us. Special thanks to our choir director, Ms. Amy Keipert, and accompanist, Mr. Geoff Duffy.
Congratulations to the 13 vocal soloists and 12 vocal ensembles who participated in the IGSMA Solo and Ensemble event this past weekend! They received very positive feedback from the judges.
Good luck to our McCracken 7th and 8th grade Singers as well as Hornet Harmony as they perform at the IGSMA District Organization Contest this weekend.
RAMADAN
As the holy month of Ramadan begins for our Muslim families we are sharing how McCracken supports students who may be fasting during the school day. McCracken students have been given an optional form to complete during advisory to request an alternate comfortable space to go during their lunch periods. Students complete the form and then administration will reach out to families to notify them of their child’s plan for lunch during the month of Ramadan. Paper copies of the form are also available for students to take home to families. Students will go to the Learning Center during that time. Should students need a place to pray during that time we do have prayer mats available for students to use in that space. Families who have questions or need additional information can reach out to administration at any time.
8th GRADE FUNDRAISER UPDATES
McCracken's 8th grade families have done an amazing job fundraising for the 8th grade graduation end-of-year celebration and have raised just under $4,000. These funds will be used in many ways to provide decorations, food, music, and more for our graduates in May! If you are interested in donating funds toward the graduation party, please feel free to drop off a check at the McCracken front office or donate through Revtrak! This no-fuss fundraiser will run from Friday, February 28 through Wednesday, March 5.
McCRACKEN GARDEN NEWS
Attention families and community members! The NEW McCracken Garden needs your expertise! Please click HERE to learn how you can help our 6th graders create a new International Garden. If you are interested in being a community expert, please complete this form.
TRIMESTER HORNET DAY REWARD
McCracken 6th grade students earned the most Buzz Bucks across the grade levels during the first trimester of the school year for respectful, responsible, and ready behaviors! As their reward for displaying positive behaviors, we planned special fun activities during 9th period on February 27. Students were able to sign up for preferred activities such as open gym, extra recess, ping pong, board games, giant Jenga, crochet, card games, and Minute to Win It games! This is the first year we are piloting this special program in an effort to improve our PBIS programming, increase student community and engagement, and provide a welcoming and safe school environment. Special thanks to Mr. Trevor Dykes and all of our Specials and 6th grade staff and paraprofessionals for organizing and supervising this special PBIS reward day.
FAMILY RESOURCES
As our middle school students continue to work toward academic and behavioral goals for the 2024-2025 school year, please see a few resources below to support your child with independent reading, executive functioning, and homework.
- 20 Ways to Keep Your Middle Schooler Interested in Reading from Scholastic
- Helping Kids Who Struggle with Executive Functions from Child Mind Institute
- Executive Function Activities for Adolescents from Harvard University
- 10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Middle School from KidsHealth
McCRACKEN 2024-2025 YEARBOOK
The 2024-2025 McCracken yearbook is on sale NOW! The yearbook staff has been working hard to create a fun and unique yearbook for our students and families. The cost of the yearbook is $20.00 and orders can be placed online using the information below. Get your copy today!
Website: ybpay.lifetouch.com
Yearbook ID Code: 13556325
Orders are due by March 21, 2025
8th GRADE INFORMATION
UPDATED FEBRUARY 21, 2025
McCracken shared a letter with 8th grade families in January regarding graduation plans for our Class of 2025! The link to the letter is here as well as due dates (below) for both the graduation gown orders and diploma names. Please see the following updates to the important dates to remember for our 8th grade families:
- 8th Grade Graduation Picture Retakes: Thursday, March 13 (Photo proofs for the pictures taken on January 30 will be distributed to students when delivered.)
- Diploma Names & Gown/Tassel Orders Due: Friday, February 7th (individual families were contacted for any missing items)
- 8th Grade End of Year Celebration: Friday, May 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
- 8th Grade Graduation: Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
McCRACKEN ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL SAFETY
Parents and guardians who drive their student(s) to or from school must use the Circle Drive off of East Prairie Road.
Parents and guardians must enter the Circle Drive near the south entrance on East Prairie Road staying on the right side of the drive for pick up or drop off (leave the outside lane open to exiting cars at all times). Do NOT drop off or pick up your student in the left lane.
The Drive-Thru is for right lane drop off and pick up only. Do not park in the Drive-Thru lane. Please help to keep our students and staff safe at all times!
Drivers should NOT enter the Circle Drive coming north off East Prairie. Please enter the drop off or pick up line driving south on East Prairie.
Drive SLOWLY and carefully, watching for both students and cars at ALL times!
Students may NOT walk through the back parking lot for any reason, due to traffic.
Students must exit school property immediately following dismissal and may not stay to congregate with peers outdoors unless involved in an extracurricular activity.
Crossing guards are available to assist students crossing Oakton Street and Crawford Avenue and also on East Prairie Road and Warren Street.
Students may NOT cross the street at East Prairie Road and Oakton Street unless accompanied by a parent/guardian. There is no crosswalk or crossing guards and there is a high volume of traffic.
OUTDOOR RECESS REMINDERS
Students participate in outdoor recess throughout the school year unless there is a significant weather-related or other external factor that necessitates an indoor program. Please send your child to school with appropriate outerwear. For winter weather, students will need a warm coat, hat, gloves, and winter snow boots when necessary. Families in need of outerwear for their child should contact school administration for additional resources.
In general, students go outside for recess as long as it “feels” like 15 degrees or above and it is not raining or snowing. See the Child Care Weather Watch chart that we use to guide our decisions.
HACKWEST
Middle school students are invited to learn computer programming, develop new skills, and showcase their talents at HACKWEST! Check the FLYER for details and click HERE to submit the Interest Form.
McCRACKEN DATES
McCRACKEN GAMES
ATTENDANCE REMINDERS
Did you know that missing two days of school a month, over the course of a school year, can affect a student's academic success? Please help us make school attendance a priority! This McCracken Attendance Reminders sheet provides information about the importance of consistent school attendance and keeping your child engaged in school. If you know that your child will be absent for the day, please call our school nurse, Ms. Warda, at 847-676-8235 by 8:00 a.m. on the day of the absence. Please review the McCracken Attendance Reminders for more information.
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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