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The Weekly spring with bird

News and information from our district and schools

MEYER. MIDDLETON. McCRACKEN. Games. Meal Menu.

 

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DISTRICT NEWS

SUMMER EBT/SUN BUCKS

image: sun bucksSummer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) or "SUN Bucks" is a federally funded program that provides grocery-buying benefits to low-income families with school-aged children when schools are closed for the summer. The Summer EBT is a one-time, $120 per eligible student benefit for summer 2024 administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Check the SUN Bucks Fact Sheet for information (también disponible en español) or visit the IDHS Summer EBT webpage.

During the summer months, families in need of meals can also call 800-359-2163, text “FOOD" (or “COMIDA") to 304-304, or view the USDA online map at https://arcg.is/1XGCnj to find nearby meal sites not located at their school that are open to all children and youth age 18 and younger.

SCHOOLKIDZ SUPPLY KITS FOR 2024-2025

Photo of school suppliesThe Caring Hearts Classroom Grants Committee invites all Skokie73.5 families to pre-order school supplies for the 2024-2025 school year. All proceeds from purchases of SchoolKidz supply kits will be returned back to the Caring Hearts Classroom Grants Committee to support classroom projects, equipment, class trips, and other specialty educational items.

Orders are open for students entering Preschool through 5th grade until Friday, June 14, 2024. Ordering is open for students entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grade through Friday, June 7, 2024. Late orders cannot be accepted. Click or tap a button below to view the lists and more information.

The school supply kit you order for your student(s) will be individually packaged and waiting for your child in their classroom on the first day of school

GET TO KNOW THE PTO!

The FINAL Regular PTO MEETING of the school year is Monday, June 3rd from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in person in the McCracken MPR and online at Google Meet.
Elections for PTO Board members will be held at this meeting. Please contact the PTO at [email protected] if you are interested in being a Board member for the 2024-2025 school year.

Join the online meeting: meet.google.com/rhn-boip-vym

View the Agenda: district735pto.org/meetings

PTO logo

Visit district735pto.org and get to know your PTO!
Questions about this calendar or events? Please email [email protected].

AROUND TOWN

the scoop imageThe Village of Skokie newsletter is now called The Scoop! Check it and subscribe for information and updates.

Skokie Public Library logo
Scroll the Skokie Public Library May/June Newsletter for information about library events and services for all ages and abilities.
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PUBLIC MEETINGS

DISTRICT DATES

NO SCHOOL Memorial Day MON MAY 27
New Year's Day (DISTRICT CLOSED)

Jan 1, 2025

All Day Event

Policy Committee Meeting

Jan 8, 2025 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Board of Education Closed Meeting

Jan 14, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Board of Education Regular Meeting

Jan 14, 2025 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Advocate Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Visit

Jan 17, 2025

All Day Event

GLOBAL HOLIDAYS & OBSERVANCES

MEYER NEWS

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION

image of blue bird and red wormMeyer’s EARLY BIRD program provides before-school care to preschool and kindergarten students from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. every school-day morning. Early Bird registration for the 2024-2025 school year is now open! For more information, including cost and logistics of the program, please see the FLYER.

ON TO KINDERGARTEN

on to kindergarten inside pink oval with red star aboveIncoming kindergarten parents/guardians attended On to Kindergarten on Thursday, May 23rd to learn more about our Kindergarten program, meet staff, see some classrooms, and get to know one another. For parents/guardians who were not able to attend, please see the PRESENTATION SLIDES for more information about our kindergarten program.

JUMPSTART KINDERGARTEN

image: JumpStart KindergartenRegistration 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 half-day sessions on August 12th through August 16th from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. OR 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. Spots are limited. Please see this FLYER for details and the link to register.

KINDERGARTEN VISITS TO MIDDLETON

image of smiling red star and blue bulldog mascotsKindergarten students had the chance to visit Middleton over the past two weeks, where they spent time in a first grade classroom and went on a building tour. Thank you to our first and fourth grade friends, and to the Middleton staff, for making our Kindergartners feel so comfortable with their transition to first grade!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR 2024-2025

MEYER FAMILIES, please mark your calendars with these important dates for new and returning preschool and kindergarten students:
  • Thursday, August 15th: Party on the Playground from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, August 21st: Meyer student classroom visit day
  • Thursday, August 22nd: First day of school for kindergarten students
  • Monday, August 26th: First day of school for preschool students

BUBBLE DAY FUN!

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MEYER SUPERSTARS

Kindergarten Superstars

Preschool Superstars

MEYER DATES

Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)

Start: Dec 23, 2024 End: Dec 27, 2024

Multi-Day Event

Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)

Start: Dec 30, 2024 End: Jan 3, 2025

Multi-Day Event

School Resumes

Jan 6, 2025

All Day Event

Meyer Family Fun Night

Jan 16, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Advocate Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Visit

Jan 17, 2025

All Day Event

Coffee with the Superintendent

Feb 3, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Meyer Movie Night

Feb 6, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

MIDDLETON NEWS

We can’t believe we are entering the last week of school! This has been a great year of learning, celebration, and growth. Thank you to all of our community, families, and students for your partnership and support this year. We hope you have an amazing last week of school, and a wonderful summer!

5th GRADE FAREWELL

SAVE THE DATE! Help us celebrate the accomplishments of our 5th grade students!

Please join us in the Middleton gym on Wednesday, May 29th from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. for a reception featuring student poetry and art. Help us wish the 5th graders a fond farewell as they prepare to move on to 6th grade.

Middleton 5th Grade Farewell Invitation

END OF YEAR COUNTDOWN

Celebrate the end of the school year with our MIDDLETON COUNTDOWN!

MAY 20 M Movement Day Dance party at end of the day
MAY 21 I Identity Day Wear clothes that represent your culture or identity
MAY 22 D Drawing Day Draw a picture of your favorite memory from the school year
MAY 23 D Dress Up Day Dress up as your favorite character
MAY 24 L LEGO/Let's Play Day Extra free choice time
MAY 28 E Escape Room Academic-based learning challenge/riddle
MAY 29 T Talent Day Share your strengths with your classmates during morning meeting
MAY 30 O Opportunity Day Student learning choice time
MAY 31 N New Starts Day  

THE MIDDLETON GARDENS NEEDS YOU!

Do you have time to give some attention to the Middleton Gilbert Garden and courtyard spaces? Families and community members are always welcome to come by to pull weeds, plant the gardents, water the grounds, and help with general garden clean-up.

Our garden team will be on-site throughout the summer. All are invited to help! Bring your own tools if you have them; if you don't, there will be tools available at the garden. Bags are also available in the Gilbert Garden for volunteers and community members to take home fresh grown vegetables and herbs.

Stop by from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on any or all of the following dates. We hope you can join us!
  • Sunday, June 9th
  • Saturday, June 29th
  • Sunday, July 14th
  • Saturday, July 27th
  • Sunday, August 4th
  • Saturday, August 17th
Photo of students tending the garden
Photo of students tending the garden
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MIDDLETON FIELD DAY

MIDDLETON FIELD DAY (for students only) is the morning of Friday, May 31st. Students should wear gym shoes, dress appropriately for weather conditions, and apply sunscreen before they leave for school that morning. This is also the last day of school; students will be dismissed at 3:00pm.

LOST & FOUND

Students and parents are invited to check the LOST & FOUND for any items that might be yours. All unclaimed items will be donated to charity in early June.

MIDDLETON DATES

Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)

Start: Dec 23, 2024 End: Dec 27, 2024

Multi-Day Event

Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)

Start: Dec 30, 2024 End: Jan 3, 2025

Multi-Day Event

School Resumes

Jan 6, 2025

All Day Event

Advocate Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Visit

Jan 17, 2025

All Day Event

Middleton Literacy Night

Jan 23, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Middleton Musical Rehearsal

Jan 25, 2025 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

McCRACKEN NEWS

TOWNSHIP TRACK MEET

A select group of McCracken students were chosen to participate in the Little 9 Township Track Meet at Niles North High School on Tuesday, May 21st. Thank you to the McCracken P.E. team for accompanying and coaching the students as they successfully represented McCracken Middle School in their competition efforts. Great job, Hornets!
Picture of trophies

8th GRADE PARENT/GUARDIAN GRADUATION COMMUNICATION

Final reminders for upcoming 8th GRADE GRADUATION events and activities:

  • Thank you to the 8th grade End of Year Celebration Parent Planning Committee for successfully planning a fun filled evening on Friday, May 17th! Students had a great time lighting up the night with neon decorations and lighting, food, DJ, photo booth, games, and special party favor gifts!
  • 8th Graduation Materials Sent Home Thursday, May 23rd
    • Graduation Tickets, graduation gowns, tassels (if ordered), t-shirts (if ordered), NNHS summer books (if selected), and yard signs (free to each student provided by the district) were given to students at school on Thursday, May 23rd.
    • Students also received a coupon for a FREE Buona Beef shake to redeem over the summer.
    • Yearbooks were distributed to students on Friday, May 24th (if ordered).
       
  • Graduation Rehearsal: Tuesday, May 28th
    • Students will be expected to attend a half-day of school on Tuesday, May 28th.
    • 8th grade students are required to report to school at 7:50 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28th to board buses for graduation rehearsal at Niles North High School.
    • Students will return to McCracken after rehearsal at approximately 11:00 a.m. Students will be dismissed immediately upon arrival and will need to walk home, be picked up by parents/guardians, or travel by bus (for current bus riders only - bus will run the late bus route).
    • Graduation Rehearsal Bus Field Trip Form
       
  • Graduation Ceremony: Tuesday, May 28th
    • Students are expected to arrive at Niles North High School no later than 6:00 p.m.
    • Students will enter through the Niles North main entrance and McCracken staff will be present to assist students in reporting to assigned classrooms and lining up in the correct location.
    • The ceremony starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. We will not hold the ceremony for students who arrive late.
    • All guests must have a graduation ticket for entry into the ceremony in the Niles North auditorium.
    • Please be considerate of all graduates, staff, and guests during the ceremony. We ask that families and guests be seated and hold their applause until the entire row is called during the awarding of the diplomas. Each family would like to hear their student’s name being called.
       
  • Graduation Program

We are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our McCracken Class of 2024!

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES (6th & 7th GRADE)

McCracken 6th and 7th grade students will participate in Field Day activities outdoors during the morning of Friday, May 31st. This is the last day of school for 6th and 7th grade students. Students will be placed in groups and rotate through fun teambuilding activities. Please send your child to school with comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for physical activity, a water bottle, and sunscreen in case the weather will be hot and sunny. Students will also have the opportunity to attend our Hornet’s Hive Assembly to celebrate Trimester 3 accomplishments and watch a special dance performance. We encourage students to exhibit respectful, responsible, and ready behaviors to fully participate in end-of-the-year activities.

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ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL

Please help us keep our students, staff, families, and visitors safe by following our arrival and dismissal safety reminders.

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES & LATE BUS

McCracken's after-school extracurricular activities are coming to a close! Sponsors will communicate the last day for their club/activity. The last day for the late bus is Friday, May 24th! There will be no after school activities during the week of May 27th.

McCRACKEN DATES

Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)

Start: Dec 23, 2024 End: Dec 27, 2024

Multi-Day Event

Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)

Start: Dec 30, 2024 End: Jan 3, 2025

Multi-Day Event

School Resumes

Jan 6, 2025

All Day Event

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR 2024-2025

Returning/incoming McCracken families, please mark your calendars with these important dates:
Thursday, August 15th
Materials Pick Up & 6th Grade Meet & Greet 
Wednesday, August 21st

First day of school

All School Summer Read:  Holes by Louis Sachar (incoming 6th-8th grade)

ATTENDANCE REMINDER

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! 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 about the importance of consistent school attendance and keeping your child engaged in school.

Absences add up!

Meal Menu

Halal meals available on request: Meatball and Rice Bowl, Cheese Sandwich. Kosher meals available on request: All Beef Hot Dog, Cheese Sandwich. Due to supply chain delays, Halal chicken sandwich is temporarily unavailable. Monthly meal menu at-a-glance is available HERE.

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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