The Skokie Home Scoop - March 17, 2017 
  
Dear Skokie Families,

Despite appearances with snow on the ground this St. Paddy's Day, Spring is actually around the corner.  That means our school calendar is about to get very busy.  I wanted to highlight a few upcoming dates that you might want to add to your family calendar, if you haven't already.
PARCC TESTING
This year's PARCC testing window runs through the month of April.  In order to complete testing amongst our student body of 400, we will need to utilize the full window.  6th graders will begin testing on Tuesday, April 4th, and 5th graders will begin testing Thursday, April 13.  Our 5th graders participate in 3 English Language Arts testing sessions and 4 Math testing sessions.  6th graders participate in 3 English Language Arts testing sessions and 3 Math testing sessions.  Students will have the opportunity to participate in three practice sessions with their advisory next week in which they will be reoriented with the testing format as well as practice questions in the areas of ELA and Math.  For more information regarding the PARCC test, read below in our District News section, or click here to be directed to the PARCC site.
 
5th GRADE ORIENTATION
Families coming to us with a fifth grader next year are invited to two orientation opportunities: 
-Tuesday, April 18th all incoming 5th Grade Families for the 2017/2018 school year are invited to a one hour orientation at The Skokie School beginning at 6:30.  Students and parents are invited to come.  Students and their parents will enjoy a tour of the school with a current fifth grader and a welcome presentation given by Mrs. Tess and Mr. Swanner. 
-Monday, April 17, 5th grade families with a student on an Individualized Education Plan are invited to a presentation given by Mrs. Tess and members of our Special Education team to review our continuum of services offered to students with an IEP.  This comprehensive presentation is a great introduction to receive prior to spring transition meetings, which will take place in May. 
WINNETKA PARENTS INSTITUTE: A Reprise
Mrs. Tess, Mr. Swanner and Mr. Kanne will be providing another opportunity for parents to attend their WPI presentation, entitled "Not Quite Little Kid, Not Quite Teenager:  The Developmental Progression of the Middle School Child," on April 28 at 9:30am in The Community Room at The Skokie School.  This is a chance for those who missed prior presentations to attend, especially after the 5th grade orientation on April 18th.  Please mark this on your calendar as it has been a popular and informative presentation for parents with soon-to-be adolescents!
I hope you all have a safe and relaxing weekend.  Enjoy the time together with your families.
Most Sincerely,
Kelly Tess
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CW Track & Field Now Open to 6th Grade Students

Track and Field season is set to begin on  Tuesday, April 4.  Practices are held from  3:30-4:30 every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday on days we have school.  Track meets are on various days throughout the week, with no Saturday or Sunday commitments.  The team will meet in Washburne school near the gyms.  Students should bring with them comfortable running shoes, a water bottle, and athletic clothing appropriate for the weather.  We will be outside as much as we can, unless the weather does not allow us to do so safely.  New for 2017, we will be inviting 6th graders from Skokie School to join the Washburne Track and Field team.  Registration is now live, please see the Washburne Athletics page to register.  Prior to participation, students must have a medical clearance form on file at the school.   
If you have any questions, please contact Andy Becker .
District News
 
PARCC assessment
The PARCC assessment will be administered to students in grades 3 through 8 from April 3-28, 2017.   Grades 3 - 5 will complete 7 testing sessions (3 Language Arts and 4 math) and Grades 6 - 8 will complete 6 testing sessions (3 Language Arts and 3 Math).  Individual teachers or schools will be sending details concerning specific dates and times of testing sessions. In order to ensure that students feel comfortable in the testing environment and understand the nature of the questions that will be presented on the exam, teachers will be familiarizing students with the testing platform and expectations. Approximately four instructional hours will be spent on test preparation. Regular curriculum will continue to be taught during this time. Moreover, our approach holds that students are best prepared for PARCC exams by participating in learning activities that reflect current state standards throughout the year. The Illinois State Board of Education requires all public school districts to administer the PARCC exam. For a list of Frequently Asked Questions, please visit https://www.winnetka36.org/curriculum/parcc .

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Adventures in Learning
A decades-long tradition, this summer program includes classes as varied as Rocket Engineering, Camping Adventures and S'more Fun, Archery, Kitchen Magicians, Lacrosse, Computer Animation, Yoga for Kids, Animal Care, and the Wonders of Science. Students in grades 2-8 may choose up to four classes from over 100 options. Younger children (pre-Kindergarten through grade 1) will explore educational concepts through guided play and outdoor activities.

Adventures in Learning runs from June 12 to July 14, 2017.
 
Skokie Calendar
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** Tuesday, March 21 
    School Board Meeting
    Crow Island Auditorium - 7:15 p.m.
** Monday, March 27
    Spring Vacation Begins 
** Monday, April 3 
    Schools Reopen 
    
 
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