October 17-22, 2022 | Week #9
This week: Letter from Dr. Bush: Student Support System Update | Principal's Report | BAC Kickoff Event | Superstar Athletes | Unity Day Parade | Accelerated Placement Act | Spirit Week | Boo Bash | Parent Teacher Conferences | Community Event: Jump for Vets | Academic Center and High School Open House Info
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Dates to Remember
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Q1 Report Cards: Oct 25th
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Kindergarten Pumpkin Patch Field Trip: Oct 26th
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Discussion with Dr. Bush: Oct 26th
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Fall Festival (kiddos can wear costumes): Oct 28th
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Skinner Boo Bash: Oct 28th
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No School - Election Day: November 8th
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Parents Conference - November 21st
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COVID-19 Update
Actionable Cases: 0
Non-Actionable Cases: 0
Absences
Attendance Goal: 98%
For absences: Email Mrs. Eskridge, assistant principal:
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Letter from Dr. Bush: Student Support System Update |
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Dear Parents and Caregivers,
At Skinner West we believe it is important to have high expectations for academics as well as student behavior. Beginning the second quarter, the upper grade students will have new protocols in place to reinforce the types of behavior that are expected to ensure our staff and students have the ability to teach and learn in a safe and respectful environment.
Students met with administration last week to discuss the Layered Student Support System protocols and this week, our teachers held meetings to answer questions and provide encouragement and guidance so that your student has the best chance to be successful when this rolls out on Monday, October 24.
Even with structures and clear expectations in place, from time to time, middle school students will make choices that impact the learning and teaching environment. We have identified these actions and designated a point value to each one.
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Once students have accumulated 25 or more points, the actions of the students will be documented and a system of support will be put into place to help them understand the impact their actions have on themselves, their peers, and their teachers/staff. Once a child has reached 25+ points, parents will be notified and a meeting will take place where next steps will be discussed to help the student replace the negative actions with others that will help create a positive culture of learning.
Each month we will have an invitation only celebration for students who have maintained
ten school days without an increase in points.
We encourage parents to be partners with us in this new initiative so that ALL of our students can learn and grow in a safe, respectful, distraction-free environment. Please review the actions above with your child to set them up for success going into the second quarter and beyond.
In appreciation,
Dr. Rhea Bush
Principal,
Skinner West School
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CPS Bilingual Advisory Committee (BAC) Kickoff Event |
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BAC KICK OFF
Friday, October 28, 2022
Registration & Networking
8:00am – 9:00am
Welcoming Remarks
Program
9:00am – 2:00pm
We want to start off the school year on a positive
note by offering information that will benefit all
bilingual families. At this event committee
members, parents, and school staff will have the
opportunity to engage in conversations focused
on programs that support and promote bilingual
education, effective parental involvement, and
developmental resources.
This event will be virtual (not in-person) please click on the link below to Join
GRAN APERTURA DEL BAC
viernes, 28 de octubre, 2022
Registración y socialización
8:00am – 9:00am
Palabras de bienvenida
Programa
9:00am – 2:00pm
Queremos comenzar el año escolar con una nota
positiva ofreciendo información que beneficiará a
todas las familias bilingües. En este evento, los
miembros de los comités, los padres y el
personal escolar tendrán la oportunidad de
participar en conversaciones centradas en
programas que apoyan y promueven la
educación bilingüe, la participación efectiva de
los padres y los recursos de desarrollo.
Este evento será virtual (no en persona), favor de hacer clic en en enlace para participar. Join Zoom Meeting
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Skinner Superstar Athletes |
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A special shoutout goes out to Mr. Roman and Ms. Jerris for creating athletic opportunities for our Skinner Superstars! |
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Skinner West Superstars marched to show unity for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion on Unity Day (10/19). |
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Accelerated Placement Act |
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October 2022
Dear Parent/Guardian:
On June 26, 2019, the Chicago Board of Education voted to adopt a policy in response to the State of Illinois Accelerated Placement Act, which allows for Whole-Grade Acceleration (grade skipping) and Single-Subject Acceleration (acceleration in math and/or reading). The following provides information on these processes.
On August 24, 2022, the Board of Education voted to adopt a new Interim Accelerated Placement policy, which excludes third grade students from being able to apply due to a lack of sufficient indicators.
Whole-Grade Acceleration is the full-time admission of a student currently in grade 4 through grade 6 to the next grade level in order to provide appropriately challenging learning opportunities. Students can only apply for Whole-Grade Acceleration for the school in which they are currently enrolled. In order to be considered for Whole-Grade Acceleration, the student must:
Have a minimum score of “Exceeds” in reading and math on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) from the Spring 2022 test administration; and
Have a minimum final grade point average of 3.75 in reading, math, science, and social science from the previous school year.
Students who meet these criteria will be assessed by the school on the Iowa Acceleration Scale; if the student qualifies, they will be scheduled for Academic Ability, Aptitude, and Achievement tests at the Illinois Institute of Technology. A testing fee of $250.00 will apply; students who qualify for instructional waivers are exempt from this fee. If the student scores within the required range for Whole-Grade Acceleration, the school principal will have the final decision as to whether the student is approved.
Single-Subject Acceleration is the assignment of a student currently in grade 4 through grade 6 to math and/or reading at the next grade level to provide appropriately challenging learning opportunities. Students can only apply for Single-Subject Acceleration for the school in which they are currently enrolled. In order to be considered for Single-Subject Acceleration, the student must:
Have a minimum score of “Exceeds” in reading and/or math on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) from the Spring 2022 test administration; and
Have a minimum grade point average of 4.0 in the past two years, per quarter, in the subject area in which acceleration is sought.
Students who meet these criteria will be assessed by the school on the Iowa Acceleration Scale; if the student qualifies, they will be scheduled for an Aptitude test at the Illinois Institute of Technology. A testing fee of $35.00 will apply; students who qualify for instructional fee waivers are exempt from the testing fee. If the student scores within the required range for Single-Subject Acceleration, the school principal will have the final decision as to whether the student is approved.
It is important to note that the school will take the student’s academic performance and socioemotional skills into equal consideration when making their final decision about a student’s acceleration.
If you are interested in applying for Whole-Grade Acceleration or Single-Subject Acceleration for your child, please complete an application, available on cps.edu/gocps/about-gocps/accelerated-placement at cps.edu/apaapp. The application window opened on September 14, 2022 and will close at 5 pm on December 2, 2022.
Sincerely,
Sara McPhee, Executive Director
cc: Erika Peterson
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Skinner West Fall Spirit Week |
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Parent Teacher Conferences |
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Community Event: Jump for Vets |
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Academic Center and High School Open House Information |
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Academic Center Open House
Tuesday, October 25th from 6 PM - 7:30 PM
High School Open House
October 20th and 27th from 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Taft Freshman Academy (4071 N Oak Park Ave, Chicago IL 60634)
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Academic Center Open House: 9-11 AM
High School Open House: 12:00-3:00 pm
Location: 2501 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60618
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6) Kenwood Academy High School: Open House on November 5th. |
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Academic Center Open House: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (Last Tour at 3:00 PM)
High School Open House: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Last Tour at 11:30)
Location: 6130 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60636
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LSC Meeting: [virtual] October 18th at 5:30
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October Anti-Bullying Awareness Events:
- Cyber Bullying Awareness Assembly for Middle School Students
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Quarter 1 Report Card Distribution:
Quarter 1 Report Cards will be distributed the week of October 24, 2022.
Parent conferences will take place Monday, November 21, 2022 (even though report cards will have already been distributed).
A Parent Conference Schedule will be shared by your child's homeroom teacher (as we get closer to 11/21/22.)
Conferences can be virtual or in-person.
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A HUGE thank you to all who donated for the Walkathon. We set an ambitious goal of $80,000 and with your help, we surpassed it and raised $84,000, the most we have ever raised! We could not have done this without you! - Friends of Skinner West |
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IvyMath is offering free comprehensive math assessments and parent conferences to discuss your child's math strengths and weaknesses and how they compare to grade level
IvyMath will set up a custom learning plan for your child, and schedule 2 free private virtual coaching sessions to work on their weaknesses. This is a great way to make sure your child is on track in math as we start the school year!
These coaching sessions are free for all Skinner Elementary families. Popular times fill up, so please register quickly! Signup now at: IvyMath.com/Boost
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Skinner West would like to welcome the following new staff members to our school.
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Ms. Davila, SECA (Bio)
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Mr. Keating, Teaching Assistant (Bio)
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Ms. Adamczyk, Teaching Assistant (Bio)
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Skinner Superstars had the best time jumping in the bouncy houses, running around the track, dancing, and riding their bikes and scooters at the walkathon on Thursday (10/6). The purple and gold Skinner school spirit was in full display on Adams Street.
Thank you to our incredible school staff and parent volunteers for making this day special for our Superstars. Friends of Skinner West's Annual Walkathon is our biggest fundraiser of the school year. Thank you parents and caregivers for your generous donations!
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CPS High School Admissions Test for 8th Grade |
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Safety Communication from the Principal
I want to bring a serious community alert incident to your attention. On Wednesday, Sept 28 during recess, several Skinner students were approached by an unknown person. The person offered pepper spray to a student. (The person later stated that they live in the West Loop. They stated they believed the student was in distress, which is why they offered pepper spray to a student.) A known Skinner parent advised that they did not recognize the person as a West Loop resident. Skinner recess supervision staff approached the person and asked them to not engage students. The person left the park and returned minutes later. Mr. Lomax intercepted the person, the second time, and asked them not to communicate with students. The person left and returned a third time. Dr. Brown stopped the person the third time. The person left the park.
Following the incident:
- The Chicago Police Department (CPD) was called and a police report was made.
- An announcement was made for no classrooms to go to Skinner Park for the remainder of the school day.
- A call was made to parents whose children were directly involved.
- A CPD car was requested for dismissal.
- This incident is being logged in ASPEN.
- All Skinner security, Mr. Lomax, and Dr. Brown circulated the campus and Skinner Park to ensure scholars are safe during dismissal.
In partnership and student safety,
Dr. Bush
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Talk to Your Superstars
Our goal as a community is to keep everyone safe. In light of recent neighborhood events, here are a few safety reminders to review with your child:
- Never talk to strangers.
- If a stranger starts to talk to you or your friends, tell a trusted adult immediately.
- When walking to and from school, walk with others.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your device in your pocket until you get home!
- If you see something that doesn't seem right, say something.
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Chicago Police: Community Conversation
The CPD is holding two meetings where community members can help create the 2023 strategic plan for the 12 th District. Register at chicagopolice.org/convo. |
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Virtual Meeting
Thursday, Oct 13, 2022
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 851 2268 7117
Passcode: 743790
Join via App or dial 312-626-6799
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In-Person Meeting
Thursday, Oct 20, 2022
6:00 p.m.
Whitney Young
211 S Laflin Street
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Meet Ms. Makris, 4th Grade |
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Ms. Katina Makris is a new Skinner West fourth grade teacher. She has taught in Chicago for more than 12 years and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She also has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.
"My teaching philosophy is that all students can learn and will do so when provided with a safe, nurturing, and engaging educational environment," says Ms. Makris.
She enjoys crafting, sewing, biking, walking, and spending time in the heart of downtown Chicago. "However, my work is my life, and I dedicate much of my own time to pursuing new and innovative ways to teach children. I am extremely enthusiastic about joining the Skinner West community!"
We're glad you're here, Ms. Makris!
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This week at the Branch, our youngest Superstars spent time exploring Hispanic Heritage Month! |
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While our fifth graders had a day of robotics coding with MBots. |
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Volunteers Needed!
Do you want to get involved but don't know where to start? We're in need of volunteers!
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Walkathon
Do you have a few hours to spare on Thursday, October 6? Friends of Skinner West (FOSW) needs parent volunteers to help with the school's largest fundraiser! No need to volunteer the entire day. There are several different activities with different times to fit busy schedules, including:
- Set-up
- Clean-up
- Bounce house monitoring
- First-aid station
- Bike monitoring
- Water hand out
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Are you looking for a fun, creative way to get involved at Skinner West? Join Gallery111!
Gallery111 is a committee of parents, teachers, and community members who bring in outside arts partners to provide workshops or longer residency programs to enhance our core curriculum. For example, during 4th grade poetry unit, a poetry teacher from The Poetry Center of Chicago comes into class and works with our teachers to plan and present lessons to brainstorm, draft, and publish poems with our students.
The committee meets once a month to discuss programming, how to connect with teachers to communicate options for their classes, and plan fundraising efforts to keep these programs at Skinner West.
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Room Parents
- Pre-K: Ms. Bottorff
- K: Ms. Novitski, Ms. Sobut, and Ms. Growe
- 1st: Ms. Salameda and Ms. Sittner
- 2nd: Ms. Petrosino and Ms. Ford
- 3rd: Ms. Haddad
- 4th: Ms. Nelson, Ms. Travis, and Ms. Kawa
- 5th: Mr. Hinterlong and Mr. Lewandowski
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CPS Volunteer Application
When submitting a volunteer application:
- Make sure you identify Skinner [West] as the school and not Skinner [North]
- Input information exactly as it appears on your ID or passport
- Bring a current ID to the school (for Level 2 applications)
- Email rrbush@cps.edu a screenshot of your application if you are waiting for a Level 2 approval
- For Level 1 approvals, CPS Volunteer Department will share information regarding fingerprints and TB tests (we do not direct that at the school level)
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Lockdown Drill Update
CPD Officer Edwards was on-hand this week to help students and staff with Skinner West's lockdown drill.
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Thank You for Your Support!
Thanks to everyone for stopping by Jeni's for ice cream to support Friends of Skinner West. And, thank you to Jeni's for helping make this fundraiser a tasty treat! |
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Principal's Report
Every month, Skinner West's principal prepares and presents a report at the Local School Council Meeting (LSC).
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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Pre-K through 8th grade Superstars are exploring Hispanic Heritage Month in class via instructional activities and projects. We are also hosting a contest to engage students in Spanish culture and history.
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大家好(Hello)! My name is Chan Wu. I have taught Chinese in elementary school for many years in China. I moved to Chicago in 2016 and received my bachelor’s degree in world language education – Chinese from DePaul University in 2022. I recently completed my student-teaching at Whitney Young.
I care about students and love teaching. My teaching style is flexible and I focus on motivating students' learning interest to achieve goals. I will guide students to learn a language by understanding the culture behind the language. I am excited and honored to be a new teacher of Skinner!
And, Skinner is happy to have you, Ms. Wu! Thank you for securing our acceptance into the 2022-2023 Chinese Artists in Residence Program provided by the CPS Chinese World Language Program.
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Open House Success
Thanks to all of the parents, guardians, students, and families that made this year's open house a success! And, big thanks to the teachers who opened their classrooms and answered questions.
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If you weren't able to attend, children will receive the following reports from their teachers:
- 5th week progress reports (1st – 8th grades)
- Beginning of year iReady individual student reports (K-2nd grade)
- Beginning of year STAR360 individual student reports (3rd – 8th grade)
- Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) individual student reports (current 6th grade student: scores from 5th grade ISA)
- Illinois Assessment of Readiness individual student reports (current 4th – 8th grade students: scores from school year 2021-2022 IAR)
- Five day notices (students with 5 or more unexcused absences)
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Mark T. Skinner West School
Front Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(773) 534-7790
By Appointment Only
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