MARK T. SKINNER WEST SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
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 2018-2019 School Year
Week #12: Nov 23 - Nov 29
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Dates to Remember
No School, Thanksgiving Break, Nov. 21 - 23
Local School Council Meeting, Tuesday, Nov. 27th 6pm
PTO Meeting, Nov. 27th, 6pm
Open House for Parents of Prospective Parents, Thurs., Nov. 29th 10-11am
CPS 2018- 2019 Calendar: here
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Wishing all a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy time over the long weekend with your family and friends. We are very thankful for all of our staff, students, parents, and community members!
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Gallery 111's Annual Art Contest
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Friends of Skinner West 2018 Giving Drive
For the past 5 years, Friends of Skinner West has hosted an annual drive during the holiday season to provide warm clothing and educational gifts to fellow Skinner Superstars in need. Last year, we were happy to help 42 Skinner students and we hope to meet all of our student needs again this year. We would like to invite you to help by signing up to sponsor a child at the link below. To sign up to help, please go to this link: Please check back if all students have been sponsored, as more students may be added over time. All items purchased should be brand new with tags and can be placed in a gift bag (please no gift wrapped boxes). Please staple a paper with the student's assigned letter to the bag and turn it in to the main office no later than Monday, December 17th. Thank you so much for your generosity during this holiday season!
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News from CPS
Below are two documents from CPS for reference for all parents.
- The first is a letter from Illinois State Board of Education about special education policies and practices.
- The second is a list of parent advocacy resources regarding special education.
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Reminder - Superstars Need to Dress for Recess
Parents, please make sure your Skinner student is dressed appropriately for the colder weather. We will continue to have recess on days that the weather permits.
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Volunteers Needed for Book Fair Dec. 3 - 14!
Skinner West Book Fair needs adult volunteers to make it a success! Any amount of time donated is helpful and appreciated. Younger siblings are welcome to come with while you volunteer.
As a thank you, volunteers will receive 20% off Book Fair purchases!
Volunteer roles include: -
Helping students as they make wish lists
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Supervising and assisting shoppers
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Keeping the Book Fair displays neat and stocked
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Bagging items at the check-out table
Book Fair Dates -
December 3rd-14th during school hours, 8:45-3:45.
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After School shopping sessions will take place Wednesday, Dec. 5 and Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 3:45-6:30 pm.
Please respond by Monday, November 26th if you are able to volunteer.
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Important Safety Reminders
Skinner West is home to over 1200 students and staff. Our location is a busy one - especially with the construction of the new building. Snow has already started to fall in Chicago and more snow and ice will likely cover the streets in the West Loop soon. Please read and follow the safety reminders below. Help keep the commute to school safe and orderly for all!
SAFETY PLEASE!
Please do NOT block the crosswalks when dropping your child off.
Please do NOT park in the school bus area for drop off and pick up.
PARENT PARKING for Drop Off and Pick Up
Curbside parking is available on Adams St. beyond the STOP sign for drop off and pick up.
Please do NOT double park to drop off and pick your child up. Pull in to a legal parking spot.
PARKING
Please be patient, courteous and mindful of our Superstars as they cross the street on Adams.
Please DO NOT block our neighbors' driveways!
*Parking lot is for STAFF ONLY!*
AFTER SCHOOL - Dismissal is at 3:45 P.M.
If your child is not in an after school program, please pick up your child by 4:00 P.M.
The school is not responsible for any students going to 7-Eleven or Target after school.
VOLUNTEER PLEASE!
We need parents to volunteer to help during Drop Off and Pick Up times. Consider volunteering one morning a week to help with drop off between 8:20-9:00 am. A sign-up sheet is available at the security desk. Thank you to those parents that have already been volunteering their time!
THANK YOU FOR HELPING KEEP OUR SUPERSTARS SAFE!!!
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Physical Education Newsletter - 2nd Quarter
During the second quarter, students in grades 3-8 will be tested using the FITNESSGRAM tests in accordance with state standards. Follow the link below for our 2nd Quarter Physical Education Newsletter with information related to these tests:
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Skinner Superstar in the Spotlight
Last month, Luc C., a Skinner West 8th grader, competed in the Tap Out Cancer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament in Oak Lawn. This tournament featured top bjj fighters of all ages from Illinois and other states that put their skills on display to help raise money for a great cause.
Luc was able to raise over his fundraising goal. Together, the organization raised a jaw-dropping $90,000 in the fight againt cancer. Luc competed in a Round Robin 12-13 year old yellow belt division winning all 5 matches and a gold medal! He also competed in a few exhibition matches in a higher divison making sure fans got their money's worth.
Luc is happy fighting to win gold, but he's more proud of fighting for a cause he believes in. He is so grateful to all of his supporters that helped raise his goal and believed in him. Congratulations Luc!
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Get Involved - Join the PTO
Get Involved with PTO! Joining the PTO is a great way to get involved with Skinner West. The PTO meets once a month to plan community-building events, run fundraising programs, and help fulfill school and teacher needs. You can get involved by attending PTO meetings, joining a planning committee, volunteering for an event, or becoming a PTO officer. Officer elections our coming up at the next meeting on Nov. 27 at 6 pm in the library. You can donate to the PTO any time here.
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Don't Put Your Eggs in One Basket
Skinner West will once again offer a sibling lottery. The application process for the 2018-2019 school year for selective enrollment & sibling lottery closes on December 14th. Neighborhood parents are encouraged to apply for the Classical Program. Please click here for more information to activate your account, conduct research and apply.
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All comments, suggestions or requests to submit information to this newsletter should be emailed to skinnerwest@gmail.com.
Communications Volunteers are welcome. Donate your time to help increase communications and contact us!
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Would you like to add another parent, guardian or caregiver?
Sign up for this newsletter here.
Deborah M. Clark
Principal
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