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MARK T. SKINNER WEST SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
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 2020-2021 School Year
Week #11: November 19 - November 27
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New Articles
Repeat Articles
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Dates to Remember
Monday, Nov. 23, 6:00 p.m.: 8th Grade Virtual Parent Meeting High School Options
Wednesday, Nov. 25 - Friday, Nov. 27: No School, Thanksgiving Break
Monday, Nov. 30: Classes Resume
Monday, Nov. 30, 4 to 5 p.m.: Prospective Parent Virtual Open House
Tuesday, Dec 1st - LSC Election Vote Count Results by 5:00
CPS 2020-2021 Calendar: here
Front Office Hours: 8:45am-4:00pm
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The Principal's Report from last week's Local School Council (LSC) meeting can be found here (PDF).
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Eighth Grade Resources for Parents and Students
Have you checked out our 8th grade resource page in the Counselor's Corner? Our counselor has created this page with important information for high school!
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If you have a child that you want to enroll in a Skinner West for the 2021-2022 school year, and you have another child enrolled in Skinner's Classical Program, you must submit an application through the GoCPS application process. The currently enrolled sibling's last name, CPS ID number, and current school name or code must be included on the application.
Siblings applying to elementary magnet, magnet cluster, or open enrollment schools are selected first and will be offered seats to the extent that space is available. If a school receives more applications from siblings than there are seats available, a computerized lottery will be conducted to fill the seats.
The term "sibling" refers to natural siblings, step-siblings, foster siblings, and adopted siblings only. In order to be eligible, the currently enrolled sibling and the sibling applicant must live in the same household. Your child cannot be enrolled as a sibling if their brother or sister graduates in 2021 or transfers to a different school in the 2021-2022 school year.
How to Apply
In order to apply online, your first step is to request a CPS ID number for your child, which will be sent to you via U.S. mail. Once you receive the CPS ID number, you can apply online at go.cps.edu (Click 'Sign Up' to begin the process). The online process is highly recommended but, if you prefer, you can submit a paper application, accessible at go.cps.edu (Click 'Elementary School' and 'Apply').
The application deadline is December 11, 2020. Students who do not have an application submitted by the deadline will not be eligible for admission in the 2021-2022 school year. If you have questions or need assistance with the application process, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at (773) 553-2060 or gocps@cps.edu.
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Grab and Go Meals
As a reminder, Skinner West is one of more than 450 sites where CPS students, parents, and guardians can pick-up free breakfast and lunch. Families may pick up three days worth of meals for every child in their household Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is an important part of Skinner West. They support our school through parent involvement and fundraising. We know this year is especially challenging, and many teachers need new technology and digital materials for their classes. The 2020-21 PTO grants program focuses on helping teachers purchase these resources.
There are two ways you can get involved:
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Mr. Merkin and the Golden Apple
We recently found out that Mr. Merkin, second grade teacher, has been nominated for the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Golden Apples are awarded annually to the best teachers in Illinois.
The vetting process is arduous, and we won't know the outcome until 2021. To be nominated is an honor in itself. Good luck, Mr. Merkin!
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This Week's Inspirational Messages to Our Superstars
Pre-K: "Alone we are smart, together we are brilliant." - Anonymous
Kindergarten: "Mistakes are proof that you are trying." - Anonymous
1st Grade: "A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." - Albert Einstein 2nd Grade: "You never fail until you stop trying." - Albert Einstein 3rd Grade: "A little progress each day adds up to big results!" 4th Grade: "Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." 5th Grade: Keep looking up, there may be a rainbow waiting for you. 6th Grade: "Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement." - Matt Biondi 7th Grade: "Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on." - Thurgood Marshall 8th Grade: "There are better starters than me, but I'm a strong finisher" - Usain Bolt
Ancillary: If you lose, don't lose the lesson.
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On Thursday, October 22, the Finance and Audit Committee of the Chicago Board of Education met for a public meeting regarding the budget. If you missed the meeting, you can view it on YouTube:
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| | The Chicago Board of Education Finance and Audit Committee Meeting October 22, 2020 |
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8th Grade Civics Class - Digital Election Projects
Our Superstars are at it again! 8th grade students built messages independently or in small groups that speak to a specific audience of voting aged adults. Students chose their message, their audience, their medium, and their time commitment. The students showcased here began with brainstorming, reading articles about activism, studying the General Election ballot and voting history, and conducting interviews from multiple voters. They then submitted an approved proposal and worked through rounds of drafting and feedback to pinpoint and cultivate their civic message regarding the 2020 Election. You can view their work HERE
The students believe that is through active participation and open communication that the democratic process is sustained. Thus, one of the most basic public services citizens can partake in is simply engagement in the process.
Not being voting age, the only other avenue for 8th Graders in this election is to speak up and trust that voting aged citizens will listen.
Please Note: These views presented in these Election Message Projects do not reflect the views of Skinner West School in general, but showcase the efforts and voices of specific students who show care, attention to detail and governmental influence, as well as focused purpose in their digital communication skills.
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Front Office Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm
In-person by appointment ONLY. Phone: 773 534-7790
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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?
Text SKINNERNEWS to 22828 or click here (Messaging & data rates may apply)
Deborah M. Clark
Principal
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