MARK T. SKINNER WEST SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
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 2020-2021 School Year
Week #13: December 10 - December 18
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Dates to Remember
December 14th- 18th Skinner School Spirit Week
Tuesday, December 15th Local School Council Meeting 6:00
December 21st - January 3rd NO SCHOOL - Winter Break
CPS 2020-2021 Calendar: here
Front Office Hours: 8:45am-4:00pm
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Skinner School Spirit Week
December 14th-18th
Let's kick off the holiday season by showing our school spirit! ALL Skinner Superstars are encouraged to show their school spirit by attending virtual class sporting the following:
Monday December 14th - Skinner School Color Day! (wear purple or gold/yellow) Tuesday December 15th - Crazy Hair Day! Wednesday December 16th - Hat Day! Thursday December 17th - Pajama Day! Friday December 18th - Silly Holiday Sweater Day!
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Please consider donating to the Friends of Skinner West Holiday Giving Drive. Each year, FOSW helps more than 40 Skinner students in need during the holiday season. This year, our drive has gone virtual. To donate, please click on the link below, pick a child to sponsor and add your name. Your donation may then be made via quickpay/Zelle/PayPal to friendsofskinnerwest2011@gmail.com Link to donate: Thank you and have a wonderful holiday season!
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The next virtual Skinner West LSC meeting is December 15, 2020 at 6:00pm. Here is the agenda and information to virtually attend.
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Classroom Connections - ELA 6th Grade
How do we forge an identity? Can we ever change who we are? Our 6th Grade Superstars have been examining questions of Identity, through exploring the writings of famous authors such as Langston Hughes and Shirley Jackson, as well as performing their own self-reflections through class discussions, journal entries and essays. Below are a few quotes from some of their identity writing pieces: "Our identities are created by pushing through hardship, not hiding who you are and your past, and accepting that your past is part of who you are." -KW
"If none of us really forged identities this way, instead of overcoming hardship, we wouldn't accomplish anything because a challenge would be seen as impossible and not even attempted. If we never showed people our true self then we would all be alone with nobody to share problems with. If we never really let go of things or trusted ourselves we would always be paranoid and doubt if we could even trust ourselves . We could never really let go of things and always be mulling over them instead of just moving on." -LD "Identities are formed by being adaptive, being confident, and being yourself.
If this isn't implemented, then everyone would be the same. This is because conforming to the societal norm makes everyone think the same. Also, everyone would be relying on others for help instead of thinking about themselves. This is because trusting in yourself makes you independent. Finally, everyone would be trying to hold back onto old experiences. I know this because without accepting something that has happened you cannot move forward. As a wise man once said... "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."-Oscar Wilde -KA
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CPS has expanded Chicago Connected to continue narrowing our district's digital divide - all limited income students are now eligible for access to no-cost, high-speed internet. Check your child's eligibility:
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GoCPS Applications for high schools and selective enrollment elementary schools has been extended from December 11, 2020 to January 8, 2021. CPS announced this deadline to ensure that everyone has the time they need to go through school options and decide which schools best match their talents, interests, and abilities. To learn more about this change and the process go to https://go.cps.edu.
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Counselor's Corner
Parents! Have you visited our Counselor's Corner?
Please take time to visit this page created by our school counselor, Mrs. Fredrickson. Find it on our homepage under the Counselor's Corner top tab
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NWEA Winter Testing
CPS is tentatively planning for students in grades 6-8 (who are submitting applications for academic centers or high school programs with academic criteria) to be able to take the Winter 2020 NWEA MAP exam at their home school during the week of January 11-15, 2021. Parents of students that are eligible to take this NWEA will receive an email from Mrs. Clark on Friday, December 4th. This email will include a survey where parents can make their decision for testing.
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Mrs. DeJulio's students worked on strategies and properties to multiply 2-digit numbers. Part of the project was to create a new type of renewable energy device that could be used in real life. Check out some of the creative ideas from Joy, Andy, Eytan, and Isaac from Room 119!
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2nd Grade Native American Home Project
In social studies class, 2nd grade students were very engaged in learning about Native Americans.They learned about different tribes throughout the United States and the homes they created out of natural materials. Students then researched Native American homes, planned & designed a home and created their own replica using materials they had at home. They presented their reports and projects to the class through google meets.We are very proud of all our 2nd grade students for their excellent designs and creativity.
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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 has been extended to January 8, 2021. 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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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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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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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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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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