MARK T. SKINNER WEST SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
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2020-2021 School Year 
Week #33: May 28 - June 3
Dates to Remember

Memorial Day - May 31 - NO SCHOOL
Expansion Committee Meeting, Wednesday, June 2 @ 5:00 pm
School Improvement Committee - Thursday, June 3 @ 5:00pm
Virtual PTO Meeting - June 14th @ 5:30pm
8th Grade Virtual Graduation - June 17th
Last Day of School - June 22

CPS 2021-2022 Calendar: here
Front Office Hours: 8:45am-4:00pm - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
New Articles
 
Chicago Poetry Center - Student Poetry Readingpoetry


This year our 4th graders participated in a Poetry Residency sponsored by Gallery 111.  Students attended weekly poetry workshops with Mr. Dean of the Chicago Poetry Center, to develop writing techniques and learn how to express themselves through poetry.  

The Chicago Poetry Center has closed out their season with their All Schools Reading 2021: A Celebration of Student Poets, and invited some of our 4th graders to participate.  
Thank You to the following Superstars for representing Skinner West in the Poetry Reading:
            Solen D.
            Mateo F.
            Zia R.
            Corinne T.

The event was live streamed on May 26th, and can still be viewed through this link: https://youtu.be/u4JGoc_e9oA



Gallery 111 Donations RequestedGallery
 
Gallery 111 is asking for your help to secure funds for next year's arts programming. Without this year's annual gala, we need your support more than ever! Each residency program for our Superstars costs between $3500-$5000 per grade. Please consider making a donation to ensure No Art is Left Behind at Skinner West! 

Click here to make your donation today!

Although our programs looked a little different as they took place virtually, our students still benefited greatly from having an artistic outlet to express themselves during this challenging time.  Here is some of the arts programming that students have enjoyed this year:
  • Kindergarten: 10-week Tiny Tunemakers Residency focusing on Music & Movement
  • 1st: 7-week Residency with "Dancing with Class" 
  • 3rd: 8-week Writing Residency with the Playmakers Group (funded by Ingenuity)
  • 4th: 10-Week Poetry from the Chicago Poetry Center
  • 5th: "Play In A Book" residency to study and explore the story of "Gilgamesh"
  • 7th: Silk Road Rising Theater's EPIC (Empathic Playwriting Intensive Course) program

Follow this LINK to read more details on the arts programming provided to our students this year. 

Stay tuned for details about Gallery 111's upcoming Spring Art Show on June 11th highlighting our student's talents.

Mask Remindermask

Recently the Illinois mask mandate was updated.  While rules have been relaxed, Skinner students and and parents waiting on school grounds for drop off or dismissal are still required to wear masks. For more information regarding the Illinois Mask Mandate please see more in the article linked below.

 Water Bottle Reminderh20

As the weather continues to warm up, please remember to send your child with a water bottle each day.  There is a water bottle filler on site for refills. 

Teacher Connections: Get to Know Mrs. Sharon Rosenzweig, 4th Grade Classical TeacherRosen



What three traits define you?

Determined, Dedicated, Loyal

What is your favorite book and why? 

The novel "Wishtree" by Katherine Applegate is beautifully written providing positive and inspirational messages that bring a diverse community together.

What are your hobbies or interests?

I love to run and take spinning classes.  Crocheting hats and blankets have also recently become a hobby of mine when I am not cooking or baking!  

Why do you enjoy teaching Skinner?

There is nothing better than seeing students have that 'a ha' moment here at Skinner School!  It is a pleasure to walk into a building full of smiling faces with positive attitudes and call it my home during the week.  I adore the diverse group of students and staff that have become my family.   

What is a fun fact that you would like to share?

I worked at Walt Disney World for one summer as part of their college program.  

Repeat Articles
 
Principal's ReportPrincipal

Skinner West's Local School Council (LSC) held its monthly meeting virtually on May 18, 2021. Principal Clark presented her report during the meeting. Please see the attachment below for details.

 
The next LSC meeting is scheduled for June 29th.

Health Screener ReminderScreener 

Students arriving without a completed health screener are increasing daily.  Please send parents a reminder to complete the health screener for every in-person school day.  The health screener can be completed as early as 4:30am. 


Please remember to complete the health screener to make our mornings smoother on in person learning days! Thank you. 

Water Bottle Donation NeededWater 

We are collecting donations of bottled water to put into each classroom to accommodate students who have forgotten their water bottles or are otherwise in need of water during the school day.  While Skinner has a water bottle filler, there are times when a student forgets to bring his/her water bottle.

Donations can be dropped off outside the gym door and must be labeled with the teacher name/homeroom number.  A staff member will ensure it is delivered to your teacher's classroom.  

If interested in donating, please reach out to your child's teacher. PLEASE DO NOT drop off your donation until you have received confirmation from your teacher.  Thank you!

Mayor Lightfoot Announces Summer Job OpportunitiesJobs

CHICAGO (CBS) - Mayor Lori Lightfoot and other city leaders on Monday announced a new "Rediscover Summer" campaign to encourage Chicago youths to take advantage of thousands of summer jobs and recreational programs this summer.  See more in the article linked below.


Walk-In Covid Vaccination SiteVaccination

Walk-in Covid Vaccinations are now available at the Credit Union 1 Arena. Within walking distance from Skinner, this site is offering the Pfizer vaccine which has been approved for children ages 12 and over.  Walk-ins are welcome and there is free parking in the garage.

Credit Union 1 Arena (NE corner Racine and Harrison)  
525 S. Racine Ave.
Chicago, IL 60607  
833-536-9829 
 
Star Program UpdatesStar 

Star Team wants to be able to contact families once we know if Star Program will be happening for Fall 2021!  

Once CPS receives guidance from the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois regarding after school programs, Star Team will meet to figure out how the guidance will affect the Star ProgramFamilies will be informed of registration details via the email address provided on the update form and via the Skinner West email blast, and the Skinner West Website. Please monitor your provided email account throughout the summer so you are aware of when Star Registration opens.  

Star Program Description
  • Star Program is a tuition-based after-school childcare program for Skinner West students facilitated by Skinner West teachers and staff.
  • Star Program provides structured after-school care in Skinner's main building.
  • Star Program allows children to spend after school hours with similar-aged peers, in a familiar and convenient place. Homework time and activities occur each afternoon.

FYI- This is NOT registration.

EPIC! Summer DealsEPIC

EPIC is offering new subscribers unlimited summer reading for $9.99. See the attached flyer for details.


Gallery 111 Update

Each year, at Skinner West, our Superstars engage with their classmates in artist-in-residency programs provided by amazing institutions from all over our great city. During these sessions, local artists interact with our students providing them instruction and exposure to myriad artforms. This year, despite the pandemic, we at Skinner were able to keep this tradition alive with the support of Gallery111, our committed group of parents and teachers who fundraise for our arts programming, and teachers like Ms. De Julio, who wrote and received the Ingenuity Creative Schools Grant. Without this team of dedicated individuals the following programs would not have been possible. See the link below for more details.


Teacher Connections: Get to Know Mr. Paul Hinterlong, 5th Grade TeacherHinterlong


What three traits define you?

Patience, Empathy, and Kindness.

What is your favorite book and why?

On the Road by Jack Keruoac because it's a book about a constant yearning for life and about trying to find that in non-traditional ways.

What are your hobbies or interests?

Playing guitar or piano, reading, working out, and spending time with friends and family.

Why do you enjoy teaching Skinner?

I love how everyone is so motivated, hardworking, and creative. Even outside of Skinner, I hear about all of the cool outside projects students are working on.

What is a fun fact that you would like to share?

I am a triplet.

Stay Connected

 Visit our website at  http://www.skinnerwest.cps.edu/ for more information about what's happening in school.
Front Office Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm
In-person by appointment ONLY.  Phone: 773 534-7790
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!
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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