MARK T. SKINNER WEST SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
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2020-2021 School Year 
Week #34: June 4 - June 10
Dates to Remember
Student Art Showcase - June 11 @ 6:30pm
Virtual PTO Meeting - June 14 @ 5:30pm
8th Grade Diploma Presentation and Virtual Graduation - June 17
Last Day of School - June 22

Front Office Hours: 8:45am-4:00pm - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
New Articles
 

Each week, we'll be celebrating our graduating eighth graders. Good luck in high school, Superstars!

Isabelle D.
Jones College Prep

One of my favorite memories of Skinner West was the Madison trip in 6th grade and other moments spent having fun with my friends. In high school, I'm most excited about meeting new people and all the extracurricular opportunities.

Malachi E.
Northside College Prep

My favorite Skinner memory is the buy anything for $1,000 on Amazon mini project.


Jayden I.
Walter Payton College Prep

I'm most excited about meeting new people. My favorite Skinner memory is recess and playing football.


Cyriana L.
Jones College Prep

My favorite Skinner memory is when Ms. Christiansen held the after-school party for all those who did well throughout the year. In high school, I look forward to being in a new environment, practicing better study habits, and learning harder materials.

Jay M.
Whitney Young

I am most excited about seeing the people I know in high school.




Audrey N.
Northside College Prep

I'm excited to learn new things in a new environment (and that there's a pool). My favorite memory at Skinner is going to the 6th grade Wisconsin field trip.

Amber P.
Whitney Young

I really enjoyed going on the Madison trip in 6th grade, and I remember having a lot of fun with my friends. In high school, I'm looking forward to all of the new events and educational opportunities, and overall having a great experience.

Karsten E.
Whitney Young

I'm looking forward to making new friends in high school. My favorite Skinner memory is playing football every day at recess.



Darian K.
Whitney Young

I am most excited about the people I will meet and the new friends I will make. The Madison field trip was my favorite Skinner memory.

Renz L.
Whitney Young

My favorite Skinner memory is when we went to Madison during 6th grade. I am most excited about being in the orchestra upon entering high school.



Sophie M.
Walter Payton College Prep

I'm excited to be able to participate in sports and meet new people. One of my favorite memories from Skinner was our overnight trip to Madison, WI in 6th grade.

Ari R.
Whitney Young

My favorite Skinner memory is our 6th grade Madison trip. I am most excited to play football in high school.


Ayden S.
Walter Payton College Prep

I'm most excited about attending Walter Payton because I get to meet new people and attend a great high school. My favorite memory from Skinner is the Madison trip in 6th grade and spending time with my friends.


If you're an eighth grader, please send your picture, high school plans, and favorite memory of Skinner West to your homeroom teacher or the Skinner Communications team so we can celebrate you and your future plans!
End of Year Student Art ShowcaseArt

Join us on Friday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. for a virtual night of art featuring the work of Skinner West Superstars!
Summer Camp at Skinner West!!! summer-camp
Superstars Camp is excited to announce that we are currently planning on having camp at Skinner this summer! We still have a few hurdles to clear with the school district but are really hopeful that a delayed start to our camp will allow for enough time to clear them.

Camp would open for weekly enrollment starting July 12 and ending August 13.

We are currently accepting pre-registration for interested families. Those who pre-register will get the first opportunity to register once we have the go-ahead. Space is going to be much more limited than previous summers.


For more information, please visit www.superstarssummercamp.com or email us at: superstarssummer@gmail.com. 

We can't wait to have as much fun as we can this summer!
Teacher Connections: Get to Know Ms. Mary Lisa Maatouk, MusicMusic

What three traits define you
Kooky, Loyal, Organized

What is your favorite book and why?
I love reading mystery novels, and always have a stack ready-to-go. Once in a while, I venture into other types of fiction, but I always gravitate back to the "who done-its."

What are your hobbies or interests?
Travel (preferably international, where I can immerse myself in a new culture), sitting in an outdoor café people-watching, and hiking.

Why do you enjoy teaching at Skinner?
Besides having the best co-workers anyone could ask for, I am constantly challenged by the Skinner West students. I am often amazed and delighted by what they bring to the table. There is so much talent of all kinds at this school!

What is a fun fact that you would like to share?
I was a CPS Music House kid! I learned violin through the Music House after-school program in first through third grade, and then moved on to private lessons at the original Music House in West Rogers Park. Because of that good foundation, I ended up playing violin through my college years. I eventually changed to a major in Vocal Performance and attempted a classical singing career for many years before moving to South Korea to teach English--but that's a whole different story!
Repeat 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.  
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!
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Deborah M. Clark
Principal
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Mark T. Skinner West School, 1260 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60607