I'm very new to Skinner, and the pandemic came a month after I registered. Therefore, I have few friends, experiences, or memories at Skinner. However, what I do know is that the teachers worked really hard to teach us in the pandemic. I remember when schools were suddenly closed, our teachers organized a daily schedule themselves and emailed us how to get into the meetings. Although everyone was having technical difficulties and there were few students joining, I'm really happy to see the 7th grade teachers wanting to educate us! The 8th grade teachers also worked extraordinarily well on managing all the exams and events, and most of us are able to get our graduation photos taken.

Although I don't know Skinner much--by the spirit of our teachers--I know Skinner is a wonderful school.

Alexandra M.
Whitney Young

My favorite Skinner memory was when we all went to Wisconsin in 6th grade. I particularly liked going to the botanical gardens and the art museum in Madison. I am very fond of plants and art but the nice weather made the whole experience more pleasurable. I was able to capture many photos and had a great time with all my friends. The trip was a great way to end the year and was one of the special memories I have had at Skinner.

I am excited to make new friends and memories in high school. And, I am confident to say that my experience at Skinner definitely supported me in getting an acceptance into my number one choice high school. Thank you, Skinner and staff!

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!

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Return Dates for Textbooks and Chromebooks

If your student is full-time remote, remember to return their textbooks and borrowed Chromebooks. Drop-off times are:

Monday, June 21: 9:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 22 from 9:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 23 from 9:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Drop-off will be located at Doors 10 and 11 (the gym doors on Adams Street). Please continue to wear a mask when on school property.

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Transferring from Skinner? Don't Forget the Transfer Form!

If your child will NOT be returning to Skinner West for the 2021-2022 school year, please fill out the Transfer Request Form.

You MUST complete one form for each child transferring.

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Skinner West Student Art Showcase

We are excited to share the End-Of-Year Student Showcase with you. This is a collection of the AMAZING work created by Skinner West students during remote and hybrid learning.

EOY Skinner Student Showcase

Our showcase premiered live via You Tube on June 11 and will be available for one week.

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Teacher Connections: Get to Know Mrs. Shannon Johnson, 4th Grade

What three traits define you

Three traits that define me are: Hardworking, compassionate, and creative

What is your favorite book and why?

I have so many but Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling because it was the first chapter book I read on my own in 4th grade. It was the book that started my love for reading and now that I teach 4th grade I hope that it will do the same for all the learners in my room!

What are your hobbies or interests?

Traveling! I love to travel. I love to go visit new places, meet new friends, and explore new cultures. So far I have been to: Berlin, Germany; Rome, Florence, and Venice, Italy; Prague, Czech Republic; Krakow, Poland; Calpe, Spain; Budapest, Hungary; Kauai, Hawaii; Mexico City; Thailand; Puerto Rico; Turks and Caicos; Lisbon and Porto, Portugal; London; and Vancouver as well as all over the continental United States. And, I cannot wait to get back to traveling.

Why do you enjoy teaching at Skinner?

Working at Skinner has been amazing from starting my career as a Diverse learner teacher in my dream job to transitioning to a 4th grade teacher and loving it! I love the

diversity that is represented at Skinner. Also, meeting and marrying Mr. Johnson!l!

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

When I was in college I used to work at a sleep away summer camp in upstate New York with my best friend! This is where I found my love for summer camps and all the amazing things that comes with going to a summer camp, especially color war and friendship bracelets.

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Think You're Fast, Superstar?

The Office of Sports Administration (OSA) wants to encourage students to participate in the city-wide "Chicago's Fastest... The Race to Gately Competition.

Registration is now open for 5th-12th graders: Register by Monday, June 14 for the Saturday, June 19 qualifying event for 5th-8th graders!

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POW! Gym Offers Summer Camp Discount to Skinner Families

Skinner families who register for week-long summer camp programs can receive 15% off. This discount expires June 25, so act now!

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Repeat Articles

Eighth Grade Superstars from Ms. Jogmen's Class

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.

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End of Year Student Art Showcase

Join us on Friday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. for a virtual night of art featuring the work of Skinner West Superstars!

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Summer Camp at Skinner West!!!

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.

Download the pre-registration form

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!

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Teacher Connections: Get to Know Ms. Mary Lisa Maatouk, Music

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!

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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

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Deborah M. Clark

Principal

Mark T. Skinner West School, 1260 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60607