I am looking forward to the new opportunities that I will encounter and have the chance to take in high school. I am enthusiastic about meeting the people who will be encouraging me to work hard for the next few years and the events that will open new doors for my future. My objective is to take full advantage of both the academics and extracurricular activities that my high school has to offer.

My favorite memory at Skinner was overall being able to be a part of a school community with so much diversity and so much culture. I got the opportunity to be in a learning environment with both individuals like me and people different from me, and I will continue to highly value and appreciate this aspect of my education.

If you're an eighth grader, please send your picture, high school plans, and favorite memory of Skinner West to the Skinner Communications team so we can celebrate you and your future plans!

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End of Year Information

We are almost done with the 2020-2021 school year! Some key points as we close out the year:

1. June 22 is the last day of school. It is a FULL day of class.

2. CPS will return to in-person learning five days a week next fall for the 2021-2022 school year. Complete this survey to help guide the work of the district as schools open. The survey will be open through June 18.

3. The school year starts earlier in the fall! Mark you calendars:

Monday, August 30, 2021

4. If you are NOT returning to Skinner West, don't forget to fill out your Transfer Request form.

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New Student Registration

New to the Skinner family? Welcome! Registration for Classical and Neighborhood programs is now available online:

Current students do NOT need to re-register. We look forward to seeing everyone in the fall!

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Health Forms for 5th Graders Moving into 6th Grade

Parents of current 5th grade students: The district requires 6th graders to have an updated physical, Tdap vaccination, and MCV4 vaccination on file. Download a list of all CPS vaccine requirements (PDF).

Families of 6th graders must provide proof of required immunizations and health exams before October 15, 2021 or they will face exclusion from school.

If your child has already had an appointment or has one scheduled over the summer, please email the records to Ms. Maldonado scmaldonado@cps.edu with the subject line: Sixth Grade Health Records.

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PlayMakers Online Summer Camp

PlayMakers Laboratory is hosting an online summer camp. They are offering scholarships and discounts to Skinner West Superstars!

PML Summer Camp: The Show Must Go On(line) is a digital drama camp focusing on writing, directing, and producing short online videos. Students will use Flip Grid, TikTok, and YouTube to explore storytelling for the smallest screen.

The camp will be led by a combination of teaching artists, performers, and professionals who use different digital platforms in their occupations--from planning, shooting, editing, and posting, they've got the skills to teach students how to maximize digital resources!

When: Monday, July 12 - Friday, July 16, 2021

Who: Rising 3rd-5th graders

Register for camp or apply for scholarships: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-show-must-go-online-a-digital-drama-summer-camp-tickets-158794736331

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Repeat Articles

Eighth Grade Superstars from Ms. Sendoun's Class

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

Yinuo H.

Whitney Young

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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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

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