The Principal's Perspective

Hello Families! What an exciting time of the year for all of us. The school year is in full swing and family conferences are this week. I hope that you have been able to review the video regarding standards based grading developed by the district to help middle school families navigate what SBG is as it relates to grading. That video can be found here https://www.district65.net/learning/curriculum-instruction/standards-based-grading-report-cards . During family conference each family has 5 minutes to hear about how their scholar is progressing towards mastery of the learning standard and the learning habit. Please be mindful of the time limit as each slot is full and every family deserves equal time. If time runs out and you have more that you would like to discuss, you can set up another time to speak with your scholar's teacher. We look forward to seeing you either in person or online!

How to stay updated with your child’s learning

It’s hard to believe it’s already time for progress reports and parent-teacher conferences! Progress reports look very similar to our report cards this year; both are standards based and are meant to be an accurate reflection of where your child is currently at in their learning process.

Another way to see how your child is progressing in school is through PowerSchool. For a quick video tutorial on navigating the "Grades & Attendance" and "Standards Grades" tabs within PowerSchool Parent Portal, please view these links: English / Spanish. Students are also receiving instructions on how to view their grades.

Cómo mantenerse actualizado con el aprendizaje de sus hijos

¡Es difícil creer que ya es tiempo de los reportes de progreso y de las entrevistas ‘padres-maestros’! Los reportes de progreso se parecen mucho a nuestras boletas de calificaciones este año; ambos están basadas en estándares y tienen la intención de ser un reflejo preciso de en dónde se encuentran sus hijos actualmente en su proceso de aprendizaje.

Otra forma de ver cómo está progresando su hijo en la escuela es a través de PowerSchool. Para ver un breve video tutorial acerca de cómo desplazarse a través de las “pestañas” tituladas “calificaciones y asistencia” y “calificaciones estándar” dentro del portal de PowerSchool para padres, por favor consulte estos enlaces: Inglés / español. Los estudiantes también están recibiendo instrucciones acerca de cómo ver sus calificaciones.

Here you will find the first AVID newsletter of the year https://secure.smore.com/n/02u9p .

Regarding AVID expectations in the classroom, the students are doing a great job with binging their binders to every class and with their binder checks. Planning and preparation is the key to academic and emotional intelligence success. AVID helps students to understand how important it is to organize their ideas via note taking that allows them to do it in such a manner that works for their style of note taking. If you click on the picture you will find parent resources related to AVID.

The PTA newsletter has gone out. The PTA is asking parents to sign up to support teachers during conferences by donating food items. If you would like to help provide our fabulous teachers with tasty treats please sign up here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080448ABAB2BA4FC1-52064946-parent

Please talk to your scholar about appropriate technology use. They have so many tools at their discretion but they must use them correctly. We take cyber bullying very seriously. This also includes taking pictures of others without their permission, posting things in group chats or online that are mean, threatening, inappropriate, and/or discriminatory or racist. This also includes using google chat inappropriately. In addition, we do have Securly which monitors for certain words or phrases that alert us to concerns. Students can lose their privilege of their iPad if they do not follow the technology guidelines.

Please see the resources about Technology in District 65. The links cover a variety of topics such as: Student Data Privacy, Network and Security Measures, Digital Citizenship and Literacy, Support for Families & Caregivers, D65 Device Protection Plan & Replacement Procedures, and Acceptable Network Use Policy

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As a reminder, there is no school Friday or Monday. Please enjoy the break! Here are some kid friendly activities if you are looking for something for the children to do https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/families/30-kid-friendly-things-to-do-in-chicago/ ! If you are into organization and enjoy Marie Kondo, here is a great article on getting your children involved in the process https://www.midmodernmama.com/how-to-konmari-a-childs-room .

Please talk to your children about positive play. As I observe recess in an effort to keep children safe we also need your scholars to do their part. Far too often children are taking each others shoes and running away with them as a game; this is unsanitary and unsafe. Children are swinging each other around by the arm and are engaging in unsafe chasing. We continually remind them to stop and tell them about safe play but we need for parents to emphasize this as well. The majority of the students do find a lot of fun playing volleyball, soccer, basketball or flag football. If any parents would like to donate board games or various balls you may drop the donated items off at the main office.

With the short week and family conferences, there will be no open office hours, however I look forward to seeing you at conferences.

Nominate an excellent staff member for the High Five! Award!

District 65 is filled with incredibly dedicated educators and educational support staff members who go the extra mile each and every day in support of their students, fellow colleagues, and our families.

We want to hear from you about those impactful staff members! Nominations are open for the High Five: Celebrating Excellence in District 65 recognition program. One licensed staff member and one educational support staff member will be recognized each month through May. Please note that district supervisors and administrators are not eligible.

Applications must be submitted using the online nomination form (see below). D65 staff members who are selected will receive a $100 gift card, a framed recognition certificate, and will also be recognized at the monthly regular school board meeting and through district communication channels. We can’t wait to turn up the J-Factor this year and celebrate our amazing staff!

BUTTON: Submit a High 5 nomination today!

Nomine a un excelente miembro del personal para el reconocimiento “High Five!”

¡El Distrito 65 está lleno de educadores increíblemente dedicados y de miembros del personal de apoyo educativo que hacen un esfuerzo adicional para apoyar a los estudiantes, a sus compañeros y a nuestra familias!

¡Queremos escucharlos a ustedes acerca de esos impactantes miembros del personal! Las nominaciones están abiertas para el programa de reconocimiento High Five!: Celebrando la excelencia en el Distrito 65’. Un miembro certificado del personal docente y un miembro del personal de apoyo educativo serán reconocidos cada mes y hasta el mes de mayo. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que los supervisores y los administradores no son elegibles.

Las solicitudes deben entregarse usando el formulario para nominaciones en línea (véalo más abajo). Los miembros del personal del D65 que sean seleccionados recibirán una tarjeta de obsequio con valor de $100, un certificado enmarcado y también serán reconocidos en la reunión mensual de la Junta Directiva de Educación y a través de los canales de comunicación del distrito. ¡No podemos esperar para elevar el ‘Factor alegría’; este año y otorgar reconocimientos a nuestro increíble personal!

BUTTON: ¡Envíe hoy una nominación para ‘High Five!’!

Check here for this week's activities and sports https://nichols.district65.net/students/clubs-activities

Have you checked out the video on Math in D65?? Here you will find an overview - please take a look! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUOws1k5sJg. Also, as a reminder, October 23rd is the next Math Acceleration Night. More details can be found here https://www.district65.net/learning/assessments/alternate-placement

https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/departments/parks-recreation-community-services/programs-events/festivals/halloween-festivities

METROSQUASH EVANSTON

https://metrosquash.org/evanston/

Some of the staff members are reading "The Anxious Generation" and it is mind blowing. As a parent I am recommending it to all of my circle of friends who have children and grandchildren.

Thank you parents for filling out the survey regarding Curriculum Night; we take your input very seriously. The School Improvement Team has had the opportunity to read the results and your comments. A summary of that will be provided in the next newsletter.