March 2nd 2026

As we move into the spring season at Middle School North, we have many important updates and opportunities to share with our families. In this newsletter, you will find information about upcoming IAR testing, information on Student Wellness, and ways to celebrate our staff through the High Five recognition program. We also encourage families to review updates from our PTO and to share their perspectives through the 5Essentials Survey, which helps guide our continued growth as a school community. ~Mrs. Crowley

March 4th @ 7PM: Band Concert

March 5th @ 7PM: Orchestra Concert

March 10th @ 7 PM: MSN PTO Meeting

March 12th: 3rd Quarter Ends

March 23rd-March 27th: Spring Break

Friday, April 3rd: No School

Monday, April 6th: No School

Over the past two weeks, we have delivered 15 High Fives to staff members. The smiles these recognitions brought were uplifting not only for the recipients, but for our entire school community.

Our staff work hard every day to support our students. As part of our ongoing efforts to recognize their dedication, we’ve created the Middle School North High Five Recognition Program—a simple way for you to let our staff know that their efforts are seen and appreciated! Each High Five will be personally delivered to the staff member by our leadership team. Every month, all High Fives will be entered into a drawing, and one staff member will receive a small token of appreciation. Messages of appreciation can remain anonymous. To send a High Five, fill out the Google Form.

As summer approaches, District 95 will once again be offering a variety of Summer Semester programs for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade, including Extended School Year (ESY).

Summer Semester Course Offerings

Please click the links below to access further information about the summer semester and the programs that will be offered. If you are having trouble viewing any of these resources or need translations, please contact Todd Jakowitsch at todd.jakowitsch@lz95.org or (847) 540-4929.

• K - 8 Summer Semester Course Guide

• LZHS Summer Semester Course Guide

Summer Semester Registration

Summer Semester 2026 registration will open on Monday, March 16, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. and run through Friday, April 10, 2026 for in-district families. Families who are not residents of District 95 will be able to register for a limited number of courses at the high school level from April 27, 2026 - May 15, 2026.

Registration will be conducted exclusively through ParentVue, accessible via the district website (www.lz95.org) including for non-District 95 families.

On February 17, 2026 you received communication from Aubrey Allen (director of data and assessment) regarding the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) tests. Please keep in mind Mrs. Allen’s previous letter which states all students in grades 3 – 8 are mandated to take the IAR, and there is no opt-out option. This state policy ensures that the school has comprehensive data to support all aspects of student learning and program effectiveness. We will be administering the IAR tests on the following dates:

Tuesday, March 3rd - ELA 1

Wednesday, March 4th - ELA 2

Thursday, March 5th - ELA 3

Tuesday, March 10th - Math 1

Wednesday, March 11th - Math 2

Thursday, March 12th - Math 3

Daily schedules for testing dates are below.

Some important reminders for the testing days:

• Students should have corded earbuds. Bluetooth headphones are not allowed for this test. Please know that we will have a limited number of extras, so it is encouraged that students come with their own.

• Discuss the importance of these tests with your student, emphasizing the value of their effort and the opportunity to show what they have learned.

• Remind them that the test is a snapshot in time of their learning and to focus on doing their best.

• Encourage them to take their time and not rush through the test, as the allotted session time is designed to be sufficient.

• Stress the importance of a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast on test days.

• Reinforce a positive mindset towards testing and remind them that their value is not defined by test scores.

Your voice matters! Families play an important role in helping us understand what we’re doing well and where we can continue to grow as a school community. We invite all parents and guardians to participate in the Illinois 5Essentials Survey.

This short survey provides valuable feedback about school culture, communication, learning conditions, and family engagement. Your responses help guide our school improvement efforts and ensure we are meeting the needs of all students.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey here:
https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/?target_name=parent&p=1

Wellness Corner

New this semester, we will be sharing additional information about a variety of student wellness topics for parent/guardian information. Please read on for additional information!

Community-based Resources

In addition to building-level team members (social workers, school psychologists and counselors at the middle/high school levels) available at all buildings to support student social-emotional and mental health needs, the district additionally maintains a list of community-based resources for family consideration. Families interested in accessing our community referral list can do so by clicking the link HERE).

Additionally, District 95 (through a partnership with Joanie’s Closet) has funding set aside to support families who are unable to access mental health services due to limited financial means. Families can learn more about the process for accessing financial support by contacting a building-based team member (social worker, psychologist), or by contacting the Student Services Department (847.540.7060).

The Importance of Play

Play or group activities across the ages (early childhood, elementary, adolescence) is critical for development. Play (or group interactions such as being on a team or in a theatrical production) allows kids to learn and practice critical skills - such as understanding rules of engagement, understanding different ways to socialize with peers, and conflict resolution.

Understanding how to balance play/group interaction opportunities with competing screen time interests can be challenging for families. Parents/guardians can learn more about the benefits of play and ways to create opportunities for these critical learning experiences HERE.

The library will open during lunch times for students who are fasting during Ramadan.

Christina Diaz Gonzalez, author of The Red Umbrella and Edgar Award-winning Concealed, will speak at MSN on March 13, 2026, in the cafetorium.

Students, staff, and families are encouraged to preorder a copy of her newest graphic novel, Offside.

Offside is about five kids on a co-ed soccer team who must confront insecurities, language barriers, and gender stereotypes to make a difference in the sport they love. This Breakfast Club-inspired story by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and illustrated by Mari Costa is a must-have graphic novel about soccer, friendship, and what it really means to work as a team.

Below are the links to preorder a hardcover or paperback copy of Offsides, which will be delivered to your address after July 2026 publication.

Hardcover: https://www.bookcellarinc.com/offside-graphic-novel-0

Paperback: https://www.bookcellarinc.com/offside-graphic-novel

The MSN PTO is organizing a "Spring Snack" for the teachers and staff before Spring Break begins. Please help us by donating e-gifts to help fund the snack. Click HERE to access the sign up sheet. The teachers are very appreciative of all your support!