Home Scoop

Dear Skokie Families,

November is here, and with it come cozy sweaters, crunchy leaves, and the mystery of how middle schoolers can lose a full-sized winter coat between the bike rack and the front door. If you are missing one at home, there's a good chance it lives in our lost and found.

This week's newsletter has highlights from around Skokie, important upcoming dates, and other updates to help you stay connected to your child's experience at school. As we head into a season of gratitude, we want to name what we see and live every day with your children - growth happens when students feel known, supported, and believed in. Each act of kindness, each brave question, and each moment of persistence is shaping who our students are becoming. Thank you for being our partners in that work.

Sincerely,

Michelle & Emily

During this one-period class, students take coffee and snack orders from staff, thoughtfully design and create personalized, creatively decorated (and often beautifully blinged-out!) coffee cups that reflect each staff member’s favorite things and interests, and prepare and deliver their orders. Each delivery includes a carefully selected inspirational quote as a small gesture of appreciation and encouragement. Through every interaction, students practice communication, active listening, collaboration, problem-solving, creativity, empathy, and meaningful acts of service.

Most importantly, At Your Service is about building authentic relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and celebrating the incredible contributions of every staff member who helps nurture, support, and inspire our students. It teaches students that kindness matters, service has purpose, and the relationships we build with others play an essential role in helping all of us become the best humans we can be.

November

• Tuesday,11/03: Election Day/No School for Students
• Thursday, 11/12: Skokie Picture Re-Takes

• Friday, 11/13: 1st Trimester Ends

• Monday, 11/16: New Trier Math Qualifying Test *NEW DATE*

• Monday, 11/16: 2nd Trimester Begins

• Thursday, 11/19: Winter Band Concert at Washburne (6th-8th grades)

• Monday, 11/23 - Friday, 11/27: Fall Break

December

• Wednesday, 12/02: Trimester 1 Progress Reports (available in PowerSchool)

• Thursday, 12/10: Winter Chorus Concert, 7:00pm

• Week of 12/14: Skokie Reindeer Games

• Monday 12/21 - Friday 1/01: Winter Break

5th and 6th-graders are invited to learn and play the classic game of Mahjong! In Mahjong Club, students will learn the basics of the game, develop strategies, and enjoy playing with friends in a relaxed and social setting. No previous experience is necessary. The club runs for 8 weeks on Thursdays from 3:30–4:30 PM, December 3 - February 4.

Registration for Mahjong Club will open on the District Web Store on Tuesday, November 10th at 9am .

This month at Skokie, we are focusing on helping every child feel welcomed. Here are a few simple ways to build that feeling at home:

• A smile, a hug, or "I'm so glad to see you" at pickup or the end of the day goes a long way.

• Try "Who made you smile today?" or "How did you help someone feel included?"

• A few relaxed minutes before school help kids walk in feeling settled and ready.

• Share a time you felt new somewhere and what helped you feel welcome.

• When your child includes someone or reaches out, tell them you noticed.

Thank you for partnering with us to make sure every child feels like they belong, at school and at home!

Each November, we celebrate Native American Indian Heritage Month by honoring the rich cultures, traditions, and histories of Native Americans. It is a time to recognize their many contributions and to learn more about the diverse heritage that continues to shape our nation.

You can refer to our monthly observance calendar here

Prior to this school year, the District had adhered to School Board guidance making the first of any necessary emergency weather closure a traditional “snow day” with no student or staff attendance and no remote learning offered. This required the District to add an additional day to the school year to account for state attendance mandates. Last year, the School Board made an adjustment to the District’s weather related emergency closure protocol, providing authority to the Superintendent to use either a “snow day” or a remote learning day at any point when a weather emergency requires the closure of schools. Any potential school closure will still be decided in partnership with the New Trier Township superintendents, as it has been historically, and also take into account factors like staffing capacity, transportation limitations, building temperatures and road safety.

The November edition of the The 36 Mix is out now. Please review for important District news, a glimpse into Halloween festivities and more.

Mark Your Calendars! Adventures in Learning Registration Opens March 1, 2027!

Get ready for another exciting summer! Adventures in Learning registration officially opens on Monday, March 1, 2027, at 1:00 p.m. Start planning your summer and be ready to register for your favorite classes!