February 17h, 2026

It’s been another great stretch of learning and connection at MSN, highlighted by our 8th graders’ powerful February 5th visit with Holocaust survivor Steen Metz, continued opportunities to recognize outstanding staff through our MSN High Five staff recognition, and reminders for families to order yearbooks before the deadline. Across District 95, students and families have exciting opportunities to engage in learning and community events, including the LZHS Women in STEAM Science Fair on February 21 (9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.), and the District 95 Educational Foundation’s “Studio 95 Gala” on February 28. We are grateful for the many ways our school community continues to support students, families, and one another through learning, and celebration. ~Mrs. Crowley

Making Thinking Visible in Math

Windy City Bulls

Ms. Vargo earns Teachers Make a Difference Award

Important Dates

February 28th: D95 Foundation Gala

March 4th @ 7PM: Band Concert

March 5th @ 7PM: Orchestra Concert

March 10th @ 7 PM: MSN PTO Meeting

March 12th: 3rd Quarter Ends

📘 Yearbooks are on sale!

Order using the link:

https://yearbookordercenter.com/job/25036

Give a High Five to an MSN Staff Member!

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.

Illinois Assessment of Readiness Information

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.

Illinois 5Essentials Survey

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

Remembering Through Story: Steen Metz Visits MSN 8th Grade

On February 5th, our 8th grade students had the opportunity to hear from Holocaust survivor Steen Metz, whose message of hope, remembrance, and responsibility brought history to life in a powerful and deeply personal way. Through storytelling, reflection, and honest conversation,

During his visit, he shared not only the hardships he experienced as a child during the Holocaust, but also the importance of resilience, kindness, and standing up for others. His message reminded students that remembering history is essential to building a better future.

Our students listened with empathy and curiosity, asking thoughtful questions and reflecting on what they learned. Many shared how meaningful the experience was:

“I was really amazed at the fact that you were able to survive the Holocaust. Your story inspired me to share it with family and friends. Thank you for your time with us and thank you for sharing your story.”

“He seemed so sweet and I can't imagine how scared he must have been at 8 years old. I am glad I got to hear his thoughts.”

“When you first walked in, you didn't look a day over 80. This hit me… it made me realize that these events are not just history, but are more recent. It's very important to me that we do not make the same mistake.”

Thank you Mr. Metz for visiting MSN.

Library Open During Lunch Periods

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

Author Visit Pre-Sale

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