Skinner North Classical School
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Skinner North Update 4/30/20

4/30/2020

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Good afternoon!  I hope everyone is doing well.  Please read below for information around our next tech pick up day, CPS Account Sign Up for students and our Virtual Talent Show!

Have a great day,
Katie
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Tech Pick Up - We want to make sure students have what they need to stay engaged while school is not in session.  If your student needs a Chromebook or has other needs that we can assist with, please complete the following form (https://forms.gle/nEo1DvmNv4gLkmse9) or reach out to Katie (kmagnuson@cps.edu) or Derrick (dkimbrough@cps.edu) directly.   If possible, please let us know in advance if you plan to pick up a device.  Our next tech pick up day will be Tuesday 5/5 from 10:00-11:00.  


CPS Account Sign Up - Our special's teachers are using Google Meet, which is a CPS approved platform, to connect with students.  If your student does not have a CPS email and Password in order to connect, follow the below steps:   

(Please note:  Students in 4-8 already have their accounts.)    
1. In any browser connected to the internet go to google.cps.edu
2. Underneath the "Sign In" button click on "New user? set up account"
3. Fill out information, Claim Code is their CPS student ID
4. Once the account is claimed students are able to sign in using their cps email and the password that was set up in the claim process.

Yearbooks - DON'T MISS OUT ON A SCHOOL YEARBOOK! Read below! 
-Throughout the school closure, yearbook has continued working hard on producing a book of memories for the 19-20 year. Yearbook sales will be done online only at https://inter-state.com/yearbook using the School Code:  44282P and will cost $20. This site will only be open from now until May 13- so don't delay! With this tight turn around, we will NOT be able to order more yearbooks as we've done in the past to accommodate the high demand, so remind your friends to order ASAP but definitely before May 13! We will have a yearbook pickup day at school for families who ordered. Yearbook pick up day will be set once we have confirmation of yearbook delivery.
-We are also doing an OPT OUT form for media consent to be in the yearbook. If you DO NOT want your child to be pictured in the yearbook, please use the link (https://forms.gle/rLGJZXZhTEU91CKY7) and fill out before May 1. If you do not fill out this form, you are granting permission for your child's picture to be used in the 2019-2020 Skinner North yearbook only. These books will be distributed only to Skinner North families. 
Please email any questions to - Cshallenber@cps.edu.Thanks! -Yearbook club 

Virtual Talent Show - We may not be in the Skinner North Auditorium but that won’t stop us from showing off our skills!  We are creating a virtual Skinner North Talent Show.  Here are the steps to submit:  1.) Set up your camera or find someone ready to film you; 2.) Practice that fun amusing talent you have in your back pocket; 3. Get ready to share! Send your video to dsritchey@cps.edu by May 15  (*all videos will be compiled and shared with our whole community if you do not want your video shared please do not submit.)  See attached for event flier.
skinner_north_virtual_talent_show.pdf
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Skinner North Update 4/26/20

4/26/2020

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Good evening,

I hope everyone is doing well.  Our staff wanted to share something we created for students.  Please see attached for messages from our staff to students.  

A parent shared this resource (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ao3fITMyfGxGmTZs0FYwUqfx1uCBZDN4_jY0DoVC__0/edit?usp=sharing)

from the Center for Talent Development.  It lists various resources for students if you are looking for extra practice or enrichment for your student.  

As a reminder you can find our weekly remote learning plans at http://www.skinnernorth.org/remote-learning.html.  

I also wanted to give a big thank you to everyone who completed our survey.  We are reviewing the responses and will adjust based on this.  

Have a wonderful day,
Katie
notes_to_students_from_staff_week_of_4_27.pdf
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Skinner North Update 4/23/20

4/23/2020

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Picture
Good afternoon!  I hope everyone is doing well and that you got time to connect with your student's teacher this week for conferences.  Keeping our interconnectedness is so important during this time period.  Please read below for a few updates.  

Have a great day,
Kaite
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Welcome to Ms. Ruestow - We would like to introduce our new 4th grade math and science teacher who will be taking over for Ms. Sundeen, who is going on maternity leave.  Please read below for a bit about her:  

My name is Caroline Ruestow and I would like to introduce myself as the 4th grade math and science teacher supporting Mrs. Sundeen’s students for the remainder of the school year. Over the last ten years, I have taught 4th - 6th grade, and acted as a K-8 math instructional coach and Instructional Support Leader for CPS. Being an educator is something I feel very passionately about. After spending the last year with my own children, I am thrilled to rejoin the workforce with the Skinner North community. I look very forward to virtually collaborating with Skinner’s teachers, staff, parents, and students!

Seal of Biliteracy (5th/8th Students who signed up) - Due to the unforeseen circumstances faced by the current pandemic and the suspension of in-person instruction for the rest of the year, OLCE has decided to cancel this year's testing of 5th and 8th graders for the Pathways Towards the State Seal of Biliteracy award (further information on the testing of 12th graders is forthcoming and will be announced to appropriate parties).  This includes testing both via Avant's STAMP assessment as well as LAS Links.  


Messages from Diverse Need Committee - Thank you to the committee for putting this material together.  We had a number of questions related to Diverse Learners in our family survey.  We will continue to update as we get more information from the district.  
CPS ODLSS Diverse Learners Parent Advisory Council Meeting (this meeting is open to all CPS parents/guardians) - Tonight's meeting will include an update from ODLSS Chief Jones and ISBE about education for diverse learners during the remote learning period due to Covid-19.


Thursday, April 23, 2020 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Additional meeting details and Zoom pre-registration here


Raise Your Hand - This group is hosting weekly Special Ed Parents & Supporter Zoom calls: Tuesdays, 1-2:30pm. Register here.  This meeting is a chance for caretaker of children with disabilities, special ed teachers, and clinicians to connect and share insight and resources on how to best support our kids during the COVID emergency school closure.
On one of the Tuesday’s call Dr. Jones, ODLSS Chief Officer, and Ms. Parker, ODLSS Deputy Chief, joined the call for about 40 minutes. We expect Dr. Jones to be on upcoming calls for the first 30 minutes. On the call, Dr. Jones mentioned several times that the ODLSS FAQs doc will be updated very soon. At the sending of this email, the doc still stated “Updated March 22.” You can find that FAQ doc here.
CPS Behavior Supports webinar - Here's the presentation from the CPS Behavior Supports webinar and additional support materials:  
Presentation in english: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1zD-fp2GgxunPIyHbK64_Fay_Lp7k2crk
Presentación en español: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1I2KRLnCtNnjk-G4otFfMfG31ZbgClnyV
Links to Behavior Supports: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ChQGpK1RYAkHrbyCnde2OqNIcTtCXYHx2GnEkeEsijQ 

Other resources -  
  • If you have questions or need help navigating the IEP or 504 process, feel free to reach out to the ODLSS Parent Involvement Specialists at ODLSSParentSupport@CPS.edu
  • Free Virtual Recreation Programming from Park Districts!
  • Thinking about creating a social story for your child? Here are some great tips from Autism.org
  • CPS is offering daily live read alouds! 10:00AM for Elementary Students and 2:00PM for Middle and High School Students. Check out the schedule here!

Remote Learning Family Check In Survey (Reminder):  We are looking for feedback.  We are accepting responses to this particular survey through tomorrow.  Access the survey at:  https://forms.gle/6NWmYPeBjEEVaGXH8. 


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Skinner North Update 4/21/20

4/22/2020

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Good evening!  I wanted to start with a big thank you to the parents out there.  This is not an easy time and it is a lot to balance.  Here is a video care of Elmo's dad that I thought was helpful:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEmaWIxyhj8.  Remember we are all doing the best we can and to take moments for yourself too!  


Thank you to everyone who was able to complete the survey.  We heard a lot of positives, so we are glad to be working from here as a starting point.  We will continue to review and accept responses throughout the week, so it is a great way to provide your feedback.  You can access the survey at:  https://forms.gle/6NWmYPeBjEEVaGXH8. 


We also wanted to address a few points that came up in case you were planning on discussing at conferences.  We are viewing conferences as well-being checks. How are students and families doing? Teachers will be able to provide updates on student learning as well. (Remember conferences are typically under 10 minutes, so please be aware and respect this timeframe.)  We want you to be able to focus as much as possible on check-ins around students, so felt it would be helpful to follow up on a few items brought up in the survey:   

  • We have not received guidance from the district around the following questions (We will send out as soon as we receive information):
    • 4th quarter grading
    • Further guidance around Diverse Learner supports
    • Selective enrollment High School applications and the testing being utilized for next year
  • Remote learning is not a typical school day and does not have the same pacing of our typical instruction. Our goal is to support students social-emotionally and with an equity mindset during this time period. The suggested hours of expected engagement for the different grade bands are:
    Grades K–2: 90 minutes Grades 3–5: 120 minutes Grades 6–8: 180 minutes
  • We are slowing down the pacing of instruction for the following reasons:
    • We view this as an equity issue. We do not want to continue widening the gap between the performance levels of our students due to situations beyond student control. Allowing appropriate pacing for students helps us ensure all students are able to access learning and are receiving feedback.
    • Next year will look different and staff are aware of this. We are already thinking about how this transition will look and how to support our students. Remember this has impacted all students across the country.
    • Our biggest focus is mental health and wellness for our students. It is a stressful time and we want to give them time and space to process and feel connected.
  • Due to safety issues and per district guidance, teachers are not able to do one-on-one meetings with students. (Counselors and social workers have different permissions.)
  • Teachers are not expected to have live sessions daily. There are a few reasons for this. We are focused on quality not quantity. Given the new environment, different planning required and other logistics, teachers need time to develop and implement. Another big piece of this is thinking about equity. Not every student has the same access and we do not want to continue to move forward without them. By varying how teachers are engaging with students virtually (i.e. live sessions, recorded lessons, chats, hangouts, etc.) teachers can differentiate for student need. (Teachers are expected to be virtually available or engaged with students at a minimum of 2 hours a day. The remainder of the day is used for planning, providing feedback, grading, etc.). We will continue to adjust based on what is working well for our students.
  • Office hours - These are a great way to get questions answered or check-in. Parents and/or students can call or video chat in to get explanations or feedback. We hold school-wide office hours and teachers host as well.
  • Please feel free to submit other questions you may have using our Skinner North Question Corner form available at:  https://forms.gle/obuhrj72X9McGgrc6.  


We are also making adjustments based on the feedback, so please be on the look out for this as well. 

Have a wonderful and safe day,
Katie & Derrick
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Skinner North Update 4/17/20

4/17/2020

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​Good afternoon, 

As you may know, the governor extended remote learning through the end of the school year today. This may not have been totally unexpected, but the official news is hard to hear.  I know we are all feeling different emotions about this.   I am personally feeling sadness about not seeing students back at school this year and especially thinking about our 8th grade students.  However, I know we can overcome the challenges before us.  We will continue to work together and show empathy and understanding for one another as we navigate remote learning and this "new normal".  We are here for you.  Please feel free to use the survey, virtual office or email to reach out.  

There are updates included below this message.  As we receive further guidance from the district, we will keep you updated. 


Have a wonderful weekend,
Katie
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Parent-Teacher Conferences - The official parent-teacher conference day is Wednesday (4/22).  There is not an expectation of remote learning that day as teachers will be engaged in conferences.  Although depending on the teacher, conferences may happen over the course of the week.  Please look out for teacher emails in regards to signing up for conferences.  Please note:  Teachers will have to hold firm on start and end times of conferences as they will need to ensure they can meet with everyone.

Remote Learning Family Check In Survey:  As it is our first official week of remote learning, we want to hear your feedback.  We have created a survey for families to help us better understand how remote learning is currently going and a chance to give some information and feedback.  The survey is anonymous. Please try to complete by Monday (4/20)  Access the survey at:  https://forms.gle/6NWmYPeBjEEVaGXH8.  We appreciate the feedback and everyone working together to support our students. 

CIWP Committee Meeting -  We will have a CIWP committee meeting on Friday (4/24) at 3:00.  Please see attached for the agenda and information to join virtually.

Technology Needs - We want to make sure students have what they need to stay engaged while school is not in session.  If your student needs a Chromebook or has other needs that we can assist with, please complete the following form (https://forms.gle/nEo1DvmNv4gLkmse9) or reach out to Katie (kmagnuson@cps.edu) or Derrick (dkimbrough@cps.edu) directly.  We will have Chromebook pick up this Wednesday (4/22) from 9-10.  Please let us know in advance if you plan to pick up a device.  


OAE Offers for Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools- This may only apply to a few, but for those who applied to selective enrollment elementary schools the acceptance timeline has been revised. Initially offers were going to go out April 24. This has been pushed to May 8. The deadline to accept or decline the offer is May 22. 

Anticipated Student Transfers - In planning for the enrollment/promotion of students for 2020-2021, I attached the student transfer form to make available for parents who anticipate their child will not be returning to Skinner North.  We appreciate you letting us know in advance to help us plan for enrollment requests.  


Virtual Office Hours -   If you have any questions, we have digital and non digital office hours.  We will have a staff member available on Google Meet during the listed hours of the school day.  Students (using their CPS email addresses) or parents can join the link or call-in number to ask any questions they have for school staff.  If you need to talk outside of these time slots, please email Katie (kmagnuson@cps.edu) or Derrick (dkimbrough@cps.edu).  We will respond promptly.  Mondays - 8:30-9:30AM and 12:30-2:30PM
Tuesdays - 8:30-10:30AM and 12:30-2:30PM
Wednesdays - 8:30-9:30AM and 12:30-2:30PM
Thursdays - 8:30-10:30AM and 12:30-2:30PM
Fridays - 8:30-9:30AM and 12:30-2:30PM


Connect using the following directions:   


Digital Office Hours:  Join digital office hours through Google Hangouts Meet at:  meet.google.com/tcs-pwur-qgh, Meeting ID meet.google.com/tcs-pwur-qgh, or via Phone at (‪US‬)‪+1 609-429-5796‬ PIN: ‪678 085 736#‬
 

Non-Digital Office Hours: We will have a staff member available by phone during above stated office hours.  Call via phone at (‪US‬)‪+1 609-429-5796‬ PIN: ‪678 085 736#‬. Students or parents can call this number to ask any questions they have for school staff.

Wellness Webinars - A parent shared this information and thought it would be something that may interest some of you.  (Please note this is not a school based or associated event.) From The Nextions Impact - Please register at your earliest convenience and feel free to invite anyone you think would benefit from these webinars. Based on the demand thus far, we have opened the number of spots from 250 to 500 so we don't anticipate running out of space as we did before. That said, please do register as soon as possible so we can better manage the audience size expectations.  Thank you!
      WELLNESS IN THE WAKE OF COVID-19 #4 - Wednesday, April 22, 2020 
                    1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (Central Time) - CLICK TO REGISTERWELLNESS IN THE WAKE OF COVID-19 #5 - Wednesday, April 29, 2020
                 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (Central Time) - CLICK TO REGISTER  
ciwp_committee_meeting_agenda_4_24_20.pdf
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student_transfer_form.pdf
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Skinner North Update and Remote Learning Survey

4/15/2020

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​Good morning!  I love seeing the students in their spirit week gear.  Thanks for participating and sharing!  Please read below for an important survey and a few dates to remember.   Also see attached for my April principal's report to the LSC.

Have a great day,
Katie
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Remote Learning Family Check In Survey:  As it is our first official week of remote learning, we want to hear your feedback.  We have created a survey for families to help us better understand how remote learning is currently going and a chance to give some information and feedback.  The survey is anonymous. Please try to complete by Monday (4/20)  Access the survey at:  https://forms.gle/6NWmYPeBjEEVaGXH8.  We appreciate the feedback and everyone working together to support our students.  


Reminders-
Today (4/16) - Reading Day of Spirit Week (send pictures to Katie)
                        -End of 3rd Quarter
Friday, 4/17 - Skinner North Spirit Day (send pictures)
                    - School Improvement Day (No remote learning)
                    - Tech pick up day from 9-10 at the school (remember to utilize social distancing)
Mon., 4/20  - Diversity Committee Meeting (+16468769923, 5252634982#)
Wed., 4/22   - Virtual Parent Teacher Conference Day (report cards will be mailed to you)
lsc_principals_report_april_15.pdf
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Skinner North Update 4/13/20

4/13/2020

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Skinner North Update 4/12

4/12/2020

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Good evening,

Please see below for information around our next LSC meeting and a learning opportunity around behavior supports for parents and caregivers during school closures.

Remote learning officially starts tomorrow.  Please remember you can utilize our website http://www.skinnernorth.org/remote-learning.html for more information and weekly plans.  Also, we have virtual office hours throughout the week.  Information for accessing this was sent in our last email and is included on the website.

Have a wonderful day,
Katie
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LSC Meeting Agenda - Our regular April Skinner North LSC Meeting is on Wed, Apr 15, 2020 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (CDT).  Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/957319069.  You can also dial in using your phone. (For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)  United States: +1 (224) 501-3412 - One-touch: tel:+12245013412,,957319069# Access Code: 957-319-069

Join from a video-conferencing room or system.
Dial in or type: 67.217.95.2 or inroomlink.goto.com
Meeting ID: 957 319 069
Or dial directly: 957319069@67.217.95.2 or 67.217.95.2##957319069



Behavior Supports for Parents and Caregivers During School Closures -  On Tuesday, April 14 (10-11 am) and Wednesday, April 15 (8-9 pm), Erin Miller, manager of the Office of Diverse Learner Supports Specialized Behavioral Support & Strategy Team will present, "Behavior Supports for Parents and Caregivers During School Closures."  The webinar will provide an overview of universal behavior strategies families can use to support their students in the home setting. (See attached flyer and registration link).
If you have any questions, please contact Erin Miller M.A., BCAB at emmiller5@cps.edu.  Visit their website for more information regarding upcoming ODLSS Events.
odlss_specialized_behavioral_support_strategy.pdf
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041520_skinner_north_lsc_regular_meeting_agenda_.pdf
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Skinner North Community Update 4/10/20

4/10/2020

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Good evening!  I hope everyone is doing well and found some time to relax and enjoy this unusual spring break.  Please read below for a few updates.

Have a wonderful and safe weekend,
Katie
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Spirit Week - Student Council has helped plan a "virtual" spring spirit week to help bring a little spring fun to remote learning days!  If you would like to share your spirit day outfit/participation, you can send them directly to kmagnuson@cps.edu.  (Please note photos may be shared via our listserv or FoSN Facebook page.  By sending/sharing, you agree to this.)
  • Monday (4/13)- Pajama Day (Wear your pajamas for remote learning.)
  • Tuesday (4/14)- Crazy Sock/Hair/Mismatched Day (Wear crazy socks, wild hair and/or mismatched clothing for remote learning.)
  • Wednesday (4/15)-Character Day (Dress up as your favorite character.)
  • Thursday (4/16)- Reading Day (Show us what book you are currently reading.)
  • Friday (4/17)- Skinner North Spirit Day (Show us your Skinner North pride by wearing purple and gold or other Skinner North gear.)

Remote Learning Plan begins Monday - You can also visit our website at http://www.skinnernorth.org/remote-learning.html for further details and our weekly plans will be updated each Monday.  Remember we are here to support you.  If you have any questions, we have digital and non digital office hours.  We will have a staff member available on Google Meet during the listed hours of the school day starting the week of 4/13.  Students (using their CPS email addresses) or parents can join the link or call-in number to ask any questions they have for school staff.  If you need to talk outside of these time slots, please email Katie (kmagnuson@cps.edu) or Derrick (dkimbrough@cps.edu).  We will respond promptly.  
Mondays - 8:30-9:30AM and 12:30-2:30PM

Tuesdays - 8:30-10:30AM and 12:30-2:30PM

Wednesdays - 8:30-9:30AM and 12:30-2:30PM

Thursdays - 8:30-10:30AM and 12:30-2:30PM

Fridays - 8:30-9:30AM and 12:30-2:30PM



Connect using the following directions:   

Digital Office Hours:  Join digital office hours through Google Hangouts Meet at:  meet.google.com/tcs-pwur-qgh, Meeting ID meet.google.com/tcs-pwur-qgh, or via Phone at (‪US‬)‪+1 609-429-5796‬ PIN: ‪678 085 736#‬

 

Non-Digital Office Hours: We will have a staff member available by phone during above stated office hours.  Call via phone at (‪US‬)‪+1 609-429-5796‬ PIN: ‪678 085 736#‬. Students or parents can call this number to ask any questions they have for school staff.   

Technology Needs - As we continue to do more remote learning, we understand that families may not have the resources necessary to access online content.  We want to make sure students have what they need to stay engaged while school is not in session.  If your student needs a Chromebook or has other needs that we can assist with, please complete the following form (https://forms.gle/nEo1DvmNv4gLkmse9) or reach out to Katie (kmagnuson@cps.edu) or Derrick (dkimbrough@cps.edu) directly.  We will have Chromebook pick up this Friday (4/17) from 9-10.  Please let us know in advance if you plan to pick up a device.

Getting Connected to the Internet - If you need assistance getting connected to the internet in your home, the attached document has some great resources.

Wellness Committee Meeting - Our Wellness Committee We are here for you! Please grab a cup of coffee or tea (or whatever) and join us for the Wellness Committee Virtual Meeting on Monday, April 13 at 8:30 AM.  Let’s check in with each other, connect, and discuss all things wellness. 
Attached includes the agenda. Thinking of everyone!

Wellness Zoom Meeting:

Monday, April 13 at 8:30 AM
 Topic: SN Wellness Meeting' Zoom Meeting
Time: Apr 13, 2020 08:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
 Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/634113989?pwd=eDE1OU5GYit2MnpEMHIzM3ROSkI3dz09



Diversity Committee Meeting - Diversity committee is doing regular check-ins to discuss how we can support our Skinner North community during these interesting times. Every 2 weeks from 8:30am to 9am on Monday from Mon Apr 6 to Mon Jun 22 (CDT).  The next meeting is Monday, April 20.  

National Assistant Principal Week - Thank you to Mr. Kimbrough for all he does to support our students, families and teachers!  Mr. Kimbrough is a welcoming face students see each morning. He works tirelessly to support our students and teachers. He has a multi-faceted role that includes things like developing programming and special events, developing and leading professional development for staff and helping student's problem solve challenges. He even leads some of our after school programming. He is a supportive and understanding ear for our community.  We are so grateful to Mr. Kimbrough and all he does for our community! We are so grateful to have you at Skinner North!  Please feel free to send Mr. Kimbrough messages at dkimbrough@cps.edu.


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Update From CPS
Dear CPS Family, 

While we know this is not the spring break you anticipated, we hope this week has provided you a chance to relax and gear up for remote learning, which begins this Monday, April 13. Our district has been working around the clock to create remote learning plans that will meet the unique needs of every student. We thank our dedicated teams for taking on this monumental task and applaud everyone for successfully completing years of work in just a few weeks. 

Launching Our Remote Learning Plan
Our schools have been busy connecting with families about what remote learning will look like for their children. To ensure greater access to virtual learning opportunities, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is distributing more than 100,000 devices to students in communities around our city. If your child needs a device to access digital remote learning, please contact the Information and Technology Services Parent Support Help Line at 773-417-1060 Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. We have also created this guide to help families explore how they can get connected to the Internet for remote learning.   

CPS is committed to providing high-quality learning options for all students from Monday, April 13, through the end of our state-mandated closure. Please note that remote learning will not take place on Friday, April 17, as it is a professional development day for teachers on the CPS calendar.

We urge all families to visit cps.edu/remotelearning for the most up-to-date information on remote learning and to access valuable remote learning resources for their children. For students participating in remote learning virtually, please see these best practices for important information about privacy and confidentiality. 

Updated Locations for Grab-and-Go Meals
CPS has distributed nearly five million meals since the start of the school closure on March 17, and we remain committed to providing our families with free, healthy meals for as long as our school closure lasts. To give families the most consistent experience when picking up food and to better support school staff, we announced last week that grab-and-go meal sites were being consolidated.

Beginning Monday, April 13, families may pick up meals at one of more than 270 CPS schools. Meals can be picked up Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. To find the meal distribution site nearest you, visit cps.edu/mealsites.

On Monday, we will all begin a journey into uncharted territory. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, but we know that if we work together, we can provide our children with the education they need to remain on track and continue growing until we can all be together again. We thank you for your partnership and look forward to starting this new chapter as one CPS family. 
wellness_committee_virtual_agenda-_april_13_2020__1_.pdf
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Skinner North Community Update:  Remote Learning

4/5/2020

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Good evening!  I wanted to start this update by emphasizing that we are here for you.  We know families are feeling stress in various ways.  We have many first responders, health care workers and other essential personnel who are working daily to keep others safe.  Thank you for all that you are doing!  We know families have been impacted by layoffs and other economic side effects.  These new challenges are unexpected and challenging.  We are here for you. Let us know how we can help. 

As the district officially transitions to remote learning, there is a lot of information coming at you.  Please let us be a resource to help.  This email gives further information and details to support your family in this.  

I am so proud of our community and how we have proactively worked to support our students and that our teachers dove into uncharted territory in finding ways to support student learning while not being at school.  I look forward to continuing to build on this work to best support our students in this unusual time.
 
Sincerely,
Katie
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Remote Learning Plan for Families -  Please see attached for a detailed plan around our remote learning.  This plan gives specifics on: daily minutes goals, learning materials, communication tools, learning platforms, and communication plans for each grade level.  You can also visit our website at http://www.skinnernorth.org/remote-learning.html for further details and our weekly plans, which are updated each Monday. (Due to spring break, 4/13 will be the next posting.)  


Setting Up a Home Learning Environment - We have created some guidance around setting up a home learning environment.  This document is a resource for you.  Remember remote learning does not replace classroom instruction.  Everyone is feeling stress in different ways.  We are all doing our best in an unprecedented time and we are here to help.  Please feel free to reach out to school staff for support whether for academic or social-emotional needs.

Grading - While students are expected to complete assignments and schools are able to grade work, grades will be counted only if they improve a student’s grade and will not negatively impact any student’s academic standing. Students who do not engage in academic work can be issued an incomplete and will be expected to make up incomplete assignments following the remote learning period.

Information Resources - A guide around remote learning from CPS is available at https://cps.edu/SiteCollectionDocuments/Remote-Learning-Guidance-for-Parents.pdf and my principal reports to the LSC are attached.  These contain information that may be helpful in navigating the situation and provide updates.

Technology Needs - As we continue to do more remote learning, we understand that families may not have the resources necessary to access online content.  We want to make sure students have what they need to stay engaged while school is not in session.  If your student needs a Chromebook or has other needs that we can assist with, please complete the following form (https://forms.gle/nEo1DvmNv4gLkmse9) or reach out to Katie (kmagnuson@cps.edu) or Derrick (dkimbrough@cps.edu) directly.  We will have Chromebook pick up this Wednesday (4/8) from 9-10.  Please let us know in advance if you plan to pick up a device.

Non-Digital Learning Plan - The district is creating packets filled with engagement activities for your students to complete throughout the closure. Packets can be picked up at food pick up sites Monday-Fridays from 9-1pm. If you plan to pick-up a packet, please reach out to the school (teacher or administration) so that we can create a plan to ensure that your student receives support.  If you need Skinner North specific resources printed, please reach out to your student's teacher and/or Derrick and Katie.  We will work with you to get copies.  (Please note:  Our school will no longer be open daily as we will no longer be a food distribution site.)   


School-Wide Office Hours - We are here to support you.  If you have any questions, we have digital and non digital office hours.  We will have a staff member available on Google Meet during the listed hours of the school day starting the week of 4/13.  Students (using their CPS email addresses) or parents can join the link or call-in number to ask any questions they have for school staff.  If you need to talk outside of these time slots, please email Katie (kmagnuson@cps.edu) or Derrick (dkimbrough@cps.edu).  We will respond promptly.  
Mondays - 8:30-9:30AM and 12:30-2:30PM
Tuesdays - 8:30-10:30AM and 12:30-2:30PM
Wednesdays - 8:30-9:30AM and 12:30-2:30PM
Thursdays - 8:30-10:30AM and 12:30-2:30PM
Fridays - 8:30-9:30AM and 12:30-2:30PM


Connect using the following directions:   

Digital Office Hours:  Join digital office hours through Google Hangouts Meet at:  meet.google.com/tcs-pwur-qgh, Meeting ID meet.google.com/tcs-pwur-qgh, or via Phone at (‪US‬)‪+1 609-429-5796‬ PIN: ‪678 085 736#‬
 
Non-Digital Office Hours: We will have a staff member available by phone during above stated office hours.  Call via phone at (‪US‬)‪+1 609-429-5796‬ PIN: ‪678 085 736#‬. Students or parents can call this number to ask any questions they have for school staff.


Opt Out Forms - These are available for Zoom and Seesaw if you do not consent to your student using the platforms.  They are available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/16wdmX9AdzjwglJ276CL5_mKJ5Mjud-zv/view?usp=sharing (Zoom) and https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SyI7lkEkipIvUsH5puKxkUNrA644ScqY/view?usp=sharing (Seesaw). 
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Note Regarding Zoom - Teachers using Zoom will abide by the following security precautions:  1. Don't post Zoom meeting invites on social media or any site that can be accessed by the public; 2. Use a password in addition to a meeting code for participants to gain entry; 3. Use the waiting room feature (now a default) so the host has to allow any participant to enter; 4. Use the feature that doesn't allow participants to enter before the host; 5. Use the setting that prevents participants from sharing their screens, so only the host can share his/her screen; and 6. Optional: host can lock the meeting after it starts.  


Food Distribution Updates –     During the district’s scheduled spring break, which begins Monday, April 6, families may pick up grab-and-go meals at 136 school sites across the city from Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Beginning the following week (Monday, April 13), the district will launch a consolidated meal plan under which 276 schools that were most frequented by families will continue to provide free meals, and schools that were less utilized by families will no longer serve as distribution sites. For the full list of meal sites open during spring break and under the consolidated site plan beginning April 13, please visit cps.edu/mealsites or call 773-553-KIDS. Meal sites will not be open on Friday, April 10 to give our staff members off for Good Friday, and we ask families to plan accordingly.April 10 to give our staff members off for Good Friday, and we ask families to plan accordingly.
o   From CPS - Please fill out the form below to receive meal delivery if you are unable to come to your child's home school to pick up food. Please note that one form submission will result in one delivery and you should only submit one form per day. If you need an additional delivery, please fill out the form two days in advance of needing another delivery.  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC99Ohs-MYSyEAIz3Ubt3aZUShyBARlqr8bAvzt1RTuoUAuw/viewform
final_copy_of_skinner_north_es_school_remote_learning_plan__for_families.pdf
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establishing_a_home_learning_environment_.pdf
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lsc_principals_report_march_2020.pdf
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