Dear Skinner North Parents and Families,

As we begin our school year, we want to ensure that every child is prepared to successfully start and
navigate remote learning. One item that is considered a staple for your child’s success during this time
is having access to their own technology. To kick off the school year, we have designated days where a
back to school packet can be picked up for your child(ren). Within the packet, there will be a book, the
school planner (grades 2nd through 8th), sensory items, technology (if requested), and in some cases
grade specific items. As in the Spring, tech pick-up days have been organized – in accordance with clear
guidance from the district – that will allow you to pick-up packets from the school as safely as possible.
Listed below is the schedule for tech pick-up days. In order to pick-up items, we are asking that you
proceed to Door 3, which is located near the school auditorium. All items will be located and shared
with you at that entrance. No one will be allowed to enter the building. While there are designated
days for grade levels, please feel free to make adjustments that might work better or combine days in
cases where you have children in multiple grades.

Homeroom Assignments: A designated area at Door 3 will provide you with a listing of your child(ren)’s
homeroom, along with other pertinent information for the start of the school year. School personnel
will also be available to answer any questions you may have.
Grade Level Date and Time Location in School
7th and 8th Grades
7th graders in homeroom 308 will take home
a guitar for the 1st quarter. Parents must
sign a musical agreement upon pick-up.

Monday, August 31st
Last Name:
A - K: 10 AM - 12:30 PM
L - Z: 1:00 - 3:30PM

Door 3 - near auditorium

5th and 6th Grades
6th graders in homeroom 303 will take home
a ukulele for the 1st quarter. Parents must
sign a musical instrument agreement upon
pick-up.

Tuesday, September 1st
Last Name:
A -K: 10 AM - 12:30 PM
L - Z: 1:00 - 3:30PM

Door 3 - near auditorium

3rd and 4th Grades Wednesday, September 2nd

Last Name:
A -K: 10 AM - 12:30 PM
L - Z: 1:00 - 3:30PM

Door 3 - near auditorium

1st and 2nd Grades Thursday, September 3rd

Last Name:
A -K: 10 AM - 12:30 PM
L - Z: 1:00 - 3:30PM

Door 3 - near auditorium

Kindergarten Friday, September 4th
Last Name:
A -K: 10 AM - 12:30 PM
L - Z: 1:00 - 3:30PM

Door 3 - near auditorium

If you child needs a device, please complete the following: https://forms.gle/BtF3sKPkMjHJaKVp6. For families
with more than one child at Skinner North, we recommend that each child have their own piece of technology. ,
whether it is personal or from the school.
During Pick-up: All members of our school community must follow these guidelines during tech pick-up days:
 Only one person may approach the entrance to pick up materials (unless you are picking up for multiple
students), and we recommend it is a parent or guardian. During this time, you must maintain at least six
feet of space from others in order to practice proper social distancing while on school property.
 You must bring a cloth face covering to wear while interacting with school staff.
 There will be an area to use hand sanitizer, if needed.
 You should not pick up items under the following circumstances:
o You are ill.
o You have been ill with COVID-19 and your symptoms first appeared less than 10 days ago.
o You have been ill with COVID-19 and have had a fever or respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough,
shortness of breath) within the last 72 hours.
o You are awaiting COVID-19 test results.
o You have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14
calendar days.

In respect of everyone’s safety, we ask that when you pick up your child’s items, please remember to maintain
social distancing and not prolong your time at the school.
All items picked up will be placed in a bag labeled with your child’s name. When you arrive at school, please come
to Door 3, which is near the school auditorium.
We are committed to making this process as safe as possible and, as always, we are here to support you, your
child, and our Skinner North community in any way we can.
Town Halls - Derrick and I will be hosting town halls for families in order to review the CPS School Reopening 2020
Final Framework and other key information for the start of school. These will be hosted virtually by grade band on
Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28. Please see the list for your student's grade and Google Meet log in. If
you are unable to attend your student's grade band, you may attend another (information around schedules may
be slightly different). Dates are also available at http://www.skinnernorth.org/calendar.html where you can easily
add them to your calendar.
 Kindergarten - Thursday, August 27 at 5PM - meet.google.com/orv-cojt-vnr or call (US) +1 806-410-2583
PIN: 349 780 284#
 1st and 2nd Grade - Thursday, August 27 at 6:30PM - meet.google.com/orv-cojt-vnr or call (US) +1 806-
410-2583 PIN: 349 780 284#
 3rd and 4th Grade - Friday, August 28 at 8AM - meet.google.com/khc-eyag-tds or call (US) +1 662-912-
6414 PIN: 233 046 209#
 5th and 6th Grade - Friday, August 28 at 5PM meet.google.com/nkj-yfyh-kap or call (US)+1 631-946-
7074 PIN: 686 658 498#
 7th and 8th Grade - Friday, August 28 at 6:30 meet.google.com/fos-detk-ikw or call (US)+1 443-606-
2183 PIN: 216 895 212#
If you have any questions, please contact Derrick Kimbrough, Assistant Principal at dkimbrough@cps.edu.
​
Katie and Derrick

​Happy Friday!  I hope everyone is doing well.  We are excited as the school year is quickly approaching and we received guidance from CPS in regards to remote learning.  This is allowing us to finalize plans for the fall.  That being said, we will have a number of updates in the coming days/weeks.  Please be on the lookout for our emails.  See below for some important information.

Have a wonderful day,
Katie and Derrick
----------------------------------------------
Town Halls - Derrick and I will be hosting town halls for families in order to review the CPS School Reopening 2020 Final Framework and other key information for the start of school.  These will be hosted virtually by grade band on Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28.  Please see the list for your student's grade and Google Meet log in.  If you are unable to attend your student's grade band, you may attend another (information around schedules may be slightly different).   Dates are also available at http://www.skinnernorth.org/calendar.html where you can easily add them to your calendar.

• Kindergarten - Thursday, August 27 at 5PM - meet.google.com/orv-cojt-vnr or call (‪US‬) ‪+1 806-410-2583‬ PIN: ‪349 780 284#‬
• 1st and 2nd Grade - Thursday, August 27 at 6:30PM - meet.google.com/orv-cojt-vnr or call (‪US‬) ‪+1 806-410-2583‬ PIN: ‪349 780 284#‬
• 3rd and 4th Grade - Friday, August 28 at 8AM - meet.google.com/khc-eyag-tds or call (US‬) ‪+1 662-912-6414‬ PIN: ‪233 046 209#‬
• 5th and 6th Grade - Friday, August 28 at 5PM   meet.google.com/nkj-yfyh-kap or call (‪US‬)‪+1 631-946-7074‬ PIN: ‪686 658 498#‬
• 7th and 8th Grade - Friday, August  28 at 6:30   meet.google.com/fos-detk-ikw  or call (‪US‬)‪+1 443-606-2183‬  PIN: ‪216 895 212#‬

LSC Principal's Report - Please see attached for the principal's report from our August Local School Council Meeting.

Kindergarten Parent Social!  - Do you have an incoming kindergartener, and are you interested in meeting the other parents in the class?  Put the kids to bed, and join our Zoom Kindergarten Parent Social at 8pm on Friday, 9/4.  Everyone can introduce themselves, chat a bit in small groups, and then we will leave some time for Q&A.  Register for the zoom here:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtc-uhpj4pEtU7ZcbojlVF33T4sk4JCNSN

 
Attention new Skinner North Parents! -  Interested in meeting other parents joining Skinner North for the first time this year?  Come to our New Parent Social (for grades other than kindergarten) on Sat, 9/5, at 8pm.  Everyone can introduce themselves, chat a bit in small groups, and then we will leave some time for Q&A.  Register for the zoom here:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckdeuprTooE9ywCdeTyLifR8tzDTpGojpV 


Announcement from Dr. Magnuson - I am excited to announce that my family will be adding a new member around Thanksgiving.  I am expecting a baby girl at that time.



CPS Child Supervision Survey - CPS and the City of Chicago are surveying families to better understand who may need help this fall finding a safe space for their children during traditional school hours.  As we assess parental needs throughout the city, we are evaluating opportunities to provide potential support with child supervision for families who have school-age children under 14 years of age. Families who live in high-need communities or transitional housing will be prioritized.


Beginning of the Year Required Forms - Please see the following link (https://www.cps.edu/globalassets/cps-pages/services-and-supports/health-and-wellness/student_health_school_forms_booklet_engish_2020-2021.pdf) for the student health and school forms booklet. These can be submitted electronically, mailed or dropped off (starting the week of 8/31) at the school. (The health related forms typically are not due until mid October.)

​Good morning!  I hope everyone is doing well.  Please see below for a few updates.  We are still waiting on finalized guidance on remote learning from the district.  Please be on the lookout for future updates with further details.


Have a wonderful day,
Katie

--------------------------------------------------
Supply Lists - All updated supply lists are now posted on the website at http://www.skinnernorth.org/supply-lists.html.  (If you pre-ordered supplies, do not feel you need to get anything further.)

 

Supply order pick up (Reminder) -  For those who pre-ordered supplies, these supplies will be available for pick up the week of 8/31.  You can come to the school any day that week between the hours of 8 and 3:30.  Social distancing protocols will be followed and masks must be worn.   

*If unable to pick up during the windows in this email, please email Derrick Kimbrough (dkimbrough@cps.edu) to find an alternative time.

Student Fees and 8th Grade Fees (Reminder)- Please see attached for the LSC approved student fees list.  Due to uncertainty this year and economic impact of COVID-19 on our families, we want to ensure that families know student fees are entirely optional.  You can pay online at https://magic.collectorsolutions.com/magic-ui/Login/cps-22591-skinner-north.  (Attachment included with a breakdown of fees.)


Vaccination Van - Chicago Public Schools is partnering with 
mobile health care providers to bring vaccinations closer to home.  Some locations may also provide school physicals.
Please see https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yN_AcFoqYGi0C-qM6Ktyq0uHl-bXtRYojlcri15Bb08/edit?usp=sharing for dates and locations.  Mobile Care Chicagowill hold the following events from 10am to 2 pm.  Parents should CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT to 773-247-9736 ahead of time. Walk-ins might be accommodated, but appointments are preferred to keep the social distancing right.

Local School Council Meeting Agenda - We have a LSC agenda on Wednesday, August 19 at 8AM.  Please see attached for the meeting agenda.  Login information is on the agenda and here:

Time: Aug 19, 2020 08:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://voya.zoom.us/j/96545675176
    Password: 244723
Or iPhone one-tap :
    US: +13126266799,,96545675176#  or +13017158592,,96545675176#
Or Telephone:
    Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
        US: +1 312 626 6799  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 646 876 9923  or +1 669 900 6833  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 346 248 7799  or 833 548 0276 (Toll Free) or 833 548 0282 (Toll Free) or 877 853 5247 (Toll Free) or 888 788 0099 (Toll Free)
    Meeting ID: 965 4567 5176
    Password: 244723
    International numbers available: https://voya.zoom.us/u/adQHWhiRGM

VGood morning,

I hope everyone is doing well.  Things have been changing quickly this summer and we so appreciate everyone's flexibility and willingness to help.  We now know we will be doing remote learning for the fall.  We will continue to send updates via email and post on our website at http://www.skinnernorth.org/latest-news.  The fall will look different than the spring and also different than a typical school year.  Our goal is to keep everyone up to date and have clear communication as to best work together.  We are currently waiting on district guidance on some aspects of remote learning and we will send more clarity around instruction and expectations for the fall in the next few weeks.  Keep a look out for our emails or check the website.  Please read below for a few updates and ways to connect.

Have a wonderful day,
Katie 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Directory - Please see the following link (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SWk1aGBuUUKGusndNi7U8u4XQ2fUQF0egkgJKVNjIag/edit?usp=sharing) for the first edition of our school directory.  Parents opt to have their information included.  Please review if you need to make an edit or add your information and do so by Thursday, August 20.  Submit edits at https://forms.gle/njCZXksBJMBmYU3R9.  We will send an updated version after that point. 

In addition, for the convenience of parents. we would like to add homeroom to the directory.  Please let us know by emailing me, kmagnuson@cps.edu,  by August 20 if you do not want your students homeroom listed in the directory.

Classroom Assignment -  Classroom assignments will be posted on Parent Portal by the week of August 31.  Please note we do not take classroom placement requests.


Technology Request for the Fall - Please let us know if your students need a device (Chromebook) for the fall by completing the following form:  https://forms.gle/BtF3sKPkMjHJaKVp6.  If you have one from the spring, please feel free to hang onto this.  We will have tech pick up days the week of 8/31.  You can come to the school any day that week between the hours of 8 and 3:30.  Social distancing protocols will be followed and masks must be worn.


Supply Lists - Teachers are making some adjustments to supply lists.   All of the list will be posted the week of August 17 at http://www.skinnernorth.org/supply-lists.html.  (If you pre-ordered supplies, do not feel you need to get anything further.)
 

Supply order pick up -  For those who pre-ordered supplies, these supplies will be available for pick up the week of 8/31.  You can come to the school any day that week between the hours of 8 and 3:30.  Social distancing protocols will be followed and masks must be worn.   

*If unable to pick up during the windows in this email, please email Derrick Kimbrough (dkimbrough@cps.edu) to find an alternative time.

New Student Mixer (Non-KDG) - Middle School New Student Virtual Meet-Up:  New students to Skinner North in grades 6th through 8th are invited to take part in a new student virtual meet-up on Wednesday, August 26th from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.  There will be opportunities to meet and learn more about the school from a student's perspective.  Please email Derrick Kimbrough at dkimbrough@cps.edu if you plan to attend.  Once you RSVP, you will receive a link for the virtual session.

Debate Team Information Meeting
Ms. Cox and Mr. Williams (Zuri's dad) are asking any middle school students (6-8) who are interested in debate to complete this form. There is going to be an informational GoogleMeet on Tuesday at 10:00 AM.  We will be sending out the meeting link via interested students' CPS emails.  The debate topic this year is criminal justice reform.  If you have questions about the debate team, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Cox at mecox1@cps.edu.  We are always looking for parent judges!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Tm5RkqIh6NTHd3-ulULzTvc9_LQP2r1YvKsBTC76tAA/edit

Kindergarten Round Up - Kindergarten round up is going to look different this year.  Teachers will be reaching out to schedule 10 minute "get to know you" sessions with families.  We will also have classwide KDG virtual morning meetings the week of August 31.  More details will be sent to KDG families in the coming weeks.  

Enrollment Documents - If you have been waiting to drop off hard copies of enrollment materials, you can do so the week of starting August 26 between the hours of 8 and 3:30.  We need to see the originals of  proof of birth (i.e. birth  certificates) and proof of address (i.e. lease, utility bills).  You can also pay student fees in person if you are not comfortable doing e-pay.  

Back to School Picnic - We are working on plans for a replacement to this.  Further communication will be sent about the virtual logistics.

Student Fees and 8th Grade Fees- Please see attached for the LSC approved student fees list.  Due to uncertainty this year and economic impact of COVID-19 on our families, we want to ensure that families know student fees are entirely optional.  You can pay online at https://magic.collectorsolutions.com/magic-ui/Login/cps-22591-skinner-north.


Local School Council Meeting Dates -   Please see http://www.skinnernorth.org/local-school-council-lsc.html for information about our LSC.  This includes agendas/minutes, meeting dates and members. We set meeting dates with the various needs of our families in mind.  The meeting times are staggered throughout the year, so we have 8AM, 5:00PM and  6:30PM start times.  All meetings until at least December will be held virtually.  Login information will be included in the agendas we send out.  Our next meeting is Wednesday, August 19 at 8AM.


Virtual Office Hours - If you have any questions,feel free to email or  you can also call during our virtual office hours.  A staff member is available on Google Meet during the listed hours of the school day.    
Tuesdays - 8:30-9:30AM and 1:30-2:30PM
Wednesdays - 8:30-9:30AM
Thursdays - 1:30-2:30PM

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.

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) SNAP Benefits - IDHS 4980 -Apply for P-EBT SNAP Benefits. This is a special benefit that can help you buy food for school-age children 3 to 17 years old and 18 to 22 years old (in high school), who would receive National School Lunch Program free or reduced-priced meals when schools are in session.  For more information please go HERE. This is also the link you can share with your families