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MARK T. SKINNER WEST SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
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2019-2020 School Year
Week #17: January 17 - January 24
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Dates to Remember
MLK Day, No Classes - Monday, Jan 20
School Improvement Committee Meeting - Thursday, Jan 23, 4:00
Communications Committee Meeting - Monday, Jan 27, 5:30
LSC Meeting - Tuesday, Jan 28, 6:00
PTO Meeting - Tuesday, Jan 28, 7:00
School Improvement Day, No Classes - Friday, Jan 31
President's Day, No Classes - Monday, Feb 17
CPS 2019 - 2020 (Revised) Calendar: here
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Winter NWEA Testing Schedule
Dear Skinner Parents:
Every winter CPS schools are required to administer the NWEA MAP assessments to K-8th grade students. The NWEA assessments are computer based and are targeted to each individual student's skill level. These assessments are used to measure your child's growth in reading and math from one year to the next. Individual growth targets are set at the beginning of the school year with the hopes that each student will meet or exceed his/her growth targets. Teachers use the test information to guide instruction and know where a child's strengths and weaknesses are. This test information is also used in CPS to determine promotion and selective enrollment eligibility.
Our NWEA winter testing schedule is as follows:
Grade
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Dates
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K
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January 9, 10, 16, 17
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1
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January 21, 22
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2
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January 22, 23
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3
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January 14, 15
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4
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January 8, 9
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5
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January 15, 17
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6
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January 7-10, 14-17
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7
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January 7-10, 14-17
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8
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January 7-10, 14-17
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In preparation for NWEA assessments, please do the following:
- Have your child get a good night's rest
- Have your child eat a good breakfast on the mornings of testing, and arrive to school on time.
- Students who are tardy will wait in the lunchroom until the test session is over, and make up any test sessions missed during the make-up testing scheduled time
- Let your child know that you have confidence in his/her ability to do his/her best
Thank you for your continued cooperation and support in making this testing experience successful for your child.
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Human Reproduction Classes Begin
A reminder that health education class will begin Tuesday, January 21, for all 5th graders. The class will cover human reproduction, growth, and development. Your child's participation in this worthwhile unit of study is completely voluntary.
If you wish to have your child excused from participation, please email Joy Westendorf jwestendorf@cps.edu.
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Eighth Grade Trip Fundraisers!
Show your Skinner spirit by purchasing a one-of-a-kind magnet! The Class of 2020 will be selling magnets as a fundraiser to support their 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C.
Please fill out the order form and place it in an envelope along with the amount collected. Return the envelope to your homeroom teacher. Magnets will be distributed to each classroom. Thank you for your support!
Skinner Faculty and Staff: There is "merch" available for you as well! Think how great you'll look sporting Superstar Logo Gear!! Online ordering details are here.
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CPS LSC Funding Workshops
The CPS Office of Local School Council (LSC) Relations will be hosting six funding workshops to gather community feedback on potential opportunities to strengthen school budgeting. These workshops will provide an overview of CPS' current funding methodology and other aspects of the 2020 budget.
Attendees will be able to share their school community needs and offer suggestions on how to make the school funding process more equitable, transparent, and sustainable.
Date | Time | Location | Register | Jan 29 | 6:00-8:00 p.m. | Amundsen HS 5110 N Damen
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| Jan 30 | 6:00-8:00 p.m. | Michele Clark HS 5101 W Harrison St
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| Feb 1 | 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
| Corliss HS 821 E 103rd St
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| Feb 5 | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
| Hammond Elem 2819 W 21st Pl
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| Feb 6 | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
| Dyett HS 555 E 51st St
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| Feb 8 | 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | Roberto Clemente HS 1147 N Western Ave
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Brooklyn Boulders in the West Loop is offering Adventure Days on January 20 and 31 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $119 each day with extended care available until 6:00 p.m. for an additional $20. Space is limited.
West Loop Soccer Club will be holding a day camp on January 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m at the Mercy Soccer Center. The cost is $85. Skinner West students will receive a $10 discount when using the coupon code: MLK during registration.
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Although the weather's still chilly, it's never too early to think about summer day camp options. These organizations are offering camps in the West Loop this summer:
And, don't forget about our own Skinner Superstar Camp! Details on this summer will be coming soon.
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PTO Presents: Bulls vs the Cavaliers
Saturday, January 18 @ 7:00 p.m.
Enjoy a legendary outing at a Chicago Bulls game with Skinner West students, faculty, family, and friends. Purchase tickets at a discounted price now, and for every ticket sold, 30% of the proceeds will go towards supporting enrichment activities for Skinner West Superstars. Share the excitement of Bulls basketball and the NBA's leading entertainment experience as the team takes on the Cavs. Support Skinner West and be a part of Bulls Nation today! Can't go to the game? To help expand the types of support given to the school, please also consider donating the price of a ticket to the PTO. The discounted ticket price is: 300 Level, Rows 8-17 (baseline): $32.40 (regularly $44.80)
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YOUmedia at the West Loop Library
The YOUmedia space in the West Loop Library (122 N. Aberdeen Street) is open for 6th to 8th graders after-school.
Hours are:
- Monday and Wednesday: 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Tuesday and Thursday: 3:00 p.m. - 7 p.m.
The library offers FREE workshops that introduce teens to 3D printing, vinyl cutting, gaming, podcasting, and photography, as well as a graphic novel club.
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On November 7, Skinner West hosted a Diwali celebration. Students from kindergarten through 6th grade participated.
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is celebrated to honor Rama-chandra, the seventh avatar (incarnation of the god Vishnu). It is believed that on this day Rama returned to his people after 14 years of exile during which he fought and won a battle against the demons and the demon king, Ravana.
Thanks to the parent volunteers led by Jayasree Sathish who organized this event.

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Save the Date: Gallery 111 is February 29, 2020
** Call for Silent Auction Donations!**
Save the Date for the Skinner annual "No Art Left Behind" gala
Saturday, February 29 7:00-10:00
National Museum of Mexican Art
We are currently looking for families
interested in contributing to our silent auction to consider donating the following needed items:
Do you have a great space or a skill that you could share with our party goers? If so, let us know, we would love to work with you to create an exciting experience for our guests.
Do you have a second home? Michigan? Wisconsin? Florida? Tahiti? We would love to offer a vacation opportunities for our silent auction Please let us know if you have any connections.
Art, jewelry, event tickets spa experiences, dining, and hotel stays
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All comments, suggestions or requests to submit information to this newsletter should be emailed to skinnerwest@gmail.com.
Communications Volunteers are welcome. Donate your time to help increase communications and contact us!
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Would you like to add another parent, guardian or caregiver?
Text SKINNERNEWS to 22828 or click here
(Messaging & data rates may apply)

Deborah M. Clark
Principal
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