Welcome to Haven Middle School
A Special Newsletter from Principal Latting - February 2024
Hello Rising 6th Grade Families!
My name is Chris Latting and I have been the principal at Haven Middle School since July of 2020. Before coming to D65 I worked as a guest educator, 8th grade science and social studies teacher, K-5 assistant principal and K-5 principal in Joliet Public School District #86. During my time at Haven I have been able to learn and grow personally and professionally alongside the students, staff, and families in our community. I am excited to get to do the same with you and your students during our time as a Haven family. In fact we would like to start learning a little about you and your child now. We would appreciate you completing our brief survey by 5/28/24.
In this newsletter I have pulled together lots helpful information and links for you to read, reread, and read again at your leisure over the next few months. Please take note of all information that I've identified as TIME SENSITIVE (there are 4) in this newsletter.
We will review all that is shared in this newsletter and more when we have a chance to meet in person later this spring. At this time there is nothing more for you to do other than absorb this information. We will be sharing important dates to add to your calendar later this spring. I look forward to meeting and collaborating with each of you over the next three years here at Haven!
Thank you!
Bite Sized Information
- There are 680 students that attend Haven Middle School
- An administrator is assigned to each grade level. Grade level administrators serve as first points of contact and support for each grade's students, teachers, and families.
- Administrators "loop" with students each year. This means that your child's administrator will be with them (and you) for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.
- Each grade level has its own school counselor and social worker. These teammates also loop with students throughout their middle school experience.
- Haven students have opportunities to engage in extracurricular D65 athletics, intramural sports, and clubs.
- Over the past year several staff members including all of the SEL teammates have attended professional learning in the implementation and maintenance in Restorative Practices by the IIRP.
- August 22 2024 – First Day of School for Students *SAVE THE DATE
- School Calendar for the 2024-2025 School Year (Grades K-8) *BOOKMARK THIS LINK
Healthy Reminders from the Haven Health Office *TIME SENSITIVE*
Proof of your child receiving the following is needed prior to the first day of school:
Physical exam performed on or after August 22, 2023
Tdap Shot
Meningitis Shot
Hepatitis B Shots (series of three shots)
Dental Exam performed on or after November 15, 2023
The School Based Health Center at ETHS offers physical exams and shots free of charge for students who have state insurance. For students who receive free/reduced lunch; Exams are $12.00 and shots are $3.00 per shot. Students who have private insurance are only eligible for a physical exam at full price ($33.00). Please call 847-424-7265 to set up an appointment.
Health documents should be mailed to Health Services, 1500 McDaniel Ave 60201 or they can be uploaded (PDF format preferred) during the registration process.
Can We Tour Haven Before School Starts in the Fall?
My Child Has an IEP/504. Is there anything I need to do now?
We will be hosting (5th grade to 6th grade) transition meetings for students with an IEP or 504 plan that include parents, your child's case manager, and our Haven team later this spring. When meetings times are solidified you will be notified, but at this time there is nothing you need to do. As always feel free to touch base with your child's current case manager with any questions that you have.
Student Ambassadors
This pivotal role empowers Ambassadors to offer invaluable feedback and insights on various facets of school life, including its culture, climate, and initiatives. Furthermore, Ambassadors play a pivotal role in shaping both new school initiatives and enduring traditions at Haven. This year, approximately 30 dedicated Ambassadors serve in diverse leadership capacities, contributing to the dynamic tapestry of our educational community.
Social-Emotional Learning = SEL
The 24-25 school year will be the third year in a row for our utilization of Second Step® Middle School curriculum. This is a research-based social-emotional learning program designed to improve students’ social-emotional skills, such as emotion management, impulse control, problem solving, and empathy. Second Step skills and concepts are designed to help students both in and out of school. These include:
- Mindsets and Goals: Students learn how to develop a growth mindset and apply research based goal-setting strategies to their social and academic lives.
- Recognizing Bullying and Harassment: Students learn how to recognize bullying and harassment, stand up safely to bullying, and respond appropriately to harassment.
- Thoughts, Emotions, and Decisions: Students learn how to recognize strong emotions and unhelpful thoughts, and apply strategies to manage their emotions and reduce stress.
- Managing Relationships and Social Conflict: Students learn strategies for developing and maintaining healthy relationships, perspective-taking, and dealing with conflict.
AVID at Haven
SY 24-25 = Expanding the AVID program at HAVEN
AVID Course for Your Child At Haven
This spring families will have an opportunity to learn more about this course as well as opportunities to submit an application for your child to take part in this course. Please stay tuned for more information from your child's current elementary school.
Alternate Placement Procedures *TIME SENSITIVE*
D65 Alternate Placement Procedures - Overview Link
Please take the time to read through these procedures if you would like to know more about the process for Evaluation for grade skipping. In our district there are 5 steps From beginning to end, the process can take about four to five months. If you think your child’s academic needs are not met through grade level instruction, we encourage you to start the process earlier than later. In many cases, the process may lead to improved academic performance within the current grade level. This applies to rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders for the 24-25 school year.
Alternate Placement Requests - *TIME SENSITIVE*
The Alternate Placement Request (for Grade Skipping) Window will close at the end of the 1st week of March. Any requests made after that date will be reviewed at the start of SY25.
Summer Learning 2024 *TIME SENSITIVE*
Application window for summer learning is approaching - I recommend speaking with your child's 5th grade teacher during parent teacher conferences about their recommendations for various options for your child. Please look out for more information from D65 on the programs offered. Please stay tuned!
Middle School Technology
Cell Phones
Haven Middle School
Haven Middle School, a dynamic educational hub, is dedicated to providing top-notch learning experiences for approximately 680 students across sixth through eighth grades within the Evanston/Skokie School District. Our school community is enriched by the contributions of our feeder elementary schools, including Lincolnwood, Kingsley, Orrington, & Willard. This collaborative effort helps create a seamless and supportive educational journey for our students, building on the strong foundation laid by these feeder schools. Together, we nurture growth, knowledge, and lifelong friendships.
Website: https://haven.district65.net/
Location: 2417 Prairie Avenue, Evanston, IL, USA
Phone: 847-859-8200
Haven Middle School Commercial - Spring 2023
Haven Middle School
Website: https://haven.district65.net/
Location: 2417 Prairie Avenue, Evanston, IL, USA
Phone: (847)859-8200