Lake Zurich Middle School North
Administration: Todd Jakowitsch and Aubrey Allen
May 6th, 2022
Summer Reading
Strengthening the Pack
During the week of May 9th students will have the opportunity to participate in a series of activities designed to celebrate inclusion and all of the unique aspects of our student body. Topics will include:
What makes us all diverse/unique?
Hurdles to making everyone feel welcome
Being nice vs. being respectful
Overcoming barriers to making everyone feel welcome
Door decorations using student art celebrating their uniqueness
Activities will take place during homeroom and during the daily ten-minute SEL check-in, and students will have additional optional opportunities to engage during lunch hours. The goal of the week is to work together to understand that our uniqueness strengthens our wolf pack!
Returning Student Registration
Online registration for students returning for the 2022-23 school year is now open. It is important for you to register your child for next school year as soon as possible since the district uses this information to determine the number of teachers and classes needed at each school. If your child is not returning for the next school year, please notify the school office as soon as possible.
Register in Home Access (https://hmac.lz95.org)
Complete the “Registration 2022-23” form.
Verify Contact Information
Repeat for each student (top right drop-down)
2022-2023 School Fee Waivers
April 22nd, 2022
Spring DESSA
As we did in the fall and winter, teachers at the elementary level will complete a spring screening using the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA) during the week of 4/25/2022 - where they will report on the frequency they observe specific behaviors associated with key social-emotional skills.
Additionally, students who had an expanded profile completed following the Fall and/or Winter screening process will have a full profile completed during the spring. New students who are indicated as potentially needing additional instruction based on screening results will also have an expanded profile completed by staff.
All families will be notified of spring social-emotional screening and/or expanded profile results. This data will be utilized to assess our progress with social-emotional instruction across the course of the school year as a building, as well as to plan for instructional needs in the fall.
The screening will not disrupt your student’s schedule in any way, and your student will not be asked to complete anything as part of this process. Please feel free to contact me directly with any additional questions you may have.
MSN Countdown to Summer Break presented by MSN Student Council
MSN Eighth Grade Celebration
Harlem Wizards
April 8th, 2022
Spring MAP Testing
Support for Refugees in Eastern Europe
Returning Student Registration
Online registration for students returning for the 2022-23 school year is now open. It is important for you to register your child for next school year as soon as possible since the district uses this information to determine the number of teachers and classes needed at each school. If your child is not returning for the next school year, please notify the school office as soon as possible.
Register in Home Access (https://hmac.lz95.org)
Complete the “Registration 2022-23” form.
Verify Contact Information
Repeat for each student (top right drop-down)
LZHS Pop-up Booster Sale
Lake Zurich High School Career Expo (8th Grade Families)
District 95 eighth grade students and parents are invited to join our high school families to begin exploring future career paths by attending the Lake Zurich High School Career Expo.
Date: Wednesday, April 20th
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Location: LZHS Fieldhouse
Students and parents will learn about opportunities that build essential employability skills and technical competencies through summer employment, internships, and volunteering.
Talk with companies, not for profit organizations and alumni with careers in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Arts and Communications, Health Sciences, Human and Public Services, Finance and Business Services, Information Technology, and Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology and Trades.
Don’t miss this great opportunity!
March 25th, 2022
8th Grade Celebration
MSN Connect
Report Cards
LZHS Summer Athletic Camps
We are excited to announce that registration for our 2022 K-12 summer athletic camps will open on April 4, 2022. At the end of this email, you will find a link to the summer camp brochure which outlines all the athletic summer camps we are offering. The brochure identifies the dates, times, and locations for all camps being offered. More information can be found in the brochure linked below.
Registration will be live in Home Access on April 4, 2022.
2022 LZHS Summer Athletic Camp Brochure
HEALTH REMINDER
Returning Student Registration
Online registration for students returning for the 2022-23 school year is now open. It is important for you to register your child for next school year as soon as possible since the district uses this information to determine the number of teachers and classes needed at each school. If your child is not returning for the next school year, please notify the school office as soon as possible.
Register in Home Access (https://hmac.lz95.org)
Complete the “Registration 2022-23” form.
Verify Contact Information
Repeat for each student (top right drop-down)
Pay Fees at www.pushcoin.com (fees may be paid but are not due at this time)
March 11th, 2022
IAR & ISA Testing
IAR Schedule
Grades K-8: Summer Semester 2022 - Save the Dates!
Summer Enrichment and Kindergarten Kick Off
Session 1: June 13—June 30, 2022
Session 2: July 5—July 21, 2022
8:30 am—11:45 am
Summer Success, Summer Bridges, ESY, and Bilingual (One 6-week session by recommendation only)
June 13-July 21, 2022
8:30 am—11:45 pm
Program recommendations and enrichment offerings will be released to parents on March 11, 2022
Registration opens April 4, 2022
February 25th, 2022
Sports Physical Requirement
MSN 2021 - 2022 Yearbook Sales
The 2021/2022 Middle School North Yearbook can now be purchased through the Push Coin web store. The cost is $26.00. Please be careful to purchase the MSN Yearbook. If you purchase the MSS yearbook in error, it will take some time to locate the transaction and get the yearbook to your student.
Approximately 170 families purchased the yearbook through Home Access during the online registration process, last spring. If you purchased the yearbook at that time, you will find the transaction recorded in your student’s Push Coin “FEE” records and you will NOT need to purchase it again through the web store. When viewing fee records be sure to adjust your view to “include paid off fees” and select the date as the first day of school (08/17/2021).
Once you have purchased the yearbook through the Push Coin web store, you will find the transaction recorded in your student Push Coin “TRANSACTIONS” records.
5-Essentials Parent Survey Reminder
Annually, the State of Illinois asks school districts to administer the 5Essentials Survey to gather feedback from students, parents, and staff. This feedback helps guide the district in future planning. Please click here to access a more detailed parent letter about the survey.
The Illinois 5Essentials Survey for parents, students, and teachers is open now through March 11, 2022. To take the survey please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the appropriate survey to begin.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to John Walsh at john.walsh@lz95.org or 847-540-4976.
School Bus Drivers Needed
Looking for an opportunity to give back to the community? Retired and looking for a way to stay active and connected? A Parent wanting to have the same schedule as your children? Want to bring your preschool aged child to work with you? Join our amazing team of bus drivers. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.
Benefits Include: · Paid Behind the Wheel Training · Partial Paid Health Insurance · Retirement Benefits · Sick Leave · Personal Days· Competitive Pay including pay for prior experience
Qualifications: · Good Driving Record · Minimum of 21 years old (Drivers) · Pass required Federal Background check · Pass a pre-employment/ annual physical & drug test · Enjoy working with Kids!!
If you have any questions, contact the District 95 Transportation Department at 847-438-2834.
Click here to apply online by visiting our website or go to www.lz95.org/jobs ~ Click on Job Openings ~ Select Transportation ~ Select Apply buttonJOIN US for "Raising Resilient Children"
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022
Kindergarten – 5th grade families: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
6th – 12th grade families: 7:15-8:15 p.m.
Sign up below for this free presentation. Join us virtually or in-person at the LZHS Performing Arts Center.
Join us to hear speaker Jackie Rhew, cofounder of the Center for Emotional Wellness, as she provides parents with valuable information on how to build resilience in children of all ages.
Attendees will learn how to develop parenting strategies to assist children with healthy coping responses and engage them in effective communication and language that promotes self-advocacy and independence. Including tips on managing anxiety, healthy goal setting, active school engagement, and factors contributing to school avoidance.
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT: http://ow.ly/Wqbn50HVACjTeachers Make a Difference Awards
Annually, District 95 takes time to recognize its exceptional staff members. Collectively and individually, District 95 educators have worked tirelessly to support, care for, and help our students learn and grow during a school year that has challenged us all to continue to demonstrate extraordinary flexibility and grace towards others. So, if ever there was a time to acknowledge the tireless efforts of educator, it is now! As Francois-Marie Arouet de Voltaire stated, “Appreciation is a wonderful thing; it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” I hope each family will use the District 95 Teachers Make a Difference awards program as an opportunity to demonstrate deep appreciation for our educators and formally nominate a teacher.
Click here to complete a nomination for the Teachers Make a Difference Awards
All nominations are due by Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022.
From the many nominations we will receive, the District will select three of our outstanding educators to be honored in front of their peers during our annual staff awards program. Winning teachers will also receive a monetary award toward the use of professional development or other educational resources to continue to support their exceptional work with students as well as to further their development of their craft.
February 11th, 2022
School Schedule
Just a reminder that we have the following upcoming days:
Early Release - Thursday, February 17th
Institute Day - Friday, February 18th
No School (Presidents’ Day) - Monday, February 21st
Midterm Grades
Middle School Activity Night
Morning Drop Off
Steam Possible
Join us for STEAM Possible!
March 12th, 2022
8:30am-1:00pm at Lake Zurich High School
Open to D95 students in grades K-8
Click here to visit the STEAM Possible webpage for more information and to register!
The in-person STEAM Possible event features two avenues for participation for K-8 students.
Students may serve as “STEAM Ambassadors” as they participate in an at-home self-directed Science investigation (similar to a science fair project).
Students may also become “STEAM Agents” and join us for guided STEAM Exploration activities, explore the STEAM Museum, or watch the NIU STEAM show “It’s Not Magic…It’s Science!” in person.
Please note: Parents/guardians must attend and supervise their children at all times!
Sign up between February 7th - February 28th. Each registered family will receive special missions to get excited about STEAM Possible!
January 28th, 2022
PSAT Scores & Booklets
Rising Freshmen Information
DESSA
As we did in the fall, teachers at the middle school level will complete a winter screening using the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA) during the week of January 31st - where they will report on the frequency they observe specific behaviors associated with key social-emotional skills.
Additionally, students who had an expanded profile completed following the Fall screening process will have a full profile completed during the winter. New students who are indicated as potentially needing additional instruction based on screening results will also have an expanded profile completed by staff.
All families will be notified of winter social-emotional screening and/or expanded profile results.
This will not disrupt your student’s schedule in any way, and your student will not be asked to complete anything as part of this process. Please feel free to contact Mrs. Allen or Mr. Jakowitsch directly with any additional questions you may have.
Five Essentials
Annually, the State of Illinois asks school districts to administer the 5Essentials Survey to gather feedback from students, parents, and staff. This feedback helps guide the district in future planning. Please click here to access a more detailed parent letter about the survey.
The Illinois 5Essentials Survey for parents, students, and teachers is open now through March 11, 2022. take the survey please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the appropriate survey to begin.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to John Walsh at john.walsh@lz95.org or 847-540-4976.
Feed My Starving Children
Our annual MSN Faculty and Families FMSC Night is BACK!!!! Our goal is to have 50 volunteers and feed 70 children with 24,000 meals made. Hopefully, you can join us!
Our night is scheduled for Thursday February 17, 2022 at 4:30 PM - 6:15 PM in Libertyville.
FMSC is located at 742 East Park, Ave, Libertyville.
Sign Up - https://www.fmsc.org/join-group?joincode=Z6WWPB
Covid Safety Guidelines - https://www.fmsc.org/get-involved/volunteer
FMSC Website: https://www.fmsc.org/January 14th, 2022
8th Grade Promotion
After School Activities & Transportation
5 Essentials
Illinois will be administering the 5 Essentials survey for the 10th time. On March 1, 2022 we will be administering the 5 Essentials survey during students’ Social Studies class. For more information on the 5 Essentials please click here.
District 95 Film Festival – 10th Anniversary!
Lights, Camera, Action!!! The District 95 Educational Foundation is proud to announce the 10th Annual District 95 Film Festival. Student filmmakers from District 95 schools are invited to submit documentaries, animations, comedies/dramas, or public service announcements for the upcoming Virtual Film Festival on February 15th. Class submissions are welcome and can be submitted by teachers.
Pre-registration is now open: https://forms.gle/5zfrqkXioCVuP6JHA
Tutoring
Yearbook Pictures
You know you have awesome, fun photos of yourself, family, and MSN friends in your phones, on your iPads, in your cameras—so please share them! August through January sports, clubs, school-related and outside activities, holidays, or just hanging out, MSN Publications would appreciate all you have to share for possible use in the yearbook and/or newspaper. Thank you!
jpegs, please
identify those in the photos (first and last name)
send to janine.anderson@lz95.org and Gretchen.malachowski@lz95.org
deadline: as soon as possible!! (No later than Feb 14)
December 22nd, 2021
Happy Holidays!!!
Student Id's
MSN Eighth Grade Girls’ Basketball Team
District 95 Film Festival – 10th Anniversary!
District 95 Film Festival – 10th Anniversary!
Lights, Camera, Action!!! The District 95 Educational Foundation is proud to announce the 10th Annual District 95 Film Festival. Student filmmakers from District 95 schools are invited to submit documentaries, animations, comedies/dramas, or public service announcements for the upcoming Virtual Film Festival on February 15th. Class submissions are welcome and can be submitted by teachers.
Pre-registration is now open: https://forms.gle/5zfrqkXioCVuP6JHA
Click here to visit the Film Festival webpage for more information.Important Dates for the End of Second Quarter
It’s hard to believe we are at the end of our first semester! We are so proud of our students for all their accomplishments in returning to school full time. This semester is certainly one to celebrate! Please continue reading for important dates as we look to close out 2021.
Final quarter two grades will become available when report cards are processed on January 14, 2022 (parents and students will receive an additional communication when final report cards are available). As a reminder, parents still can view current student grades through Canvas. Please note that teachers may be making adjustments through January 14th.
Report cards will be available at 3:00 pm on January 14th.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or the office at any time.
November 23rd, 2021
Important Dates for the End of Second Quarter
It’s hard to believe we are already preparing for the end of first semester! We are so proud of our students for all their accomplishments in returning to school full time. This semester is certainly one to celebrate! Please continue reading for important dates as we look to close out 2021.
Please remember the last day of second quarter is Wednesday, December 22nd
Final quarter two grades will become available when report cards are processed on January 14, 2022 (parents and students will receive an additional communication when final report cards are available). As a reminder, parents still can view current student grades through Canvas. Please note that teachers may be making adjustments through January 14th.
Report cards will be available at 3:00 pm on January 14th.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or the office at any time.
MSN Connect
Do you want to learn more about volunteering in our community? Please join our MSN Connect Canvas course to learn about volunteer opportunities here at MSN and throughout the community! Use this link to join the Canvas Course: https://lz95.instructure.com/enroll/R4N3XH
Coming up… our 1st After School Action to make no-tie fleece blankets for Penny’s Purpose. We will meet after school in the Cafetorium on Dec. 14th & Dec. 15th until 4pm! If you’re interested in donating supplies (fabric or gifts cards to JoAnn Fabrics) for this project please see this Sign-Up Genius!
Also coming up… Feed My Starving Children on January 11th and February 17th. More details to come soon! If you have any questions please reach out to Mrs. Marcia Day or Ms. Jill Kragseth.Activity Night: “Winterfest”
STUCO Food Drive
Toys for Tots/Winter Food Drive
Lake Zurich Middle School North’s Annual Toys for Tots and Food Pantry Drive will start on November 29 and run until December 17.
Local Toys for Tots Campaigns are the heart and soul of the Marine Toys for Tots Program managed by dedicated United States Marines and local volunteers. Please donate a new, unwrapped toy (no stuffed animals) to a needy child this holiday season.
Toys for Tots has been delivering hope to families since 1947.
548 Million toys donated to date
251 Million children Supported to Date
Please consider being a part of this great cause and one of MSN’s oldest traditions.
We are also collecting food for ELA Food Pantry. Middle School North has a long tradition of providing food and meals to many families over the holidays. Please donate canned or nonperishable items.
Donation areas are in the 6th, 7th and 8th grade hallways. We will be donating until December 17 for Toys for Tots and Dec 22th for Ela Food Pantry.
Thank you for helping to provide hope to children and families during this holiday season.
MAP Testing
Thanksgiving
Illinois School Report Card
National Honors Society Thank You
LZ95 Central COVID Testing Location Information
In anticipation of increased symptoms as we enter cold and flu season, District 95 has re-established a central testing location for students and staff members who are experiencing symptoms at home; these tests will no longer be conducted at individual buildings. The testing site will be operated at the Administration Building (832 S Rand Road) from 8:30-10:30am Monday through Friday on school days while students are present in the buildings. Please continue to call your school’s attendance line to report your student’s absence, so that the school nurse can confirm testing availability. If you do not already have a consent form on file for this year, please complete the consent form linked HERE - and call 847-812-2342 upon arrival.
As a reminder, if your student is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, they must remain home for 48 hours since symptoms have subsided - even if they obtain a negative COVID test.
November 12th, 2021
Progress Reports
MSN Connect
iPad iOS 15 on November 12th
MSN Student Council Food Drive
October 29th, 2021
PSAT
On Wednesday, November 10th our eighth grade students will have the opportunity to take the PSAT 8/9 at school as a part of their normal school day. The PSAT 8/9 is the first of four tests in the SAT Suite of Assessment. Tightly aligned to the SAT, it establishes a baseline for college and career readiness.
In order to support our eighth grade students in taking the PSAT 8/9 on Wednesday, November 10th we will have to make some adjustments to our regular school schedule. Please see the schedule below. Our sixth grade students will have very little impact on their normal school day. Our seventh grade students, however, will find that their schedule is reversed for the day. They will start with their ninth period class and will follow their schedule from there. They will still end their day with their Homeroom/BOC tenth period class. For our eighth grade students they will test in the morning. For most students their testing will be completed by lunch. After lunch the students will complete their first three periods of the day going from period three, to period two, to period one. The eighth grade students will also finish their day with their homeroom/BOC tenth period class.
Please note for our test takers, they can only have their pencils and calculators by their desks. All other items must stay in their bags and away from their desks during the test. All electronic devices, including, but not limited to cell phones, smart watches, iPads, etc.. must be turned off and be located in students’ bags. Only approved calculators will be allowed on the test.
iPad iOS 15 on November 12th
Treats for Troops
LZHS National Honor Society students have teamed up with @SoldiersAngelsOfficial to provide a sweet taste of home to our deployed service members this Halloween! They are shipping excess Halloween candy to the deployed and District 95 Schools are official Drop-Off sites!
Stop by the main office at any District 95 School from November 1st through November 5th, 2021 and drop off any extra Halloween candy!Therapy Dog
We are excited to announce that we will be bringing a certified therapy dog to MSN for our students. This support will allow students who wish to engage to practice self-awareness and self-management skills during the school day. As allergies, asthma, immune problems, and/or other health concerns may make animal contact inappropriate for some students, District guidelines require prior parent/guardian notification for times when animal(s) will be in school.
The therapy dog will be present on campus every other Monday from 1:00PM through 3:15PM, starting November 15th. The dog will be in a common area for students to access during transitions, homeroom, and/or after school (with parent/guardian permission). Should families wish for their student to access the therapy dog after dismissal, they will be responsible for transportation for their student. It is important to note that your student(s) will not be required to interact with the dog at any point during the school day.
We will ensure that the District’s Guidelines for Using Animals in School Facilities are followed. We will also ensure that school grounds are appropriately cleaned following the therapy dog visits, and that the dog’s handler understands all procedures for meeting the dog’s needs during visits. Please also note that no student will be made responsible for meeting any of the dog’s needs (i.e., access to water, bathrooming needs) at any point during the visits.
If you have a specific concern with your student interacting with the dog/if you do not wish for your student to interact with the dog, please contact Todd Jakowitsch directly - and please let us know if you have any other questions at this time.
Message from MSN PTO
A BIG thank you to our MSN families who have contributed to this year's NO STRESS FUNDRAISER! Together, we have over $6000 in pledged donations and $455 in corporate matching. We are excited to share that we have MET this year's fundraising goals. Because of your generous support, we are now able to FULLY FUND the following:
$2500 for the 8th Grade Celebration
$1,520 for student activities
$2,500 for Teacher Grants that support student learning and enhance instruction
$500 for MSN Connect
$3,400 for Teacher Meals & Appreciation
If you have completed the Donation Pledge Form, but still need to submit your donation, please please submit your donation using one of the following options:
1. Donate via paypal at: https://tinyurl.com/msndonation
2. Mail a check made out to the MSN PTO to Jessica Morton: 244 Whitney Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047.
If you have a corporate match, please be sure to contact your company. The LZ PTO EIN is 26-2900120.
Thanks again for your AMAZING support! Week 2 Raffle Winners will be announced at the end of the week.
12 Days of Giving
The LZHS Student Council is sponsoring the second year of 12 Days of Giving on November 1st-16th. They will be collecting items to help support multiple local charities. The entire D95 Family is encouraged to help support these charities as a community.
High School students will be at the LZHS Main Entrance weekdays from 4:00-6:00pm, with a Contactless Drop Off service where Student Council students will collect the items from each car.
Please see the flyer attached below for the Wish List for each organization.
Thank you in advance for your participation in 12 Days of Giving and helping teach our students the value of giving and our Forward 95 Values!
October 15th, 2021
Conferences
Middle School parent teacher conferences will be conducted online on Wednesday November 3rd from 4PM to 7PM and on Thursday November 11th from 1:00PM to 7PM. Similar to last year, we will conduct conferences online using Meet the Teacher. The virtual platform allowed us to reach and involve more parents than in prior years, and we received overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the convenience and accessibility of virtual conferences.
Parents and Guardians are encouraged and welcome to schedule an in-person conference instead of virtual, if they would prefer to meet face to face. Please schedule with Meet The Teacher and then email the teacher to confirm in-person.
On Monday, October 18th each guardian will receive an invitation to sign up for a video conference with their student’s teachers, including a unique login code for Lake Zurich’s Meet the Teacher portal. Parent sign-up will open at 8AM on Wednesday, Oct. 20th and will be available through October 25th at 8AM.
Quarter #1 Report Cards
Procedures for Sick Children/Cell Phones
Canvas Tip
IAR Reports
Earbuds
After School Tutoring
October 1st, 2021
Important Upcoming Dates
In the next few weeks we have several important dates that we would like to share.
Monday, October 11th - No School
Tuesday, October 12th - Institute
Tuesday, October 19th - Quarter One Ends
MAP Reports
Tutoring
Social Media Challenges
Recently, a destructive social media challenge has been trending with the nation’s youth, particularly at the high school and middle school levels. The initial trend was known as the TikTok Devious Licks challenge, which encourages students to damage or steal items from schools, then post videos showing the damage. In particular, school bathrooms have been targets (damaging or removing sinks, soap dispensers, toilets, etc.), but in other cases damage extends to technology and other items. District 95 is not immune to this trend, as we have already seen some property damage at the secondary level. There are many stories in the media about this trend, but here are links to two recent articles:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2021/09/21/devious-licks-parenting-advice/
Although TikTok has denounced this challenge and removed it from their search engines, some students are continuing with it under other hashtags such as #dispicablelicks. Some additional monthly challenges have also been circulating - which include slapping and inappropriately grabbing other students and/or staff members. In general, social media challenges are not likely to disappear any time soon.
As parents, we ask that you monitor your student’s social media usage, be on the lookout for signs of these trends, and most importantly have a conversation with your children to help them understand the seriousness of such behaviors. We all have a role to play in supporting responsible decision-making for our students, and in helping to prevent poor choices that may result in negative consequences. We hope that you will join us in this effort to build responsible decision-making skills within our school community as it relates to this disruptive social media trend.
Lanyards
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week - October 25-29th. Lots of fun activities and contests.
Lake Zurich Schools, in conjunction with Parent Teacher Organizations and community members, are actively participating in the 2021 observance of Red Ribbon Week, October 25 - 29th. The Red Ribbon is a symbol for Americans to show that ribbon by ribbon, neighbor by neighbor, we are united in our stand for a drug-free youth. With more than 100,000 schools and organizations taking part, Red Ribbon Week is the largest anti-drug awareness event in the United States.
For more information on Red Ribbon Week, click on the links below:
Outstanding Student Fee Balances
Please take a moment to ensure that all student fees have been paid to avoid late fees. As a convenience to our families, we have extended the date for assessing late fees until October 15th, 2021, but after that a late fee of $15.00 will be applied.
On September 10th a communication was sent to anyone with outstanding fees (to the email address listed in PushCoin) but please be aware that additional fees may have been billed since then. Please visit PushCoin to view any outstanding fees in your account. If you have questions about a fee, please contact your child’s school.
In accordance with Board policy, all fees owed to the school district must be paid in full in order to participate in fee-based extracurricular activities.
For your convenience, payments can be made in one of two ways:
Via credit or debit card or e-check using PushCoin: https://www.pushcoin.com
Or a check payable to CUSD95 can be dropped off at your student’s school. When paying with a check, please include your student’s ID number.
September 17th, 2021
Picture Retakes
Indoor Sporting Events
Lunches
Principal Talks
Middle School SEL Introduction
We are excited to be starting our Second Step lessons on a departmental rotation this month. Through this program, students will engage in units on the following topics:
Mindsets & Goals
Recognizing Bullying & Harassment
Thoughts, Emotions, & Decisions
Managing Relationships & Social Conflict
The following departments will be covering the first several lessons within the program:
6th grade: Social Studies and Literature/Language Arts
7th grade: Social Studies, Literature/Language Arts, and Math
8th grade: Social Studies
Please feel free to reach out to request additional information regarding the program and the schedule for lesson delivery.
8th Grade Activity Night
Our 8th grade activity night is scheduled for Friday, September 24th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The cost of the event is $5. The cost is reduced to $4 if the student brings an item to donate to the local food pantry. At the event students will be able to play Bingo, kickball, and volleyball. Students will also be provided with a snack.
It is our hope that they will come out, meet some other students and enjoy themselves. If your student is interested in attending please fill out the MSN 8th Grade Activity Night as there are thirty spots per group.
D95 Foundation Cultural Event
COVID Information Update
Symptom Monitoring Reminders
We want to take this opportunity to provide a reminder that while the District is currently not requiring a daily health screener, all students, families, and staff members must remember that regular symptom monitoring is an important mitigation strategy to maintain the ability to continue in-person instruction. As such, please remember that students and staff who are not feeling well CANNOT attend school, and families MUST report their symptoms to their school health office. In addition, siblings or family members of ill or symptomatic students CANNOT attend school until the symptomatic student has been cleared by the school nurse, which may include a negative COVID test.
September 3rd, 2021
Symptom Monitoring Reminders
7th Grade Activity Night
Our 7th grade activity night is scheduled for Friday, September 10th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The cost of the event is $5. The cost is reduced to $4 if the student brings an item to donate to the local food pantry. At the event students will be able to play Bingo, kickball, and volleyball. Students will also be provided with a snack.
It is our hope that they will come out, meet some other students and enjoy themselves.
If your student is interested in attending please fill out the Sign Up Genius as there are thirty spots per group.PE Uniform and Athletic Fees
PE Uniform and Athletic Fees
PE Uniforms were distributed to students that needed them last week and have been billed to their Push Coin account. Please login to your student’s Push Coin account to pay for the PE uniform (if they received one). The cost of that uniform is $15.00:
Additionally, the athletic fee for fall sports – Boys Soccer, Girls Softball and Cross Country -- has been billed to your student’s Push Coin account and can be paid there. If you do not have a Push Coin account, please find directions below to set up an account.
Items Being Dropped Off
Early Dismissal Procedures
In order to minimize disruption to the school learning environment, we ask parents to follow the following procedure if you need to pick up your student during the school day, prior to the 2:20 PM dismissal time:
- Write a note indicating the time you need to pick up your student
- Ask your student to bring the note to the front office, first thing in the morning
- The office will issue your student an early dismissal pass, indicating the dismissal time
- At the time of dismissal, your student will show the classroom teacher the pass
- The teacher will allow your student to leave class
- Your student will walk down to the main office to meet you for dismissal
- You will sign-out your student
Water Bottles
Masks Reminder
COVID Information Update
Summer Updates to the MSN Website
Based on feedback from parents, students, and staff, we have made some updates to the school and District webpages that makes helpful information more easily accessible.
Check out these icons under “Important Links” on the MSN homepage:
Schedule & Learning Mode - check here to see our current learning status (in-person) along with the regular school schedule, plus schedules for delayed start, early dismissal, and assemblies.
Recent School Communications – check here for recent School Messenger emails sent from the school to all MSN families.
Health & Wellness – visit this page for COVID health information and Social Emotional Wellness information.
Athletics & Activities– this is a quick link to the MSN Athletics & Activities page.
Staff Directory – this is a quick link to the MSN Staff Directory page.
If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, please check the menus or click on the Search icon (magnifying glass) at the top of the page!
August 20th, 2021
MAPS Testing
Canvas Observer Accounty
To offer greater access to student learning, all guardians are now provided a Canvas Observer account. For those who have not previously created a Canvas Observer account, an account has been created for you using the email address you have on file with the district.
This account will give you direct access to the learnings that your student is engaged in within Canvas, our digital learning hub. This includes assignment scores for students in grades 4 to 12. Previously created accounts will also continue to function.
With this change, you will notice that the Classwork view is no longer featured within Home Access. More timely and detailed information is available directly within Canvas. Official, final course grades will continue to be published and accessible via Home Access.
To get started using your Canvas account - (for new users)
- Go to our instance of Canvas at: lz95.instructure.com
- Click on the Forgot Password? link.
- Enter the email address that is on file with the school.
Only email addresses on file with the school will have accounts. - Check your email inbox to get a reset password link and directions.
It may take a few minutes to arrive, if it doesn't, be sure to check your spam folder.
To learn more about using your Canvas Observer account, please visit: lz95.org/parents/canvas-for-parents
For any other questions related to Canvas observer accounts, please visit the D95 technology support page at lz95.org/tech.
Pictures
School pictures are scheduled for Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Pictures will be taken during students’ P.E. classes. Information for ordering school pictures can be found on our school website under news items. Please used the following link: https://inter-state.com/order
and code 61110X to order online.Lanyards
6th Grade Activity Night
Our 6th grade activity night is scheduled for Friday, August 27th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The cost of the event is $5. The cost is reduced to $4 if the student brings an item to donate to the local food pantry. At the event students will be able to play Bingo, kickball, and volleyball. Students will also be provided with a snack.
Bingo
Snacks
Kickball
Volleyball
It is our hope that they will come out, meet some other students and enjoy themselves.
If your student is interested in attending please fill out the Sign Up Genius as there are fifty-three spots per group.D95 Foundation Cultural Diversity Celebration
Battle of the Books
It's Battle of the Books time!
What is Battle of the Books you ask? It's a competition similar in format to a Scholastic Bowl. Readers form teams of 4 students and read from a list of 19 selected Rebecca Caudill 2022 titles: http://www.rebeccacaudill.org/
Battle of the Books consist of team members answering trivia-style questions based on their reading. Each team will battle on Wednesday January 19th 3PM-4PM. The team with the highest score will then participate in the Cross-Town Battle between Middle School South. (TBA February 2022)
There will be an informational meeting on Thursday, September 9th in the LMC at 2:20-3:15 (late busses will be provided if needed)
Team name and member sheet will be due on October 7th.
We will have a Zoom check in with teams on Thursday, October 7th and Wednesday, December 8th at 3pm.
Teams will be sent Zoom invitations the day before.
Questions? or to sign up your student please contact Mrs. Taylor (MSN Librarian)
Fall Musical
Don’t miss out! Have your student come to our meeting Monday (8/23) after school to find out about auditions for our Fall Musical: Seussical! We will meet in room B106 (Drama Room). They will be done in time for the late bus at 3:15pm. Any questions? Please email Karen Jaffe (karen.jaffe@lz95.org)
Sports Sign-Up
Traditionally, to register for sports we have distributed packets that went home, were completed by parents, and then returned to the school. This was done for each athletic season. In order to simplify the paperwork, eliminate the use of paper, and align to the practices of the high school we will be using an automated registration for middle school activities. To register for activities, you should:
Log in to Home Access.
Click on “Registration.”
Click on “Update Registration.”
In the middle of this page, there is an “optional items” section.
Click on the season that you would like to register for (Fall, Early Winter, Winter, or Spring).
That should take you to the Activity Options.
Fill out/verify the appropriate information.
August 10th, 2021
Schedules (availability)
Locker Access
First Day of School
On the first day of school students may arrive at school beginning at 7:10. When they arrive, they will report directly to their first period class. During students’ first period they will receive directions from their teacher.
The school day ends at 2:20. For students riding the bus, staff will direct them to the appropriate location. The circle drive will be used for students that are being picked-up. Please be aware that there is a lot of traffic during this time of the day. We kindly ask that parents do not block the entrance. It is important that our buses are able to enter the campus, pick-up our students, and begin their routes in a timely manner.
For lunch we will once again be using two locations. Students will eat at desks that are placed three feet apart. Students will be able to choose their seat. After choosing their seat, that will become their assigned seat. All middle school students are eligible for free lunch each school day.
Student ID's
Students will receive their school id the first few weeks of school. Sixth grade students will receive temporary ids without their pictures. All students will receive a new id after school pictures are taken. Students will be expected to wear their ids throughout the school day. Please see below regarding information that will be included on all student id’s.
There is anticipated state legislation that requires school districts to provide contact information for suicide prevention/hotline resources on the back of student identification cards for all students in grades 6 through 12. In addition to this new legal requirement, the social-emotional well-being of all students continues to be a top priority for the District; this is especially true as we prepare to welcome students back following a unique and challenging school year.
In collaboration with building administrative teams at Middle School North, Middle School South, and Lake Zurich High School, District administration is preparing to meet anticipated requirements associated with the new legislation. Student ID cards at the middle and high school levels will have all required suicide prevention information printed on the back, as well as a code that allows them to access the District 95 “See Something, Say Something” reporting site, for the 21-22 school year.
Please contact Dr. Lauren McArdle, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services (lauren.mcardle@lz95.org, 847.540.7060), if you have any additional questions regarding this change.
School Pictures
PE Uniforms
Keys to a Successful Year
We want to make sure that all of our students have a successful school year. Some key tips for making the most of your middle school year:
Think positively
Get involved
Make goals
Ask for help
Stay organized
Pay attention & complete your work
July 22nd, 2021
Introduction
Middle School Building Walks
School Supplies
Summer Reading Assignment Reminder
We sincerely hope that students and families continue to read together over the summer. Most parents are aware of the importance of continuing to read over the summer. However, many are unaware of the negative effects not reading over the summer has on students. Parents may have heard of the term “summer slide.” This term is used to represent the lack of educational growth students experience over the summer. What parents might not realize is this lack of growth over the summer may account for as much as 2 school years worth of growth by the time a student reaches middle school. In order to encourage students and families to continue to read and grow over the summer, each grade level has a summer reading assignment. Please click here to access each grade level’s summer reading assignment.
First Day of School
The first day of student attendance is Tuesday, August 17th. As a reminder, the first day of school is a full day, from 7:30 am – 2:20 pm. Students will report to their first period class.
Schedules
Schedules are not currently available. Information will be provided when schedules become available.
Transportation
Late Buses
During the 2021 – 2022 school year we will once again be offering two late buses for students. Students will have access to an academic/activities bus at 3:30 and an activities bus at 4:15. The 4:15 bus routes will start on Tuesday, August 17th, and the 3:30 bus routes will start on Monday, August 23rd.
For students who will be using the services of the late buses their teacher, coach, sponsors will provide the students with a pass. Students should be prepared to provide their teacher, coach, sponsor with their late bus route and bus number. You can find this information through Home Access closer to the start of school.
To help the students have a successful experience with the late bus we recommend that parents review the bus route and bus number that students will take. We also recommend that parents work with students on learning a route home from the bus stop as the late bus routes and stops will be different from their normal before and after school bus stops and routes.
Athletics
For students interested in trying out and participating in a sport, there are specific requirements that all students must complete to ensure a safe environment.
Registration: All students must be registered to participate. Please use the link below to access the registration portal.
Sports Physical: All students participating in try-outs and a sport must have a current sports physical on file. Sports physicals are good for one year from the date the physical was conducted. Please check to make sure your physical is current. The physical must be turned into the Nurse’s Office.
Emergency Information Form: Students must have a completed and signed Emergency Information Form for each activity they are trying out for/participating in. They will need to turn this form into the coach or sponsor at the time of try-outs. If try-outs are not required, then the first activity of the sport or activity.
Fees: Students must ensure that all fees are paid prior to try-outs and/or participation.
Parent Team Meeting: All parents are required to attend the pre-season team meeting. You will find the exact date and time for the parent meeting on the sport’s schedule. For specific questions on the parents’ team meeting please contact the appropriate coach.
All required medical forms and registration can be found on the Athletics & Activities website.
Students must ensure that all proper forms and fees are on file with the Main Office, and coach/sponsor, including the Emergency Information Form in order to try-out and/or participate. If you have any questions please contact the school office.
Early Fall Sports
Softball
Cross Country
Boys’ Soccer
Late Fall Sports
Girls’ Basketball
Pom Poms
Early Fall Sports Information:
Softball (Tryouts: August 11th & 12th)
Softball: Marcia Day (marcia.day@lz95.org) & Becky Wood (becky.wood@lz95.org)
Cross Country (Informational Meeting: August 23rd)
Girls Head Cross Country Coach: Jill Kragseth (jill.kragseth@lz95.org)
Boys Head Cross Country Coach: Kerry Conrad (kerry.conrad@lz95.org)
Boys Soccer (Tryouts: August 19th & 20th)
Soccer: Chris Knutson (chris.knutson@lz95.org) & Dan Kociszewski (dan.kociszewski@lz95.org)
Activities
We have many after school activities that will be starting in the first few weeks of school. More information about these activities can be found in the attached Activities Brochure. For specific information about the start of each activity, please either contact the sponsor and look for future announcements and information.
For students interested in trying out (if applicable) and participating in an activity, there are specific requirements that all students must complete to ensure a safe environment.
Registration: All students must be registered to participate. Please use the link below to access the registration portal.
Emergency Information Form: Students must have a completed and signed Emergency Information Form for each activity they are trying out for/participating in. They will need to turn this form into the coach or sponsor at the time of try-outs. If try-outs are not required, then the first activity of the activity.
Fees: Students must ensure that all fees are paid prior to try-outs and/or participation.
All required medical forms and registration can be found on the Athletics & Activities website.
Fall Musical
Come Shine on Stage! An informational meeting about Fall Musical Auditions will be held Monday, August 23rd for students at 2:30pm. Meet in the Drama Room (B106). Be on the lookout for more announcements and information on the show! Questions? Email karen.jaffe@lz95.org
In addition, stage crew will be offered once again this fall as we build the set and provide technical support for this year’s musical. Students will be taught the safe use of various hand and power tools as well as stagecraft and basic set construction. Stage crew students will also learn how to use sound and lighting equipment to support the production.
Informational Meeting: Monday, August 23rd at 2:30 pm in B106
Musical Director: Karen Jaffe (karen.jaffe@lz95.org)
Stagecraft: Jason Arneson (jason.arneson@lz95.org)
Open Houses
An early reminder to mark your calendar with the following dates:
Wednesday, September 1st: 6th Grade Open House – 6:30 pm
Tuesday, August 24th: 7th and 8th Grade Open House – 6:30 pm
LZMSN PTO
The PTO has a webpage on the MSN school page. Information that can be found includes the PTO Information Form, Buzz Book order form, and Spirit Wear order form.
Distinguished Member of the Wolf Pack
Middle School North students are encouraged to achieve personal excellence and to flourish as responsible, caring citizens in a global community. Each year at MSN, students work toward the requirements necessary to become a Distinguished Member of the Wolfpack. Students who meet all requirements of a Distinguished Member of the Wolf Pack will receive:
Special Recognition at 8th Grade Promotion – you will be honored with a gray cord and your name will be called
MSN Legacy Wall: A plaque with your name and graduation year
More information regarding the Distinguished Member of the Wolf Pack award can be found here.
Attendance Line
If, for any reason, a student must be absent from school, parents should call the attendance line, 847-719-3663, before 9:00 a.m. the day the student is absent. If the parent has not called the school by 9:00 am, the office will call to verify the absence.
Afternoon Pickup
Each year we experience congestion in the circle drive in the afternoon during dismissal. We recognize that it is often necessary for parents to pick their children up for obligations and appointments. We ask, however, for extreme caution to be used to help protect the students and staff of Middle School North.
Getting/Staying Informed
The school strives to keep students and parents informed about school events, opportunities, progress, policies, and procedures in a number of ways.
Students can find information about special events, informational meetings, sports tryouts, clubs, intramurals, charity activities, etc., through one of the following sources:
· Morning PA announcements
· Thumbnails and the Daily Announcements link at the MSN website
· Flyers posted around the building
· Lunchtime announcements
Students should be “tuned in” to any or all of these sources. Students can also find a lot of information, guidance, and support by referring to the Parent-Student Handbook for general information about District 95, by checking their teachers’ Canvas pages for information and reminders about their classes, and by regularly checking their Home Access account (the online grade book) to help them monitor their academic progress.
Parents receive information about school in a variety of ways:
Periodic email messages (like this one) sent home as updates and reminders, as well as for important and/or time sensitive matters.
Thumbnails and Daily Announcement link at the MSN website.
Monthly Principal Chats, which are open meetings that provide opportunities for parents to meet with the principals and to talk about Middle School North.
Classroom information is best found through Home Access (the online grade book), and Canvas sites remain a good source since teachers use them to provide day-to-day information about their classes.
The MSN Newsletter will be sent out on a bi-weekly basis with updates and information.
Parents can also find important information about District 95 policies and procedures in the Parent-Student Handbook (which can be located on the District website).
Our goal is to foster and maintain a close partnership between the school and home in order to help the students to the best of our ability.