The Skokie Home Scoop
January 10, 2022
Dear Skokie Community,
As was shared in Thursday’s joint message with Washburne, students at both Skokie and Washburne will be discussing digital citizenship this week, and watching and reflecting upon the film “Like” on Thursday with their advisories. In case you missed it, below is the blurb about the film which was shared in that message.
“LIKE explores the impact of social media on our lives and the effects of technology on the brain. Understanding that virtual connection is not going away and has many benefits, its goal is to inform, educate, and inspire people of all ages to self-regulate, so they can enjoy balanced and fulfilled lives.
LIKE weaves in the stories and reflections of teenagers, and the perspectives of both brain scientists and Silicon Valley creators, who explain how our online behavior is affected by algorithms, from being compelled to respond to notifications, to manipulating ourselves to gain more ‘likes’. It introduces JOMO - the Joy of Missing Out, along with the simple tips for taking back control over our devices and our free time.”
Any parents are welcome to view the film this week. Administrators from both buildings will be also hosting a joint parent coffee Zoom to discuss it and answer questions. Please consider joining us this Wednesday, January 12th, from 9:30-10:30am at the link below for that event.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://winnetka36.zoom.us/j/82526974830?pwd=TG9tSHl0SkN0UndVODlKcjFuLzJxdz09
Meeting ID: 825 2697 4830
Passcode: 933141
Take care,
Betty Weir and Larry Joynt
Skokie Principal and Assistant Principal
Lions of Leadership SEL Corner
In addition to their upcoming learning about the effects of technology on the brain, students in 5th and 6th grade have learned about different parts of the brain during their morning advisory time this year. The Lions of Leadership wanted to share some of what they’ve learned, along with a prompt for families to discuss at home. In addition to the prompt, please also ask your student(s) to show you the hand model to explain how we can all sometimes “flip our lid.”
Upstairs Brain
More advanced part of your brain
The prefrontal cortex:
Positive problem solving and decision making skills
Use flexible thinking
Use reasoning skills
Intentionally think
Allows for you to focus
Helps you regulate your downstairs brain
Learning ready brain
Downstairs Brain
Amygdala
Emotion center
When we are stressed, overwhelmed or experiencing any strong emotion, you are in this part of your brain.
You are in Fight, Flight or Freeze mode
Unable to communicate with your upstairs brain: blocks information from going to your prefrontal cortex.
When feeling safe and calm, the amygdala will pass information on to the prefrontal cortex so you can think.
Regulation
The ability to manage our behaviors and emotions based on where we are, who we are with, and what we are doing (the situation).
Coping Skills
A toolbox of strategies that you create to help yourself calm down when you are experiencing heightened emotions.
Examples of coping strategies: finding quiet space by yourself, finding distraction (reading, listening to music, playing music), positive self talk (writing, thinking, saying), taking deep breaths, getting a drink of water, eating a snack, getting some rest, taking a movement break, journaling, talking to someone about how you’re feeling
Prompts to discuss at home: Think of a time when you were in your downstairs brain, and try to name the feeling that you had in that moment. It may have been sadness, frustration, fear, etc. If you used a coping strategy or strategies, what did you use and was it helpful? If you did not, what coping strategy or strategies might you try to use in the future? How does or how might using a coping strategy help you when you’re feeling big emotions?
Reminders
Please help reinforce the message of proper mask wearing and maintaining social distancing (3ft when masked/6ft when eating) at school to your child(ren) at home. If there is a specific concern, you may hear from your child’s teacher so you can partner together to help ensure these things are happening. We appreciate your support and partnership.
Exploring Skokie
Technology
The Warner/Krupinski Team is in the beginning phase of a new project where students will write and produce their own podcast. Students will have the choice to record their musical talents with real or digital instruments.
The Goldberg/Erickson Team is going BIG by working on a “scale” model project where they will construct 2 models, one extremely large and a smaller scale model using 3D printing software. See if you can predict the “theme” of the scale models and what they represent.
Digital Literacy
Students are embracing the winter blast by creating a digital original graphic of a “winter wonderland”
Next week students will add movement to their graphics to create a short animated video clip
Baking Club
PLEASE NOTE: Your child may have already participated in the club in 2021. We would like to offer it again to students who have not previously been able to be a part of it. We kindly ask you, if you had participated in it once, please allow other students to sign up at this time.
The 2022 Flour Shower Baking Club will be offering the option for gluten free and dairy free recipes if we have enough gf and df participants to form a group. We will work on techniques for making a variety of desserts such as brownies, cookies, scones, hand held pies and cupcakes. Our first meeting will be more of an orientation during which time we will organize our space, make teams and plan on what we will be making in the coming weeks. Everything will be taken home as nothing will be consumed on site. Each baker will need to bring in a few of their own items. Information on that will come later. Sign up will be available here on Wednesday morning, January 12th, at 9:00am.
Upcoming Dates:
January 17: No School- MLK Day
January 25 and 27: MAP Testing
January 28: Advisors send conference sign-up links in weekly newsletters
February 17 and 18th: No School - Conferences
District Updates
While much attention is currently placed on our daily operations, the District continues to look ahead and is seeking parent input regarding two important topics. We would appreciate if parents would take a moment to participate in these brief surveys so we can best serve our families:
- Summer Programming 2022: Adventures in Learning is Back! We seek parent input to ensure proper course offerings and staffing to meet demands. Please take a moment to complete this survey, providing feedback on your interest in our summer programming.
- 2022-2023 Calendar Committee Parent Survey The committee is soliciting input from parents to inform next year’s school calendar with respect to Thanksgiving week. Please take a moment to complete this brief survey.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLICK HERE FOR COVID-19 TESTING & BOOSTER CLINIC INFORMATION
February 2022 Conferences (Grades 1 - 8)
We wanted to ensure our families are aware that February 2022 conference sessions will be offered to parents only on the two designated conference days: Thursday, February 17 & Friday, February 18. Parents may choose to be in-person or participate via Zoom. Centralizing the conferences on these two days are intended to support families who need to schedule conferences for multiple children as well as ease the burden on staff. Kindergarten conferences will be offered on February 18 and 24 or 25.
Superintendent Letter to Governor Pritzker and Dr. Ezike (IDPH)
Now is certainly not the time to be considering a reduction in COVID-19 mitigations; however, there will be a time on the horizon when we must be prepared for improved conditions. With the intention to work alongside our health officials and the Governor’s office on a COVID-19 mitigation exit strategy, this letter was sent to Gov. Pritzker and Dr. Ezike on December 30, 2021. We are hopeful that educational leaders can be involved in the process to develop a longer-term plan. We will keep the community apprised should we receive a response.
Inclement Weather Days
As we approach the winter season, we must be prepared for weather-related school closures. This year, the first inclement weather day would be a traditional “snow day,” requiring us to add an extra day in June. If there are any subsequent inclement weather days, the District would shift to remote learning and therefore not need to extend the number of school days any further into June. You can access the 2021-2022 school calendar HERE.