McKenzie Monitor

Dear McKenzie Families,

It was wonderful to see so many of you at Open House this past week! The buzz in the hallways was positive and exciting. Our McKenzie cheetahs have so much to be proud of and having the opportunity to showcase their work was amazing.

Have a great weekend,

Dana

Our nurse's office is looking for clothing donations. As you clean out closets this Spring, please consider donating any gently used pants, shorts, tops and socks to our nurse's office. All K-4 sizes are needed! Thanks in advance for your support.

Please see the attached Countdown to 5th Grade flyer with a timeline of transition events. All incoming 5th grade families should have also received the 5th Grade Parent Input form, which closes on April 28th.

Board of Education Meeting

This past Monday, the Board of Education held both its regular monthly business meeting as well as a reorganization meeting. During its regular meeting, the Board approved student fees and transportation contracts for general and special education for the 2023-24 school year, and heard a presentation on the district’s ESSER III grant application.

The group then convened a reorganization meeting. The Board honored and celebrated outgoing board member, Frank Panzica, who has served with distinction as a member of the District 39 Board of Education for the past eight years, and welcomed new member, Allyson Paflas. Additionally, the Board expressed its gratitude to Amy Poehling, who has served as the Board president for the last two years. The Board named Erin Stone as President and Anne Hart as Vice President to serve for the next two years. Follow the link to access the complete meeting agenda and materials.

Parent Education Opportunities

Our final D39 Parent Education presentation of the school year, titled “Maintaining Academic Skills Over the Summer”, will take place on Wednesday, May 10 at 11 am via Zoom. Register now to save your spot. Be sure to visit our D39 Parent Education webpage to learn more about our parent education program and find recordings of past presentations.

Shine on 39

We have pretty incredible students and staff here in District 39! This week, “Shine on 39” showcases our WHMS News broadcast and all of the work that goes into producing it! Please visit our Shine on 39 webpage to view all of our terrific “Shine on 39” pieces.

Monday, May 29th

No School - Memorial Day

May 31st and June 1st

McKenzie 4th Grade Outdoor Ed Field Trip and Activities

Friday, June 2nd

McKenzie Field Day

Friday, June 9th

Last Day of School - Early Release

EduKit Orders open May 1

Order your child's school supplies for the 23-24 school year! EduKits include the supplies approved by our school in one package that will be in your child's classroom on the first day of school. Click HERE to order starting May 1. Contact Amanda Houde at school-supplies@mckenziepta.com with questions.

Read-A-Thon

From 4/23-5/7, McKenzie students are encouraged to track their daily reading minutes and participate in the school-wide Read-A-Thon. There are individual and class prizes too! All proceeds benefit our new accessible playground. Need a reading log or pledge form?

Book Drive through May 2!

Please bring in your new and gently used books (birth-6th grade level) for Bernie's Book Bank. Collection bins will be placed at the front doors, small gym doors, and outside the Learning Commons (through May 2).

Garden Help Needed!

Two great opportunities to get involved by helping with the Mckenzie Garden!

1) Join the Garden Committee

We are forming a committee to help with ongoing garden maintenance and planning activities for the McKenzie garden. No green thumb necessary! Help is needed this spring and summer and into next school year. Please email katebschmitt@gmail.com if you are interested in helping.

2) Volunteer during recess

The garden is now open for students to visit during their recess on Mondays and Fridays. SIGN UP HERE to help and spend time with your student outside! Volunteers facilitate pre-planned activities or oversee students helping in the garden. No green thumb necessary!

Fun Run May 11!

Save the Date for the annual student Fun Run on May 11 from 3:15 - 4:15 PM. Join us on the blacktop for music, DJ led games, popsicles, and possibly a special appearance from the McKenzie Cheetah! Planners are seeking a volunteer photographer–please reach out to Laura Arnault (Laurameacher@gmail.com) or Nancy Maidenberg (nkmaidenberg@gmail.com).

D39 Educational Foundation

Looking for ideas for Mother’s Day? Kendra Scott and the D39 Educational Foundation are proud to team up and 20% of online proceeds will go to the foundation. Mark your calendar to shop www.kendrascott.com May 5th-7th and use code GIVEBACK-EAIRB!

Appreciation Certificates Available
Looking for an end of year gift to say thank you to a special teacher, staff or administrator? For your $39 donation, the staff member(s) of your choice will be honored with a personalized certificate sent via email and their name posted on our website's virtual Wall of Honor. All donations will benefit our schools by funding the Foundation's Gripp Grant program. Purchase your Appreciation Certificate here.

Variety Show Download/DVD ON SALE NOW!

Take home this year's blockbuster Variety Show "Heard in the Halls"! Thrill your kid as they relive their favorite VS moment. DVD/Download will be available on release date, approx. week of May 22nd. For details & to purchase, go to the Variety Show website HERE.

Learning Commons Volunteers

Sign up now to shelve books in the Learning Commons during your child's library time. It's a great chance to see them during the day.

Cafeteria Sign-up

Click HERE to sign up! There’s a few spots left through the end of the year.

The Educational Foundation is hosting its annual Cheers & Beers Event at Double Clutch Brewing Company TOMORROW, April 28 from 7:00 - 10:00 pm. Join an evening of fun, delicious food, live music and a silent auction!

Cub Scout Pack 1 Hiking Club is back! All are welcome to attend. The first hike is this Saturday, April 29 at 4:00 pm at Glenview Woods. email ZakStambor@gmail.com for more information.

Wilmette Park District seeks residents input and feedback to help create a clear vision for parks, facilities, and recreation to meet the needs of residents for play, health, wellness, open spaces and nature places. Project Parks and Play: Explore the Possibilities. Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit https://berrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/wilmetteparkdistrict

Glide to Growth is a non profit organization that aims to provide one-on-one free figure skating lessons to children with disabilities. Ice skating is an excellent therapeutic activity that promotes physical, emotional, and social growth. Contact www.glidetogrowth.com

Wilmette Wings / Chicago Rush North Shore - Learn more about travel soccer with the Wilmette Wings Soccer Club (U7-U12) and Chicago North Shore (U13-U19) and how to register for tryouts in May. www.wilmettewings.com/tryouts OR www.chicagorushnorthshore.com

Wilmette Baseball Association Spring House League registration is open for K-8th grades. www.wilmettebaseball.org

SKATE FOR GIRLS! Learn math through skating for FREE! A free weekend program for middle school girls will be held Saturdays, May 20 - June 10, 9:15 am - 12:15 pm at Centennial Ice Rink.

Oakton College offers STEAM Youth Summer Camp with in-person and virtual options. Virtual courses: June 6 - August 26 and In-Person Courses: June 12 - August 3

Northwestern presents Wildcat Science Camp! Session 1: Insect and Pollinator Behavior July 10-14. Session 2: Engineering Rockets July 24-28. Scholarships available for families with need.

New Trier Township offers a Food Pantry 10am - 4pm weekdays for families that live/work in the township. NT Township also offers Emergency Financial Assistance, Legal Aid Clinic, property tax assistance, social service referrals and other available resources. Go to www.newtriertownship.com for more information.

Wilmette Food Pantry is open every Tuesday 10:00-11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church.

Kindergarten

Academic Kindergarten AM: 8:35 - 11:10 am

KEEP39: 11:10 am - 3:15 pm

*Friday: 11:10 am - 2:15 pm

Grades 1 - 4

Monday - Thursday: 8:35 am - 3:15 pm

*Friday: 8:35 am - 2:15 pm

**First bell rings at 8:30 am.

Follow #D39Cheetahs on Twitter to get a glimpse of all of the learning happening at McKenzie!

Email: nasiakod@wilmette39.org
Website: mckenzie.wilmette39.org/
Location: 649 Prairie Avenue, Wilmette, IL, USA
Phone: 847-512-6300