Evanston/Skokie School District 65

- Washington Elementary's third graders got a special visit in May! Their ETHS pen pals (from the basketball teams!) came to Sandy Siebert's class for their second meeting of the year. In January, the basketball teams hosted the students and their families for a game, which strengthened their correspondence and showed the importance of conversation as a way to get to know someone. 🏀 📝 (P.S. Happy retirement, Mrs. Siebert!)

What a great end to the 2025-2026 school year! Between graduation for more than 700 eighth graders, new murals, and school traditions, it's been quite busy in D65 🎉 We hope you are having a great summer!

- Today we're looking back on a partnership between Nichols Middle's AVID classes and Park School students! Created with the intention of bringing community together within the district, this collaboration will now enter its third year. 👏 "It was a year filled with discovery, teamwork, and the kind of meaningful interactions that make school memorable," said AVID teacher Vania Lopez.

We are hoping you're starting summer with lots of games and fun! ☀️ Dewey Elementary paraprofessional Kate Hunt had games on the brain, too, when she was named one of Hasbro's 2025 Women Innovators of Play! Dewey students had a ton of fun getting a sneak peek at her Ultimate Treehouse game. 👀 Congratulations, Ms. Hunt!

Learn more: https://toybook.com/hasbro-2025-women-innovator-of-play-winners/

Students and staff packed the field for the annual Kingsley staff v. 5th grade kickball game! Amid lots of cheering and posters rooting for both sides, students took home the victory 🏆 🥳

Willard Elementary 5th graders celebrated a meaningful milestone with a tree planting ceremony! As part of their “Tree Detectives” ecosystems unit, students researched tree health, explored species selection, and created posters before voting on which trees to plant.

The trees, a chinkapin oak and a white oak, were dedicated to Willard’s Two-Way Immersion (TWI) program and to this year’s graduating monolingual students. Students also added a personal touch, writing observations and words of encouragement on biodegradable, popsicle sticks placed around the trees. 🌳

"Can we have a diner?" a student asked Kingsley Elementary kindergarten teacher Randy Heite after their class read "In the Diner" by Christine Loomis. That simple question inspired a 30-year tradition: Room 101 Diner, which includes job descriptions, want ads, menu creation and tasting, and LOTS of teamwork! This tradition creatively helps students on their literacy, math, and teamwork skills in quite a delicious way!

Lincolnwood Readers Theatre returned for the fourth year! This free, eight-week before-school program teaches storytelling through voices, expression, and physical movement — but no props or set. About 60 students in grades 2-5 performed adaptations of "Hidden Figures," "The Sandlot," "Dog Man," and "Rodzilla." Way to go! 🎭

Every Orrington Elementary student participated in the creation of the school's new mural, which was celebrated today at an school-wide ice cream party! Students worked with multiple artists on the imagery (students helping each other, themes of nature, and the Orrington eagle), and grades 3-5 got to cut and place the tiles! Nice work! 🦅

Today District 65 celebrated our 22 retirees! Together these individuals have more than 490 combined years of service to D65 students and families 👏 Please join us in thanking them for their dedication and wishing them well in their next chapter! 🎉 See more on the D65 website: https://shorturl.at/59rp2