Every student in D65’s African Centered Curriculum participated in the annual Kwanzaa celebration at Oakton Elementary last week! This year the theme was “Kujichagulia! We Know Who We Are.” Kujichagulia, or self-determination, is one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Students focused their recent studies around the ideas of defining, naming, speaking for, and creating for themselves.

At the Kwanzaa celebration, students in grades K-5 performed step dances and affirmations that connected to the stories, movements, and historical events they’ve explored this year through the self-determination lens. Lots of proud parents and family members joined in the fun!

Kwanzaa is celebrated December 26-January 1 each year. Learn more about Kwanzaa’s history and traditions from the National Museum of African American History & Culture.

On Monday, the School Board continued its discussion for the new school in the Fifth Ward and the future of Bessie Rhodes. In a message to D65 families, Dr. Turner explained the factors that drove the discussion and the consensus reached by the School Board. Read Dr. Turner’s full message to the community regarding the meeting

We know that the information can be a lot to digest! Building a state-of-the-art school and planning for the future needs of a school district are two big endeavors that deserve careful consideration. Here’s a summary of the outcomes from Monday’s meeting:

• The School Board reached initial consensus to plan for a K-5 building design totaling 84,400 square feet (Option 2). The estimated preliminary budget is $48.4 million. See schematic building designs
• The Board had a thorough, robust discussion about the future of Bessie Rhodes. The majority indicated favor on assigning K-5 Bessie Rhodes students to the new school in the Fifth Ward, with 6-8 grade students attending Haven Middle (both schools will have the Two Way Immersion dual language program). This would go into effect upon the opening of the new school.
• Next steps:
• Continued discussion on the future of Bessie Rhodes: January 16, 2024, Committee of the Whole Meeting
• Board vote on the design plans for the 5th Ward School: January 22, 2024

We hope that winter break is a time of rest and relaxation! For some, this time of year presents stress and grief. D65 strives to be a place of support for our staff and families; during winter break, consider these resources:

• Access to meals: Evanston Care Network is a one-stop-shop approach to care, including resources for housing, legal aid, mental health care, and more. You’ll find details and information for more than 50 food pantries, including next steps for receiving meals and contact information.
• Mental health care: It’s important to reach out for help if needed. D65’s partnership with Care Solace provides complimentary and confidential help with finding treatment options for mental health and substance use. Call 888-515-0595 (multilingual support is available 24/7), or visit caresolace.com/district65. You can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
• Digital learning: D65’s wide range of digital learning resources are available over winter break!

Park School students recently headed downtown for an educational, fun field trip! Teachers and staff arranged a trip to Ogilvie Transportation Center for the transition students, who are ages 18-22 and receive training at school and in the community on adult living skills, work, and being a lifelong learner.

A wide range of experiences and supports are available at Park, including how to safely use public transportation. On their field trip, students practiced using their communication systems to order lunch and practiced money skills to order their tickets. The J-Factor was present throughout the day!

It’s not every day that you hear from a Division I student-athlete! Recently Demetrius Fields, Northwestern University’s director of player engagement and a former student-athlete there, visited Washington Elementary. He led two assemblies, reaching all students and answering their questions about playing sports at the college level.

Washington PE teacher Matthew Allard has invited many student-athletes to work with D65 students during PE class. “Every team and sport at NU has been represented at some point over the years,” he says. Students learned about the importance of being a team player and showing good sportsmanship. Way to bring the J-Factor, Washington!