2016
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NBRS Badge for Skinner North Elementary School

Skinner North Elementary School - Chicago, IL

Skinner North

Skinner North's Student Created Social Contract

Skinner North opened as a K-2 Chicago Public School in 2009 and has grown over the past 8 years into a K-8th school with 478 students. We have had great opportunities and unique challenges. Throughout this growth, we have focused on developing three key factors: rigorous, differentiated instruction; social-emotional learning; and parent involvement.

Skinner North provides rigorous and differentiated instruction for all students. Staff creates an academically enriching environment and supports students in: collaborative learning; pursuing leadership opportunities; and embracing and celebrating the diversity of the school's students and families.

We pride ourselves on our explicit focus on social emotion learning (SEL) and supports for students. Skinner North implements the Responsive Classroom Teaching Approach and integrates various SEL programs to support the needs of our diverse students. These include counseling groups, Second Step curriculum, explicit teaching of social thinking skills and growth mindset.

In addition to the hard work of students and staff, parents are a critical part of the daily environment at Skinner North. We encourage and welcome all parent involvement. A Local School Council, Friends of Skinner North PTO and the school's Diversity committee support our students and provide enriching opportunities.

This strong sense of community helps us create a supportive and happy place for students to develop and grow.

The school was founded by the current principal Ethan Netterstrom and Katie Magnuson has served as the school's assistant principal for the last 5 years. Both became CPS school leaders through the UIC Urban Educational Leadership Doctoral Program

2016 Awardee

Skinner North Elementary School

640 West Scott Street
Chicago, IL, 60610-1093

(773) 534-8500

Principal at time of Nomination:
Dr. Ethan James Netterstrom

Magnet School

Chicago Public Schools

Urban or large central city

School Website

School Twitter

Mission

Our mission is to grow students into academically adept and socially-minded individuals within a collaborative learning community.

Student Demographics

  • Asian: 30%
  • Black/African American: 14%
  • Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 1%
  • Hispanic: 11%
  • White: 38%
  • Two or more races: 6%
  • Economically Disadvantaged: 14%
  • Application