
August 2022
A Message from the Superintendent
Dear Families, Staff, and Community Members,
It seems hard to believe that we are only 12 days away from reopening our schools and welcoming our students back after what we hope was a restful, fun and memorable summer away from school. Certainly we have all craved a summer like the ones we remember from before the pandemic reshaped our lives in more ways than we can count. The same is true as we plan for a new school year—we crave a return of what we love most. It is our hope that this fall feels nostalgic in all the healthiest ways and allows us to launch a year of learning that builds excitement for our students in all the ways we know how to do best.
While you were away this summer, our Administrative team took advantage of time to focus on the District’s annual goals (part of our Strategic Plan 2021-2025), and reflect on the most effective and authentic ways that we can nurture the competencies outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate. Our Department of Buildings and Grounds has been diligently working to ensure our schools are safe and clean, while our Technology Department is preparing devices to support learning for our students. Additionally, our District Office team is working to launch a new and improved District website as of early September to provide a more user-friendly, intuitive user experience for anyone looking to learn more about our schools.
Below you’ll find information about our upcoming August School Board Meeting, at which it is anticipated that the Board will approve a resolution on the 2022 Downsized Capital Improvement Plan for the November 8, 2022 ballot. For further information, please see this letter that was sent to the entire Winnetka community earlier in the summer. On Thursday, August 11, I shared this letter from our intergovernmental entities on school safety. Please review the letter if you have not done so already. You will also note several dates to add to your calendars, as well as reminders on registration-related matters, such as health forms.
I look forward to spending more time with our students, staff, families and community members this year, and am committed to doing my part to foster a continued commitment to our historic work as progressive educators seeking to provide the highest quality learning experience for all of our students. Please take a moment to view this brief “welcome back” video. It is my honor and privilege to serve as your Superintendent. I look forward to what this year can bring, and know that with your partnership, we are capable of making it an enormous success and a year of memory making for the children of Winnetka.
Most Sincerely,
Dr. Kelly Tess
Superintendent
Board Meeting Preview
The first School Board meeting of the 2022/2023 school year will be held at Crow Island School on August 16, 2022. There will be a Budget Hearing at 7:15 p.m. immediately followed by the Regular Meeting. This meeting will include a final presentation on the Downsized Capital Improvement Plan prior to the Board voting on a resolution to place a referendum on the November 8 ballot. In-person seating for the public is on a first-come, first-served basis.
To observe via Zoom:
https://winnetka36.zoom.us/j/88090707037?pwd=NG5odzg5ejhac3Frb05HK0lYQmZTUT09
Meeting ID: 880 9070 7037
Passcode: 353337
The meeting will include an opportunity for in-person public comment. Please note, the Board will be following policy 2:230 and limit public comment to three minutes - however, if there is a high volume of public comment, the Board may need to limit the amount of time dedicated to public comment in order to efficiently conduct business. Community members can send communications to board members at board@winnetka36.org which will be individually reviewed by each board member prior to the meeting.
2022-2023 Calendar, Go to School Nights Schedule & Other Important Dates
To view the calendar for the 2022-2023 school year, please click here.
Go to School Nights Schedule:
Crow Island, Greeley & Hubbard Woods
Thursday, September 15 - 6:00-7:30pm
30 minute sessions (2x) parents can choose
Skokie
Thursday, September 1 - 6:00 - 7:30pm
Washburne
Wednesday, August 31 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Downsized Capital Improvement Plan Update
As was announced at the May 2022 Board meeting, it is anticipated that the Board will approve a resolution for the November 8, 2022 ballot at the August 16 School Board meeting. The Board and District remain committed to investing in all five of its schools to extend their useful life, ensure they are safe and secure places for our students and staff to learn and work and reduce costly repairs in a fiscally prudent manner. For an update on the status of the 2022 Downsized Capital Improvement Plan, please see this letter that was sent to the entire Winnetka community.
In an effort to ensure that our community is well-informed, we look forward to hosting Informational Sessions on the following dates (all are welcome):
Virtual:
Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. (Zoom details to follow)
In person:
Weds., Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. (Crow Island--followed by tour)
Saturday, Oct. 8 from 9-10 a.m. (Hubbard Woods--followed by tour)
Monday, Oct. 17 at 9:30 a.m. (Crow Island--followed by tour)
Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. (Hubbard--followed by tour)
Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. (Crow Island--followed by tour)
Virtual:
Tuesday, Nov. 1 at noon (Zoom details to follow)
Registration/Enrollment for 2022-2033 for Returning and New students
The registration deadline for the 2022-2023 school year has passed. If you have not completed registration for your child(ren), please do so as soon as possible https://www.winnetka36.org/domain/129. Placement will not occur until your child’s registration has been submitted and activity fees paid (for grades 5-8 via RevTrak*) https://winnetka.revtrak.net/. Activity fees for grades K-4 have been waived for this school year only.
Important Health Forms for 2022-2023
Please see this important information regarding Health Forms for the 2022-2023 School year.
Registration Fees
ALL required/optional fees, programs or services are accessed via RevTrak https://winnetka.revtrak.net/. These include:
Activity Fees (required for grades 5-8)
iPad Insurance
Transportation Services
Elementary and Skokie Milk Fees
Kindergarten Stay & Play (registration deadline September 30, 2022)
Before/After School Care - Right at School Program
Central PTO Dues
*If you are unsure whether you have paid for any of the items listed above, email Amy Huisel (amyhuisel@winnetka36.org)
COVID-19 Updates
Requirements for COVID positive and symptomatic individuals
The District follows IDPH exclusion guidance for COVID-19 positive or symptomatic individuals
Any staff member or student with a positive COVID test result will be required to stay home for 5 days. The school nurse will help families determine a return to school date.
Instruction During a COVID-related Absence
The health and well-being of our students continues to be of the utmost importance. With that in mind, if a student is well enough to participate, they will be provided with schoolwork asynchronously through a combination of assigned work for pick-up/email to parents and using various technologies to support instruction. If a student has specific learning needs, we will work with the family to best meet those needs.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Follow us on Social Media!
Please follow the District via the following social media platforms in order to see day-to-day happenings and more.
Facebook and Twitter: @Winnetka36
Instagram: @WinnetkaPublicSchools
Back to School Summer Celebration: Sponsored by the Winnetka Public Library
Please mark your calendars for an exciting new event sponsored by the Winnetka Public Library on Sunday, August 21 from 1-3 p.m. in Crow Island Woods (the rain location is the Washburne gym). This event will include lots of fun activities for children including the Kona Ice Truck, temporary tattoos, face painting, balloon animals and more. The Schmidt-Burnham log house will also be open for tours by the Winnetka Historical Society. Please consider joining in on the fun!
We Want to Hear from You!
Parent Education Sessions from District Partner Family Action Network (FAN):
For upcoming events, access FAN’s website here.