
November 2023
A Message from the Superintendent
Dear Families, Staff and Community Members,
As we approach Thanksgiving break, I’d like to recognize the incredible work of our teachers this fall–from the time spent ensuring our literacy pilot is successfully underway to engaging in professional learning on our recent Institute Day to helping our students navigate Project-Based Learning initiatives. We see their efforts to further embody our Portrait of an Educator. Also, on this Veteran’s Day, we want to extend gratitude to members of our staff and community who made the selfless choice to serve our country. While we cannot truly comprehend all of the sacrifices you have made, we thank you for our service.
We asked a few students and staff to share what they are grateful for in the spirit of the season. This is only a snippet of what was said, but it is overwhelmingly clear that we are collectively grateful for family and our school community. When we focus on our goal of fostering a culture of connection and belonging, we are proud that our students have access to so many positive influences in their lives. In short, students, families and staff, YOU MATTER. The time and empathy you provide our students and each other is reflected in these comments:
“I’m thankful for my parents.” (Washburne eighth grader)
“I’m thankful for the place that we live in.” (Greeley Kindergartener)
“I’m grateful my children are able to come home and we can celebrate the holiday together as a family.” (District Office staff member)
“I’m thankful for these amazing teachers who help us learn.” (Crow Island third grader)
“I’m thankful for my friends being at my side and my family.” (Hubbard Woods fourth grader)
“Everyone in the whole entire world.” (Crow Island Kindergartener)
“I’m thankful for my home.” (Hubbard Woods Kindergartener)
“I’m thankful for spending time with my parents, whom I don’t get to see often.” (Washburne staff member)
“I like being with my friends and playing with them outside and making them happy.” (Hubbard Woods first grader)
“I’m really thankful for all the friends at school.” (Skokie fifth grader)
“I’m thankful for all the fun projects the teachers set up for us because it is really interactive.” (Crow Island fourth grader)
I’m thankful for my teachers, and my parents, siblings and friends.” (Washburne seventh grader)
“I’m thankful for my family and friends, and food and water, and amazing teachers.” (Hubbard Woods fourth grader)
“I’m thankful for my home.” (Hubbard Woods Kindergartener)
“Being able to spend time with all my family…can't wait for the stories to be shared while we catch up.” (Washburne staff member)
“I’m thankful for my family, and my shelter, and my dogs.” (Crow Island third grader)
“I’m grateful for my parents and grandparents.” (Greeley Kindergartener)
“I’m grateful for my family and my class.” (Hubbard Woods Kindergartener)
“I’m thankful for apple pie…and I like having my family.” (Hubbard Woods Kindergartener)
“On Thanksgiving I get to go see my Grandma and Grandpa.” (Greeley Kindergartener)
“I’m thankful for the fact that I get to do my violin lessons.” (Hubbard Woods third grader)
“I’m thankful for playing with my friends.” (Greeley Kindergartener)
“I’m thankful for my pets…two dogs and a whole fish tank.” (Hubbard Woods fourth grader)
“Having extra time to spend with my dog, who loves walks.” (District Office staff member)
“Spending time with my family.” (Hubbard Woods fourth grader)
You are appreciated more than you can imagine. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy a lovely Thanksgiving holiday.
Most Sincerely,
Dr. Kelly Tess
Superintendent of Schools
P.S. Please note, this is the final week to complete the Superintendent's Survey! Please take approximately five minutes to provide your feedback by Friday, November 18.
Winnetka Voices is a podcast hosted by The Winnetka Public Schools, featuring candid conversations on issues relevant to education and shared resources to support our students and families.
Episode #2: “Hey, Siri, Alexa…What is AI?”
This episode centers on a growing topic of interest in education today: the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Guest Mr. Patrick Dawson, Director of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, joins Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, to provide background on the topic. He shares insights on how parents can best be equipped to address concerns surrounding AI and tools connected to the technology. According to Dr. Tess, “If we’re doing our due diligence as a part of the community raising children to be responsible adults, we have to prepare them for a world where this exists.”
Board Meeting Preview
The next School Board meeting will be held at Carleton Washburne School on October 24, 2023. The Regular Meeting is at 7:15 p.m.
The following presentations are on the agenda:
- Tentative 2023 Tax Levy
- Winnetka Caucus: Survey Data Summary
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.
Fall 2023 Biannual Report
Please take approximately 12 minutes to view or listen to the District’s Fall 2023 Biannual Report. The message provides an update progress made toward the goals outlined in the District’s Strategic Plan, Annual Goals for the 23/24 school year, District and School Improvement Plan for 23/24, and the implementation of our Portrait of an Educator. Additionally, here is an infographic highlighting areas of progress toward our Strategic Plan and Annual Goals.
The District offers regular sessions for families to learn more about a variety of topics. Please view the fall schedule here.
Coming Soon:
Literacy Pilot: How District 36 Educators are Testing Literacy Programs and Practices
December 6, 2023
9:30 A.M.
Location: Skokie Community Room
As a part of the current literacy curriculum review cycle, approximately 59 teachers across the district representing each grade level are piloting a variety of evidence-based literacy programs and practices. The pilot allows teachers to apply current understanding of literacy instruction through the test of items vetted by the Literacy Leadership Committee.
Interested:
Following the event a link will be provided to the recorded presentation on the website.
Recordings of previous sessions:
Online Pre-Registration for Incoming Kindergarteners & New Students for the 2024/2025 School Year opens November 13, 2023
Registration for incoming kindergarteners and students new to The Winnetka Public Schools in 2024/2025 will open on November 13, 2023. Children who will be five-years-old on or before September 1, 2024, are eligible to enroll. Questions related to School Admissions and age requirements are addressed in School Board Policy 7:50 School Admissions and student Transfers to and from Non-District Schools.
Please note: There are two steps to completing new student registration. Step 1: Complete the online pre-registration form; Step 2: Visit the District Office (1235 Oak Street) to provide the following:
Proof of residency. Click here to view the list of documents that will meet these requirements. For your convenience residency documents may be uploaded during online registration.
Original or certified copy of your child(ren)'s birth certificate and a parent photo ID.
Completing both steps (online and in-person) is required for your child(ren) to be enrolled as new students.
Why are both steps necessary? In January of each year, the District begins preparing its budget and staffing plan for the upcoming school year. For grades, other than Kindergarten/1st grade, the staffing plan is based on the assumption that all current students will return and matriculate to the next grade level. For kindergarten and first grade students, the District forecasts enrollment based on those students that have both the in-person and online forms submitted. These early enrollments impact the staffing plan by determining the number of kindergarten/1st grade sections and student services needed. For this reason, we ask that parent(s)/guardian(s) complete BOTH steps of pre-registration BEFORE January 12, 2024. As an added incentive new students that have completed the two step pre-registration process by January 12, 2024, will receive a credit of $40.00 toward student fees for the 2024/2025 school year.
Thank you for doing your part to ensure that the District is able to retain and/or attract the best educators for our students.
In the News...
2023/2024 Calendar
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
Parent Education Sessions from District Partner Family Action Network (FAN):
For upcoming events (& videos of past events) with an array of highly-regarded authors, educators, and more, access FAN’s website here.