A Message from the Superintendent
September 8, 2023
Dear Families, Staff and Community Members,
I am happy to share that this has been a fantastic first week of school. I’m proud of our students and teachers for making the best of our first days of school in light of managing the heat. On our campuses you noticed colorful balloon arches, chalk art, and other decorations welcoming children back-to-school…thank you to our PTOs for your efforts welcoming us back to our buildings! This week students became acclimated with their teachers and classmates, began project-based learning, and enjoyed outdoor play. Our staff is dedicated to supporting their growth and achievement as we settle into the school year together.
Below I am sharing a few items of importance, the link to our Safety Bulletin, such as Go to School Night dates, our first Winnetka Parents Institute session, Fall Benchmarking details, and more. I am grateful for how you supported a safe and successful first week together. I hope this is a restful weekend as you and your family settle back into new routines.
Most Sincerely,
Dr. Kelly Tess
Superintendent of Schools
Monthly Observances
As part of The Winnetka Public Schools' ongoing commitment to equity by fostering connection and belonging, the District will take time each month to recognize the contributions of people of diverse backgrounds. The goal of these monthly observances is to provide resources and support for teachers in order to bring awareness and appreciation to the diverse population of students in our community. Observances will look different at all schools and even at different grade levels. Some activities might include art, music, book studies, research projects, sharing cultural holidays and celebrations, and other school activities. As materials are developed for these observances, we will make them accessible.
September 15- October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
October: Disability Awareness
November: Native American Heritage
December: Human Rights
January: MLK Jr. Day
February: Black History
March - April 15: Women’s History Month
April 15-May 15: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage
May 15 - June 13: Jewish American Heritage
2023/2024 Calendar
To view the calendar for the 2023/2024 school year, please click here.
Go to School Night Schedule
Crow Island, Greeley & Hubbard Woods
Wednesday, September 20 - 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Skokie
Wednesday, September 13 - 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Washburne
Thursday, September 14 - 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Fall 2023 Safety Bulletin
The Winnetka Public Schools, Village, Police, and Fire Departments work to proactively refine safety practices on an ongoing basis. We are grateful for our collaborative partnership, and have worked together to compile a Fall Edition of our Safety Bulletin as we begin the 23/24 school year. You’ll find general information on a variety of safety-related topics and resources to support the safety of our entire community.
Winnetka Parents Institute
The District offers regular sessions for families to learn more about a variety of topics. Please view the fall schedule here, and mark your calendar for this upcoming event in September:
“The Winnetka Experience:
Portrait of a Graduate, Portrait of an Educator, and Progressive Education”
September 20, 2023
Time: 9:30AM
Location: Washburne RC
Interested:
Jeff Knapp (Assistant Superintendent of Professional Learning and HR) and Beth Carmody (Principal at Hubbard Woods School) will present on the Portrait of a Graduate, Portrait of an Educator, and the impact that these along with Progressive Education have with students and staff to help drive the Winnetka Public Schools District 36 as a local and national leader in talent development. A panel discussion of Winnetka teachers will bring to life how Progressive Education is displayed across our schools.
Fall Benchmarking
Benchmark assessments are valuable tools that provide a snapshot of student progress at a point in time. These assessments help teachers to identify areas where students are excelling and where they may need additional support. They can also inform instructional decisions by providing data that can be used to tailor teaching to meet each student's unique needs and strengths. Benchmark assessments are an important component of progressive education, which recognizes that students learn in different ways and at different rates. By using benchmark assessments to inform instruction, teachers can provide a more individualized approach to learning that supports each student's academic growth and personal development.
This year students in Grades K-8 will participate in academic benchmark assessments of literacy and math starting September 11. There are three platforms the district utilizes to gather student learning information; aimswebPlus, mCLASS, and NWEA MAP. Specific information about assessments, including how parents will receive their child’s results, will be shared at Go To School Night.
Introducing The Winnetka Public Schools App
Download the District’s app by searching “The Winnetka Public Schools” on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The app will serve as a convenient way to report absences, view and manage your school calendars, and see at-a-glance District news.
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
YOU ARE INVITED: New Trier Open House and Dedication on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2-4 p.m.
All community members, friends, and family of all ages are invited to New Trier High School’s Winnetka Campus on Saturday, September 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for an open house and dedication ceremony. This school year New Trier opened its new East Side Academic and Athletic Facility featuring new gyms, a new indoor 6-lane track, 14 new classrooms, a climbing wall, cardio and strength training areas, a spirit shop, and more! Come check out the new spaces during this community celebration featuring student performances, self-guided tours, demonstrations, and refreshments. The event begins at 2 p.m. with a ribbon cutting outside the doors to the new Competition Gymnasium, followed by a brief dedication ceremony. The building will be open for self-guided tours until 4 p.m. Parking is available in the lots along Essex Road and Trevian Way. New Trier’s Winnetka Campus is located at 385 Winnetka Avenue. Please join us!