
October 2022
A Message from the Superintendent
October 2022
Dear Families, Staff, and Community Members,
As we settle into autumn in Winnetka, our students and families have been engaged in many learning and service opportunities that continue to emphasize the value we place on connection and community. Our Kindergarten students at Greeley and Hubbard Woods participated in their annual butterfly migration…and the monarchs at Crow Island will migrate to Mexico next Friday. A new mural, the result of a collaboration between artist David Csicsko and former Greeley students (now sixth graders), was unveiled at Greeley School. Washburne’s annual Autumnfest Event raised over $3,000 to benefit Henry’s Heroes, a foundation started by a former Washburne student to support epilepsy research. Crow Island’s annual Runathon in support of Misericordia was a huge success, thanks to the support of the PTO. Due to the generosity of the Winnetka Public Schools Foundation, Hubbard Woods will welcome renowned artist Basho Mosko to spend a day with students as an Artist-in-Residence next week. At our September School Board Meeting, Skokie School students debuted their new school song, the result of a student-led creative process, and Washburne students will be featured at the October meeting to talk about planning for and hosting Autumn Fest.
As a member of The Winnetka Public School community, we want to ensure you remain informed about the improvements to all five schools as part of the 2022 Downsized Capital Improvement Plan: Referendum, which was adopted as a resolution by the School Board on August 16th and will be on the ballot November 8th. You are invited to attend any of our remaining informational sessions, in person or via Zoom. Please see the image below for details, or visit our website at www.winnetka36.org. If you are unable to participate in an informational session, you may also view the screencast of the presentation here. A final mailing with additional information will be sent to the entire community later this month as well.
Please enjoy the weekend ahead. I look forward to connecting with many of our families as we celebrate Halloween at our schools later this month!
Most Sincerely,
Dr. Kelly Tess
Board Meeting Preview
The next School Board meeting will be held at Crow Island School on October 18, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
The following presentation is on the agenda:
School Improvement Plan/District Improvement Plan
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 Winnetka Parents Institute Schedule
The District is offering an array of upcoming educational sessions for families and community members. Click here for session dates and more information. Fall sessions include SEL-related topics and technology tips for parents regarding maneuvering the ever-changing landscape of technology, social media, and phones.
Opportunity from the Village: Visit the Police & Fire Station as a Family on October 15!
Service Opportunity from the Volunteer Center
The Volunteer Center is hosting its 20th Annual Make A Difference Day that will help 18 nonprofits' clients in critical need. North Shore residents are invited to "upcycle" their new and gently used goods at this one day annual collection drive. The event is Saturday, Oct. 22 from 9am - noon at Winnetka's Indian Hill train station parking lot.
Safely drive thru and drop off! If you have any of the essential items the nonprofits have requested like clothing, food, toys, games, books, DVDs, CDs, vinyl, musical instruments and much more! Please sort, bag and label them with the corresponding nonprofit and bring them over! The list of items requested from each nonprofit can be found here on the VC's website. Only the items on the list will be accepted. Nonprofit reps will be there to receive the essential donations. Volunteers will take them from your vehicle and the nonprofits will drive off with them at the end of the morning.
We also are in need of volunteers from middle school aged youth through adults, to help us take the donations to the corresponding nonprofit and/or help sort the items. Please email if you or your family or service group would like to help or if you have any questions. Contact info@volunteercenterhelps.org.
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
Commemorative Bricks at Carleton Washburne School
Parent Education Sessions from District Partner Family Action Network (FAN):
For upcoming events, access FAN’s website here.