
April 2023
A Message from the Superintendent
April 2023
Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members,
There is a sense of excitement throughout our campuses this spring. Students have enjoyed the tease of warmer weather; on any given day you will see classes venturing outside to bird watch, Kinetic Wellness students engaged in riveting games on our playfields, Kindergarteners reading with fourth grade buddies, and a range of other outdoor activities. This time of year is busy for families and staff and we appreciate all of the efforts you are putting into ensuring that our end-of-year traditions are special for all of our students.
A word ingrained in our ethos as educators is “belonging.” We know that when we foster a welcoming environment, our students and colleagues are more likely to feel like they belong. Today our 6th graders are receiving a warm welcome by Washburne students and staff as they participate in “Shadow Day.” We are grateful for our 7th and 8th graders for the ways they show our younger students they belong. We are gearing up to welcome new Kindergarten families to our District at events this spring. I know you will join me in helping these families acclimate to the District. Additionally, we have three new members recently elected to our School Board. We look forward to welcoming them to the Board table at Tuesday’s meeting. In this month’s “Winnetka Voices” podcast, we further explore the topic of belonging with our guests including Ms. Denise Matthews, our Director of Student Services, Equity and Inclusion.
Finally, as clear communication is a component of how we support a sense of belonging, I would like to share another reminder to encourage all families to participate in the Winnetka Parent Communication Survey, now open through April 28.
I would also like to extend an invitation to you to learn about the results of the Winnetka Parent Communication Survey and how the District plans to be responsive to the feedback:
Hubbard Woods School: May 3, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Greeley School: May 8, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Crow Island School: May 17, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Skokie/Washburne Schools (Hosted at Washburne): May 17, 11:00 - 12:00 p.m.
Looking forward to seeing many of you at our schools in the weeks and months to come. As we convey in our social media hashtag, #youbelonghere!
Most Sincerely,
Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent of Schools
NEW EPISODE!
Episode #6: Cultivating a Culture of Belonging
Dr. Kelly Tess speaks to Denise Matthews, Director of Student Services, Equity and Inclusion and Erick Taft, District alum, parent, and a leader of a community organization “Winnetka for Belonging.” The episode centers on how fostering an environment where high-quality teaching and learning is accessible to all starts with supporting the fundamental need for belonging. A few Washburne students also share their thoughts on belonging. As Ms. Matthews shares, “We can all play a part in making sure that our peers and our colleagues feel like they belong.”
Listen here:
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.
Please take a moment to participate in this survey to provide us with your feedback around district communication with parents. Extended through April 28, 2023!
Registration Open for Incoming Kindergarteners & New Students for the 2023-2024 School Year
Registration for the 2023-2024 school year is now open for all students (returning and pre-registered). Email notification was sent to the primary contact on record with the District March 17, 2023. Additionally, families will receive notification via regular mail. Contained within the notification is a unique “snapcode” that parents will need to login. Additional information and login to the portal can be found on the District Website - Parent Registration.
Board Meeting Preview
The next School Board meeting will be held at Carleton Washburne School on April 25, 2023. Starting at 7:15 p.m., there will be a Public Hearing on the Tentative Amended Budget for FY23, followed by the Regular Meeting and an Organizational Meeting.
The following presentations are on the agenda:
- Portrait of an Educator
- Update on Washburne Schedule and Teaming Structure
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.
Adventures in Learning: Summer 2023
Adventures in Learning 2023 runs from June 14th-July 19th, 2023.
No camp on June 19th or July 4th.
A decades-long tradition, this summer program includes classes as varied as Athlete's Club, Razzle Dazzle Science Magic, Recyclable Art, Basket Weaving, Camping Adventures, Make Your Own Music Video, Adventures in STEAM, Archery, Computer Animation, Greek Mythology Drama, Coding, Yoga for Kids, AIL Action News (New for 2023), Animal Care, and Spa-Liscious to name a few!
Students in grades 2-8 may choose up to four classes from over 60 options. Younger children (pre-Kindergarten through grade 1) will explore our progressive educational concepts through guided play and outdoor activities.
This year's program will again be held at Washburne for the 2nd-8th graders and Crow Island for the Pre-K (4 years old by June 1st, 2023) and K Primary program (5 years old by September 1st, 2023).
2023 Fees
General (base cost*) and Primary Program
$675 Winnetka residents
$725 Non-residents
*Some General Program classes have an additional supply fee (will be noted in the catalog).
Registration is now open for Winnetka residents.
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
From Our Partners at Alliance for Early Childhood:
Let’s Play! At the Farm
Saturday, April 29, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Historic Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview
Join The Alliance for Early Childhood in partnership with Historic Wagner Farm for a morning of exploration at the farm in spring. Families can explore the 1920’s historic Wagner farmhouse, barter in the Farm Stand, enjoy the Farm Adventure Area playground, and visit the Heritage Center, which includes a 1930s recreated grocery store.
Note on Parking: Located on the east side of Wagner Road (across from the farmhouse). Additional parking is available in the Saints Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church parking lot on just south of the Historic Wagner Farm parking lot.
Parent Education Sessions from District Partner Family Action Network (FAN):
For upcoming events with an array of highly-regarded authors, educators, and more, access FAN’s website here.