Dear Crow Island Families,
This past week our 2nd graders participated in an assembly and author visit with Matthew Cordell. Matthew Cordell is an American author and illustrator of children's books. His book Wolf in the Snow won the 2018 Caldecott Medal and our students got to visit and work with him.
We also had a great STEAM Expo on Thursday. Students in grades 2,3, and 4 were able to showcase all of their learning and research. We enjoyed having families visit in the evening as well. We want to thank our PTO for their support in putting the event together as well as Mrs. Banas, Ms. Maneck, and Mrs. Hazelwood for their work coordinating with the school.
Have a great week!
Luke Livingston
Principal
Monday Spirit Days:
As a reminder, every Monday is considered a Crow Island Spirit Wear Day. Staff and students are encouraged to participate.
Parent Input Survey for Class Placement | (Due May 1st)
We are starting to think of class placement for next year. If you would like to share information about some unique aspects of your child’s learning styles or academic/social concerns that need to be considered then you will complete the form below. Please note that specific teacher requests will not be honored. Thank you for trusting our professional judgment as we create wonderful learning experiences for every Crow Island student. Parent Input Survey 2024-25
Portfolio Day Information:
Portfolios show the cumulative efforts and learning of individual students over time. The portfolio showcases student improvement and skill mastery throughout the year. Along with student reflection, the portfolio provides detailed information about individual students and what is important to your child throughout the learning process. At Crow Island, we believe portfolios are powerful because…
Students are capable of assessing their own learning.
Our goal is for students to think of and see themselves as learners. We encourage students to think about their learning and set goals for themselves.
Portfolios help students reflect on where they started, how they developed, and view their growth over time.
Each portfolio is tailored to the individual student and allows each individual child an opportunity to celebrate their work.
Portfolio Day Logistics:
Students in 1st through 4th grade (have been working with their teachers to reflect on their learning and select work for their portfolios. In May, parents will be invited into the classrooms for Portfolio Day. During Portfolio Day, each child will have 30 minutes to lead their parents through their portfolio. This is an opportunity (for you to join your child in celebrating their learning and growth). You will have the opportunity to listen as your child takes the lead in showcasing the work they have completed this year..
Below are the dates we have set aside for Portfolio Day:
Tuesday, May 21
1st Grade 9:30 & 12:45pm
4th Grade 10:30 & 1:30pm
Wednesday, May 22
2nd Grade 10:30 & 2:00pm
3rd Grade 9:15am & 1:15pm
As in previous years this event is for parents and children only. Siblings do not attend Portfolio Day. Please be sure to make alternate arrangements. This allows your child to have your undivided attention on this special day.
This week, teachers will be sending out a sign-up so parents can arrange the time to visit the classroom on the date above. In the coming month, I will be sending out more information to families on how they can support the Portfolio Day.
Monday Eclipse Viewing:
Our entire school is scheduled to watch the Solar Eclipse on April 8th. Thanks to the help of Erin Wilson, a parent from Crow Island who works at the Adler Planetarium, we were able to obtain enough Eclipse glasses for everyone, including the staff. Based on our location, we expect around 94% of the Sun to be covered by the Moon during the eclipse. The event will start at 12:51 pm and reach its peak coverage (94%) at 2:07 pm. Let's hope the weather is better this time compared to October! Here are a few important points to keep in mind:
- As a school, it is important for us to emphasize the safety precautions regarding the viewing of the sun, as it can be dangerous to look directly at it, whether during an eclipse or not. Therefore, we have provided eclipse glasses to both staff and students as the only safe way to view the eclipse.
- Dismissal will occur after the eclipse viewing. We don't anticipate the eclipse impacting dismissal in any way.
- Kindergarten teachers reached out about the 2:10pm dismissal. In short, we will most likely be closer to 2:15 on Monday so all students can participate.
You can learn more about the Eclipse here. Information about the April 8 eclipse is attached as well. Teachers are also doing activities in classrooms to help prep students as well.
Illinois Assessment of Readiness Starts Tuesday:
This week, 3rd and 4th grade students will be taking part in the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR). The assessment will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with each child completing a literacy assessment in the morning and a math assessment in the afternoon over these three days. Parents can assist their children by:
- Encouraging them to take their time and do their best.
- Ensuring they arrive at school on time.
- Making sure they get a good night's sleep and have breakfast in the morning.
We are aware of the hard work put in by both students and staff, and we are excited for students to demonstrate their learning.
Winnetka Voices
New Episode!
WINNETKA VOICES Season 2, Episode #5: Women in Leadership
March is Women’s History Month! Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, is joined by three impactful women in our school community: Denise Dubravec, Winnetka Campus Principal/Assistant Superintendent at New Trier High School; Winnetka Public Schools alum Norah; and Marena Rudy, a Winnetka Public Schools Board Member. The women reflect on how they have been inspired and encouraged in order to lead with confidence. As Norah recognizes, “We have a lot of forward momentum.” We hope this episode serves as a glimpse into how we can support women and girls in their leadership ventures by modeling self-advocacy, curiosity and empathy.
Listen here:
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.
Winnetka Parents Institute
The District offers regular sessions for families to learn more about a variety of topics.
Click here for the Spring 2024 schedule.
Up next:
Digital Citizenship in Winnetka (SEL Coaches and Technology Integration Specialists)
April 17, 2024
9:30 A.M.
Location: Skokie Community Room
Join us at the Winnetka Parent Institute for an enlightening session on the vital role of digital citizenship in today's education. Discover how these essential skills are seamlessly integrated with the CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) competencies, fostering responsible and empathetic digital natives. Our focus will include a comprehensive overview of how our students. This is an opportunity for parents to understand the digital landscape our children navigate and how we can support them in becoming thoughtful and informed digital citizens.
Interested:
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Facebook and Twitter: @Winnetka36
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Contact Us
Email: christinedemas-hall@winnetka36.org
Website: https://crowisland.winnetka36.org/
Location: 1112 Willow Road Winnetka, IL 60093
Phone: (847)-446-0353
Twitter: @CrowIslandD36