

Crow Island Parent Newsletter
April 1, 2024
Dear Crow Island Families,
The week before break really went quickly! We hope you had a great break and are looking forward to being back at school. We have a lot to accomplish as we move into spring. This week for example, we are hosting our STEAM Expo on Thursday. We can't wait to see all of the students share out their research and findings!
Starting the week of April 8th our 3rd and 4th Graders will engage in the Illinois Assessment of Readiness. These are state mandated and students engage in literacy and math content. Our staff and students have been working hard and we are excited for them to showcase their learning. I've included reminders below in how parents can partner with us to help support our students.
Have a great week!
Luke Livingston
Principal
- Monday, April 1st: School Resumes
- Thursday, April 4th: STEAM Expo 6:00pm
- Tuesday, April 9th: Illinois Assessment Readiness (IAR) Grade 3 and 4 begins
- Friday, April 12th: Early Release (Dismissal 11:20am)
Monday Spirit Days:
As a reminder, every Monday is considered a Crow Island Spirit Wear Day. Staff and students are encouraged to participate.
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.
STEAM Expo:
Save the date for the Crow Island Steam Expo. The Expo will take place on Thursday, April 4. Students in grades 2, 3, and 4 can participate.This year's STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Expo will take place on Thursday, April 4. All 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders are welcome to participate. During the school day, students will present to their peers. From 6-7 pm, families will be welcome to visit and view student projects. Guidelines for the projects can be found here .
Thursday, April 4th 6-7pm Reminders:
- Parking: Parents can park in the circle drive or off of Glendale.
- Entering: All visitors will enter and exit through the main entrance of the school.
- Reminders: If you are bringing younger siblings, please stay with them through the event as our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders will doing their very best to present to visitors on their topics and research.
- When the event is completed, please take home your child's project Thursday evening.
Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR Assessment):
During the week of April 8th our 3rd and 4th grade students will engage in literacy and math statewide assessments. Students will have a morning and afternoon testing session on April 9th, April 10th, and April 11th. Parents can help support their child with the following:
- Ensuring your child's iPad is at school starting Friday, April 5th.
- Making time in the morning for breakfast and helping get to school on time.
- Helping to get a good night of rest and plenty of sleep the night before.
- Encouraging your child to try their best, work hard, and stay focused.
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:
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
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