June 7, 2024
Dear Families, Staff and Community Members,
Thanks to all of you for making these final weeks of school memorable for our students and school community. This includes organizing Field Day activities; hosting fourth grade parties; planning for Graduation-related events to celebrate our eighth graders; supporting students as they present final projects; packing up classrooms to prepare for summer construction in our school; honoring our retirees; and the list goes on. Please know your time and efforts are appreciated beyond measure.
As there is so much happening, I want to share a few items that you may not have had time to review just yet:
This message shares an update from our Administration, particularly regarding the District’s new literacy curriculum as well as construction taking place Districtwide in summer 2024.
Please take the the opportunity to discuss the information in this document with your family, including reminders regarding water safety as we head into the summer.
To monitor the construction process at all five of our schools this summer, visit the District's Construction webpage. We appreciate your patience as we make vital improvements to our schools.
You’ll find that our first day of school again falls after Labor Day, along with other dates to keep in mind for our academic year.
In our July Winnetka Wire, we will share more school-specific details on dates to pencil in on your calendar for the fall season. Please be sure to check your inbox in mid-July.
Wishing you a wonderful last week of school, and an incredible summer break!
Most Sincerely,
Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent of Schools
At the start of the 23/24 school year, students from The Skokie School embarked on a field trip to Orphans of the Storm, an animal shelter that has served the North Shore community since 1928. Over 250 animal portraits were then created by The Skokie School students, staff, and community members, each inspired by a current or previous animal available for adoption at Orphans of the Storm. The students then planned a gallery exhibition, which took place at The Skokie School in Spring 2024 to show support, create awareness, and raise funds for the animals in need. The students’ efforts, from painting portraits to marketing the gallery exhibition, resulted in a substantial donation to the Deerfield shelter. On June 3, the students presented the $4,766 check and participated in hands-on service projects to support the cats and dogs currently living at the shelter. Throughout the process several animals were adopted (some by Winnetka families)! ABCD (Artists Benefitting Cats & Dogs) was a whole-school Project Based Learning experience, exemplifying every competency outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate:
Global Citizenship
Lifelong Learning
Effective Communication
Empathy
Resilience
Creative Problem Solving
Collaboration
Thanks to Michael Greenman, Studio Arts Teacher at The Skokie School, who took the lead on this incredible learning experience…as well all students, staff, families, the PTO and the Orphans of the Storm team who were involved in making ABCD a success!
Season 2, Episode #6: Crow Island School at 85
Crow Island School, an internationally recognized beacon of Progressive Education, turns 85-years-old in 2025. Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, reflects on the school’s enduring legacy with Dr. Luke Livingston, current Principal, and Dr. Julie Pfeffer, who served as Principal for 11 years. Listeners will also receive a review of extensive renovations that will occur in 2024-2025, retaining the building’s original historic details but, as Dr. Pfeffer notes, “allowing Crow Island to grow into the future so students and teachers can be their best.”
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.
From Our Partners at Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District
Embark on a Summer of Adventure with the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District Summer Reading Challenge! It's the perfect way to unwind, recharge, and soak up the joy of reading during those laid-back summer days. Simply grab a book, settle into your favorite spot, and get ready to journey into new worlds and exciting tales. Plus, don't miss out on the chance to win amazing prizes! All finishers will receive a prize; adults and teens will receive a $10 gift card to The Book Stall and kids will receive a book. All finishers can also be entered into a drawing for one of the grand prizes. To learn more visit wnpld.org. Let the adventure begin!
