Dear Crow Island Families,
We want to thank our families for coming our to support the portfolio experience at Crow Island. Helping students reflect on their learning, curate their important work, and then share out their growth is an important piece of progressive education. This work aligns with our progressive education core values as we believe that students can "own" their learning through reflection, perseverance, and taking risks.
This week, we are looking forward to seeing the 1st Grade Farm Stand in action. Students have been working hard to build their stands and showcase their goods. Also, we have been using activities from "Building a Thinking Classroom" which promotes more math thinking and problem solving through structured group activities that push students through harder puzzles and problems and students use iterative thinking and peer review to challenge their thinking. You might notice some classroom photos contain vertical white boards where this work is happening across the week.
Have a great week!
Luke Livingston
Principal
- Sunday, June 9th: Crow Island End of Year Picnic at Skokie Playfields (540 Hibbard Road) from 5:00–7:00 PM
- Tuesday, June 11th: Field Day
- Thursday, June 13th: Crows on Parade from 8:00–8:35 AM in the front of the school, followed by the 4th Grade video viewing; 4th Grade Graduation Party (kids only) at Skokie School from 6:30–8:00 PM
- Friday, June 14th: Last Day of School, Half Day (11:20 AM Dismissal); Popsicle Party right after dismissal (parent or caretaker must accompany student)
Monday Spirit Days:
As a reminder, every Monday is considered a Crow Island Spirit Wear Day. Staff and students are encouraged to participate.
Packing & Construction Updates:
As a reminder, we are planning for construction to start this summer for the new addition and school updates for Crow Island that will take place over the next year. We just wanted to communicate a few quick updates:
The last day for the TACO will be Friday, May 24th. For the remainder of the year music will take place in the auditorium and Spanish will take place inside classrooms. This will continue into next year.
As you visit for portfolio days, you will notice boxes as the school prepares to move out all items for the summer. This is a very robust move and requires the school to start to pack now.
If you could not make the parent presentation on May 2nd, you can learn more about the presentation here: Crow Island Principal, Dr. Luke Livingston, recently hosted an informational session for families and staff focused on preparation for this summer’s construction and renovation work. The presentation may be viewed here.
School Supplies for 24-25:
The Crow Island PTO is offering prepackaged school supply kits for your convenience through Educational Products, Inc. EPI will deliver the supply kits to Crow Island and PTO volunteers will deliver the kits to each classroom before the first day of school next year. Your child will arrive on the first day with all of his/her supplies. It’s so easy!
Please note that if you miss this opportunity to purchase school supplies online by June 2nd, you will be responsible for purchasing school supplies on your own. EPI generally will have supplies available for purchase to ship directly to your home, but we cannot guarantee availability of all items after the sale closes. We will post a list on our website before the end of this school year and share a link in an upcoming bulletin.
You can place order(s) for your child(ren) by clicking HERE and using:
School ID: CRO020 (letters C, R and O followed by zero, two and zero)
Please email Katherine Banich at crowislandprograms@gmail.com with any questions.
Strings Information:
Just a quick email to let you know it is that time of year again. Recruitment assemblies will be taking place this month at Crow Island, Greeley and Hubbard Woods for current 1st-3rd grade students. 4th grade students will have a separate assembly where they will learn more about the program at Skokie. 4th graders can also start on any string instrument including the string bass!! Students will be introduced to the instruments that they can learn at school: violin, viola, cello and string bass. (4th graders only) The registration forms will be electronic again this year via Google Forms.
If you have more than one child signing up next year, feel free to use the same form for both (all) of your children. The registration deadline will be Friday, June 10th. Please let us know if you have any questions. Looking forward to working with your children again next year!
Mrs. Sheryl Nussbaum
Mrs. Yue Cai
Elementary String Registration (Crow, Greeley, Hubbard Woods)
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11Ht_yhorZu0uC6AmKMa_6l1GBSoY1bzqfl5ABvbWx_o/edit
Skokie String Program (incoming 5th graders to Skokie, returning or beginner)
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/18F1VD3QswnQ4gy1Fudu--zNjluGxIt_zw6_zpoFRz0c/edit
5th Grade Parent Information:
- Parent Input Form: If you are an incoming 5th grade parent you can use this form to share your input with Principal Cooney as your child transitions to 5th grade. This helps in the creation of class placement. 4th Grade Skokie Parent Input Form 2024-25.
- Skokie School Supplies: You can order your school supplies here: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/kits.php?sid=35479
Health Forms for the 2024/2025 School Year
This is a friendly reminder that all medical forms required by the State of Illinois are due before the first day of school. You can find additional copies of the forms on the district website here.
State of Illinois Health Examination:
Kindergarten & Grade 6
Eye Examination:
Kindergarten
Dental Examination:
Kindergarten, Grade 2 & Grade 6
Please use the links on the district’s health page to upload your child’s completed forms.
Spring 2024 Safety Bulletin
As we prepare for the summer season in the Winnetka community, I am sharing the District’s Safety Bulletin (3rd edition). This document is intended to share safety guidance and news with you in an at-a-glance format. You’ll find general information on a variety of safety-related topics from the District, Village and Winnetka Police and Fire Departments, such as water safety, information on pre-registering your ID for upcoming school events, and mental health resources.
“Winnetka Voices”
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.
Winnetka Parents Institute
The District offers regular sessions for families to learn more about a variety of topics.
Thanks to all who attended!
If you missed our spring sessions, watch the videos here:
From Washburne to New Trier: (with Paul Waechtler, Principal)
A D36 Parent's Guide to the New Trier Transition
Not Quite Little Kid, Not Quite Teenager: The Developmental Progression of the Middle School Child
Digital Citizenship in Winnetka (with SEL Coaches and Technology Integration Specialists)
What Do These Reports Mean? (Greeley Staff Members and Principal Joshua Swanner)
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