Dear Crow Island Families,
We are in our final week of school, and as a community, we have much to celebrate as the year comes to a close. As we wrap up this last full week, we look forward to enjoying Field Day, concluding kindergarten with a sing-along, and celebrating our 4th graders on Friday. It will be an action-packed week, and we know the kids will create many lasting memories.
I also want to share that our incoming Principal, Mrs. Trilla, will be visiting our school on Tuesday. She will tour classrooms with me and meet students and staff. We are working closely together to ensure a smooth transition, starting with her meeting the students and seeing Crow Island in action.
Take care,
Luke
Monday Spirit Days:
As a reminder, every Monday is considered a Crow Island Spirit Wear Day. Staff and students are encouraged to participate.
Kindergarten Sing-a-long:
Friday, June 13th at 1:30 for our Kindergarten Sing-a-long. Parents will join children on the kindergarten playground to close out the year. More information will be coming from the kindergarten classroom teachers.
Benchmark Assessment Information (Window Closed on Friday):
Benchmark assessments are valuable tools that provide a snapshot of student progress at a point in time. These assessments help teachers to identify areas where students are excelling and where they may need additional support. They can also inform instructional decisions by providing data that can be used to tailor teaching to meet each student's unique needs and strengths. Benchmark assessments are an important component of progressive education, which recognizes that students learn in different ways and at different rates. By using benchmark assessments to inform instruction, teachers can provide a more individualized approach to learning that supports each student's academic growth and personal development.
Academic benchmark assessments for literacy and math will occur three times this year for students in grades K-8. The Spring Benchmark Assessments start on May 5th and conclude on May 23rd. There are four platforms the district utilizes to gather student learning information; aimswebPlus, mCLASS, NWEA MAP, and SSIS. Benchmark data will be available in Otus beginning May 30, 2025. In order to allow for the data uploads to take place and to provide parents with consistent access to student data, please be aware that the Otus Parent Portal will be inaccessible May 5-30.
Building Data Team meetings to review the Winter Benchmarking data will occur June 9-13.
Please be aware that access to the Otus Parent Portal will be turned off on June 30, 2025 in order to prepare for the next school year. Communication will be sent out at the start of the year notifying parents when the portal will be accessible again.
Schmidt Burnham Log House Drawing and 3rd Grade
Crow Island third graders learn how to draw using two-point perspective annually as a part of their art curriculum. This year, Mrs. Johnston’s art students used the Schmidt Burnham log house as an inspiration for their compositions. Crow Island art teacher, Mrs. Johnston, also serves as a docent at the log house. Therefore, during art class at Crow Island, she was able to teach the 3rd graders all about the history of the Schmidt Burnham log house as well as some of its architectural details. This aided in the students' rendering of this subject matter. These wonderful drawings are now on display in the log house which opened on Sunday, May 4 for the season. Please stop by to take a look at this wonderful artwork! The log house is open every Sunday from 2:00-4:00 until November.
Strings Recruitment for 2025-26:
Just a quick email to let you know it is that time of year again. Recruitment assemblies will be taking place within the next few weeks 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 13th. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Mrs. Yue Cai
Some of you may be aware that I am retiring at the end of this school year! It has truly been an honor and a privilege of a lifetime to build this program and dedicate my entire 33 year career to Winnetka and District 36! I believe that with the solid foundation that I've helped to build and this wonderfully supportive community, this elementary string program will continue to thrive far into the future!! Thanks to each and every family for all of the unending support of both your children in the fine arts and the program itself! I will be forever grateful!
All the best, Mrs. Nussbaum
Monthly Observances | June | Pride, Immigrant Heritage, Eid-El-Adha, Juneteenth
June includes four observances on the calendar: LGBTQ+ Pride, Immigrant Heritage, Eid-El-Adha and Juneteenth. The points below may help families to understand what can be expected during the month of June:
School Bulletin Board displays may include prominent LGBTQ, Immigrant, Muslim and Black American figures.
Resource Centers will have a display of books that align with the observances of the month, as has occurred throughout the school year.
Library collections vary by school and are shared with families in principal newsletters as well as the “Belonging Means” newsletter. You can find the Crow Island Destiny Collection here: This allows you to read books at home if you want. Library Destiny Collection
The Inclusion of LGBTQ+ Pride, on the list of Monthly Observances is not synonymous with K-8 instruction relating to sexuality or sexual identity but rather a recognition of contributions of those in the LGBTQ+ Pride community.
Sexual health education is taught in fifth and seventh grades, and remains isolated to the existing content and standards in those grades alone. Parents of students in those grades are provided with a preview of the content and able to review materials at their request prior to those units being taught in the spring.
Our observances are designed to build awareness, respect, and understanding among students from all backgrounds and family structures. These celebrations help us teach the values of inclusion, empathy, and shared humanity that are foundational to our educational mission.
As part of our commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and educational environment for all students, the District highlights Monthly Observances that reflect the diverse histories, identities, and contributions within our school community and broader society. These observances are grounded in our values of respect, empathy, and belonging for every child and family. Families can read more about our commitment to equity and inclusion here, and specific information about monthly observances here.
Student Registration Reminder (June 30th):
Please complete registration as soon as possible to secure placement and inform optional services. Use this link to access online registration for both returning and new students
AND…. Don’t forget
🚌 50% Discount on Bus Transportation for 2025–2026! Register via Revtrak
The District is offering optional, parent-paid bus service with a 50% reduced flat fee approved by the School Board.
Transportation Fees & Deadlines:
$500 flat fee: April 7 – July 11, 2025
$550 flat fee: July 12 – August 1, 2025
Applies to AM only, PM only, or round-trip service — one price for all.
👶 Kindergarten Transportation
Half-Day & Extended-Day K: AM-only service eligible
Extended-Day & Stay & Play Program (fee-based): Eligible for round-trip service
🚨 Important Bus Registration Notes:
No additional discounts for one-way service or multiple riders
Bus registration closes August 1 – September 14
Reopens September 15 – 30, 2025
Kindergarten Registration:
Registration for incoming kindergarteners and students new to The Winnetka Public Schools in 2025/2026 will begin November 18, 2024. Children who will be five-years-old on or before September 1, 2025, are eligible to enroll. Questions related to School Admissions and age requirements are addressed in School Board Policy 7:50 School Admissions and student Transfers to and from Non-District Schools.
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