December 13, 2024
Dear Winnetka Families, Staff, and Community Members,
With one more week until we embark on winter break, I encourage each of us to reflect on the collaborative work we have been doing on behalf of our students. We can all collectively share in the joy of being able to positively impact the lives of 1,745 students, even on challenging days when our work is hard and without immediate gratification. We asked a few of our students and colleagues about what brings them joy when they come to school each day, and highlighted a few additional items that spur gratitude. Below you’ll find a list of 24 Things to Celebrate in 2024. You’ll notice a recurring theme: we are overwhelmingly grateful for each other. As we head into 2025, this theme can serve as a foundation for the important instructional work we remain committed to. Please enjoy a restful holiday season with your loved ones, and we’ll look forward to seeing you back on campus in the New Year!
Most Sincerely,
Dr. Kelly Tess
Superintendent of Schools
“Seeing students be curious sparks joy!” -Hubbard Woods teacher
The incredible Winnetka community, who has supported Progressive Education for over 100 years
“What makes me happy is seeing all of my friends and teachers.” -Greeley Kindergartener
Our educators, who go the extra mile to design meaningful Project Based Learning experiences for our students (i.e. the recent Zombie Apocalypse survival project at Washburne, this fall’s Kindergarten Butterfly Migrations, and the Greeley School mascot election)
“It brings me great joy to support teachers as they take chances and try new ways to support student learning. Anything I can do to help them feel safe, lift them up, remove barriers, and be a thought partner lights my fire.” -Principal
Winnetka’s incredible First Responders (special shout out to all who joined us in October for “High Five Fridays!”)
“Friends! And seeing my buddy.” -Crow Island student
The Lion Lattes barista program at The Skokie School, an inclusive opportunity for all students
The ability to make a meaningful difference in the world (including efforts made by Washburne students to support hurricane recovery efforts in the fall and Northwestern Settlement House this holiday season)
“Having Friday dance parties with my students!” -Crow Island teacher
Our hardworking custodians and maintenance and grounds teams, who keep our buildings safe and clean, often behind the scenes, and in cold weather
“I love seeing that the work the teachers are doing is actually changing the world. The interactions teachers have with the kids is literally going to help shape the future. The positive energy that staff bring is contagious and it is a true testament how the District runs.” -District administrator
“My teacher is so nice. Everybody should have her!” -Hubbard Woods student
Our School Board, comprised of volunteers who dedicate time to ensuring our schools run successfully
“Spending time with my friends.” -Washburne student
The parents who pour their time and energy into serving in the PTOs and in many other ways throughout our schools
The generosity of the Winnetka Public Schools Foundation
“I like talking to my teachers!” -Skokie student
“A recent moment that filled me with immense gratitude and joy was witnessing a student actively participate in a meeting with the educational team and their family. It was truly inspiring to see the team’s creativity and collaboration come together to ensure the student felt valued and supported.” -Administrator
“Ms. Berna’s always happy to see us.” -Washburne student
A new multipurpose room and playground at Hubbard Woods School
The introduction of Adaptive PE at The Skokie School, during which a student literally skipped with joy after being able to participate in an activity that previously would not have been possible given their physical limitations
“My colleagues bring me joy! I cherish the friendships I have made in the office and love talking fashion, sports, parenthood with my wonderful co-workers and especially playing pickleball with (and beating) them.” -District Office staff member
Air conditioning (coming to ALL District schools in 2025)
The District is excited to honor staff members who help "Paint Our Portrait" to support attributes outlined in our Portrait of an Educator: A Relationship Builder, Collaborative, Empathetic, A Learning Designer, A Lifelong Learner, Adaptable and An Advocate. This fall, we invited staff members to reflect on how a colleague has exemplified our Portrait of an Educator. At the May 2025 Retirement & Recognition Event, all of these nominated Winnetka staff members will be honored. Staff are encouraged to continue to share praise for each other. Congratulations to the 11 staff members recognized this fall!
Jeannie Burke says her colleague Linda Stone, an educator at The Skokie School “will always say 'yes I can do this' and she makes each child feel valued and accepted and valuable to our community. She brings in outsiders to help staff learn the best way to provide the best outcome for each of her students.”
Hubbard Woods Kindergarten teacher Erin Ivry notes that her fellow Kindergarten teacher Arlene Kuzel “Collaborates closely with her colleagues, sharing insights and resources to improve the collective learning environment.” Ms. Ivry says that Ms. Kuzel “Invites local community members, like parents or neighbors, to share their expertise with the students, helping them make connections beyond the classroom walls. This helps students understand the broader community and encourages a sense of belonging both inside and outside the school.”
John Pappas completed two nominations recognizing peers at Washburne School. Maureen Etter and Brad Rice were nominated as Washburne staff members who have “been collaborating together for a decade plus. Their integrated projects they design are high level, authentic, differentiated, unique, engaging, and expose students to different cultures and communities.” Additionally, Emily Berna was nominated for “being a true champion for her students. Her unwavering commitment to social-emotional learning (SEL) creates a compassionate and supporting classroom environment where every student feels valued and understood.”
Becky Mathison, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, shares that Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) Jen Fiegen “is an advocate for all teacher groups to have opportunities to come together to collaborate. Jen is a positive example of someone who can respectfully voice her own ideas and opinions while leaving ample space for the ideas and opinions of others all for the collective good of students.”
Carly Bieda from Carleton Washburne School nominated her colleague Amy Markos. Ms. Bieda noted the valuable mentorship she has experienced and says Ms. Markos “values her content, students, and other teachers” in the true spirit of collaboration.
Lindsay Kopinski, Principal at Greeley School, nominated two staff members for their efforts. Jack Benvenuti was recognized for being an associate who “consistently models empathy for all students, even during difficult times. Jack values them, sees them, and unconditionally accepts them for who they are while helping them build the skills to experience higher levels of success.” Also nominated was second grade teacher Kristina Pierce for exemplifying lifelong learning. “Kristina is excited about the graduate school work she is currently engaged in, and she shares her excitement and new learning with others, connecting it to the district’s priority work.”
According to Benefits Coordinator Denine Yeazell, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Professional Learning Jeff Knapp is, “A true leader…he has a big heart when it comes to our employees. He listens and interacts and has empathy. Jeff tries hard to better the environment by creating ways for us to connect as a team.”
Anne Clancy and Natalie Piraino from Carleton Washburne School nominated colleagues John Pappas, Dave Cooper and Katie Nelson. It was noted that they provided a Project Based Learning opportunity for students with the “Zombie Apocalypse” and “this trio exemplifies Learning Designers in action.”
An anonymous colleague nominated Hubbard Woods School Music Teacher Gary Wendt. Mr. Wendt “recognizes the depth and beauty of childhood and endeavors to give voice to students' imaginations and experience through creativity and music. The processes he uses to work with his students supports them in making meaningful connections with the arts. His passion for honoring the whole child shines through in all that he does in service of our school community.”
To highlight the the contributions of our building Administrators, the first five episodes of Season Three of the District’s podcast Winnetka Voices, feature Ms. Ivory Ajavon (Principal of Hubbard Woods School), Ms. Lindsay Kopinski (Principal of Greeley School), Ms. Michelle Cooney and Mr. Larry Joynt (Principal and Assistant Principal of The Skokie School), Dr. Andrew Fenton and Mr. Ben Horwitz (Principal and Assistant Principal of Carleton Washburne School) and Dr. Luke Livingston (Principal of Crow Island School).
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.
Listen here:
