August 16, 2024
Dear Families, Staff and Community Members,
As my own children prepare to return to school next week, and we get closer and closer to welcoming staff and students back to our buildings in Winnetka, I know we are all feeling the beginning of the end of the summer season. Despite being reminded of how fleeting these summer months are, I hope there is also a feeling of excitement in your homes with the talk of school supplies, seeing classmates and meeting new teachers. Many of you have shared highlights from the past two months, such as connecting with family and friends; traveling near and far; taking advantage of the fun to be had during (arguably) the best season in Chicago; exploring National Parks; and/or cheering for the incredible athletes competing throughout the Paris 2024 Olympics (which, fun fact, included a Winnetka alum/Team USA member who is now a newly minted Olympic bronze medalist. See below!)
Over the next two weeks, families can expect additional communication from their building Principals, such as class placement and school-specific logistics. The excitement is palpable as District staff are preparing to welcome educators to our school community at our New Teacher Orientation, finalizing details for our Kindergarten Connection and planning for Opening Day.
The 2024/2025 school year will include impactful work like a Strategic Planning process and the roll-out of a new literacy curriculum, thoroughly vetted by a team of educators and administrators. Additionally, we are excited to unveil improvements that has been taking place at all five campuses this summer. In the midst of all of these important initiatives, we remain grounded in our Progressive Tenets:
Whole Child Approach
Experiential and Meaningful Learning
Collaborative Community
Our focus remains on ensuring that each and every one of our students, staff and school community members feels a sense of belonging, and that our students are afforded engaging experiences that aid in the development of the competencies outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate. At the end of our last school year, a first grader shared that the best part of school is “Learning and growing so our brains can get bigger!” We are committed to sharing regular updates on your child’s progress as well as keeping you apprised on District news. Please keep an eye on your inbox in the coming weeks! I can’t wait to see you all when we open our buildings to students on Tuesday, September 3rd.
Most Sincerely,
Dr. Kelly Tess
Superintendent of Schools
Congratulations to Winnetka Public Schools alum and Olympic medalist, Peter Chatain, who earned a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Saturday, August 3 as part of the USA Rowing men’s eight boat team. This is the first time in 16 years that the United States won a medal in this event. Chatain told CHICAGO TRIBUNE: “We’ve just trained for this for so long and now we have this medal to show for it. I think I’m going to go home and be happy for a long time...It’s the most amazing feeling to finally enjoy the childhood dream.” We are so incredibly proud!
Photo credit: Chicago Tribune
A letter with important information for Kindergarten families was shared via email and mailed to homes in July.
This month, The Winnetka Public Schools administration was honored to participate in a service opportunity thanks to the Volunteer Center of Winnetka. We were connected with the Glenview-based organization Grace Network, which partners with over 90 schools and benefits thousands of students. The team spent time packing supplies for children in Chicago Public Schools who do not have access to basic necessities and hygiene products. Check out the Volunteer Center website for more information on opportunities to serve the greater Chicago community.
