Greeley Greeting

August 20, 2024

Week of December 9, 2024

Principal's Message

Dear Families,

Thank you very much to our hard working PTO for the Book Fair fun last week. Students enjoyed attending with their classes, and we had a strong turnout at the first ever evening shopping event for families! See below for extended opportunities to order online.

We look forward to seeing the vision of a school-wide spirit week of our Fourth Grade Leadership brought to life this week. I look forward to seeing all the "Wacky Week" outfits in our classrooms and hallways!

This week also brings the publication of your child(ren)'s first trimester progress report. Please see the information below on how to access reports.

Warmly,

Principal Kopinski

Upcoming Dates

December

12/9-12/13 Spirit Week (planned by Fourth Grade Spirit Squad)
12/10 Trimester 1 Progress Reports Available
12/18 Winter Sharing Concerts (see times below)
12/23-1/3 Winter Break

January

1/6 School Reopens
1/6-1/24 Winter Benchmarking
1/20 No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
1/31 Otus Parent Portal Opens (Winter Benchmarking Data)

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New Information

Save Time by Pre-Registering Your ID Now for December School Events

In advance of holiday events, we strongly encourage all parents/family members to proactively make a visit to your school to get your ID (Driver’s License) registered in our Raptor System or fill out this form at your earliest convenience (one per guest). This system allows the District to conduct an immediate background check on visitors during school hours so we can ensure that all those within our school buildings are safe and clear to be there. This must be done for each event you are attending; previous Raptor registrations will not suffice for future events. By taking care of this in advance of a holiday event, you should experience a more efficient entry process. If you are unable to do this in advance, remember to bring your drivers license or state ID the day of the event and arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the event in order to register.

Please note that badges will only be pre-printed and ready for those individuals who have filled out the form linked above, even if you have had your license run in the office in the past. If you are unsure if you have filled out the form, please call the office.

Greeley Winter Sharing Events (Grades K-4):

Wednesday, December 18th at 9:00 a.m. for students with last name starting with A-H

Wednesday, December 18th at 10:30 a.m. for students with last name starting with I-Q

Wednesday, December 18th at 1:00 p.m. for students with last name starting with R-Z

Wacky Week is Here!

We hope your child(ren) will show your support for our fourth grade leadership by participating in Wacky Week!

Co-Regulation Presentation and Resources from Greeley's Behavioral Health Team (BHT)

In case you were unable to join us for the parent coffee presentation, here is the link to the presentation from our fabulous Behavioral Health Team (BHT).

This Week: Please Join Us at our December Winnetka Parents Institute

Understanding the IEP and 504 Processes: From Referral to Eligibility and Services (with Ms. Denise Matthews, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Equity and Inclusion, and Ms. Jackie Schwartz, Director of Student Services, Equity and Inclusion)

December 11, 2024

9:30 A.M.

Location: The Skokie School Community Room

This informational session is intended for Winnetka parents who would like to learn more about IEP and 504 services and processes. Parents will be informed about the referral and eligibility process as well the support and services that the District provides to students in grades K-8. This information is intended to assist parents with making informed decisions for IEP and 504 support.

Interested:

RSVP for this event here

If you missed it, view videos from past sessions:

Insights on K-8 Literacy Programming in The Winnetka Public Schools

What to Know About the Otus Parent Portal

AI Literacy Lessons for Grades 5-8

First Trimester Progress Reports

On Tuesday, December 10th, parents of students in grades 1-4 will be able to access their child(ren)'s First Trimester Progress Reports in the Power School Parent Portal. Instructions on how to access Progress Reports is available here.

Kindergarten families will receive an email on Tuesday from our Department of Innovation, Teaching, and Learning with your child's Kindergarten Developmental Checklist.

Sample Progress Reports and a video overview of Progress Reports can be accessed on the Winnetka Public Schools website here. You will need to scroll down near the bottom of the page.

There likely isn't a middle-grader (3rd-6th grade-ish) who doesn't love Raina Telgemeier. She's a true rockstar author. Click here to register for this fun opportunity presented in partnership with The Book Stall.

After School Sports from Mr. Dunafin

Hello 3rd and 4th grade families!. We are excited to announce that the Winter Session for After School Sports will be starting right after Winter Break! Registration will open on Tuesday, December 10 and will close on Monday, January 27. The activities will include Kinetic Wellness's favorite games and new exciting activities specific to this class. We will meet each group once a week after school for ten weeks. This class will run on Wednesday for 4th grade and Thursday for 3rd grade from 3:15-4:00 p.m. We look forward to another fun session!!

Second Grade Dental Forms

All second graders are required to have a dental form turned into the health office before the first day of school. If you have not done so already, please email a completed dental exam form to marykathrynjanda@winnetka36.org

Reminders from Last Week

December's Dimension of Belonging: Known

The Dimension of Belonging featured in December is “Known” and monthly observances include Human Rights Month, Hannukah, and Christmas. Learn more by reading the Belonging Means… Newsletter which features contributions from The Skokie School and the Department of Communications, Safety & Security.

Winter Recess

We plan to go outside whenever possible for recess. Our rule of thumb is “when in doubt, we go out.” That said, the weather is getting colder and we ask for families to partner with us to ensure students are prepared to go outside. Our ask is that you take a look at the weather in the morning and send students with the gear needed to head outside even in the colder weather.

When is it too cold to go outside for recess?

Only in the event of very cold days will we not be going outside for recess. In the morning, we will closely monitor the temperature and if the “feels like” temperature falls at 10 degrees or below we will plan for indoor recess. That said, if the day is sunny and students have winter gear we may head outside for a few minutes of fresh air. Please check with your teacher or administrator if you have questions.

Below are resources we use as guidance for our district to determine if we are outside or staying inside for recess.

How do we monitor the weather?

We will use the Weather Channel to monitor the weather. This gives us our “feels like” temperature.

We use the ISBE windchill guide for guidance.

Online Pre-Registration for Incoming Kindergarteners & New Students for the 2025/2026 School Year is Now Open

Registration for incoming kindergarteners and students new to The Winnetka Public Schools in 2025/2026 began on 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.