July 2024

Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members,

Although we have several weeks remaining to savor the gift of summer, school supplies are inevitably arriving back on store shelves and we are already planning for the return of students and staff on campus this fall. Teachers return on August 28, 2024 while the first day of school for students is after Labor Day, on September 3, 2024. Our 12-month staff are in the midst of preparing for our 2024/2025 school year, including managing construction efforts underway on our five campuses, preparing for our Literacy Curriculum implementation, and establishing our Annual Goals as we head into the final year of our Strategic Plan.

Our educators and administrators are dedicated to partnering with you to foster a love of learning, cultivate a sense of belonging, and ensure a safe learning environment for all of our students. We are grateful you have entrusted us with your child(ren)’s K-8 educational experience, rooted in the tenets of Progressive Education:

Whole Child Approach

Experiential and Meaningful Learning

Collaborative Community

Below you will find important information and dates to keep in mind as you plan your schedule for the start of the school year. You will receive additional correspondence from your child(ren)’s school(s) in August. In the meantime, enjoy the remaining weeks of Summer Break!

Most Sincerely,

Dr. Kelly Tess

All five school campuses are experiencing some level of construction and renovation work this summer, with the most significant efforts taking place at Crow Island, Skokie and Washburne. This summer marks the second of three phases of construction, with work projected to be complete in 2025. All five campuses continue to remain closed and unsafe for visitors. We appreciate our families and neighbors helping us to prioritize safety and waiting until schools reopen in September before visiting. Below is a brief update of work underway at each site and what to expect when students and staff return to campus in September.

Crow Island: The foundation and footings for the new gymnasium and adjoining classrooms are being prepared as construction continues in that area through the school year to construct these exciting new spaces. Electrical, ceiling and roof improvements have been made throughout the building, and the new secure vestibule is being constructed. Visitors will notice a new entry protocol upon entering the building in the fall. Air conditioning will be available in this building in Fall 2025.

Greeley: Electrical improvements are being finalized making it possible for the long-awaited air conditioning to be activated this fall. Staff and students will enjoy cooler, brighter spaces when school starts in September.

Hubbard Woods: The multipurpose room is nearly complete as are final electrical improvements across the building, making it possible for the air conditioning to be activated in this building at the start of the school year. The completely redesigned playground and outdoor play spaces will be unveiled to students and staff later this fall as asphalt, concrete and equipment installation continue through early September.

Skokie: ADA adaptations, electrical upgrades and lighting improvements have been made throughout the building. Air conditioning will be available in this building in Fall 2025. The new secure vestibule is being constructed as well. Visitors will notice a new entry protocol upon entering the building in the fall.

Washburne: Electrical upgrades and lighting improvements have been made throughout the building. The redesigned secure vestibule is being constructed. Visitors will notice a new entry protocol upon entering the building in the fall.

We are pleased to share that on July 1, Mr. Ray Finnerty joined our Administrative Team as Director of Safety and Security. Mr. Finnerty will oversee training, protocol and equipment associated with building safety and security, as well as partner with the Winnetka Police Department to ensure clear inter-governmental communication and maintain our strong partnership with our First Responders.

We seek to remain vigilant in keeping each other safe; with that in mind, ask that you review 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, bike safety, and mental health resources.

We remain committed to providing classroom environments for our students that support an optimal learning experience. We know that students do their best learning when staff can focus their time and attention during the school day on instruction, and continue to receive feedback from staff, students and parents on the increasing distraction of personal technology brought to school campuses (i.e. smart phones, smart watches, airpods, etc.). Student handbooks currently dictate that cell phones are not allowed to be used during the school day and should remain turned off during school hours. We are exploring ways to more effectively enforce this so that our schools and classrooms remain focused places to learn and grow. Look for further communication in the fall relating to our rules and protocol related to personal technology. In the meantime, you may be interested to explore the following links on this topic:

The Record North Shore: In-School Cell Phone Debate at New Trier

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

States Respond to Cell Phones in Schools

This summer, the District welcomed two new principals to our Administrative Team. We are very excited to see Ms. Ivory Ajavon (Hubbard Woods School) and Ms. Lindsay Kopinski (Greeley School) kick off a new school year in our district. We look forward to the many ways they will support excellence in our schools! Keep an eye out for communications from your schools relating to back-to-school events.

Download the District’s app by searching “The Winnetka Public Schools” on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The app serves as a convenient way to report absences, view and manage your school calendars, and see at-a-glance District news.

To view the calendar for the 2024/2025 school year, please click here.

These events, held at all of the District’s schools, provide an opportunity to learn more about your child(ren)’s educational experience.

Carleton Washburne School

September 18, 2024

6-8 p.m.

The Skokie School

September 19, 2024

6-8 p.m.

Crow Island, Greeley & Hubbard Woods

September 26, 2024

6-7:30 p.m.

A letter with important information for Kindergarten families has been shared today and will also be mailed to homes. Access the letter here.

Registration for the 2024/2025 school year is open for all students (returning and pre-registered). If you haven’t already, please register as soon as possible so we can accurately plan for staffing and other student needs. Email notification was sent to the primary contact on record with the District this spring. Additionally, families will receive notification via regular mail. Contained within the notification is a unique “snapcode” that parents will need to login. Please phone 847-446-9400, with any questions. Additional information and login to the portal can be found on the District website.

ALL optional fees, programs or services (such as transportation services, before and after school care, and Central PTO dues) are accessed via RevTrak https://winnetka.revtrak.net/.

If your child is not registered for the bus and you plan to utilize bus service, note a late fee will be assessed after July 19. This information has been shared with registered families throughout the spring and summer. Please call the District Office if you have any questions about bus registration: 847-446-9400 or visit the website at www.winnetka36.org/parents/transportation.

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:

Apple Podcast

Amazon

Spotify

iHeart Radio

Google

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.

Embark on a Summer of Adventure with the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District Summer Reading Challenge! It's the perfect way to unwind, recharge, and soak up the joy of reading during those laid-back summer days. Simply grab a book, settle into your favorite spot, and get ready to journey into new worlds and exciting tales. Plus, don't miss out on the chance to win amazing prizes! All finishers will receive a prize; adults and teens will receive a $10 gift card to The Book Stall and kids will receive a book. All finishers can also be entered into a drawing for one of the grand prizes. To learn more visit wnpld.org. Let the adventure begin!

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