Dear Crow Island Families,
On Tuesday, March 5th, the Saakumu Dance Troupe visited Crow Island School from Ghana, West Africa. Students in first through fourth grade were engaged in dancing and drumming workshops throughout the day, followed by an all-school assembly where the dancers and instrumentalists performed for students. A great experience was had by all, and we were so thrilled to welcome them back to Crow Island for a third time as one of our artists-in-residence.
We also want to thank our PTO Volunteers and Mrs. Hazelwood for a fantastic Math Night experience. Students has a blast and were able to showcase their strong math skills during the evening!
This week, we are looking forward to seeing 1st and 2nd grade families at the Spring Sing. Students have been working hard on the performance and we look forward to celebrating them with you. Information about each Sing was sent to families via email from Mrs. Crows. In addition, information is included below.
I also wanted to ask for your support in completing the 5 Essentials Parent Survey. Thank you to those who have since completed the survey as we say an increase in completion since Monday. Currently, we are at 42% completion for Crow Island and I know we can still do better! The survey will provide our school with important information we can use to better support our students and families. I have linked the survey below.
Have a great week!
Luke Livingston
Principal
Wednesday, March 13: 1st Grade Spring Sing, 5:45PM
Wednesday, March 13: 2nd Grade Spring Sing, 6:45PM
Wednesday, March 20: 4th Grade District Chorus Concert, 7PM Skokie School Auditorium
- Monday, March 25th: No School, Spring Break
- Monday, April 1st: School Resumes
- Thursday, April 4th: STEAM Expo 6:00pm
- Tuesday, April 9th: Illinois Assessment Readiness (IAR) Grade 3 and 4 Starts
Monday Spirit Days:
As a reminder, every Monday is considered a Crow Island Spirit Wear Day. Staff and students are encouraged to participate.
1st & 2nd Grade Spring Sing Information:
1st Grade
We are looking forward to seeing you in exactly one week for the 1st grade spring sing, The Very Impatient Caterpillars, based on the children's book by Ross Burach! The first graders have been working hard composing, moving, acting, and playing, and they can't wait to showcase their work with you through this wonderful story!
The 1st Grade Spring Sing is on Wednesday, March 13th at 5:45PM. Students may arrive at 5:30, and go straight to their homeroom classrooms to get ready for the show while you find your seats in the auditorium.
Students may wear whatever they'd like for the show. They will all have head pieces on, so please avoid any headbands/hats/large hair accessories. They will also have something with straps that goes around their shoulders, so please try to avoid puffy sleeves.
2nd Grade
We are looking forward to seeing you in one week for the 2nd grade spring sing about Chicago! As is tradition from years past, students in second grade create an original show based on something about which they think the audience should learn. This year, they decided that they wanted to learn more about Chicago, and teach the audience more about it, too! They have researched their topics, created original music and parodies, and curated their lines and songs for the show. They have been busy composing, moving, playing, and performing, and they're looking forward to showcasing their joy and hard work next week!
The 2nd Grade Spring Sing is on Wednesday, March 13th at 6:45PM. Students may arrive at 6:30, and go straight to their homeroom classrooms to get ready for the show while you find your seats.
Students may wear whatever they'd like for the sing, however, if they have anything "Chicago" themed, they should plan to wear that! Please avoid hats. Some examples may be:
- Red, white, and/or blue clothing (for the colors on Chicago's flag)
- Gear for Chicago sports teams
- Anything with Chicago-related images like skyline/deep dish pizza/Chicago hot dogs/etc.
Portfolio Day Information:
Portfolios show the cumulative efforts and learning of individual students over time. The portfolio showcases student improvement and skill mastery throughout the year. Along with student reflection, the portfolio provides detailed information about individual students and what is important to your child throughout the learning process. At Crow Island, we believe portfolios are powerful because…
Students are capable of assessing their own learning.
Our goal is for students to think of and see themselves as learners. We encourage students to think about their learning and set goals for themselves.
Portfolios help students reflect on where they started, how they developed, and view their growth over time.
Each portfolio is tailored to the individual student and allows each individual child an opportunity to celebrate their work.
Portfolio Day Logistics:
Students in 1st through 4th grade (have been working with their teachers to reflect on their learning and select work for their portfolios. In May, parents will be invited into the classrooms for Portfolio Day. During Portfolio Day, each child will have 30 minutes to lead their parents through their portfolio. This is an opportunity (for you to join your child in celebrating their learning and growth). You will have the opportunity to listen as your child takes the lead in showcasing the work they have completed this year..
Below are the dates we have set aside for Portfolio Day:
Tuesday, May 21
1st Grade 9:30 & 12:45pm
4th Grade 10:30 & 1:30pm
Wednesday, May 22
2nd Grade 10:30 & 2:00pm
3rd Grade 9:15am & 1:15pm
As in previous years this event is for parents and children only. Siblings do not attend Portfolio Day. Please be sure to make alternate arrangements. This allows your child to have your undivided attention on this special day.
This week, teachers will be sending out a sign-up so parents can arrange the time to visit the classroom on the date above. In the coming month, I will be sending out more information to families on how they can support the Portfolio Day.
Erin's Law:
Beginning this Spring, building social workers and/or classroom teachers will implement state-mandated sexual abuse prevention education during one 20-30 minute session in each classroom. Parents have the option to opt their children out of the program as they deem appropriate by completing this form by March 15th. For more detailed information about Erin's Law, including curriculum content and zoom opportunity with social work staff, please refer to the Erin’s Law page of the District website or by contacting your school’s social worker, Sandie Johnson.
5 Essential Parent Survey (Completion Rate is 29% as of Sunday...we can do better!)
Crow Island families, we need your help completing the 5 Essential Parent Survey for Crow Island. Below is information and how you can help.
What are the 5 Essentials?
The Illinois 5 Essentials Survey is administered online by UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago. The survey gathers data related to five indicators that can inform school improvement efforts. The five indicators that affect and predict school success are:
- Effective Leaders
- Collaborative Teachers
- Involved Families
- Supportive Environments
- Ambitious Instruction
The survey is used for our Illinois School Report Card and is published on the report card website. Teachers and our 4th grade students also complete a survey. You can see our school report card survey results HERE.
How is the data used?
We use the 5 Essentials as a staff to set goals and make adjustments. This year, are going to be using the parent data as a school to consider adjustments so we really appreciate your feedback. Please know that your identity and responses will be kept confidential and will not be connected with your child. If you have multiple children who attend our schools, you may complete one survey for each child. However, only one parent per household may submit a survey for a given child.
Access the 5 Essential Parent Survey:
You can access the survey HERE.
Watches & Phone Reminder:
This is a reminder about smart phones and watches at school. While they are permitted to ensure students can safely walk or bike home after school, we also want to make sure we are adhering to the following guidelines:
Phones are to be kept on silent or off and put in student lockers during the day. They can come out of bags after dismissal as students leave school.
Watches can be worn for the purpose of telling time but should be put into airplane mode and the wifi access turned off while they are in school.
Students are not to call, text, or message their family members during the school day. If students need to reach a member of their family, they can use one of the phones in the main office.
If students have a hard time following these procedures the following will happen:
Students will be prompted to put the device away in their locker.
If it happens a second time, the student will be prompted to hand over the device to the staff member who will turn it into the main office. Parents will be called to come pick-up the device.
STEAM Expo:
Save the date for the Crow Island Steam Expo. The Expo will take place on Thursday, April 4. Students in grades 2, 3, and 4 can participate.
This year's STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Expo will take place on Thursday, April 4. All 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders are welcome to participate. During the school day, students will present to their peers. From 6-7 pm, families will be welcome to visit and view student projects. Guidelines for the projects can be found here . All students must be registered by March 21 using this Google Form.
WPSF Phone-A-Thon Fundraiser Is Here!
On March 10, Winnetka Public Schools Foundation board members will be reaching out to D36 parents and community members by phone, text and email to secure donations for the coming year. The goal is to raise $85,000 during Phone-A-Thon so that WPSF can continue to fund grants to promote teaching innovation. Every donation makes a difference in our schools! Donate online by March 9, to “Beat the Call.” With your support, WPSF can continue to invest in our students, teachers, schools and community and fund grants to enhance the learning experience for every Winnetka D36 student.
End-of-School Date Change
Note that the last day of our school year will now fall on Friday, June 14, 2024. This is due to the emergency day taken when we experienced a winter storm last week.
2024/2025 Calendar Now Available
Families may now access the calendar for the upcoming school year, also available on our District website.
Single-Subject and Grade Level Acceleration:
The Accelerated Placement Act requires Illinois public school districts to adopt and implement policies on acceleration that provide opportunities for single subject and grade level acceleration. To learn more about District 36’s acceleration policy implementation, click here to view an infographic and click here to visit our updated webpage. Note that the acceleration request form will be open February 26-March 22. If you have questions about the policy, please contact the Asst Supt of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, Dr. Becky Mathison, at beckymathison@winnetka36.org.
Online Pre-Registration for Incoming Kindergarteners & New Students for the 2024/2025 School Year Now Open
Registration for incoming kindergarteners and students new to The Winnetka Public Schools in 2024/2025 will open on November 13, 2023. Children who will be five-years-old on or before September 1, 2024, 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.
Please note: There are two steps to completing new student registration. Step 1: Complete the online pre-registration form; Step 2: Visit the District Office (1235 Oak Street) to provide the following:
Proof of residency. Click here to view the list of documents that will meet these requirements. For your convenience residency documents may be uploaded during online registration.
Original or certified copy of your child(ren)'s birth certificate and a parent photo ID.
Completing both steps (online and in-person) is required for your child(ren) to be enrolled as new students.
Why are both steps necessary? In January of each year, the District begins preparing its budget and staffing plan for the upcoming school year. For grades, other than Kindergarten/1st grade, the staffing plan is based on the assumption that all current students will return and matriculate to the next grade level. For kindergarten and first grade students, the District forecasts enrollment based on those students that have both the in-person and online forms submitted. These early enrollments impact the staffing plan by determining the number of kindergarten/1st grade sections and student services needed. For this reason, we ask that parent(s)/guardian(s) complete BOTH steps of pre-registration BEFORE January 12, 2024. As an added incentive new students that have completed the two step pre-registration process by January 12, 2024, will receive a credit of $40.00 toward student fees for the 2024/2025 school year.
Thank you for doing your part to ensure that the District is able to retain and/or attract the best educators for our students.
Homework and Executive Functioning Parent Survey
The Homework and Executive Functioning Network, composed of teachers, interventionists, and administrators, is currently working to develop District Guidelines for Homework (grades 5-8) and Executive Functioning (grades K-8).
In order to make an informed decision, the Network would greatly appreciate your honest response to this brief, ANONYMOUS survey so that we can better understand our current practice and perceptions around these two topics. Responses are due by March 13. The information we collect from teachers, students, and parents, paired with research, will guide the Network in developing:
A qualitative, single-point rubric for Executive Functioning that details descriptors in the following areas: Organizing & Planning, Initiating Tasks and Staying Focused, and Managing Emotions.
Executive functioning impacts each student’s growth, development, and achievement. These are essential skills for students in school and life, and are often strong indicators of future success.Guidelines for grades 5-8 Homework Practices to aid in establishing consistent classroom-to-classroom expectations for students, increasing vertical alignment within our system and between levels, and identifying supports in preparing students for “what’s next”.
We understand that experiences may vary by grade level so please complete one survey per grade level and school that your student(s) are in.
Survey link: https://forms.gle/huKAKKvtR4kSv1bV9
Winnetka Voices
Season 2, Episode #4: What is Project Based Learning?
Think back to a favorite project you experienced when you were a student. Was there something about it that was highly engaging, unique, and allowed you freedom to discover and explore your own interests? Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, has a conversation with Carleton Washburne School students, Ms. Tip Walker (The Skokie School), and Ms. Jennifer Bertacchi (Carleton Washburne School) reflecting on the profound impact of Project Based Learning on education. This episode provides a window into how Project Based Learning is designed by teachers, experienced by students and connects to learning standards. As stated by a student interviewed about a recent Project Based Learning activity, “This really prepared me for what I may be able to do in the future.” To see the website built by these students as one of their public products visit this link.
Listen here:
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.
Winnetka Parents Institute
The District offers regular sessions for families to learn more about a variety of topics.
Click here for the Winter/Spring 2024 schedule.
Up next:
Not Quite Little Kid, Not Quite Teenager: The Developmental Progression of the Middle School Child
March 21, 2024
10:00 AM
SK Community Room
Join Principal Cooney and Assistant Principal Joynt (The Skokie School) and Principal Fenton and Assistant Principal Horwitz (Carleton Washburne School) for an informational session focusing on the ins and outs of the growing middle school child. We will spend time exploring both the academic and social-emotional needs appropriate to 5th-8th grade children, how they change over that four year span, as well as the neurological changes that contribute to these needs. Parents with current middle schoolers, or soon-to-be middle schoolers, are encouraged to join us for an engaging, encouraging and educational hour together.
Interested:
Coffee with Kelly
Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent of Schools, invites you to our second “Coffee with Kelly,” a community conversation hosted at our schools! Staff, families and community members are welcome to join Dr. Tess and a special guest for co-facilitated discussions on topics of interest, providing an opportunity to gather together, listen to each other’s perspectives and reflect on enhancing our partnership to educate the students of Winnetka.
This “Coffee with Kelly” will center on the topic of Reading Aloud with Your Child at Any Age. Dr. Tess will be joined by Crow Island second grade teacher Missy Parks and Washburne Special Education teacher, Chris Joob for a conversation on:
The value of listening to a story out loud and the neural connections this helps to build,
The opportunities that are opened up for conversation and connection by sharing a story together,
learning about how staff and families feel linked or out of synch with each other and their schools through literature,
and reflecting on how developing a love for reading doesn't have to happen independently.
This is an opportunity to converse, connect, learn, and grow together!
Guests are invited to:
Read either of these two articles on the benefits of reading aloud:
and/or come as you are, excited to engage with your childrens’ teachers, your neighbors, and your school leaders!
Wednesday, March 20 from 4:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
The Skokie School Community Room,
520 Glendale Ave., Winnetka
Please RSVP by Monday, March 18.
All staff and parents (including grandparents!) are welcome. You do not need to be a Skokie family or staff member to attend. Coffee will be served!
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