Dear Crow Island Families,
We wrapped up our first full week of school last week and it was a blast. We started the use of our newly adopted literacy resources in kindergarten through fourth grade. As a reminder, the new resources are shared below...
- K-2 Word Study | Institute of Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) - Phonics
- 3-4 Word Study | Institute of Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) - Morphology
- K-4 Knowledge Building | American Reading Company (ARC) - Reading and Writing
We will continue to share updates around progress as we work to implement these new resources. Part of the principal presentation at Go to School Night will also be around the literacy resources.
This week, our students will start the fall Benchmark Assessments in reading and math. Benchmark assessments are given to all students three times each year (fall, winter, and spring). The purpose of the fall benchmark assessment is to identify students who are performing at grade level as well as identify students who might need additional support. Scores will be shared with parents in October when the fall benchmark window closes.
Have a great week!
Luke
September
Monday, September 16th | Fall Benchmark Assessments Start for K-4 students
Tuesday, September 17th | MAP Testing Grade 3 & 4 Reading
Tuesday, September 24th | MAP Testing Grade 3 and 4 Math
Wednesday, September 25th | Picture Day
Thursday, September 26th | Go to School Night, 6pm
October
- Thursday, October 3rd | Rosh Hashanah - No School
- Tuesday, October 8th | Practice Lockdown Drill
- Wednesday, October 9th | Cloud Man Production; Filament Theatre
- Thursday, October 10th | PTO Run-a-Thon
- Friday, October 11th | Fire Drill & Fire Prevention Assembly with Winnetka Fire Department.
Monday Spirit Days:
As a reminder, every Monday is considered a Crow Island Spirit Wear Day. Staff and students are encouraged to participate.
Fall Benchmark Assessments Begin This Week!
Benchmark assessments are valuable tools that provide a snapshot of student progress at a point in time. These assessments help teachers to identify areas where students are excelling and where they may need additional support. They can also inform instructional decisions by providing data that can be used to tailor teaching to meet each student's unique needs and strengths. Benchmark assessments are an important component of progressive education, which recognizes that students learn in different ways and at different rates. By using benchmark assessments to inform instruction, teachers can provide a more individualized approach to learning that supports each student's academic growth and personal development.
This year students in Grades K-8 will participate in academic benchmark assessments of literacy, math and social emotional learning starting September 16th. After the close of the window at the end of the month, results will be available online for parents via Otus.com, a digital portal. Assessment reports will not be mailed home. Information about how to access information on Otus.com will be shared with parents at the close of the benchmark window.
New K-8 Literacy Program!
This week teachers are beginning to use the newly adopted literacy curriculum. This new curriculum includes the following key features:
Systematic phonemic awareness and word recognition instruction and assessment
Knowledge-building framework to provide content for applying reading and writing skills
Classroom-based data to inform student learning goals and differentiate instruction
Consistent implementation of current best practices in literacy instruction
The Winnetka Parent Institute Event on September 11 provided a deeper look into the new program. The recorded event and slides are available on the District website; click here for direct access.
Deadline to Register for Optional Fees, Programs or Services is September 30th!
These include:
Kindergarten Stay & Play
iPad Insurance
Elementary and Skokie Milk Fees
Central PTO Dues
ALL optional fees, programs or services are accessed via RevTrak https://winnetka.revtrak.net/.
Bus Registration Reopens on Monday, September 16th and will close on September 30th with the rest of the optional fees!
ALL optional fees, programs or services are accessed via RevTrak https://winnetka.revtrak.net/.
Go to School Night:
We are looking forward to Go to School Night on Thursday, September 26th. All parents will start with message from Dr. Livingston in the auditorium and then teachers will run two presentations so that parents can attend based on their last name and work around any conflicts.
- 6:00 - 6:25pm All Parents Principal Message in Auditorium
- 6:30 -7:00pm. Last Name A-L; K-2 Classrooms | Last Name M-Z; 3rd-4th Classrooms
- 7:00 - 7:30pm. Last Name A-L; 3rd-4th Classroom | Last Name M-Z; K-2 Classrooms
September | Monthly Observances
As part of The Winnetka Public Schools' ongoing commitment to equity by fostering connection and belonging, our schools will take time each month to recognize the contributions of people of diverse backgrounds. Observances will look different at all schools and even at different grade levels. Some activities might include art, music, book studies, research projects, sharing cultural holidays and celebrations, and other school activities.
For the month of September we are celebrating Latin X Heritage Month as well as Patriot’s Day. More information is included below…
In September, we celebrate LatinX Heritage Month in the United States each year. This tradition began in 1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a proclamation to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Week. The dates for LatinX Heritage Month were chosen to coincide with the Independence Day celebrations of many Latin American nations when they declared independence from Spain.
During LatinX Heritage Month, we celebrate the countless contributions that Hispanic Americans have made to our nation. We also take this time to recognize the trailblazing individuals who fought for progress and equity for their communities. Throughout this month, teachers will incorporate this into their classrooms with age and grade appropriate materials. In addition, our library will be sharing some resources for families at home. You can access two of the resources here:
Families can learn more about LatinX Heritage Month here.
You can access our library collection via Destiny here: Destiny Collection
As a school, we will also celebrate Patriot’s Day on September 11th. Patriot’s Day is a national day of remembrance for those who perished on September 11th, 2001. In the morning, our school will take a moment of silence when we complete the Pledge of Allegiance as a school community.
After School Sports Registration:
Registration for After School Sports opens on 9am on Tuesday, September 3rd. Parents can register using the website: on the District Web Store.
Elementary Strings Program:
It is NOT too late to sign up for strings at Crow. Lessons are offered on Violin, Viola and Cello for all 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders. Please fill out this form as soon as possible for your child to be a part of the program this year at Crow Island! Thanks, Sheryl Nussbaum
Securly Home
We are excited to share a new resource with parents this year that will enable them to receive a weekly email sharing their student’s web activity using their school account. An introductory video can be viewed here. For a detailed overview of the capabilities and how to get started, watch this video. You can expect to receive an email by September 3 inviting you to download the Securly Home app.
Additional resources:
Winnetka Parents Institute Kicks Off This Week!
The District offers regular sessions for families to learn more about a variety of topics. Join us on September 11 for our first event, focusing on Literacy Programming in our schools. View the entire 2024/2025 schedule here.
Insights on K-8 Literacy Programming in The Winnetka Public Schools
September 11, 2024
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: Carleton Washburne School RC
Dr. Becky Mathison (Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Teaching and Learning), will conduct a session to learn about the new literacy materials that were selected, why they were chosen, and what to expect this year.
Interested:
The Winnetka Public Schools App
Download the District’s app by searching “The Winnetka Public Schools” on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The app will serve as a convenient way to report absences, view and manage your school calendars, and see at-a-glance District news.
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
Green Team Kickoff Event
The District’s Green Team will be hosting a kickoff event on September 13 at 3:30-4:00 pm at the Washburne Amphitheater. All current and interested Green Team members District-wide are invited to attend and hear more about our vision for this school year. Did we mention there will be popsicles? Please RSVP here if you plan to attend so we know how many to purchase.
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