Crow Island Parent Newsletter

Dear Crow Island Families,

This past week we were thrilled to have the Filment Theater return to Crow Island for the artist in residence program. The Theater took over our Art classes this past week and worked with all students.

This week, conference sign-up will go live with parents on Monday morning. We look forward to partnering with families around how to best support students this winter.

Have a great week!

Luke

February:

• Monday, February 3: Winter Conference Sign-up will go live to parents.
• Friday, February 7: Half Day Institute Day (Dismissal 11:20am)
• Friday, February 14: Valentine's Day at Crow Island
• Thursday, February 20: Winter Conference (non-attendance for students)
• Friday, February 21: Winter Conference (non-attendance for students)

Monday Spirit Days:

As a reminder, every Monday is considered a Crow Island Spirit Wear Day. Staff and students are encouraged to participate.

Valentine's Day at Crow Island:

We are looking forward to celebrating Valentine's Day at Crow Island. You can learn more about classroom celebrations and other logistics here: VDay 2025.

Leadership Rounding Feedback:

In the fall, Dr. Livingston and Dr. Tess met with parents in a leadership rounding format. One of the places that the parents indicating needing clarity was around homework practice at Crow Island. As part of the outcome, Dr. Livingston shared that the team would share back out around homework practices at Crow Island. In short, there is a consistent practice by grade level that builds from kindergarten through fourth grade. You can find the homework expectations K-4 at Crow Island 2024-25.

Winnetka Voices: New Episode!

Season 3, Episode #6: Open-Mindedness, Consistency & Embracing Change: Best Practices in Safety, Security & Communications

Dr. Kelly Tess chats with Department of Communications, Safety & Security leaders, Mr. Ray Finnerty (Director of Safety & Security in his first year in the District) and Ms. Kate Hughes (Director of Communications in her tenth year in the District). A retired police officer and former publicist seem to be an unlikely team–and what purpose does this Department serve? Mr. Finnerty shares how he has enhanced safety and security practices with the support of the Winnetka Police and Fire Departments. Ms. Hughes shares how the District’s communication strategies have evolved to align with current best practices, serving as a model for other Districts, as well as garnering six awards from the National School Public Relations Association between 2023-2024 and a record 65 awards from the Illinois School Public Relations Association since 2015.

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.

Listen here:

Apple Podcast

Amazon

Spotify

iHeart

Winnetka Parents Institute Sessions

The District offers regular sessions for families to learn more about a variety of topics. View the entire 2024/2025 schedule here.

Up Next:

From Washburne to New Trier: A D36 Parent's Guide to the New Trier Transition

February 12, 2025

9:30 A.M.

Location: Carleton Washburne School RC

Join Paul Waechtler, Principal at the New Trier High School Freshman

Campus, who will discuss the New Trier freshman placement process and the efforts made to ensure a smooth transition to high school. A Q & A will provide an opportunity for parents to learn more about how to best support their child(ren) as they prepare for their New Trier experience.

Interested:

RSVP 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

• 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)

• Acceleration Applications Overview with Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Teaching and Learning Dr. Becky Mathison

• Preschool/Kindergarten Family Information Night (with Winnetka Administration and Sue Stolzer, Early Childhood Assessment Team Lead from TrueNorth)

Kindergarten Registration:

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

District-wide Green Team Meeting

We’re excited to bring our group back together and hear about the great work that’s happening! Our meeting will be held on Friday, February 7, 11:40 a.m.-12:40 p.m. in the Skokie Community Room. Please RSVP HERE if you plan to attend!

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

Email: christinedemas-hall@winnetka36.org
Website: https://crowisland.winnetka36.org/
Location: 1112 Willow Road Winnetka, IL 60093
Phone: (847)-446-0353
Twitter: @CrowIslandD36