Dear Crow Island Families,
Last week was a busy but short week at Crow Island! In kindergarten, we celebrated our 100th day of school which was so much fun! In 2nd grade, we wrapped up our second reading unit and had visitors from New Trier come read with us. Finally, we got to partner with parents around student learning and we are so thankful that you were able to take the time to collaborate together.
I also wanted to make a plug for the WPSF Phone-A-thon this which is fast approaching as we move into March! More details are linked below. We are so appreciative of the foundation and the support it provides Crow Island!
Have a great week!
Luke
Monday Spirit Days:
As a reminder, every Monday is considered a Crow Island Spirit Wear Day. Staff and students are encouraged to participate.
Student Attendance:
One area of focus for our school continues to be around student attendance and making sure students are at school as much as possible. The research around attendance is clear, students with higher absences are less likely to be proficient in learning and are also more likely not feel a strong sense of belonging. We will continue to track our attendance and share out when the numbers dip.
- Average Attendance the week of Feb 14, 2025 | 95% đź‘Ť
- Average Attendance the week of Feb 17, 2024 | 91%đź‘Ž
Monthly Observances | February | Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and society—from activists and civil rights pioneers such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks to leaders in industry, politics, science, culture and more. At Crow Island, students will engage in classroom activities that celebrate some of the individuals listed above. In addition, families can access the library cultivated collection for Black History Month. You can access the Crow Island Destiny Collection here.
Monthly Dimension of Belonging:
The Dimension of Belonging featured in February is “Involved” and monthly observances include Black History Month, President’s Day and Ramadan. Learn more by reading the Belonging Means… Newsletter which features contributions from The Skokie School and the Business Department.
STEAM EXPO:
We are excited to host our annual Crow Island STEAM Expo! The Expo will take place on Thursday, April 3rd. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to explore a topic they are personally interested in learning more about.
Students in grades 2-4 are invited to participate in creating a project. 4th Graders may choose to work with a partner or individually. Participants will present their projects to staff and students during the school day and to parents in the evening from 6:00-7:00 PM.
We hope your student will consider participating! Please complete this form so that we can plan appropriately. Read STEAM Information and Guidelines HERE and HERE.
Resource Center & Technology (From Ms. Maneck, Mrs. Banas, and Ms. Rasmussen)
In November and December, our theme for the RC/MakerSpace was "Our Identities, Families, and Traditions are Important". For our community project, we asked families & staff to share a recipe that is special to them. We have collected recipes and you can find the ones submitted here: Crow Island Elementary School Community Cookbook.
If you still would like to participate you can submit your recipe via this Google Form. We will periodically update the file to include newly submitted recipes and will share them with you.
Winnetka Parent Institute:
The District offers regular sessions for families to learn more about a variety of topics. View the entire 2024/2025 schedule here.
Up Next:
Not Quite Little Kid, Not Quite Teenager: The Developmental Progression of the Middle School Child
March 12, 2025
9:30 AM
The Skokie School 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:
If you missed it, view videos from past sessions:
Insights on K-8 Literacy Programming in The Winnetka Public Schools
From Washburne to New Trier: A D36 Parent's Guide to the New Trier Transition
Season 3, Episode #7:
“Be Where Your Feet Are”: Benefits of Cell Phone-Free Schools
A bold decision was made in The Winnetka Public Schools to counter the growing disruption of personal technology in our learning environments. Yondr, a secure storage system for personal technology was implemented in grades 5-8 in September 2024. Dr. Kelly Tess is joined by Flossmoor School District 161 Superintendent, Dr. Dana Smith, who spearheaded the adoption of this program in Illinois. The conversation touches on research highlighted in the recent bestseller The Anxious Generation, including the impact of cell phone use on adolescents’ neurological development and mental health. Special guests, Carleton Washburne School students Ellie and Lulu, share their candid thoughts on the “new normal” in middle school in Winnetka. The upshot: “I feel like its not that big of a deal…you get used to it.”
Listen here:
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.
Adventures in Learning:
Get ready for an exciting Summer 2025 filled with opportunities for growth and learning! We are thrilled to offer a dynamic range of Adventures in Learning (AIL) programs, including Discover, Extended School Year, and Academic Intervention Classes. These programs are designed to provide enriching educational experiences and support for students throughout the summer months.
The Winnetka Public Schools will host summer programs at Greeley and Hubbard Woods Elementary schools from June 23 to July 24, 2025. There will be no class on Friday, July 4. The hours are 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Registration opens March 3, 2025. Details are here.
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 view this infographic or visit our updated webpage. The request form for accelerated programming in the 2025/26 school year is now open; the request form window is February 24-March 21. If you have questions about the policy, please contact the Asst Supt of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, Dr. Becky Mathison, at beckymathison@winnetka36.org.
WPSF Phone-A-Thon Fundraiser Is Here!
On March 2, Winnetka Public Schools Foundation board members will reach out to District 36 parents and community members by phone, text, and email to raise $85,000 for next year's grants. These grants fuel teaching innovation, enhance student learning, and provide professional training to all D36 staff. Donate online by March 1, to “Beat the Call" and make a difference in your community. Every gift counts!
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