A Message from the Superintendent
December 22, 2023
Dear Families, Staff, and Community Members,
As we begin winter break, I would like to take a moment to thank you for the many ways in which you helped make this festive time of year special for our students. I’ve seen many of you in our schools this past several weeks and appreciate how you support our students to have meaningful times to connect, serve others, and celebrate the season. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our PTOs and the Winnetka Public Schools Foundation for providing opportunities for meaningful service projects, Artists-in-Residence experiences and more.
Below you will find a few important items to keep in mind for when we return to school in January, including an event for incoming Kindergarten families, a practice remote learning activity (in the event of a school closure), the Winnetka Public Schools Foundation's Carlson Event, and a service project opportunity through our partners at the Volunteer Center.
Wishing you a safe, restful and reflective holiday season and a very Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Kelly Tess
Superintendent
Preschool/Kindergarten Family Information Night
Tuesday, January 10 at 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Greeley School
275 Fairview Avenue
Winnetka
This informational session is intended for Winnetka parents of preschool students who will be attending The Winnetka Public Schools. Parents will learn more about the support and services that the District provides to current preschool students attending local preschool programming as well as what is available within our schools once a student enters kindergarten. Families will receive a preview of:
The transition-to-Kindergarten process by Crow Island, Greeley and Hubbard Woods Principals,
The resources available to families of current preschool students from the Department of Student Services, Equity and Inclusion
Details on “Kindergarten Connection” which will take place in Summer 2024
Highlights of a typical kindergarten day in The Winnetka Public Schools
We look forward to meeting new families at this event!
Practice Remote Learning Activity on January 25, 2023
To ensure our students are prepared for any potential shift to remote learning due to multiple days of inclement weather, we have planned a proactive practice activity. This practice session is an important step in ensuring that our students remain connected and ready for learning should inclement weather occur.
Date for Device Take-Home: On Thursday, January 25, all students will bring their school-issued iPads home.
Objective: The goal is for each student to connect their device to their home Wi-Fi network and ensure they have access to all necessary tools and platforms.
Resources Provided: We will send home resources with your child on December 19 to guide families through this practice activity in order to make the process straightforward and to troubleshoot any common issues that may arise.
Return of Devices: Please ensure that the devices are returned to school with your child on Friday, January 26.
Communication: Additional communication and reminders, as well as a form to record any issues your student experiences, will be sent closer to this practice event.
As we approach the winter months, it is important to review our district's inclement weather policy. Our top priority is always the safety of our students and staff. We take a comprehensive and thoughtful approach when faced with weather-related decisions such as heavy snow or extreme cold, and work closely with our township and Village partners to plan accordingly.
Deciding When to Close School:
When determining whether to close schools due to inclement weather, we consider several factors:
Safety First: The well-being of our students and staff is paramount.
Travel Conditions: We evaluate the state of area roads and the potential for hazardous conditions that could develop during the day.
Extreme Cold: During periods of severe cold, we consult weather reports and liaise with our transportation providers about the feasibility of running bus routes.
Collaborative Decision Making: We coordinate with New Trier Township superintendents for a unified approach to school closures.
Communication with Families:
In the event of a closure, we will communicate with you through our Blackboard system.
This includes:
Phone Call, Email, and Text: Please ensure you've opted-in for text notifications.
Website Updates: Visit our website at www.winnetka36.org for up-to-date information regarding school closures.
Regional Closures: Check the Emergency Closing Center for a comprehensive list of school closures in our region.
Communication Timing: Our goal is to finalize and communicate any closure decision prior to 6 a.m. on that day.
Handling School Closure Days:
First Inclement Weather Day: The first closure day will be treated as a traditional “snow day,” and will require adding an extra day to the school year in June.
Subsequent Days: For any additional inclement weather days, we will shift to remote learning in order to ensure that we do not need to extend the school year further into June.
Remote Learning Details:
Teacher Communication: Email as well as postings in our Learning Management Systems (Grades 5-8 - Schoology, Grades K-4 - Seesaw) will be utilized.
Student Experience: Remote learning will follow the typical school schedule, combining synchronous and asynchronous methods.
Special Education Services: Students receiving services will have these services provided to the greatest extent possible, coordinated by the case manager or service provider.
Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we prepare for the possibility of inclement weather. Thank you for your continued support.