February 22, 2025
Dear Winnetka Families, Staff and Community Members,
Over the course of these winter weeks, we have enjoyed welcoming families to class Valentine’s Day parties, Winnetka Parents Institute events and most recently conferences. While in our schools, you may have seen posters and/or bulletin boards focused on the Dimensions of Belonging, introduced in tandem with Monthly Observances during the 2024/2025 school year. Each month we honor significant holidays and events, such as Black History Month, President’s Day and Ramadan this February. In addition to recognizing cultural celebrations, we also focus on what it means to be: Present, Invited, Welcomed, Known, Accepted, Involved, Supported, Heard, Befriended and Needed. Learn more in the current edition of our Belonging Means… newsletter.
This month, the Dimension of Belonging we are reflecting upon is Involved. Please enjoy this extraordinary example of how the concept of Involvement was recently embodied by the Hubbard Woods School community. During their annual Month of Service and Learning (MOSAL), students assembled toiletry kits and collected over 3,200 pairs of socks to benefit children in need. These efforts were supported by the Hubbard Woods staff, PTO and parent volunteers, and local charitable organization, The Grace Network (founded by a Hubbard Woods alum). To celebrate the culmination of MOSAL, students enjoyed an all-school Sock Hop.
To further highlight Belonging in our schools, our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) coaches are planning Districtwide recognition of National SEL Week from March 3-7, 2025. A Districtwide Spirit Week will feature engaging activities and events designed to promote SEL throughout our schools. Stay tuned for information from your child(ren)’s schools.
Research indicates that when students feel safe and a sense of belonging, they are more likely to thrive academically and socially. Creating a school culture where all members of our community feel welcome, valued, and included is essential to our collective well-being. We are grateful for those who have taken the lead in these areas and thankful for a community-at-large who values the whole child.
Most Sincerely,
Dr. Kelly Tess
Superintendent
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:
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.
The District is excited to honor staff members who help "Paint Our Portrait" to support attributes outlined in our Portrait of an Educator: A Relationship Builder, Collaborative, Empathetic, A Learning Designer, A Lifelong Learner, Adaptable and An Advocate. This year, we invited staff members to reflect on how a colleague has exemplified our Portrait of an Educator. At the May 2025 Retirement & Recognition Event, all of these nominated Winnetka staff members will be honored. Staff are encouraged to continue to share praise for each other. Congratulations to the many staff members recognized this winter!
Washburne teacher London Summerville noted that Reading Interventionist Suzanne Savard “..is endlessly positive, and this makes an impact on all of those around her. On these cold, winter days, Suzanne's students and colleagues always appreciate her warm greetings. I just overheard a student in the hall say, "Ms. Savard always has so much energy!" Not only does Suzanne share her positive vibes, she is an excellent listener. She asks questions and genuinely wants to know about how others are doing. We all appreciate you, Suzanne!”
Special Education teacher Katie Sullivan nominated one of her Skokie School colleagues, fifth grade teacher Marla Goldberg. It was noted that Marla “goes out of her way to incorporate meaningful activities and projects for her students to extend their thinking” and is “the first person to be there for a colleague in need.”
Fourth grade teacher at Hubbard Woods School, Byrd Rhyne, recently nominated the school’s Head Custodian, Federico Moreno, for his work. Byrd explained that, “Federico is so incredibly adaptable. No matter the issue, inside or outside, he is always quick to fix, remediate or remove whatever we need.”
Washburne School Special Education teacher Tracy Silverman nominated her colleague, eighth grade Language Arts teacher Jennifer Bertacchi. Tracey notes that Jennifer, “ensured that Shakespeare has come to life for her 90 eighth grade students. Not only are they learning how to read and understand the lines, they are acting them out...she is facilitating original and innovative thinking while activating curiosity.”
Greeley School first grade teacher Sarah Hanley recently nominated Kinetic Wellness teacher Kate Wilkinson. Sarah expressed the following about her colleague, “Kate brings such positive energy to every space she is in...She focuses on identifying student successes and develops critical SEL skills by walking students through problem-solving. Greeley is a better place with Kate on our team!”
Kate Hughes, Director of Communications, recognized Denise Matthews, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Equity and Inclusion; Jackie Schwartz, Director of Student Services, Equity and Inclusion; and the entire student services and special education team. “Denise and her team are fierce advocates for all of our students. They work tirelessly to foster a culture of belonging in our schools, most recently with the implementation of the SLE classrooms at Greeley and The Skokie Schools. To see students overjoyed while participating in adaptive PE, confidently acting as baristas as part of the Lion Lattes program (and the list goes on!) is truly something to be celebrated. Among many other things, Jackie has done incredible work re-envisioning our Adventures in Learning program to better meet the needs of our school community. She has also partnered with our Social Emotional Learning coaches to plan meaningful opportunities for students. The entire team works so hard–often behind-the-scenes, and students benefit from their creativity, empathy and advocacy.”
The entire Hubbard Woods Kindergarten team recognized each other: Arlene Kuzel, Erin Ivry, Rachel Peterson, and Lynn White. Additionally, Arlene Kuzel recognized Jamie Crouch, who provides special education support to students. Colleagues shared that the individuals on the team “create a classroom environment where every child feels valued and a deep sense of belonging,” “build a classroom culture where students not only grow academically but also learn to value empathy and understanding,” and “create meaningful, student-centered experiences that inspire growth and engagement.” Ms. Kuzel notes that Ms. Crouch is a leader who , “...builds an environment where creativity and problem-solving flourish. Her ability to foster teamwork and mutual respect strengthens the sense of community, empowering everyone to grow and succeed together.”
