A Message from the Superintendent

Dear Winnetka families,

We had a chilly day for Halloween festivities in the District, but it has been a fun seasonal celebration for our students. I want to take a moment to remind our families who will be participating in trick-or-treating to please be safe while venturing throughout the Village, walking or driving this evening. Further details from the Village are listed below.

On another note, below is a link to our newly released “Winnetka Voices” podcast episode, the first episode of our 23/24 season. You’ll hear two beloved alumni discuss their experiences in The Winnetka Public Schools, and how they connect with our Portraits of a Graduate and Educator. Also, I am sharing a friendly reminder to please take the Superintendent's Survey before it closes on November 18, 2023. The information we are collecting will be immensely helpful as we plan for future initiatives. Early in November, we look forward to sharing our Biannual Message to update our community on progress toward the goals outlined in our Strategic Plan, as well as additional goals surrounding communication and safety.

Keep an eye on our District social media for festive photos from today! Thank you to all who made the day special for our students. Most importantly, I want to wish you and your family a safe evening if you are celebrating the holiday beyond the school day.

Most Sincerely,

Dr. Kelly Tess

Superintendent of Schools

Halloween Trick-or-Treat hours will be from 3–7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31. Please remind Trick-or-Treaters in your home to stay on sidewalks and within marked crosswalks, and to remain aware of traffic. Running across streets or out from between vehicles can create a dangerous situation, and our priority is that everyone safely enjoys their holiday.

Episode #1: Our Portrait of an Educator and Reflections on 100 Years of Progressive Education

The second season of “Winnetka Voices” begins with an episode highlighting the impact of Progressive Education, Winnetka’s educational philosophy for over 100 years, and how it shaped our newly developed Portrait of an Educator. Two beloved members of The Winnetka Public Schools community, Betty Carbol (alum and former Crow Island art teacher) and Patti Van Cleave (alum and former parent) reflect on how their lives were shaped by their school experiences. The Winnetka Public Schools’ Portraits of a Graduate and Educator are shaped by long-standing values that were pioneered in Winnetka and remain central to our modern day practices. As Dr. Tess says in the episode, “We hope this entices a whole new generation of teachers to join us in our good work!”

Listen here:

Apple Podcast

Amazon

Spotify

iHeart Radio

Google

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.

Please take approximately five minutes to provide your feedback by Friday, November 18. Last year’s survey findings led to numerous improvements in the areas of curriculum & instruction, communications and human resources. It is my hope that our responsiveness will continue to be witnessed in our efforts to provide the very best educational experience for the students of The Winnetka Public Schools and excellence for the community-at-large.