July 2023

Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members,

I write this to you in hopes that you are each savoring the summer season, balanced with a healthy dose of anticipation for the start of a new school year. Exciting construction and renovation work is underway at two of our schools, while many of our students are participating in the final days of Adventures in Learning. On any given June or July day this year, you’d have seen students learning to build a campfire in the Wilderness Survival class, honing their archery skills, leaping on the balance beam in Gymnastics, tending to Dumbledore (the mouse) and the many other creatures in Animal Care, making candles and concocting bath bombs to rival an apothecary, and much more.

Meanwhile, our 12-month staff are busy preparing for the coming school year, from ensuring our buildings and grounds are ready for teachers and students; to drafting our Annual Goals in correlation with our Strategic Plan; to engaging in Professional Learning opportunities. In June, construction and renovation work began at Greeley and Hubbard Woods Schools. We were also proud to partner with other New Trier Township Districts to host the first Township Equity Summit on June 21, to learn best practices in inclusivity and access resources to support all members of our school community.

This communication is intended to provide information to keep in mind as we plan for the start of a new school year in late August/early September. We know there are still many weeks before school starts (August 30 for teachers and September 5 for students), and hope you enjoy every moment of this longer than usual summer. You will receive additional correspondence from your child(ren)’s school(s) next month. Enjoy the remainder of these warm, sunny summer days, and may it be a rejuvenating time to connect with your loved ones and enjoy adventures, whether near or far.

Most Sincerely,

Dr. Kelly Tess

Superintendent of Schools

To view the calendar for the 2023/2024 school year, please click here.

Crow Island, Greeley & Hubbard Woods

Wednesday, September 20 - 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

The Skokie School

Wednesday, September 13 - 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Carleton Washburne School

Thursday, September 14 - 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Registration for the 2023/2024 school year is open for all students (returning and pre-registered). If you haven’t already, please register as soon as possible so we can accurately plan for staffing and other student needs. Email notification was sent to the primary contact on record with the District March 17, 2023. Additionally, families will receive notification via regular mail. Contained within the notification is a unique “snapcode” that parents will need to login. Please phone 847-446-9400, with any questions. Additional information and login to the portal can be found on the District website.

Please take a moment to review the District’s Safety Bulletin, intended to share safety practices and other important information with you in an at-a-glance format. You’ll find general information on a variety of safety-related topics from the District and Winnetka Police Department.

A letter with important information for Kindergarten families has been shared and will also be mailed to homes. Access the letter here.

ALL optional fees, programs or services are accessed via RevTrak https://winnetka.revtrak.net/.

These include:

iPad Insurance

Transportation Services (see below - deadline July 21, 2023 to avoid late fee)

Elementary and Skokie Milk Fees

Kindergarten Stay & Play (registration deadline September 30, 2023)

Before/After School Care - Right at School Program

Central PTO Dues

If your child is not registered for the bus and you plan to utilize bus service, note a late fee will be assessed after July 21, 2023. Please call the District Office if you have any questions about bus registration: 847-446-9400 or visit the website at www.winnetka36.org/parents/transportation.

Construction is currently underway at Hubbard Woods and Greeley Schools, as part of the first phase of projects we are addressing that were approved during the 2022 Referendum.

Highlights at Hubbard Woods:

• Excavation for the new addition of a multipurpose room is in progress

• Demolition at the front entry and main office area is complete and the new walls are currently being built for a newly designed secure vestibule

• Upgrades in lighting are underway

• Upgrades preparing for the addition of air conditioning is underway

Highlights at Greeley School:

• The construction crew is utilizing a crane in order to bring materials into the building through the courtyard due to tight access through the schools hallways

• Installation of ductwork and electrical items is in progress in the corridor ceilings to facilitate ventilation, lighting upgrades, and more

• Aesthetic and environmental upgrades are being completed in the auditorium

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 to all seven episodes from our inaugural 2022/2023 season here!

Apple Podcast

Amazon

Spotify

iHeart Radio

Google

For upcoming events (& videos of past events) with an array of highly-regarded authors, educators, and more, access FAN’s website here.

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