Dear Crow Island Families,
It was wonderful to see so many families participate in our PTO hosted Math Night last week. We had a large turnout and I want to thank our PTO and Mrs. Hazelwood for supporting the math nights! Our fourth graders also wrapped up their immigration unit last week with the culmination of their naturalization ceremony on Friday. This immersive and experiential until is a wonderful example of progressive education experiences.
This week, we are looking forward to welcoming families into the building for our Spring Sing performances by our third and fourth grade students. More information on the time and logistics will be sent early this week by Mr. Novello. In addition, our second graders are continuing with their second grade stores experience which is part of their larger economics unit in second grade.
It is a busy Spring at Crow Island!
Luke
- Wednesday, March 15th: Spring Sing (3rd Gr @ 5:45pm; 4th Gr @ 7:00pm)
- Friday, March 24th: Spring Break Starts
- Monday, April 3rd: School Resumes
- Thursday, April 6th: STEAM Expo 6:00pm
- Tuesday, April 11th: Illinois Assessment Readiness (IAR) Grades 3 & 4
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STEAM Expo:
Save the date for the Crow Island Steam Expo. The Expo will take place on Thursday, April 6. Students in grades 2, 3, and 4 can participate.
This year's STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Expo will take place on Thursday, April 6. All 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders are welcome to participate. During the school day, students will present to their peers. From 6-7 pm, families will be welcome to visit and view student projects. Guidelines for the projects can be found here. All students must be registered by March 23 using this Google Form.
Deep Conceptual Understanding
Children have the ability to think deeply and to build a rich understanding of mathematics as a whole. It is important for students to understand not just how a process works, but why that process works, and how it relates to a larger understanding of the number system and mathematics in general. This challenging work promotes higher level thinking. Having a deep conceptual understanding of fundamental concepts learned in the early years, builds a solid foundation for students as they learn more advanced topics. Depth of understanding allows students to make sense of a variety of situations and apply what they have learned. Our hope is for our students to truly understand mathematical ideas so that they are empowered mathematicians who are confident and capable. In the long run, depth of understanding is more important to student performance than going further, faster. We strive to challenge and engage students through rich problem solving activities and opportunities for strategic, flexible thinking that will prepare them for the future.
Acceleration Policy Information
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 visit the following links: acceleration infographic and updated webpage which includes a link to the application form. The request window is now open and closes on Friday, March 31.
Winnetka Parents Institute
UP NEXT:
March 2023
Learning the Mood Meter- District Implementation of RULER
(District 36 SEL Coaches)
March 14, 2023
Location: Washburne RC
Time: 10:00-11:00 AM
The Mood Meter is a tool that helps build awareness of emotions in ourselves and others. This tool aids us in understanding how our emotions influence our thinking and behavior, empowers us to recognize and label our full range of emotions, and assists us in developing strategies to learn how to work more skillfully with our emotions.
Interested:
D36 K-8 Math Programming: An Overview
(Dr. Becky Mathison, Director of ITL and District Math Teachers)
March 21, 2023
Location: Washburne RC
Time: 10:00-11:00 AM
During this session Dr. Becky Mathison, Director of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, alongside a team of math educators from the District will provide an overview of D36 math programming K-8 including an upper grade course map, explain how the approach aligns to progressive education and the portrait of a graduate, and ways to support your student at home. This session will feature a panel of D36 math educators.
Interested:
APRIL 2023:
Differentiation: What is it? What does it look like in D36?
Dr. Becky Mathison (Director of Innovation, Teaching and Learning)
April 19, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: SK Community Room
During this session Dr. Becky Mathison, Director of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, alongside a team of educators from the District will provide an overview of what differentiation is, how it is implemented in D36 classrooms, explain how the approach aligns to progressive education and the portrait of a graduate, and ways to support your student at home. This session will feature a panel of D36 educators.
Interested:
Winnetka Voices Podcast Episodes
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.
NEW! Episode #4:
Recruiting & Retaining Incredible Educators
Listen here:
Working in Winnetka 36:
Winnetka 36 is always looking for great candidates when there are openings and we appreciate referrals encouraging them to apply. Here’s a link to our current openings: https://www.applitrack.com/winnetka36/onlineapp/default.aspx
We also get questions about the necessary steps on how to become a substitute teacher and thought we would share how to do that on the bottom of the document: https://www.isbe.net/Documents/how-become-sub-teacher.pdf
Adventures in Learning 2023
Adventures in Learning 2023 runs from June 14th-July 19th, 2023.
No camp on June 19th or July 4th.
A decades-long tradition, this summer program includes classes as varied as Athlete's Club, Razzle Dazzle Science Magic, Recyclable Art,Basket Weaving, Camping Adventures, Make Your Own Music Video, Adventures in STEAM, Archery, Computer Animation, Greek Mythology Drama, Coding, Yoga for Kids, AIL Action News (New for 2023), Animal Care,and Spa-Liscious to name a few!
Students in grades 2-8 may choose up to four classes from over 60 options. Younger children (pre-Kindergarten through grade 1) will explore our progressive educational concepts through guided play and outdoor activities.
This year's program will again be held at Washburne for the 2nd-8th graders and Crow Island for the Pre-K (4 years old by June 1st, 2023)and K Primary program (5 years old by September 1st, 2023).
2023 Fees
General (base cost*) and Primary Program
$675 Winnetka residents
$725 Non-residents
*Some General Program classes have an additional supply fee (will be noted in the catalog).
Registration is now open for Winnetka residents.
Parent Education Sessions from District Partner Family Action Network (FAN):
For upcoming events, access FAN’s website here.
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
A Message from The Winnetka Public Schools, the Village, and The Winnetka Police Department
This spring, a traffic study will be conducted on and around Crow Island Elementary School’s campus in order to determine the most efficient traffic flow when both stormwater abatement and construction related to the referendum commence in spring 2024. The traffic study will utilize pole cameras set up at these Crow Island-area locations (between Glendale and Locust; and Mt. Pleasant and Cherry Streets) during March 2023. Further information on recommended traffic pattern changes, possible road closures and other relevant information will be shared with residents prior to the launch of these projects.
Bus Registration for the 23-24 Year:
Bus registration is completed during the annual online registration. Only students registered to ride the bus are allowed to ride the bus. If your child is not riding the bus for dismissal please contact the teacher and office. Over the next two years Crow Island will be going through school construction. It is encouraged that families consider the bus to avoid long lines at afternoon dismissal. Click here for more information and contact Mary Lee at the District office with any questions (847-446-9400 and marylee@winnetka36.org)
