Dear Crow Island Families,
Last week, our third graders participated in a workshop with the Saakumu Ghanaian Dance Troupe. In addition, the group led the students through a school-wide assembly and it was very exciting for our students.
Monday, May 1st kicks off the beginning of our spring assessment and benchmarking window. Students in all grades will be assessed in reading and math assessments to look for progress. Across all grade levels, students are assessed in the fall, winter, and spring. We are looking forward to seeing the growth of our students this year.
Have a great week!
Luke
- May 8 - May 12: Staff Appreciation Week
- Tuesday, May 9: 4th Grade Reading MAP
- Wednesday, May 10: 4th Grade Math MAP
- Thursday, May 11: 3rd Grade Reading MAP
- Wednesday, May 17: 3rd Grade Math MAP
- Thursday, Mary 18: 4th Grade Trip to Camp Edwards
- Wednesday, May 24: Portfolio Day 2nd & 3rd Grade
- Wednesday, May 24: Bike Rodeo 4:30pm
- Thursday, May 25: Portfolio Day 1st & 4th Grade
- Monday, May 29: Memorial Day No School
- Wednesday ,May 31: Crow Island Field Day
- Thursday, June 8th: 4th Grade Crows on Parade 8am.
- Friday, Jun 9th: Last Day of School
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Math Update:
Communication plays an important role in our math instruction. Through communicating about their thinking, students strengthen and demonstrate their understanding. They also learn to think critically and flexibly by working to understand another’s thinking and approach. Our classrooms are filled with whole class and smaller group discussions around math problems facilitated by the teacher. One of the key ways teachers respond to students’ needs for challenge or additional support is through the types of questions they ask them in these conversations. Students are frequently asked to share how they are thinking about a problem, what strategy they are using and why they chose it, and how their thinking is similar or different from their classmates. These conversations are opportunities for higher level thinking and challenge. Not only are students asked to communicate their thinking verbally, but also to represent it visually through pictures, equations, and models. This written communication is important and challenging work. Finally, our classrooms provide continual opportunites for collaboration between students encouraging them to learn with and from one another. Through games, discussions, and partner work we strive to build a mathematical community that is simultaneously rigorous, supportive, and engaging.
Parent Input on Placement (Due May 5):
We are starting to think of class placement for next year. If you would like to share information about some unique aspects of your child’s learning styles or academic/social concerns that need to be considered then you will complete the form below. Please note that specific teacher requests will not be honored. Thank you for trusting our professional judgment as we create wonderful learning experiences for every Crow Island student: Parent Input Form 23-24.
Skokie Parent Input Form
In the coming weeks, parents and 4th grade teachers will have an opportunity to share insights regarding student learning styles, interests, and personalities to help inform student placement. Teachers will meet personally with principal Michelle Cooney to share insights. Parents have an opportunity to share input in writing through this form. In person placement meetings with parents are unable to be held due to time constraints.
You can learn more about the transition to Skokie through this newsletter from Michelle Cooney the principal at Skokie: Transition to 5th Grade.
SPRING MAP 2023 TESTING
We are approaching our final testing window for the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) test, which will take place between May 8 - 19, 2023. Your child’s school or teacher will inform you of his or her specific testing dates.
Similar to the winter, all students in Grades 3 - 8 will take one reading test and one math test. The MAP Assessment is designed to measure a student’s achievement level at different times of the school year and compute growth over time. MAP is a computer-adaptive test, which means every student receives a unique set of test questions based on responses to previous questions. This provides a personalized assessment experience by adapting to each student’s learning level.
The purpose of the third testing session is to provide an overview of a student’s growth and achievement for the school year. Spring Student Progress Reports will be mailed home on Friday, June 2nd with fall to spring growth measures. Additional information on the MAP Assessment may be found on our district website in the Assessment Section of ITL. If you need further information on your child’s testing session please contact your building principal.
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)
Online Registration has opened for Returning & New Students for the 2023-2024 School Year - Updated information for all families
Registration for the 2023-2024 school year is now open for all students (returning and pre-registered). 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 contact District Registrar, Margie Karabas via email (Margiekarabas@winnetka36.org) or phone 847-446-9400, with any questions. Additional information and login to the portal can be found on the District Website - Parent Registration
For Incoming Kindergarten Families:
Continue to turn in your registration forms and pay your registration fees. The most accurate information is needed for us to create homerooms in the fall. Please save the dates listed below and review this communication for further details . We look forward to welcoming you and your children to our school community!
Kindergarten Open House
Thursday, May 25, 2023
6:15 p.m.- 7:15 pm
This presentation is intended for adults only.
District Office staff will be present to collect any remaining paperwork, proof of residency, original/certified copy of child’s birth certificate and parent drivers license (copied and returned to you).
Kindergarten Connection
Monday, August 21, 2023
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Times will vary by signup
Kindergarten Bus Roundup
Friday, August 25, 2023
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Kindergarten Meet & Greet:
Thursday, August 31st, 2023
10:45a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
First Day of School:
Tuesday, September 5th, 2023 (11:20 a.m. dismissal)
If you did not receive this information from the District, please call our office at 847-446-9400.
New Winnetka Voices Episode
Episode #6: Cultivating a Culture of Belonging
Dr. Kelly Tess speaks to Denise Matthews, Director of Student Services, Equity and Inclusion and Erick Taft, District alum, parent, and a leader of a community organization “Winnetka for Belonging.” The episode centers on how fostering an environment where high-quality teaching and learning is accessible to all starts with supporting the fundamental need for belonging. A few Washburne students also share their thoughts on belonging. As Ms. Matthews shares, “We can all play a part in making sure that our peers and our colleagues feel like they belong.”
Listen here:
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.
Winnetka Parent Communication Survey: Open Through April 28
Please take a moment to participate in this survey to provide us with your feedback around district communication with parents. Extended through April 28, 2023!
Spring 2023 Superintendent Parent Sessions
Learn about the results of the Winnetka Parent Communication Survey and how the District plans to be responsive to the feedback.
Crow Island: May 17, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Greeley: May 8, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Hubbard Woods: May 3, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Skokie/Washburne (Hosted at Washburne): May 17, 11:00 - 12:00 p.m.
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.
Panorama SEL Survey
The Panorama Student SEL Survey will be administered in grades K-8 between April 17-28, 2023 as part of our District-wide strategic plan goal to support SEL which is explained below:
Positive Culture & Well Being:
A culture of positive well-being amongst students, staff and community serves as a catalyst for continual growth. Relationships and understanding of others are prioritized to promote educational excellence, equity, and resilience. Understanding personal identities and self-awareness is used to facilitate better connections in an increasingly complex world.
Similar to the fall survey window, surveys will provide data to help inform our efforts to support the well-being of all students, teachers and staff.
Teachers in K-2 will complete the Teacher’s Perceptions of Student’s SEL for each of their students. Based on this year’s goals, the survey focuses on four areas: Grit, Self Management, Emotional Regulation, and Engagement.
Students in grades 3-8 will complete the two survey modules during their advisory/meeting time. We are administering this survey as part of our District-wide goal to support SEL for all students. Based on this year's goals, the survey focuses on seven areas: Emotional Regulation, Self Management, Grit, Sense of Belonging, Engagement, School Climate and School Safety.
All staff will take the Panorama Teacher and Staff Survey. The staff and teacher survey focuses on five areas: Wellbeing, Belonging, SEL Professional Learning, School Climate, and Efficacy.
From The Winnetka Police Department: Please Walk Your Bike in Town
The Winnetka Police Department is increasing efforts to encourage bike riders to walk their bikes while riding in the business districts. As such, residents can expect a focus on educational and enforcement shifts by Community Service Officers and Police Officers in the business districts for random periods throughout the day, on a daily basis, as the weather gets warmer and bike/pedestrian traffic increases. This initiative is underway and will continue through the summer months. Signs have already been placed throughout business districts, indicating the need to walk bicycles. In partnership with local businesses, we will continue the opportunities for Community Service Officers and Police Officers to recognize children who are complying with the ordinance and are observed walking their bikes and following the rules with a small reward. This same message is being shared in schools and principal newsletters this spring, as it will take everyone’s cooperation to make this a safer summer.
Adventures in Learning: Animal Care Opportunity
ATTENTION all rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, reptiles, birds and other small animals! Winnetka's Adventures in Learning - Animal Care Class is looking for small animal volunteers to help our students learn about their care. If your child's small animal is due for a brief break this summer, please email Anna at animal.care.adventures@gmail.com. If it is time to pass your pet on to another loving family, we can also try to arrange adoptions.
From Our Partners at Alliance for Early Childhood:
Let’s Play! At the Farm,
Saturday, April 29, 10:00am-12:00pm, Historic Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview
Join The Alliance for Early Childhood in partnership with Historic Wagner Farm for a morning of exploration at the farm in spring. Families can explore the 1920’s historic Wagner farmhouse, barter in the Farm Stand, enjoy the Farm Adventure Area playground, and visit the Heritage Center, which includes a 1930s recreated grocery store.
Note on Parking: Located on the east side of Wagner Road (across from the farmhouse). Additional parking is available in the Saints Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church parking lot on just south of the Historic Wagner Farm parking lot.
1st Day School Supply Kits for Rising 5th Graders
Skokie School has again partnered with 1st Day School Supplies so that families have the option of ordering a school supply kit for the next school year. The supplies included in the kit have been chosen by Skokie teachers and administration for each grade and should provide your student with everything they need for the upcoming year. The final deadline for ordering school supplies through 1st Day is July 1st. Supply kits will be sent to your home and teachers will let students when to bring supplies into school at the start of the new school year. Please click here to order your school supplies through 1st Day.
http://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/kits.php?sid=35479
Families are very welcome to purchase school supplies on their own. A list will be posted to the Skokie School website soon.
