Dear Crow Island Families,
We hope you had a nice long weekend. It was fantastic seeing so many families come out and support the STEAM Expo last week. I want to thank Mrs. Hazelwood, Ms. Maneck, and Mrs. Banas for their work in planning the expo. In addition, I want to thank our PTO volunteers for their help with setting up and taking down the expo.
This week, our third and fourth grade students will be taking the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR). The reading and math assessments will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Teachers have spent time reviewing the test platform with students and taking a few practice assessments so that students can take the time to really showcase their learning. I will be sending a parent email tomorrow afternoon with areas that parents can help support.
In addition, placement forms are linked below for Crow Island students and 4th graders transitioning to Skokie. This is a chance for parents to provide input on classrooms for next year.
Have a great week!
Luke
- Tuesday, April 11th: Illinois Assessment Readiness (IAR) Grades 3 & 4
- April 17 - April 21st: Earth Week at Crow Island
- Thursday, Mary 18: 4th Grade Trip to Camp Edwards
- Wednesday, May 24: Portfolio Day 2nd & 3rd Grade
- Thursday, May 25: Portfolio Day 1st & 4th Grade
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Save the Date - Portfolio Day:
We are looking forward to inviting our 1st - 4th grade families into school to sit with their child for the Portfolio experience. Portfolios show the cumulative efforts and learning of individual students over time. The portfolio showcases student improvement and skill mastery throughout the year. Along with student reflection, the portfolio provides detailed information about individual students and what is important to your child throughout the learning process. More information will be coming from Luke on Wednesday. In addition, teachers will follow-up with portfolio day sign-up for your child. Below are the dates we have set aside for Portfolio Day:
Wednesday, May 24
2nd Grade 9:30am & 12:45pm
3rd Grade 10:15am & 2:15pm
Thursday, May 26
1st Grade 9:15am & 12:45pm
4th Grade 10:45am & 2:00pm
Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) Testing:
Crow Island 3rd and 4th graders will be taking the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR). The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) is the state assessment and accountability measure for Illinois students enrolled in a public school district. IAR assesses the New Illinois Learning Standards Incorporating the Common Core and will be administered in English language arts and mathematics to all students in grades 3-8.Students will participate in reading and math assessments during the following days:
- Tuesday, April 11 ~ Morning English Language Arts and afternoon Math
- Wednesday, April 12 ~ Morning English Language Arts and afternoon Math
- Thursday, April 13 ~ Morning Math assessment.
Parents can help support students by ensuring they arrive to school on time, bring headphones to school on testing days, and get a good nights sleep.
Parent Input on Placement:
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.
Erin's Law
Later in April, building social workers and/or classroom teachers will implement state-mandated sexual abuse prevention education during one 20-30 minute session in each classroom. Erin’s law is prevention-based, bringing sexual abuse education into public schools using age appropriate curriculum. Thanks to Erin’s Law, children are being taught to recognize abuse and learning what to do if they need assistance. Erin’s Law requires all public schools to provide education on sexual abuse prevention for all students, early childhood through 12th grade, annually. This law also requires educators to take part in training classes that cover sexual abuse and how to recognize warning signs.
We understand this can be a sensitive topic for some families and we have resources for you, as parents/guardians, to learn more about this program.
- For more detailed information about Erin's Law, including curriculum content and zoom opportunity with social work staff, please refer to the Erin’s Law page of the District website, this parent letter or by contacting your school’s social worker, Sandie Johnson.
- This year, our elementary school social workers will be holding open office hours on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 9-9:30am. The meeting link can be found here; Meeting ID: 852 6451 4797/Passcode: SCJ. You may also reach out individually to your school’s social worker if you have specific questions about the program.
- Parents have the option to opt their children out of the program as they deem appropriate by completing this form by April 14.
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
Safety Procedure for Building Visitors
For anyone visiting our school buildings during school hours, we will now be requiring a driver’s license or state ID to be left at the front desk until your guest lanyard is returned. This decision was made in accordance with other safety procedures we are enhancing for the security of our students and staff.
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 #5
Progressive Education: 100+ Years Strong in Winnetka
Dr. Kelly Tess speaks to School Board President Emily Rose, Crow Island Kindergarten teacher Melissa Brody (both of whom are alumni of The Winnetka Public Schools) and Tom Flemma, Head of School at North Shore Country Day, a private school in Winnetka with a unique shared history in progressive education. Throughout the episode, learn about the unique legacy of Progressive Education in Winnetka, and how our public and private institutions uphold our commitment to experiential learning. “I hope we continue to push ourselves to be a lighthouse of a District….the future is bright,” says Ms. Rose.
Listen here:
Earth Week Activities
In recognition of Earth Day, the District’s Green Team has planned themed days the week of April 17-21 to help raise awareness of the ways that the Winnetka community can positively impact the environment and Earth with some small intentional acts. To view more information on each themed day, click here.
Winnetka Parents Institute
UP NEXT:
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:
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.
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 construction is underway during both the Stormwater Improvements Project and work related to the referendum, which commence in spring 2024. The traffic study will utilize cameras on poles set up at these Crow Island-area locations (between Glendale and Locust; and Mt. Pleasant and Cherry Streets) during the first week of April 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.
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
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
