We hope everyone had a restful and relaxing holiday break. At Washburne, we are eager to welcome back our students as we look forward to a busy January.

Please take a minute to check out the upcoming events at Washburne.

Middle School Winnetka Parents Institute This Thursday 1/12:

Not Quite Little Kid, Not Quite Teenager:

The Developmental Progression of the Middle School Child

January 12, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

The Skokie School Community Room

Join Principal Cooney and Assistant Principal Joynt (The Skokie School) and Principal Fenton and Assistant Principal Horwitz (Carleton Washburne School) for an informational session focusing on the ins and outs of the growing middle school child. We will spend time exploring both the academic and social-emotional needs appropriate to 5th-8th grade children, how they change over that four year span, as well as the neurological changes that contribute to these needs. Parents with current middle schoolers, or soon-to-be middle schoolers, are encouraged to join us for an engaging, encouraging and educational hour together.

RSVP here.

Cafeteria Focus Group

Quest Food Management Services, our cafeteria food service provider, is looking for parents to be part of a focus group on Wednesday, January 25th from 11:00-11:45 AM at Washburne. Parents will have the opportunity to sample food items and provide feedback to Quest about menu offerings. If you are interested in being part of this group, please email Ben Horwitz - benhorwitz@winnetka36.org.

MAP Testing Next Week

Winter MAP testing at Washburne will take place next week on Wednesday, January 18th and Thursday, January 19th.

Washburne Winter Bash

Please save the date, and see the flyer below, for the Washburne Winter Bash, sponsored by our PTO, on Friday January 27th. We will have more specific information in our upcoming newsletters.

Take Care and Be Well,

Andrew Fenton & Ben Horwitz

Washburne Principal & Assistant Principal

In this section we will be shining the spotlight on our Related Studies program and all the wonderful opportunities available to our Washburne students.

It was a busy few weeks leading up to winter break for students in Industrial Arts. They spent time learning about the first batch of machines, specifically the Scroll Saw, Disc Sander, Spindle Sander and Drill Press. Students then used this knowledge to create the classic Peg Game that has stumped many of us over the years. In addition to having a class tournament, we spent time learning about packaging and marketing. The final part of the unit challenged students to create a package for their project that would entice consumers of all ages.

Washburne's Intramural Basketball house league program is open for registration. Click HERE to register.

This program is available to all Winnetka residents in grades 7 and 8. The program will start with two team/skill formation days on 12/10 and 12/17 from 12:00-1:30. The program will resume after break on Saturdays for an hour between 12:00-2:00 on the following dates: 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/18 and the Championship Game on Tuesday, 3/21 after school.

This is a fun program for any students who enjoys playing basketball. There will be a playing time rotation, allowing for equal playing time for all. There will also be opportunities for 8th grade leadership roles as team captains.

Any questions - reach out to Andy Becker at Andybecker@winnetka36.org

Art club is new and is open to all Washburne students.

This club will provide materials and individual guidance for 7th and 8th grade students who have an interest in art and have projects they want to work on. Come with your ideas!

Registration is now open. Sign up via the District Web Store.

Class will take place on Wednesdays beginning 11/30 - 5/24 from 3:30- 4:30 in the Art Room C302.

We are approaching our second testing window for the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) test, which will take place between January 17 - 27, 2023. Your child’s school or teacher will inform you of his or her specific testing dates.

Similar to the fall, 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 second testing session is to provide teachers with midyear progress data that will help inform their instruction as they move forward into the school year. Winter student reports are not sent home. Student reports are sent home at the end of the school year 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.

The District is offering an array of upcoming educational sessions for families and community members. Click here for session dates and more information.

JANUARY 2023:

Introduction to Kindergarten in The Winnetka Public Schools

Tuesday, January 10 at 6:00 p.m.

Greeley School, 275 Fairview Avenue, Winnetka IL

This informational session is intended for Winnetka parents of preschool students who will be attending The Winnetka Public Schools. Parents will learn more about the support and services that the District provides to current preschool students attending local preschool programming. Additionally, families will receive a preview of:

• The transition-to-Kindergarten process by Crow Island, Greeley and Hubbard Woods Principals,

• The resources available to families from the Department of Student Services, Equity and Inclusion

• Details on Kindergarten Connection that will occur in summer 2023

• Highlights of a typical kindergarten day in The Winnetka Public Schools

We look forward to meeting new families at this event!

Not Quite Little Kid, Not Quite Teenager:

The Developmental Progression of the Middle School Child

January 12, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

The Skokie School Community Room

Join Principal Cooney and Assistant Principal Joynt (The Skokie School) and Principal Fenton and Assistant Principal Horwitz (Carleton Washburne School) for an informational session focusing on the ins and outs of the growing middle school child. We will spend time exploring both the academic and social-emotional needs appropriate to 5th-8th grade children, how they change over that four year span, as well as the neurological changes that contribute to these needs. Parents with current middle schoolers, or soon-to-be middle schoolers, are encouraged to join us for an engaging, encouraging and educational hour together.

Interested:

January 12, 2023

10:00-11:00 AM

RSVP here.

Acceleration in Winnetka 36

January 25, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

The Skokie School Community Room

Director of Innovation, Teaching, and Learning Dr. Becky Mathison will host this information session about the acceleration policy. The content will include a review of the purpose of the acceleration policy and a preview of updated procedures this year. Participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback on specific components including the initial request form.

Interested:

January 25, 2023

10:00-11:00 AM

RSVP here.

For upcoming events, access FAN’s website here.

Registration for incoming kindergarteners and students new to The Winnetka Public Schools in 2023-2024 is now open on the District website and via https://registration.powerschool.com/family/gosnap.aspx?action=30658&culture=en. Children who will be five-years-old on or before September 1, 2023, are eligible to enroll.

The new student registration process is completed in three steps:

1. Complete new student pre-registration forms online beginning November 16, 2022.

2. Provide the original or certified copy of your child(ren)'s birth certificate and a parent photo ID. The certified copy can be submitted in person at the District Office. If you have the original birth certificate, you may bring it to the District Office to be photocopied. The District Office is at 1235 Oak St., Winnetka.

3. Provide proof of residency and paper registration forms. For your convenience, all required residency documents may be uploaded during online registration. Click here to view the list of documents that will meet these requirements as well as the other forms required for registration (Registration Forms & Information).

Children will not be considered enrolled until both the online and paper portion of registration has been completed and residency documentation is verified. If you have any questions, please contact the District Office at 847-446-9400.

Kindergarten students who are not currently enrolled in Stay & Play will have the opportunity to register for the 2nd half of the year after 8:00 am January 9th through this link. Please note that the registration period ends January 31, 2023 and will remain closed for the remainder of the year. The rates are prorated below. If you attempt to register before the 9th, you will receive an Item Unavailable message. After purchasing Kindergarten Stay & Play registration, your child will be able to begin their attendance in the program the following Monday so the schools can plan accordingly.

Text-for-Help is is intended to provide confidential support to students at school. This resource is available 24/7, 365 days a year, completely anonymous, and staffed by fully-licensed counselors on the other end. Based on the students’ needs and preferences, a counselor will then direct the user to further assistance.

For further details about the tool, please review this recent Winnetka Parents Institute Session.

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

Time to Gather Up Your Plastic Bags...

The TREX Plastic Film Challenge Started on November 15th!

Each year Go Green Winnetka and all District 36 schools participate in this program, which enlists schools to collect plastic bags and wrap, which are then recycled and made into alternate wood products. The Challenge runs from November 15 - April 15, with winners announced on Earth Day. During this time, bins are placed at D36 schools to collect the *plastics listed below.

●Grocery bags

●Bread bags

●Case overwrap (e.g. water, soda and juice bottles)

●Dry cleaning bags

●Newspaper sleeves

●Ice bags

●Wood pellet bags

●Ziplock and other reclosable bags

●Produce bags

●Bubble wrap

●Salt bags

●Cereal bags

*Please note, all plastics must be clean, dry, and free of food residue.

https://www.trex.com/our-company/news/trex-launches-16th-annual-plastic-film-recycling-challenge/

https://nextrex.com/view/educate?utm_source=globenewswire&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=nextrex-recycling-challenge#_ga=2.265993033.755549943.1667511675-1620528275.1667511675

Contact GoGreenWinnetka@gmail.com with any questions.

Monday, January 16th: No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tuesday, January 17th & Wednesday, January 18th: Map Testing

Tuesday, January 31st: School Board Meeting @ 7:15pm