Carleton Washburne
Monday Memo - April 25, 2022
Washburne Families,
As we head into the last week of April, we are happy to share all that is happening at Washburne. This past week we were excited to host our incoming 6th graders and collaborate with Skokie to celebrate Earth Day. Thank you to our parent volunteers and staff who made this day possible in spite of the weather challenges. It was a great feeling to see our students working and collaborating together. 8th grade families, please take a moment to see the graduation update below, and 7th grade families should check out the elective information in the memo and get signed up for 2022-23 electives.
Take Care and Be Well,
Andrew Fenton & Ben Horwitz
Washburne Principal & Assistant Principal
Window to Washburne
Even though Mother Nature did not cooperate, students in 5th-8th grade were able to celebrate Earth Day this past Friday, April 22nd.
While the thunderstorms forced us to cancel the planned excursions across Winnetka, 5th and 8th grade students were able to work together and learn more from volunteers from around the area. Staff from the Winnetka Park Districts talked to students about efforts to preserve and maintain our local beaches. Volunteers from the Backyard Nature Center led hands-on activities for students to learn about local wildlife. Back at Washburne, 6th and 7th graders collaborated to create signs about climate change and learn more about ways to reuse materials. All students were treated to a presentation from Green Team leader and district parent Liz Kunkle, who showcased ways for students to get involved on a local level.
Kudos to all of our volunteers and students for a fantastic Earth Day celebration.
8th Grade Graduation Update
Washburne 8th grade graduation ticketing will go live on Wednesday May 4th at 10:00 am!
You will receive an email from the Skokie/Washburne PTO on Wednesday May 4th with a link to select your graduation ceremony tickets (up to 4 tickets are included in the graduation fee). The forthcoming email will include all information and specifics regarding ticketing.
If you did not receive the WASHBURNE 8TH GRADE GRADUATION 2022 email from the PTO last week, please reach out to washburnegraduation2022@gmail.com.
Washburne Graduation 2022 To-do’s Checklist:
Pay $100 graduation fee by April 22nd : https://skokiewashburne36pto.org/graduation/
Submit one baby photo with child’s preferred full name as the subject line by April 22nd: washburnebabyphotos2022@gmail.com
Sign up to volunteer if you are able: Click Here to Volunteer
Attention 7th Grade Families: Electives for 2022-2023
Now is the time for 7th grade students and families to select electives for the 2022-2023 school year. Parents can now make elective requests for students in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Please follow these steps to enter requests:
1) All elective requests will be entered online through the PowerSchool parent portal. You can access the site at this address:
http://winnetka36.powerschool.com/public
2) If you do not remember your login information, please click the "forgot username or password" button. You can also email: parentportal@winnetka36.org for help.
3) When you log in, click on class registration in the left-hand menu.
4) Once you are in the class registration area of PowerSchool, follow the instructions for each section. Clicking on the pencil icon will allow you to select requests for each area.
5) Students with an IEP should select Learning Strategies for next year, and they will select three (3) elective courses and three (3) alternate selections. Students taking either Spanish or French this year will select three (3) elective courses and three (3) alternate selections in addition to their language. Students who do not currently have an IEP and do not take Spanish/French will select six (6) elective courses and three (3) alternate selections.
6) When you have completed the process, you will see a checkmark for each section. Make sure that you click the submit button at the bottom to finalize the process.
The parent portal will open on Monday, April 25th. All elective requests should be entered into Powerschool by Friday, May 6th. Please note that course requests are not first come, first served. Please use this course description guide to assist you as you make your selections.
What's Happening in Related Studies
On April 23, the Washburne orchestra took part in a public online concert for the city of Shanghai City, China. Shanghai Linxin University of Accounting and Finance and its affiliated middle school are organizing the event to memorialize the volunteers and medical workers who died during Covid and also inspire all young students who are in lockdown to help see the beauty of life and appreciate the universal language of music. The orchestra teacher who invited us to participate was WeiChen, also a member of the China music association.
One of our orchestra students thought it would be nice to have our orchestra perform as part of the concert to honor those lost to Covid in this most recent outbreak. In addition, we could show support to all those watching in China from school age children in the US. Hopefully, those able to watch will feel the love and support from the other side of the world!
On Wednesday, April 20 during our regular flex rehearsal, the orchestra was able to record this.
The Washburne Orchestra was honored to be able to provide this recording and hope that all that are able to watch feel hope for the future!
We are in this together.
2022 NT 101 Program This Tuesday
Who: Parents of current 8th grade students (Parent only event)
What: Northfield Principal Paul Waechtler and a panel of experienced New Trier parents will share knowledge and tips on a variety of topics (Q & A format)
When: Tuesday, April 26, 7:00-8:30 PM
Where: Cornog Auditorium, Northfield Campus
Please click HERE for more information about the event
2021-22 Washburne Yearbooks
The student designed Washburne 2021-22 Yearbooks are available for purchase.
Order your Washburne Yearbooks via the district web store by clicking this link.
"Please make sure you check to see if you already purchased this item before doing so. If you are unsure, feel free to email our bookkeeper Amy Huisel at amyhuisel@winnetka36.org and she will be more than happy to check for you."
Yearbooks will be delivered to students the final week of school.
Please reach out to Amy Gabbert amygabbert@winnetka36.org with any questions.
District News
2022-2023 Online Registration for New and Returning Students is Now Open
Please register early! Parents are asked to complete registration at their earliest convenience to help inform planning for the 2022-2023 school year.
Bike Safety Initiatives
As we enjoy more spring-like weather, more students will be riding bikes and walking to school. The District and Winnetka Police Department recently sent this letter to our school community on Bike Safety efforts.
In the letter, we shared information on safety pledges for students, safe route maps for each elementary school, and noted we are reintroducing the elementary “Bike Rodeo” event for second grade, hosted collaboratively with Scout Troop 20, Green Bay Cycles, and our school PTOs on the following dates:
Greeley: Wed, 5/4, 4:00pm (5/5 rain date)
Hubbard Woods: Wed, 5/11, 4:00pm (5/12 rain date)
Crow Island: Wed, 5/18, 4:00pm (5/19 rain date). The Winnetka Police will be present at this particular event for community engagement and photo opportunities.
At this event, second grade students will learn basic guidance about proper bike and helmet use. If your family is unable to attend the event at your child(ren)’s home school, you are welcome to attend another event.
Adventures in Learning Registration is Still Open
The Winnetka Public Schools is returning to its traditional Adventures in Learning summer program following a two year hiatus.
Our General Program is designed for students entering 2nd grade through 8th grade.
Our Primary Program provides activities for children Pre-K (4 years old by June 1st, 2022) and K-1st grade (5 years old by September 1st, 2021).
Registration is open to both residents and non-residents of Winnetka via this link.
Animal Care Opportunity
Parent Education Sessions from District Partner Family Action Network (FAN):
For upcoming events, access FAN’s website here.
Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, April 26: Board of Education Meeting @ 7:15pm