May 2022
A Message from the Superintendent
Dear Families, Staff, and Community Members,
As this school year comes to a close, we circle back to our August 2021 goal of emphasizing connection and belonging in our schools to foster student growth and achievement. Our staff and families earnestly focused on building relationships and committing to our Strategic Plan 2021-2025. We are proud of the many ways we intentionally designed student experiences to foster the competencies outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate.
Here are a few highlights of meaningful connections to these competencies from this year:
At Crow Island’s upcoming Portfolio Day, students showcase evidence of their progress to their parents, demonstrating skill mastery and cumulative learning efforts (Effective Communicator, Lifelong Learner)
At Greeley School, the staff, students, and parents participated in a playground redesign process to create a more inclusive and accessible play area for the entire community (Collaborative, Empathetic, Global Citizen, Creative Problem Solver)
Hubbard Woods teachers and PTO members expanded the school’s traditional Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service to a meaningful month-long study with hands-on projects to empower students to be a driving force for change and creators of welcoming communities (Global Citizen, Empathetic, Collaborative)
Skokie and Washburne campuses united to celebrate Earth Day, providing mentorship and connection opportunities for students in grades 5-8 (Creative Problem Solver, Empathetic, Collaborative, Effective Communicator, Global Citizen, Lifelong Learner)
These are just a few of many examples representing how our educators create meaningful learning focused on the Portrait of a Graduate’s key competencies. We are grateful for the innovative and re-envisioned learning experiences created by our staff.
Finally, we look forward to seeing you at many year-end activities. In these final weeks of my time in Winnetka, I cherish every opportunity to celebrate our students’ growth and many accomplishments. I would also like to extend a special congratulations to our graduating 8th grade students. We are confident you will make a meaningful difference in the world for years to come!
Sincerely,
Dr. Trisha Kocanda
Superintendent
School Board Meeting on May 24, 2022
The next School Board meeting will be held at the Carleton Washburne School Band Room on May 24, 2022. Those attending can enter the meeting through the Band Room entrance door accessible from the Hibbard Rd. parking lot. The Regular Meeting will begin at 7:15 p.m. In-person seating for the public is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The following presentation is on the agenda:
- Downsized Capital Improvement Plan: Community Outreach Update
Additionally, the Board is also expected to approve the Five-Year WEA Contract at the meeting.
To observe via Zoom:
https://winnetka36.zoom.us/j/88090707037?pwd=NG5odzg5ejhac3Frb05HK0lYQmZTUT09
Passcode: 353337
Or Telephone: 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 880 9070 7037
Passcode: 353337
The meeting will include an opportunity for in-person public comment. Please note, the Board will be following policy 2:230 and limit public comment to three minutes - however, if there is a high volume of public comment, the Board may need to limit the amount of time dedicated to public comment in order to efficiently conduct business. Community members can send communications to board members at board@winnetka36.org which will be individually reviewed by each board member prior to the meeting.
Retirement & Recognition 2021-2022
At our annual Recognition & Retirement event on Wednesday, May 25, we will honor those retiring and who have served our District for 10 years or more. A complete list of honorees is available here. We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to those who are retiring; thank you for your efforts on behalf of our students!
Susan Antman, Drama Teacher at The Skokie School
Terri Atkinson, Special Education Teacher at Crow Island School
Mary Jo Ferneding, Music Teacher at Greeley School
Eileen Goodspeed, Math Facilitator at The Skokie School
Karen Gullen, Resource Center Associate at Crow Island School
Julie Holmbeck, Kinetic Wellness Teacher at Greeley School
Debra Kahn, Special Education Teacher at Washburne School
Liz Saule, Special Education Teacher at Washburne School
Katherine Schuler, Special Education Teacher at Crow Island School
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.
Registration information for next year was sent via regular mail and email. You may contact District Registrar, Carolin Huh, at 847-446-9400 or carolinhuh@winnetka36.org, if you have any registration questions, or did not receive notification.
Parent Education Sessions from District Partner Family Action Network (FAN):
For upcoming events, access FAN’s website here.