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 while our 7th and 8th graders participated in field trips or other special events. It was awesome to see the excitement of the 6th graders and to be able to answer a number of their questions about Washburne. 7th grade families should check out the information about 8th grade below and get signed up for 2023-24 electives. 8th grade families should review this communication sent out via the PTO on Friday that contains a number of graduation reminders.

Take Care and Be Well,

Andrew Fenton & Ben Horwitz

Washburne Principal & Assistant Principal

All 7th grade families received an email last Thursday with information about your child’s core teachers for 8th grade. Please reach out if you did not receive this communication or have questions.

We wanted to clarify a few points from that message. Current 7th graders will be staying together with the students on their teams as 8th graders. This was one of our main priorities as we navigated the reduction of two staff members. The relationships and comfort level that students have built with their peers is valuable and we are happy to continue this in 8th grade.

Moving forward, Washburne will continue with “looping” (students having the same teachers for 7th and 8th grade). The shift in teams to single grade levels will allow for looping to continue at Washburne.

Sign up information for 8th grade electives was sent out earlier today. Please click here to access that information and sign up for electives.

Welcome to Window to Washburne! Each week, we will be highlighting some of the learning taking place in our classrooms.

According to Marty McFly, the hero of the Back to the Future movies, being called a “chicken” is one of the worst insults you could possibly call someone. Thank goodness that Marty is not at Washburne because our building is full of chickens. In 7th grade science classes, students are learning about the development of chickens, how they grow in their eggs and ultimately hatch as chicks. Each science classroom currently has eggs in an incubator, and students are observing the eggs over the next couple weeks. Eventually, the tiny chicks will hatch here at Washburne before going to live the rest of their lives on the chicken farm.

Kudos to our science teachers for organizing such a thoughtful (and fun) unit for our students.

Parents can see the monthly menus in our cafeteria by clicking HERE. Please feel free to use this menu to plan out your child’s meals.

Washburne 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 the kit have been chosen by Washburne 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.

Families are also welcome to purchase school supplies on their own, and can use the 2023-24 school supply list that will be posted on the Washburne Website in April.

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:

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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.

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!

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 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.

www.winnetka36.org/adventures

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.

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.

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.

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. Further information is here.

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

Tuesday, April 25th: Board of Education Meeting 7:15pm @ Washburne School

Tuesday & Wednesday, May 9th and 10th: Spring MAP Testing

Tuesday, June 6th: 8th Grade Graduation 7:00pm @ Gaffney Auditorium