Through a regular offering of educational engagement sessions, Winnetka Parents Institute (WPI) is an opportunity for the District to foster parent discussions on various topics of interest. Grandparents, future parents, and community members are always welcome, too! For those who are unable to attend in person, most sessions are recorded and shared on the District website at www.winnetka36.org/wpi.

Upcoming events:

Navigating Internet Safety & Social Media Use

Tuesday, September 5 at 9:30 a.m.

The Skokie School Auditorium

Hosted in Partnership with Family Service of Glencoe

Are you looking for guidance on navigating the ever-changing social media landscape, tips on apps to allow and avoid, as well as more information on age-appropriate internet use? Glean insight on how to keep children safe in their online interactions, set parental guidelines, and reinforce healthy Digital Literacy practices in your family. This WPI event will be conducted by Al Ross, clinical director at Family Service of Glencoe, a counseling center that provides support to families. To RSVP visit https://goo.gl/JLXHa1.

Not Quite Little Kid, Not Quite Teenager: The Developmental Progression of the Middle School Child

Thursday, September 28 at 9:30 a.m.

The Skokie School Community Room

Join Principal Tess and Principal Kanne for an informational morning 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. To RSVP visit https://goo.gl/GWVFip.

Through their organization Binary Heart, which is "dedicated to empowering the next generation of innovators," several New Trier students are making a meaningful difference in the world. Seven million tons of usable electronics are discarded annually, yet millions of students nationwide do not have access to home computers or internet availability. By using their technology expertise to refurbish computers and other digital tools to donate to students via Northwestern Settlement, Binary Heart's members fulfill their mission to "empower minds to seize the digital age." At a community drive earlier this summer, Binary Heart collected over 50 computers and dozens of other electronic devices.

Co-founder Marzuk Rashid (Washburne Class of 2015) says, "Ever since I started coding in second grade, I have been fascinated by the power of computers. However, when I learned that many kids did not have access to this amazing resource, I knew that something had to be done about it. By providing students with computers, I believe that we can help them succeed through their education, and their future careers." Daniel Hess (Washburne Class of 2015), echoes that "This allows students to flourish and helps them achieve their full potential."

Reflecting on how they have channelled their interests into serving others, Jack Eggemeyer (Washburne Class of 2015) says, "When you go to bed at night you feel like a better and more complete person." According to Simon Hooper (Washburne Class of 2015), "I think it's a good thing to use my free time doing...I wanted to help as much as I could." "Find what you love and run with it. Apply that passion to do something for your community," David Peters (Washburne Class of 2015) recommends.

Peters recalls how as a student in D36, "I was constantly introduced to new and exciting things...By allowing me to explore, I found my passions which drove me to start Binary Heart." Rashid notes that, "My teachers always accommodated all methods of learning, and my friends were always supportive. I think that this environment taught me to fully appreciate myself and others."