The Winnetka Wire
Monthly News from The Winnetka Public Schools
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Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members,
In the midst of the many exciting initiatives taking place in our classrooms and schools this year, our students, staff, and families have been engaged in
Future Ready D36
, our Educational Master Facility Plan. Thank you to the approximately 100 guests who attended "Global Perspectives" sessions on October 24. This was an opportunity to learn more about trends in education and continue the discussion on the purpose of
Future Ready D36
. This
video was shared
, highlighting how the recent renovation has impacted teaching and learning at New Trier, as well as
this video
about a school in New Zealand with similar practices. If you were not able to attend a session, you are able to view both the video and presentation slides from DLR Group by
visiting our website
.
As is always our goal in Winnetka, keeping our students at the center of all that we do is vital to the
Future Ready D36
process. As part of our research on how facilities and learning environments best meet the needs of students today and prepares them for the future, the
Future Ready D36
Core Team has toured several schools in and around the North Shore. Here is a glimpse into some of the spaces we have seen so far (including New Trier High School, Sunset Ridge, North Shore Country Day School, and Lane Tech College Prep).
Student-centered design elements observed include...
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Flexible furniture that is easy to move, comfortable, and a variety of heights and sizes to meet students' learning needs and enhance collaboration
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Abundant natural light, which research says creates a more positive learning environment
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Walls that move, allowing collaboration amongst classrooms as well as a multipurpose use
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Innovative technology to support teaching and learning incorporated throughout classrooms, common areas, and libraries
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Accessibility for ALL students, staff, and visitors
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Modern safety technology to best protect students and staff in the event in an emergency
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Access to green spaces for hands-on learning both outside (i.e. a rain garden and green roof) and inside (i.e. a hydroponics lab and greenhouse)
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Energy efficiency resulting in cost savings and positive stewardship of natural resources
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Thermal comfort to support research on temperature conditions ideal for learning
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The incorporation of historic elements into new or renovated buildings
As we continue to research and explore solutions to best meet the needs of our students and school community, we will keep you informed. Our goal is to have a long-term plan that addresses our vision for teaching and learning, enrollment, and facility needs. Together, we are mapping the future for our school community for many years to come. Thank you for your involvement in this process.
Sinc
erely,
Dr. Trisha Kocanda
Superintendent
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The next School Board Regular Meeting will be held at Carleton Washburne School on Tuesday, November 14. There is a 5:00 p.m. Work Session focused on Reaching All Learners: Integrated Services and Special Education. The Regular Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. The following presentations are on the agenda:
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Educational Master Facility Plan:
Future Ready D36
- 2017 Tentative Levy
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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:
From Washburne to New Trier:
A D36 Parent's Guide to the New Trier Transition
Tuesday, November 14 at 9:30 a.m.
Resource Center at Carleton Washburne School, 515 Hibbard Rd.
Paul Waechtler, Principal at the New Trier High School Freshman
 Campus, will discuss the New Trier freshman placement process and the efforts made to ensure a smooth transition to high school. A Q & A will provide an opportunity for parents to learn more about how to best support their child(ren) as they prepare for their New Trier experience. RSVP here.
Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Student Potential with Jo Boaler, Ph.D.
*
Thursday, November 16 at 4:00 p.m. (geared toward educators but parents are welcome)
The Skokie School Auditorium, 520 Glendale Ave.
&
Thursday, N
ovember 16 at 7 p.m. (geared toward parents but educators are welcome)
North Shore Country Day School, 310 Green Bay Rd.
Family Action Network presents two opportunities to hear Dr. Jo Boaler speak in Winnetka on November 16. She is an esteemed professor of Mathematics Education at Stanford University, co-founder of math resource
YouCubed
, and best-selling author. During the presentation, Dr. Boaler will...
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Explain how the brain processes mathematics learning
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Reveal how to turn mistakes and struggles into valuable learning experiences
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Provide examples of rich mathematical activities to replace rote learning
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Explain ways to give students a positive math mindset
Dr. Boaler will also conduct a Q & A and book signing.
STEAM in District 36
Wednesday, November 29 at 9:30 a.m.
Greeley School Resource Center, 275 Fairview Ave.
Learn more about the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts,
 and Math) experience and the purpose behind the makerspace environments in District 36 with Maureen Chertow Miller, Director of Technology. RSVP here.
Hour of Code
Monday, December 4 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Carleton Washburne School, CoLab (N102), 515 Hibbard Rd.
We encourage families to join us as our students guide you through various coding and technology activities as part of the international event #HourofCode. All ages are welcome at #HourofCode, an engaging learning opportunity for the whole family.
RSVP to Hour of Code here
.
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Kindergarten registration for 2018-2019 will open on Friday, December 1, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Carleton Washburne School. Children who will be five-years-old on or before September 1, 2018, are eligible to enroll.
Click here for documents required for all new students when you register your child. Online pre-registration is available starting November 15. Registration packets will also be available at the District Office and all elementary schools beginning November 15, should you wish to pick one up prior to Registration Day. Children will not be considered enrolled until residency documentation is verified and all forms are submitted. For that information, click here. If you have any questions, please contact the District Office at 847-446-9400.
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In honor of National STEAM Day (November 8), we're highlighting District 36 alum Christopher Hull (Washburne Class of 1998, New Trier
 High School Class of 2001) who is both a teacher and entrepreneur in the technology industry. Christopher has been a seventh grade social studies teacher for over 10 years at Elm Place Middle School in North Shore School District 112 (Highland Park). He also co-founded Otus, a student performance platform that allows school systems to generate critical classroom data and gather it alongside data from the most popular third-party tools, providing actionable insight to educators.
Christopher has a Bachelor of Arts from Denison University (Dual Major: Political Science and Religion), a Master's degrees from DePaul University (Secondary Education) and Argosy University (Educational Leadership). He was also included on the National School Boards Association's 2016
20 to Watch list. He shares that his love of learning was fueled during his years in The Winnetka Public Schools. "There were amazing teachers throughout my time as a student in D36. As I wondered what I should do with my life, I wanted to have the same impact. And today, seeing kids enjoy learning, and seeing them improve, is an experience unlike any other."
A collaborative activity he remembers during his D36 years was building a water speed boat with a paperclip, rubber band, and other odds and ends. "I try now to provide my students with the experience of being presented a problem and brainstorming possible solutions in a group. Also, within Otus, I have seen the way the development team works to solve problems, and I find these methods also work in the classroom. The ability to read, problem solve, and think for yourself was valued at such a high level; these skills have helped me in all ventures in life."
Christopher shares advice with students who may want to follow in his footsteps as a teacher and/or entrepreneur, "I find three key principles help drive success: To be honest, to be respectful, and to strive to be your best while risking failure."
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For photos, news and more, follow The Winnetka Public Schools on social media. Connect with us by clicking on the icons at the bottom
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Please keep these cybersecurity tips in mind...
- Be vigilant against phishing emails
- Be cautious when sharing sensitive information
- Beware of automatically trusting emails sent from people you know, the message may not actually be from that person if hacking occurred
- Keep your software up-to-date
Additionally, here is a short video from Microsoft as another resource on cybersecurity.
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Important Dates
No School
Institute Day
November 10, 2017
November 14, 2017
7:15 p.m.
Carleton Washburne
No School
Thanksgiving Holiday
November 22-24, 2017
Board Meeting
December 19, 2017
7:15 p.m.
Carleton Washburne School
No School
Winter Break
December 23, 2017-January 8, 2018
2017-2018
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Fall in District 36
Greeley students during the annual Kindergarten Butterfly Migration.
 Washburne science students students explore the International Space Station on a Google Expedition during
science class.
Students at The Skokie School exploring archaeology concepts.
District 36 staff and administrators recently convened with the Winnetka Police and Fire Departments to review safety procedures.
 Hubbard Woods students enjoying Halloween festivities...
and a sweet moment between siblings at the Ghost Dance.
Crow Island students participated in the Ghost Walk on Halloween.
Greeley students admired costumes during a school-wide parade and performed their annual Ghost Dance on Halloween.
Students engaged in a robotics activity in the Washburne CoLab.
Crow Island students raised $5,000 to benefit Misericordia's Special Olympics Track and Field Team. Thanks to the PTO for helping coordinate
this opportunity to
make a difference!
Skokie staff dressed as Waldo for Halloween.
Washburne students and Mr. Selgrat recently presented to the
Winnetka Public Schools Foundation (WPSF) Board. Students shared their passion for coding, some of which was inspired by the new NAO robot, a WPSF grant awarded last year.
Thanks to the WPSF for supporting initiatives like this in our schools!
Crow Island students learn together in this vintage image.
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For a glimpse into The Winnetka Experience
and more information on the purpose of the
Future Ready D36
initiative
, please enjoy this video.
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For a list of upcoming FAN speaker
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organizing the TREX Plastic Film Challenge, which runs
Each year all schools participate in this program to collect
plastic bags and wrap, which are recycled
School communities that collect the most plastic will be announced on Earth Day.
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