A Message from the Superintendent (Jan. 15, 2021)

January 15, 2020

Dear Families,

As we near the end of our post-Winter Break remote learning transition, we would like to commend all of our students. While each student responds differently to remote learning, we are very proud of their adaptability, effort, and focus. We can't wait to welcome them back to campus on Tuesday!

Below are a few items to address as we look forward to to the week ahead:

CrisisGO Reporting

Thank you to the families who have been complying with CrisisGO reporting during our two week adaptive pause. Your continuous cooperation is key to supporting a safe return to campus; therefore, we are asking staff and families to resume reporting via CrisisGO again on Monday, January 18 prior to returning on Tuesday, January 19.

Trimester 3 Commitment Form: Remote or In-Person

The District is now planning for Trimester 3 (February 22-June 7, 2021). A critical component in our planning is knowing how many grade-level students to accommodate for in our in-person hybrid or full remote model. The District remains committed to offering families a choice between the two models, but please note that you are committing to this choice for the duration of the Trimester. We are unable to accommodate changes mid-trimester to ensure our educational programming, staffing, and quarantine protocols can be upheld as designed.

In order to afford the District adequate time to staff and plan for Trimester 3, we kindly request that you complete this form for each child in your family.

Responses due Friday, January 22.

December 2020 Survey Results

In order to track progress since the District's October 2020 survey, a survey was conducted from December 9-17, including both quantitative and open-ended comments. With 2,105 combined responses from students, staff, and parents, the District analyzed themes that have emerged and is focused on continuous improvement. To view quantitative themes compiled from October and December, click here. To view themes from the comments in the December 2020 survey click here.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Resources

District SEL coaches have compiled a comprehensive guide with books, activities, discussion questions and adult resources in order to support families honor the legacy of Dr. King. Click here to access this information. We hope these activities provide inspiration for your family.

Also, we appreciate that over 1,000 parents have responded to our Spring Break survey. You have until 9:00 p.m. tonight to submit your family's Spring Break plans via this link. The School Board anticipates making a post-Spring Break decision next week. Finally, enjoy your weekend. We look forward to welcoming our students back to campus next week!

Sincerely,

Dr. Trisha Kocanda

Superintendent

The Winnetka Public Schools community empowers every student to flourish in

an innovative, experiential environment. We support and challenge all learners

to actively engage in continual growth and achievement to make

a meaningful difference in the world.