April 30, 2021

Dear Families and Staff,

We've enjoyed an incredible second week of our Modified Full Day schedule for grades 1-6 and will look forward to having our seventh and eighth grade students on campus for a longer day starting on Monday. Staff is in the midst of helping ensure a strong end to our school year, while simultaneously planning for a successful transition to a more typical day in the fall. Along these lines, please note the following:

Our Social and Emotional Learning Commitment 
As we plan for the 2021-2022 school year, there are many timelines, processes, and data points being considered. At the heart of our work, however, is the human element of healing from the pandemic. It is critical that we make time to reflect on the emotional toll and/or strength that evolved over the past fourteen months.

Below, you can view two short video vignettes highlighting the array of answers we are getting to two questions we have started asking our students, staff, and parents:

 
What is top-of-mind for next year's planning?
 
To assist in the many facets of our planning, our administration is gathering this information formally and informally through surveys, conversations, and focus groups. Our goal is to tie as many common threads and needs together to build a cohesive plan that affords a time and place for healing while addressing the critical academic and social priorities identified within our school community.

Bridge Forward Plan to the 2021-2022 School Year:
Updates from the Departments of Innovation, Teaching and Learning (ITL) and Student Services (SS)
Weekly updates on the Bridge Forward plan to the 2021-2022 school year are now shared by the Departments of Innovation, Teaching and Learning and Student Services.  These updates highlight key areas that matter to our community as we move forward from the past year of the pandemic. This week's update is dedicated to Early Grade Literacy Instruction & Support.  

Winnetka Parents Institute with Dr. Catherine Sanderson
Sponsored by The Winnetka Public Schools Foundation
Thursday, May 13 at 7:00 pm

We invite our school community to a special end-of-the-year session with Dr. Catherine Sanderson (author of The Positive Shift and Why We Act). She will share strategies that will improve our mindset to help us raise well-adjusted children, and live a happier, healthier life. Dr. Sanderson is the Chair of Psychology at Amherst College. She received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Stanford University, and holds both masters and doctoral degrees in psychology from Princeton University.  


Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Passcode: we36
Or Telephone:
312.626.6799 
Webinar ID: 854 3820 1143
Passcode: 260984

Thank you for taking the time to read through this information. I remain grateful for your partnership on behalf of the students in the District. Enjoy the lovely May weather this weekend.


Sincerely,

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.  

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