February 19, 2021 

Dear Families,

We would like to thank all of our families and educators for the time you spent meeting during conferences this week. We appreciate your efforts collaborating on how to best foster our students' social, emotional, and academic growth. We look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that our students remain supported and engaged.

It has been a chilly week that likely has us looking forward to spring. I am sharing a few important updates with you today. Thank you for taking the time to read this information. 

Updated Travel Guidance 
Earlier in the week, a message was shared noting that Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has issued updated travel guidance  for anyone traveling to and from suburban Cook County from designated states with a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19. The District's original message has been updated with further information regarding International Travel. Please keep in mind that this guidance from CCDPH may change at any time. 

Special Board Meeting on Monday, February 15 
The School Board will hold a special board meeting on Monday, February 15 at 6:00 p.m. in the Resource Center at Carleton Washburne School, 515 Hibbard, and via Zoom. Items on the agenda include: 

  • Status of vaccine rollout - is availability and timing on track? 
  • Status for Carleton Washburne's extended day schedule 
  • Status on Extended Day planning for Kindergarten-Grade 6 

Members of the public can join the meeting remotely or attend in person with limited seating. Public seating is limited to 10 seats to adhere to social distancing requirements. 

To participate via Zoom or by phone, please use the information below:

Passcode: 353337

Public comment for the meeting will occur both in person and also by email. Those joining remotely and wishing to make public comments should email [email protected] prior to 5:55 p.m. on February 15, 2021, and note if they want the email message read at the meeting.

Staff Vaccination Update 
We are pleased to share that approximately 50% of our staff have reported that they have received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. We continue to notify our staff of opportunities to register for the vaccine as part of their 1B designation. District leadership continues to work with our Township school districts and village officials toward securing access to the vaccine for all of our staff. 

School in Session on Monday, February 15
Some parents have asked if there is school on the Presidents' Day holiday. Please note that school is in session on Monday.
 
Valentine's Week Festivities
Thank you to all of our teachers, PTOs, and students for making Valentine's festivities special in light of the pandemic. While the holiday will be celebrated differently this year, creative new ideas have emerged to spread the love in our schools and community! Washburne advisories made 1,500 Valentines for a variety of recipients, including first responders, hospital patients and staff, residents at Misericordia, retired District teachers and our school custodians. Hubbard Woods and Crow Island third graders made Valentines for residents in local retirement communities. The Greeley PTO treated staff and students to festive heart-shaped doughnuts. At The Skokie School, The Lions of Leadership created Staff Appreciation Boxes as an opportunity for students and staff to write kind letters to one another...resulting in hundreds of letters delivered!

Enjoy a heart-warming 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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