 The Winnetka Wire Monthly News from The Winnetka Public Schools |
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Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members,
This week was amazing. With students in grades 1-6 on campus for  lunch, in-person related arts, Spanish, strings, and Kinetic Wellness - it felt far more like pre-pandemic school again. We also hosted our first track meet this week. While it is still not the "same" - the synergy is present, along with a great sense of community and accomplishment among our students and staff. Thank you, parents, for all your support to help us arrive at this point. Imagine what four months from now will feel like in August - we are getting closer!
At the April 27 Board meeting, we look forward to welcoming newly elected Board Members, Alyssa Rapp and Dan Waters. Outgoing Board Members, Nat Roberts and Scott Conine, will conclude their four-year terms serving our District and community. On behalf of the District, I would like to recognize Mr. Roberts and Mr. Conine for the time they have dedicated in this volunteer role. Over the past several years, they have helped navigate the District through major initiatives such as the development of an Educational Master Facility Plan, Redistricting, and the unforeseen challenges of a global pandemic. We are fortunate to have benefitted from their service, perspective, and commitment to excellence. Thank you.
Finally, enjoy this final April weekend and gear up for some beautiful weather next week.
Dr. Trisha Kocanda
Superintendent
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Board Meeting Announcement
The Regular School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 27 at 7:15 p.m., limited in person and via Zoom. The Regular Meeting includes the following presentations on the agenda:
Spring - Summer - Fall 2021 Roadmap presentation
Agenda highlights include recognition of retiring Board members, Scott Conine and Nat Roberts. Our two new Board members, Alyssa Rapp and Dan Waters, will also take the Oath and be formally seated.
Public comment for the meeting will occur by email and in person. Those joining in person should go to the Carleton Washburne School Resource Center. Please note: space is limited to 8 attendees, masks and social distancing requirements will be required. Those joining remotely should email board@winnetka36.org prior to 7:00 p.m. on April 27 and note if they want the email message read at the meeting. Please note, the Board will be following policy and limit public comment to three minutes.
To participate via Zoom:
Please use the link below to join the open portion of the meetings:
https://winnetka36.zoom.us/j/88090707037?pwd=NG5odzg5ejhac3Frb05HK0lYQmZTUT09Passcode: 353337
Or Telephone:
1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 880 9070 7037
Passcode: 353337
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With the warmer weather, many families are walking and biking to school. Please take a moment to review the following safety information with your family:
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The speed limit in our school zones is 20 miles per hour during school days. For the safety of all, please follow the posted speed limit.
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Illinois law prohibits the use of cell phones or other electronic devices while in a school zone, even if its hands free. It is dangerous and is enforced as a moving violation by the police. Please do not use pick up and drop off time to check texts, etc. This potentially endangers others.
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Crossing guards are present at busier intersections near our  schools to assist with safety. Please respect the authority of the crossing guards and follow their directions.
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Please talk to children to ensure that they understand the importance of using caution and following all traffic signals. Note that there are not stop signs at every intersection, especially on Oak and Elm Streets, which are heavily used thoroughfares to Crow Island, Skokie and Washburne.
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We STRONGLY recommend that all students who bike, skateboard, or scooter to school wear a helmet regardless of age. Students should bike on the sidewalk wherever possible, and be respectful to pedestrians. Also, children are expected to walk their bikes through crosswalks.
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Each elementary school also has specific traffic procedures and parking restrictions that are enforced by police. We encourage you to review these procedures and contact your building administrator if you are unclear.
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Please ensure your child locks their bike or scooter upon arriving at school.
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Bridge Forward Plan to the
2021-2022 School Year:
Updates from the Departments of Innovation, Teaching and Learning and Student Services
Beginning April 27, the Departments of Innovation, Teaching & Learning and Student Services will be sharing updates on our Bridge Forward plan to the 2021-2022 school year. These updates highlight key areas that matter to our community as we move forward from the past year of the pandemic. Topics for the upcoming updates are as follows:
4/23 Summer Support 4/30 Early Literacy 5/7 SEL 5/14 Professional Development Planning 5/21 Curriculum Pacing and Priorities 5/28 Board Meeting Recap: Roadmap Progress and Next Steps
Please click here for the Summer Support update.
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Winnetka Public Schools Foundation
Grant Highlight: Artist-in-Residence
Matthew Cordell Day
Live from his art studio, Crow Island 2nd graders visited virtually with author and illustrator Matthew Cordell, winner of the Caldecott  Medal for his book "Wolf in the Snow." He spent an hour with each AM and PM pod, inspiring them with his life story, reading his new book "Hello, Neighbor!" and even showing them how to draw two of his characters... X the Owl and his own Daniel Tiger. Matthew's visit was funded as part of WPSF's Artist in Residence grant to promote a greater understanding of the arts at all five D36 schools.
 Crow Island Art teacher, Lillian Johnston, observed "Matthew Cordell has been a longtime friend to Crow Island, visiting our Second Graders each year and guiding them through the process of bringing a story from a thought to a fully published book. His eloquence and charm captivate the children as they hear about his career, hear a reading of one of his books, and then learn how to draw his characters."
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Adventures in Learning Registration
Open Through May 1
Program Dates: June 14, 2021 - July 16, 2021
The Winnetka Public Schools Adventures in Learning Program will welcome students back to in-person summer classes. This year's general program has been structured to prioritize the health and safety of our campers and staff and offer the variety of fun, rich and creative class experiences that Adventure campers look forward to! Click here to learn more and to view the course catalog for the general program. Click here to register.
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Join the Earth Day Challenge Through April 30!
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Click here to access recent Parent Education sessions:
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In the District...
Kindergarten students
at play at Greeley (above) and Crow Island (below).
Washburne students engaged in a language arts activity (top) and a math activity (below).
A Hubbard Woods student reading.
Skokie students working on a social studies activity.
Mr. Mina Zikri, Music Director of the Northbrook Symphony, recently led the symphony and the concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony, in a performance of the Mozart Violin Concerto over Zoom for D36 students across all 5 buildings. A fifth grade student created this artwork during the performance.
This week, students were able to participate in KW in person again!
Crow Island students enjoyed a virtual field trip related to Pioneer life.
From the Archives:
A vintage photo of Crow Island students engaged in their learning.
We would like to share photos of our remote learners' experiences, too! Please submit photos with
a short caption to katehughes@winnetka36.org.
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 Family Action Network features an annual series of free events with renowned speakers, authors, and leaders.
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 Connect with The Winnetka Public Schools on social media by clicking on the icons at the bottom of this message.
We use the hashtag #WE36, which stands for "Winnetka Experience."
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our efforts, we plan to bring together various perspectives of parents, staff, and students to ensure a cohesive approach for our August plans. 
