 The Winnetka Wire Monthly News from The Winnetka Public Schools |
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Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members,
As we head into our final two weeks of school, we are in the midst of  enjoying many year-end traditions, such as Field Days, Pioneer Day studies, and graduation activities. While we are savoring these last days with our students, we are unequivocally planning for a more typical school year. This summer, our administrators will be devoting significant time to planning for a school year that feels much more similar to our pre-pandemic experience. We have heard from many families who have expressed this desire, most recently regarding health mitigations (please see Health Mitigation update beneath this letter). This week, we conducted focus groups with parents and educators providing valuable insight to support our planning.
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School hours are as follows:
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Extended Day Kindergarten: 8:37 a.m. - 2:10 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
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Grades 1 - 4: 8:37 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. (Mon.); 8:37 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. (Tues. - Fri.)
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Grades 5 - 6: 8:25 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Mon.); 8:25 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Tues. - Fri.)
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Grades 7 - 8: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Mon.); 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Tue. - Fri.)
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Transportation service, resuming our typical AM and PM bus routes
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Before and After School Care for families
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Lunch (and lunch service) will take place on campus for all students in grades K-8
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Electives and Related Arts delivered in-person (back in their designated spaces in each school)
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After school activities and sports to resume offerings
Additionally, we expect the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education to further evolve health mitigation measures for the fall as August nears. We will keep you apprised of changes in our summer communication.
This summer, you can anticipate the following communications:
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The week of July 19, I will share a communication with more detailed information regarding the start of the school year.
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On August 19, you will receive class placement letters from your building principals.
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Prior to the start of school in August, principals will share school-specific information and a schedule for tours to help introduce new students and re-acclimate current students and families to our schools (note that due to summer construction at Greeley and Hubbard Woods, these tours may occur in the evenings once school starts).
Thank you for your continued partnership as we celebrate the end-of-  the-year and look ahead to 2021-2022. We congratulate our 8th graders and look forward to celebrating them at our in-person graduation ceremony outdoors on New Trier's campus on June 3. In a year unlike any other, our eighth grade students have modeled grace, positivity and resilience. We are confident that these students will continue to make a difference in the world and wish them well as they begin their high school experience.
Dr. Trisha Kocanda
Superintendent
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Although the May 17 Executive Order from Governor Pritzker rescinded the mask mandate in Illinois for certain environments and organizations, school districts must continue to follow Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois State Board of Education school guidance, including masking and social distancing, for at least the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic year.
Per IDPH and ISBE, school guidance is not changing, and both unvaccinated and fully vaccinated individuals will still need to wear masks at school.
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Board Meeting Announcement
The Regular School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 25 at 7:15 p.m., limited in person and via Zoom. The Regular Meeting includes the following presentations on the agenda:
- 2021 Strategic Plan
- Bridge Forward Plan to the 2021-2022 School Year
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 15 attendees, masks and social distancing requirements will be required. Those joining remotely should email board@winnetka36.org prior to 7:00 p.m. on May 25 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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Bridge Forward Plan to the
2021-2022 School Year:
Updates from the Departments of Innovation, Teaching and Learning and Student Services
The Departments of Innovation, Teaching & Learning and Student Services is 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 updates are as follows:
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Click here to access recent Parent Education sessions:
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In the District...
Crow Island students engaged in choice time.
Hubbard Woods students on Pioneer Day.
Greeley students practicing their new original
school song.
Washurne KW students enjoying a competitive game of volleyball.
A Skokie student paints during art class.
Dipping candles as part of Pioneer studies at Greeley.
Skokie students in the midst of a
classroom activity.
A Washburne student works on an a
group project.
A Hubbard Woods student serves as "Principal for the Day" with Ms. Carmody.
Crow Island Elementary Strings students pause during a rehearsal.
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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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