Hubbard Woods Family Newsletter
January 12, 2026
Lighthouse Moment
Dear Hubbard Woods Families,
This week, we are excited to kick off our Month of Service and Learning (MOSAL), a time when we slow down and intentionally focus on caring for others, giving generously, and learning through meaningful experiences.
Our work this year centers on an organization called Radical Generosity and their focus on The Year of Birthdays. This meaningful initiative encourages students to think beyond themselves and consider how they can bring joy and dignity to others. Today, during our schoolwide assembly, our community had the opportunity to hear from Kerry and Mandy (pictured above), who shared the story behind how and why they started their organization. Students were deeply engaged and asked thoughtful, reflective questions at the end of the presentation, showing genuine curiosity and care for the work being done.
Over the next few weeks, students will take part in age appropriate conversations and experiences that help them think about what it means to serve others in thoughtful and respectful ways. They will explore ideas of dignity, reflect on how their choices impact others, and consider how generosity shows up in their everyday lives at school, at home, and in the community.
This work reflects our progressive belief that children learn best when learning is active, meaningful, and connected to the world around them. Rather than just talking about service, students will have opportunities to reflect, collaborate, and take action in ways that feel authentic and purposeful.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We look forward to learning, reflecting, and serving together throughout the Month of Service and Learning (MOSAL).
All the best,
Ivory
Online Registration Open for Incoming Kindergarteners & New Students for the 2026/2027
Registration for incoming kindergarteners and students new to The Winnetka Public Schools in 2026/2027 is now open on the District website and via this link. Children who will be five-years-old on or before September 1, 2026, are eligible to enroll. Children will not be considered enrolled until both the online and paper portion of registration has been completed and residency documentation is verified. If you have any questions, please visit the District website or contact the Registrar at 847-446-9400.
Winnetka Parents Institute (WPI):
Differentiation: What is it and how can I tell if my child is having a differentiated experience?
January 21 at 9:30 AM
Location: Washburne RC
Join this session led by the Dept of Innovation, Teaching and Learning to learn a bit about what differentiated instruction is, the conditions needed in order to implement, and what it looks like in action in District 36 classrooms.
Incoming Kindergarten Family Information Night with Winnetka Administration
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Register for Kindergarten in 26/27 on-site from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Session from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Greeley School
275 Fairview Ave., Winnetka
This informational session is for Winnetka parents whose children will enter Kindergarten in the 2026/2027 school year. Parents will learn the resources and experiences that await students once they begin Kindergarten in The Winnetka Public Schools.
Families will learn about:
The Transition-to-Kindergarten process, presented by the Principals of Crow Island, Greeley, and Hubbard Woods Schools
A glimpse into a typical Kindergarten day in The Winnetka Public Schools
Supports for student needs that are available through the Department of Student Services, Equity and Inclusion
We look forward to welcoming our incoming 2026–2027 Kindergarten families at this event!
RSVP here.
Stay & Play Registration
Kindergarten students who are not currently enrolled in Stay & Play will have the opportunity to register (via revtrak) through January 31, 2026. After purchasing Kindergarten Stay & Play registration, your child will be able to begin their attendance in the program the following Monday so the schools can plan accordingly.
🐾 Therapy Dog Program
As we continue to introduce Winnie into our schools, Ray Finnerty-Director of Safety and Security is going to be speaking at all school assemblies in the coming weeks. (Winnie of course will be with him.)
During the 10-15 minute assembly Ray will be speaking about what the therapy dog program is and is not, facts about Winnie, how to approach Winnie when the students see her in the hallway and how to interact with Winnie in their day to day movement in the buildings.
Once the buildings get to meet Winnie in the assembly she will start making her way through classrooms and spaces as needed by staff or students.
As a reminder if you do not want your student to have interactions with Winnie and have not already filled out an opt out form please do so at your convenience.
Attached here are some Therapy Dog FAQ's for your review, hopefully it answers any questions you may have about this new program. These FAQ’s can also be found in The Winnetka Public Schools website under Safety and Security.
If you missed it, check out the January 2026 edition of THE 36 MIX here!
The Superintendent’s Executive Report, THE BEACON, is available here.
Winter Benchmark Assessments
Benchmark assessments are valuable tools that provide a snapshot of student progress at a point in time. These assessments help teachers to identify areas where students are excelling and where they may need additional support. They can also inform instructional decisions by providing data that can be used to tailor teaching to meet each student's unique needs and strengths. Benchmark assessments are an important component of progressive education, which recognizes that students learn in different ways and at different rates. By using benchmark assessments to inform instruction, teachers can provide a more individualized approach to learning that supports each student's academic growth and personal development.
This year students in Grades K-8 will participate in academic benchmark assessments of literacy, math and social emotional learning January 15-30. On February 16, results will be emailed home, available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal, as well as online via Otus.com.
IT’S TIME FOR MOSAL!
What is MOSAL?
MOSAL, or the Month of Service and Learning, is a program that weaves service learning into the curriculum and includes a number of hands-on projects over the course of a month.
What is the 2026 project?
This year, Hubbard Woods is partnering with Radical Generosity, an organization that works with numerous nonprofits across Chicagoland to help those facing housing and food insecurity.
This year’s project is A YEAR OF BIRTHDAYS during which we hope to make and donate 365 birthday bags! Students will be creating birthday cards and filling birthday bags - canvas bags filled with items for a birthday celebration.
How are families asked to help?
1 – Please click HERE to access the Amazon wishlist and help us collect enough materials to make birthdays feel special for all! Wishlist donations will be accepted until Friday, January 16th.
2 – Over the month, consider having your student bring in a nonperishable food item that could comprise a special birthday meal. Does your family have birthday pancakes? Bring in a box of pancake mix! Does your family always have spaghetti and meatballs for birthday dinner? Bring a box of pasta or a can of tomato sauce! Food donations will be accepted until Friday, January 23rd.
Reminder of Health Guidelines
As we return from break, we want to take a moment to remind everyone of our district health guidelines. Prior to break, we were seeing cases of lice, gastrointestinal symptoms, fevers, and coughs.
Today, during our school wide assembly, we will place a special emphasis on handwashing with students as part of reinforcing healthy habits and preventing the spread of illness.
Please continue to follow our health guidelines to help keep our school community healthy. Thank you for your partnership.
Monthly Observances: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
This month, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who shared an important message of peace, fairness, and unity. Each year, his birthday is honored as a national holiday on the third Monday of January. Families can also explore our library’s special collection of books about Dr. King here: Destiny Collection
Season 4, Episode 2: A Conversation with New Trier High School Superintendent Dr. Peter Tragos
The Winnetka Public Schools Superintendent (and New Trier alum), Dr. Kelly Tess, and New Trier High School Superintendent, Dr. Peter Tragos, reflect upon the joys and complexities of leading for the next generation in public schools. Dr. Tragos reflects, “We are producing and preparing good people for the world.” “We are all temporary stewards of a long rich history and our job is to make it better,” emphasizes Dr. Tess.
Listen here:
📅 Save the Dates
- Thursday, January 15th - January 30th - Middle of Year Benchmark Assessments
- Monday, January 19th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School
- Friday, January 23rd - Parent/ Staff Parent 6pm-10pm
- Week of January 26th - Month of Service Learning Culmination Project (Radical Generosity)
- Tuesday, January 27th at 6:30pm - 4th grade National Anthem at New Trier
- Tuesday, January 27th - School Board Meeting at Washburne at 7:15pm
- Thursday, February 26th & Friday, February 27th - Parent Teacher Conferences (No Student Attendance)