Monday Memo

Dear Washburne Families,

We enjoyed seeing families for Go to School Night and our hope you enjoyed learning more about Washburne, hearing from teams, and following your child's schedule. We have had a great start to the year and we look forward to your continued partnership. This week, Students will receive communication regarding an 8th-grade leadership opportunity and will learn more about detentions related to student behavior. Both topics are detailed below.

Additionally, we would like to draw your attention to the village update on electric scooters, which is also included below.

Luke Livingston

Principal

Ben Horwitz

Assistant Principal

September:

Monday, September 22 | Institute Day Non-Attendance Day for Students

Tuesday, September 23 | No School Rosh Hashanah

Wednesday, September 24 | Skokie and Washburne Principal Coffee 10am

Friday, September 26 | Washburne Picture Day and Vision/Hearing

Friday, September 26 | Washburne Back to School Bash 3:30pm

Monday, September 29 | MAP Testing Reading

Tuesday, September 30 | MAP Testing Math

October:

Thursday, October 2 | No School Yom Kippur

Friday, October 10 | Autumn Fest

Thursdsay, October 16 | New Trier Band Festival Concernt 6:15pm

Monday, October 27 | Washburne Safety Week

Wednesday, October 29 | Lockdown Safety Drill

Thursday, October 30 | Conferences

Friday, October 31 | Conferences

Vision & Hearing:

You can find the Vision and Hearing Information here. Washburne will have testing on September 26, 2025. You can find more information here: Vision & Hearing

Picture Day

Picture Day will take place this Friday, September 26. Weather permitting, we will take pictures outside. Here is guidance for dress:

8th Grade: This is a formal, graduation picture. Students are recommended to wear a dark sports jacket, a white or pastel shirt, and a tie –or-- a dark top and a simple piece of jewelry.

7th Grade: More casual attire is permitted. In general, darker clothing shows well, and shirts with collars are better than those without.

Picture retakes will be held on Tuesday, November 4th.

Go to School Night:

If you missed GTSN and want to see the principal presentation you can find that here: Administration Presentation GTSN 2025.

Back to School Bash - Register:

Our Back-to-School Bash is FRIDAY, September 26th from 3:30-4:30pm, featuring DJ Selgrat, Churros and Hot Chocolate, Basketball and more!

Parents: We are still looking for more Parent Chaperones for the Bash

Where: Washburne Gym/Cafeteria/Blacktop (weather permitting)
When: Friday, September 26th
Time: 3:30-4:30pm
RSVP: Please register your child ($20 before Thursday 9/25 at 5PM) so that we can plan for food ordering. Want to join us at the last minute? Please bring $30 CASH ONLY at the door.

Questions:

Meghan Miller & Claire Winnard

2025/2026 PTO Co-Chairs

skokiewashburnepto@gmail.com

Student Ambassador Program (8th Gr Only):

As a means to honor the student experience and elevate the critical importance of student voice and civic contribution, The Winnetka Public Schools will be introducing a Student Ambassador Program at the start of the 2025/2026 school year. Participation in the Student Ambassador Program will involve simultaneous membership in a chapter of the National Junior Honor Society.

Program Overview
Applications go live Monday, September 22: Students Apply Here.

8th Grade Students will be receiving this application via schoology and their student email.

Consequences Message to Students:

Today, students received a message from the Principal about detentions and tardies. This will also be reviewed in advisory. You can view the message here and it mirrors what was sent to families the week prior: Student Consequence Message.

Washington DC Trip 8th grade

We are sharing information from World Strides about next year's 8th grade Washington DC Trip (please note, this is not a school-sponsored trip).You can register for the trip here.

Questions? Reach out to DJ Barraca or Teri Knaff.

Raptor

Please remember that all parents entering the school building during school hours will need to present a valid ID for our Raptor monitoring system. This does not apply to parents who are dropping off items in our foyer.

PTO Dues:

You can use the QR code in the picture below to pay for your dues.

Benchmark Assessment Window Opening Soon

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 starting September 25-October 10. On October 20, results will be emailed home, available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal, as well as online via Otus.com.

Learn, Communicate, Partner: Generative AI Literacy for Parents, Caregivers and Community (Amanda Bickerstaff, AI for Education CEO)

September 22, 2025

Time: 5:00 PM

Location: Skokie Auditorium

In this session, parents, caregivers, and community members will explore the transformative world of Generative AI in education and discover how AI is reshaping learning. We'll address common myths, discuss ethical considerations, and provide strategies for supporting your child's AI literacy. Through interactive demonstrations and focused discussion, you'll learn to effectively partner with your children as they navigate AI-enhanced learning environments and leave equipped with the knowledge and confidence to embrace educational technology while fostering responsible AI use at home and in the classroom.

Interested:

RSVP here

Feedback Link

E-Scooter and Other Motor-Driven Vehicle Regulations Effective Immediately

At the September 16 Village Council meeting, an ordinance was passed regulating the use of motor-driven vehicles, including electric scooters (e-scooters) and motor-driven cycles* (commonly known as e-dirt bikes or e-motos). This ordinance is effective immediately and violations can result in a fine: both to the violator and their responsible parent, when applicable.

Operators of e-scooters must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license: this is in alignment with State of Illinois legislation regarding low-speed e-scooters. Operators of motor-driven vehicles must be at least 16 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, and have the vehicle properly titled and registered. In either case, it is a violation to alter the vehicle’s original manufacturer’s design to change its speed, method of propulsion, braking, or other operations.

It is also unlawful for more than one person to ride on an e-scooter or other motor-driven vehicle. Both e-scooters and other motor-driven vehicles cannot be driven on public sidewalks or within Village-owned parks, in Village-owned or Village-maintained parking lots, or on the Green Bay Trail.

Volunteer Center Junior Board:

The Junior Board at the Volunteer Center is a dynamic group of 6th-8th graders in New Trier township passionate about making a difference in their community. Through hands-on service projects, leadership development, and team collaboration, board members gain invaluable experience while giving back. It’s an incredible opportunity for youth to develop skills, connect with peers, and create meaningful change. Whether you're looking to make new friends or build leadership skills, the Junior Board is where tomorrow’s leaders start today!

Optional Fees & Services – Deadline: Monday, September 29, 2025

✅ Visit the Web Store for more information and to register or purchase optional services.

iPad Accidental Damage or Lost/Stolen Coverage

Students in grades K–8 may purchase iPad coverage for $30. This plan covers accidental damage or the loss/theft of a device.

Important: Coverage must be purchased by Monday, September 29, 2025. After this date, it will no longer be available for current students.

Transportation Service

Bus registration reopened September 15, 2025 at a flat fee of $550 for:

· One-way AM service

· One-way PM service

· Two-way service

Please note:

· There is no longer a separate fee for one-way vs. two-way service.