Hubbard Woods Family Newsletter

Curiosity and creativity filled Ms. Veno’s classroom during a recent STEAM engineering challenge inspired by the students’ ARC literacy study of forest ecosystems.

Presented with a real-world problem, students were challenged to design a tent that could withstand rain and wind in a forest environment. They followed each step of the engineering design process as they asked questions, imagined possibilities, planned, built, tested, and refined their prototypes.

Through playful, hands-on exploration, students practiced perseverance, stretched their creativity, and strengthened their problem-solving skills. They made meaningful connections between classroom learning and real-world applications while discovering the value of collaboration by sharing ideas, offering feedback, and improving their designs together.

February is Black History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history. It is a time to honor leaders, innovators, and everyday heroes whose work has shaped our communities and our nation.

We are excited to welcome award-winning author Sara Pennypacker to our library on Thursday, February 19, as she visits with our fourth grade students! She will be talking with us about her latest book, The Lion's Run. We are so grateful to our friends at the Book Stall for making this - and all of our author visits - possible.

You can learn more about Ms. Pennypacker and The Lion's Run here.

All families are welcome to order signed copies of The Lion's Run, Clementine, Leeva at Last, and/or Pax from the Book Stall through this link. Books will be delivered to students in their classrooms on the day of Ms. Pennypacker's visit. Orders are due by Saturday, February 15.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our librarian, Ms. Liz Delzell - lizdelzell@winnetka36.org

The Winnetka Public Schools intends to renew its e-Learning Plan, which outlines how instruction and student support will be provided on days when in-person learning is not possible (such as during severe weather or other emergencies), in accordance with guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education.

The proposed e-Learning Plan is available for parent and community review here.

Parents and guardians are invited to submit comments or questions regarding the plan by February 9, 2026 to patrickdawson@winnetka36.org.

The Board of Education is scheduled to consider approval of the e-Learning Plan at its meeting on February 24, 2026.

From Washburne to New Trier: (Paul Waechtler, Principal)

February 11, 2026

9:30 A.M.

Washburne RC (in person event)

Carleton Washburne School, 515 Hibbard Rd.

Join Paul Waechtler, Principal at the New Trier High School Freshman

Campus, who will discuss the New Trier freshman placement process and the efforts made to ensure a smooth transition to high school. A Q & A will provide an opportunity for parents to learn more about how to best support their child(ren) as they prepare for their New Trier experience.

Interested:

RSVP here.

Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences are approaching, and we’re looking forward to connecting with families. Based on feedback from parents and staff following fall conferences, a few updates to simplify the process and improve the experience.

Conference Sign-Up

• Sign-up opens: February 6 at noon

• Sign-up closes: February 24 at noon

• Families will sign up online through SchoolCloud using their school’s link below.

After February 24 at noon, any changes to a conference appointment will need to be made by contacting the school office.

Simplified Login

• Parents will no longer need a unique access code.

• Instead, you’ll log in by entering your contact information and your child’s birthdate, which should make signing in, especially for video conferences, much easier.

Helpful Reminders & Resources

• Conference appointments are scheduled for a set length of time. **Please note that video conferences will end automatically at the scheduled time.

• Reminders will be sent to families who have not yet signed up and to those with upcoming conference appointments.

• Review this guide for additional information

School Sign-Up Link

• Hubbard Woods: https://hubbardwoodselementary.schoolcloud.co.uk/

We appreciate your partnership and look forward to meaningful conversations about your child’s learning and growth.

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.

• Tuesday, February 24th Board Meeting 7:15pm at Washburne
• Thursday, February 26th & Friday, February 27th - Parent Teacher Conferences (No Student Attendance)
• Wednesday, March 18th - Math Night at Hubbard Woods 6pm-6:45pm