Crow Island Parent Newsletter

Dear Crow Island Community,

I hope everyone stayed warm during the chilly weekend and the snowy morning! We were so fortunate to have perfect weather at our Monarch Butterfly Migration celebration on Friday. Thank you to all of the kindergarten parents and families who were able to attend. Check out some photos below!

With Thanksgiving break just around the corner, our school will be filled with conversations about gratitude! Students will explore what it means to be thankful and share appreciation for the people and moments that make our days at Crow Island so special. As we look ahead to Veterans Day tomorrow, we also take time to thank all Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.

Sincerely,
Anna

November

• Monday, November 24th- Friday, November 28th | Thanksgiving Break- No School

December

• Wednesday, December 3rd | PTO Book Fair (3:30-8:00 PM)
• Thursday, December 4th | PTO Book Fair (8:00-10:00 AM)
• Thursday, December 18th | Winter Sing
• Friday, December 19th | Sack Supper
• Saturday, December 20th | Winter Break Begins

January

• Monday, January 5th | School Resumes
• Monday, January 19th | MLK Day- No School
• Wednesday, January 21st | Winter MAP Reading Test- 3rd and 4th grade
• Thursday, January 22nd | Winter MAP Math Test- 3rd and 4th grade
• Thursday, January 29th | Pioneer Room Open House (9:30 AM)
• Thursday, January 29th | Math Night (5:30-6:15 PM: 1st and 2nd Grade, 6:30-7:15 PM: 3rd and 4th Grade)

Winter Sing- Cereal/Cracker Boxes Needed!

Calling all cereal/cracker boxes! Our art teacher, Mrs. Johnston, is collecting clean and empty cereal boxes and/or cracker boxes in order to make a little village for our winter sing auditorium decorations.

Our theme this year is Belonging and our vision for the auditorium is to create a little wintery village for the auditorium.

She is in need of a box for each student (roughly 335 total).

A collection box will be in the foyer.

Many thanks!

-Mrs. Johnston

Cold Weather/Snow Gear

This early snow is a great reminder about the cold weather and helping support your child at school. Below are a few friendly reminders as we will work hard to go outside as much as possible (unless it is extreme cold):

• Students need snow gear to play in the snow: boots, hats, gloves, jacket, and snow pants.
• During arrival, it is helpful if your child has their winter gear on so they are ready to get out of the car and go right outside.

Brief on Inclement Weather Policy

• In the event of school closures, communication will be made through Blackboard (phone, email, text), our website, and the Emergency Closing Center.
• The first inclement weather closure will be a traditional snow day, with subsequent closures moving to remote learning.

For more information on our full inclement weather policy, please refer to our previous communication. We appreciate your support in these preparations.

Related Arts Spotlight: Music

This week in music, Mrs. Crows led the third graders in playing the dulcimer (an appalachian string instrument) for the first time! These instruments were provided to all three elementary schools courtesy of D36's curriculum department, to be used in conjunction with the third grade pioneering unit. Students were thrilled to begin learning how to play their new instruments, and learned their first song ("Hop Old Squirrel") this week. Mrs. Crows hopes that they will showcase their skills throughout the year at our various sings and assemblies- stay tuned for more!

Our Kindergartners did such an amazing job at their Migration Celebration! The whole school gathered in the hallways to see the beginning of the migration. After a long journey through the Crow Island Woods, they ended with an incredible performance at the ampitheater surrounded by their families. A big thank you to the Kindergarten team, Mrs. Crows, and all of the other staff members that helped this beautiful celebration go off without a hitch! Please enjoy a few photos and a video of their performance below.

Crow Island 101 Document:

Our Crow Island 101 Guide is a helpful, at-a-glance resource for families. Many parents like to keep a copy in their kitchen for quick reference. You can view it here: Crow 101 Document.

Arrival & Dismissal:

Please take a few minutes to review our Arrival & Dismissal procedures. These routines help ensure a safe and smooth start and end to each school day for all students.

Hot Lunch Program:

Crow Island has a hot lunch program run through a third party collaboration with our PTO called Marla's Lunch. You can register and sign-up here: Marla's Hot Lunch.

Health Forms:

Kindergarten Parents- Please upload your child’s health documents HERE. As a reminder, these forms were due by the first day of school (September 2nd).

2nd Grade Parents- As a reminder, all second grade students are required to provide a copy of their most recent dental exam. Please see the attached link for form and additional information. Please use the following link to upload your child's dental form.

You can find more information about district health policies here.

Spirit Day:

Crow Island Spirit Day will be on FRIDAYS this year! Our first Crow Island Spirit Day will be on Friday, September 5th. Get your Crow Island Spirit wear from our PTO Store here!

After-School Programs:

Right At School

The District has partnered with Right At School, headquartered in Evanston, to provide after-school care for students. The Right At School Program will be offered all days school is in session. After School programming is available until 6:00 P.M. Registration is now open.

Discovery Clubs by Right at School

Crow Island's PTO, in partnership with the District, offers extracurricular activities called Discovery Clubs, specialty programming for Crow Island students after the school day ends. These seasonal Clubs are offered in three sessions - fall, winter and spring. Crow Island PTO works with the Discovery Club provider, Right at School, to offer an array of programming focused on STEM, arts and movement with offerings across age groups. The fall session begins on September 22 and runs through December 5, and registration opens Monday, September 8. Preview the activity offerings here on the PTO website.

After School Sports

Crow Island After School Sports is live on the District Web Store. Registration opened at 9am on Tuesday, September 2nd. This is open for 3rd and 4th grade students.

Progressive Tenets in Action: Experiential and Meaningful Learning

November 12, 2025

9:30 A.M.

Washburne Cafeteria

Join the second in a three-part series that will explore the District’s Progressive Education Tenets. Learn about what Experiential and Meaningful Learning means and how it comes alive in our classrooms.

Interested:

RSVP here

Following the event a link will be provided to the taped presentation on the website.

Feedback Link

Morning Drop-off Reminders

As a reminder, please note the following regarding morning drop-off:

• Supervision begins at 8:20 AM. Students should not arrive at school unsupervised until 8:20 AM.
• Due to the number of students and the varying age levels, students should not bring balls to use in the morning on the playground.

The Winnetka Public Schools Therapy Dog Program – Family Opt-Out Form

Dear Families,

We are excited to share that a District Therapy Dog initiative will launch later this fall. The introduction of a Therapy Dog supports our commitment to the whole-child approach to education—nurturing the social and emotional well-being of every student and staff member. We are excited about the potential of this initiative to bring comfort, joy, and connection to our schools—and we are committed to ensuring that the Therapy Dog is introduced to our schools with care and student safety at the forefront. Look for an official introduction to this new member of our community later this fall. The program will feature Winnie, a certified therapy dog owned and handled by Mr. Ray Finnerty, Director of Safety and Security.

Starting in December, Winnie will accompany Mr. Finnerty throughout his day as he visits our schools. Her presence is intended to enhance the supportive, safe, and welcoming environment we strive to provide for all students. Winnie will always remain under Mr. Finnerty’ supervision and will not be left alone with students at any time.

We recognize, however, that some students or families may prefer that their child not interact with Winnie. To accommodate all preference, we are offering the opportunity to opt out of any direct contact or interaction with Winnie. Students who opt out will continue to have a full and positive school experience; no explanation or reason is required.

If you do not wish for your child to have contact or interaction with Winnie, please complete the attached form by November 14th 2025.

Sincerely,
Ray Finnerty, Director of Safety and Security, The Winnetka Public Schools

Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences Platform Feedback

Thank you to all families for your partnership and engagement during fall conferences—and for your patience as we introduced our new Parents’ Meeting (SchoolCloud) scheduling platform. Your feedback helps us continue improving the experience for future conferences.

Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts using the brief survey below: Parent Feedback Survey

We appreciate your continued collaboration in strengthening the partnership between home and school.

The 36 Mix: November 2025

New issue of the District’s monthly newsletter, The 36 Mix, out now!

Monthly Observances: National American Indian Heritage Month

Each November, we celebrate Native American Indian Heritage Month by honoring the rich cultures, traditions, and histories of Native Americans. It is a time to recognize their many contributions and to learn more about the diverse heritage that continues to shape our nation.

Email:

annatrilla@winnetka36.org (Principal)

christinedemas-hall@winnetka36.org (Administrative Assistant)
Website: https://crowisland.winnetka36.org/
Location: 1112 Willow Road Winnetka, IL 60093
Phone: (847)-446-0353
Instagram: Winnetka Public Schools