Hubbard Woods Family Newsletter
September 29, 2025
Dear Hubbard Woods Families,
What a special night we had together at Go To School Night! It was such a joy to see so many families in the building, connecting with one another and learning more about the work we’re doing as a school community.
Here is a quick recap for those who were not able to make the principal message.
A message from Dr. Tess, our superintendent, who shared how we are continuing in year 2 of our literacy initiative with the implementation of ARC (K-6th) and IMSE. Here are some other highlights from her message:
- Piloting new math materials over the next few weeks/ months
- October is Safety month
- Continuing our work around monthly observances and belonging
Meet the Staff of Hubbard Woods: Families had the chance to meet the many people who make Hubbard Woods such a wonderful place - our teacher teams, associates, office staff, specialists (interventionists), the Department of Student Services, coaches, building care team, and our related arts team (Spanish, Music, Kinetic Wellness, Library, and Art). It was a great reminder that it truly takes all of us working together to create a strong school community.
About Me: This year marks my 17th year in education, and it remains a true joy and honor to serve children and families. Over the years, I’ve earned master’s degrees from Georgia State University in Early Childhood Education with a focus on K–5 mathematics, and from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in School Leadership. Most recently, I’ve begun my doctoral studies at National Louis University, driven by my belief that being a lifelong learner—both inside and outside the classroom—is essential. (The photo above is of me at my kindergarten promotion with my very first principal.)
Our School wide Expectations: At Hubbard Woods, we want our students to thrive not only in academics but also in the way they treat themselves and others. As a staff, we are focusing on teaching and reinforcing three core expectations. These are simple, memorable, and guide us in building a positive and inclusive community.
1. We Stand With Pride: This means students take pride in who they are as individuals - their unique strengths, stories, and backgrounds. It also means taking pride in our shared spaces, like cubbies, desks, the lunchroom, and hallways, by keeping them clean and cared for. It’s about celebrating growth and representing themselves and our school with confidence.
2. We Give All We Got -This is about effort, perseverance, and showing determination, even when something feels challenging. It’s about trying your best, not giving up, and learning from mistakes.
3. We Respect and Include - This expectation is the foundation of our community. It means treating others with kindness, listening to different perspectives, and making sure everyone feels welcomed, valued, and feels a sense of belonging.
Together, these expectations help create a safe, caring, and engaging school where all students can succeed.
School Improvement Plan for Hubbard Woods: We have two key priorities/ aims that are guiding our work at Hubbard Woods this year:
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Challenging and Supporting All Students
We want every child to feel both stretched in their learning and supported along the way. A big part of this comes through our professional learning communities, where teachers come together to share ideas, reflect on instructional practices, and plan how we can best support every student. Valuing and Supporting Staff
Just as we want our students to feel a strong sense of belonging, we also want our staff to feel heard, valued, and appreciated. This means listening to their voices, responding to their needs, and creating opportunities for them to lead and share their expertise while we move the work of our district and school community forward.
Progressive Education: The Winnetka Public Schools has a proud tradition of more than 100 years of progressive education, a legacy that is central to who we are. This year, we are dedicating time as a staff to deepen our work around the district’s three tenets: Whole Child Approach, Experiential and Meaningful Learning, and Collaborative Community. These learning sessions will strengthen our shared practices and ensure we remain focused on what matters most, our students and their learning.
It was a night that reminded me just how thankful I am to be part of this school community. Thank you for showing up, for supporting our staff, and for being such an important part of what makes Hubbard Woods thrive.
Sincerely,
Ivory Ajavon
Principal
Vision and Hearing Screening
Vision and hearing screenings will be conducted at Hubbard Woods starting on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The following students will be screened as mandated by the State of Illinois. “Vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor. Your child is not required to undergo this vision screening if an optometrist or ophthalmologist has completed and signed a report form indicating that an examination has been administered within the previous 12 months”(Section 27-8.1 of the School Code).
Please see the schedule in the picture above.
Additional Information:
Parents/caregivers will be notified if your child did not pass a screening test.
If your child wears glasses, please make sure that they have the glasses with them on the day of the screening test.
If you need further information, please contact the school health office. Thank you for your cooperation in support of our commitment to excellence in education.
Lost & Found
Our Lost & Found is beginning to fill up! To help us quickly return items to students, please label your child’s belongings—especially jackets, sweaters, hats, water bottles, and lunchboxes. A simple name written on the tag or container makes a big difference.
Unlabeled items are much harder to return and often remain in the Lost & Found. During Go To School Night, please stop by to check for any missing items. At the end of each month, unclaimed items will be donated.
Thank you for helping us ensure that belongings make their way home each day!
