Crow Island Parent Newsletter
February 16, 2026
Dear Crow Island Community,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend and were able to enjoy the beautiful weather. With spring in the air, our students are bringing great energy to school and making the most of their time outdoors.
We look forward to welcoming families next week for Parent-Teacher Conferences. If you have not yet signed up, please be sure to reserve a time slot. More information can be found below.
Be sure to check out the feature from Ms. Anderson’s 1st grade class below, which highlights one of the many ways Progressive Education comes to life at Crow Island. We are grateful for the meaningful learning experiences happening in classrooms each day.
Here’s hoping the warmer temperatures are here to stay!
Sincerely,
Anna
February
- Thursday, February 26th | No Student Attendance- Parent Conference Day
- Friday, February 27th | No Student Attendance- Parent Conference Day
March
- Monday, March 16th | Immigration Week
- Friday, March 20th | Citizenship Ceremony and Immigration feast
- Wednesday, March 25th | 1st and 2nd Grade Spring Sing: 1st Grade @ 5:45 PM, 2nd Grade @ 6:45 PM
- Friday, March 27th | Half Day for Students (Staff Institute Day)
- Monday, March 30th- Friday, April 3rd | Spring Break
April
- Monday, April 6 | School Resumes
- Tuesday, April 7-Thursday, April 9 | Illinois Assessment of Readiness (Grades 3 and 4)
- Thursday, April 16 | STEAM Expo
Global Wildlife Sanctuary Project – Ms. Anderson’s 1st Grade Class
Students in Ms. Anderson’s 1st grade class recently wrapped up an exciting ARC Unit 2 study of wild and endangered animals. After researching animals and building background knowledge, students stepped into the role of wildlife conservationists using the “Mantle of the Expert” framework. They formed the Global Wildlife Sanctuary, created an oath to care for animals and the world around them, and designed official team badges.
Working collaboratively, students built different areas of their sanctuary headquarters, including research stations, observation areas, and mapping zones. Their work took on new urgency when they received a “letter” from a zoo director in Florida requesting help after a hurricane displaced several animals. Students analyzed animal files, identified which animals needed support, and designed detailed sanctuary habitats that included food, water, shelter, space, and creative enrichment features.
Math was integrated as students measured and created life-size animal models before reenacting the relocation process. They also explored real-world issues affecting endangered animals and engineered thoughtful solutions to protect them.
The project culminated with a visit to their 4th grade buddies’ “zoos,” where students proudly shared their sanctuary designs. This immersive experience beautifully blended literacy, science, math, and collaboration while fostering empathy and environmental stewardship.
New Traffic Sign on Willow Road
I wanted to share an update about a few changes to our drop-off and pick-up procedures that are intended to increase safety and help improve traffic flow.
Beginning this week, a sign (shown below) will be placed on the sidewalk near Willow Road and Glendale Avenue, next to the drop-off/pick-up queue area. When waiting to turn onto Glendale, please stop at or before this sign and wait to be waved forward by our crossing guard(s). This will help improve visibility for drivers turning right onto Willow Road after dropping off their children.
As a reminder, when dropping off your children on Glendale near the back of the school, please turn left only onto Mount Pleasant Road. Please do not make a U-turn to travel north on Glendale, as northbound traffic is prohibited in this area and signage is posted.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep our arrival and dismissal procedures safe and efficient for everyone.
-Ray Finnerty (director of Safety and Security) and Anna Trilla
Spring Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-up
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 Links
Crow Island: https://crowislandelementary.schoolcloud.co.uk/
Hubbard Woods: https://hubbardwoodselementary.schoolcloud.co.uk/
Washburne: https://carletonwashburne.schoolcloud.co.uk/
Additional building- or grade-level details will be shared by principals in upcoming newsletters. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to meaningful conversations about your child’s learning and growth.
Monthly Observances: Black History Month
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.
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.
Spirit Day:
Crow Island Spirit Day will be on FRIDAYS this year! Get your Crow Island Spirit wear from our PTO Store here!
Contact Us
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