Crow Island Parent Newsletter
April 13, 2026
Dear Crow Island Community,
I would like to take a moment to thank our 3rd and 4th grade students, teachers, and support staff for their efforts in completing IAR testing last week. This is a significant undertaking, and it required thoughtful coordination and support from our staff to ensure everything ran smoothly. Our students showed tremendous perseverance and focus throughout the process, and we are incredibly proud of their hard work. It was truly a school-wide effort, with everyone helping to create a quiet and supportive environment- whether by moving carefully through the hallways or adjusting recess locations. Well done, 3rd and 4th graders!
We are also looking forward to our STEAM Expo this Thursday at 6:00 PM in the Crow Island Gym. Our students have put a great deal of effort into their projects, and we are excited to see the results of their investigations. In addition to the evening event, students will have the opportunity to share their work with peers during the school day. Thank you to our staff for guiding these projects and to our families for your continued support at home.
Let’s hope the warm weather is here to stay and that spring has truly arrived!
Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead.
Sincerely,
Anna
April
- Thursday, April 16 | STEAM Expo
May
- Friday, May 1 | 11:20 am Dismissal- Staff Institute Day
- Tuesday, May 12 | MAP Testing Reading (Gr 3 and 4)
- Wednesday, May 13 | MAP Testing Math (Gr 3 and 4)
- Thursday, May 14 | Camp Edwards Trip 4th Grade
- Friday, May 15 | 4th Grade Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra Visit
- Tuesday, May 19| 4th Grade Instrument Recruitment Visit
- Tuesday, May 19| 2nd Grade Bike Rodeo 4-5 PM
- Wednesday, May 20 | Strings Recital 6 PM
- Monday, May 25 | No School- Memorial Day
- Tuesday, May 26| Portfolio Day- Gr. 1 and 2
- Thursday, May 28| Portfolio Day- Gr. 3 and 4
- Thursday, May 28| Spring Sing (3rd- 5:45 PM, 4th- 6:45 PM)
June
- Friday, June 5| 4th Grade Shadow Day at Skokie (AM)
- Friday, June 5 | 11:20 AM Dismissal- Reporting Day Staff
- Wednesday, June 10| Field Day
- Thursday, June 11 | Field Day Rain Date
- Thursday, June 11 | Kindergarten Sing 1:30 PM
- Friday, June 12 | Crows on parade/ 4th Grade Video 9 AM
- Monday, June 15| Anticipated Last Day of school- 11:20 AM Dismissal - Staff Institute Day
- Monday, June 15| Year End Assembly
Lighthouse Moment: Ms. Parks's 2nd Graders: Ready, Set, Jump!
Ms. Parks's 2nd graders jumped head first into their measurement unit with an exciting activity last week!
In this fun, heart-pumping measurement activity, kids put their strength, coordination and data collection abilities to the test as they measured three different jumps using two non-standard units: shoes and Post-it notes. This exercise went beyond just jumping; it challenged students to develop consistent measurement strategies, while discovering the mathematical relationship between unit size of final count.
Crow Island STEAM Expo
This year's STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Expo will take place on Thursday, April 16th. All 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders are welcome to participate. During the school day, students will present to their peers. From 6:00 - 7:00 PM, families are invited to visit and view student projects.
WHAT IT IS: The STEAM Expo is a chance for students to design, conduct, and present a project in one of the STEAM subject areas. Projects should include a question to answer or a problem to solve.
HOW TO SIGN UP: *Sign ups have closed*
Resources: Our RC Director Ms. Manek spoke with 3rd and 4th graders about resources they could use to research their STEAM Expo projects. We have access to several databases at school and home that are a wonderful, student-friendly, ad-free resource.
Here is the link:
https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1Bpr2uIyElYydrUcbJEOYkskSr3l5Rm4PJPJVpRAxpH4/edit?usp=sharing
At home, these resources will need the usernames and passwords that are included in the visual. Reach out with any questions!
Crow Island Parent Input Survey for 2026-2027 Classroom Placements
As we begin planning our class placements for school year 2026-2027, we engage in a thoughtful process to create balanced and supportive learning communities for all students. In doing so, we consider many factors, including students’ academic and social-emotional profiles, as well as input from current teachers and families.
If you would like to share insights about your child’s learning style or any academic or social-emotional considerations that may help inform this process, you are welcome to do so by completing the form below. Family input will be reviewed by Crow Island administrators and teachers as part of the overall placement process.
Please note that while we value your perspective, we are not able to honor specific teacher requests. Thank you for trusting our professional judgment as we work to create thoughtful learning environments and positive experiences for every Crow Island student.
If you would like your input to be considered, please complete the form by Friday, May 1, 2026. A separate survey will be sent out to incoming Kindergarten families in a few weeks. Current 4th graders will complete a Skokie form.
Current Kindergarten-3rd grade families survey
Did you know April is School Library Month?
We're celebrating in the library all month long with ideas for using the library and reading.
- April 15: Everyone wear a shirt you can read!
- April 30: Poem in your pocket day
- May 1 (half day): DEAR day. We will do a school-wide 15 minute Drop Everything And Read!
Superhero Day To Support Lurie Children's
Winnetka Parents Institute:
Stress and the Brain: Helping Kids Handle Big Feelings
SEL Integrations, Inc. presentation
May 13, 2026
9:30 A.M.
Location: Skokie Community Room (in person event)
When kids get overwhelmed, their brains and bodies can react in powerful ways. In this
session, we will learn what is really happening in the brain during stressful moments,
including what it means when a child “flips their lid” and how to respond with calm and compassion. We will share simple strategies and sample scripts to help support kids with managing big emotions while strengthening connection.
Interested:
Monthly Observances: Arab American History Month
Arab American Heritage Month takes place each year in April. It celebrates the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and lasting contributions of Arab Americans. This month also honors the diverse traditions, histories, and achievements that continue to shape and strengthen our communities across the United States.
Online Registration Open for Incoming Kindergarteners & New Students for the 2026/2027
Do you know any incoming kindergartners for next year? If so, please encourage them to register soon!
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.
Note: Many families have started the registration process but still need to submit their forms. Please help spread the word to turn in all required paperwork as soon as possible. Our ability to have four kindergarten classrooms depends on our enrollment numbers!
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