Crow Island Parent Newsletter

Dear Crow Island Community,

I hope everyone enjoyed the excitement of the Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl this weekend. We are looking forward to our Valentine’s Day celebrations on Friday. Please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions.

Last week, our 4th graders showcased their Animal Adaptations Zoo presentations, and they were truly incredible. The students took great pride in their work and loved sharing their learning with their families. Their enthusiasm and confidence were wonderful to see.

Across the building, our students continue to work hard each day to grow as learners and as kind, responsible community members. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting their success.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

Sincerely,
Anna

February

• Friday, February 13th | Valentine's Day Parties by Grade
• 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

Last week the fourth grade hallway was buzzing with excitement as our 4th graders presented their Animal Adaptation Final Project. Students transformed into their chosen subjects for a "live zoo" presentation, showcasing their researched books and soundscapes to their parents.

This project was a true example of cross-disciplinary learning with the related arts teachers to deepen the students’ understandings of their animals. In the RC, with Mrs. Maneck and Ms. Rasmussen, students researched their animals. In the Maker Space with Mrs. Banas, students became engineers. They designed and built cardboard costumes, figuring out how to represent physical traits through structural design. Mrs. Johnston helped students bring those structures to life with color and texture in the art studio. Lastly, in the music room students worked with Mrs. Crows to compose digital soundscapes for their presentations.

It was a proud moment for our 4th-grade team to see such a high level of creativity, technical skill, and scientific curiosity on display!

Reminder: Valentine's Day at Crow Island

We will have our classroom Valentine's Day celebrations on Friday, February 13th. Please see more detailed information here! Reach out to your child's teacher with any questions.

Winnetka Parents Institute

February 2026

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

A D36 Parent's Guide to the New Trier Transition

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 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/

• Greeley: https://greeleyelementary.schoolcloud.co.uk/

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

• Skokie: https://theskokieschool.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.

Cold Weather Gear

As we head into the next few weeks, we appreciate your continued help in sending students to school prepared for outdoor recess with warm coats, hats, gloves, boots, and snow pants so they can stay comfortable and enjoy time outside. Please note that students without appropriate winter attire will need to remain indoors for recess, and students without snow pants will not be able to play in the snow.

From the PTO:

The Crow Island Parent/Staff Party is on March 6th from 6:30-8:30 PM. Please RSVP to the Parent/Staff party by February 7th. You should have received an Evite to your email. Please check Spam if you don’t see it, and reach out to the PTO if you didn’t receive an invite. We are all looking forward to this event!

Traffic Reminders

• When lining up on Willow Road before turning into the circle, please do not get too close to Glendale Ave. Cars that are lining up too close to Glendale are blocking visibility for drivers turning onto Willow Road.
• Please be sure that you are not stopping on Glendale Ave. when turning into the circle.
• Be sure to wait until there is room to enter the circle before turning off of Willow Rd.
• Additionally, when exiting the circle, please do not turn left until there is space to fit your vehicle without blocking Glendale.
• Finally, please pull over as far to the right as possible on Glendale when picking up a student from the back playground.

We want to ensure that we are not blocking Glendale in case there were ever a need of an emergency vehicle that needed to get through to the school or neighbor. Thank you so much for your attention to these matters!

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!

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