Hubbard Woods Family Newsletter
February 24, 2025
Dear Hubbard Woods Families,
This morning, our school experienced an unexpected false lockdown alert due to a technical issue. We want to reassure you that there was no emergency, and at no time were students or staff in danger. Our team immediately canceled the lockdown alert, teachers managed the situation appropriately in classrooms, and the District is addressing the technical issue that occurred within the system.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. As always, the safety and well-being of our school community remain our top priority.
Thank you for your partnership and support.
Ivory Ajavon
Principal
Season 3, Episode #7: “Be Where Your Feet Are”: Benefits of Cell Phone-Free Schools
A bold decision was made in The Winnetka Public Schools to counter the growing disruption of personal technology in our learning environments. Yondr, a secure storage system for personal technology was implemented in grades 5-8 in September 2024. Dr. Kelly Tess is joined by Flossmoor School District 161 Superintendent, Dr. Dana Smith, who spearheaded the adoption of this program in Illinois. The conversation touches on research highlighted in the recent bestseller The Anxious Generation, including the impact of cell phone use on adolescents’ neurological development and mental health. Special guests, Carleton Washburne School students Ellie and Lulu, share their candid thoughts on the “new normal” in middle school in Winnetka. The upshot: “I feel like its not that big of a deal…you get used to it.”
Listen here:
Single-Subject and Grade Level Acceleration
The Accelerated Placement Act requires Illinois public school districts to adopt and implement policies on acceleration that provide opportunities for single subject and grade level acceleration. To learn more about District 36’s acceleration policy implementation view this infographic or visit our updated webpage. The request form for accelerated programming in the 2025/26 school year is now open; the request form window is February 24-March 21. If you have questions about the policy, please contact the Asst Supt of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, Dr. Becky Mathison, at beckymathison@winnetka36.org.
Adventures In Learning 2025
Get ready for an exciting Summer 2025 filled with opportunities for growth and learning! We are thrilled to offer a dynamic range of Adventures in Learning (AIL) programs, including Discover, Extended School Year, and Academic Intervention Classes. These programs are designed to provide enriching educational experiences and support for students throughout the summer months.
The Winnetka Public Schools will host summer programs at Greeley and Hubbard Woods Elementary schools from June 23 to July 24, 2025. There will be no class on Friday, July 4. The hours are 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Registration opens March 3, 2025. Details are here.
Monthly Observances/Dimensions of Belonging
The Dimension of Belonging featured in February is “Involved” and monthly observances include Black History Month, President’s Day and Ramadan. Learn more by reading the Belonging Means… Newsletter which features contributions from The Skokie School and the Business Department.
Winnetka Parents Institute Sessions
The District offers regular sessions for families to learn more about a variety of topics. View the entire 2024/2025 schedule here.
Up Next:
Not Quite Little Kid, Not Quite Teenager: The Developmental Progression of the Middle School Child
March 12, 2025
9:30 AM
The Skokie School Community Room
Join Principal Cooney and Assistant Principal Joynt (The Skokie School) and Principal Fenton and Assistant Principal Horwitz (Carleton Washburne School) for an informational session focusing on the ins and outs of the growing middle school child. We will spend time exploring both the academic and social-emotional needs appropriate to 5th-8th grade children, how they change over that four year span, as well as the neurological changes that contribute to these needs. Parents with current middle schoolers, or soon-to-be middle schoolers, are encouraged to join us for an engaging, encouraging and educational hour together.
Interested:
If you missed it, view videos from past sessions:
WPSF Phone-A-Thon Fundraiser Is Here!
On March 2, Winnetka Public Schools Foundation board members will reach out to District 36 parents and community members by phone, text, and email to raise $85,000 for next year's grants. These grants fuel teaching innovation, enhance student learning, and provide professional training to all D36 staff. Donate online by March 1, to “Beat the Call" and make a difference in your community. Every gift counts!
Safety Protocol: Before and After School Activities
We are grateful for your cooperation as we’ve worked to improve safety and security practices at our schools. That said, I would like to give some reminders when dropping off or picking up your children from before and school after school programs.
For before and after school care/activities:
When parking your car or waiting in your car for your child(ren) please remember to not block any driveways in and around the school if you park on the street.
Please follow their instructions involving pickup. i.e., sign in and out protocols.
Do not leave your vehicle running when you come inside, even leaving your vehicle momentarily is a safety hazard and provides opportunities to thieves.
Please use the designated parking spots to avoid blocking the lane of traffic when parking in the school lot.
If you need to walk your chil(dren) to the building please use the designated door that after school staff have identified as the pickup dropoff location.
It is strictly prohibited to enter school buildings outside of regular school hours without a staff member escort. This includes going to the RC or the child's classroom to pick up something they may have forgotten.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school as safe as possible.
Save the Dates
Tuesday, February 25th - School Board Meeting at Washburne at 7:15pm
Monday, March 3rd- Friday, March 7th - SEL Week
Wednesday, March 12th at 6pm - Family Math Night