Crow Island Parent Newsletter

Dear Crow Island Community,

As we begin Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible teachers and staff who make Crow Island such a special place. Every day, they bring patience, creativity, expertise, and heart to their work with students. From designing engaging learning experiences to supporting students socially and emotionally, our teachers consistently go above and beyond in ways both big and small.

This week is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the impact they have on our children each day. Whether it’s a warm greeting at the door, a lesson that sparks curiosity, or the care they show during challenging moments, our staff members help create the joyful, supportive, and inspiring environment that defines Crow Island.

I also want to thank our PTO for organizing so many thoughtful celebrations throughout the week. Their generosity and support help make our staff feel truly appreciated.

I encourage you to join me in celebrating our teachers and staff this week. A kind note, email, or message of appreciation can go a long way in recognizing the meaningful work they do every day.

We are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated educators and staff at Crow Island, and I am deeply grateful for all they do for our students and school community.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

Sincerely,
Anna

May

• Monday, May 4- Friday, May 8 | Teacher Appreciation Week
• 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| 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

• Monday, June 1| 4th Grade Instrument Recruitment Visit *This has been updated!*

• 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

One of the highlights of Friday was the 3rd Grade Idiom Parade! Third grade students each selected an idiom, created a costume or visual representation, and shared the meaning of their idiom with the entire grade level in the auditorium. From “Break a Leg” to “Easy as Pie,” students brought figurative language to life in such creative and engaging ways.

It was wonderful to see students combining literacy, creativity, and confidence all in one experience. The excitement and pride in the room were contagious, and it was a great example of how learning at Crow Island is both meaningful and joyful. A huge thank you to our 3rd grade teachers for creating such a memorable learning experience for students!

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:

RSVP for this event here

Crow Island Portfolio Day 2026

Traditionally, one of the highlights of student experiences at Crow Island has been participating in Portfolio Day. Below is an overview of the portfolio experience and our plan for “Portfolio Day” this year.

The Power of Portfolios:

Portfolios show the cumulative efforts and learning of individual students over time. The portfolio showcases student improvement and skill mastery throughout the year. Along with student reflection, the portfolio provides detailed information about individual students and what is important to your child throughout the learning process. At Crow Island, we believe portfolios are powerful because…

• Students are capable of assessing their own learning.

• Our goal is for students to think of and see themselves as learners. We encourage students to think about their learning and set goals for themselves.

• Portfolios help students reflect on where they started, how they developed, and view their growth over time.

• Each portfolio is tailored to the individual student and allows each individual child an opportunity to celebrate their work.

Portfolio Day Logistics:

Students in 1st through 4th grade have been working with their teachers to reflect on their learning and select work for their portfolios. In May, parents will be invited into the classrooms for Portfolio Day. During Portfolio Day, each child will have 30 minutes to lead their parents through their portfolio. This is an opportunity for you to join your child in celebrating their learning and growth. You will have the opportunity to listen as your child takes the lead in showcasing the work they have completed this year..

Below are the dates and times we have set aside for Portfolio Day:

• Tuesday, May 26

• 1st Grade 9:45am & 12:30pm

• 2nd Grade 10:45am & 2:00pm

• Thursday May, 28

• 3rd Grade 10:15am & 2:00pm

• 4th Grade 8:50am & 12:45pm

As in previous years, this event is for parents and children only. Siblings do not attend Portfolio Day. Please be sure to make alternate arrangements. This allows your child to have your undivided attention on this special day.

This week, teachers will be sending out a sign-up so parents can arrange the time to visit the classroom on the date above. In the coming month, I will be sending out more information to families on how they can support the Portfolio Day. In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out.

Register Your Student(s) for the 2026/2027 School Year

Annual Online Registration is now open here. Details such as the Snapcode needed for Registration were sent to families via email. If you did not receive this information or have any questions, please contact Maria Perez, District Registrar, at 847-446-9400 or mariaperez@winnetka36.org. Please register at your earliest convenience in order to ensure the District can best plan for staffing needs for the upcoming school year.

Additionally, please note the following:

50% Discount on Bus Transportation for 2026/2027

The District is offering optional, parent-paid bus service with a 50% reduced flat fee, approved by the School Board. Registration is completed separately via Revtrak.

Transportation Fees & Deadlines:

• $515 flat fee: April 14 – July 10, 2026

• $565 flat fee: July 11 – August 1, 2026

One flat fee applies whether your student rides AM only, PM only, or round-trip. No additional discounts are available for one-way service or multiple riders.Registration is open through August 1, 2026.

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!

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. 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. To enroll, or 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!

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