Greeley Greeting

Dear Greeley Families,

Sometimes the quiet weeks are the best kind—the ones where routines feel settled in, learning hums along, and students continue to grow in all the small (but meaningful) ways that add up over time. This week at Greeley is one of those moments.

After last week’s Winnetka Spring Cleaning Week, it feels especially fitting to carry that sense of renewal forward in both our spaces and in our thinking. If you’ve seen the recent buzz around “slow living” trends, it’s a nice reminder that not every week needs to be packed with big events to be impactful. In classrooms across Greeley, students are reading, writing, problem-solving, collaborating, and building confidence day by day, and that steady progress is something to celebrate.

Be sure to read below to learn more about the exciting work our students and staff are engaged in as they dive into their final Knowledge Building literacy unit of the year.

We’re looking forward to another great week of learning together!

Warmly,
Lindsay

April

Wednesday 4/22: Greeley Strings Concert 6:30-7:30pm, Read My Shirt Day (see below)
Tuesday, 4/28: 5th Grade Orientation at Skokie School (4th Grade Families) 5:30-7:00pm

May

Friday, 5/1: Half Day for Students (11:20am Dismissal)-Teacher Institute PM
Wednesday, 5/6 through Wednesday, 5/20: Spring Benchmark Assessments
Thursday, 5/21: Spring Sing Grades K, 3, 4 5:30-7:00
Monday, 5/25: No School (Memorial Day)
Tuesday 5/26: Spring Sing Grades 1 and 2, 6:00-7:00pm
Wednesday, 5/27: Kindergarten Parent Open House, 6:15-7:15p, (Incoming K families)

June

Monday 6/1: Spring Benchmark Assessment Results Released to Families (Powerschool and Otus)
Friday, 6/5: Skokie Shadow Day for Grade 4 students
Friday, 6/5: Half Day for Students (11:20am Dismissal)-Teacher Reporting Day
Tuesday, 6/9: Greeley Field Day
Wednesday 6/10: Greeley Field Day Rain Date
Thursday, 6/11: Progress Reports Released to Families, 4th Grade Video and Party 1:30-3:00pm
Monday 6/15: Last Day of School, Half Day for Students (11:20am Dismissal)-Teacher Reporting Day

Greeley School Google Calendar

Lighthouse Classroom Spotlight

At this point in the year, students across our school (and throughout the district) have begun their final ARC Knowledge Building Unit, which will carry us through the end of the year. In grades 1–4, students are engaged in research-based units, where they are developing opinions and crafting argumentative pieces to support their thinking.

Please take a moment to review the infographic below for grade-level details and a closer look at what your child(ren) are learning!

Related Arts Spotlight

QUÉ PASA EN ESPANOL? by Señora Soto

Hola! Here is what Spanish students at Greeley School are working on now.

First and second graders are getting ready to read the book “Edi el Amigo” Students are familiar with the characters having just finished “Edi el Elefante” and they are excited to jump into this next story. “Edi el amigo” offers an engaging narrative with a highly manageable vocabulary load for students. We will explore this Spanish language book and complete fun games and activities in connection to the story.

Third and fourth graders are about to begin the story “El Capibara con botas” which will take us through the end of this school year. This story is about Carlos, who is the main character, and the only capybara in the Amazon Rainforest who can't swim. This Spanish language book is truly engaging and funny!! It’s the perfect book for the end of a great school year!

Cinco De Mayo (May 5th) is coming!!

This day celebrates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Viva Mexico!!

Winnetka Parent Institute for May 13. 2026

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

Parent Input Survey for 26/27

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 Principal Kopinski as part of the overall placement process.

Please note that while we value your perspective, we are not able to honor specific educator requests. Thank you for trusting our professional judgment as we work to create thoughtful learning environments and positive experiences for every Greeley student.

If you would like your input to be considered, please complete the form by Friday, May 1, 2026.

Parent Input Survey for 2026-2027

Winnetka Voices-New Episode

Season 4, Episode 4:

Kindergarten Confidential

Mr. Philip Burchell and Ms. Christina Venos, Kindergarten teachers in The Winnetka Public Schools, join Superintendent Dr. Kelly Tess for an engaging conversation about this formative year in school. They share insights into how early literacy, social skills, and curiosity are developed through creating opportunities for play and fostering a love of learning. Tune in to hear how Winnetka’s youngest students begin their educational journey. As Mr. Burchell notes, “At the end of the day, we’re building good humans and that is the most important part of all of it.”

Listen here:

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.