Crow Island Parent Newsletter

Dear Crow Island Community,

I hope you all had a wonderful and restful Spring Break and were able to enjoy some time to recharge. It has been so nice to welcome everyone back into the building and feel the energy return to our classrooms and hallways.

We’re so proud of our 1st and 2nd graders for their incredible Spring Sing performances just before break. Our students did an amazing job showcasing their creativity, collaboration, and confidence, and we are so thankful to our staff and families for supporting such a special experience.

Please note that IAR testing begins tomorrow for our 3rd and 4th graders. We appreciate your help in ensuring students get a good night’s sleep and have breakfast before coming to school. Wishing all of our 3rd and 4th graders the best of luck!

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, there is so much to look forward to. We’re excited to continue building on the strong learning and momentum we’ve seen across classrooms.

Wishing you all a great week ahead.

Sincerely,
Anna

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

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: 1st and 2nd Grade Spring Sing

Our Spring Sing performances were a true celebration of student creativity, collaboration, and joy. From our first and second graders, it was incredible to see the ownership students took in bringing their performances to life.

In first grade, students transformed The Big Cheese into a fully student-created musical. From identifying key moments in the story to writing lyrics, composing melodies, and choosing performance roles, our youngest performers demonstrated impressive creativity and confidence as they shared their work.

Second grade students took things a step further with their bilingual production of Pollito Tito, a creative adaptation of the classic Chicken Little. Through a collaboration between music and Spanish, students wrote an original script, composed songs, and infused the performance with imagination and humor. Their ability to blend storytelling, language, and music was truly inspiring.

Across both grade levels, what stood out most was the level of student agency. Every lyric, melody, and performance choice reflected the voices and ideas of our students. Spring Sing continues to be a powerful example of what happens when students are given the space to create, collaborate, and shine.

A huge thank you to Ms. Crows, Ms. Landor, our teachers and associates, and our families for supporting Spring Sing!

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!

Illinois Assessment of Readiness Assessments- Begins tomorrow!

Students in Grades 3 and 4 will soon participate in the annual Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR). Testing at Crow Island is scheduled to begin tomorrow Tuesday, April 7 and conclude on Thursday, April 9, with make-up sessions continuing through Friday, April 17.

Students generally tend to perform best when they are able to take these assessments in their familiar classroom environment alongside their peers during the regularly scheduled testing times. Being in a comfortable, familiar setting helps students feel at ease and do their best. We encourage minimizing absences during April 7–9 unless your child is sick so they can test with their class.

As we prepare for IAR, families play an important role in helping students feel confident and ready. Ensuring your child gets a good night’s sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and arrives at school on time each day can make a big difference. You can also support your child by encouraging a positive mindset and reminding them that this is an opportunity to show what they know and how much they’ve grown.

Keeping routines consistent at home and minimizing stress during testing days can help students stay focused and calm. Most importantly, reassure your child that effort matters most. We are proud of their hard work each and every day!

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

Winnetka Parents Institute

MTSS: Tiered Support for All Learners

April 8, 2026

9:30 A.M.

Location: Virtual

Join MTSS Coordinator, Stephanie Larenas, for an informational session on the District's MTSS practices, which serve as the foundation of understanding across the District as we provide continued support for students. This three-tiered model ensures consistent teaching and learning for all students, support for students who already understand, and supports for those students who may need additional review. Learn more about how we gauge student learning and progress, how we respond to student understanding, how we differentiate the need for in-class instruction and intervention support, and how we determine what student progress looks like.

Join Zoom Webinar

https://winnetka36.zoom.us/j/88101519884?pwd=41SftLug6HIATUxTNArxGuuiFfMGfu.1

Webinar ID: 881 0151 9884

Passcode: 628458

RSVP for this event here

Winnetka Voices

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:

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.

MTSS: Tiered support for all learners (Stephanie Larenas, MTSS Coordinator)- (Virtual Zoom Event)

April 8, 2026

9:30 A.M.

Join MTSS Coordinator, Stephanie Larenas, for an informational session in how we support all of our students. Our MTSS practices serve as the foundation of understanding across the district as we provide continued support for students. This three-tiered model ensures consistent teaching and learning for all students, support for students who already understand, and supports for those students who may need additional review. Come learn more about how we gauge student learning and progress, how we respond to student understanding, how we differentiate the need for in-class instruction and intervention support, and how we determine what student progress looks like.

https://winnetka36.zoom.us/s/88101519884?pwd=41SftLug6HIATUxTNArxGuuiFfMGfu.1

Passcode:628458

Interested: RSVP for this event 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.

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