Greeley Greeting

Dear Greeley Families,

There is so much to look forward to in the remaining weeks ahead! We are especially excited to welcome visiting authors into our library, inspiring a love of reading and writing across our school. Throughout the building, students are also diving into meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that bring their thinking to life.

Be sure to read below to learn more about one of these special projects—our first graders’ Family Heritage Squares—which beautifully highlight the important people and stories that shape our students’ lives.

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

Greeley first graders recently created Family Heritage Squares to honor a special woman in their lives—whether a mother, grandmother, aunt, or another important grown-up. As part of this experience, students engaged in meaningful interviews, asking thoughtful questions such as: What does she enjoy doing? What is/was her job? What makes her unique? Is there a favorite family story to share?

Using what they learned, students designed a personalized square that captured the essence of their chosen person. In partnership with Mr. Weir, our Technology Integration Specialist, students also used the ChatterPix app to bring their projects to life by recording themselves sharing why their person is so special.

This learning experience beautifully aligns with our Portrait of a Graduate. Students demonstrated communication skills by conducting interviews and sharing their learning clearly with others. They engaged in critical thinking as they synthesized information and made decisions about how to represent their subject visually and verbally. Through this project, students strengthened their sense of identity and belonging, deepening connections to their families and honoring the diverse stories within our community. Additionally, by using digital tools to enhance their storytelling, students practiced creative expression and innovation.

Most importantly, this work reflects the development of empathetic and reflective learners, as students took time to listen, appreciate, and celebrate the important people in their lives.

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

Related Arts Spotlight

April Author Visits

Students who meet/learn about authors are more likely to be avid readers of that author which is then a gateway to other authors. We are super excited that Dav Pilkey will be joining third and fourth graders virtually on Thursday, April 16. He is promoting his new Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga. For many students, this will be their first experience with manga. But, it won’t be their last! Manga, Japanese comic books, are really popular, especially with reluctant readers. Author/illustrator Ross Burach will visit Greeley’s K, 1, and 2 students on Thursday, 4/23. Families have the opportunity to buy personalized copies of his newest book, How Not to Make a Jelly Sandwich. Details here.

Be sure to watch the program schedule at The Book Stall. In addition to their regular storytimes, they host amazing authors and illustrators. - Ms. Glenn, Greeley Librarian

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.