Hubbard Woods Family Newsletter

Dear Hubbard Woods Families,

It’s hard to believe we’re already in the final full week of the school year! This week has been filled with joy and excitement, from Field Day and Step Up activities to students having the chance to meet one of the possible teachers for next year.

We encourage you to take a moment to check out the latest edition of the Hubbard Woods Scoop! This issue features articles written by some of our talented 4th graders, including a spotlight on the beloved tradition of Field Day.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we wrap up a memorable year together!

All the best,

Ivory Ajavon

Principal

The Dimension of Belonging highlighted in June is “Needed.” This month includes four observances on the calendar: LGBTQ+ Pride, Immigrant Heritage, Eid-El-Adha and Juneteenth. Read more in the District’s Belonging Means… newsletter.

Our Monthly Observances are designed to build awareness, respect, and understanding among students from all backgrounds and family structures. These celebrations help us teach the values of inclusion, empathy, and shared humanity that are foundational to our educational mission.

As we look ahead to the 2025–2026 school year, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank the staff members who will not be returning. We are deeply grateful for the dedication, care, and contributions they have made to the Hubbard Woods community.

Whether they are embarking on new opportunities or entering retirement, we wish them all the very best in the exciting journeys ahead.

Alexa Bartschat, Meg Fitzgerald, Erin Ivry, Kacie Shah, Elizabeth Sorensen (Headed to Greeley), Lynn White, and Krista Wray. You will be missed!

Additionally, two of our staff members, Jen Veys and Ali Affrunti, will be on leave of absences for the coming school year. We look forward to their return for the 2026-2027 school year. We wish you a great year!

We are truly grateful for the thoughtful input we received from families throughout the placement process. It was an important part of our work.

Our goal has been to create well-balanced classes that support the academic and social-emotional needs of all students. Teachers collaborated closely, using multiple sources of information to guide their decisions, including student input about friendships, parent insights, and their own deep understanding of each child’s learning profile and classroom needs.

While students were not placed with individual teachers by request, we recognize that some families have had siblings assigned to the same teacher in the past. However, due to the unique composition of each grade level and our commitment to balanced classrooms, this may not be possible. Each placement was made with care to ensure that students will begin the year with at least one familiar peer and a supportive classroom community.

I have complete confidence in every member of our teaching team. Whether your child is with a familiar face or a new one, you can trust they will be welcomed into a high-quality learning environment that supports their growth and belonging.

Class placement information will be released on Friday, August 22nd by the district.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Please review this information to ensure your student’s health forms are updated prior to the first day of school.

To All Elementary School Families:

Just a quick email to let you know it is that time of year again. Recruitment assemblies will be taking place within the next few weeks at Crow Island, Greeley and Hubbard Woods for current 1st-3rd grade students. 4th grade students will have a separate assembly where they will learn more about the program at Skokie. 4th graders can also start on any string instrument including the string bass!! Students will be introduced to the instruments that they can learn at school: violin, viola, cello and string bass. (4th graders only) The registration forms will be electronic again this year via Google Forms.

If you have more than one child signing up next year, feel free to use the same form for both (all) of your children. The registration deadline will be Friday, June 13th. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

For the current 1st-3rd Grade students

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11Ht_yhorZu0uC6AmKMa_6l1GBSoY1bzqfl5ABvbWx_o/viewform?edit_requested=true

For the current 4th Grade students

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/18F1VD3QswnQ4gy1Fudu--zNjluGxIt_zw6_zpoFRz0c/edit

Mrs. Yue Cai

Some of you may be aware that I am retiring at the end of this school year! It has truly been an honor and a privilege of a lifetime to build this program and dedicate my entire 33 year career to Winnetka and District 36! I believe that with the solid foundation that I've helped to build and this wonderfully supportive community, this elementary string program will continue to thrive far into the future!! Thanks to each and every family for all of the unending support of both your children in the fine arts and the program itself! I will be forever grateful!

All the best,

Mrs. Nussbaum

Please complete registration as soon as possible to secure placement and inform optional services. Use this link to access online registration for both returning and new students

AND…. Don’t forget

🚌 50% Discount on Bus Transportation for 2025–2026! Register via Revtrak

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

Transportation Fees & Deadlines:

• $500 flat fee: April 7 – July 11, 2025

• $550 flat fee: July 12 – August 1, 2025

Applies to AM only, PM only, or round-trip service — one price for all.

👶 Kindergarten Transportation

• Half-Day & Extended-Day K: AM-only service eligible

• Extended-Day & Stay & Play Program (fee-based): Eligible for round-trip service

🚨 Important Bus Registration Notes:

• No additional discounts for one-way service or multiple riders

• Bus registration closes August 1 – September 14

Reopens September 15 – 30, 2025

Please be aware that access to the Otus Parent Portal will be turned off on June 30, 2025 in order to prepare for the next school year. Communication will be sent out at the start of the year notifying parents when the portal will be accessible again.

• Tuesday, June 10th - Board Meeting at Washburne at 7:15pm

• Monday, June 16th - Last Day of School/ Early Dismissal at 11:20am