Dear Crow Island Families,
As we move into Spring we are looking forward to welcoming families into school for our annual Portfolio Day. 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.
A more detailed message will be going out to families on Tuesday as well as follow-up with teachers to sign-up for your portfolio experience.
Take care,
Luke
April:
- Friday, April 25: Early Dismissal 11:20am; Teacher Institute Day Afternoon
May:
- Thursday, May 1: Spring Sing for Gr 3 and 4 (evening)
- Monday, May 5: Start of Teacher Appreciation Week
- Tuesday, May 13: Map Testing Gr 3 and 4 Reading
- Wednesday, May 14: Map Testing Gr 3 and 4 Math
- Thursday, May 15: Camp Edwards Gr 4
- Monday, May 26: No School Memorial Day
- Tuesday, May 27: Portfolio Day Grade 1 and Grade 2
- Thursday, May 29: Portfolio Day Grade 3 and Grade 4
Monday Spirit Days:
As a reminder, every Monday is considered a Crow Island Spirit Wear Day. Staff and students are encouraged to participate.
Student Attendance:
One area of focus for our school continues to be around student attendance and making sure students are at school as much as possible. The research around attendance is clear, students with higher absences are less likely to be proficient in learning and are also more likely not feel a strong sense of belonging. We will continue to track our attendance and share out when the numbers dip.
- Average Attendance the week of Feb 14, 2025 | 95% 👍
- Average Attendance the week of Feb 17, 2025 | 91%👎
- Average Attendance the week of Feb 28th, 2025 | 95%👍
- Average Attendance the week of March 3, 2025 | 97%👍
- Average Attendance the week of March 10, 2025 | 97%👍
- Average Attendance the week of March 17, 2025 | 87%👎
- Average Attendance the week of March 31, 2025 | 94%👎
- Average Attendance the week of April 7, 2025 | 96% 👍
- Average Attendance the week of April 14 , 2025 | 96% 👍
Parent Input Form | Class Placement: (Due May 1st)
We are starting to think of class placement for next year. If you would like to share information about some unique aspects of your child’s learning styles or academic/social concerns that need to be considered then you will complete the form below. Please note that specific teacher requests will not be honored. Thank you for trusting our professional judgment as we create wonderful learning experiences for every Crow Island student. Crow Island Parent Input Form 2025-2026
You’re Invited to the Winnetka Public Schools Foundation Carlson Event
Thursday, April 24th
Open House from 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Location: The Skokie School
Join WPSF to celebrate their 30th Birthday Bash at their annual event! This free, family-friendly, open house will highlight grants from the year - 30 for 30 – (new micro grants), grants in action from last year and beyond, as well as announcing the newly approved grants! Enjoy live music from our students and a Homer's ice cream bar!
Please register by clicking here.
Monthly Observances | April | Arab American History Month:
Arab American Heritage Month takes place in April. It celebrates the Arab American heritage and culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Arab Americans and Arabic-speaking Americans.
Winnetka Parents Institute Event
Kindergarten-2nd Grade Literacy: Connecting our Teaching and Learning to Progressive Education
May 14, 2024
9:30 A.M.
Location: Skokie Community Room
Families are invited to a session highlighting literacy instruction in The Winnetka Public Schools. Dr. Becky Mathison, Assistant Superintendent for Innovation, Teaching & Learning, and District educators will lead a discussion on the literacy research and neuroscience that underpins the foundational skills and knowledge-building approach to acquiring basic literacy. Together, we will explore how early childhood literacy efforts in The Winnetka Public Schools align with current best practices, as well as the Tenets of Progressive Education:Whole Child Approach, Experiential and Meaningful Learning, and Collaborative Community. Parents will leave with a greater understanding of what to expect in Kindergarten through 2nd grade, as well as how to best support their budding readers at home.
Interested:
Season 3, Episode #9:
“Gen Alpha Spills the Tea on Middle School”
Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, interviews The Skokie School students Andrew, Anya, and Sawyer about the middle school experience in 2025. This candid conversation ranges from what students wish adults understood about today's tweens, strategies to manage busy schedules and homework, how personal technology impacts communication (i.e. it is apparently no longer socially acceptable to ring a friend's doorbell to see if they are available to play), what it really means to be a well-rounded student, and reflections on how the adults in their lives best support them. As Sawyer shares, “In this generation, this is not really what kids do: kicking a tire, throwing a rock or playing hopscotch in the street.” Don’t miss this special episode!
Listen here:
Kindergarten Registration:
Registration for incoming kindergarteners and students new to The Winnetka Public Schools in 2025/2026 will begin November 18, 2024. Children who will be five-years-old on or before September 1, 2025, are eligible to enroll. Questions related to School Admissions and age requirements are addressed in School Board Policy 7:50 School Admissions and student Transfers to and from Non-District Schools.
Recruiting for Animal Care | Adventures in Learning
ATTENTION all rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, reptiles, birds and other small animals! Winnetka's Adventures in Learning/Animal Care Class is back and looking for animals to get some love and attention from our teachers and students. If (you or) your child's small animal is due for a brief break this summer, please email Anna at animal.care.adventures@gmail.com. We can also attempt to arrange adoptions if it is time to pass your pet on to another loving family.
Adventures in Learning:
Get ready for an exciting Summer 2025 filled with opportunities for growth and learning! We are thrilled to offer a dynamic range of Adventures in Learning (AIL) programs, including Discover, Extended School Year, and Academic Intervention Classes. These programs are designed to provide enriching educational experiences and support for students throughout the summer months.
The Winnetka Public Schools will host summer programs at Greeley and Hubbard Woods Elementary schools from June 23 to July 24, 2025. There will be no class on Friday, July 4. The hours are 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Registration opens March 3, 2025. Details are here.
Follow us on Social Media!
Please follow the District via the following social media platforms in order to see day-to-day happenings and more.
Facebook and Twitter: @Winnetka36
Instagram: @WinnetkaPublicSchools
Contact Us
Email: christinedemas-hall@winnetka36.org
Website: https://crowisland.winnetka36.org/
Location: 1112 Willow Road Winnetka, IL 60093
Phone: (847)-446-0353
Twitter: @CrowIslandD36