36 Mix: March 2026

Dear Winnetka Families, Staff, and Community,

Each month, our District reflects on one of the Dimensions of Belonging to strengthen community and deepen mutual understanding across our schools. Originally defined by Vanderbilt University Professor Erik Carter, these research-based dimensions speak to our fundamental human needs: to feel Present, Invited, Welcomed, Known, Accepted, Involved, Supported, Heard, Befriended, and Needed.

In February, we focused on what it means to be Involved and participate actively and meaningfully in the life of our community. When students understand that their contributions matter, belonging becomes more than a concept; it becomes a lived experience. I am proud to highlight several service initiatives that have recently brought the concept of being Involved to life in our schools:

• Multilingual learners at Crow Island, Hubbard Woods, and The Skokie School led classmates in writing letters of encouragement to 85-year-old Ed, an Arlington Heights senior citizen who is homebound and in hospice care, as part of the “Love for Our Elders” program. The project strengthened students’ communication skills while fostering empathy Districtwide. Rumor has it that even a few KW teachers wrote letters to Ed, an avid golf-lover! Thank you to Ms. Helen Cha and Ms. Liz Winitz for guiding students through this meaningful experience. On “Letter to an Elder Day” on February 26, Ed was surprised with hundreds of letters from Winnetka students and staff.

• At Washburne, Student Ambassadors are planning their March service project. Faculty Sponsor, Mr. DJ Barracca, is also a featured guest on our latest Winnetka Voices episode, highlighting the meaningful impact of this work.

• Greeley families and staff recently came together for a Service Night benefiting Fill A Heart 4 Kids, assembling breakfast bags for children experiencing food insecurity over spring break. Shout out to Ms. Aileen Scommegna, also a Student Ambassador Faculty Sponsor, for planning this impactful event.

• This week, Ms. Bridget Lewis, Executive Director of the Volunteer Center, spoke with Washburne students about how to engage in volunteer opportunities and make a tangible difference in their communities.

• As shared last month, Hubbard Woods celebrated five years of the Month of Service and Learning (MOSAL). Students packed more than 500 birthday kits for children who might not otherwise have the chance to celebrate their special day. Thank you to the Hubbard Woods PTO, Principal Ivory Ajavon, Ms. Liz Delzell and all of the educators who have made this program an impactful learning opportunity for students. This video highlights the culmination of a month of service activities in partnership with Radical Generosity Chicago.

Thank you for the many impactful ways you help create opportunities for our students to feel Involved by serving others. Also, thank you for being the involved and invested parent community that you are. We hope you found this winter’s parent/teacher conferences to be both informative and engaging. Our teachers put so much time and thought into preparing for these meetings, and know what an important opportunity is to speak to student growth and support.

Most Sincerely,

Dr. Kelly Tess

Superintendent of Schools

• Illinois 5Essentials Survey

• Adventures in Learning Registration Opens March 2, 2026

• New "Winnetka Voices" Episode Out Now!
  

• Celebrating Winter 2026 Staff "Painting Our Portrait" Honorees

Annual Survey Results Shared, Including Improvements in Key Areas

Due to a technical error, the February 24, 2026 Board Meeting was not recorded.

The entire packet for the February 2026 meeting is here.

The Illinois State Board of Education annually asks families, students and staff to complete the Illinois 5Essentials Survey. Administered by University of Chicago, data gleaned from the survey directly helps the District prioritize goals and resources. Additionally, the quantity of parents who participate in the survey directly affects The Winnetka Public Schools’ Illinois State Report Card ratings. The survey is linked here, takes about 5 minutes to complete, and is completely confidential.

Mark your calendars: June 17 – July 17, 2026 (No classes June 19 or July 3)

This summer, students can explore, create, and grow through The Winnetka Public Schools Adventures in Learning programs including Discover, Extended School Year, and Academic Intervention classes. These programs are designed to provide enriching educational experiences that inspire curiosity and creativity, as well as additional support for students throughout the summer season. From archery to animal care, fishing to spalicious, there are an array of activities available! Registration opens for Winnetka residents on March 2 at 1:00 p.m. via www.winnetka36.org. Programming is available for preschool through 8th grade.

In this episode, Superintendent, Dr. Kelly Tess, explores the essential role of service in Progressive Education. Dr. Tess is joined by Carleton Washburne School teacher and Student Ambassador Faculty Sponsor Mr. DJ Barraca, along with Brian Floriani, founder of Bernie’s Book Bank.

Mr. Barraca shares how engaging in service activities helps shape a well-rounded middle school experience, allowing students to develop an awareness of the world that extends well beyond the classroom. Floriani reflects on creating an organization rooted entirely in giving back, and why literacy has become his life’s work. As Floriani notes, “Nothing worth doing is easy… and there’s nothing more rewarding than serving other people.”

Listen here:

Apple Podcast

Amazon

Spotify

iHeart

The District is excited to honor staff members who help "Paint Our Portrait" to support attributes outlined in our Portrait of an Educator: A Relationship Builder, Collaborative, Empathetic, A Learning Designer, A Lifelong Learner, Adaptable and An Advocate. Congratulations to the record number of staff members recognized in Winter 2026!