36 Mix: May 2026
April 24, 2026
Dear Winnetka Families, Staff and Community Members,
Springtime in The Winnetka Public Schools means lots of celebration and activity as we round the corner to the final stretch of the school year. In April alone, we’ve enjoyed several Spring Sings, strings concerts, the Crow Island STEAM Fair, and an incredible Jazz Night presented by middle school students. You may have seen Greeley Kindergarteners on bird watching expeditions in your neighborhood, or attended the Arbor Day Tree Planting in partnership with the Village of Winnetka at Crow Island this morning. We are so very grateful to all in our community who pour their hearts into making Winnetka an incredible environment for our students to learn and grow. That said, I’d like to recognize a few Winnetka staff members who have recently been honored in this regard.
The Winnetka-Glencoe-Northfield Chamber of Commerce annually hosts a luncheon at which they recognize various members of the community for their contributions. This year's Educator of the Year is Ms. Lillian Johnston, Art teacher at Crow Island School. In her 28 years in Winnetka, she has helped shape thousands of students into budding artists. She aided in the design for the new art room at Crow Island, but you may remember her from opening day of this year, as we shared her acknowledgement in national news for her generosity and selflessness, donating a kidney to a colleague’s husband! We are so proud to celebrate Ms. Johnston!
During her acceptance speech Ms. Johnston shared, “I work alongside many dedicated teachers. What we do each day is truly a team effort: our success comes from one another…The children we teach are all of our children. It is an incredible honor and one I do not take lightly.”
Additionally, our band directors, Mr. Steve Vowles and Mr. Andy Chester, were presented with the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award at the Whitney M. Young Awards Breakfast hosted by Scouting USA this morning. The Whitney M. Young Jr. Awards Breakfast is an annual celebration honoring exceptional individuals and organizations who have profoundly impacted the lives of youth. Mr. Vowles and Mr. Chester are being recognized for their dedication to nurturing the minds, safety, health, and talents of today’s youth, paving the way for a brighter future.
Finally, in light of Administrative Assistants Day on April 22, I want to acknowledge the many individuals whose work is often behind-the-scenes, but vital to the day-to-day operations of the District.
We are proud to recognize these staff members. On behalf of our entire school community, thank you to each of you for choosing to do your good work in Winnetka.
Most Sincerely,
Dr. Kelly Tess
Superintendent of Schools
- School Board Meeting Recap
- Register for 26/27
- Upcoming Winnetka Parents Institute Event
Annual Online Registration is now open here. Details such as the Snapcode needed for Registration were sent to families via email. If you did not receive this information or have any questions, please contact Maria Perez, District Registrar, at 847-446-9400 or mariaperez@winnetka36.org. Please register at your earliest convenience in order to ensure the District can best plan for staffing needs for the upcoming school year.
Additionally, please note the following:
50% Discount on Bus Transportation for 2026/2027
The District is offering optional, parent-paid bus service with a 50% reduced flat fee, approved by the School Board. Registration is completed separately via Revtrak.
Transportation Fees & Deadlines:
$515 flat fee: April 14 – July 10, 2026
$565 flat fee: July 11 – August 1, 2026
One flat fee applies whether your student rides AM only, PM only, or round-trip. No additional discounts are available for one-way service or multiple riders.Registration is open through August 1, 2026.
