Crow Island Parent Newsletter

Dear Crow Island Community,

As we head into the final stretch before Spring Break, things continue to be busy in all the best ways. This time of year brings such great energy to our building, and we’re looking forward to a well-deserved opportunity for everyone to recharge next week.

We’re especially excited for our 1st and 2nd grade Spring Sing this Wednesday evening, a true highlight of the season. More information is included below, and I’m really looking forward to seeing many of you there.

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead and a relaxing, joyful Spring Break!

Sincerely,
Anna

March

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• Wednesday, March 25th | 1st and 2nd Grade Spring Sing: 1st Grade @ 5:45 PM, 2nd Grade @ 6:45 PM
• Friday, March 27th | Half Day for Students (11:20 AM Dismissal)- Staff Institute Day
• Monday, March 30th- Friday, April 3rd | Spring Break

April

• Monday, April 6 | School Resumes
• Tuesday, April 7-Thursday, April 9 | Illinois Assessment of Readiness (Grades 3 and 4)
• Thursday, April 16 | STEAM Expo

May

• Friday, May 1 | 11:20 am Dismissal- Staff Institute Day
• Tuesday, May 12 | MAP Testing Reading (Gr 3 and 4)
• Wednesday, May 13 | MAP Testing Math (Gr 3 and 4)
• Thursday, May 14 | Camp Edwards Trip 4th Grade
• Friday, May 15 | 4th Grade Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra Visit
• Tuesday, May 19| 4th Grade Instrument Recruitment Visit
• Tuesday, May 19| 2nd Grade Bike Rodeo 4-5 PM
• Wednesday, May 20 | Strings Recital 6 PM
• Monday, May 25 | No School- Memorial Day
• Tuesday, May 26| Portfolio Day- Gr. 1 and 2
• Thursday, May 28| Portfolio Day- Gr. 3 and 4
• Thursday, May 28| Spring Sing (3rd- 5:45 PM, 4th- 6:45 PM)

June

• Friday, June 5| 4th Grade Shadow Day at Skokie (AM)
• Friday, June 5 | 11:20 AM Dismissal- Reporting Day Staff
• Wednesday, June 10| Field Day
• Thursday, June 11 | Field Day Rain Date
• Thursday, June 11 | Kindergarten Sing 1:30 PM
• Friday, June 12 | Crows on parade/ 4th Grade Video 9 AM
• Monday, June 15| Anticipated Last Day of school- 11:20 AM Dismissal - Staff Institute Day
• Monday, June 15| Year End Assembly

This week, our 4th graders stepped back in time for their immersive Ellis Island Experience. To deepen their understanding of the immigrant journey during this time period, our halls and classrooms were transformed into steerage, the bustling halls of the Great Arrival and a feast to celebrate their naturalization. The students' had a great commitment to their roles. From the moment they "disembarked," they fully embraced the mindset of hopeful travelers. Whether they were navigating the crowded boat, nervously awaiting medical inspections, or answering rigorous questions at the legal cross-examination desks, they brought the experience and their character to life. By experiencing each section firsthand, students gained a rich, empathetic perspective on the challenges, fears, and triumphs faced by millions of people. Thank you to all the parents who helped the 4th graders celebrate at the end of the week with the immigration feast. Also, a huge thank you to the amazing 4th grade teachers and additional staff who helped make this unit come alive for our students!

Save the date: Crow Island STEAM Expo (Deadline approaching to sign up!)

This year's STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Expo will take place on Thursday, April 16th. All 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders are welcome to participate. During the school day, students will present to their peers. From 6:00 - 7:00 PM, families are invited to visit and view student projects.

WHAT IT IS: The STEAM Expo is a chance for students to design, conduct, and present a project in one of the STEAM subject areas. Projects should include a question to answer or a problem to solve.

HOW TO SIGN UP: Guidelines for projects can be found here. All students must be registered by Thursday, March 27 using this Google Form.

*NEW UPDATE!* Our RC Director Ms. Manek spoke with 3rd and 4th graders about resources they could use to research their STEAM Expo projects. We have access to several databases at school and home that are a wonderful, student-friendly, ad-free resource.

Here is the link:

https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1Bpr2uIyElYydrUcbJEOYkskSr3l5Rm4PJPJVpRAxpH4/edit?usp=sharing

At home, these resources will need the usernames and passwords that are included in the visual. Reach out with any questions!

Our students have been busy preparing for this week’s Spring Sing! They will perform for their peers on Tuesday and are excited to share their performance with families on Wednesday evening, March 25. Please see below for more information:

Date: Wednesday, March 25th

Time:

1st Grade: Doors open at 5:30 PM. Students can go to classrooms beginning at 5:30 PM.

2nd Grade: Doors open at 6:30 PM. Students can go to classrooms beginning at 6:30 PM.

Please be sure to stay with your child until you bring them to the classroom.

Parking: I strongly encourage walking to the event as parking will be limited! Parking is available on Glendale to the east of the school.

Dress: (From Mrs. Crows): Please have your students dress comfortably and nicely! No logos/writing. It doesn't have to be fancy, but something nicer than typical school clothes is appreciated if possible. If 2nd grade characters want to dress in the same color as their mask (i.e. blue for Snakey Rakey, black for Funky Skunky, etc.), that is encouraged but not required. No big headbands or hats that will block their faces or those behind them.

Illinois Assessment of Readiness Assessments

Students in Grades 3 and 4 will soon participate in the annual Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR). Testing at Crow Island is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, April 7 and conclude on Thursday, April 9, with make-up sessions continuing through Friday, April 17.

Students generally tend to perform best when they are able to take these assessments in their familiar classroom environment alongside their peers during the regularly scheduled testing times. Being in a comfortable, familiar setting helps students feel at ease and do their best. We encourage minimizing absences during April 7–9 unless your child is sick so they can test with their class.

As we prepare for IAR, families play an important role in helping students feel confident and ready. Ensuring your child gets a good night’s sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and arrives at school on time each day can make a big difference. You can also support your child by encouraging a positive mindset and reminding them that this is an opportunity to show what they know and how much they’ve grown.

Keeping routines consistent at home and minimizing stress during testing days can help students stay focused and calm. Most importantly, reassure your child that effort matters most. We are proud of their hard work each and every day!

MTSS: Tiered support for all learners (Stephanie Larenas, MTSS Coordinator)- (Virtual Zoom Event)

April 8, 2026

9:30 A.M.

Join MTSS Coordinator, Stephanie Larenas, for an informational session in how we support all of our students. Our MTSS practices serve as the foundation of understanding across the district as we provide continued support for students. This three-tiered model ensures consistent teaching and learning for all students, support for students who already understand, and supports for those students who may need additional review. Come learn more about how we gauge student learning and progress, how we respond to student understanding, how we differentiate the need for in-class instruction and intervention support, and how we determine what student progress looks like.

https://winnetka36.zoom.us/s/88101519884?pwd=41SftLug6HIATUxTNArxGuuiFfMGfu.1

Passcode:628458

Interested: RSVP for this event 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.

Note: Many families have started the registration process but still need to submit their forms. Please help spread the word to turn in all required paperwork as soon as possible. Our ability to have four kindergarten classrooms depends on our enrollment numbers!

Crow Island 101 Document:

Our Crow Island 101 Guide is a helpful, at-a-glance resource for families. Many parents like to keep a copy in their kitchen for quick reference. You can view it here: Crow 101 Document.

Arrival & Dismissal:

Please take a few minutes to review our Arrival & Dismissal procedures. These routines help ensure a safe and smooth start and end to each school day for all students.

Hot Lunch Program:

Crow Island has a hot lunch program run through a third party collaboration with our PTO called Marla's Lunch. You can register and sign-up here: Marla's Hot Lunch.

Spirit Day:

Crow Island Spirit Day will be on FRIDAYS this year! Get your Crow Island Spirit wear from our PTO Store here!

Email:

annatrilla@winnetka36.org (Principal)

christinedemas-hall@winnetka36.org (Administrative Assistant)
Website: https://crowisland.winnetka36.org/
Location: 1112 Willow Road Winnetka, IL 60093
Phone: (847)-446-0353
Instagram: Winnetka Public Schools