Crow Island Parent Newsletter
February 2, 2026
Dear Crow Island Community,
We made it through a bitterly cold week and are hopeful for warmer temperatures ahead (despite Punxsutawney Phil spotting his shadow and predicting six more weeks of winter!) Thank you to everyone who joined us for Math Night last week. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, and we loved seeing our students and families engaged in learning and fun. Be sure to check below for photos and more details from the event.
As we move into February, we are looking forward to several upcoming events, including Valentine’s Day celebrations and Parent-Teacher Conferences. Additional information about both can be found in this week’s newsletter.
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!
Sincerely,
Anna
February
- Friday, February 13th | Valentine's Day Parties by Grade
- Thursday, February 26th | No Student Attendance- Parent Conference Day
- Friday, February 27th | No Student Attendance- Parent Conference Day
March
- Monday, March 16th | Immigration Week
- Friday, March 20th | Citizenship Ceremony and Immigration feast
- 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 (Staff Institute Day)
- Monday, March 30th- Friday, April 3rd | Spring Break
Lighthouse Moment: Crow Island Math Night
Updated e-Learning Plan
The Winnetka Public Schools intends to renew its e-Learning Plan, which outlines how instruction and student support will be provided on days when in-person learning is not possible (such as during severe weather or other emergencies), in accordance with guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education.
The proposed e-Learning Plan is available for parent and community review here.
Parents and guardians are invited to submit comments or questions regarding the plan by February 9, 2026 to patrickdawson@winnetka36.org.
The Board of Education is scheduled to consider approval of the e-Learning Plan at its meeting on February 24, 2026.
Monthly Observances: Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history. It is a time to honor leaders, innovators, and everyday heroes whose work has shaped our communities and our nation.
Cold Weather Gear
As we head into the next few weeks, we appreciate your continued help in sending students to school prepared for outdoor recess with warm coats, hats, gloves, boots, and snow pants so they can stay comfortable and enjoy time outside. Please note that students without appropriate winter attire will need to remain indoors for recess, and students without snow pants will not be able to play in the snow.
From the PTO:
The Crow Island Parent/Staff Party is on March 6th from 6:30-8:30 PM. Please RSVP to the Parent/Staff party by February 7th. You should have received an Evite to your email. Please check Spam if you don’t see it, and reach out to the PTO if you didn’t receive an invite. We are all looking forward to this event!
Winnetka Parent Institute
February 2026
From Washburne to New Trier: (Paul Waechtler, Principal)
A D36 Parent's Guide to the New Trier Transition
February 11, 2026
9:30 A.M.
Washburne RC (in person event)
Carleton Washburne School, 515 Hibbard Rd.
Join Paul Waechtler, Principal at the New Trier High School Freshman
Campus, who will discuss the New Trier freshman placement process and the efforts made to ensure a smooth transition to high school. A Q & A will provide an opportunity for parents to learn more about how to best support their child(ren) as they prepare for their New Trier experience.
Interested:
Valentine's Day at Crow Island
We will have our classroom Valentine's Day celebrations on Friday, February 13th. Please see more detailed information here! Reach out to your child's teacher with any questions.
Spring Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-up
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences are approaching, and we’re looking forward to connecting with families. Based on feedback from parents and staff following fall conferences, a few updates to simplify the process and improve the experience.
Conference Sign-Up
Sign-up opens: February 6 at noon
Sign-up closes: February 24 at noon
Families will sign up online through SchoolCloud using their school’s link below.
After February 24 at noon, any changes to a conference appointment will need to be made by contacting the school office.
Simplified Login
Parents will no longer need a unique access code.
Instead, you’ll log in by entering your contact information and your child’s birthdate, which should make signing in, especially for video conferences, much easier.
Helpful Reminders & Resources
Conference appointments are scheduled for a set length of time. **Please note that video conferences will end automatically at the scheduled time.
Reminders will be sent to families who have not yet signed up and to those with upcoming conference appointments.
Review this guide for additional information
School Sign-Up Links
Crow Island: https://crowislandelementary.schoolcloud.co.uk/
Hubbard Woods: https://hubbardwoodselementary.schoolcloud.co.uk/
Washburne: https://carletonwashburne.schoolcloud.co.uk/
Additional building- or grade-level details will be shared by principals in upcoming newsletters. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to meaningful conversations about your child’s learning and growth.
The Winnetka Public Schools Preschool Services Webinar (Wednesday, February 4, 2026)
Families of Winnetka preschool-aged children (ages 3–5) who receive or may need special education services are invited to attend a virtual Preschool Services Webinar on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
This webinar will explain how The Winnetka Public Schools supports preschool-aged students by completing screenings and/or evaluations to determine eligibility for services. Families will learn about our partnerships with community preschools, the continuum of services available for children ages 3–5, and how individualized supports are provided in inclusive settings. The session will also review what transitions to kindergarten look like for students with IEPs, including timelines and staffing.
There will be time for questions, and families will leave with a clearer understanding of how District 36 works with families and community partners to ensure continuity, quality, and strong transition planning.
Register HERE.
Traffic Reminders
- When lining up on Willow Road before turning into the circle, please do not get too close to Glendale Ave. Cars that are lining up too close to Glendale are blocking visibility for drivers turning onto Willow Road.
- Please be sure that you are not stopping on Glendale Ave. when turning into the circle.
- Be sure to wait until there is room to enter the circle before turning off of Willow Rd.
- Additionally, when exiting the circle, please do not turn left until there is space to fit your vehicle without blocking Glendale.
- Finally, please pull over as far to the right as possible on Glendale when picking up a student from the back playground.
We want to ensure that we are not blocking Glendale in case there were ever a need of an emergency vehicle that needed to get through to the school or neighbor. Thank you so much for your attention to these matters!
Winter Benchmark Assessments
Benchmark assessments are valuable tools that provide a snapshot of student progress at a point in time. These assessments help teachers to identify areas where students are excelling and where they may need additional support. They can also inform instructional decisions by providing data that can be used to tailor teaching to meet each student's unique needs and strengths. Benchmark assessments are an important component of progressive education, which recognizes that students learn in different ways and at different rates. By using benchmark assessments to inform instruction, teachers can provide a more individualized approach to learning that supports each student's academic growth and personal development.
This year students in Grades K-8 will participate in academic benchmark assessments of literacy, math and social emotional learning January 15-30. On February 16, results will be emailed home, available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal, as well as online via Otus.com.
Online Registration Open for Incoming Kindergarteners & New Students for the 2026/2027
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.
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!
Contact Us
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