Greeley Greeting

Happy February Greeley families!

Punxsutawney Phil made his big prediction this week—and unfortunately, he saw his shadow, meaning winter is planning to stick around like an uninvited guest. As we head into the next few weeks, please help us out by continuing to send students bundled up for outdoor recess with warm coats, hats, gloves, and boots so they can stay cozy and still enjoy time outside.

Be sure to scroll down to check out the classroom highlights below, which showcase the wonderful learning, creativity, and joy happening across our building each day (and will hopefully warm you up just a bit!).

Finally, we ask that families take a few minutes to review the updated e-learning plan included below and share any feedback. Your input is appreciated and helps us continue to strengthen our practices in partnership with you.

Warm regards,
Principal Kopinski

February

Monday, 2/16: Winter Benchmark Assessment Results Released to Families (Powerschool, OTUS)
Thursday and Friday, 2/26 and 2/27: Parent Teacher Conferences (No School)

March

Friday 3/6: End of Trimester 2
Monday, 3/9: Start of Trimester 3
Thursday, 3/12: Greeley PTO STEAM Night
Wednesday 3/18: Progress Reports Released to Families in Powerschool
Friday, 3/27: Half Day for Students (11:30am Dismissal)-Teacher Institute PM
Monday 3/30-Friday, April 3: Spring Break

April

Monday 4/6: School Resumes
Tuesday, 4/7: Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) Testing Begins for Grades 3-4
Tuesday, 4/7: District Chorus Concert 7-8pm
Tuesday, 4/14: Winnetka Public Schools Foundation (WPSF) Carlson Event 4:30-6pm at Skokie
Wednesday 4/22: Greeley Strings Concert 6:30-7:30pm
Tuesday, 4/28: 5th Grade Orientation at Skokie School (4th Grade Families) 5:30-7:00pm

Greeley School Google Calendar

Lighthouse Moment from the Classroom

Last week, I had the joy of joining Mr. Dunafin’s Kinetic Wellness class alongside Ms. Jaksic’s kindergarteners for a special visit to Greeley Scooter Driving School! 🚦🛴

During the session, students practiced essential scooter skills and safety while building bilateral and reciprocal movement, strengthening their core, and learning how to navigate the space safely and respectfully with their classmates. The focus, teamwork, and self-control on display were impressive for such young learners.

The energy in the room was contagious—students were beaming with pride and couldn’t wait to take their scooter licenses home to share with their families. Way to go, Ms. Jaksic’s class! We are so proud of you.

Related Arts Spotlight

Readers’ Advisory is book matchmaking. My goal is to match every student with high-interest books. Sometimes I do this by booktalking top titles in a specific genre to a whole class or by introducing new books to an entire grade. Other times it’s a conversation to find that one specific book for one specific reader.

I want every student to leave the library feeling excited about the books in their backpack. If your child struggles with book selection or they seem less than excited with what they're checking out, please encourage them to come talk to me. You can also send me an email to let me know they might need some extra help finding the right book. Kindergarten parents - your kids will soon be able to explore the entire library, not just the picture book section.

In our library, I believe that choice is the most important part of reading. I let students check out what they want even if the book they want seems too easy, too hard, or age inappropriate. It is very common for first graders to be drawn to scary covers or for fourth graders to find comfort reading Elephant & Piggie. While I might gently suggest other books, I ultimately respect a student's choice. The bottom line is that kids are much more likely to actually finish—and enjoy—a book when they chose themselves.

Questions? Just ask.

Brenda Glenn, Greeley Librarian

This is what the library looks like when I’ve booktalked new books!

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.

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:

RSVP here.

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.

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/
Greeley: https://greeleyelementary.schoolcloud.co.uk/
Hubbard Woods: https://hubbardwoodselementary.schoolcloud.co.uk/
Skokie: https://theskokieschool.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.

Family Service Night: Please Hold the Date

Building on our successful Day of Service before Thanksgiving break for all students and staff, we are excitedly planning a Family Service Night for February. Please hold the date of Thursday, February 19th from 5:30-6:30pm.

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.

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.