Crow Island Parent Newsletter
June 1, 2026
Dear Crow Island Community,
It’s hard to believe we have officially made it through May and are now in the final weeks of the school year! Last week was one of the busiest and most memorable weeks yet at Crow Island.
Our 1st through 4th grade students proudly shared their learning during Portfolio Days. It was truly inspiring to watch students reflect on their growth, celebrate their accomplishments, and confidently guide their families through the work they have completed throughout the year. The pride on their faces was a wonderful reminder of just how much learning and growth has taken place since September.
We also enjoyed our Spring Sings, which were nothing short of incredible. The creativity, collaboration, and confidence displayed by our students were remarkable. Knowing that the songs, scripts, and performances were developed by the students themselves made the experience even more meaningful and perfectly showcased the power of student voice and ownership.
To cap off the week, our 1st and 4th grade buddies enjoyed a field trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo. I had the opportunity to chaperone and loved seeing the friendships, laughter, and sense of community that make our buddy program such a special part of the Crow Island experience.
While the end of the year is quickly approaching, our classrooms are still buzzing with learning, creativity, and excitement. From Farmstands to Crows on Parade and many other engaging projects, students continue to be challenged, inspired, and connected to meaningful learning experiences each day.
I am looking forward to making the most of these final weeks together and celebrating all that our students have accomplished this year.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful week ahead!
Sincerely,
Anna
June
- Monday, June 1| 4th Grade Instrument Recruitment Visit *This has been updated!*
- 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
We had a wonderful time on our 1st and 4th grade buddy trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo! The weather could not have been more perfect, allowing students plenty of time to explore all the zoo had to offer. From visiting animals throughout the exhibits to watching the popular seal training demonstration, there was no shortage of excitement and learning throughout the day.
What stood out most, however, was the incredible way our 4th graders cared for and supported their 1st grade buddies. They demonstrated patience, responsibility, and kindness at every turn, helping their younger buddies navigate the zoo, stay together as a group, and make the most of the experience. Our 1st graders looked up to their buddies with admiration, and it was heartwarming to watch the friendships that have developed throughout the year on full display.
As a chaperone, I had the opportunity to experience the day alongside our students, and it was truly one of the highlights of the year for me. I was so proud of how respectful, responsible, and caring our students were throughout the trip. The day was a perfect example of what makes the Crow Island buddy program so special and such an important part of our school community. It beautifully reflected the relationships, sense of belonging, and culture of care that we strive to foster every day at Crow Island.
Half Day on Friday, June 5th
As a reminder, Friday is a half day of school. Students will be dismissed at 11:20 AM.
Strings 2026-2027 Sign-Up
It is that time of year again to sign up for Orchestra (Strings.) This is open to incoming 2nd-4th graders. 4th graders can also start on any string instrument including the string bass! Students will be introduced to the instruments that they can learn at school: violin, viola, cello and string bass. (4th graders only) The registration forms will be electronic again this year via Google Forms.
If you have more than one child signing up next year, feel free to use the same form for both (all) of your children. The registration deadline will be Friday, June 13th. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
For the CURRENT 1st-3rd Grade students
For the CURRENT 4th Grade students
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUuBD3pUP9zcwzCFqdGAmW3Uyw3Ik1ePuwVcnvHZdYdCNDTw/viewform
Spring 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.
On June 1, benchmark results will be available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal (tutorial video). Benchmark scores in Otus (tutorial video) will be available on June 2.
PowerSchool Parent Portal (K–8)
PowerSchool is your primary hub for important school information. In PowerSchool, you can:
View trimester progress reports
Access attendance information
See official documents and assessment reports, including publisher-generated reports
Complete required actions such as digital signatures
Otus (K–8)
Otus brings your child’s learning data together in one place. In Otus, you can:
View benchmark and classroom assessment data (MAP, aimswebPlus, mCLASS, SEL)
See growth over time
Access multiple data points in one dashboard
Otus is especially helpful for understanding trends and progress across the school year, rather than isolated results.
For more information on accessing benchmark results, please refer to this recent newsletter
Please review this information to plan for the 2026/2027 school year.
Monthly Observances: Pride Month
June includes four observances on the calendar: LGBTQ+ Pride, Immigrant Heritage, Eid-El-Adha and Juneteenth. The points below may help families to understand what can be expected during the month of June:
School Bulletin Board displays may include prominent LGBTQ, Immigrant, Muslim and Black American figures.
Resource Centers will have a display of books that align with the observances of the month, as has occurred throughout the school year.
Library collections vary by school and are shared with families in principal newsletters.
The inclusion of LGBTQ+ Pride, on the list of Monthly Observances is not synonymous with K-8 instruction relating to sexuality or sexual identity but rather a recognition of contributions of those in the LGBTQ+ Pride community.
Sexual health education is taught in fifth and seventh grades, and remains isolated to the existing content and standards in those grades alone. Parents of students in those grades are provided with a preview of the content and able to review materials at their request prior to those units being taught in the spring.
Our observances are designed to build awareness, respect, and understanding among students from all backgrounds and family structures. These celebrations help us teach the values of inclusion, empathy, and shared humanity that are foundational to our educational mission.
As part of our commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and educational environment for all students, the District highlights Monthly Observances that reflect the diverse histories, identities, and contributions within our school community and broader society. These observances are grounded in our values of respect, empathy, and belonging for every child and family. Families can read more about our commitment to equity and inclusion here, and specific information about monthly observances here.
Morning Entry Reminder
As a reminder, supervision begins at 8:20 AM every day. Please be sure your child is not unattended on school grounds before 8:20 AM to ensure their safety. Thank you!
Crows on Parade (4th Graders only)
Exciting news! Your 4th graders will begin working on the annual crow project!
They will paint plaster crow statues in art class, using acrylic paint, which is not washable. Please make sure your child has an art smock.
Students should think of a theme/character, etc. to paint their crow. They should bring their ideas to art class the week of May 11. We will begin that week with a brainstorming session and a first layer of paint for those who are ready to paint.
We are providing paint, paint pens, & hot glue guns for them in art class, however, students are allowed to bring in their own “extra accessories” (i.e. from Michaels or Hobby Lobby) to hot glue onto their crow if they wish, but it is not required!
Please take a look at this slide deck with your children.
This slide deck has ALL of the information you will need, including a schedule of when we are working on the crows.
If you have any questions, please reach out.
The 4th Grade “Crows on Parade” will be held on FRIDAY , JUNE 12!
Teachers will place the crows on the lawn early that morning. You may arrive as early as 8am to take a look, take pictures, etc. They will REMAIN out on the lawn all day.
Please make arrangements to take them home by the END OF THE DAY on June 12th. Thank you!
Sincerely, Mrs. Johnston, Crow Island art teacher
Summer Pet-sitting Opportunity at Adventures in Learning
ATTENTION all rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, reptiles, birds and other small animals! Winnetka's Adventures in Learning/Animal Care Class is back and looking for animals to get some love and attention from our teachers and students. If your child's small animal is due for a brief break this summer, please email Anna at animal.care.adventures@gmail.com. We can also attempt to arrange adoptions if it is time to pass your pet on to another loving family.
Register Your Student(s) for the 2026/2027 School Year
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.
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!
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. 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. To enroll, or 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!
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