Monday Memo

Dear Washburne Families,

We look forward to welcoming families to Go to School Night this week. We are excited for you to meet our teams and learn more about what makes Washburne special. More information about Go to School Night, scheduled for Thursday, can be found below.

Additionally, the PTO is hosting a Back to School Bash on September 26th. Registration for the Bash is also provided below.

Luke Livingston

Principal

Ben Horwitz

Assistant Principal

September:

Thursday, September 18 | Washburne Go to School Night 6pm

Monday, September 22 | Institute Day Non-Attendance Day for Students

Tuesday, September 23 | No School Rosh Hashanah

Wednesday, September 24 | Skokie and Washburne Principal Coffee 10am

Friday, September 26 | Washburne Picture Day

Friday, September 26 | Washburne Back to School Bash 3:30pm

Go to School Night (Thursday):

We are excited to welcome our families to our building this Thursday at 6:00 PM for Go to School Night. During the evening, families will have a presentation from Dr. Livingston and Mr. Horwitz, spend time in their child’s advisory, attend a group presentation from your child’s team, and attend elective classes.

The evening will begin at 6:00 PM in our school gyms with a presentation from Dr. Livingston and Mr. Horwitz. The best entrance to use is off the Elm St parking lot. Following this presentation, you will be going to your child’s advisory. You can see the room list for advisories by clicking HERE. Your child’s advisor will give you a printed schedule for the rest of the evening.

Schoology Access Codes:

Washburne uses the Schoology learning management system to share materials and assignments with students. Parents should check their email for information regarding Schoology parent access and tutorials. Please reach out to Katie Nelson at katienelson@winnetka36.org with any access questions.

Washburne Back to School Bash:

Our Back-to-School Bash is FRIDAY, September 26th from 3:30-4:30pm, featuring DJ Selgrat, Churros and Hot Chocolate, Basketball and more!

Parents: We are still looking for more Parent Chaperones for the Bash
Where: Washburne Gym/Cafeteria/Blacktop (weather permitting)
When: Friday, September 26th
Time: 3:30-4:30pm
RSVP: Please register your child ($20 before Thursday 9/25 at 5PM) so that we can plan for food ordering. Want to join us at the last minute? Please bring $30 CASH ONLY at the door.

Questions:

Meghan Miller & Claire Winnard

2025/2026 PTO Co-Chairs

skokiewashburnepto@gmail.com

Athletics & Extracurricular Club Updates:

Washburne Volleyball Club:

A new club option for the fall - Washburne Volleyball Club. This club is open for any 7th or 8th grade student who enjoys playing volleyball. We will meet on Mondays and Fridays from 3:30-4:30 starting on 9/19. We will not meet on 9/22 or 10/6. The club will work on basic volleyball skills as well as in-house game opportunities. Come when your schedule allows! To register, please use this link. Please contact Andy Becker at AndyBecker@winnetka36.org for more information.

Homework Club:

Starting Tuesday, September 9! Need math homework help after school? Want to finish up that essay before you go to lacrosse or play practice? Does IXL have your head spinning? Come to Homework Club in the RC for a place to do your homework and get assistance if needed. There are always teachers there to help! Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30-5:00. Stay for a little while or the whole time. No sign up needed. Check in with Ms. Nelson in the RC with any questions.

Gender and Sexualities Alliance Club (GSA)

Washburne's GSA (Gender and Sexualities Alliance) will begin their weekly meetings on Tuesday, September 9th in N106 (Ms. Etter's classroom) from 3:30-4:30pm. Join us to hang out with friends, eat snacks, and discuss issues affecting LGBTQ+ students and their allies around Washburne. All are welcome, regardless of identity.

Debate Club

Debate Club will have their first weekly meeting of the year on Thursday, September 25th in N106 (Ms. Etter's classroom) from 3:30-4:30pm. Join us to debate other New Trier feeder schools in two cross-school competitions and build up your argumentative skills!

New Trier Placement Test (8th Grade Only):

The New Trier Placement Test dates are Saturday, November 15th or Saturday, November 22nd. This year, families will be able to choose one of the two test days. Families will receive a communication from New Trier in early October with a link to sign up for one of the November test dates. The dates are also available on the New Trier website.

Monthly Observances:

As part of The Winnetka Public Schools' ongoing commitment to equity by fostering connection and belonging, our schools will take time each month to recognize the contributions of people of diverse backgrounds. Observances will look different at all schools and even at different grade levels. Some activities might include art, music, book studies, research projects, sharing cultural holidays and celebrations, and other school activities.For the month of September we are celebrating Latin X Heritage Month as well as Patriot’s Day.

Latin X Heritage:

In September, we celebrate LatinX Heritage Month in the United States each year. This tradition began in 1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a proclamation to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Week. The dates for LatinX Heritage Month were chosen to coincide with the Independence Day celebrations of many Latin American nations when they declared independence from Spain.

During LatinX Heritage Month, we celebrate the countless contributions that Hispanic Americans have made to our nation. We also take this time to recognize the trailblazing individuals who fought for progress and equity for their communities. Throughout this month, teachers will incorporate this into their classrooms with age and grade appropriate materials. In addition, our library will be sharing some resources for families at home. You can access two of the resources here:

Families can learn more about LatinX Heritage Month here.
You can access our library collection via Destiny here: Destiny collection

Math Pilot Announcement

As part of the districtwide math curricular review, select classrooms will be participating in a math pilot this year.

Purpose of the Pilot

Our goal is to build a vertically aligned and coherent math system that supports all learners through rigorous, standards-aligned resources. The pilot allows us to evaluate high quality instructional materials in real classroom settings, considering how they meet student needs and align with our progressive teaching and learning values.

What to Expect
Families whose students are in pilot classrooms will receive direct communication with a general timeline. While one unit will be taught using a pilot resource in place of the current one, students' daily experience will remain consistent. All participating teachers receive training and will ensure instructional supports are in place for students as needed.

How We Will Evaluate Resources
We will consider student engagement and understanding, teacher usability, standards alignment, and feedback from students and families.

Timeline
Feedback collected during the pilot will help inform a final recommendation to the Board of Education in Spring 2026. The selected resource or resources will be implemented districtwide in the 2026–27 school year.

If you have general questions about the pilot, please reach out to patrickdawson@winnetka36.org.

Benchmark Assessment Window Opening Soon

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 starting September 25-October 10. On October 20, results will be emailed home, available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal, as well as online via Otus.com.

Learn, Communicate, Partner: Generative AI Literacy for Parents, Caregivers and Community (Amanda Bickerstaff, AI for Education CEO)

September 22, 2025

Time: 5:00 PM

Location: Skokie Auditorium

In this session, parents, caregivers, and community members will explore the transformative world of Generative AI in education and discover how AI is reshaping learning. We'll address common myths, discuss ethical considerations, and provide strategies for supporting your child's AI literacy. Through interactive demonstrations and focused discussion, you'll learn to effectively partner with your children as they navigate AI-enhanced learning environments and leave equipped with the knowledge and confidence to embrace educational technology while fostering responsible AI use at home and in the classroom.

Interested:

RSVP here

Feedback Link

iPad Insurance:

Important Deadlines for Optional Programs and Services - September 30, 3025 All registrations are available through RevTrak: https://winnetka.revtrak.net/

Registration for the following optional fees, programs, and services closes on September 30:

Kindergarten Stay & Play
iPad Insurance
Elementary & Skokie Milk Fees

Securly App:

As a reminder, parents have access to the Securly Home app, which allows you to partner with us in supporting safe and responsible technology use. With Securly Home, you can manage and view your child’s online activity while at home, set filters, and receive notifications. To learn more and access setup instructions, please review this guide: Securly Home Resource.

The Winnetka Community is Invited to Open Houses at all Campuses on Saturday, September 20

Referendum-funded construction is complete at all five campuses, the highlights of which include a new gym and classrooms at Crow Island, a beautiful multi-purpose room at Hubbard Woods, and many more essential improvements to our historic schools. Please join us for community open houses at all campuses on September 20 from 9 a.m.-11:00 a.m. A ribbon cutting will take place at 9 a.m. at the new Crow Island gym.

Volunteer Center Junior Board:

The Junior Board at the Volunteer Center is a dynamic group of 6th-8th graders in New Trier township passionate about making a difference in their community. Through hands-on service projects, leadership development, and team collaboration, board members gain invaluable experience while giving back. It’s an incredible opportunity for youth to develop skills, connect with peers, and create meaningful change. Whether you're looking to make new friends or build leadership skills, the Junior Board is where tomorrow’s leaders start today!

Junior Board Volunteer Center Information