Hubbard Woods Family Newsletter

The Lighthouse Movement this week continues to highlight the many ways we are helping students build a genuine love for movement and develop lifelong habits around physical fitness in school and beyond.

Mr. Klip and Coach K have been creating fun, engaging pickleball experiences while also preparing students to confidently participate in the sport across all grade levels. They are intentional about meeting students right where they are, adjusting activities based on both age and skill level so that every child feels supported, successful, and appropriately challenged.

Through these experiences, students are building important skills like hand-eye coordination, balance, and agility while laughing, playing, and growing their confidence. Whether it’s a student’s first time picking up a paddle or they’re continuing to refine their skills, the focus is on joy, movement, personal growth, and helping every child discover the value of staying active for life.

First Graders to Welcome Author Jacob Grant

Author and illustrator Jacob Grant will be visiting our school on Wednesday, April 29, for a storytime and to teach students how to draw some of his characters! Jacob's newest book is Turtle Slept In, about a sea turtle who wakes up late and has to venture across the beach to the sea! His other recent picture books include Umami, No Fair!, and No Pants!

Families can order signed copies of Jacob's books at this link:

http://www.bookedevanston.com/turtlesleptin

Please place your order by Sunday, April 26!

Many thanks to our friends at Booked in Evanston for making the visit possible!

May 13, 2026:

Stress and the Brain: Helping Kids Handle Big Feelings

SEL Integrations, Inc. presentation

May 13, 2026

9:30 A.M.

Location: Skokie Community Room (in person event)

When kids get overwhelmed, their brains and bodies can react in powerful ways. In this

session, we will learn what is really happening in the brain during stressful moments,

including what it means when a child “flips their lid” and how to respond with calm and compassion. We will share simple strategies and sample scripts to help support kids with managing big emotions while strengthening connection.

Interested:

RSVP for this event here

As we begin planning class placements for the 2026–2027 school year, we engage in a thoughtful and collaborative process to create balanced, supportive learning communities for all students. This process considers a range of factors, including each child’s academic and social-emotional profile, as well as insights from current teachers and families.

If you would like to share information about your child’s learning style or any academic or social-emotional considerations that may help inform this process, you are welcome to do so by completing the parent input form by Friday, May 1. Family input will be reviewed in full by Ms. Ajavon.

While we deeply value your perspective, we are not able to honor requests for specific teachers. Relevant information that is not tied to a specific teacher request will be thoughtfully shared with our educators as part of the placement process.

Thank you for your trust and partnership as we work to create positive and meaningful learning experiences for every child at Hubbard Woods.

Ms. Delzell is excited to invite the Hubbard Woods School community to join her in celebrating her favorite place in the school - our library! There are three schoolwide celebrations she hopes you'll mark your calendars for...

Wednesday, April 22 is Earth Day and BOOK SWAP DAY!

Reuse, Recycle, and READ by donating books for the swap. Book donations are due by Monday, April 20, and the Swap will take place from 9-10:30 in the front hallway on 4/22. Books should be gently used and appropriate for readers at our school and while we're asking that each student bring in just one book, if you have one or two additional books to share, we appreciate your generosity and will make sure that unswapped books are responsibly donated.

Friday, May 1 is not technically part of the month of April but it is D.E.A.R. Day!

Beverly Cleary first introduced the world to Drop Everything and Read in Ramona Quimby, Age 8, and her birthday is April 12, which is a Sunday. May 1 is a Friday and a half-day for students, so hopefully, a D.E.A.R. interruption here at school will just blend into a non-normal day.

Any questions? Please reach out directly to Ms. Delzell (lizdelzell@winnetka36.org). Happy School Library Month!

Arab American Heritage Month takes place each year in April. It celebrates the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and lasting contributions of Arab Americans. This month also honors the diverse traditions, histories, and achievements that continue to shape and strengthen our communities across the United States.

Mr. Philip Burchell and Ms. Christina Venos, Kindergarten teachers in The Winnetka Public Schools, join Superintendent Dr. Kelly Tess for an engaging conversation about this formative year in school. They share insights into how early literacy, social skills, and curiosity are developed through creating opportunities for play and fostering a love of learning. Tune in to hear how Winnetka’s youngest students begin their educational journey. As Mr. Burchell notes, “At the end of the day, we’re building good humans and that is the most important part of all of it.”

Listen here:

Apple Podcast

Amazon

Spotify

iHeart

• Monday, April 13th-15th - IAR Makeup Testing for 3rd and 4th grade students
• Tuesday, April 21st - Board Meeting at Washburne at 7:15pm
• Wednesday, April 22nd - Tornado Drill at 8:50am
• Spring Sing Dates
• 1st Grade - April 22nd at 5pm
• 2nd Grade - April 22nd at 6pm
• 3rd Grade - April 23rd at 5pm
• 4th Grade - April 23rd at 6pm
• Wednesday, April 29th - Strings Concert at 7pm
• Friday, May 1st - Complete FY27 Class Placement Parent Input Survey