Hubbard Woods Family Newsletter

Dear Hubbard Woods Families,

This past week has been filled with exciting and enriching experiences for our students!

We were fortunate to host a family presentation on Germany, where students learned fascinating facts about German music, cars, and traditions as a child from the Rittstieg family. It was a wonderful opportunity for our community to connect through culture and shared curiosity.

Additionally, our talented string students took the stage under the direction of our dedicated strings teacher. The concert was a beautiful showcase of their hard work, teamwork, and love of music. These early experiences with music help students build skills such as discipline, collaboration, and confidence.

We’re so grateful for these opportunities that make learning come to life for our students.

All the best,

Ivory Ajavon

Principal

Monday, May 19 | 6:00–7:00 pm at Hubbard Woods

Join me for an evening conversation focused on our continued commitment to progressive education. I’ll share key updates, highlight current practices, and invite your questions and feedback as we work together to support meaningful and student learning at Hubbard Woods.

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Literacy: Connecting our Teaching and Learning to Progressive Education

Wednesday, May 14, 2024

9:30 A.M.

Location: Skokie Community Room

Families are invited to a session highlighting literacy instruction in The Winnetka Public Schools. Dr. Becky Mathison, Assistant Superintendent for Innovation, Teaching & Learning, and District educators will lead a discussion on the literacy research and neuroscience that underpins the foundational skills and knowledge-building approach to acquiring basic literacy. Together, we will explore how early childhood literacy efforts in The Winnetka Public Schools align with current best practices, as well as the Tenets of Progressive Education:Whole Child Approach, Experiential and Meaningful Learning, and Collaborative Community. Parents will leave with a greater understanding of what to expect in Kindergarten through 2nd grade, as well as how to best support their budding readers at home.

Interested:

RSVP for this event here

Feedback Link

Benchmark Assessment Information

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.

Academic benchmark assessments for literacy and math will occur three times this year for students in grades K-8. The Spring Benchmark Assessments start on May 5th and conclude on May 23rd. There are four platforms the district utilizes to gather student learning information; aimswebPlus, mCLASS, NWEA MAP, and SSIS. Benchmark data will be available in Otus beginning May 30, 2025. In order to allow for the data uploads to take place and to provide parents with consistent access to student data, please be aware that the Otus Parent Portal will be inaccessible May 5-30.

Building Data Team meetings to review the Winter Benchmarking data will occur June 9-13.

Otus Parent Resources

Please be aware that access to the Otus Parent Portal will be turned off on June 30, 2025 in order to prepare for the next school year. Communication will be sent out at the start of the year notifying parents when the portal will be accessible again.

• Wednesday, May 7th at 9am - Fire drill (Postponed)

• Wednesday, May 7th at 4pm - 6:30-pm 2nd Grade Bike Rodeo

• Sunday, May 18th - Mayfest

• Monday, May 19th at 6pm -Townhall on Progressive Practices

• Tuesday, May 20th at 7:15pm - Board Meeting at Washburne

• Thursday, May 22nd - 6:15pm - Kindergarten Open House

• Monday, May 26th - Memorial Day/ No School