Hubbard Woods Family Newsletter

Last week, our kindergarten students truly sang their hearts out during their Kindergarten Sing performance. Students proudly shared original lyrics they created about animals, which was absolutely adorable and brought so many smiles to our community. It was such a joy to watch our students shine through songs like “I’m a Penguin,” beautifully performed by Mrs. Roler’s class dressed as penguins, and to see the program conclude with a spirited rendition of “Baby Beluga” performed by the entire kindergarten class.

A very special thank you to Ms. Banks for all of her hard work and dedication this semester. She has provided our students with a joyful and meaningful music experience that beautifully aligns with our progressive practices and commitment to student voice and creativity. We are so grateful for the passion, care, and energy she has brought to our school community.

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.

While it is always difficult to say goodbye, we are also excited to introduce new staff members who will soon become part of the Hubbard Woods community. We look forward to welcoming them, building new relationships, and continuing the strong sense of community that makes Hubbard Woods such a special place.

2025 CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence honoree, multiple GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year Semifinalist, Yamaha “40-Under-40” Music Education Excellence recipient, and Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching winner Jeremy Bartunek is a nationally recognized music educator, conductor, and arts advocate based in Illinois. He is the founder and director of the Northbrook 28 Children’s Choir, a vibrant ensemble of 200 students that performs at more than 15 community events annually—including appearances at Wrigley Field Gallagher Way, Daley Plaza Chicago, and Allstate Arena.

As General Music Specialist, Bartunek designs inclusive, culturally relevant curricula and leads interdisciplinary arts programming initiatives. He also co-writes and directs the school's Spring Musical and Winter Festival of the Arts, cultivates student-run technical crews, and produces original works for public performance. He mentors emerging educators statewide through the Golden Apple Scholars program and hosts collegiate student teachers.

Bartunek has presented at the ILMEA All-State Conference, the ACDA Children & Community Youth Conductors' National Retreat, and the Midwest Kodály Music Educators Conference. He’s served as guest conductor/clinician for the CCSD21 Choral Festival, directed the Triopia High School Concert Choir and Band, and performed as a soloist with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Society, on Good Morning America, and at The House of Blues. He is a member of The Recording Academy, and is a Fellow with the Golden Apple Academy of Educators.

He holds an MM from Western Illinois University, Kodály and Orff certifications from DePaul University, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at Boston University.

Hola! My name is Lorena Contreras, and I am excited to be joining Hubbard School as the Spanish teacher. I bring over 20 years of experience in education, along with a Master’s degree in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language.

I am originally from Argentina, and I am passionate about helping students develop their Spanish language skills while building confidence and a love for learning. I believe in creating a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging classroom where all students feel supported and encouraged to succeed.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and learning about different cultures.

I am truly excited to be part of the Hubbard School community and look forward to working with you and your children.

Hello families!

I’m thrilled to be joining the Hubbard Woods community. During my 13 years at the Skokie School as a 5th grade math/science teacher and math specialist, I worked with a number of wonderful (and proud!) Hubbard Woods students. Now, I’m looking forward to partnering with the talented HW teachers and dedicated families to ensure all students feel successful and joyful about math from the very start of their math journey until they are ready for Skokie themselves! I have a passion for helping children grow in their confidence and perseverance, find joy in problem-solving, and develop a genuine love of math.

Outside of school, I live in Evanston with my husband and two sons, ages 4 and 7. Our summers are usually filled with beaches, playgrounds, dance parties, plenty of board games (math games included!)

I look forward to connecting with many of you next year!

Sincerely,

Gwyn Duthie

Hi, Hubbard Woods families! My name is Jamie Edelstein and I am so excited to be joining the Hubbard Woods School community next year as one of the newest special education teachers. Teaching is my passion, and I bring six year of teaching experience along with a deep love of learning that I can't wait to share with your children. I hope everyone has a wonderful summer break, and I look forward to meeting you all in the fall!

I’m excited to be joining Hubbard Woods as one of the new special education teachers! I bring over 19 years of teaching experience, including 9 years here in Winnetka District 36, where I’ve worked at both The Skokie School and Greeley Elementary. I hold certifications in special education and have earned two master’s degrees—one in Curriculum and Instruction and another in Reading.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy learning new things, gardening, or doing DIY home projects. I also enjoy spending time with my two sons, ages 9 and 12. I love cheering them on at their sports games, attending their music events, and watching professional sports together as a family.

I’m honored to join the Hubbard Woods community and look forward to partnering with students, teachers, and families in the year ahead!

Dear Hubbard Woods Families,

Just a quick email to let you know it is that time of year again. Recruitment assemblies will be taking place within the last week at Crow Island, Greeley and Hubbard Woods for current 1st-3rd grade students. 4th grade students will have a separate assembly where they will learn more about the program at Skokie. 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

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGkXLOZ6N8z--O-GOGXVwbTBvdfNXv04NtwR9sXwrofCp5uw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=113061840731808588672

For the CURRENT 4th Grade students

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUuBD3pUP9zcwzCFqdGAmW3Uyw3Ik1ePuwVcnvHZdYdCNDTw/viewform

Mrs. Yue Cai

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

The Art & Science of Differentiation

Veteran Winnetka educator Mr. Steve Agouridis and new-to-Winnetka teacher Ms. Kate McCarthy join Superintendent, Dr. Kelly Tess, for a thoughtful conversation about differentiation to meet the needs of every learner. Together, they explore how differentiated instruction looks in Winnetka classrooms and reflect on effectively teaching students with different interests and learning styles. Learn more about how Winnetka teachers build connections with students, facilitate experiential and meaningful learning and consider the whole child to differentiate for every student.

Listen here:

Apple Podcast

Amazon

Spotify

iHeart

As we continue reflecting on our school procedures and routines, we are reviewing our arrival and dismissal processes with a focus on areas that tend to become congested during these busy times of day. We are also planning ahead for our shift to a full-day kindergarten program next school year, which will result in more students dismissing around the same time. Our goal is to create a smoother, safer, and more efficient experience for students, families, and staff.

In August, we will share updated arrival and dismissal procedures for next school year. Please be on the lookout for additional communication outlining these changes and important details for families.

We also recognize that no procedure is a magic wand, and there may still be moments of congestion as we safely dismiss more than 340 students at one time. We deeply appreciate your flexibility, partnership, and patience as we work together to make arrival and dismissal as smooth and safe as possible for everyone in our school community.

• Monday June 1st: Spring Benchmark Assessment Results Released to Families (Powerschool and Otus)
• Wednesday, June 3rd: Field Day
• Friday, June 5th: Skokie Shadow Day for Grade 4 students
• Friday, June 5th: Half Day for Students (11:20am Dismissal)-Teacher Reporting Day
• Wednesday, June 10th: Blam Ball & Year Book Signing
• Thursday, June 11th: Progress Reports Released to Families
• **Friday, June 12th: 4th Grade Video and Party 1:30-3:00pm** (This is the correct date.)
• Monday, June 15th: Last Day of School, Half Day for Students (11:20am Dismissal)-Teacher Reporting Day