Greeley Greeting
August 20, 2024

Monday, May 4
Principal's Message
Dear Greeley Families,
I hope you’re enjoying this stretch of summer-like weather. Our students certainly did today! They made the most of the sunshine during recess, and Willoughby Woods (our beautiful courtyard) is sure to see plenty of happy activity if this weather continues over the next six weeks.
Registration for returning families is now open. We encourage you to take a few moments to complete the process using the link below. Early registration helps us plan thoughtfully for the year ahead and ensures a smooth start for your child this fall.
You may have also seen the PTO newsletter shared on Sunday, which includes information about ordering school supplies for next year. We’re so grateful to our PTO for making this process easy and convenient for families.
I also invite you to read the update from our creative and talented Kinetic Wellness team. Their work highlights how students are building skills in problem solving, teamwork, and collaboration while bringing our progressive tenets to life in meaningful and engaging ways in the gym.
Warmly,
Lindsay
Upcoming Dates
May
- Wednesday, 5/6 through Wednesday, 5/20: Spring Benchmark Assessments
- Thursday, 5/21: Spring Sing Grades K, 3, 4 5:30-7:00
- Monday, 5/25: No School (Memorial Day)
- Tuesday 5/26: Spring Sing Grades 1 and 2, 6:00-7:00pm
- Wednesday, 5/27: Kindergarten Parent Open House, 6:15-7:15p, (Incoming K families)
June
- Monday 6/1: Spring Benchmark Assessment Results Released to Families (Powerschool and Otus)
- Friday, 6/5: Skokie Shadow Day for Grade 4 students
- Friday, 6/5: Half Day for Students (11:20am Dismissal)-Teacher Reporting Day
- Tuesday, 6/9: Greeley Field Day
- Wednesday 6/10: Greeley Field Day Rain Date
- Thursday, 6/11: Progress Reports Released to Families, 4th Grade Video and Party 1:30-3:00pm
- Monday 6/15: Last Day of School, Half Day for Students (11:20am Dismissal)-Teacher Reporting Day
New Information
Health Forms for 2026/2027
Please review this information to plan for the 2026/2027 school year.
Monthly Observances: Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is celebrated annually to recognize the historical and cultural contributions of people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. Established in 1978, it honors the diverse cultures of East, Southeast, and South Asia, as well as the Pacific Islands. AAPI individuals have made significant contributions to American society in areas such as science, medicine, arts, sports, government, and law.
Lighthouse Classroom Spotlight-KW Update
Teamwork, Problem-Solving, and Mini-Golf!
It has been an incredibly active and collaborative few weeks in the gym for our 1st through 4th graders! Recently, our focus has been heavily centered on cooperation, communication, and creative thinking.
Team Building
4th Grade: Our oldest students engaged in advanced team-building activities to prepare for their highly anticipated Snake Road Field Trip. We focused on trust, strategic planning, and stepping outside of our comfort zones.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade: Our younger classes practiced building their cooperative foundations. They participated in activities that required them to communicate, collaborate, compromise, and work together toward a common goal in a fun, active environment.
Why Team Building in PE Matters:
Enhances Communication: Students learn to articulate their ideas clearly under pressure and, just as importantly, practice active listening.
Builds Trust and Empathy: Working through physical and mental challenges together fosters a supportive classroom community and mutual respect.
Develops Critical Thinking: Students must think on their feet, troubleshoot, and adapt their strategies when their initial plan doesn't work out.
Fosters Leadership: These activities give different students the opportunity to step up and lead, as well as learn how to be constructive, supportive followers.
Mini-Golf (Design and Play)
(STEM and Progressive Practice in action)
Last week, we transitioned into an exciting new Mini-Golf unit where students put progressive practice to work!
Students experimented through trial and error to design and construct their very own mini-golf hole. Their individual designs were refined and perfected, the class will work together to rebuild and connect their holes, creating a fully playable nine-hole course for everyone to experience.
STEM in the Gym:
Designing a functional mini-golf course isn't just about athletic skill; it is essentially a moving STEM lab! As students were building and playing, they engaged with several cross-curricular concepts such as Geometry and Basic Physics.
We can't wait to see and play the incredible courses the students have engineered.
Repeated Information
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.
Winnetka Parent Institute for 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:
School Hours
School Hours:
8:20am | Morning supervision begins
8:30am | School Doors open
8:37am | School promptly begins
2:10pm | Regular Extended Day Kindergarten dismissal (Monday-Friday)
2:45pm | Grades 1-4 & Stay and Play kindergarten dismissal (Mondays only)
3:15pm | Grades 1-4 & Stay and Play kindergarten dismissal (Tuesday-Friday)
Helpful School Links for Families
Helpful District Links
Contact Information
Contact Us
Office Email: danarahkhem@winnetka36.org
Location: 275 Fairview Avenue Winnetka, IL 60093
Phone: (847)-446-6060