Crow Island Parent Newsletter

Dear Crow Island Community,

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend and that all of our moms and caregivers felt celebrated and appreciated.

I also want to take a moment to thank our entire Crow Island community for an absolutely incredible Teacher Appreciation Week. The kindness and thoughtfulness shown by our students, parents, and families was truly overwhelming and unlike anything I have ever experienced. Our teachers and staff felt so genuinely appreciated throughout the entire week.

A very special thank you goes to the PTO, and especially our Teacher Appreciation Week chairs, Kara Darling and Katherine Glendenning, for planning such a meaningful and generous week for our staff. From delicious breakfasts and lunches to dessert buffets, coffee carts, treats, decorations, and thoughtful touches throughout the week, every detail helped make our teachers feel celebrated. Thank you as well to all of the families who sent flowers, cards, gift cards, and heartfelt notes. The positivity and gratitude throughout the building made for such a joyful week at Crow Island.

This week, our 4th graders are heading off to Camp Edwards! Students are extremely excited, and we are all looking forward to a wonderful experience filled with friendship, adventure, teamwork, and lasting memories. It is always a special milestone for our 4th graders and a highlight of the school year.

As we move further into May and the school year begins winding down, we still have so many exciting events, celebrations, and learning experiences ahead of us.

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead!

Sincerely,
Anna

May

• Tuesday, May 12 | MAP Testing Reading (Gr 3 and 4)
  
• Wednesday, May 13 | MAP Testing Math (Gr 3 and 4)
• Thursday, May 14 | Camp Edwards Trip 4th Grade
• Friday, May 15 | 4th Grade Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra Visit
• Tuesday, May 19| 2nd Grade Bike Rodeo 4-5 PM
  
• Wednesday, May 20 | Strings Recital 6 PM
• Monday, May 25 | No School- Memorial Day
• Tuesday, May 26| Portfolio Day- Gr. 1 and 2
• Thursday, May 28| Portfolio Day- Gr. 3 and 4
• Thursday, May 28| Spring Sing (3rd- 5:45 PM, 4th- 6:45 PM)

June

• Monday, June 1| 4th Grade Instrument Recruitment Visit *This has been updated!*

• Friday, June 5| 4th Grade Shadow Day at Skokie (AM)
• Friday, June 5 | 11:20 AM Dismissal- Reporting Day Staff
• Wednesday, June 10| Field Day
• Thursday, June 11 | Field Day Rain Date
• Thursday, June 11 | Kindergarten Sing 1:30 PM
• Friday, June 12 | Crows on parade/ 4th Grade Video 9 AM
• Monday, June 15| Anticipated Last Day of school- 11:20 AM Dismissal - Staff Institute Day
• Monday, June 15| Year End Assembly

Last week, we were excited to welcome the Skokie and Washburne Chorus for a special all-school assembly. The students performed a variety of songs that kept the audience engaged, energized, and singing along throughout the performance. One of the highlights was seeing several former Crow Island students return to perform solos, which made the experience even more meaningful for our current students and staff.

The performance was not only entertaining, but also provided our students with a wonderful glimpse into what chorus looks like at the middle school and junior high level. It was inspiring for our students to see the opportunities that await them at Skokie and Washburne and something they can look forward to as they continue their school journey. A big thank you to the Skokie and Washburne chorus students and directors for sharing their talents with us and putting on such a fantastic performance!

• Please take a look at this slide deck with your children.

• This slide deck has ALL of the information you will need, including a schedule of when we are working on the crows.

• If you have any questions, please reach out.

• The 4th Grade “Crows on Parade” will be held on FRIDAY , JUNE 12!

• Teachers will place the crows on the lawn early that morning. You may arrive as early as 8am to take a look, take pictures, etc. They will REMAIN out on the lawn all day.

• Please make arrangements to take them home by the END OF THE DAY on June 12th. Thank you!

Sincerely, Mrs. Johnston, Crow Island art teacher

Summer Pet-sitting Opportunity at Adventures in Learning

ATTENTION all rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, reptiles, birds and other small animals! Winnetka's Adventures in Learning/Animal Care Class is back and looking for animals to get some love and attention from our teachers and students. If your child's small animal is due for a brief break this summer, please email Anna at animal.care.adventures@gmail.com. We can also attempt to arrange adoptions if it is time to pass your pet on to another loving family.

Winnetka Parents Institute:

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

Crow Island Portfolio Day 2026

Traditionally, one of the highlights of student experiences at Crow Island has been participating in Portfolio Day. Below is an overview of the portfolio experience and our plan for “Portfolio Day” this year.

The Power of Portfolios:

Portfolios show the cumulative efforts and learning of individual students over time. The portfolio showcases student improvement and skill mastery throughout the year. Along with student reflection, the portfolio provides detailed information about individual students and what is important to your child throughout the learning process. At Crow Island, we believe portfolios are powerful because…

• Students are capable of assessing their own learning.

• Our goal is for students to think of and see themselves as learners. We encourage students to think about their learning and set goals for themselves.

• Portfolios help students reflect on where they started, how they developed, and view their growth over time.

• Each portfolio is tailored to the individual student and allows each individual child an opportunity to celebrate their work.

Portfolio Day Logistics:

Students in 1st through 4th grade have been working with their teachers to reflect on their learning and select work for their portfolios. In May, parents will be invited into the classrooms for Portfolio Day. During Portfolio Day, each child will have 30 minutes to lead their parents through their portfolio. This is an opportunity for you to join your child in celebrating their learning and growth. You will have the opportunity to listen as your child takes the lead in showcasing the work they have completed this year..

Below are the dates and times we have set aside for Portfolio Day:

• Tuesday, May 26

• 1st Grade 9:45am & 12:30pm

• 2nd Grade 10:45am & 2:00pm

• Thursday May, 28

• 3rd Grade 10:15am & 2:00pm

• 4th Grade 8:50am & 12:45pm

As in previous years, this event is for parents and children only. Siblings do not attend Portfolio Day. Please be sure to make alternate arrangements. This allows your child to have your undivided attention on this special day.

This week, teachers will be sending out a sign-up so parents can arrange the time to visit the classroom on the date above. In the coming month, I will be sending out more information to families on how they can support the Portfolio Day. In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out.

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.

Traffic Reminders

• When lining up on Willow Road before turning into the circle, please do not get too close to Glendale Ave. Cars that are lining up too close to Glendale are blocking visibility for drivers turning onto Willow Road.
• Please be sure that you are not stopping on Glendale Ave. when turning into the circle.
• Be sure to wait until there is room to enter the circle before turning off of Willow Rd.
• Additionally, when exiting the circle, please do not turn left until there is space to fit your vehicle without blocking Glendale.
• Finally, please pull over as far to the right as possible on Glendale when picking up a student from the back playground.

We want to ensure that we are not blocking Glendale in case there were ever a need of an emergency vehicle that needed to get through to the school or neighbor. Thank you so much for your attention to these matters!

Online Registration Open for Incoming Kindergarteners & New Students for the 2026/2027

Do you know any incoming kindergartners for next year? If so, please encourage them to register soon!

Registration for incoming kindergarteners and students new to The Winnetka Public Schools in 2026/2027 is now open. Children who will be five-years-old on or before September 1, 2026, are eligible to enroll. Children will not be considered enrolled until both the online and paper portion of registration has been completed and residency documentation is verified. To enroll, or If you have any questions, please visit the District website or contact the Registrar at 847-446-9400.

Note: Many families have started the registration process but still need to submit their forms. Please help spread the word to turn in all required paperwork as soon as possible. Our ability to have four kindergarten classrooms depends on our enrollment numbers!

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.

Crow Island 101 Document:

Our Crow Island 101 Guide is a helpful, at-a-glance resource for families. Many parents like to keep a copy in their kitchen for quick reference. You can view it here: Crow 101 Document.

Arrival & Dismissal:

Please take a few minutes to review our Arrival & Dismissal procedures. These routines help ensure a safe and smooth start and end to each school day for all students.

Hot Lunch Program:

Crow Island has a hot lunch program run through a third party collaboration with our PTO called Marla's Lunch. You can register and sign-up here: Marla's Hot Lunch.

Spirit Day:

Crow Island Spirit Day will be on FRIDAYS this year! Get your Crow Island Spirit wear from our PTO Store here!

Email:

annatrilla@winnetka36.org (Principal)

christinedemas-hall@winnetka36.org (Administrative Assistant)
Website: https://crowisland.winnetka36.org/
Location: 1112 Willow Road Winnetka, IL 60093
Phone: (847)-446-0353
Instagram: Winnetka Public Schools