Crow Island Parent Newsletter
April 27, 2026
Dear Crow Island Families,
One of the highlights of the Crow Island experience is Portfolio Day, and we are excited to continue this meaningful tradition in the coming weeks. Our students have been thoughtfully reflecting on their learning, selecting work that represents their growth, and preparing to share their progress with you. Portfolio Day is a special opportunity for students to take the lead in showcasing their learning journey and celebrating how far they’ve come this year.
More details, including dates and sign-up information, are included below. We look forward to welcoming you into our classrooms for this special experience.
As we head into May, we’re excited to celebrate our teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week next week (May 4-8). The PTO has planned many special events and treats, and I encourage you to join in recognizing your child’s teacher. We are so fortunate to have such caring, knowledgeable, and dedicated educators at Crow Island, and I hope we can all help make them feel truly appreciated and celebrated.
Finally, if you have not yet completed the Parent Input Survey for class placement for the 2026–2027 school year, please do so by Friday, May 1.
Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead!
Sincerely,
Anna
April
- Tuesday, April 28 | Superhero Day to support Lurie Children’s Hospital
May
- Friday, May 1 | 11:20 am Dismissal- Staff Institute Day
- Monday, May 4- Friday, May 8 | Teacher Appreciation Week
- 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| 4th Grade Instrument Recruitment 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
- 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
On Friday, our 3rd graders helped us celebrate Arbor Day in a really special way by planting a new tree on our school grounds! With support from local TreeKeepers, students rolled up their sleeves and took part in the process, helping to backfill soil, mulch, and water our new swamp white oak.
Students also played an important role in the ceremony by helping to read the Arbor Day Proclamation, adding to the significance of the event. It was a meaningful, hands-on experience and a wonderful way for students to learn about caring for our environment and community.
A special thank you to Dr. Kennan’s class for helping lead this work and to everyone who supported the event. Each 3rd grader also brought a tree home to plant, extending this experience beyond school. We’re excited to watch our new tree and all the others planted this weekend grow for years to come.
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.
Reminder: Crow Island Parent Input Survey for 2026-2027 Classroom Placements
As we begin planning our class placements for school year 2026-2027, we engage in a thoughtful process to create balanced and supportive learning communities for all students. In doing so, we consider many factors, including students’ academic and social-emotional profiles, as well as input from current teachers and families.
If you would like to share insights 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 form below. Family input will be reviewed by Crow Island administrators and teachers as part of the overall placement process.
Please note that while we value your perspective, we are not able to honor specific teacher requests. Thank you for trusting our professional judgment as we work to create thoughtful learning environments and positive experiences for every Crow Island student.
If you would like your input to be considered, please complete the form by Friday, May 1, 2026. A separate survey will be sent out to incoming Kindergarten families in a few weeks. Current 4th graders will complete a Skokie form.
Current Kindergarten-3rd grade families survey
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:
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!
Did you know April is School Library Month?
We're celebrating in the library all month long with ideas for using the library and reading.
- April 30: Poem in your pocket day
- May 1 (half day): DEAR day. We will do a school-wide 15 minute Drop Everything And Read!
Superhero Day To Support Lurie Children's
This April 28th, Crow Island will join with other schools in the Chicagoland area to support the real life superheroes saving lives every day at Lurie Children’s Hospital. While completely optional, students can dress as their favorite superheroes for this one special day at school (no masks or weapons, please), and families can choose to make a donation to support our hospital. Click here to learn more and, if you choose, to donate funds. Thank you!
Monthly Observances: Arab American History 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.
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!
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!
Contact Us
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