January 2021

The Winnetka Wire
Monthly News from The Winnetka Public Schools
Superintendent's Message


Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members,

As we look ahead to this spring, we continue to focus on improving our current educational experience, while simultaneously planning for a longer school day at the middle school and elementary levels. We are cautiously optimistic that our staff will have access to the vaccine by Spring Break.  With that, we also will (presumably) have improved weather to allow for more flexible, outdoor learning once again.  We are using these levers as catalysts to build creative and flexible plans to maximize our in-person learning this spring.  These plans are culminating into a Spring - Summer - Fall 2021 Roadmap that is informed by ideas from staff, survey feedback from parents and students, and successful concepts from other districts.  We will share more about this Roadmap next week at our School Board meeting and through subsequent communications.  

Special Board Meeting Update - Post Spring Break 
On Thursday, January 21 the Board held a Special Meeting to discuss post-Spring Break planning. After reviewing the survey findings, the Board determined not to schedule an adaptive pause following spring break. In-person learning will resume as currently scheduled on April 5, 2021, with the caveat that the Board may reevaluate this decision in February if the vaccine timeline does not roll out as anticipated. Additionally, the Board asked administration to evaluate COVID-19 testing options that could be used in accordance with shorter travel quarantine timelines.

As we have all experienced, circumstances have shifted quickly throughout the pandemic and we are prepared to remain responsive to new information. I am confident we will continue to work together to make the best of our current situation, remembering that there are better days on the horizon.

Sincerely,

Dr. Trisha Kocanda
Superintendent







Board Meeting Announcement

The Regular School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 26 at 7:15 p.m., limited in person and via Zoom. The Regular Meeting includes the following presentation on the agenda:

Spring - Summer - Fall 2021 Roadmap presentation
 
Public comment for the meeting will occur by email and in person. Those joining in person should go to the Carleton Washburne School Resource Center.  Please note: space is limited to 8 attendees, masks and social distancing requirements will be required. Those joining remotely should email board@winnetka36.org prior to 7:10 p.m. on January 26 and note if they want the email message read at the meeting. Please note, the Board will be following policy and limit public comment to three minutes.

To participate via Zoom:

Please use the link below to join the open portion of the meetings:
 https://winnetka36.zoom.us/j/88090707037?pwd=NG5odzg5ejhac3Frb05HK0lYQmZTUT09Passcode: 353337

Or Telephone:
1 312 626 6799

Webinar ID: 880 9070 7037
Passcode: 353337
Registration for 2021-2022

Registration for Kindergarten and students new to The Winnetka Public Schools in 2021-2022 is now open and can be accessed from the District website. Children who will be five-years-old on or before September 1, 2021, are eligible to enroll. 
 
The New Student Registration includes the following:
  1. Complete the following new student registration forms online.
  2. Provide proof of residency. Click here to view the list of documents that will meet these requirements. For your convenience residency documents may be uploaded during online registration.
  3. Provide the original or certified copy of your child(ren)'s birth certificate and a parent photo ID. Scanned copies or snapshots of these documents may be uploaded during online registration or can be submitted in-person at the District Office by appointment. Please contact the District Registrar at (847) 446-9400 or via email carolinhuh@winnetka36.org for more information. 
  4. Next spring you will receive an email from the District with a link to your child's registration. You will be asked to review the information provided in the past, answer additional questions, pay student fees, and sign up for transportation and before/after-school care at that time. Registration information will be sent to the student's primary email and home address.
Please note: children will not be considered enrolled until both the online registration and all supporting documents (steps 1-3) have been completed.  We look forward to welcoming you to The Winnetka Public Schools.

Upcoming Parent Education Events

In partnership with The Alliance for Early Childhood:

PANDEMIC PARENTING: TOOLS AND TIPS
Stop Yelling! Holding Boundaries at Home to Stay Balanced
February 18,  7-7:45 p.m.
 
Sibling squabbles, temper tantrums, refusal and resistance wear away your precious last nerve. You snap, you yell, and then you feel terrible. The pandemic has amplified this experience for so many parents. No parent wants to yell at their child and yet, no human has endless patience. So how do you live with your children without yelling or giving up completely? How do you find the balance while getting your children to cooperate? Come learn how to set boundaries without yelling and keep the peace without losing your peace. Rediscover the loving parent you are through new self-awareness and tools to support your family.  Program facilitated by Molly Pope, Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, Parent Coach, and Speaker and Trainer.


Additionally, families are invited to participate in Let's Play! 2020-2021 Ongoing Community Programs. Upcoming events are as follows:
  • Let's Play! Winter Woods Exploration, Crow Island Woods, February 20, 10am-4pm
Screen Time Resource

This resource may provide you with some helpful tips as you manage screen time with your child at home.
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In This Issue

Important Dates


In the District...




The Skokie School Lions of Leadership helped organize the donation of 300 new hats, 200 gloves, winter clothes, cleaning supplies, and PPE to the Northwestern Settlement House 
this winter.



Hubbard Woods Students on "Dress Like a Teacher Day."


Greeley first grade students are enjoying science activities with a hydroponics lab thanks to the support of The Winnetka Public Schools Foundation.

Our learners continue to make the best of our unique school year.

We would like to share photos of our remote learners' experiences, too! Please submit photos with
a short caption to katehughes@winnetka36.org.
   

 Family Action Network features an annual series of free events with renowned speakers, authors, 
and leaders. 




Connect with The Winnetka Public Schools on social media by 
clicking on the icons at the bottom of this message. 

We use the hashtag #WE36, which stands for 
"Winnetka Experience." 

The Winnetka Public Schools community empowers every student 
to flourish in an innovativeexperiential environment. 
We support and challenge all learners
 to actively engage in their continual growth and achievement 
to make a meaningful difference in the world.

 
The Winnetka Public Schools
847-446-9400

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