 The Winnetka Wire Monthly News from The Winnetka Public Schools |
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Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members,
As a community, we met a significant milestone on August 27 when we opened our doors to our students in the midst of a pandemic. This was and will continue to be no small feat. Each decision is new and every step in planning takes tremendous effort. We have consistently committed to progress over perfection, knowing that we will have our fair share of bold moves and some stumbles along the way. We appreciate your patience as we build our new rhythm and momentum.
 We were also thrilled to connect virtually with the our students and staff in our school community who are learning remotely together this trimester. Much has changed in our world, but one thing that has not changed is our steadfast, collective commitment to our students. While it is bittersweet that we are not enjoying a "typical" start to the year, the implementation of our hybrid plan would not have been possible without your ingenuity, support, and feedback.
I'd like to share a few highlights of our work together: -
Welcoming over 1,500 K-8 students on campus 
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Connecting with over 100 remote students
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Completing over 4,000 hours of summer work and technology professional learning in preparation for the school year
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Conducting our first virtual New Teacher Orientation with 11 new educators
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Implementing countless new health/safety protocols
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Engaging students in 23 outdoor learning tents
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Supporting over 2,000 devices as we balance in-person and remote programming
- Cheering on students who have done a FABULOUS job wearing masks
We remain optimistic that we will be able to continue providing in-  person learning. We continue to closely monitor health metrics and guidance from the ISBE, IDPH, and Cook County Department of Public Health. In order to maintain our learning model, we depend on all in our community to remain vigilant about social distancing and mask-wearing, staying home when sick, and traveling with caution. Together, we can ensure our successful school opening launches us into a long-term, in-person learning experience.
Dr. Trisha Kocanda
Superintendent
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Board Meeting Announcement
The School Board meeting will be held on Tuesdday, September 22 at Carleton Washburne School in the Resource Center (515 Hibbard Road in Winnetka) and via Zoom. There will be a 7:00 p.m. hearing on the FY20-21 Final Budget. A Public Hearing on the Transfer of Funds from the Education fund to the Operations and Maintenance Fund and from the Operations and Maintenance Fund to the Capital Projects Fund will be held at 7:10 p.m.
The Regular Meeting is at 7:15 p.m. and includes the following presentations on the agenda:
School Year 2020-2021 Progress and Planning
Public seating is limited to 12 seats to adhere to social distancing requirements. Seating for the public is on a first-come, first-served basis. All guests must wear a face mask and social distance inside the meeting room. Any individuals who arrive after the room is full will need to join remotely. No overflow seating will be available.
Public comment for the meeting will occur both in person and also by email. Those joining remotely and wishing to make public comments should email [email protected] prior to 6:55 p.m. on September 22 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:
Passcode: 36Wins36
Or Telephone: +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 958 1638 8663
Passcode: 438360
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Together, we have a shared responsibility to foster safe and healthy practices within our community. This starts in each of our homes and extends to our schools and beyond. Our hope is that we are able to continue to learn in-person and we need community cooperation in order to make this possible from a metrics standpoint.
Thank you for your cooperation as we navigate this difficult time together.
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Opportunity from The Winnetka-Northfield Public Library
The Winnetka Northfield Public Library is offering an online card application option for students who don't currently have a library card. This is a great opportunity for students to take advantage of all the amazing digital and print resources the library offers. The library will create accounts within 24 hours of receiving the request and email the library card number to the card holder. Here is a letter with further details, and here is a form to apply. Please contact the Public Library with all questions and to return the application form: [email protected].
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In the District...
Learning looks different this fall, but we are grateful to have our students back to school, both in-person
and remotely.
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 Family Action Network features an annual series of free events with renowned speakers, authors, and leaders.
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 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."
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