The Winnetka Public Schools

Archived News

Board Communications Page Added

The feature is called Board Communications and the page can be accessed under the School Board menu in the green bar across the top of the District site.

Click to visit and/or bookmark the page at its web address:
http://www.winnetka36.org/board/communications

Bulletin 3-10-2010

•All participants in the Pride of Lions 2010 Award design contest may pick up their entries in the RC today after school.  Thanks again to all who participated.

•ISAT MAKE UPS – TODAY AFTERSCHOOL -3:30-4:30 – ROOM S101

•Full band rehearsal with Glencoe students 12:00 - 1:15 in the gym.

      •Today’s Washburne Singers Sectionals:
Time   Group
11:00-11:30   Alto

•There will be no Art Club TODAY. Art Club will resume a week from Wednesday, March 17th, after school, in room 306. All are welcome!

•LOST – Quick Silver Wallet – Brown, Green and Tan.  Please return to the main office if found.

•Do you like doing good for our community?  Well then donate to the Yusim/Flamich “can”-paign!  The food will be donated to the New Trier Township Food Pantry!  Donate now or people in our community will go hungry. Drop off canned foods at the front entrance.

Future Events and Deadlines

   •Monday’s Menu: Chicken sandwich, potato rounds and chilled applesauce.

•8TH GRADERS GOING TO WASHINGTON DC:  ALL STUDENTS MUST MEET IN THE NIELSEN PARKING LOT NO LATER THAN 12:30PM.  ALL BUSES DEPART AT 1:00PM!!

•TV Tune Out 2010 for grades 7 and 8 – Sunday, March 7 – Saturday, March 13.
/=LEASE pick up more information in the main office.

Bulletin 3-9-2010

•All participants in the Pride of Lions 2010 Award design contest may pick up their entries in the RC through Wednesday after school.  Thanks again to all who participated.

•ISAT MAKE UPS – TUESDAY, MARCH 9-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10
BEFORE (7:20-8:25) AND AFTER (3:30-4:30) SCHOOL -ROOM S101. PLEASE SIGN UP IN THE MAIN OFFICE WITH MRS. MAURANTONIO.

   •Boys Volleyball:  CW @Marie Murphy: JV @ 4:00 and Varsity@5:00

•LOST – Quick Silver Wallet – Brown, Green and Tan.  Please return to the main office if found.

•Do you like doing good for our community?  Well then donate to the Yusim/Flamich “can”-paign!  The food will be donated to the New Trier Township Food Pantry!  Donate now or people in our community will go hungry. Drop off canned foods at the front entrance.

Future Events and Deadlines

   •Tomorrow’s Menu: Chicken stir-fry w. oriental veggies, seasoned rice and pineapple

•8TH GRADERS GOING TO WASHINGTON DC:  ALL STUDENTS MUST MEET IN THE NIELSEN PARKING LOT NO LATER THAN 12:30PM.  ALL BUSES DEPART AT 1:00PM!!

•TV Tune Out 2010 for grades 7 and 8 – Sunday, March 7 – Saturday, March 13.
PLEASE pick up more information in the main office.

Superintendent to Submit Resignation; Board Consultant to Lead Transition

lic Schools in Clayton, Missouri. The District 36 School Board will take formal action at its March 23 meeting to accept Dr. Herrmann’s resignation and retirement from the State of Illinois, effective June 2010. Herrmann joined District 36 as superintendent in July 2007 after having served as superintendent of Barrington District 220 for seven years.

“On behalf of the entire Winnetka Public Schools community, I want to thank Dr. Herrmann for her service to the District during the past two‐and‐a‐half years, including her leadership in key areas such as effective personnel processes, institution of common planning time for teachers, and initial strategic planning engagement with the community,” said Nancy Fehrenbach, president of the Winnetka Public Schools District 36 Board of Education. “We wish Mary every success in her new position.”

Herrmann expressed pride in her association with this District; “It has been an honor and a privilege to work with you. You are bright, talented, passionate people who care deeply about our students and serve them well,” said Herrmann in a letter shared with staff. “I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to share a small part of my professional journey with you. I have learned extensively from you and with you, and I will continue to work alongside you as we bring closure to the 2009-2010 school year.”

Fehrenbach announced that former Libertyville School District 70 superintendent Dr. Mark Friedman, who joined The Winnetka Public Schools in January 2010 as a special projects consultant, has been charged with assisting the School Board in developing a solid leadership transition plan moving forward.

“While Dr. Friedman was originally hired to provide additional administrative support to assist in the implementation of key initiatives, including teacher supervision and development, differentiated classroom practices, and principal coaching, we are very fortunate to be able to rely on his expertise and leadership to ensure that we maintain our focus on quality education and operational excellence throughout this transition,” said Fehrenbach.

“We are committed to developing and implementing a superintendent search process that is inclusive, transparent, and well planned. We will have more to report to the community on this effort as well as our plans for interim District leadership at our March 23 Board meeting,” continued Fehrenbach. In the meantime, the Board plans to meet this Thursday, March 11 at 6:30 P.M. in the Carleton Washburne School Resource Center, 515 Hibbard Road, to discuss transition planning and other ongoing matters. Finally, throughout the upcoming superintendent search process, the Board will provide regular status updates and information on opportunities for public input through public, parent, and staff communications, including the District website, newsletters, and the media.

The regular monthly meeting of The Winnetka Public Schools District 36 School Board will be held on March 23 at 7:15 P.M. at The Skokie School, 520 Glendale Avenue.

Bulletin 3-5-2010

ISAT WEEK – March 2-March 5

TODAY’S ISAT’S            PM Block Times:  20/19/18—10:47-11:28
7th Grade Science 1, 2         17/16/15---11:30-12:11
8th Grade Math 3 & Writing 2
8:35 am-10:45 am         18/17/16---11:16-11:57
   Special Schedule:         15/14/13---11:59-12:40
Period    Time
   19/20       10:47-11:13            AM Block Times:   10/9/8---1:12-1:52
17/18       11:16-11:42                     7/6/5---1:54-2:34
15/16       11:45-12:11
13/14       12:14-12:40                     8/7/6---1:41-1:21
11/12       12:43-1:09                        5/4/3---1:23-3:02
9/10         1:12-1:38
7/8           1:41-2:06                        6/5/4---2:09-2:49
5/6           2:09-2:34                        3/2/1---2:51-3:30
3/4           2:37-3:02
1/2           3:05-3:30

•ISAT MAKE UPS BEFORE (7:20-8:25) AND AFTER (3:30-4:30) SCHOOL -ROOM S101. PLEASE SIGN UP IN THE MAIN OFFICE WITH MRS. MAURANTONIO.

   •LOST – Quick Silver Wallet – Brown, Green and Tan.

•Come out and support the Washburne Boy's volleyball team as they face Sears in their last home game of the season.  Bring your cheering voice and a sign to celebrate your friends on the volleyball team.  GO WASHBURNE!

•Do you like doing good for our community?  Well then donate to the Yusim/Flamich “can”-paign!  The food will be donated to the New Trier Township Food Pantry!  Donate now or people in our community will go hungry. Drop off canned foods at the front entrance.

Future Events and Deadlines

•Monday’s Menu: Cheeseburger, potato rounds and 100% apple juice.

•TV Tune Out 2010 for grades 7 and 8 – Sunday, March 7 – Saturday, March 13.
PLEASE pick up more information in the main office.

Bulletin 3-4-2010

ISAT WEEK – March 2-March 5

TODAY’S ISAT’S            PM Block Times:  20/19/18—10:47-11:28
7th Grade Math 2 & 3         17/16/15---11:30-12:11
8th Grade Math 2 & Writing 1
8:35 am-10:45 am         18/17/16---11:16-11:57
   Special Schedule:         15/14/13---11:59-12:40
Period    Time
   19/20       10:47-11:13            AM Block Times:   10/9/8---1:12-1:52
17/18       11:16-11:42                     7/6/5---1:54-2:34
15/16       11:45-12:11
13/14       12:14-12:40                     8/7/6---1:41-1:21
11/12       12:43-1:09                        5/4/3---1:23-3:02
9/10         1:12-1:38
7/8           1:41-2:06                        6/5/4---2:09-2:49
5/6           2:09-2:34                        3/2/1---2:51-3:30
3/4           2:37-3:02
1/2           3:05-3:30

•ISAT MAKE UPS BEFORE (7:20-8:25) AND AFTER (3:30-4:30) SCHOOL -ROOM S101. PLEASE SIGN UP IN THE MAIN OFFICE WITH MRS. MAURANTONIO.

•Do you like doing good for our community?  Well then donate to the Yusim/Flamich “can”-paign!  The food will be donated to the New Trier Township Food Pantry!  Donate now or people in our community will go hungry. Drop off canned foods at the front entrance.

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu: Uno’s pizza, garden salad with dressing and chilled applesauce.

•TV Tune Out 2010 for grades 7 and 8 – Sunday, March 7 – Saturday, March 13.
PLEASE pick up more information in the main office.

Bulletin 3-3-2010

ISAT WEEK – March 2-March 5

TODAY’S ISAT’S            PM Block Times:  20/19/18—10:47-11:28
7th and 8th Grade         17/16/15---11:30-12:11
Reading 3 Math 1
8:35 am-10:45 am         18/17/16---11:16-11:57
   Special Schedule:         15/14/13---11:59-12:40
Period    Time
   19/20       10:47-11:13            AM Block Times:   10/9/8---1:12-1:52
17/18       11:16-11:42                     7/6/5---1:54-2:34
15/16       11:45-12:11
13/14       12:14-12:40                     8/7/6---1:41-1:21
11/12       12:43-1:09                        5/4/3---1:23-3:02
9/10         1:12-1:38
7/8           1:41-2:06                        6/5/4---2:09-2:49
5/6           2:09-2:34                        3/2/1---2:51-3:30
3/4           2:37-3:02
1/2           3:05-3:30

•ISAT MAKE UPS BEFORE (7:20-8:25) AND AFTER (3:30-4:30) SCHOOL -ROOM S101. PLEASE SIGN UP IN THE MAIN OFFICE WITH MRS. MAURANTONIO.

   •No Orchestra Sectionals Today.

•Do you like doing good for our community?  Well then donate to the Yusim/Flamich “can”-paign!  The food will be donated to the New Trier Township Food Pantry!  Donate now or people in our community will go hungry. Drop off canned foods at the front entrance.

•FOUND – 2 Phones (1 is an IPhone) and an IPod Nano.  Please come to the main office for more details.

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu: Chicken Tetrazzini over egg noodles, seasoned green beans and chilled fruit.

•TV Tune Out 2010 for grades 7 and 8 – Sunday, March 7 – Saturday, March 13.
PLEASE pick up more information in the main office.

Bulletin 3-2-2010

ISAT WEEK – March 2-March 5

TODAY’S ISAT’S            PM Block Times:  20/19/18—10:47-11:28
7th and 8th Grade         17/16/15---11:30-12:11
Reading 1 and 2
8:35 am-10:45 am         18/17/16---11:16-11:57
   Special Schedule:         15/14/13---11:59-12:40
Period    Time
   19/20       10:47-11:13            AM Block Times:   10/9/8---1:12-1:52
17/18       11:16-11:42                     7/6/5---1:54-2:34
15/16       11:45-12:11
13/14       12:14-12:40                     8/7/6---1:41-1:21
11/12       12:43-1:09                        5/4/3---1:23-3:02
9/10         1:12-1:38
7/8           1:41-2:06                        6/5/4---2:09-2:49
5/6           2:09-2:34                        3/2/1---2:51-3:30
3/4           2:37-3:02
1/2           3:05-3:30

•ISAT MAKE UPS BEFORE (7:20-8:25) AND AFTER (3:30-4:30) SCHOOL -ROOM S101. PLEASE SIGN UP IN THE MAIN OFFICE WITH MRS. MAURANTONIO.

•Do you like doing good for our community?  Well then donate to the Yusim/Flamich “can”-paign!  The food will be donated to the New Trier Township Food Pantry!  Donate now or people in our community will go hungry. Drop off canned foods at the front entrance.

•FOUND – 2 Phones (1 is an IPhone) and an IPod Nano.  Please come to the main office for more details.

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu: Beef taco with tomato, cheese and lettuce, spanish rice and tropical pineapple.

•TV Tune Out 2010 for grades 7 and 8 – Sunday, March 7 – Saturday, March 13.
PLEASE pick up more information in the main office.

Preschool Screening

about your child’s development in the areas of speech, language, coordination, hearing, vision, learning readiness, or emotional maturity, you are encouraged to register your child for this screening.

To be eligible, children’s birthdays must fall between April 1, 2005 and
April 1, 2007.  It is not mandatory to bring your child/children with you to the registration, nor is it mandatory to have the screening done for entrance to pre-school or kindergarten.

Parents will register at the Winnetka Public Schools Administration Office located at 1235 Oak Street, Winnetka in the Superintendent’s Conference Room on one of the following dates and times:

Tuesday, March 16, 2010
9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010
9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

At registration, parents will be given separate appointment times for hearing, vision and the general screening. Registration will take approximately 30 minutes. Bring “Baby Milestone Books” as they may be helpful when completing the questionnaire for developmental dates (example: crawling, walking, talking, etc.).

Please note:  The vision and hearing screenings will take place March 22 and March 23.  April 5, 6, 7, and 8 are the dates the Pupil Services staff of the Winnetka Public Schools will be available to provide a general assessment of three and four year old children’s development in fine and gross motor coordination, concepts, and language.  The intent of the screening is to identify children who may have delays in their development.

Please call Mark Ditthardt, Department of Pupil Services at
847-446-9400, ext. 2622 if you have any further questions.

Bulletin 3-1-2010

   • Today’s Band Sectionals:
Time   Group
9:30   E
10:00   F
10:30   A
12:45   B
1:15   C
1:45   D

•Do you like doing good for our community?  Well then donate to the Yusim/Flamich “can”-paign!  The food will be donated to the New Trier Township Food Pantry!  Donate now or people in our community will go hungry. Drop off canned foods at the front entrance beginning TODAY.

•FOUND – 2 Phones (1 is an IPhone) and an IPod Nano.  Please come to the main office for more details.

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu: Southwest chicken, steamed rice, seasoned mixed vegetables and chilled fresh fruit.

•TV Tune Out 2010 for grades 7 and 8 – Sunday, March 7 – Saturday, March 13.
PLEASE pick up more information in the main office.

Bulletin 2-26-2010

   •8th Grade Field Trip (Flamich/Yusim) to Cantigny from 8:45-3:00.

•Like to draw lions?  Then design a logo for the 2010 Pride of Lions Award winner!  Designs should be round and need to say, “Pride of Lions 2010.”  Turn designs in to the Resource Center by TODAY.  Voting will take place the following week.  Winner announced March 5.  Winning design will be displayed on bookmarks, fliers and the Pride of Lions award-winning book FOREVER!  Questions?  See Ms. Halpern-Cordell.

•FOUND – 2 Phones (1 is an IPhone) and an IPod Nano.  Please come to the main office for more details.

Future Events and Deadlines

•Monday’s Menu: Chicken nuggets, garden salad with dressing and tropical pineapple.

•Do you like doing good for our community?  Well then donate to the Yusim/Flamich “can”-paign!  The food will be donated to the New Trier Township Food Pantry!  Donate now or people in our community will go hungry. Drop off canned foods at the front entrance beginning on Monday, March 1.

Bulletin 2-25-2010

   •Today’s Band Sectionals:
Time   Group
9:30   I
10:00   J
10:30   K
12:30   L
1:00   M
1:30   G
2:00   H

•Today’s boys' volleyball game will now be played at Washburne instead of Christian Heritage.  Varsity at 4:00, JV at 5:00.

•Mandatory Washington DC Trip Meeting TODAY from 3:30-4:00 in the Little Theater.

•FOUND – 3 Phones and an IPod.  Please come to the main office for more details.

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu: Uno’s pizza, garden salad with dressing and chilled fresh fruit.

•Do you like doing good for our community?  Well then donate to the Yusim/Flamich “can”-paign!  The food will be donated to the New Trier Township Food Pantry!  Donate now or people in our community will go hungry. Drop off canned foods at the front entrance beginning on Monday, March 1.

•Like to draw lions?  Then design a logo for the 2010 Pride of Lions Award winner!  Designs should be round and need to say, “Pride of Lions 2010.”  Turn designs in to the Resource Center by Friday, February 26.  Voting will take place the following week.  Winner announced March 5.  Winning design will be displayed on bookmarks, fliers and the Pride of Lions award-winning book FOREVER!  Questions?  See Ms. Halpern-Cordell.

Update for Thursday's Volleyball game

riginally scheduled for March 10th will now be played at Christian Heritage.

Bulletin 2-24-2010

      •Today’s Washburne Singers Sectionals:
Time   Group
9:15 - 9:45   alto
2:00 - 2:30   soprano

      •Today’s Washburne Orchestra Sectionals:
Time   Group
1:05   A
1st Violins
1:40   B
2nd Violins
2:15    C
Viola & Cello

      •Art Club Meeting TODAY at 3:45pm in room N101.

•Do you like doing good for our community?  Well then donate to the Yusim/Flamich “can”-paign!  The food will be donated to the New Trier Township Food Pantry!  Donate now or people in our community will go hungry. Drop off canned foods at the front entrance.

•FOUND – 3 Phones and an IPod.  Please come to the main office for more details.

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu: French toast sticks, sausage patty, tri tater and cinnamon apples.

•Mandatory Washington DC Trip Meeting on Thursday, February 25 in the Little Theater from 3:30-4:00.

•Like to draw lions?  Then design a logo for the 2010 Pride of Lions Award winner!  Designs should be round and need to say, “Pride of Lions 2010.”  Turn designs in to the Resource Center by Friday, February 26.  Voting will take place the following week.  Winner announced March 5.  Winning design will be displayed on bookmarks, fliers and the Pride of Lions award-winning book FOREVER!  Questions?  See Ms. Halpern-Cordell.

Bulletin 2-23-2010

   •8th grade field trip (Welter/Davis) to the Federal Courts and Millennium Park from 8:45-3:00.

      •Today’s Washburne Singers Sectionals:
Time   Group
2:00-2:30   Baritone

   •Boys Volleyball: CW vs Glencoe at Home.

•FOUND – 3 Phones and and an IPod.  Please come to the main office for more details.

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu:  Chicken quesadilla with vegetables and cheese, mini churro and tropical pineapple.

•Mandatory Washington DC Trip Meeting on Thursday, February 25 in the Little Theater from 3:30-4:00.

   •Art Club Meeting  - Wednesday, February 24 at 3:45pm in room N101.

•Like to draw lions?  Then design a logo for the 2010 Pride of Lions Award winner!  Designs should be round and need to say, “Pride of Lions 2010.”  Turn designs in to the Resource Center by Friday, February 26.  Voting will take place the following week.  Winner announced March 5.  Winning design will be displayed on bookmarks, fliers and the Pride of Lions award-winning book FOREVER!  Questions?  See Ms. Halpern-Cordell.

Two New Winnetka Parents Institute Podcasts Available

ication of Student Progress - Grades Kindergarten through Eight. February 16, 2010. Presenters include Julie Pfeffer, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and teachers and administrators from throughout the District: Katerina Jaksic (Greeley School), Stacey Wellman (Greeley School), Jean Nadick (Crow Island School), Jason Scheetz (Hubbard Woods School), Maureen Cheever (Hubbard Woods School), Jen Buhler (The Skokie School), Anna Ladik (Carleton Washburne School). This podcast is available at:
Evaluation and Communication of Student Progress

Winnetka Parents Institute presents: Differentiation in Winnetka - Session 1. January 20, 2010. Presenters include Julie Pfeffer, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and teachers from throughout the District: Jean Bierner (Carleton Washburne School and Hubbard Woods School), Lora Gettleman (The Skokie School), Betsy Steele (Crow Island School), Peggy Bourke (Crow Island School), Eileen Goodspeed (District), Charlotte Murphy (District), Libby Jones (The Skokie School), Jen Fiegen (Crow Island School). This podcast is available at:
Differentiation in Winnetka - Session 1

The Winnetka Public Schools podcast is available at:
http://web.winnetka36.org/district/podcast

This podcast can be accessed any time from this address or found on the District homepage under the District menu. Check the page for updates or subscribe to this podcast using a podcatcher such as iTunes using the Subscribe button on the District Podcast home page.

Bulletin 2-22-2010

Time   Group
9:30   C
10:00   D
10:30   E
12:45   F
1:15   A
1:45   B

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu:  Chicken legs, oven-roasted potatoes, mixed seasoned vegetables and chilled applesauce.

•Like to draw lions?  Then design a logo for the 2010 Pride of Lions Award winner!  Designs should be round and need to say, “Pride of Lions 2010.”  Turn designs in to the Resource Center by Friday, February 26.  Voting will take place the following week.  Winner announced March 5.  Winning design will be displayed on bookmarks, fliers and the Pride of Lions award-winning book FOREVER!  Questions?  See Ms. Halpern-Cordell.

Bulletin 2-19-2010

   •8th Grade Field Trip - Shakespeare Theater
        Baskin/Joyce      9:00-3:00
        Bertacchi/Hovis      8:45-3:00
        Davis/Welter   9:30-3:00
        Flahive/Erickson   10:00-3:00- (Durham Bus)
        Ladik/Lubin      9:30-3:00 - (Durham Bus)
        Flamich/Yusim      9:45-3:00 - (Durham Bus)

•Congratulations to the boys Varsity and JV Volleyball Teams for their victory against Sears.

•All students have a Gaggle.net account.  The Digital Locker in Gaggle.net can be used to transport files to and from school.  Gaggle Email accounts are NOT active.  All email attempts are blocked and forwarded to Mrs. Versen for review.  Advisories will be coming to the computer labs to set up and review Gaggle.net accounts during the next few weeks.

Future Events and Deadlines

•Monday’s Menu:  Grilled cheese, tomato soup and crackers.

•Like to draw lions?  Then design a logo for the 2010 Pride of Lions Award winner!  Designs should be round and need to say, “Pride of Lions 2010.”  Turn designs in to the Resource Center by Friday, February 26.  Voting will take place the following week.  Winner announced March 5.  Winning design will be displayed on bookmarks, fliers and the Pride of Lions award-winning book FOREVER!  Questions?  See Ms. Halpern-Cordell.

February 18th Parent Round Table Meeting Canceled

Bulletin 2-18-2010

•All students have a Gaggle.net account.  The Digital Locker in Gaggle.net can be used to transport files to and from school.  Gaggle Email accounts are NOT active.  All email attempts are blocked and forwarded to Mrs. Versen for review.  Advisories will be coming to the computer labs to set up and review Gaggle.net accounts during the next few weeks.

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu:  Stuffed crust pizza, chilled applesauce and 100% applesauce.

•Like to draw lions?  Then design a logo for the 2010 Pride of Lions Award winner!  Designs should be round and need to say, “Pride of Lions 2010.”  Turn designs in to the Resource Center by Friday, February 26.  Voting will take place the following week.  Winner announced March 5.  Winning design will be displayed on bookmarks, fliers and the Pride of Lions award-winning book FOREVER!  Questions?  See Ms. Halpern-Cordell.

Bulletin 2-17-2010

      •No Orchestra Sectionals Today!

      •Today’s Washburne Singers Sectionals:
Time   Group
11:15-11:45   Soprano

•Artistic inclinations? Like to have options for creative endeavors and camaraderie? Come to the Art Club exploratory/informational meeting TODAY, for a quick conversation in room N101, the north side 'project room,' after school at 3:40. This will be a student led club...think of the possibilities! Check it out!

•All students have a Gaggle.net account.  The Digital Locker in Gaggle.net can be used to transport files to and from school.  Gaggle Email accounts are NOT active.  All email attempts are blocked and forwarded to Mrs. Versen for review.  Advisories will be coming to the computer labs to set up and review Gaggle.net accounts during the next few weeks.

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu:  Spaghetti with meatballs, garden salad with dressing, garlic breadstick and chilled fresh fruit.

Bulletin 2-16-2010

•Students: You must bring in a note or have your parent call the school if you are going to be absent, tardy or you have an appointment in the middle or end of the day. All notes should be brought to the office during morning advisory. If you are staying home sick, a parent needs to call the school nurse or office to report your absence.

•Students: Attendance is taken in morning advisory. If you are not in advisory, you will be marked absent, even if you are in the computer lab or just hanging out in the hall. It is your responsibility to make sure you are in your room at 8:30 when the bell rings. If you are not there, you MUST go to the office and sign in with Mrs. Graham. Otherwise, we have to start looking for you, which is disruptive to the teachers and other students.

      •Today’s Washburne Singers Sectionals:
Time   Group
11:15-11:45   Baritone
2:00-2:30   Alto

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu:  Southwest chicken with vegetables and tropical pineapple.

•Artistic inclinations? Like to have options for creative endeavors and camaraderie? Come to the Art Club exploratory/informational meeting WEDNESDAY, February 17th, for a quick conversation in room N101, the north side 'project room,' after school at 3:40. This will be a student led club...think of the possibilities! Check it out!

Bulletin 2-12-2010

•Students: You must bring in a note or have your parent call the school if you are going to be absent, tardy or you have an appointment in the middle or end of the day. All notes should be brought to the office during morning advisory. If you are staying home sick, a parent needs to call the school nurse or office to report your absence.

•Students: Attendance is taken in morning advisory. If you are not in advisory, you will be marked absent, even if you are in the computer lab or just hanging out in the hall. It is your responsibility to make sure you are in your room at 8:30 when the bell rings. If you are not there, you MUST go to the office and sign in with Mrs. Graham. Otherwise, we have to start looking for you, which is disruptive to the teachers and other students.

•Come out and support the Boys volleyball team against Marie Murphy at 3:45 in the center gym.

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tuesday’s Menu: BBQ rib sandwich, potato rounds, seasoned green beans and chilled peaches.

•Mandatory Chorus rehearsal Tuesday at 7:30 a.m.

Deborah Meier Video Podcast Available

This presentation is now available on the District Podcast page at
http://web.winnetka36.org/district/podcast

Bulletin 2-11-2010

•Student Government will meet on Friday, February 12 at 7:30am in the main office conference room.  Please be on time – group photo will be taken!

   •7TH Grade Field Trip to the Field Museum from 8:45pm-3:00pm.
   (Senechal/Coyne)

   •Today’s Band Sectionals:
Time   Group
9:30   J
10:00   K
10:30   L
12:30   M
1:00   G
1:30   H
2:00   I

•"The Keeter Advisory would like you to make Valentine's for Vets! For those interested, please pick up a bin of supplies before advisory Tuesday-Thursday. All Valentines will be dropped off at the VA Hospital Friday afternoon. Thank you!"

   •There will be a Film Festival Meeting afterschool TODAY in the TV Studio.

•TODAY is the first boy’s volleyball game and it's a home game!  Come out and support the boys team against Sunset Ridge at 3:45 in the center gym.

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu: Pizza bread, celery sticks with dip and chilled fresh fruit.

After School Activities Cancelled 2-9-10

Thank you.

Mary Herrmann
Superintendent

February 9, 2010

Bulletin 2-9-2010

•Congratulations go out to all Jazz Ensemble members on their excellent performance last Saturday at the New Trier Jazz Festival.  You received rave reviews from your clinician and many other directors who were present.  We are all proud of your accomplishment.  Extra congratulations go out to JAS Schuldt and Elliott Tucker who were acknowledged as exceptional soloists.

   •Today’s Washburne Singers Sectionals:
Time   Group
10:00-10:30   Baritone
11:15-11:45   Alto

•"The Keeter Advisory would like you to make Valentine's for Vets! For those interested, please pick up a bin of supplies before advisory Tuesday-Thursday. All Valentines will be dropped off at the VA Hospital Friday afternoon. Thank you!"


   •There will be a Film Festival Meeting TODAY afterschool in the TV Studio.

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu: Chicken stir-fry with oriental vegetables, seasoned rice and tropical pineapple.

•Thursday is the first boy’s volleyball game and it's a home game!  Come out and support the boys team against Sunset Ridge at 3:45 in the center gym.

Bulletin 2-8-2010

Time   Group
9:30   F
10:00   A
10:30   B
12:45   C
1:15   D
1:45   E

•Attention All Washburne Singers:  Mandatory Rehearsal On Tuesday, February 9 at 7:30am in the Chorus Room.  Be on time!

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu: Chicken parmesan over spaghetti, whole kernal corn and chilled fresh fruit.

Bulletin 2-5-2010

•Attention All Washburne Singers: Mandatory Rehearsal On Tuesday, February 9 at 7:30am in the Chorus Room. Be on time!

•Ribbons for Haiti! If you want to make a donation to the earthquake relief effort to help the people of Haiti, come by our table in the lunchroom during all lunch periods and purchase a ribbon for $1. Students of the Coyne/Flahive/Knaff/Senechal team will be waiting for you to make a change!

Future Events and Deadlines

•Monday’s Menu: Cheeseburger, potato rounds and 100% apple juice.

Bulletin 2-4-2010

•All Student Leadership Members:  Don’t forget to bring your constitution templates to our meeting this Friday.  7:30am START  -  DON’T BE LATE!!

   •Today’s Band Sectionals:
Time   Group
9:30   G
10:00   H
10:30   I
12:30   J
1:00   K
1:30   L
2:00   M

•Basketball players:
Be sure to sign the 20-10 Basketball uniforms to ensure your name in Washburne history!  See Mr. Becker to sign ASAP.  If you missed the recognition night, see Mr. Becker or Mr. Cooper to get your basketball certificate.  Also, please bring in your basketball uniform

•Ribbons for Haiti!  If you want to make a donation to the earthquake relief effort to help the people of Haiti, come by our table in the lunchroom during all lunch periods and purchase a ribbon for $1.  Students of the Coyne/Flahive/Knaff/Senechal team will be waiting for you to make a change!

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu: Uno’s pizza, garden salad with dressing and chilled applesauce.

Bulletin 2-3-2010

   •French Exchange Students Here All Day.

      •Today’s Washburne Orchestra Sectionals:
Time   Group
2:50   A
All Violins
10:25   C
Viola & Cello

      •Today’s Washburne Singers Sectionals:
Time   Group
11:15-11:45   Baritone
3:05-3:30   Soprano

•Basketball players:
Be sure to sign the 20-10 Basketball uniforms to ensure your name in Washburne history!  See Mr. Becker to sign ASAP.  If you missed the recognition night, see Mr. Becker or Mr. Cooper to get your basketball certificate.  Also, please bring in your basketball uniform

•Ribbons for Haiti!  If you want to make a donation to the earthquake relief effort to help the people of Haiti, come by our table in the lunchroom during 11/12 or 13/14 lunch and purchase a ribbon for $1.  Students of the Coyne/Flahive/Knaff/Senechal team will be waiting for you to make a change!

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu: Chicken tetrazzini over noodles, seasoned green beans and tropical pineapple.

Second Annual Learn-A-Thon

This great family event is an excellent way to have fun, enjoy some snacks, and learn more about District 36 innovative learning opportunities funded by our Foundation.

In addition to great conversation and interactive fun, there will be an opportunity to learn tips for navigating our new District 36 website.

We look forward to seeing you Wednesday!

Winnetka Public Schools 150th Anniversary Lecture Series

Progressive Practice, Standardized Expectations: Tension in the Schoolhouse

Educator, Author, Professor of Education

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 7:30 p.m, Washburne Little Theatre

As The Winnetka Public Schools celebrates our 150th year, leading educator Deborah W. Meier will discuss essential questions for our schools through the lens of progressive educational practice. What is the purpose of education? How do we know what our students are learning? How do parents, educators and the community come together to most effectively support our children?

Meier has successfully implemented school reform based on progressive ideals. Beginning her career as a teacher in Chicago Public Schools in 1961, she founded and served as teacher-director for a network of highly successful public schools in New York City in the 1970s and 80s, followed by the establishment of a K-8 pilot for the Boston Public Schools in the 1990s.

This is a “must-go” event for parents and community members interested in the future of our public schools.

Bulletin 2-2-2010

•French Exchange Students Arrive at 12:30 & attend classes with hosts.

   •NT Swing Choir & Freshmen Chorus  - Little Theater – period 5/6 (9:55-10:30)
          (Optional Attendance:  Sign Up Sheet Posted in Office)

      •Today’s Washburne Singers Sectionals:
Time   Group
11:15-11:45   Alto

•Basketball players:
Be sure to sign the 20-10 Basketball uniforms to ensure your name in Washburne history!  See Mr. Becker to sign ASAP.  If you missed the recognition night, see Mr. Becker or Mr. Cooper to get your basketball certificate.  Also, please bring in your basketball uniform

•Ribbons for Haiti!  If you want to make a donation to the earthquake relief effort to help the people of Haiti, come by our table in the lunchroom during 11/12 or 13/14 lunch and purchase a ribbon for $1.  Students of the Coyne/Flahive/Knaff/Senechal team will be waiting for you to make a change!

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu: Beef taco with lettuce, cheese and tomato and spanish rice.

Bulletin 2-1-2010

Time   Group
9:30   D
10:00   E
10:30   F
12:45   A
1:15   B
1:45   C

•Basketball players:
Be sure to sign the 20-10 Basketball uniforms to ensure your name in Washburne history!  See Mr. Becker to sign ASAP.  If you missed the recognition night, see Mr. Becker or Mr. Cooper to get your basketball certificate.  Also, please bring in your basketball uniform

•Ribbons for Haiti!  If you want to make a donation to the earthquake relief effort to help the people of Haiti, come by our table in the lunchroom during 11/12 or 13/14 lunch and purchase a ribbon for $1.  Students of the Coyne/Flahive/Knaff/Senechal team will be waiting for you to make a change!

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu: Salisbury steak, oven roasted potatoes, seasoned mixed vegetables and chilled fresh fruit.

Welcome to the New www.winnetka 36.org!

The main content area on the District homepage and the homepages of each school presents current news headlines from the District and schools. News headline links are also available in the right column of each page on the site. The District and school homepages also allow users to subscribe to the news feeds using news readers or RSS news aggregators. A video tutorial about RSS news feeds is available at www.winnetka36.org/communications (Departments > Communications).

The navigation for the site is found across the top of each page in a green bar with drop-down menus. On the District site you can access each school site, find information about the School District, District departments (Business Office, Communication, Curriculum, Human Resources, Nurses, Pupil Services, Technology), the School Board, general information for parents and staff, and an Employment link. School pages feature information about the school, a calendar link, pages about classes, general information for students and parents, an overview of the school's support services, and links to Resource Center services.

The refreshed District calendar system now features a color-coded layout that displays additional information for each calendar entry when a user "mouses over" an event. The calendar can also be "filtered" by a user so, for example, a parent can see a customized view of events for only the school or schools they select. Further, parents who use online calendars or web-connected calendar applications can subscribe to District calendars and receive updated information automatically in their own calendar system. A video tutorial about subscribing to calendars is available at www.winnetka36.org/communications (Departments > Communications).

The site was also designed with web-connected smart phones in mind. Smart phones with news readers can take advantage of news feed subscriptions and web-connected mobile calendars can use calendar subscriptions. Pages display well on iPhone, iPod touch, Android phones, Blackberry touch phones, and other touch-screen-based phones. iPhone and iPod touch users can add a customized icon directly on their home screen for one-touch access to the site; a video tutorial about this feature is available at www.winnetka36.org/communications (Departments > Communications).

In addition, a site-wide Search feature has been added across the site to help website visitors find information quickly and efficiently.

The site was designed in-house with input from many members of our Community of Learners. Val Falstad, our Website and Database Developer, has been responsible for programming, customizing, and implementing the features of the site while Matt Fuller, Director of Technology and Communication, has coordinated the project and worked with the content. The School Board Communications Committee, comprised of Beth Filip, Anne Kelly, and Superintendent Mary Herrmann, led the implementation of this project and provided valuable input and direction during the planning and design phases. District administrators have provided and continue to provide content for each section of the site. Finally, the entire staff of The Winnetka Public Schools was invited to preview the site and provide input, feature requests, and ideas.

Thank you for visiting the new www.winnetka36.org and please feel free to contact us with your thoughts and requests! Email us at webmaster36@winnetka36.org.

Hubbard Woods Seeking Mosaic Mural Memories

wierzynski, the mosaic mural artist with whom you worked at Hubbard Woods?  Perhaps you recall her fantastic Portuguese accent and her great eye for artistic details?

Along with Mark Vancil, award-winning editor and current Hubbard Woods parent (you should see his book about Michael Jordan!), Mirtes has initiated the creation of a beautiful coﬀee table book featuring the mosaics you made AND she wants to feature your writing or drawings along with photos of the mosaic murals.

We are inviting you to submit something that relates to your mosaic.
- a poem
- a drawing
- a photograph
- a piece of writing

It can be anything related to your reaction about making the mosaic (i.e. great
feeling to be creating something that will be at HWS forever with friends) or about the topic of the mosaic (i.e. Mississippi River and immigration). It should be something that relates to the mosaic and that special time in your life when you were ten. What should I do if I want to submit something?

What if I don’t want to submit anything?

No worries! Your name will be in the book already as one of the mosaic artists! We will follow-up with another mailing to ﬁnd out if you want to order a copy of the book.  You can help us by sending your email contact information to Dr. Cheever - see email address below.

What should I do if I want to submit something?

Submit your response (poem, drawing, photograph, a piece of writing) to Hubbard Woods School by February 12, 2010

You can send it via email:
maureencheever@winnetka36.org

or mail:
1110 Chatﬁeld Rd.
Winnetka, IL 60093

Please include your contact info: your name, your email, your address, your phone number and tell us for which mosaic you are submitting.

Special note: your material will not be returned to you.

Download brochure (PDF)

Bulletin 1-28-10

•Student Government will NOT meet tomorrow (Friday, January 29)!

•Basketball players, congratulations on an excellent season!  2 quick announcements
1. Remember that you need to turn in your basketball uniform (top and bottom) to Mr. Becker as soon as possible
2. Don't forget tonight at 7:00 is the Basketball Recognition Night.  It will be in the Center gym (bring your uniform!)

   •Sectionals for Solo Ensemble Players Only – Any questions see Mr. Rzeszutko.

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu:  Pizza Dippers with sauce, carrots with dip and 100% cranberry juice.

   Crepes for Haiti Sale – Friday, January 29 at 7:45am in the Front Hall.
   (French Classes)

Bulletin 1-29-2010

•7th grade Field Trip (Bachta/Bokhari) to the Field Museum from 8:45-2:25.

•Ribbons for Haiti! If you want to make a donation to the earthquake relief effort to help the people of Haiti, come by our table in the lunchroom during 11/12 or 13/14 lunch and purchase a ribbon for $1. Students of the Coyne/Flahive/Knaff/Senechal team will be waiting for you to make a change!

Future Events and Deadlines

•Monday’s Menu: French toast sticks, sausage patty, tri tater and cinnamon apples.

Bulletin 1-27-10

•Basketball players, congratulations on an excellent season! 2 quick announcements

1. Remember that you need to turn in your basketball uniform (top and bottom) to Mr. Becker as soon as possible

2. Don't forget this Thursday at 7:00 is the Basketball Recognition Night. It will be in the Center gym (bring your uniform!)

•Today’s Washburne Orchestra Sectionals:

Time	Group
9:50	A 1st Violins
10:25	B 2nd Violins
11:00	C Viola/Cello/Bass

Future Events and Deadlines

•Tomorrow’s Menu:  Southwest chicken with vegetables over seasoned rice and tropical pineapple.

   Crepes for Haiti Sale – Friday, January 29 at 7:45am in the Front Hall.

(French Classes)

WPI Presents: Differentiation in Winnetka - Session I

This first session in a series of presentations on the topic will share the current framework and give an explanation of structures that are already in place that help us meet the needs of diverse learners. Attendees will engage in hands-on experiences in math, science, and literacy that help illustrate what differentiation looks like in a classroom setting. Presenters will include Dr. Julie Pfeffer, Director of Curriculum, District 36 math facilitators, math lab teachers, literacy facilitators, and science facilitators.

Tutoring Task Force Application

Tutoring Task Force Volunteers Needed

review was initiated in response to the identification of a meaningful percentage of students receiving tutoring as identified by the 2006 Winnetka Caucus Survey and by the recent District 36 survey. In addition to the survey data, both the Board and the District’s administration had concerns regarding the liability surrounding private tutoring in the school buildings.

To address the threshold issue of liability, the Board consulted with both legal counsel and its insurance representative in December 2009.  Their opinion found that there is “significant risk” of liability for both teachers individually and the School District as an entity if the practices of private tutoring and private music lessons are continued in our school buildings.   Moreover, neither the District’s insurance coverage nor the statutory provisions which normally protect teachers and schools from liability of this nature, are applicable to this practice.

Given this advice, the Board determined that it was in the best interest of all constituents to suspend all tutoring and music lessons, which currently take place in the public schools as of December 19, 2009.  The Board recognizes, however, that private tutoring is a long-standing practice in the community, and is considered by some parents to be a valuable part of their children’s education. It also recognizes that other parents do not hold this view, and have no desire to incorporate private tutoring into their children’s elementary education experience.

The Board believes it is possible to create a policy that will (1) be respectful of all viewpoints regarding private tutoring; (2) align with the District’s child-centered, progressive education philosophy; and (3) protect teachers, the District, and taxpayers from liability.  To that end, it is creating a Tutoring Policy Task Force to continue the examination of tutoring practices in our school community, with the end goal of creating a comprehensive policy on private tutoring. While it is not feasible or necessary to create such a vehicle to review the majority of District policies, the Board believes this type of review is necessary given the myriad of issues surrounding private tutoring, and the impact these issues have on students, parents and teachers.

The Task Force will be comprised of Dr. Herrmann, Superintendent; Dana Crumley and Susan Whitcomb, Board of Education Members; five teachers representing each of the District Schools; and volunteers from the community.  The Board has set criteria for volunteers, which can be accessed at www.winnetka36.org.  Participants should be available to attend 4-6 meetings from January-May 2010, and be willing to spend 6-10 hours reviewing supplementary materials (educational research articles, sample policies, etc.) during the same time frame.  We strongly encourage all interested community members to apply.

January 5, 2010

Calendar Details for the 2010-2011 School Year

ng parents and staff to gain insight and feedback about this model.  At that time, we will be able to finalize the school calendar for the 2010-11 school year.  However, for planning purposes, please see the calendar details below.  These dates will remain the same regardless of the reporting and conferencing model the district follows next year.

Teacher Institute Days: Monday August 30, Tuesday August 31

First Student Attendance Day:  Wednesday September 1

Thanksgiving Break:  Wednesday November 24 – Friday November 26

Winter Break: December 18 – January 2 (School resumes Monday January 3)

Spring Break:  March 26 – April 3 (School resumes Monday April 4)

12-15-09

Update on School Closings and Late Start Procedures

to close school is done in consultation with local personnel and the other New Trier Township Superintendents.   The decision is generally made no later than 5:30 a.m. so that all staff and families have adequate time to make any necessary changes to their daily schedules.

The highest priority in considering school closure is student safety. Some of the factors that influence our decision-making include: timing and duration of the storm, temperatures, visibility, facility concerns, and road conditions both locally and in the larger metro area.  Our teachers are traveling from all directions and, for some, long distances, and it is essential that they are able to arrive to school on time to greet children in their classrooms.

Only under the most hazardous circumstances will we close school. We strive to keep our students in school and follow our school calendar. In order to do so, we all need to work together, taking extra caution in traveling to and from school and ensuring that our students are dressed warmly. At the same time, we recognize that individual families may have varying degrees of comfort regarding the decision to keep schools open.  Under these circumstances, parents should always feel empowered to do what they believe is best for their child.

In the occasional winter storm, the weather and road conditions are expected to greatly improve by mid-morning.  Under these circumstances we would prefer not to close school, but to open late instead.  A late start would allow for additional time for our staff and students to get to school.

Please note the following procedures for a 2-hour late start in The Winnetka Public Schools:

Parents/students will be notified through our emergency message system of a late start.  Information will also be included on our website.

Students should plan to arrive at school 2 hours later than they regularly do.
For example, if a student typically arrives at school at 8:20 a.m., he/she should plan to arrive at 10:20 a.m. If a student takes the bus and is picked up at 8:05 a.m., he/she should plan to be picked up at 10:05 a.m.
Late School Start Times
- The Skokie School - 10:25 a.m.
- Carleton Washburne School - 10:30 a.m.
- Hubbard Woods School - 10:35 a.m.
- Crow Island School - 10:35 a.m.
- Greeley School - 10:35 a.m.
Morning Kindergarten and any before school programs (i.e., band) would be cancelled for the day.
Any special program changes or a change in the school lunch schedule will be communicated to parents from the principal.

Please contact your building principal if you have questions. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.

December 8, 2009

Update to Open Board Position

Matthew Hulsizer
Peter Kane
William Kucera
Melissa Mizel
Tom Shannon
Rosemary Swierk
Christine Walker

Mary B. Herrmann
Superintendent

December 2, 2009

New Board Position Opening Application Materials

months, until the next election in April 2011. Candidates must reside in Winnetka District 36 and be registered voters. Interested individuals should submit an application to the Board by November 27, 2009 in order for interviews to take place on December 2 and 3, 2009. A copy of the application in both PDF and Microsoft Word (DOC) format is available below. Instructions for submitting the application are on the form itself.

If however you prefer to nominate someone other than yourself, please forward that person?s name and contact information to Nancy Fehrenbach at nancyfehrenbach@winnetka36.org. That information will then be forwarded to someone outside the board to contact him or her. All suggested persons will be contacted, no screening will be done at this point.

In addition to the application we have provided some materials to help any prospective candidate. Below you will find the Board Code of Conduct, the Foundation Principles of Effective Governance, Board Policy 2:130 Board Superintendent Relationship, a list of ideal new Board member qualities from the current Board, and a Winnetka Public Boards Communication Meeting of March 14, 2009 list of ideal Board member qualities. Board deliberations and decision-making benefit from members who reflect the composition of the community. At present, candidates without children currently enrolled in District 36 schools may add another important perspective to this Board.

Thank you for your interest in The Winnetka Public Schools District 36 School Board.

Downloads:

District 36 Board Candidate Application (PDF)

District 36 School Board Candidate Application (Word)

Board Code of Conduct (PDF)

Foundation Principles of Effective Governance (PDF)

Board Policy 2:130 - Board Superintendent Relationship (PDF)

Ideal new Board member qualities (PDF)

Winnetka Public Board Communication Meeting of March 14, 2009 list of ideal Board member qualities (PDF)

Board Welcomes Newest Member

who resigned in late October for personal reasons. Kane will serve on the Board for the next sixteen months, until the April, 2011 elections. To this position, Kane brings financial acumen gained through sixteen years of banking experience, most recently serving as Managing Director at The Private Bank in Chicago. In addition to this professional experience, Kane has also served since 2002 as a Board member of a public policy entity, the Better Government Association, and has been a volunteer youth sports coach in Winnetka for the Park District and KWBA programs. A community member characterized him as “open, honest, and coming from a big family [one of ten children], he clearly knows the value of good communication.” Peter and his wife, Michelle, have three children who currently attend Skokie, Crow Island and Sacred Heart schools. The Board appreciates not only Kane’s willingness to serve the District 36 community, but that of the seven other very well-qualified applicants, who offered their talents and time to advance public education in Winnetka.

With the addition of Kane, Board President Nancy Fehrenbach will be reviewing individual committee assignments/responsibilities and making appropriate shifts to make full use of members’ expertise in serving the educational needs of the children, staff, and community.

H1N1 Update 5-27-09

Washburne School, three at The Skokie School, three at Crow Island School and
one at Hubbard Woods School. We have had two confirmed cases of the H1N1
virus, one at Carleton Washburne School and one at Crow Island School.

We are communicating often with the Cook County Department of Public Health
regarding our schools’ situations. Our school health offices are monitoring all
student symptoms of illness on a daily basis.

In each situation of influenza the affected person is excluded from school for 7
days until all symptoms are resolved and the person has experienced 24 hours
of wellness. This is in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention flu guidelines, the Illinois Public Health Department, and the Cook
County Department of Public Health.

Please keep your child home from school and extracurricular activities when
feeling ill with symptoms such as a fever over 100 degrees, a cough, and/or a
sore throat. We ask that you report the symptoms to the school as soon as
possible. At this time proper hygiene is extremely important.

Information can be obtained at:

www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu

www.idph.state.il.us

www.cookcountypublichealth.org or call 708-492-2000

If you have questions please contact us.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mary Herrmann, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Jane Zaleski, R.N.

District-wide School Nurse

H1N1 Update 5-26-09

two confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus, one at Carleton Washburne and one at Crow Island School. In addition we have had six cases of the influenza virus, one at Carleton Washburne School, two at The Skokie School, two at Crow Island School, and one at Hubbard Woods School.

We continue to communicate with the Cook County Department of Public
Health. Our schools will remain open unless there is a significant increase in
student absences, which there has not been. Our school health offices are closely monitoring this situation.

In each situation the affected person is excluded from school for seven days until all symptoms are resolved and the person has experienced 24 hours of wellness prior to returning. In addition, our maintenance staff does an extra deep cleaning in those particular classroom areas.

We remind you again to keep your child home from school and extracurricular
activities when feeling ill such as a fever over 100 degrees, a cough, and/or a sore throat. Also we ask that you please report the symptoms to the school as soon as possible. Proper hygiene is extremely important.

For more information:

www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu

www.idph.state.il.us

www.cookcountypublichealth.org or call 708-492-2000

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mary Herrmann, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Jane Zaleski, R.N.

District-wide School Nurse

List of Applicants for Open Board of Education Position

Bridget Albertson

Fred Belmont

Peter Kane

Jon Kaplan

William Kucera

Anne Wedner

Mary B. Herrmann

Superintendent

June 2, 2009

H1N1 Update 5-13-09

Washburne School and one at Crow Island School. In addition, we have had two
cases of influenza, one at The Skokie School and one at Crow Island School.

When children exhibit these conditions they are excluded from school for seven
days or until symptoms are resolved with 24 hours of wellness prior to returning
to school.

As we have shared in previous correspondence, the recommendation of the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is that schools remain open
unless there is a significant increase in student absence due to illness. Daily
attendance is being closely monitored in all our schools and at this point there
has not been an increase in absenteeism.

We want to remind you to keep your children home from school and
extracurricular events when the children are feeling ill, such as fever over 100
degrees, cough, and/or sore throat. We also ask that you please report the
symptoms to the school as soon as possible.
For your convenience we have included the following websites you may
reference for further information:

www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu

www.idph.state.il.us

www.cookcountypublichealth.org or call 708-492-2000

Please feel free to contact us if you have additional questions or concerns.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mary Herrmann, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Jane Zaleski, R.N.
District-Wide School Nurse

H1N1 Update 5-12-09

r> Our nursing staff and administrators are communicating frequently and monitoring the situation with our New Trier Township colleagues, the Cook County Health Department, and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

At this time, we are asking for your assistance in maintaining a safe and healthy
environment. Please keep your child at home if he or she develops any flu-like
symptoms: fever, cough, chills, sore throat, body aches, nausea, lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. If there is a fever he or she must be fever-free for 24 hours prior to returning to school.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the
tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Hand sanitizer gel will be available
upon entering our buildings.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person to person through coughing or sneezing
by infected people.
If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Our teachers will continue to discuss cleanliness and hygiene habits with our students and we ask that you do the same at home. It is important that students develop good healthy habits to reduce the spread of various diseases. Our maintenance staff has been asked to take special care in their cleaning of all classrooms, doorknobs, light switches, and bathroom areas.

We will continue to keep you informed and monitor our attendance. For more
information visit the CDC website for updates: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu

Mary B. Herrmann, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Jane Zaleski, R.N.

Certified School Nurse

Read More...

New Board Position Opening - Application Materials

nbsp;Candidates must reside in Winnetka District 36. Interested individuals should submit an application to the Board by May 29th. A copy of the application in both PDF and DOC format is available below. Instructions for submitting the application are on the form itself.

In addition to the application we have provided some materials to help any prospective candidate. Below you will find the Board Code of Conduct, the Foundation Principles of Effective Governance, and a list of criteria for becoming an effective Board member. We have also listed a very interesting report from 1939 that lists the qualifications of the Ideal Board Member!

Thank you for your interest in the Winnetka Public School District 36 Board of Education.

Board Member Criteria (PDF)

Qualification of an Ideal Board Member - 1939 (PDF)

Board Code of Conduct (from IASB website) (PDF)

Foundational Principles of Effective Governance (from IASB website) (PDF)

District 36 Board Candidate Application (PDF)

District 36 Board Candidate Application (Word)

H1N1 8-24-09

es. In light of the upcoming flu season and global concerns about the unknown impact of the novel H1N1 virus to our area, the Centers for Disease Control has offered preliminary guidelines for schools. Their recommendation is that “Individuals with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are fever free (100 degrees or greater) without the use of fever-reducing medications.”

Here are some practical steps that we can all take to make this a healthy school year:

Stay home or go home from work or school if you are sick.
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze with tissues. Cough or
sneeze in your sleeve or elbow.
Use hand sanitizer when soap and water is not readily available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Limit close contact with someone who is sick and don’t hug and kiss others if you are
not feeling well.

At school, our teachers will encourage frequent hand washing and remind the student to cover his or her mouth if coughing or sneezing. Our maintenance staff will continue to take special care in their cleaning of all classrooms, doorknobs, light switches, keyboards, hand railings and bathroom areas. Hand sanitizer will be available at each sign-in desk area. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact the health office. We will continue to monitor information regarding H1N1 by working closely with the Cook County Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and share any updated information regarding guidelines or vaccine availability. You can find additional information regarding H1N1 at the following websites:

Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov

Illinois Department of Public Health: www.idph.state.il.us

Have a healthy school year!

Sincerely,

Mary Herrmann, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Jane Zaleski, R.N.

District-Wide School Nurse

Information for Parents Regarding Swine Flu

Our nursing staff and administrators are communicating frequently and monitoring the situation with our New Trier Township colleagues, the Cook County Health
Department, and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

At this time, we are asking for your assistance in maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Please keep your child at home if he or she develops any flu-like symptoms: fever, cough, chills, sore throat, body aches, nausea, lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. If there is a fever he or she must be fever-free for 24 hours prior to returning to school.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the
tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective. Hand sanitizer gel will be available upon entering our buildings.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person to person through coughing or sneezing by infected people.
If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Our teachers will continue to discuss cleanliness and hygiene habits with our students and we ask that you do the same at home. It is important that students develop good healthy habits to reduce the spread of various diseases. Our maintenance staff has been asked to take special care in their cleaning of all classrooms, doorknobs, light switches, and bathroom areas.

In the event that a flu outbreak occurs, we will continue to keep you informed. We want everyone to be well and healthy.

For more information visit the CDC website for updates: www.cdc.gov/swineflu

Mary B. Herrmann, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Jane Zaleski, R.N.

Certified School Nurse

H1N1 Update 11-4-09

www.cookcountypublichealth.org

):

Starting November 2, 2009, Cook County Department of Public Health
(CCDPH) will open regional appointment-only vaccination sites in
suburban Cook County. Shipment of the vaccine has been slower than anticipated; as more vaccine is received additional vaccination
clinics will be opening.

Effective immediately, and until further notice, residents may call
708-836-8600 or one of the CCDPH District Offices listed below to make
an appointment at one of our vaccination sites. CCDPH staff will
schedule the appointment time and location for residents.

Cook County Department of Public Health Offices:

North District:

847-818-2860

TDD 847-818-2023

Southwest District

708-974-6160

TDD: 708-974-6043

West District:

708-786-4000

TDD: 708-786-4002

South District:

708-210-4500

TDD: 708-210-4010

If you are interested in having your child vaccinated against H1N1,
you may wish to contact one of the above numbers to schedule an
appointment directly with CCDPH. However, we have been told that the
next available appointment isn't until the end of November and that
wait times when calling have been lengthy.

The New Trier Township School Districts are working with the Cook
County Department of Public Health to establish an immunization site
within the Township. However, at this time we have not received any
information from the County with regard to specific dates.

As a reminder, students and staff are strongly encouraged to stay home
if sick, especially with a fever of 100 degrees or greater, and stay
home for 24 hours after being fever-free without the aid of fever
reducing medications such as Tylenol or Advil. Prevention is the most
effective way of slowing the spread of this disease.

We encourage you to practice the three C's:

Clean - Frequently wash hands with soap and water and use hand
sanitizer when soap and water are not readily available.

Cover - Cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve, avoid touching one's
eyes, nose or mouth, and wash hands especially after coughing or
sneezing.

Contain - If sick, distance yourself from others. Stay home and get
well.

Your health care provider is the best source of information regarding
your family's personal health needs and influenza vaccinations. We
urge you to contact your family physician to discuss immunizing your
family for both seasonal and H1N1 influenza.

You can find additional information regarding H1N1 at the following websites:

Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov

Illinois Department of Public Health: www.idph.state.il.us

Cook County Department of Public Health: www.cookcountypublichealth.org

H1N1 (swine flu) Update

Probable means that there is a high likelihood that the student has the H1N1 virus. This student was identified early and has been home since the on-set of symptoms.

We have spoken with the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH).
The recommendation of CCDPH is that schools remain open unless there is a
significant increase in student absence due to illness. Daily attendance is being closely monitored in all our schools and at this point there has not been an increase in absenteeism.

We sincerely hope this letter does not cause alarm. Our intent is to communicate
openly with you and avoid any misinterpretation of the facts. We will keep you
posted as we receive new information. In addition:

We ask all parents to keep their children home from school and
extracurricular events when the children are feeling ill, and to report the
symptoms to the school as soon as possible.
Teachers throughout our District are reminding students of the absolute
necessity of hand washing and germ prevention.

For your convenience, we are providing the following information about H1N1
flu as well as these websites you may reference for further information.

Department of Education: www.ed.gov

Click swine flu information link:

www.ed.gov/blog/2009/04/public-health-officials-offer-swine-flu-guidance-to-schools

CDC swine influenza website:

www.cdc.gov/swineflu

www.pandemicflu.gov

www.idph.state.il.us/swine_flu

Cook County Department of Public Health: www.cookcountypublichealth.org/swine_flu

Please feel free to contact us if you have additional questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Mary B. Herrmann, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Jane Zaleski, R.N.

District-Wide School Nurse

Health Reminder for Parents of Kindergarten and Grade 6 Students

Winnetka Summer Institute 2009

Visit the Winnetka Summer Institute 2009 website

District and Teachers' Union Approve Five-Year Contract

and the Winnetka Education Association teachers' union ratified a five-year contract agreement, following a six-month negotiation process that began in October 2008. The new contract will take effect September 1, 2009.

Under the new agreement, District 36 teachers will receive an average annual raise of 0.6 percent and 0.4 percent in the first and second years of the contract respectively. Adding the ordinary step increase to this amount yields a total average salary increase of 4.3 and 4.1 percent. A key provision of the agreement calls for the Board and the Association to reconvene in 2011 to negotiate teachers' salaries for the remaining three years of the contract.

Winnetka residents are feeling the effects of the current economy. We are all making adjustments to our spending based on our families' needs and priorities. As fiscal stewards of the community's public schools, this Board is doing that same thing. We have had to take a hard look at all District expenses, and salaries are no exception. At the same time, we know that our teachers are essential to ensuring a quality education for Winnetka children, and have developed this contract with that in mind.

We know that in order to attract and retain quality teachers, we must compensate our teachers with salaries similar to comparable school districts. While these increases do not leave the District in as competitive a position as it has enjoyed in the past, we believe they are enough to allow us to attract and retain those quality teachers. Furthermore, these raises are consistent with the District's budget and long-range fiscal forecast.

Because of uncertainties in the current economy and the difficulty of forecasting into even the near future, the Board and Association jointly decided to reconsider the salary schedule in two years. This is in the best interest of all parties as it allows us to adjust salaries to reflect actual economic and market conditions.

Other provisions of the new agreement, including disability insurance, sick leave, and retirement, will remain in effect for the entire five-year contract period, which will continue through the 2013-14 school year.

Together, we are a strong team. The District 36 School Board and administration look forward to working with the Winnetka Education Association, our staff, students, families, and the entire community to continue to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in our schools.

Q. Why is this contract for five years? Aren’t they usually four years?

A. We wanted to avoid the conflict of having the contract be negotiated at the same time newly elected Board members are joining as other members retire from the Board. By going to five years this one time there’s no timing constraint involving participants and no conflict with election cycles. We expect future contracts are likely to go back to four-year terms.

Q. If the contract ends in August, why did negotiations start so soon?

A. There was a significant change in the members of the Board in April. If we had not finished the negotiations by then, we would basically have had to start over again. Since there’s no telling how long negotiations will take, this was the safest plan.

Q. Who are the participants? Who negotiated the contract?

A. Representatives of the Board of Education, the Winnetka Education Association, and the District Administration all have a role. We use a method called Interest Based Bargaining, which enables everyone to get at the issues in a productive way. We have used it in the past and it has been very successful.

Q. What raise are the teachers getting as a result of the contract?

A. One of the major new provisions is a salary increase for teachers. In the first year of the contract, 2009-10, teachers will receive a raise of about 0.6%. When you add the step increase, it works out to be an average of 4.33%. In the following year, 2010-11, the teachers will receive a raise of about 0.4%, and the total will be just under 4.1%. For any given teacher, the raise might be more or less, depending on their education and years of experience, but these are the average numbers.

Q. What’s a “step increase,” and how is that different from the 0.6% raise?

A. Nearly all teachers in all districts are paid using schedules that dictate how much they will be paid. Each teacher falls in a column appropriate to their level of experience, and a row that corresponds to their years of service. Each year a teacher will move down one row on the schedule, and earn the new salary amount. For example, a starting teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Winnetka will earn approximately $41,500 this year. Next year, he or she will move down one step in the schedule and earn about $43,000. This is called the Step Increase. The amount of increase can vary a little from one step to another, but the average step increase for Winnetka Teachers is 3.7%.

In addition, we have agreed to increase every amount on the schedule by 0.6% next year, and 0.4% the year after that. So when you combine that “year-to-year” increase with the step increase, the total increase is 4.33% and 4.1%, respectively.

Q. I’ve heard of other districts that are giving 0.5%, 1%, etc. Why is Winnetka so high?

A. Unfortunately, many districts are not reporting the whole story. For example, District 128, which includes Libertyville High School, recently reported that teachers under their new contract will earn .37% next year, increasing to 1% the following year, and 1.5% the year after that. What the news media failed to mention is that their teachers are also earning a 3% step increase each year, which makes the total increases about 3.5%, 4% and 4.5% over the next three years.

Q. Isn’t any raise excessive, with the economy being what it is? Many people have taken pay cuts, or even lost their jobs.

A. In economic times such as these, everyone is reviewing their budget to see what expenditures can be eliminated or reduced. Families are prioritizing their outflow so that basics are maintained by reducing non-essential spending. The Board of Education is currently engaged in the exact same exercise. We feel, however, that cost-cutting must be done with the goals of sustaining the high quality education of our children and retaining quality teachers.

The truth is that a number of people are getting raises this year – teachers from other districts. Most teachers are subject to multi-year contracts, with raises built in each year. While we have no intention of trying to match those raises, we cannot ignore them either, or our competitiveness in the market place for quality teachers will suffer.

Q. How did the Board and the Association determine how much of a raise would keep Winnetka competitive?

A. The main process is to analyze the market cost of teachers. The parties involved looked at the salaries for teachers in twelve neighboring school districts that we felt were comparable to WinnetkA. We then created a range across those districts for each teacher based on education and years of experience. For example, we looked at all the different salaries being paid a teacher with a master’s degree and ten years’ teaching experience, and arranged them from highest to lowest. Finally we looked at where a Winnetka teacher in that category would fall in the range.

Q. How does Winnetka compare to other districts under the new contract?

A. It varies, but many of our teachers are close to the mean, or average, for comparable teachers in comparable districts. For example, a new Winnetka teacher with a bachelor’s degree is at about the 40th percentile of similar teachers in the other districts we looked at. On the other hand, a teacher with ten years experience and a master’s degree with 15 hours of post-graduate study is only at the 20th percentile compared to his/her counterpoint at other districts.

Q. Have our teachers always been paid at the average?

A. In fact, in prior years we were actually above the mean, which made us more competitive. But with this economy that isn’t practical. We are no longer as competitive as we were; nevertheless, we feel that we can still attract and retain quality teachers with the new contract.

Q. What will the raises be in the last three years of the contract?

A. Because of the current economy, and the inability to predict what salaries, the market place, and the economy in general will be three years from now, we decided not to lock in salaries beyond the next two years. The new contract calls for the Board and the Association to convene in two years’ time to determine what salaries should be for the remainder of the contract. This protects everyone from locking in numbers that two years from now might prove to be excessively high or low.

Q. What is this salary increase going to cost in total dollars?

A. Despite the 4.3% number, when you take into account retiring teachers and the budgeted number of teaching positions for the next two years, we estimate that the total salary dollar cost for 2009-10 will increase less than 2.5% over this year. This is within our budget and the projections of our long-range fiscal planning.

Q. How are other districts who negotiated contracts before the economic downturn dealing with it?

A. Many districts negotiated contracts with significant raises when the economy was still strong. Now they are trying to figure out how to pay for those contracts. For example, they may be cutting programs or increasing class size. We were fortunate in our timing in that we could see the economy was in a serious downturn, and adjust the raises accordingly. Again, these costs are within our budget and our long-term financial forecasts. We will not be changing class size or cutting programs as a result of this contract.

Q. What other benefit provisions are in the contract?

A. Disability Insurance: Currently the teachers can acquire disability insurance for up to 31% of their salary through the state. The contract provides for the District to pay for additional disability insurance for each teacher up to 66% of salary. Dental Insurance: The District will pay for half of the cost of individual in-network dental insurance coverage. Sick Leave: Each teacher will now get one additional sick day per year after ten years of service, and two additional sick days per year after twenty years. Retirement: New state legislation has increased the amount of money teachers must pay in order to take advantage of early retirement plans. The District has agreed to split this extra cost with the teachers. New legislation also led the District to allow teachers to get a 6% annual raise (in lieu of any normal raise) when giving up to five years’ retirement notice, in order to ensure full retirement benefits paid by the state.

Q. Tax revenues are limited by the tax cap. Are these cost increases in line with the CPI, which helps define what the tax cap will be?

A. For the current contract, it is the CPI for 2007 that determines what the tax increase on existing property will be for 2009-10. The CPI for 2007 was 4.1%, which is nearly the same as the raises the contract provides for (4.3%). However, in 2008 the CPI was 0.1%, so District costs are sure to exceed any tax revenue increase in 2010-11.

Q. Will this contract mean another referendum? Are taxes going to go up?

A. The District is currently engaged in an aggressive cost-reduction analysis to keep costs down to essentials without affecting the learning experience. We do not anticipate that the cost of this contract will accelerate any need for a referendum. Overall property tax increases are still subject to the tax cap and should not increase because of this contract. (Note that individual tax bills may go up or down, depending on the value of the property relative to other property within the taxing area.)

New District 36 School Board Member

n has over twenty years of education experience, including helping to found and run a progressive charter school in Alameda, California. As a parent of two young children just entering the schools, Jon brings invaluable experience and perspective to the Board.

Van Barletta

Board President

June 15, 2009

H1N1 Vaccination Letter 10-8-09

y available and it is strongly recommended that you consult your family physician regarding seasonal influenza vaccinations for all members of your family.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended certain groups of people, including pregnant women and children and young people 6 months through 24 years of age, be vaccinated against the H1N1 influenza virus as soon as the vaccine becomes available.
Please contact your physician to determine if the H1N1 vaccine is recommended for your child and if so, when your child may receive the vaccination.

The New Trier Township School Districts are working with the Cook County
Department of Public Health (CCDPH) to establish an immunization site within the
township. However, we have been told by the CCDPH that New Trier Township is
not among the highest priority areas, and therefore, vaccinations through public
schools will not be available until January 2010. If a township site is approved by the Cook County Department of Public Health, this program will offer only one dose of vaccine. At this time, it is expected that in order to be fully immunized, children will need two doses of vaccine, administered four weeks or more apart. It would be parental responsibility to arrange with their physician to administer the second dose of vaccine.

Your health care provider is the best source of information regarding your family's personal health needs and influenza vaccinations. We urge you to contact your family physician to discuss immunizing your family for both seasonal and H1N1 influenza.

Please note that not every physician will have the vaccine at this time.

Sincerely,

Mary B. Herrmann, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Jane Zaleski

School Nurse

2009-2010 Calendar

The Winnetka Public Schools District 36 2009-2010 Calendar

r>
September 1 - Schools open (Grades 1-8) (Half Day) - Tuesday

Please check with individual buildings to confirm Kindergarten and
1st grade Phase-In schedules.

September 2 - Schools open (Grades SK-8) (Full Day) - Wednesday

September 7 - Labor Day (no school) - Monday

September 8 - Junior Kindergarten begins - Tuesday

September 28 - No School - Monday

October 9 - No School (Institute Day) - Friday

October 12 - Columbus Day (no school) - Monday

November 5 - Early Dismissal (Grades 1-8) Conference/Reporting in PM - Thursday

NO SCHOOL FOR PM KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS ONLY

November 6 - Conference/Reporting Day (no school Grades K-8) - Friday

November 25 - 27 - Thanksgiving Holiday (no school) - Wednesday - Friday

December 21 - Winter Vacation Begins (no school) - Monday

January 4 - Schools Reopen - Monday

January 18 - Martin Luther King Day (no school) - Monday

February 15 - Presidents' Day (no school) - Monday

March 11 - Conference/Reporting Day (no school Grades K-8) - Thursday

March 12 - Conference/Reporting Day (no school Grades K-8) - Friday

March 26 - Early Dismissal (Grades 1-8) Teachers' Inservice in PM - Friday

NO SCHOOL FOR KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS ONLY

March 29 - Spring Vacation begins - Monday

April 5 - Schools Reopen - Monday

May 28 - Early Dismissal (Grades 1-8) Report Writing in PM - Friday

No school for AM Kindergarten students

PM KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS ATTEND IN AM

May 31 - Memorial Day (no school) - Monday

June 10 - Anticipated Last Day of School (K-8) - Thursday

June 11, 14, 15, 16, 17 To be used in the event of emergency closing

*Kindergarten conferences/report writing will also occur on 10/16/09 [Kindergarten in session], 3/26/10-AM [NO school for all Kindergarten students], and 5/28/10-AM [Afternoon Kindergarten students attend in the morning].

Revised 8/3/09

Read More...

Greeley and Carleton Washburne School dedication ceremonies podcast

District Podcasts page

Late Starts Information for Parents

characterized our winter thus far and promise to be with us for the next couple of months.

As you know, with these conditions come the possibility of school closings and
changes in our school calendar. Changes in our school calendar can impact summer
plans for families, so I want to share with you our school closure decision-making process, as well as introduce a new late start procedure.

The decision to close school is done in consultation with local personnel and the other New Trier Township Superintendents. The decision is generally made no later than 5:30 a.m. so that all staff and families have adequate time to make any necessary changes to their daily schedules.

The highest priority in considering school closure is student safety. Some of the factors that influence our decision-making include: timing and duration of the storm, temperatures, visibility, facility concerns, and road conditions both locally and in the larger metro area. Our teachers are traveling from all directions and, for some, long distances, and it is essential that they are able to arrive to school on time to greet children in their classrooms.

Only under the most hazardous circumstances will we close school. We strive to keep our students in school and follow our school calendar. In order to do so, we all need to work together, taking extra caution in traveling to and from school and ensuring that our students are dressed warmly. At the same time, we recognize that individual families may have varying degrees of comfort regarding the decision to keep schools open. Under these circumstances, parents should always feel empowered to do what they believe is best for their child. In the occasional winter storm, the weather and road conditions are expected to greatly improve by mid-morning. Under these circumstances we would prefer not to close school, but to open late instead. A late start would allow for additional time for our staff and students to get to school.

Please note the following procedures for a 2-hour late start in The Winnetka
Public Schools:

Parents/students will be notified through our emergency message system of a late
start. Information will also be included on our website, www.winnetka36.org.

Students should plan to arrive at school 2 hours later than they regularly do.
For example, if a student typically arrives at school at 8:20 a.m., he/she should plan to arrive at 10:20 a.m. If a student takes the bus and is picked up at 8:05 a.m., he/she should plan to be picked up at 10:05 a.m.

Late School Start Times

The Skokie School - 10:25 a.m.
Carleton Washburne School - 10:30 a.m.
Hubbard Woods School - 10:40 a.m.
Crow Island School - 10:40 a.m.
Greeley School - 10:40 a.m.

Morning Kindergarten and any before school programs (i.e., band) would be
cancelled for the day.

Any special program changes or a change in the school lunch schedule will be communicated to parents from the principal.

Please contact your building principal if you have questions. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.

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