The Winnetka Public Schools

In our Fall 2024 Biannual Message we share progress toward our Strategic Plan and an update on our Annual Goal. If you'd like to learn more about our work in The Winnetka Public Schools, please watch this short video with Superintendent, Dr. Kelly Tess, and Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, Dr. Becky Mathison. #youbelonghere https://lnkd.in/dSci38D8

Do you have financial expertise, an accounting background and a passion for supporting public education? We are hiring for a Bookkeeper position in our Central Office. Apply here! #youbelonghere https://lnkd.in/gRT-kZba

Our educators have been hard at work (as always) this fall! They have created many innovative learning experiences for students & colleagues along with meaningful opportunities for connection within our school community. This includes lessons about democracy and the contributions of our Veterans with Veterans Day & Election-related activities (congratulations to the newly elected mascot, the Greeley Gorilla!); Halloween festivities; the beloved Kindergarten butterfly migration; art activities & displays honoring holidays such as Veterans Day & Day of the Dead; book clubs & author visits; the Lion Lattes barista program at The Skokie School; "High Five Fridays" events with our First Responders at all schools; & the chance for students to contribute their input on a new playground design at Crow Island. #youbelonghere

Shout out to our incredible educators for making our annual?butterfly?migration a meaningful learning experience for our students!?This 35+ year Winnetka tradition, rooted in Progressive Education involves learning about the life cycle of?butterflies?through hands-on activities infused with literature, math, science and the arts. Studies include tending to?chrysalises as they grow, exploring?butterfly?habitats, analyzing?migration?patterns, and creating?hand-painted wings...culminating in a "migration"?to Mexico each fall. "This is the funnest day of my life!"? "This is not playing.?This is serious."? -Kindergarten students #youbelonghere

Interested in what is going on in our schools? Check out the latest edition of our nationally award-winning Winnetka Wire newsletter to learn more about Progressive Education, listen to the "Winnetka Voices" podcast, and see photos from our many October events! #youbelonghere

October is National Principals Month and the Illinois Principals Association?observes Principal Appreciation Week?from October 20-26, 2024. “What is rewarding about this job–when I first started as a teacher and is still similar today–is the reality that you can make a difference in a kid’s life,” says Washburne Principal Dr. Andrew Fenton.?We are so grateful our Principals have chosen to serve & lead in The Winnetka Public Schools! #youbelonghere

??? Just released! The first FIVE episodes of "Winnetka Voices" Season 3, featuring our incredible Principals and Assistant Principals sharing candid thoughts on leadership--and the daily joys to be found in education--with Dr. Tess. As Ms. Ivory Ajavon, Principal of Hubbard Woods School notes: "This is a community about people who are really invested and care about each and every child, a community filled with love." #youbelonghere

The Skokie School staff members dressed in orange today for Unity Day (the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month). Educators spent time meeting on ways to enhance unity by fostering positive relationships for everyone in the school community. #youbelonghere

"I am so appreciative of the dedication of the?Winnetka?staff. They show it in their direct work with students in our schools as well as in the time spent working and collaborating together to better serve the community as a whole." -Central Office administrator Whether they are helping students paint butterfly wings, solve a complicated math problem, build connections on the playground, learn how to play (or sing) a song, gain confidence, select a book that is just right, or welcoming them into school, our team in Winnetka makes each child feel like they matter. ?? #youbelonghere

How we feel kicking off another week of school! #youbelonghere