Dear Community Members, Parents, and Staff:

As spring at last dawned in the early weeks of April--granted, with a few sputters, fits, and starts--we finally began to see the parks, playgrounds, and playfields of Winnetka returning to their former vitality. And with these warmer days, we find ourselves welcoming back many young athletes and explorers. From neighborhood jungle gyms to the recently renovated Skokie Playfields, the bustle and clamor of active children in the outdoors is a sign of vernal renewal. It is heartwarming to all of us who are passionate about children and their continued growth.

Of course, the energy of youth does not take a hiatus for winter chill, nor does the need for children to remain active. In Winnetka schools, whatever the weather, our elementary-school students receive Kinetic Wellness instruction four days a week, while middle-school students take classes daily--indoors, when necessary. It is our firm belief that regular physical education is important not just to keep children and youth fit, but as a critical component of their development into complete adults.

Studies have shown that exercise and activity enhance a student's academic learning ability, as well as his/her physical well-being. A 2013 report from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health cites "substantial evidence of a relationship between physical activity, fitness and improved cognitive and executive functioning and executive control." In 2011, the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience linked comprehensive physical education with better organizational, prioritization, multi-tasking, and concentration abilities; better memory; and better overall scholastic performance.

Kinetic Wellness classes foster important character development through sportsmanship and teamwork. They also allow students to build skills in communication, relationship-building, risk-taking, and perseverance. And, naturally, age-appropriate play helps children to develop physical strength, hand-eye coordination, flexibility, spatial awareness, and personal fitness.

We are committed to progressive education in all areas of study, and Kinetic Wellness is no exception. Learners in District 36 are exposed to a wide variety of activities--as unique and diverse as bocce, tchouckball, yoga, archery, and cup stacking. Indeed, our teachers attest that, shortly after introducing a sport in class, they often see students playing it more during recess or during free time.

Many District 36 schools also have distinctive facilities to promote concepts like experiential learning (e.g., The Skokie School ropes course) and cardiovascular health (the Carleton Washburne School cardio room, with individual heart-rate monitors). Additionally, KW classes go beyond just playing games: for instance, younger students learn about the muscles and bones of the human body, and grade 7 students invent their own unique sport and teach it to their peers.

Currently, our Kinetic Wellness Curriculum Committee is wrapping up Year One of its curriculum review, which we perform on a six-year cycle to ensure that our Kinetic Wellness classes remain modern and aligned to Illinois State Standards. One of the accomplishments of the Committee so far has been drafting the following Mission Statement, which well encapsulates and summarizes how we approach Kinetic Wellness, and why we remain so devoted to it:

The mission of the Winnetka Kinetic Wellness department is to maintain a program that fosters growth of the whole child in the physical, cognitive, and social and emotional domains by exposing our students to a wide variety of health, sport, fitness and team-building concepts to instill a love for life-long activity, fitness, and recreation.

That variety of concepts includes activities both indoor and outdoor, and many Kinetic Wellness classes too have begun to move back outside this month to take advantage of the long-overdue spring weather. In the upcoming months, depending on their grade, students may take part in activities ranging from kickball and badminton to touch rugby, Ultimate, and even golf, culminating in each school's marquee Field Day filled with outdoor fun and games. We expect that they will have plenty of fun--but more importantly, learn and grow in the process.

In service,

Dr. Thomas Hagerman 

Superintendent

The Winnetka Public Schools is conducting an annual survey for the third time. The first survey was conducted two years ago in conjunction with Strategic Planning. The second survey was utilized to help the District assess progress toward the Strategic Planning Goals that were approved in December 2012, and to develop benchmarks. The third survey will now be used for comparative purposes and to help inform our practices.

The survey will take no more than 10 to 15 minutes to complete and can be accessed here from April 28, 2014, through May 5, 2014. If you have questions, or experience any technical difficulties, please email board@winnetka36.org.

Thank you for your time and support of both our students and the schools. Your feedback is essential to the continued success of District 36.

This week, in all five District 36 schools, students and staff are taking part in environmental-education and awareness activities to commemorate Earth Day (Tuesday, April 22, 2014) and Arbor Day (Friday, April 25, 2014). These activities also mark the kick-off of the new District 36 Green Team, established in February to foster sustainability initiatives based on school and District needs.

Students at Carleton Washburne School on Tuesday celebrated Earth Day at an assembly featuring community sustainability advocate, Mindy Agnew, plus a "Trashy to Flashy" fashion show where students dressed their advisors in outfits made from recyclable materials. The event ties into the school's Spirit Week. On Friday, to mark Arbor Day and the District-wide Green Team initiative, a tree will be planted outside the District Office behind the school.

At Crow Island School, Greeley School, Hubbard Woods School, and The Skokie School, each day of the week has an environmental theme/activity. Monday the 21st is education-themed; students will hold discussions and meetings on environmental issues, and draft ideas for helping to create a better planet. Tuesday the 22nd (Earth Day) is the District's first Trash-Free Tuesday; students and staff will be encouraged to enjoy a lunch free of any disposables. Wednesday the 23rd is the first Walk-to-School Wednesday; where students are asked to walk, bike, or use some other form of non-motorized transportation to get to and from school. Thursday the 24th will focus on conservation; and how to reuse items rather than throwing them away. Friday the 25th will round out the week with a focus on renewal and tree planting in honor of Arbor Day.

"How can I enhance my child's mathematics learning over the summer?" Mathematics in The Winnetka Public Schools is the fourth in a series of Winnetka Parents' Institute presentations focused on math education. During this session, parents will have an opportunity to visit a number of stations where teachers will guide them through math activities they can engage their children in at home, both during the school year and over the summer.

The program will be presented on Tuesday, May 13, 2013, from 9:30-11:00 A.M., in the Hubbard Woods School Resource Center. It will be led by Winnetka Math Facilitators, members of the Curriculum Office, and/or administrators. This presentation will be of interest to parents of students in grades K-6.

Please RSVP to Cathy Koller in the Curriculum Office. She can be reached at 847-501-4530 or cathykoller@winnetka36.org.

Information regarding online registration for the 2014-2015 school year will be sent out in mid-May via email and U.S. mail. Please be on the lookout for the materials.

Physical and dental exams are required for incoming sixth grade students; dental exams are required for incoming second grade students. Physical, dental, and eye exams are required for Kindergarten students, as well as all students new to the District.

Health forms will be included in the registration materials. Please note: All health forms are due no later than the first day of school.

Director of Technology, Mr. Matt Fuller, has announced that he will resign from The Winnetka Public Schools at the end of the 2013-2014 school year. Mr. Fuller has served as District 36's Director of Technology for six years. He has accepted a new position as Chief Technology Officer of Barrington Community Unit School District 220.

Director of Pupil Services, Mr. Mark Ditthardt, has also announced his resignation from his position at the end of the school year. Mr. Ditthardt has served The Winnetka Public Schools for 26 years, having started as a school social worker at Hubbard Woods School and becoming Director of Pupil Services in 1995.

The District expects to announce a new Director of Technology and Director of Student Services after comprehensive search processes have been completed.

The District 36 School Board approved the 2014-2015 school calendar at the March Board meeting. The first day of school will be Monday, August 25, 2014, and the anticipated last day of school, barring any emergency closings, will be Tuesday, June 2, 2015. The complete 2014-2015 calendar can be found on the District website here.

Registration is still open for Junior Kindergarten and Little Learners programs for the 2014-2015 school year.

The Winnetka Public Schools District 36 offers Junior Kindergarten for children who will be four years old by September 1, 2014 (born before September 1, 2010). The program will be held at Greeley School. The cost of the program for 2014-2015 is $4,395, plus a $150 non-refundable registration fee. More information and registration forms can be found here.

Little Learners is a preschool program for children who will be three years old, but no older than four, on September 1, 2014 (born before September 2, 2011). Enrollment is open to families who reside in Winnetka and the surrounding area. Priority is given to Winnetka residents. The cost of the program for 2014-2015 is $3,300. More information and registration forms can be found here.

Registration for Adventures In Learning, the District's summer program for students in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade, will be open through Tuesday, June 3, 2014. This half-day program will run from June 16, 2014, through July 18, 2014, with no class on July 4, 2014. View the online course catalogue here.

More information can be found at the official Adventures in Learning website.