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Winnetka Voices: A Podcast from the Winnetka Public Schools

Winnetka Voices is a podcast hosted by The Winnetka Public Schools, featuring candid conversations on issues relevant to education and shared resources to support our students and families.

Episodes

Dr. Kelly Tess chats with Department of Communications, Safety & Security leaders, Mr. Ray Finnerty (Director of Safety & Security in his first year in the District) and Ms. Kate Hughes (Director of Communications in her tenth year in the District). A retired police officer and former publicist seem to be an unlikely team–and what purpose does this Department serve? Mr. Finnerty shares how he has enhanced safety and security practices with the support of the Winnetka Police and Fire Departments. Ms. Hughes, shares how the District’s communication strategies have evolved to align with current best practices, serving as a model for other Districts, as well as garnering six awards from the National School Public Relations Association between 2023-2024 and a record 65 awards from the Illinois School Public Relations Association since 2015.

Dr. Tess chats with Carleton Washburne School Leadership, Dr. Andrew Fenton, Principal, and Mr. Ben Horwitz, Assistant Principal, who take us behind-the-scenes on leading a middle school–where no day is the same. They ponder the challenges of leading during the pandemic, yet highlight the resilience and positive practices that were developed as a result. “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 Dr. Fenton. Thinking of the educators who impacted his own life and being able to serve students as an educator himself, Mr. Horwitz notes that hiring the next generation of teachers is a favorite part of his role, “We bring in new teachers, who make this school great and have the same connections with kids over the years."

Ms. Michelle Cooney, Princpal, and Mr. Larry Joynt, Assistant Principal, of The Skokie School provide a glimpse into what led them into their leadership roles. These cumulative experiences include reflections on Ms. Cooney playing detective as a rising 5th grader and leaking all of the class lists over the summer and Mr. Joynt procrastinating a book report and being assigned “Pride and Prejudice” as a consequence. Ms. Cooney shares that one of the joys of serving in education is “Recognizing the value of connection and inspiring someone to live out their true potential…it makes everyone in the community stronger.” “We want to do the best we can for kids because we know they are impacting the future,” echoes Mr. Joynt.

Dr. Tess is joined by Ms. Ivory Ajavon, Principal of Hubbard Woods School. Ms. Ajavon describes her leadership journey, which has involved serving as an educator through Teach for America, teaching and leading in a variety of elementary school environments throughout the country, and earning a Masters degree in School Leadership at Harvard University. She shares how mentors “cared, nurtured, championed and encouraged” her and how she infuses a growth mindset in her own leadership style. Ms. Ajavon is passionate about fostering literacy initiatives and honoring progressive education as she works to support teachers and families in best serving the needs of students. “This is a community about people who are really invested and care about each and every child, a community filled with love. It’s been an incredible experience being part of Hubbard Woods.”

 

In this episode, Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, interviews Ms. Lindsay Kopinski, Principal of Greeley School. Ms. Kopinski reflects on the varied experiences that led her to her current role. In the midst of several initiatives, such as the rollout of new Literacy curriculum and a new Structured Learning Environment classroom to better serve the needs of students, Ms. Kopinski shares her leadership philosophy. “We have to give each other the grace and the space to be able to try things out and get away from the belief that we have to do everything perfectly…I am there to learn along with teachers and support them in the process. I want every student to know that they are a leader in some way shape or form in their lives. We at Greeley will continue to grow those skills for our students…because they are the future.”

 

Luke Livingston, Principal, discusses the state of affairs at Crow Island School, which is in the midst of significant construction and the Districtwide Literacy curriculum rollout. He describes his background as an educator and how mentors helped him become a strong leader focused on meeting goals, providing clarity, building trust, and advocacy for children. “We all have to grow in the same direction to make good use of our resources and do what is best for kids,” says Dr. Livingston. Dr. Livingston relays candid moments that bring him joy as an elementary school principal and also shares thoughts on how to achieve balance in the midst of busyness, establishing a strong support system and remembering your “why” through tough moments.

 

Crow Island School, an internationally recognized beacon of Progressive Education, turns 85-years-old in 2025. Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, reflects on the school’s enduring legacy with Dr. Luke Livingston, current Principal, and Dr. Julie Pfeffer, who served as Principal for 11 years. Listeners will also receive a review of extensive renovations that will occur in 2024-2025, retaining the building’s original historic details but, as Dr. Pfeffer notes, “allowing Crow Island to grow into the future so students and teachers can be their best.”

March is Women’s History Month! Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, is joined by three impactful women in our school community: Denise Dubravec, Winnetka Campus Principal/Assistant Superintendent at New Trier High School; Winnetka Public Schools alum Norah; and Marena Rudy, a Winnetka Public Schools Board Member. The women reflect on how they have been inspired and encouraged in order to lead with confidence. As Norah recognizes, “We have a lot of forward momentum.” We hope this episode serves as a glimpse into how we can support women and girls in their leadership ventures by modeling self-advocacy, curiosity and empathy.

Think back to a favorite project you experienced when you were a student. Was there something about it that was highly engaging, unique, and allowed you freedom to discover and explore your own interests? Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, has a conversation with Carleton Washburne School students, Ms. Tip Walker (The Skokie School), and Ms. Jennifer Bertacchi (Carleton Washburne School) reflecting on the profound impact of Project Based Learning on education. This episode provides a window into how Project Based Learning is designed by teachers, experienced by students and connects to learning standards.  As stated by a student interviewed about a recent Project Based Learning activity, “This really prepared me for what I may be able to do in the future.”

Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, has a conversation with Resource Center Directors Ms. Liz Delzell (Hubbard Woods) and Ms. Katie Nelson (Carleton Washburne School) about how connection is inspired through literature and the dynamic environments in which we learn. “We try to make students feel welcome no matter what,” says Ms. Nelson. “The library is the heart of the school,” affirms Ms. Delzell. As you listen to this episode, you’ll hear references to stories and books that have a special meaning to the individuals or connected others across a storyline or character.  Despite advances in technology, the written word remains a critical avenue to express emotion and link readers to each other.  Wishing you and your loved ones time to find cozy nooks with good books this winter!

This episode centers on a growing topic of interest in education today: the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Guest Mr. Patrick Dawson, Director of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, joins Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, to provide background on the topic. He shares insights on how parents can best be equipped to address concerns surrounding AI and tools connected to the technology. According to Dr. Tess, “If we’re doing our due diligence as a part of the community raising children to be responsible adults, we have to prepare them for a world where this exists.”

The second season of “Winnetka Voices” begins with an episode highlighting the impact of Progressive Education, Winnetka’s educational philosophy for over 100 years, and how it shaped our newly developed Portrait of an Educator.  Two beloved members of The Winnetka Public Schools community, Betty Carbol (alum and former Crow Island art teacher) and Patti Van Cleave (alum and former parent) reflect on how their lives were shaped by their school experiences. The Winnetka Public Schools’ Portraits of a Graduate and Educator are shaped by long-standing values that were pioneered in Winnetka and remain central to our modern day practices. As Dr. Tess says in the episode, “We hope this entices a whole new generation of teachers to join us in our good work!”

Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, speaks to middle school  reading specialists Sheri Johnston and Suzanne Savard about how to best foster childrens’ literacy during the summer months. Along with summer reading recommendations, they provide tips on what may support your child to grow in confidence in their reading skills–whether they are an avid or reluctant reader. You may be surprised by how simple and natural supporting your child’s literacy during summer break can be.

 

Dr. Kelly Tess speaks to Denise Matthews, Director of Student Services, Equity and Inclusion and Erick Taft, District alum, parent, and a leader of a community organization “Winnetka for Belonging.” The episode centers on how fostering an environment where high-quality teaching and learning is accessible to all starts with supporting the fundamental need for belonging. A few Washburne students also share their thoughts on belonging. As Ms. Matthews shares, “We can all play a part in making sure that our peers and our colleagues feel like they belong.” 

Dr. Kelly Tess speaks to School Board President Emily Rose, Crow Island Kindergarten teacher Melissa Brody (both of whom are alumni of The Winnetka Public Schools) and Tom Flemma, Head of School at North Shore Country Day, a private school in Winnetka with a unique shared history in progressive education. Throughout the episode, learn about the unique legacy of Progressive Education in Winnetka, and how our public and private insitutions uphold our commitment to experiential learning. “I hope we continue to push ourselves to be a lighthouse of a District….the future is bright,” says Ms. Rose.

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