May 7, 2021

Dear Families and Staff,

As we conclude our first week of May, I would like to recognize Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you to all of our educators for your commitment to our students, creative thinking, and incredible flexibility this year. You have modeled resilience and strength to our students. We are also grateful for the generosity and efforts of our PTO members, who graciously provided lunches and other treats at our schools throughout the week. We know our parents were teachers more than ever this year as well - thank you all! Here is a video highlighting our collaborative efforts this year. 

Starting this week, students at Carleton Washburne School are enjoying a longer day on campus. We share deep appreciation for Washburne staff and parents for their partnership and patience as we worked out the logistics to successfully implement this scheduling shift. It is a benefit to our students to have increased time in their classrooms for learning experiences and socialization with their peers. 

• Vaccination Update for Individuals age 12 or older: 
  It is anticipated that the CDC will likely approve the Pfizer vaccine for individuals age 12 or older. Due to this impending announcement, New Trier Township school districts are collaborating to offer a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination clinic at New Trier High School. Details will follow presuming this announcement is made by the CDC. 

• Before School Child Care Survey: 
  The District has received feedback that families are interested in before school childcare for elementary students. To support our planning, it is essential we are able to confirm how many families currently anticipate utilizing this service, which would be provided by Right At School hosted at one of our schools. Please complete this form by May 17 to indicate your family’s preference. 

• Bridge Forward Plan to the 2021-2022 School Year:
  Updates from the Departments of Innovation, Teaching and Learning (ITL) and Student Services (SS)
  Weekly updates on the Bridge Forward plan to the 2021-2022 school year are now shared by the Departments of Innovation, Teaching and Learning and Student Services.  These updates highlight key areas that matter to our community as we move forward from the past year of the pandemic. This week’s update is dedicated to Social Emotional Learning.

Happy Mothers Day to all of the mothers in our school community! I recognize that in a year of particularly significant loss, this holiday may bring bittersweet emotions for some individuals. Please find time to rest and enjoy time with your loved ones this weekend.

Sincerely,

Dr. Trisha Kocanda
Superintendent