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February 6, 2026
Dear Winkelman Families,
We wrapped up a productive full five-day week and are proud of the learning happening across the building. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
We’re looking forward to Parent-Teacher Conferences next week and the opportunity to connect with families about student progress. Conference scheduling closed today at 3:00 PM. If you still need to schedule a conference, please contact the school office for assistance.
Parents will also receive confirmation emails for after-school clubs next week, so please keep an eye on your inbox.
As an important safety reminder, parents should not drive on the blacktop behind the school after dismissal. Students are actively walking out of the building during this time, and vehicles in this area create a serious safety risk. In addition, please do not park on the north side of the building in the bus lane during dismissal, as our smaller buses require clear access to enter and exit safely. Families should use the carline on the south side of the building for pick-up.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students and staff safe and for ensuring dismissal runs smoothly.
Sincerely,
Samantha Eiseman, Principal
Erin Kranz, Assistant Principal
Lisa Schaffer, Assistant Principal
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D31 Climate and Culture Parent Survey
District 31 truly values the voices of our families. From February 12 through March 10, families are invited to complete a brief Panorama Survey to share their experiences with Winkelman Elementary School and Field Middle School.
This shorter survey replaces the traditional Illinois 5Essentials parent survey and focuses on key areas, including school climate, supportive learning environments, and school–family communication. To better reflect the diversity of our community, the survey includes expanded translation options, and all responses are confidential.
Families will receive a stand-alone email and text message with the survey link on February 12, along with reminder messages via email, text, and social media throughout the survey window.
Students in grades 4–8 will also complete a similar survey about their school experience, including whether they feel connected, included, supported, and appropriately challenged in their learning. Student responses are anonymous. If you prefer that your child not participate, please contact your building principal.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and for your continued partnership with District 31.
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Winkelman News Worth Repeating
Safety Reminder
If your child arrives late to school, a parent or guardian must come into the office to sign them in. We’ve had many students dropped off without an adult, and we need your help ensuring all students enter the building safely. Additionally, if you are visiting the school to volunteer or attend a meeting, please remember to bring identification to sign in. Thank you for helping us keep Winkelman safe.
Winkelman Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences:
The conference scheduler will go live for parents on Monday, January 26, at 9:00 AM.
Conference Dates and Times:
- Tuesday, February 10 (in-person only) 3:10 PM to 7:10 PM
- Thursday, February 12 (virtual only) 3:10 PM to 7:10 PM
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Winter Weather Practices
When it comes to recess, we follow the recommendations of the Illinois State Board of Education.
- If the temperature or wind chill is above 15° F, we will have outdoor recess.
- If the temperature or wind chill is below 15° F, we will have indoor recess.
- If it is snowing or snow is on the ground, and the temperature is above 15° F, we will have outdoor recess.
Please note: students must have a coat, snow pants, gloves, and boots in order to play in the snow.
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