Winnetka Voices Podcast

The meteoric rise of Johnny Hilbrant, the comedian and content creator who stars as the viral social media character “PE Guy,” was featured in The New York Times and Business Insider earlier this month. Hilbrant, an alum of The Winnetka Public Schools, joins Superintendent Dr. Kelly Tess for a special summer episode of “Winnetka Voices.” Hilbrant honed his early creative talents at Crow Island School and later graduated from Carleton Washburne School (2004) and New Trier High School (2008). He reflects on pursuing an unconventional path shaped by curiosity, authenticity and a willingness to take risks that may lead in unexpected directions. Learn more about the inspiration behind Hilbrant's unique brand of satire, and his thoughts on tempering success with gratitude.

Veteran Winnetka educator Mr. Steve Agouridis and new-to-Winnetka teacher Ms. Kate McCarthy join Superintendent, Dr. Kelly Tess, for a thoughtful conversation about differentiation to meet the needs of every learner. Together, they explore how differentiated instruction looks in Winnetka classrooms and reflect on effectively teaching students with different interests and learning styles. Learn more about how Winnetka teachers build connections with students, facilitate experiential and meaningful learning and consider the whole child to differentiate for every student.

Mr. Phillip Burchell and Ms. Christina Venos, Kindergarten teachers in The Winnetka Public Schools, join Superintendent Dr. Kelly Tess for an engaging conversation about this formative year in school. They share insights into how early literacy, social skills, and curiosity are developed through creating opportunities for play and fostering a love of learning. Tune in to hear how Winnetka’s youngest students begin their educational journey. As Mr. Burchell notes, “At the end of the day, we’re building good humans and that is the most important part of all of it.”

In this episode, Superintendent, Dr. Kelly Tess, explores the essential role of service in Progressive Education. Dr. Tess is joined by Carleton Washburne School teacher and Student Ambassador Faculty Sponsor Mr. DJ Barraca, along with Brian Floriani, founder of Bernie’s Book Bank.Mr. Barraca shares how engaging in service activities helps shape a well-rounded middle school experience, allowing students to develop an awareness of the world that extends well beyond the classroom. Floriani reflects on creating an organization rooted entirely in giving back, and why literacy has become his life’s work. As Floriani notes, “Nothing worth doing is easy… and there’s nothing more rewarding than serving other people.”

The Winnetka Public Schools Superintendent (and New Trier alum), Dr. Kelly Tess, and New Trier High School Superintendent, Dr. Peter Tragos, reflect upon the joys and complexities of leading for the next generation in public schools.  Dr. Tragos reflects, “We are producing and preparing good people for the world.” “We are all temporary stewards of a long rich history and our job is to make it better,” emphasizes Dr. Tess.

Season 4 of the “Winnetka Voices,” kicks off with a conversation on how new teachers are equipped to succeed in a robust two-year Mentorship program in The Winnetka Public Schools. Superintendent Dr. Kelly Tess and special guests Jeff Knapp, Assistant Superintendent of Professional Learning and Human Resources and Ruthie Helmer, 5th grade math and science teacher and Mentorship Coordinator, reflect on the District’s commitment to supporting new teachers so they are best equipped to tend to their students’ academic, social and emotional needs. “We want them to feel like this is home and in turn make it “home” for our kids,” says Mr. Knapp. Ms. Helmer reflects, “We really are making an impact on future generations…Being a teacher is a true calling and Winnetka is a special place. Everyone here has that same calling.”

A Filter-Free Conversation on Parenting the Digital GenerationIn this special book club edition of the podcast, The Winnetka Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kelly Tess and Dr. Devorah Heitner, bestselling author of Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World, have a candid conversation about helping kids navigate today’s complex digital landscape. From privacy and 'cancel culture' to AI, sexting, going viral, and the nonstop cycle of sharing and comparing, Dr. Heitner offers practical, research-backed advice to guide children toward thoughtful, responsible use of technology.Dr. Tess and Dr. Heitner explore Chapters 7–9, tackling how to manage social media missteps, the lasting impact of digital footprints, and the crucial role of teaching children conflict resolution and social skills. They discuss preparing kids for high school—and beyond—in an ever-changing digital landscape. Dr. Heitner highlights the importance of fostering independence while recognizing the joy and opportunities technology offers. She emphasizes using tech with empathy and intention to ensure we’re living a balanced life. As Dr. Tess says, “Moderation is an important practice to model for our kids.”

A Filter-Free Conversation on Parenting the Digital GenerationIn this special book club edition of the podcast, The Winnetka Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kelly Tess and Dr. Devorah Heitner, bestselling author of Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World, have a candid conversation about helping kids navigate today’s complex digital landscape. From privacy and 'cancel culture' to AI, sexting, going viral, and the nonstop cycle of sharing and comparing, Dr. Heitner offers practical, research-backed advice to guide children toward thoughtful, responsible use of technology.Are you overwhelmed by the constant stream of performance data about your child? Do you find yourself tracking their every move and wondering where to draw the line? In this episode, Dr. Kelly Tess and Dr. Devorah Heitner explore Chapters 3–6 of Growing Up in Public, focusing on how to navigate conversations around online safety, the risks of sexting explicit image sharing, and the fine balance between freedom and privacy in the digital age.

Special Summer Series, Episodes #1-3:A Filter-Free Conversation on Parenting the Digital GenerationIn this special book club edition of the podcast, The Winnetka Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kelly Tess and Dr. Devorah Heitner, bestselling author of Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World, have a candid conversation about helping kids navigate today’s complex digital landscape. From privacy and 'cancel culture' to AI, sexting, going viral, and the nonstop cycle of sharing and comparing, Dr. Heitner offers practical, research-backed advice to guide children toward thoughtful, responsible use of technology.This episode centers on Chapters 1–3 of Growing Up in Public, unpacking how our culture became obsessed with going viral, building personal brands, unboxings, “Get Ready With Me” videos, and more. Dr. Heitner explores how these digital trends shape kids’ social lives—creating space for both connection and anxiety. What does it mean to 'sharent' in an age where children are growing up in the public eye? The key takeaway: 'You have to know your kid,' says Dr. Heitner.

In this special series, The Winnetka Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Kelly Tess, and guests, Dr. Tom Flemma, Head of North Shore Country Day; Dr. Becky Mathison, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Teaching and Learning; and Dr. Luke Livingston, Principal of Carleton Washburne School, embark on a deep dive into the history and impact of Progressive Education, including how neuroscience informs current teaching practices. Their conversations touch on themes in the book Loving Learning: How Progressive Education Can Save America's Schools by Tom Little and Katherine Ellison.Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, and Dr. Becky Mathison, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Teaching and Learning; discuss how educators design experiences that encourage curiosity through project-based learning. From studying bugs to folktales to Pioneers, Progressive Educators equip students to connect with the world beyond their classroom walls. Hear more about how Winnetka educators bring Progressive Education to life in our schools.

In this special series, The Winnetka Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Kelly Tess, and guests, Dr. Tom Flemma, Head of North Shore Country Day; Dr. Becky Mathison, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Teaching and Learning; and Dr. Luke Livingston, Principal of Carleton Washburne School, embark on a deep dive into the history and impact of Progressive Education, including how neuroscience informs current teaching practices. Their conversations touch on themes in the book Loving Learning: How Progressive Education Can Save America's Schools by Tom Little and Katherine Ellison.As a Chicago Public Schools educator, Carleton Washbune School Principal, Dr. Livingston, recalls developing a hands-on way for students to learn about the postal system, while Superintendent Dr. Kelly Tess remembers organizing a replica Oregon Trail activity as a fourth-grade teacher. In this conversation, these leaders reflect on the enduring legacy of Carleton Washburne’s research on experiential and meaningful learning as well as how Winnetka educators effectively infuse creative practices into learning. 

In this special series, The Winnetka Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Kelly Tess, and guests, Dr. Tom Flemma, Head of North Shore Country Day; Dr. Becky Mathison, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Teaching and Learning; and Dr. Luke Livingston, Principal of Carleton Washburne School, embark on a deep dive into the history and impact of Progressive Education, including how neuroscience informs current teaching practices. Their conversations touch on themes in the book Loving Learning: How Progressive Education Can Save America's Schools by Tom Little and Katherine Ellison.The Winnetka Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Kelly Tess, and guest, Dr. Tom Flemma, Head of North Shore Country Day, chat about the history of Progressive Education in the Winnetka community. Learn more about how educators create environments that allow students to pursue their passions and develop a love of learning, ultimately building the skills they need to be engaged citizens and strong leaders.

In this summer bonus episode, Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, introduces Ms. Anna Trilla, who is the new Principal at Crow Island School as of July 1, 2025. Ms. Trilla shares why she pursued a career in public education (fun fact: she had a brief stint studying meteorology at the University of Illinois prior to shifting to education). Ms. Trilla reflects on how experience gleaned in leadership roles at Walt Disney Magnet School provided her with the groundwork to serve as the next Principal at Winnetka’s historic Crow Island School. 

Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, interviews The Skokie School students Andrew, Anya, and Sawyer about the middle school experience in 2025. This candid conversation ranges from what students wish adults understood about today's tweens, strategies to manage busy schedules and homework, how personal technology impacts communication (i.e. it is apparently no longer socially acceptable to ring a friend's doorbell to see if they are available to play), what it really means to be a well-rounded student, and reflections on how the adults in their lives best support them. As Sawyer shares, “In this generation, this is not really what kids do: kicking a tire, throwing a rock or playing hopscotch in the street.” Don’t miss this special episode!

Dr. Pat Greco, Senior Director of Thought Leadership at Studer Education, chats with Dr. Kelly Tess regarding the District’s current Strategic Planning process. Facilitated by Dr. Greco, the next iteration of the District’s Strategic Plan is significantly simplified from previous interactions, intended to pivot based on student needs. Dr. Greco reflects on how her 38 years in public education inform her approach to this process, noting that in Winnetka “Your teachers take experiential learning to heart.”

A bold decision was made in The Winnetka Public Schools to counter the growing disruption of personal technology in our learning environments. Yondr, a secure storage system for personal technology was implemented in grades 5-8 in September 2024. Dr. Kelly Tess is joined by Flossmoor School District 161 Superintendent, Dr. Dana Smith, who spearheaded the adoption of this program in Illinois. The conversation touches on research highlighted in the recent bestseller The Anxious Generation, including the impact of cell phone use on adolescents’ neurological development and mental health. Special guests, Carleton Washburne School students Ellie and Lulu, share their candid thoughts on the “new normal” in middle school in Winnetka. The upshot: “I feel like it's not that big of a deal…you get used to it.”

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, Principal, 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.”Crow Island opened in 1940 following years of planning and design led by then Superintendent, Carleton Washburne, Perkins & Will and the Finnish father & son Saarinen architectural team.  Washburne envisioned a school that would, “encourage spontaneity, variation, initiation, creative work and independent thinking.” Its learning spaces were designed to feel like a reflection of the home.  The building includes hundreds of nods to the child in features like door knobs, windows and handrails all at a child accessible height; varying textures and patterns reflecting nature; access to the outdoors from every classroom; and abundant natural light. Dr. Livingston says that when students arrive at Crow Island, “they light up with joy…they feel this school was made for them.” Crow Island School was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 and became a National Historic Landmark in 1990. This beloved school continues to draw generations back to raise their children, as well as attract those studying education architecture and innovative, student-centered design. Fun facts: Crow Island School is the home of the world's first jungle gym. One of Crow Island’s many notable alums, Ed Zwick, won the Academy Award for Best Picture for producing the film Shakespeare in Love. Another alum, Peter Chatain, is competing in the Olympic Trials with USRowing in Switzerland in May 2024. Bill Martin, Jr., author of children’s book classics Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom served as the principal of Crow Island from 1958-1961 and has said, “My years at Crow Island were the best learning years of my life. It was there that I discovered the genius of children.” 

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.”To see the website built by these students as one of their public products visit bit.ly/47PU3vw.

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, Superintendents, 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. Listen here:Apple PodcastAmazonSpotify GoogleWinnetka 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.

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.

In this episode Dr. Kelly Tess discusses the national teacher shortage with The Skokie School Principal, Michelle Cooney; Jeff Knapp, Assistant Superintendent of Professional Learning and Human Resources; and Daniel Walsh, Interim Dean of the School of Education and Associate Professor at North Park University. The guests reflect on the landscape when they initially began their careers in education, the need to enhance recruitment and retention practices, and what makes this a unique era in terms of hiring the next generation of teachers. The guests reflect on how these factors may specifically impact our practices in Winnetka. According to Principal Cooney, "In order to do hard and important work, we need to be in a community where we support one another." Listen the full episode to learn more about this timely topic.

Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, is joined by Dr. Becky Mathison, the District’s Director of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, Ms. Missy Parks, second grade teacher at Crow Island School, and Anna Karwowska, Youth Services Manager of The Winnetka-Northfield Public Library. Topics addressed include how we've seen students' needs evolve following the result of the pandemic, how the District approaches supporting students in their reading skills, and tools that may help parents and caregivers support an interest in reading at home.  

Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, is joined by the District’s Social Emotional Learning coaches, Sachiko Kawata-Burke, Jennifer Knudson, Danielle Leitner, and Allison Szczecinski. The SEL coaches discuss the role they play in supporting students and teachers, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. The coaches also share the concept behind RULER, a research-based tool from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, that is currently being implemented in our schools.Links for additional Resources:Mood Meters:K-2 Mood Meter3-8 Mood Meter HALTAtlas of the HeartOf Boys and MenUnlocking Us with Brene Brown: Dr. Marc Brackett and Brene on “Permission to Feel”

Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, speaks with Ms. Carly Andrews, Director of Alliance for Early Childhood, on how we can best support our childrens’ social and emotional needs, academic growth, and socialization in the wake of the pandemic.