Our School

Welcome to Winkelman!

Welcome to Northfield School District 31’s Winkelman Elementary School where we empower every student to make an impact on tomorrow's community!

Though a small district located in suburban communities Glenview and Northbrook, the population attending School District 31 is incredibly diverse. As such, the District values equitable learning opportunities for all students.

Winkelman Elementary School serves students K through 5th grade. Winkelman provides targeted support and programming for our primary (pre-K-2nd grade) and intermediate (3rd-5th grade) with a co-principal model. Ms. Shaton Wolverton is the lead principal for our primary program, while Mr. Nino Alvarez serves as the lead principal for the intermediate program. 

District boundaries include portions of Glenview and Northbrook as well as some areas of unincorporated Cook County. Field supports our learning environment by continuously improving curriculum, instruction, technology, social and emotional supports, and opportunities for all students to learn and succeed at high levels.

Winkelman Mission: Winkelman School develops and celebrates children's academic, artistic, athletic, and social/emotional needs.  Students, parents and staff work collaboratively to support a learning environment where all feel mutually welcomed, respected and appreciated.

Winkelman Vision: A place where everyone is empowered to grow and learn

Winkelman's Collective Commitment Statements:

• We will engage students in rich instruction to help all learners be successful and celebrate successes.
• We will plan collaboratively, using data, to create engaging lessons that meet the needs of all learners in order to support the whole child.
• We will set high expectations and use classroom data to create appropriate interventions for student success.
• We will refine and prioritize common assessments aligned with our instruction.
• We have a shared responsibility to collaborate within our school community to provide the exchange of ideas, materials and methods allowing us to improve andcelebrate all forms of achievement for all students.
• We will listen to each other and respect and be open to perspectives brought by all whether agreeing or disagreeing; we will work to promote a spirit of inquiry.

Demographics 
The District houses approximately 870 children who speak over 25 languages, and a talented, diverse staff to support our mission of inclusiveness. Class sizes range between 15 and 22. The school day, schedule, teaching practices and educational setting at both Winkelman and Field Schools are tailored to best provide a developmentally appropriate, yet rigorous learning environment.

Community Involvement
Our high level of parent support and involvement including the SD31 PTO and SD31 Education Foundation contributes significantly to the success of our District, as does our solid financial standing. The District spends approximately $20k per student to provide exemplary education. A recipient of Financial Recognition status from the Illinois State Board of Education for the past several years, the District's financial health is strong.

Ongoing Education
Winkelman graduates who continue in public school attend Field Middle School.

Communication
Communication is one of District 31's most important priorities. One of the ways District 31 provides timely news and updates is through our weekly messages from the Superintendent during the school year. District 31 parents receive an automatic subscription to Enews. All email addresses provided at the time of registration are included on our electronic mailing list. The District also sends out a bi-annual newsletter to the community. 

History
West Northfield School was originally K-8 and was located at 3030 Sanders where Allstate is located now. 

In 1965, the West Northfield School District Board named the district's second school, Field Middle School (6-8), after Stanley Field, nephew of Marshall Field, a civic leader, and former executive of Marshall Field and Company. The Board President at the time of naming explained, “When our students make trips to the museum, they enter through Stanley Field Hall, and they can be proud that the school they attend is also named after him.” Stanley Field was also instrumental in establishing the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Grant Park. Other than the board describing Stanley as a civic leader, there was no particular reason given as to why it was named after him as he wasn’t from the area and he did not donate money. The board of education at the time considered four other names when building Field in the 60’s: John F. Kennedy School, Techland School, Nor-Tech School, and West Northfield East School. The elementary building on Sanders retained the name of West Northfield School (K-5). The original Field structure housed an “all purpose room, an office suite, a teacher’s lounge, nurse’s quarters and six classrooms.” There have been several additions including the auditorium and art wing in the 1990s. A photo of Stan remains in the Superintendent Office of Dr. Erin Murphy.

Henry Winkelman Elementary School was built in 1980, and an addition was done in 2002 and then again in 2018. Winkelman School was named after Henry Winkelman, the original janitor. He was a kind, caring, and helpful person. After he passed away, there was a contest to name the school and his name was the winner because he was so beloved.