April Newsletter

April Important Dates

Monday, April 7    No School - School Improvement Day

Tuesday, April 8    School Resumes for Students

Tuesday, April 8    IAR Assembly for 3rd - 5th Grade

Tuesday, April 8    Kaneland Book & Jammie Night (6:30pm) - Register HERE

Wednesday, April 9    Fun Lunch - Buona Beef

Wednesday, April 9 - 16    IAR Testing 3rd-5th Grade

Thursday, April 10    1st Grade Field Trip to DuPage Children's Museum

Friday, April 11    Trimester 3 Progress Reports (sent as needed)

Friday, April 18    ALICE Drill 9:15 am Time Change

Wednesday, April 23    Fun Lunch - Paisano's Pizza 

Wednesday, April 23    Administrative Professionals Appreciation Day

Wednesday, April 23    5th Grade Tours @ Harter (9:30-11:30)

Friday, April 25    2nd Grade Field Trip to Naper Settlement

Tuesday, April 29    5th Grade Step-Up Knight (Harter Gymnasium) 6:30-7:30pm

The IAR Assessment is ALMOST HERE! On Tuesday, April 8th Students will have an IAR Assembly to kick off our testing week. 

Be Sure Your Child Has:

• HEADPHONES 
• FULLY CHARGED CHROMEBOOK - Students who have a fully charged Chromebook will be entered into a daily drawing.

Tips for 3rd - 5th Graders to Prepare for the IAR

State tests can be a bit nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation, you can tackle them with confidence. Here's how:

Before the TestSleep Well:

• Ensure a good night's sleep with 8-10 hours of rest to help your brain function optimally.
• Healthy Breakfast:
• Start your day with nutritious foods like oatmeal, fruit, and eggs for energy and concentration.
• Be Prepared:
• Charge your Chromebook and ensure that you have a working pair of headphones
• Stay Positive:
• Believe in yourself! A positive attitude can boost your confidence.

During the TestRead Carefully:

• Understand each question thoroughly before answering. There could be more than one answer.
• Manage Your Time:
• Keep track of time. If stuck, skip and return later.
• Check Your Work:
• Review answers if time permits to ensure nothing is missed.
• Stay Calm:
• If anxious, take deep breaths and remind yourself you are prepared.

After the Test Reflection:

Think about what went well and what could be improved for next time.
Relax:  Enjoy some downtime; you've worked hard!

Testing Schedule: 

Join us on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM for a cozy evening of stories and fun! Slip into your favorite pajamas, grab your laptop, and get ready for a virtual event the whole family will enjoy.

Special Guest: Enjoy a live presentation by author Jana Tropper as she discusses her book, Animal Rescue Friends, and leads us in a fun draw-along activity!

Check out the attached flyer for all the details. 

Register on this Google Form to receive the Virtual Link to participate

We can't wait to see you and your family there! 

Kane County Cougars Reading Program

Thursday, May 8th @ 6:30pm 

Kaneland Elementary Event Night 

@ the Kane County Cougars Baseball Season Opener!

Your family can join in the fun if your child completes the 

“Go For a HOME RUN in Reading” 

Stewart’s Library Challenge! 

The game plan:  Your child logs 300 minutes of reading starting Wed., March 26th until Friday, May 2nd, & your child earns: 

• A free ticket & a complimentary beverage & hot dog to the Kane County Cougars season opener on Thursday, May 8th @ 6:30pm!   But wait, there’s more; Kaneland Knight Home Run Readers will take part in a pre-game parade on the field!    

• Also, Home Run Readers will receive the “GOLDEN TICKET” at the box office on May 8th which allows your child to get “2 free tickets” to ALL home games from June-September for the entire KCC 2025 season!

• A prize from the library’s treasure box will be given at the time students turn in their completed reading logs.

As spring has arrived & summer is on the horizon, encourage your child to complete Stewart’s  “Home Run Reading Challenge!”   A great way to end the school year excited about reading through the summer!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FLIER 

Spring Lockdown Drill 

On Friday, April 18, our school will participate in the Spring Lockdown drill of the school year. The drill will be coordinated with the Elburn Police Department and school personnel, including school mental health professionals. During this drill, teachers will lock their doors, turn off all lights, barricade their classroom doors, and move all individuals within the classroom out of eyesight from classroom doors. The drill will not include simulations that mimic an actual school shooting or active shooter event.

Before the drill, teachers will review the procedures with their students to prepare them for what the drill will entail. Following the drill, teachers will debrief with their students. If you have any questions about the drill or wish to exempt your child from participating, don't hesitate to get in touch with Mr. Tankersley, Assistant Principal, at 92967@kaneland.org
ALICE Drill Letter

Letters for the Honor Flight 

Honor Flight programs organize trips for veterans to visit memorials in Washington, D.C., and "Mail Call" is a special event where veterans receive letters and cards from family, friends, and the community during their flight home, expressing appreciation for their service.

What is Mail Call?

• It's a surprise event on the flight home from Washington D.C. Each veteran receives a package of letters, cards, and well-wishes from home.
• It's a way to show veterans how much they are appreciated for their service.

If you are willing to participate as a family, please feel free to make a special letter or note and send it to the FRONT OFFICE by the end of APRIL 

How to Participate:

• Write a letter or card: Express your appreciation for the veteran's service.
• Include the veteran's name: If you know the veteran's name, place it on the outside of the letter or card.
• If you don't know the veteran's name, You can write "Appreciated Veteran" or "Any Veteran".

Example Messages:
"Thank you for your service to this country"
"We are grateful to each and every one of you"
"Thank you for protecting our country"
"Thank you for fighting for our freedom"
"Thank you for your sacrifices, for your valor"
"We appreciate your sacrifice for our freedom"

Mid-March Newsletter

 March

Wednesday, March 19   Fun Lunch - McCallisters

Thursday, March 20    Music Assembly "The Polka Guy" 1:30pm

Thursday, March 20    IAR Virtual Parent Meeting #2 5:30-6:30pm

Thursday, March 20    PTN Meeting 6pm

Tuesday, March 25    5th Grade Choral Concert Field Trip (1:30-7:00pm) @ Harter

Thursday, March 27    Open House (5:00 - 7:00pm) / 3rd Grade Concert 5:15-5:45pm 

No School - SPRING Break March 31 - April 7

April 

Monday, April 7    No School - School Improvement Day

Tuesday, April 8    School Resumes for Students

Tuesday, April 8    IAR Assembly for 3rd - 5th Grade

Wednesday, April 9    Fun Lunch - Buona Beef

Wednesday, April 9 - 16    IAR Testing 3rd-5th Grade

Thursday, April 10    1st Grade Field Trip to DuPage Children's Museum

Friday, April 11    Trimester 3 Progress Reports (sent as needed)

Friday, April 18    ALICE Drill 9:15 am Time Change

Wednesday, April 23    Fun Lunch - Paisano's Pizza 

Wednesday, April 23    Administrative Professionals Appreciation Day

Wednesday, April 23    5th Grade Tours @ Harter (9:30-11:30)

Friday, April 25    2nd Grade Field Trip to Naper Settlement

Tuesday, April 29    5th Grade Step-Up Knight (Harter Gymnasium) 6:30-7:30pm

5 Essentials Survey

Parents - Your Feedback Is Needed! If at least 20 percent of Kaneland parents complete this survey, a parent supplement report will also be generated. The parent data will not be reported on the State Report Card.

Your participation in the parent portion of the survey will help us understand the conditions at your child’s school and guide improvement. Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will never be connected to you or your child.

The Illinois 5Essentials Survey for students and teachers will be conducted February 18, 2025 through March 28, 2025. The Parent Survey Supplement will be conducted during that same timeframe. To take the survey please visit http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/  

Here is what you need to know about the Fair, which will take place in our centrally located LRC library . . . 

* All students will create a “Wish List” the week of March 17th – 21st.

* Purchase books during school hours Monday, March 24th through Thursday, March 27th, 4th & 5th grades March 20 - 27.

* Open House on March 27th from 5:00pm – 7:00pm.
  

* HEADPHONES NEEDED * From April 9–16, our 3rd–5th grade students will be taking the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR).  In preparation for the assessment, please make sure your child has a working pair of headphones that can be left at school.  We are asking students to have their headphones left at school over Spring Break so we can come back ready to assess.  

If you are interested in seeing practice problems that students are completing in class, plus other resources, please click HERE

VIRTUAL PARENT MEETING

Join us for a virtual parent evening to explore and learn about the spring assessment, IAR tips, and the Kaneland Show What You Know Campaign.  

When:  March 20th

Time:  5:30pm

How: Log on using this link To join the video meeting, click this link: meet.google.com/kkf-vyso-ycv or scan below

Get ready to celebrate this amazing school year with our 2024-2025 yearbook - featuring a special cover design by our talented 5th grader, Lily Stortz!

Order by April 18th to enjoy  FREE shipping directly to the school.

Orders placed after April 18th will still be accepted, but shipping fees will apply.

Don't miss this chance to capture the memories - order yours today!     https://store.shopyearbook.com/2025kstyearbook 

*For specific yearbook questions, please reach out to Mr. Tom Biddle at 10045@kaneland.org

March Stewart Scoop

 

March
Wednesday, March 5  Fun Lunch - Culvers

Friday, March 7    PTN Family BINGO Night  5-7pm

Wednesday, March 19   Fun Lunch - McCallisters

Thursday, March 20    Music Assembly "The Polka Guy" 1:30pm

Thursday, March 20    IAR Virtual Parent Meeting #2 5:30-6:30pm

Thursday, March 20    PTN Meeting 6pm

Tuesday, March 25    5th Grade Choral Concert Field Trip (1:30-7:00pm) @ Harter

Thursday, March 27    Open House (5:00 - 7:00pm) / 3rd Grade Concert 5:15-5:45pm 

No School - SPRING Break March 31 - April 7

April 

Monday, April 7    No School - School Improvement Day

Tuesday, April 8    School Resumes for Students

Tuesday, April 8    IAR Assembly for 3rd - 5th Grade

Wednesday, April 9    Fun Lunch - Buona Beef

Wednesday, April 9 - 16    IAR Testing 3rd-5th Grade

Thursday, April 10    1st Grade Field Trip to DuPage Children's Museum

Friday, April 11    Trimester 3 Progress Reports (sent as needed)

Friday, April 18    ALICE Drill 2pm

Wednesday, April 23    Fun Lunch - Paisano's Pizza 

Wednesday, April 23    Administrative Professionals Appreciation Day

Wednesday, April 23    5th Grade Tours @ Harter (9:30-11:30)

Friday, April 25    2nd Grade Field Trip to Naper Settlement

Tuesday, April 29    5th Grade Step-Up Knight (Harter Gymnasium) 6:30-7:30pm

5 Essentials Survey

All students and staff will take the 5 Essentials Survey during the month of March.  Parents can also take the survey (see link below).  The 5 Essentials Survey asks students about their typical experiences in school, providing us with helpful information for school improvement plans.  Students will take the survey during technology class.

Parents are also encouraged to take the 5 Essentials Survey.  Click here to learn more about the 5Essentials Survey.  

Link to parent survey: http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/  

Dear Stewart Families, 

We are excited to announce that the Scholastic Book Fair is once again coming to Stewart this spring and will be open for business during Stewart’s Open House on Thursday, March 27th and in school; Monday, March 17th to Thursday, March 27th.  Your child has an opportunity to choose books that empower and inspire them to become bolder, prouder, and stronger readers!    As always, every book they buy earns rewards and benefits for our school!   

Here is what you need to know about the Fair, which will take place in our centrally located LRC library . . . 
All students will have an opportunity to preview books and make their “Wish List” the week of March 17th – 21st.

All students will be able to purchase books during school hours Monday, March 24th through Thursday, March 27th, 4th & 5th grades March 20 - 27.

The Fair will continue to be open for families during Open House; March 27th from 5:00pm – 7:00pm.
  
Our Book Fair will continue to offer the eWallet- which allows you to set up a digital payment account for your child.   This is the best way to avoid those long lines on open house night! Share your child’s “eWallet” so friends and family can add funds giving your child even more books to enjoy!   Any unused funds can be spent at the Scholastic Store Online or to fund a future eWallet.  Scholastic Gift Certificates from the Spring Book Fair can be transferred to your child's new eWallet next year.

If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Online Book Fair. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25.  Of course, your online orders will also benefit our school.

Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping:

We need your help in reinforcing our school’s values of respect, kindness, and support. Recently, we have noticed an increase in unkind behaviors across the school, including students calling peers names related to their size, hair color, intelligence, or something related specifically to that individual student. At school, we are actively addressing these behaviors through individual conversations, Second Step SEL lessons, and Restorative Conversations. However, creating a truly respectful community takes all of us.

Please take some time to talk with your child about the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. Your support in reinforcing these expectations at home makes a big difference. We all deserve to be in a school environment that is supportive, caring, and safe. Thank you for your partnership in fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all our students!  

Join Us for Our John Stewart Elementary Open House!

Mark your calendars! We invite you to our Open House on Thursday, March 27th, from 5:00–7:00 PM for a fun and engaging evening with your family.

Come explore your child’s classroom, visit their exploratory classes, and celebrate their hard work on display. While you’re here, don’t miss the Scholastic Book Fair, our Silent Auction baskets and items, and the chance to grab some Spiritwear! Third Grade Families can also enjoy their child's music concert in the gym from 5:15-5:45 PM. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with teachers, staff, and other families while enjoying a night of school spirit and fun. We can’t wait to see you there!

CLICK HERE to review the Permission Slip for a review of the details

From April 9–16, our 3rd–5th grade students will be taking the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR). This important assessment helps measure student progress in English Language Arts, Math, and Science for 5th-grade students. To help your child feel confident and ready, we encourage the following:

✅ Get plenty of rest – A good night’s sleep is key to staying focused.

✅ Eat a healthy breakfast – Fueling up with a nutritious meal helps with concentration.

✅ Arrive on time – Being on time reduces stress and helps students start their day smoothly. The tardy bell is at 8:50.  Students may arrive at 8:35 AM.  

✅ Encourage a positive mindset – Remind your child to try their best and take their time.

✅ Chromebook Charged - Ensure that each night their Chromebook is charged and ready to go. 

We appreciate your support in helping our students feel prepared and confident. If you could avoid scheduling appointments during these dates, it would be greatly appreciated.  If you have any questions, please reach out. Thank you for your partnership!

School Improvement Update: Strengthening Written Responses

This year we are dedicated to helping students improve their ability to respond to texts with clear answers, supporting evidence, and thoughtful reasoning. Our goal was for all K-5 students to achieve a 50% increase or reach 85% proficiency by February 2025—and thanks to the hard work of our students and teachers, we have seen significant progress!

Key Growth Highlights:

📚 Kindergarten improved from 1% to 73% in answering prompts (72% growth!)
📚 1st Grade exceeded the 85% goal early (42% to 97%) and is now focusing on finding evidence in texts, growing from 0% to 71%
📚 2nd & 3rd Grade made strong improvements in using text evidence, reaching 46% and 59% growth from their pre-data. 
📚 4th & 5th Grade built reasoning and text connections, progressing to 64% and 55% growth from their pre-data. This specific skill requires higher-level thinking and we are SO PROUD of their progress! 

Because of this success, we will continue this goal through May 2025, aiming for a 60% increase or 85% proficiency. Thank you for your ongoing support at home—your encouragement helps our students develop strong reading and writing skills for lifelong success!

Based on the Evaluation Criteria, our school received an EXCELLENT Rating! 

5 or 6 of the 6 Grade Levels met a minimum of 50% proficiency in their grade level expectations in the area of either Answering, Evidence, or Reasoning