Summer Newsletter

As we wrap up another wonderful school year, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible growth and accomplishments of our students!

 iReady Celebrations

• 1st Grade: Outstanding percentage of students achieving their typical growth expectations

• 2nd Grade: Strong iReady growth in both reading and math

• 3rd Grade: Excellent growth in iReady reading

• 4th Grade: Great growth in both iReady reading and math

• 5th Grade: Great growth in both iReady reading and math

CLICK HERE to view the Results - noted are the % of students on or above grade level, 1 grade level below, or 2 or more grade levels below.

Another exciting milestone was the successful implementation of our new math curriculum, Imagine Math. This year, students were challenged to think critically, solve problems in deeper ways, and explain their thinking with confidence. One of our biggest celebrations has been hearing students consistently use strong mathematical vocabulary and clearly communicate their reasoning during math discussions.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support this year. Together, we have helped our students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We hope you all have a fun, relaxing, and well-deserved summer!

We are so proud of the hard work, perseverance, and progress our students have shown throughout the year!

Summer Office Hours

The office will be open throughout the summer Monday–Thursday from 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Beginning June 5, the office will be closed on Fridays.

If these hours do not work for you, please call the office to schedule an appointment with Ms. Jaeger. Ms. Jaeger, our Principal Secretary, works throughout the summer and will be available to assist families.

Please note that I, Mrs. Aversa, will be out of the office during the month of July.

If you need assistance at any time, please feel free to call or email us at (630) 365-8170.

Playground Upgrades!
The District will begin updating the playgrounds at all Elementary school locations this summer.

John Stewart - Demolition begins 5/26 with completion targeted for 6/18, followed by a new safety surface in early July.

A quick note on timing: While our contractors will work hard to hit these targets, outdoor construction is always at the mercy of the weather! This schedule is subject to change based on conditions.

We know this is an incredibly exciting upgrade for our community, and it will be tempting for kids (and adults!) to want to sneak a peek. However, for everyone's safety, please maintain a safe distance from the construction zones and stay off the equipment until the playgrounds are officially reopened.

Student Chromebooks

Over the summer months, students in 2nd - 5th grade keep their Chromebooks and chargers at home. Students are able to access educational programs until late July when the systems switch over. Please keep them safe and charged, ready to be used next school year.

New Teacher Information

The information about your child's new teacher will be released in Infinite Campus the first week of August. More information will follow.

Summer Newsletter

I will send another newsletter out in late July to give you updates and helpful back-to-school information

Supply Lists

1st - 5th Grade Supply List Kindergarten Supply List

May Newsletter

May Important Dates

Teacher Appreciation Week Monday, May 4th - Friday, May 8th

Monday, May 4th - 5th Grade Chromebook Switch Out 

Thursday, May 7th - PTN Mtg (6:30) 

Friday, May 8th - 2nd Grade Concert (9:30)

Tuesday, May 12th - 1st Grade Field Trip to Hickory Knolls (9:00-12)

Wednesday, May 13th - Culver's Fun Lunch

Wednesday, May 13th - 3rd Grade Field Trip to Hickory Knolls (9:30-12)

Friday, May 15th - 2nd Grade Field Trip to Blackberry Farm (11:30-2)

Friday, May 15th - 5th Grade Amazing Race Activity (9-11)

Friday, May 15th - 5th Grade v. Teacher Basketball Game (2:45)

Monday, May 18th - PTN Sponsored Hot Dog Fun Lunch (Sign-up HERE) 

Tuesday, May 19th - PTN Sponsored Popsciles at Lunch

Wednesday, May 20th - Bouncy House Day (must wear socks!)

Wednesday, May 20th - 1 Hr Early Release (2:25/2:30)

Thursday, May 21st - 5th Grade Clap Out (1:45)

Thursday, May 21st - Last Day of School & 1 Hr Early Release (2:25/2:30) 

Stay Connected to the PTN:  CLICK HERE

End of the Year Assessments (Next Week)

It’s hard to believe we’re already nearing the end of the school year! Over the next few weeks, students will be wrapping up their learning with end-of-year assessments, including the i-Ready Diagnostic 3 for students in 1st–5th grade.

During recent classroom conversations, teachers have been reviewing helpful test-taking strategies with students, such as:

• Taking their time and doing their best work
• Rereading questions carefully
• Using tools like manipulatives, whiteboards, or paper and pencil
• Practicing positive self-talk to stay confident and focused

We are so proud of how hard our students have worked all year long. These assessments are just one way for them to show all the growth they’ve made. Thank you for your continued support at home—it makes such a difference!

How families can help at home: Making sure your child gets a good night’s sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, comes to school on time each day, and arrives with a fully charged Chromebook can help them feel confident and ready to do their best.

We’re excited to see all they can do—they’ve got this!

Chromebooks Exchange

5th Grade Families 

As part of our commitment to providing students with reliable, up-to-date technology, we are beginning our district-wide Chromebook replacement for grades 5 through 11.

To receive a new device, students must complete a 1-for-1 swap. Please review the requirements and the specific schedule for your student's building below.

What Your Student Needs to Bring:

To ensure a smooth transition, students must turn in the following items in working condition:

• Current Chromebook (must be the one originally assigned to you)
• Power Adapter (Charger) 
• Protective Case

Stewart (KST) 5th Grade - May 4-5 (9:00 - 10:30 AM) Library

• The Swap Rule:

  A new device cannot be issued unless the old Chromebook and charger are returned.

• Chargers:

  If a student has lost their charger, please contact the school's tech office prior to your scheduled date to discuss replacement options.

Thank you,

Kaneland CUSD 302 Technology Department

5th-Grade Clap Out 2025 Guidelines

It is that time again to host our annual tradition of the 5th-grade Clap Out! Many students and families look forward to this tradition, and we are excited to be able to celebrate our fifth-grade students as they move on to middle school! 

• The clap-out will be on Thursday, May 21st at 1:45 pm. 

• The clap-out will take place outside (weather permitting) around the walking path. A map of the clap-out route can be found below. Parents, please arrive by 1:35 to find a spot on the inside of the walking path. 

• We ask that you do not stop your child to taking a picture during the Clap Out. Pictures can be taken after the parade concludes by the Card My Yard Sign (donated by the PTN) that will be located by the baseball fields at the end of the route.  

• Following the conclusion of the Clap Out, you may take your child home by signing them out with their homeroom teacher.

• In the event of inclement weather, the clap-out will be held indoors and parents will be in the gym. 

                        

End of the Year Reminders

End-of-Year Activities: We have many fun activities planned as we head into the final stretch of the school year! Please be sure to mark your home calendars with all upcoming events so we can stay organized and prepared during this busy time of year. I know as a working mom myself—if it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t happen (I get it!). 😊

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s classroom teacher.

Transportation Changes: As a reminder, please avoid calling the school after 3:00 PM to make changes to end-of-day transportation unless it is an emergency. This is an especially busy time, and it becomes very difficult to locate students and ensure changes are communicated accurately. For last-minute transportation changes, please always call the main office.

Let’s finish strong—only 14 days left!

Teacher Appreciation Week 2026

Get ready to rewind time as we celebrate our incredible staff during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4–8! This year’s theme is all things 90’s, and we are so excited to honor our teachers and staff with a week full of fun, appreciation, and a little throwback flair.

We would love your help in making this week extra special! Here are a few ways you can join in:

 Shop our Amazon Wish List for items we’ll be using throughout the week
 Sign up through Sign Up Genius if you’d prefer to shop on your own and drop items off at the front office
 Volunteer your time — we’re looking for a few parent helpers each day to assist with set-up and clean-up

To add a personal touch, we’ll be including our teachers’ “Favorite Things” document to help guide your contributions.

Be sure to check out the attached flyer for all the details on each day’s theme and plans—we promise it’ll be all that and a bag of chips! 

Thank you for helping us celebrate the amazing educators who make such a difference in our school each day. We couldn’t do it without you!

Mrs. Aversa and the KST PTN

April Newsletter

Important Dates

Monday, April 6th - No School /School Improvement Day

Tuesday, April 7th - School Resumes for Students

Friday, April 10th - Beach Bash Dance 6-8 pm

Wednesday, April 15th - Fun Lunch from Brianna's Pancake House

Friday, April 17th - Bus Evacuations 9am

Tuesday, April 21st - 5th Grade Tours at Harter MS 9:30-11:30am

Tuesday, April 28th - Step Up Knight at Harter (Incoming 6th grade) 6:30pm

Wednesday, April 29th - Fun Lunch McDonalds

May Important Dates

Friday, May 8th - 2nd Grade Concert (9:30)

Wednesday, May 13th - Culver's Fun Lunch

Wednesday, May 13th - 3rd Grade Field Trip to Hickory Knolls (9:30-12)

Friday, May 15th - 2nd Grade Field Trip to Blackberry Farm (11:30-2)

Thursday, May 21st - Last Day of School & PTN Sponsored Meal

Thursday, May 21st - 5th Grade Clap Out

IAR Testing 3rd-5th Grade

From April 8–10, our 3rd–5th-grade students will take the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), with make-up testing April 13–17. This assessment measures progress in ELA, Math, and (5th grade only) Science.
To help your child feel prepared:

• Get a good night’s sleep

• Eat a healthy breakfast

• Arrive on time (students may arrive at 8:40; tardy bell is 8:50)

• Charge Chromebooks nightly

• Bring working headphones

• Encourage a positive mindset

We appreciate your support in helping students feel confident and prepared. If possible, please avoid scheduling appointments during testing. 

IM - Imagine Math Curriculum Information  

As the school year comes to a close, students in kindergarten through fifth grade will participate in an end-of-year local math assessment from the ImagineIM curriculum.

This assessment is designed to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned throughout the year and how they approach mathematical thinking. Some questions reflect grade-level expectations, while others are more challenging and may ask students to stretch beyond what was explicitly taught in class.

The purpose of this assessment is not for students to answer every question correctly. Instead, it allows students to demonstrate perseverance, stamina, and a growth mindset when working through meaningful math tasks.

Throughout the year, classrooms have focused on building strong mathematical practices, including explaining thinking, using multiple strategies, and engaging in productive struggle. This assessment offers a meaningful opportunity for students to show those skills.
Additional information will be shared when assessments are sent home. Thank you for supporting student learning as the school year comes to a close.

Teacher Appreciation Week

We are so lucky to have such an incredible team of dedicated and passionate educators at our school. Their hard work, care, and commitment make a difference in our children’s lives every single day, and I am so grateful for them! 

This year, we’ll be celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week from Monday, May 4th, through Friday, May 8th. Keep an eye out for an email from the PTN or your homeroom coordinator with details on how you can get involved.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to show a little extra love, we’ve attached the Teachers' Favorite Things document to help guide you.

Thank you for helping us celebrate our amazing teachers—they truly deserve it!

5th-Grade Clap Out 2025 Guidelines

It is that time again to host our annual tradition of the 5th-grade Clap Out! Many students and families look forward to this tradition, and we are excited to be able to celebrate our fifth-grade students as they move on to middle school! 

• The clap-out will be on Thursday, May 21st at 1:45 pm. 

• The clap-out will take place outside (weather permitting) around the walking path. A map of the clap-out route can be found below. Parents, please arrive by 1:35 to find a spot on the inside of the walking path. 

• We ask that you do not stop your child to taking a picture during the Clap Out. Pictures can be taken after the parade concludes by the Card My Yard Sign (donated by the PTN) that will be located by the baseball fields at the end of the route.  

• Following the conclusion of the Clap Out, you may take your child home by signing them out with their homeroom teacher.

• In the event of inclement weather, the clap-out will be held indoors and parents will be in the gym. 

KST CLAP OUT MAP

Tick Season - Playground
With the beautiful springtime weather, some unwanted pests come to the community! We have had a few reports of TICKS being found on students. Tick season is considered to occur between April and September in the United States. They usually hide in low brush areas waiting to find a host. If left undetected, several types of ticks may cause disease. We suggest that you check your student thoroughly at home after a day of playing outside. For more information, please feel free to reach out to the health office or visit the Centers for Disease Control website (www.cdc.gov).

March Newsletter

March Important Date

Monday, March 9th - Tornado Drill (2:00)

Wednesday, March 11th - Fun Lunch Buona Beef

Thursday, March 12th - KST Open House (5:00-7:00)

Thursday, March 12th - 3rd Grade Music Concert (5:15-5:45)

Thursday, March 19th - Lockdown drill (2:00)

Wednesday, March 25th - Fun Lunch Culver's

SPRING BREAK March 28-April 5

April Important Dates

Monday, April 6th - No School /School Improvement Day

Tuesday, April 7th - School Resumes for Students

Wednesday, April 15th - Fun Lunch from Brianna's Pancake House

Friday, April 17th - Bus Evacuations 9am

Tuesday, April 21st - 5th Grade Tours at Harter MS 9:30-11:30am

Tuesday, April 28th - Step Up Knight at Harter (Incoming 6th grade) 6:30pm

Wednesday, April 29th - Fun Lunch McDonalds

IAR Testing 3rd-5th Grade

From March 17–19, our 5th-grade students will be taking the Illinois Science Assessment. (ISA). Make-up testing is March 23-27.

From April 8–10, our 3rd–5th-grade students will be taking the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR). Make-up testing is April 13-17. 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 8:40 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. 

 Headphones - Ensure the headphones are in good working order.

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!

5 Essentials Survey

All students and staff will take the 5 Essentials Survey during the months of February & 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/  

Open House

Mark your calendars! We invite you to our Open House on Thursday, March 12th, 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!

25-26 Yearbook Orders

Get ready to celebrate this amazing school year with our 2025-2026 yearbook

Order by April 20th to enjoy  FREE shipping directly to the school.

Orders placed after April 20th will still be accepted, but shipping fees will apply.

Don't miss this chance to capture the memories - order yours today!   

Yearbook order link - https://store.shopyearbook.com/2026kstyearbook 

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

Substitute Crossing Guards Needed

We are looking for individuals who are interested in helping support student safety by serving as a crossing guard substitute. This is a flexible, “help here and there” opportunity during high-traffic arrival and dismissal times. Coverage is needed from 8:25–8:55 AM and/or 3:15–3:45 PM. If you are interested in learning more about this vacancy or applying, please click the link below for additional information. Thank you for considering helping keep our students safe!

https://www.applitrack.com/d302/OnlineApp/JobPostings/view.asp?all=1=&AppliTrackJobId=1193&AppliTrackLayoutMode=detail&AppliTrackViewPosting=1

February Newsletter

February Important Dates

Friday, February 6th - 4th Grade Field Trip to Naper Settlement 

Saturday, February 7th - New Kindergarten Registration (8:30-12:00)
Wednesday, February 11th - Fun Lunch
Thursday, February 12th - 5th Grade Instrument Fitting 
Friday, February 13th - Kindergarten Music Concert (9:30) 
Friday, February 13th - Valentines Parties 
Monday, February 16th - No School Presidents Day
Friday, February 20th - 5th Grade Scheduling for Middle School
Friday, February 20th - 2nd Trimester Report Cards Go Live (4:00)
Wednesday, February 25th - Fun Lunch
Friday, February 27th - No School Teacher Institute Day

March Important Date

Monday, March 9th - Tornado Drill (2:00)

Wednesday, March 11th - Fun Lunch Buona Beef

Thursday, March 12th - KST Open House (5:00-7:00)

Thursday, March 12th - 3rd Grade Music Concert (5:15-5:45)

Thursday, March 19th - Lockdown drill (2:00)

Wednesday, March 25th - Fun Lunch Culver's

SPRING BREAK March 28-April 5

Monday, April 6th - No School /School Improvement Day

💌 Valentine’s Day Party- Friday, Feb 13th 

Kindergarten: 10:40-11:20

First - Fifth Grade: 2:30-3:20

All students are welcome to bring Valentine’s cards. If cards are brought, please be sure your child brings one for each student in the class. No food items should be attached to Valentine's. Small non-food trinkets are acceptable. Individual teachers will be in contact with their class if a Valentine's box needs to be created at home or if one will be made at school.

Fifth Grade Transition Information

February 6, 2026

• Teachers will provide students with the Registration Form to bring home. Students should bring back their form with selected courses no later than February 19

• Parents will receive an overview at the parent night on course registration from Mr. Faulkner

Week of February 9, 2026 

Instrument Placement Schedule (times are 1:30-3:15 for each school)

• Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 - John Stewart

February 11, 2026

Incoming 6th Grade Parent Night (KHMS Cafe) 6:30 p.m.

• Registration Form will be discussed & shared (also emailed) by Mr. Faulkner

February 20, 2026

Incoming 6th Grade Registration. Counselors from the middle school will come over and meet with the 5th-grade students individually.

• 9:00-9:45 a.m. - KST

Week of April 20th, 2026

5th Grade Tours (9:30-11:20 a.m.). Teachers will take their class on a "field trip" to Harter.

• Tuesday, April 21 - KST

April 28, 2026

Step-Up Knight (Harter Gymnasium) 6:30-7:30 p.m. 

Week of August 3, 2026

Jump Start - registration will be on Infinite Campus and will come out closer to the end of the year.

World Read Aloud Day

We are excited to celebrate World Read Aloud Day on February 4th with a very special gift for every child at John Stewart Elementary. To honor this day and our shared commitment to literacy, each student will receive a FREE copy of Andy’s Space Friends by Jennifer Hayes to take home and enjoy with their families. The book is yours to keep FOREVER!

We encourage you to take time to read together at home, whether it’s Andy’s Space Friends or another favorite book. Just a few minutes of shared reading each day can spark meaningful conversations and nurture a deep love of books that lasts a lifetime.

Upcoming Author VisitKindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grades will get to meet Ron Keres on February 10th!Please turn in book order forms by Friday, February 6th.

BOOK ORDER FORM

Parking Lot Reminders

We kindly ask for your patience and cooperation during drop-off and pick-up, especially during these cold winter mornings. Our parking lot gets very busy, and safety is always our top priority. Mrs. Fair, our wonderful crossing guard, works hard in all kinds of weather to keep traffic moving and everyone safe, so please be sure to follow her signals.

When in the drop-off line, remember to pull all the way forward to help traffic flow smoothly. A little patience, awareness, and teamwork go a long way in keeping our arrival and dismissal safe and smooth for everyone. We truly appreciate your support and kindness toward our staff who are out there each day helping keep students safe! Thank you! 

Mark Your Calendars, Open House is Coming Soon!

We invite you to our Open House on Thursday, March 12th, from 5:00–7:00 PM for a fun and engaging evening with your family. Doors open at 5 PM.

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!