Monday, August 31, 2020

September News

Picture Day is Here

We have a new picture company that we will be working with this school year - Josten’s Pix. Please click here for the 2020 Fall Portrait Information for Hybrid Families.  B day students have already taken their pictures. Please see the schedule below: 


Wednesday, September 2nd - A Day students

Wednesday, September 30th - Picture Retakes for B Day Students

Wednesday, October 7th - Picture Retakes for A Day Students 


Remote Student Picture Day

We are excited to announce that we have secured a picture day for our remote students at our Meredith Campus on Wednesday, September 16th from 9:00-3:00. This day will be asynchronous learning to accommodate families wanting to get their pictures taken. Attached is the link to sign up. Each 10-minute time slot can hold 15 students.

 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094BA4A729A5F49-remote

 

We are asking if you choose to get your child’s picture taken, that you self-certify your child for COVID-19 before coming to the Meredith Campus. If you do not, we will need to screen you upon arrival and this can cause our picture schedule to be delayed. Masks are also required to enter the building. Students will only take it off to have their picture taken.

 

Here is the link for self-certification- http://www.kaneland.org/covid

 

Typically at the start of any school year, we complete a reading assessment called Rigby on all students. This helps us to guide our instruction to meet the needs of all our learners. We are making staff available on September 16th to assess our remote learners after their school pictures at the Meredith Campus, if you feel comfortable in doing so. We will be adhering to all the safety measures that are put in place at all of our schools. If you don’t feel comfortable, we have a Zoom option available that day or the option to set up another time that is convenient for you. We would like to get all of our remote learners assessed at some point this fall.

 

In order to help prepare for this day, please complete the following Remote Picture Day and Reading Assessments form by Friday, September 11th.

 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Aversa at Samantha.Aversa@Kaneland.org


Hybrid Learning Calendar

Hybrid Fall Learning Calendar

 

Self-Certification

Please continue to practice self-certification daily. It really helps make our entrance to school smoother when we know that students have already been asked questions by their parents. THANK YOU for your help!

 

 

Wednesday Schedule

September 2 - A Day

September 9 - A day (due to Labor day)

September 16 - B day

September 23 - A day

September 30 - B Day

 

Helpful Information

  • Please remember that on application days, we expect to see your child's work, not an adult or older sibling. Thank you for your continued support however, we need to see what your child(ren) can do so we can best support them! 


  • We are busy gathering data for students as we always do at the beginning of the school year. RtI services will not begin until closer to October.


  • If you haven't already - set up expectations for at-home learning. Create a specific space for this to take place, come dressed for school, and limit distractions - especially no TV.

 

Parents Do You Need Help or Assistance 

Are you or your child in need of help as a remote learner or during your application day? We have some help for you! Our Instructional Coaches are available and ready to assist. Select THIS LINK to find the time to meet with them.

 

Visit www.kaneland.org for any help you need, the middle of the page has a bright blue bar with several tabs to get the help you need!

Also, Check out these helpful Parent Support Videos put together by our Instructional Coaches!! Please feel free to share with other Kaneland Elementary Parents.    Parent Support Videos

 

AM Crossing Guard Needed

We are in need of an AM Crossing Guard (8:25 - 8:55).  We can also always use substitutes in the lunchroom and at recess - if you are interested, please let Mrs. Aversa or Mrs. Ward know by calling 630-365-8170 or emailing 10017@kaneland.org

 

 

Follow us on Facebook

There are often updates through our school Facebook Page - Kaneland John Stewart. If you don't already, please follow us on Facebook. Thank you! https://www.facebook.com/JohnStewartElementary

 

 

Coronavirus Updates

Kaneland continually updates the district website as more information is provided about the Coronavirus. Please see the link to read more about this topic: Coronavirus Information



Thank you again for all your continued support!! 

 

Samantha Aversa - Principal


Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Back to School Information for Hybrid & Remote Families

Information For Hybrid and Remote Students

Student Schedule and Teacher Assignment

Kindergarten through 5th-grade student schedules for Hybrid and Remote Students are still under construction and will be live on August 17th in the morning.

 

EC-5th grade Supply List Information

Here is a link to the school supply lists. Teachers will determine the supplies that are needed for learning at school and at home. The “at home” application supplies will be returned to the students to take back home. Please individually label all student items.

 

Canvas

This resource will help parents navigate through Canvas. Canvas Information Canvas is being used to support fully remote students and students who are hybrid on days they have remote learning.  Parents who have students in Early Childhood will not be using Canvas unless they are fully remote.  

 

Information for Hybrid Students


Self - Certification Pass - Must be completed daily by 8am  - Each student attendance day, we will be requiring families to self-certify that your child is healthy and not exhibiting any of the COVID-19 symptoms.  It is imperative that if your child is displaying symptoms they stay home and follow the IDPH guidelines.  Student (parent) self-certification will be REQUIRED to complete each school no later than 8am.  We would like for parents to login and try it out - some families have shared they will set an alarm to remind them daily on their phone.


  1. Please use this Self Certification web site at www.kaneland.org/covid and log in using your Tyler Parent Email and Password.

  2. Once you are logged in, for each of your students please read the screening questions to determine if your student meets the criteria and is healthy to come to school each day.

    1. You will select No to each of the questions if your student is healthy and ready to come to school. 

    2. You will select Yes for any of the questions if your student is experiencing any of the symptoms related to COVID-19.  

    3. Once you make your selection, please click Submit.  When you select No, the app will present you with a Green Pass; When you select Yes, a Warning will be displayed indicating that your student should not attend school that day.

    4. If you selected No, you will have the opportunity to print a pass for your student if she/he will not have a device when entering the building (see below)

2) Students will NOT be required to show the pass (electronic or paper copy) each day.  Staff members will have a list of students that need to certify (because they did not complete the certification by 8:00 a.m.) and will use the list to verify that each student is healthy each day.


This flowchart will be used COVID-19 Exclusion and Return to School/Work Chart to assist the School District in guiding students and staff in the event of illness. The flowchart would utilize a Time-Based, Symptom-Based, or physician-based strategy to allow re-admittance to school/work. CDC, IDPH, ISBE, Local, State, and Federal guidelines would be followed in the event of illness onset while at school/work. If there are any questions on Covid-19 Exclusion, please contact Dr. Adkins at 75522@kaneland.org


UPDATED Kaneland Fall 2020 Learning Calendar


Device Pick-Up - Hybrid Students (Kindergarten - 4th-grade students that did not pick up a device in the Spring) A Day students will be assigned a device on their first day of in-person learning.  B day students have the opportunity to also pick up their device during the optional Open House on August 19th. Teachers will email B Day parents with activities to do on August 20th. Teachers will communicate through email or Canvas B-Day parents/students with activities to do on August 20th with their child.  

August 19th Optional B-Day Device Pick-Up   

12:00 - 1:00 B Day Student in K and 3rd Grade

1:00 - 2:00 B Day Student in 1st and 2nd Grade

2:00 - 3:00 B Day Students in 4th (Please bring back borrowed device from last Spring) 


Entrance and Exit procedure - To limit the number of students entering the building at any one location, grade levels will have separate entrances and exits from the building. There will be staff at each location to monitor students as well as around the building to ensure student safety. Please see John Stewart Elementary Map to show the entrances for your specific grade level. 


Parent Zone for waving - In the past, parents liked to walk their students to the main entrance of the building to send them off for the day. In order to maintain the safety of our students and staff, we are asking parents not to walk up to the entrance with their children. Please stop at the sidewalk and say your good-byes there. Think of it like the “kiss and ride or fly zones” you would see at train stations and airports. 


Parking Lot Procedure

All parents dropping off or picking up their child(ren) should use the west parking lot only. The main lot is reserved for buses during arrival and dismissal times. No cars should enter the main lot during arrival and dismissal. Please Click Here for a Map.


We kindly ask for your patience and compassion toward the staff members working to keep our parking lot safe for everyone during student arrival and dismissal. We recognize pulling all the way forward or waiting a few moments to pull away after picking up your child is not always convenient, but these simple actions support the greater goal of student safety. Please remember, the professional training and experience of the staff on "parking lot duty" is in the education field, not traffic control. They do their best each day and greatly appreciate positive feedback and demonstrations of grace. The hecticness of the parking lot during student arrival and dismissal is a perfect place to model kindness for our children.


Social Distancing Reminder  

At any time when you are on our school grounds, we ask that you remain 6 feet apart from others.  We have placed red stickers in common areas around the school and outside to serve as a reminder for adults and children when on the campus of the social distancing requirements.  


Limited visitors into the school (K-5)

Upon entry into a building, a mask/face covering must be worn at all times. No classroom visits are permitted at this time. Teacher-selected classroom volunteers are also not permitted. Parents are not permitted to walk their children into the school or classroom. 


PPE Mask-Wearing

Please review this video from the school nurses for more information about staying safe and healthy in our schools - nurse video. All students are required to wear masks while at school during all portions of their schooling, including recess. The following exceptions -  when the service provider/teacher deems it necessary during speech, ELL, social work services for instructional purposes, or who have a medical exemption form completed.   


Staff for 2020 - 2021

2020 - 2021 Kaneland John Stewart Teachers 

Kindergarten                1st Grade                          2nd Grade                 3rd Grade 

Mrs. Doll                        Miss Cantrell                    Mrs. Gilkey                Mr. Ahearn

Mrs. Druwe                    Miss Nachriener               Miss Imhof                Mrs. Hartkopp

Mrs. Hardy                     Miss Primrose                  Mrs. Iwanski                Ms. Zollers


4th/5th Grade - KPASS Teachers                                         Exploratory  

Miss Conquest - STEM        Mrs. Dillion - ELA                     Mr. Biddle/Mr. Mansour - PE                     

Ms. Pyfer - STEM                Mrs. Salzman - ELA                   Mrs. Gregg - Art
Mr. Rutter - STEM               Mr. Williams - ELA                    Mrs. Kuntsman - Music

                                                                                                   Ms. Maz - Critical Thinking 

                                                                                                   Ms. Svihlik - Technology


RTI                                        Instructional Coaches             Special Education/Related Services

Mr. Argabright - Math             Mrs. Orman                                    Mrs. Full

Mrs. Purnell - Reading            Mrs. Walker                                   Mrs. Kneopke

Mrs. Sears - Coordinator                                                                Miss Sweica

                                                                                                        Mrs. Meadows - Speech

 Mid-Valley                                                                                    Mrs. Gabrielson - Social Work

 Miss Welsh                                                                                    Mr. Warrington - Psychologist

 Mrs. McCafferty                                                                            Mrs. Duffy - OT

Mrs. Tredup                                                                                    Mrs. Novay - ESL                                 


Handbook Information

Please see the Handbook & COVID Addendums for important information regarding the 2020 - 2021 school year. Parents: Prior to the start of school, please review and digitally sign the school handbook and 4th/5th Grade Students 1:1 Handbook for your student(s). These handbooks include information regarding face coverings during the pandemic.


Recess

A daily rotation of recess zones will be developed and provided to all classroom teachers and monitors. Students will have to stay with their classroom recess zone assignment each day they attend recess. 


Lunch

As you know our schools continue to be a brown bag school. This year we are strongly encouraging each student to bring a fully consumable lunch to school, including disposable utensils, bag, and food items.  Our goal is to allow students to eat their lunch and then dispose of items when done.  


Lunch and Recess Hand Sanitizing

Students will wash their hands in the classroom prior to lunch.  Then after eating they will use hand sanitizer heading out to recess.  Finally, students will wash their hands in the classrooms after recess is complete. In the lunchroom, students will be seated 6ft apart. Students will be required to put the mask on anytime they leave their assigned lunch seat and when entering and leaving the lunchroom. 


Snack

Due to the restrictions set by the CDC and IDPH for Phase 4, snacks will not be allowed at school. We encourage all families to eat breakfast prior to school and pack a healthy/hearty lunch.  


Water Fountains

Please send your child with a labeled water bottle as water fountains are only to be used to refill a water bottle and not accessible to drink from. 


Cleaning Procedures

Desks and all frequently touched surfaces will be cleaned nightly by the custodians with hospital-grade sanitizers.


Lunch Monitors

We are still in need of lunch monitors. Please visit this link if you are interested in helping your school. 


Information for Fully Remote Students

Important Dates

August 17th by noon - Fully Remote teachers will send families a link to the Virtual Open House, Monday 3-5pm. Remote teachers will include if your child is in group 1 or group 2 and indicate the time in which the virtual open house will occur for students in grades 1st-5th.  Kindergarten families will receive a pre-recorded welcome video from their teachers.  


August 17th and 18th Device Pick-up 1- 3pm at John Stewart Elementary in the front office/foyer area   Incoming 1st and 4th-grade students- If you picked up a device in the spring, you MUST return that device in order to receive your new assigned device. 

 

The updated Fall 2020 Family Full Remote Learning Structures has general information regarding an overview of schedules and procedures that will be followed for our students who are on a full remote learning plan.   


Supply Pick Up

At times during the trimester, fully remote students will be asked to pick up materials at the foyer of the school.  Your fully remote Teacher will communicate with you when to pick up any materials.  They may be accessed during school hours at your home school. 


Lessons for Fully Remote

Live/synchronous lessons will be scheduled for a one hour period of time but may only be 20-25 mins in length.  The teachers may then invite students to a small group session and come back to follow up later in the hour period for the whole class recap.   


Remote Teachers

Early Childhood - Mrs. Ziemer 

Kindergarten EDK & Half Day - Mrs. Sperlik, Mrs. Hardy

First Grade - Mrs. Sperlik, Ms. Maurer 

Second Grade- Mr. Herron, Mrs. Schulz

Third Grade - Mrs. Metz, Miss VanBogaert

Fourth Grade - Mrs. Reilley (ELA), Mrs. Wantuch (Math) 

Fifth Grade - Ms. Williams (ELA), Mrs. Wantuch (Math)


Thursday, August 6, 2020

Welcome to the 2020 - 2021 School Year!

We are so excited to begin this year with our students in the hybrid model or through remote learning. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we have worked hard to finalized all plans for the beginning of the school year. 

Based on the communication that you should have just received from Dr. Leden, Superintendent of Kaneland Schools, we need to make some adjustments to a few previously scheduled events in the buildings. Please see below. As always if you have any questions, please reach out to your building administrators. We are looking forward to welcoming students back into our schools.

Teacher Assignment 

Teacher assignments are still under construction and will go live on the morning of August 17th. 


Monday, August 17th - The Live Teacher/Class Zoom Meeting for 1st-5th grade students will be held in a 30-minute time slot per grade level which is listed below. They will have the opportunity to see their teacher, their classroom, and there will be time for a brief Q & A session.  Kindergarten teachers will send a prerecorded welcome video to all of their families in the morning. First - 5th Grade Teachers will send out the zoom link by noon on the 17th to families.

Grade Level

Zoom Time

1st Grade  

3:00 pm

2nd Grade 

3:30 pm

3rd Grade 

4:00 pm

4th/5th Grade

4:30 pm


Wednesday, August 19th - Optional Self-Guided Open House Tours for Hybrid Families.

We ask that No Siblings attend, please limit the accompanying adults to a maximum of two. Everyone is required to wear a mask and adhere to the 6ft social distancing guidelines while in the building. Within your hour time slot, you will need to visit a variety of areas throughout the building.  This is not the time to drop off supplies. Please send supplies with your child on their first day of in-person learning.  If your student feels comfortable with the building based on previous years, or from interacting in the live Zoom chat and the virtual building tour video, please don’t feel obligated to attend. 


August, 19th 

Optional Self-Guided Open House Tour - Hybrid Families Only 

9:00-10:00

A  day students K and 3rd Grade

10:00-11:00

A day students 4th and 5th Grades

11:00-12:00

A day students 1st and 2nd Grade

12:00-1:00

          B day students K and 3rd Grade

1:00-2:00

B day students 1st and 2nd Grade

2:00-3:00

B day students 4th and 5th Grades


Devices 

We have also fielded questions regarding devices - All Hybrid Students (Kindergarten - 4th-grade students that did not pick up a device in the Spring) will be assigned a device on their first day of in-person learning.  B day students have the opportunity to also pick up their device during the optional Open House on August 19th.  Fully Remote Students - Device pick up for fully remote students K-4 will be during the August 17th and 18th Teacher Institute Days.


Please refer to the information below for your specific child(ren) grade level(s) for Hybrid Students. 


Grade Level

Technology Devices per Grade Level for Hybrid Students

Kindergarten

You will be receiving an IPAD on your first face to face day in your classroom.

1st Grade  

If you have a device that you checked out during the spring of 2020, please turn this into your classroom teacher on your first day. You will be receiving an IPAD on your first face to face day in your classroom.

2nd Grade 

If you picked up a device in the spring of 2020, please keep that device for this school year. If you did not pick one up, you will receive one on your first face to face day in your classroom. 

3rd Grade 

If you picked up a device in the spring of 2020, please keep that device for this school year. If you did not pick one up, you will receive one on your first face to face day in your classroom. 

4th Grade

If you have a device that you were assigned during the 2019/ 2020 school year, please bring this on your first face to face day. You will then be receiving a new assigned Chromebook as part of the 1:1 initiative in your classroom.

5th Grade

Keep the device you have currently. Bring on your first day of face to face learning. 


Thursday, August 20th - First Day of School for A Day Students / Remote Students 1st Day


Friday, August 21st - First Day of School for B Day Students


Stay Tuned For More Information!

Sincerely,

Samantha Aversa

Principal


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