Important Dates
- October 18 - KST Picture Retakes
- October 18 - PTN Fun Lunch - Reams
- October 23 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day (10/22)
- October 31 - Kinder Halloween Parties 10:30-11:20 / 1st-5th Grade Parties 2:30-3:00
- October 31 - Halloween Parade 3:05-3:20 - in front of the school
- November 1 - PTN Fun Lunch - Buona Beef
- November 1 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 4-8pm
- November 2 - No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences 10-8pm
- November 3 - No School
- November 8 - PTN Dine-Out Chipotle
- November 9 - PTN Meeting 6:30-8pm
- November 10 - Veteran's Day Celebration 8:10-9:10 / 2:45-3:15
- November 13-16 SIP Data Mid-Point Collection (Narrative Writing)
Kaneland John Stewart School Improvement Goal
This year's SIP (School Improvement Plan) for KST will be focused on writing. This goal was chosen based on years of low scores within this area. We are making an even stronger effort to prioritize writing and other writing opportunities throughout the school day.
Our goal is as follows: By February 2024, students in grades 1st - 5th achieving in the on and above level will increase by 25%, in the area of writing development in a Narrative writing piece. Based on the assessed pre-narrative in September and post-narrative in February.
Narrative writing is a style that allows the writer to tell a story. It can include actual events told in chronological order or it may include imagined events told in a timeline that the author creates. Narrative writing can sustain the reader's attention and help them visualize a realistic experience from the words.
Narrative data collection will occur in August, November, and February and will focus on narrative writing. The data collected will determine the rate of growth students will make within this goal. While kindergarten isn't explicitly part of this goal, they will still be getting their writing curriculum. They were excluded from the goal due to their large growth each year from non-writers to beginning writers typically growing by 75%. This data would have greatly impacted our overall scores if we would have left them in the rest of the school's data
While staff in all areas of the school will be supporting the writing goal, we need your help too!
Here are some tips to support your child's writing at home:
Provide a place for your child to write
The area should be an area that is quiet and well-lit. Stock the “writing center” with supplies such as paper, pencils, and crayons. You can also gather family photos and magazines in the center that can be used as story starters.
Narrative data collection will occur in August, November, and February and will focus on narrative writing. The data collected will determine the rate of growth students will make within this goal. While kindergarten isn't explicitly part of this goal, they will still be getting their writing curriculum. They were excluded from the goal due to their large growth each year from non-writers to beginning writers typically growing by 75%. This data would have greatly impacted our overall scores if we would have left them in the rest of the school's data
While staff in all areas of the school will be supporting the writing goal, we need your help too!
Here are some tips to support your child's writing at home:
Provide a place for your child to write
The area should be an area that is quiet and well-lit. Stock the “writing center” with supplies such as paper, pencils, and crayons. You can also gather family photos and magazines in the center that can be used as story starters.
Read, read, read
The best activity to improve writing is reading. If your child reads good books, he will be a better writer. Reading exposes students to general vocabulary, word study, and content-specific vocabulary. Through reading, students see a variety of authors’ techniques that they can use in their own writing.
Provide authentic writing opportunities for your child
Have your child write his own thank-you notes, party invitations, and letters to family members. Let your child make the grocery list. Finding a pen pal for your child would make writing “real.” Helping children make the connection between writing and the “real” world will increase their interest in writing.
John Stewart Elementary Veterans Day Celebration
On Friday, November 10th, 2023, Kaneland John Stewart Elementary School will be holding a Veterans Day celebration. We ask that all students dress in patriot colors.
Veterans will be honored with a morning breakfast which will take place at 8:10 a.m. in the teacher’s lounge. Our flag-raising ceremony will immediately follow in front of the school at 8:50.
We are inviting Legion members and KST parents or family members who are veterans to join us for both the breakfast and morning flag ceremony. We are hoping to have many veterans in attendance.
The 4th graders will also be presenting an afternoon choral concert that honors veterans in the gym at 2:45 p.m.
These annual events help teach our students about the importance of good citizenship. Please email Mary Kunstman, KST music teacher, at 10274@kaneland.org with any additional questions. We hope to see you there!
Upcoming Lockdown Drill
Kaneland Staff and Families:
The Kaneland Board of Education has begun the superintendent hiring process due to Dr. Todd Leden retiring on June 30, 2025. We want your input on several aspects that you value in a superintendent.
Please take the survey to be a part of the search process. Email addresses are not collected, and the survey is anonymous. The survey is available from October 12, 2023, to October 27, 2023.
Join us at the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting on October 26, 2023, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Kaneland Harter Middle School at 1601 Esker Dr. Sugar Grove, IL 60554. We kindly request that you RSVP by email to 11613@kaneland.org before October 20, 2023, so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Your input matters and will make a meaningful impact on our children's education. Let's work together to ensure a bright future for our community. Please visit www.kaneland.org/superintendent-search for more information and updates about the search process.
Sincerely,
Kaneland District Administration
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Family Events for Kaneland
If you are looking for some fun in the Kaneland school district area, here are great opportunities for your family while also supporting our schools and parent organizations with fundraising. Let’s support our schools and enjoy getting to know our community together!
October 18- Portillo’s 4pm-8pm
Saturday, October 21, 2023 Trunk or Treat 4:00 PM 6:00 PM @ Kaneland McDole Elementary
McDole PTO is back with our 3rd annual Trunk or Treat! Dress your family in their spookiest, cutest, or funniest costumes, and join us in the McDole lot on Saturday, October 21st from 4-6pm for some trick-or-treating fun.
Friday, October 27, 2023 @ 6:00pm Family Movie Night John Stewart Elementary School
November 8-Chipotle 4pm-8pm
November 15-Buona Beef All day
December 6- Noodles & Co 4pm - 8pm
December 13- Beef Shack 4pm-8pm
January 24- Portillo’s 4pm-8pm
The best activity to improve writing is reading. If your child reads good books, he will be a better writer. Reading exposes students to general vocabulary, word study, and content-specific vocabulary. Through reading, students see a variety of authors’ techniques that they can use in their own writing.
Encourage your child to keep a reflective journal with writing
This is excellent writing practice, as well as a good outlet for venting feelings. Encourage your child to write about things that happen at home and school. This reflective journal can be used to develop the “senses” of writing. Have your child write about what he saw, heard or felt on a trip or adventure. Provide experiences in your community that will interest your child and spark her writing. Especially encourage your child to write about personal feelings — pleasures as well as disappointments. When reading your child’s journal (only if your child invites you to, of course), share your own feelings and ideas paired with positive feedback about your child’s writing.
This is excellent writing practice, as well as a good outlet for venting feelings. Encourage your child to write about things that happen at home and school. This reflective journal can be used to develop the “senses” of writing. Have your child write about what he saw, heard or felt on a trip or adventure. Provide experiences in your community that will interest your child and spark her writing. Especially encourage your child to write about personal feelings — pleasures as well as disappointments. When reading your child’s journal (only if your child invites you to, of course), share your own feelings and ideas paired with positive feedback about your child’s writing.
Provide authentic writing opportunities for your child
Have your child write his own thank-you notes, party invitations, and letters to family members. Let your child make the grocery list. Finding a pen pal for your child would make writing “real.” Helping children make the connection between writing and the “real” world will increase their interest in writing.
Be a writing role model
Make sure your child sees you as a writer. Point out times that you use writing to communicate with others. Discuss authentic writing in the community such as articles and letters in the newspaper, on billboards, or in written advertisements. Discuss the purpose of the writing and the target audience. When your child writes, you should write. You can schedule a day of the week that you will turn off the television and share your writing.
Make sure your child sees you as a writer. Point out times that you use writing to communicate with others. Discuss authentic writing in the community such as articles and letters in the newspaper, on billboards, or in written advertisements. Discuss the purpose of the writing and the target audience. When your child writes, you should write. You can schedule a day of the week that you will turn off the television and share your writing.
Start a vocabulary notebook
Teach your child new words each week and encourage her to use them. Make it into a game and give points for using the new words. Your child can keep a vocabulary notebook and get rewarded for the number of new words learned. The words will begin to appear like magic in her oral language and writing.
Teach your child new words each week and encourage her to use them. Make it into a game and give points for using the new words. Your child can keep a vocabulary notebook and get rewarded for the number of new words learned. The words will begin to appear like magic in her oral language and writing.
When writing at home, ask questions!
Always ask your child questions when he writes. Ask specific questions about your child’s writing such as: “How did that happen?” “How did that make you feel?” “Can you tell me more about that…?” “What are some other words you could use to describe…?”
Always ask your child questions when he writes. Ask specific questions about your child’s writing such as: “How did that happen?” “How did that make you feel?” “Can you tell me more about that…?” “What are some other words you could use to describe…?”
Help your child publish her writing
Share her writing with others, place it on the refrigerator, or encourage her to write for kids’ magazines. When your child’s writing is published in a children’s book, she will be on her way to becoming a lifelong writer and author. Check out these options for publishing children’s work: Stone Soup CyberKids
Share her writing with others, place it on the refrigerator, or encourage her to write for kids’ magazines. When your child’s writing is published in a children’s book, she will be on her way to becoming a lifelong writer and author. Check out these options for publishing children’s work: Stone Soup CyberKids
Parent/Teacher Conferences and Book Fair
We are all looking forward to the upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences. We really enjoy connecting with our families and strengthening the relationship between home and school. This year parent-teacher conferences are on Wednesday, November 2nd from 4-8pm and on Thursday, November 3rd from 10am-8pm. Please reach out to your classroom teacher if you forgot when your scheduled time is. Conferences are 20 minutes in length. Reminder No School on Thursday or Friday for Students!
We are excited to announce that the Scholastic Book Fair is once again coming to Stewart this fall just in time for Parent-Teacher conferences! Your child has an opportunity to choose books that empower and inspire them on their journey to becoming lifelong readers! As always, every book they purchase earns rewards and benefits for our school too!
Here is what you need to know about the Fair, which will take place from Tuesday, October 24th through Thursday, November 2nd in our centrally located LRC library . . .
All students will have an opportunity to preview books and make their “Wish List” the week of October 23rd.
All students will be able to purchase books during school hours Monday October 30th through Wednesday, Nov 1st.
The Fair will continue to be open for families on Wednesday, Nov 1st from 4 to 8pm and Thursday, Nov 2nd from 10am to 8pm during your conference time.
Of course, we will continue to offer the eWallet—which allows you to set up a digital payment account for your child. Before the Fair, set up the “eWallet” for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Share your child’s “eWallet” so friends and family can add funds giving your child even more books to enjoy! Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/kanelandjohnstewartelemsch1
If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Online Book Fair, (Oct 23rd - Nov 5th). 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.
We hope you have an opportunity to take advantage of our Scholastic Fall Book Fair!
If you are interested in volunteering at the Book Fair you can sign up at the following link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4AAFAE2AA4F49-45168572-scholastic#/
Happy reading
On Friday, November 10th, 2023, Kaneland John Stewart Elementary School will be holding a Veterans Day celebration. We ask that all students dress in patriot colors.
Veterans will be honored with a morning breakfast which will take place at 8:10 a.m. in the teacher’s lounge. Our flag-raising ceremony will immediately follow in front of the school at 8:50.
We are inviting Legion members and KST parents or family members who are veterans to join us for both the breakfast and morning flag ceremony. We are hoping to have many veterans in attendance.
The 4th graders will also be presenting an afternoon choral concert that honors veterans in the gym at 2:45 p.m.
These annual events help teach our students about the importance of good citizenship. Please email Mary Kunstman, KST music teacher, at 10274@kaneland.org with any additional questions. We hope to see you there!
Upcoming Lockdown Drill
On Friday, October 27th, our school will participate in its first 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 door, 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 so that they are prepared 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, please contact Mrs. Salto at 65928@kaneland.org. 
District Art Award Winners
Congratulations to our Artists, Cece and Violet, for being recognized for their outstanding artwork at Wednesday night's School Board meeting! The Kaneland Board of Education purchased these art pieces, from the students, to be hung in the District Office! Congratulations Ladies and thank you to Mrs. Gregg for your amazing art classes. 
Superintendent Survey - Responses Needed
Kaneland Staff and Families:
The Kaneland Board of Education has begun the superintendent hiring process due to Dr. Todd Leden retiring on June 30, 2025. We want your input on several aspects that you value in a superintendent.
Please take the survey to be a part of the search process. Email addresses are not collected, and the survey is anonymous. The survey is available from October 12, 2023, to October 27, 2023.
Join us at the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting on October 26, 2023, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Kaneland Harter Middle School at 1601 Esker Dr. Sugar Grove, IL 60554. We kindly request that you RSVP by email to 11613@kaneland.org before October 20, 2023, so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Your input matters and will make a meaningful impact on our children's education. Let's work together to ensure a bright future for our community. Please visit www.kaneland.org/superintendent-search for more information and updates about the search process.
Sincerely,
Kaneland District Administration
.png)
If you are looking for some fun in the Kaneland school district area, here are great opportunities for your family while also supporting our schools and parent organizations with fundraising. Let’s support our schools and enjoy getting to know our community together!
October 18- Portillo’s 4pm-8pm
Saturday, October 21, 2023 Trunk or Treat 4:00 PM 6:00 PM @ Kaneland McDole Elementary
McDole PTO is back with our 3rd annual Trunk or Treat! Dress your family in their spookiest, cutest, or funniest costumes, and join us in the McDole lot on Saturday, October 21st from 4-6pm for some trick-or-treating fun.
Friday, October 27, 2023 @ 6:00pm Family Movie Night John Stewart Elementary School
November 8-Chipotle 4pm-8pm
November 15-Buona Beef All day
December 6- Noodles & Co 4pm - 8pm
December 13- Beef Shack 4pm-8pm
January 24- Portillo’s 4pm-8pm
