December Newsletter

 Important December Dates:

Wednesday, December 4 Fun Lunch - McCallisters

Wednesday, December 4 Sterling & Me PTN Shop Night 4:00 -7:00

Friday, December 6 KHS Madrigal Assembly 1:30 - 2:00

Saturday, December 7 PTN Holiday Shop 10:00 - 2:00

Friday, December 13 1st Grade Holiday Concert 9:00 - 9:30

Friday, December 13 Storm Science Assembly 9:30 - 11:00

Tuesday, December 17 KST Spelling Bee 1:30 - 3:30

Wednesday, December 18 Fun Lunch - Culvers

Wednesday, December 18 KHMS Knightshift/Jazz Band Concert 10:00 - 10:30

Thursday, December 19 1Hr Early Dismissal
Thursday, December 19 PTN Mtg 6:00 - 7:00

Friday, December 20 1 Hr Early Dismissals
Friday, December 20 Holiday Parties Kinder: 10:30-11:20 / 1st - 5th Grade: 1:30 - 2:20

December 20 - January 5 WINTER BREAK
Monday, January 6 School Resumes

School Improvement Data Chats

On Thursday and Friday before the break, ALL classes participated in a mid-point data chat with Mrs. Aversa and Mrs. Sears (MTSS Coordinator). We discussed our mid-point data from the most recent SIP assessment and planned how much more we needed to grow to meet our school's goal, as well as, reviewed our Rigby (reading) and iReady Math & Reading scores to prepare for the upcoming Diagnostic 2. 

Students took time to review all grade level data in pie chart form.  They were asked, what do you notice? What do you wonder? What are some celebrations or areas for growth that you see?  Here is an image of our Data Board and a video from a 1st-grade chat and a 5th-grade chat.  It was so powerful hearing all the students able to talk about data and use that data to drive their learning and next steps.   What a celebration! Ask your students about it! 

  

iReady Testing

1st-3rd Grades- Week of 12/2

4th and 5th Grades- Week of 12/9

Students will take the Diagnostic 2. The data/information we get from this assessment is a data point that we use to know where the students are at and what skills still need to be worked on.  This is a long test but will be broken up into small portions throughout the week. 

How to Prepare and Support iReady Testing at Home: 

Get a good night's sleep

Eat a healthy breakfast

Bring a bottle of water for the day

Give Positive Affirmations and Support at Home

Charge Chromebook each night

Here are the supports we have shared with the students when they are taking the test: 

Winter Gear for Winter Weather  

Please know that all students will go outside for their daily lunchtime recess when the wind chill is above 5 degrees. It is important to dress your children for the weather. Warm coats, hats, gloves, and boots, labeled with your child's name, are recommended. You can put the items in a reusable bag labeled with their name. 

K-3rd Grade All Snow Gear (Pants/Boots/Coat) is required to play or walk in the snow. 

4th & 5th Grade Students can walk in the snow if they have snow boots on but cannot play in the snow unless they have snow pants. 

 

**Students without the proper clothing or boots will have to stay on the sidewalks.**

        

Teacher Favorite Things List

As you prepare for the holiday season, here is a helpful list of your child's teacher's favorite things.  Thank you for all the love and kindness that you always show our teachers! 

CLICK HERE

Exploratory Feedback Needed

We need your feedback on Exploratory offerings, please take a moment to review the slide show and take the brief survey. Thank you!

Click HERE to review the Slide Show  

Click HERE to take the Survey

Spirit Week December 16 - 20

Author Visit 3rd-5th Grade

Children’s book author Yatiksha Rao to meet YOU on Monday, Feb 3rd 2025

Yatiksha Rao, from Sowtastic LLC, is one of the authors of Chasing Rainbows: Discovering Your Dreams, a heartwarming story that inspires children to embrace their goals, support one another, and find joy in their journey. During her visit, Yatiksha will read from her book, share the inspiration behind it, and lead an exciting interactive session that encourages kids to dream big and believe in themselves!

To order an autographed copy of the book in time for the visit and kickstart

New Year’s goals with your kids, please return this form by Wed, Dec 18th.

Books will arrive the first week of January after winter break.

Returning From Winter Break
As we return to school after an extended break- we understand that many students may be struggling with getting back into the school routine. They may be refusing to get on the bus or leave for school. Please know that we have a school social worker, school psychologist, and other staff here to help support you and your child each morning. If you are experiencing this at home, please call the office at 630-365-8170 for extra help!

November Newsletter

November Dates:

Friday, November 1 - Fire Drill 2-2:30
Tuesday, November 5 - No School - Election Day
Wednesday, November 6 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 4-8pm
Thursday, November 7 - No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences 10am-8pm
Friday, November 8 - No School
Monday, November 11 - Butterbraid Fundraiser Ends
Monday, November 11 - 4th Grade Veteran's Day Concert 2:45-3:15pm
Wednesday, November 13 - Fun Lunch - Buona Beef
Friday, November 15 - Penny Wars Award Assembly 2:30-3:00pm

Monday, November 18 - Alice Drill 2pm

Thursday, November 21 - Maple Park Library Night 6-7pm

Friday, November 22 - 4th Grade Field Trip to the Escape Room 

Monday, November 25 - Friday, November 29th - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break

Teacher Favorite Things List

As you prepare for the holiday season, here is a helpful list of your child's teacher's favorite things.  Thank you for all the love and kindness that you always show our teachers! 

CLICK HERE

We’re excited to announce that this fall the Literati Book Fair will be in the library coinciding with Stewart’s Parent Teacher Conferences!

PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO FOR HELPFUL TIPS AND INFORMATION

Wednesday and Thursday, November 6th & 7th

From 4pm-8pm on Wednesday and from 10am-8pm on Thursday

■ The fair will begin on Friday, October 25th and it will run through Thursday, November 7th. (Online shopping is available now through Friday, November 8th as well!)

■ You can visit Stewart’s Book Fair website at: Stewart Literati Fall Book Fair 2024

■ Student’s will be able to make purchases during designated school hours if they have a Literati Gift Card or bring funds to make purchases starting on Wednesday, October 30th through Wednesday, November 6th.

■ Every dollar you spend will benefit our school directly!

Alice Drill - Parent Information

On Monday, November 18, 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 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, please get in touch with Mr. Keith Tankersley, Assistant Principal, at 92967@kaneland.org.            Please read the following document for more information

John Stewart Elementary Veterans Day Celebration

On Monday, November 11th, 2024, Kaneland John Stewart Elementary School will be holding a Veterans Day celebration. Please have your child wear red, white, and/or blue clothes.

Veterans will be honored with a morning breakfast which will take place at 8:10 a.m. in the LRC. Our flag raising ceremony will immediately follow in the 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!

Parking Lot Reminders

• Please use the crosswalk when going from your parked vehicle to the school and back. 
• Use the crossing guard to cross the street.  
• Do not walk between the buses, use the sidewalk
• No cell phones
• Stay in your car unless you are parked in a parking spot
• No Left Turns into the Lot
• Do not use the Main Lot between 8:30-8:50 or 3:00-3:30 or when busses are present
• Use Turn Signals

THANK YOU!! 

Dressing for the Weather

Just a friendly reminder to please check the weather before sending your kiddos to school. We have been having warm days and then really cold days.  Please overpack or over-dress your child so they have layers to use during the day.  Also, please LABEL their clothes just in case they misplace an item.  Our Lost & Found has accumulated a lot of clothes. During Parent-Teacher Conferences please take some time to look at the lost items. 

Mid-October Newsletter

October Dates:

Wednesday, October 16 - Fun Lunch - Paisano's Pizza

Thursday, October 17 - PTN Meeting 6-7pm

Friday, October 18 - Alice Drill 9:15am

Tuesday, October 22 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day
Friday, October 25 - Picture Retakes
Friday, October 25 - Principal / AP Appreciation Day
Monday, October 28 - Butter Braid Fundraiser Begins
Thursday, October 31 - Halloween Parties and Parade

November Dates:
Friday, November 1 - Fire Drill 2-2:30

Tuesday, November 5 - No School - Election Day

Wednesday, November 6 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 4-8pm

Thursday, November 7 - No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences 10am-8pm

Friday, November 8 - No School

Monday, November 11 - Butterbraid Fundraiser Ends

Monday, November 11 - 4th Grade Veteran's Day Concert 2:45-3:15pm

Wednesday, November 13 - Fun Lunch - Buona Beef

Friday, November 15 - Penny Wars Award Assembly 2:30-3:00pm

Attendance/Tardy Information: 

Dear Kaneland Families, 

Attendance is a critical factor in a student’s academic success. As we look towards supporting all student academic success we will be communicating attendance patterns more consistently throughout the year. In the upcoming week, you may receive a letter from your child's elementary school regarding their current attendance for the current school year.

The letter you will receive will be from your child's school pertaining to attendance and/or tardies if your child has missed 10% or more of the accumulated school days and/or has accumulated an excessive amount of tardies for the school year. The contact information for your school will be on the letter if you have questions regarding attendance and/or tardies.  

We appreciate your continued collaboration in promoting your child’s success at Kaneland CUSD 302. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or updates regarding your student’s attendance/tardies.

Thank you,

Kaneland CUSD 302 Administration Team

We are thrilled to announce that this fall Stewart has chosen to partner with Literati Book Fair just in time for Parent-Teacher conferences! Your child has an opportunity to join us for an intergalactic adventure exploring starfields of stories at our upcoming book fair! As always, every book purchased earns rewards and benefits for our school too!

Here’s what you need to know about the Fair, which will take place in our library from Friday, October 25th through Thursday, November 7th . . .

All students will have an opportunity to preview books and make their “Wish List” Friday, October 25th through Tuesday, October 29th.

All students will be able to purchase books during school hours Wednesday, October 30th through Wednesday, November 6th.

The Fair will continue to be open for families on Wednesday, November 6th from 4pm to 8pm and Thursday, November 7th from 10am to 8pm during your conference time.

Literati also offers a digital gift card program – you can purchase a “gift card” for your child before the fair, making shopping cash-free and worry-free too! Also, Literati’s “Online Exclusives” include popular titles that won’t be available on site, so please take a moment to explore!

You can visit our Literati Book Fair homepage to purchase a gift card or begin online shopping: KST Literati Fair homepage

We hope your family will have an opportunity to take advantage of our Literati Fall Book Fair; after all, Books Give You Wings! 

John Stewart Elementary Veterans Day Celebration
On Monday, November 11th, 2024, Kaneland John Stewart Elementary School will be holding a Veterans Day celebration. Please have your child wear red, white, and/or blue clothes. 

Veterans will be honored with a morning breakfast which will take place at 8:10 a.m. in the LRC. Our flag raising ceremony will immediately follow in the 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!

October Newsletter

 

Important Dates:

Wednesday, October 2 - Custodian Appreciation Day

Wednesday, October 2 - Fun Lunch - Jersey Mikes

Monday, October 7-11 - Fire Prevention Week

Wednesday, October 9 - Walk, Bike, Roll to School Day

Friday, October 11 - PTN Hosted Family Movie Night 

Monday, October 14 - No School 

Wednesday, October 16 - Fun Lunch - Paisano's Pizza 

Thursday, October 17 - PTN Meeting 6-7pm

Friday, October 18 - Alice Drill 9:15am

Tuesday, October 22 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day

Friday, October 25 - Picture Retakes

Friday, October 25 - Principal / AP Appreciation Day

Monday, October 28 - Butter Braid Fundraiser Begins

Thursday, October 31 - Halloween Parties and Parade 

Homecoming Week Festivities 

High School Theme: A Night In New Orleans

Tuesday, 10/1 - Sports Day ⚾

Wednesday, 10/2 - Camo Day 

    PARADE ROUTE: The Kaneland Homecoming parade is on October 2 at 5:30 p.m. in Elburn. Parts of First, Laverne, Third, and Prairie Valley Streets will be closed starting at 5:00 p.m. See the route below.

Thursday, 10/3 - Beach Day 🌴

Friday, 10/4 - School Spirit  ❤🩶

    Freshman Game Begins at 5pm. Varsity Game Begins at 7:30pm. 

School Improvement Plan Data Chats

On Monday and Wednesday, ALL classrooms will visit the data boards in the main hallway, to discuss our District and John Stewart SIP Goals.  We reviewed the pre-data together, discussed the focus and goal, and began to think about our opportunities to focus on these goals throughout our school day. 

District SIP Goal Focus: FEEDBACK

By the end of February 2025, the district will move 25% in student self-reported feedback to a higher level within the feedback typology as compared to the pre-data from the April 2024 survey. (Commitment Connection PBP, and Personalized Learning Tenet G). 

John Stewart SIP Goal Focus: WRITTEN RESPONSES TO OUR READING

By February 2025, John Stewart Elementary aims for K-5 students to achieve a 60% increase or reach 85% proficiency in written responses to instructional-level texts, ensuring students answer questions by supporting their responses with text evidence and making connections.

• Kindergarten and 1st Grade will heavily focus on ANSWERING A PROMPT/QUESTION
• 2nd and 3rd Grade will heavily focus on FINDING EVIDENCE WITHIN THE TEXT
• 4th and 5th Grade will heavily focus on CONNECTION/REASONING

*ALL students will practice each part of the goal but data will only be collected on their identified focus area for this goal specifically. Students will receive feedback from their teachers throughout the day-to-day practice within the class on each component of the goal.

Upcoming Parent/Teacher Conferences 

Mark your calendar for the upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences. We enjoy connecting with our families and strengthening the relationship between home and school; this is a great opportunity to build that community. This year parent-teacher conferences are on Wednesday, November 6th from 4-8pm and on Thursday, November 7th from 10am-8pm. Please reach out to your classroom teacher if you have not signed up yet. Conferences are 20 minutes in length. Reminder No School on Thursday or Friday for Students!

Upcoming Lockdown Drill

On Friday, October 18th, 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.

Prior to 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. Aversa at 10017@kaneland.org 

ALICE Parent Letter

Mid-September Newsletter

IMPORTANT DATES:

Wednesday, September 18 - Fun Lunch Reams Hot Dogs

Thursday, September 19 - Barnes & Nobles Bookfair and Knight Out 4-7:30pm

Tuesday, September 24 - Kaneland Connects Commitment Team Mtg 5-7pm

Thursday, September 26 - 5th Grade Outdoor Ed

Thursday, September 26 - Parent Coffee Talk at KST about KIPLA 8:45-9:30am

Wednesday, October 2 - Custodian Appreciation Day

Wednesday, October 2 - Fun Lunch - Jersey Mikes

Monday, October 7-11 - Fire Prevention Week

Wednesday, October 9 - Walk, Bike, Roll to School Day

Friday, October 11 - PTN Hosted Family Movie Night 

Monday, October 14 - No School 

Wednesday, October 16 - Fun Lunch Paisano's Pizza 

Thursday, October 17 - PTN Meeting 6-7pm

CHAMPs and SEL Curriculum: 

We have had a wonderful start to our school year, and the students have transitioned nicely back into the school routine.  We have been focusing on our SEL curriculum through our Second Step program and establishing behavior expectations school-wide through our CHAMPS program.  Each part of their day can be "CHAMPed Out" to set the expectations.  See an example of our Lunch Room expectations below. 

Conversation - Help - Activity - Movement - Participation - Success

Math Proficiency Tables:

Click HERE for the K-5 Math Proficiency Tables. What is a Proficiency Table? A proficiency table, or proficiency scale, is a tool that helps teachers and students measure a student's progress and achievement. It can be used to evaluate a student's understanding of a specific skill or knowledge.  Interested in looking at more proficiency tables? Visit the Kaneland Website, in the Parent Tab to access more. 

Opportunity For 5th Grade Students:

What: Kaneland 5th Grade XC Meet Information

When:  Tuesday, October 15th, 2024

Where: Kaneland High School  

Click HERE for more information and the sign-up link

Questions to Engage Your Child In About School: 

What was the best part of your day?
What made you laugh today?
What was the most interesting thing you learned today?
What was the hardest thing you did today?
Who did you sit with at lunch today?
What was your favorite subject today?
What did you do that was creative?
What made you feel proud today?

What do you feel you are proficient in? What skills do you think you need more practice with?   
What did you need help with today? Who helped you?
What do you think you should do/learn more of at school?

When asking questions, it's important to be specific and focus on a certain aspect of their day. It's also a good idea to avoid asking too many questions right away, as kids may want to relax after school

September Newsletter

                                   

Important Dates:

Monday, September 2 - Labor Day - No School

Wednesday, September 4 - Fun Lunch Paisano's Pizza

Wednesday, September 11-27 - PTN Charleston Wrap Fundraiser

Friday, September 13 - Fall Picture Day

Wednesday, September 18 - Fun Lunch Reams Hot Dogs

Thursday, September 19 - Barnes & Nobles Bookfair and Knight Out 4-7:30pm

Tuesday, September 24 - Kaneland Connects Commitment Team Mtg 5-7pm

Thursday, September 26 - 5th Grade Outdoor Ed

Thursday, September 26 - Parent Coffee Talk at KST about KIPLA 8:45-9:30am

Parking Lot Reminders:

• Please use the crosswalk when going from your parked vehicle to the school and back. 
• Use the crossing guard to cross the street.  
• Do not walk between the buses, use the sidewalk
• No cell phones
• Use Turn Signals

THANK YOU!! 

  

2025-2026 IgKnight Academy Enrollment Window:

September 3, 2024- November 26, 2024

We are seeking to expand IgKnight Academy (KIPLA) to include 9th and 10th grades in the 2025-2026 school year. The expansion is dependent on several factors, including the minimum enrollment of 25 interested high school students. The first step in determining the feasibility of expansion is to determine interest levels. We are also continuing to plan staffing levels at IgKnight for grades 3-8. Therefore, we will be opening enrollment early for any student who will enter grades 3-11 in the 2025-2026 at IgKnight Academy. If you have an interest in attending IgKnight Academy in the 2025-2026 school year, please complete enrollment in the Parent Portal in Infinite Campus between 9/3/24-11/26/24.

~Opportunities to Learn More About IgKnight Academy and 

Personalized Learning Across Kaneland~

1. Visit us! Would you like to see the personalized learning structure at KIPLA in action? Join us this fall on a guided tour of the school! Sign up HERE to reserve your tour date.

2. Log in to a Virtual Presentation! Please join us on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 6:30-7:30 pm, for a virtual presentation regarding the planned expansion of IgKnight Academy, to include 9th and 10th graders in the 2025-2026 school year. The expansion is pending the minimum required enrollment of 25 high school students. District administration will share details about future high school programming at IgKnight Academy, and answer questions submitted by stakeholders. To join the Google Meet, click HERE, or dial: ‪(US) +1 216-816-0840‬ PIN: ‪712 737 935‬#  If you have a question you would like to have addressed in the virtual session, please submit it HERE. 

3. Join us for coffee! Informational “Parent Coffee” sessions will be held in the multi-purpose room at each of our elementary buildings from 8:45-9:30 am. We will be at John Stewart on 9/26/24, Blackberry Creek on 9/27/24, John Shields on 9/30/24, and McDole on 10/2/24. Stop in after dropping your child off for school to learn more about personalized learning in Kaneland. Informational Flyer           

For additional information on personalized learning, contact Laura Garland at 10166@kaneland.org or 630-365-5111 x71127.

      

ELA Proficiency Tables:

Click HERE for the K-5 ELA (English Language Arts) Proficiency Tables. What is a Proficiency Table? A proficiency table, or proficiency scale, is a tool that helps teachers and students measure a student's progress and achievement. It can be used to evaluate a student's understanding of a specific skill or knowledge.

Kaneland CUSD 302 Information:

Stay in the loop with all the latest news and updates in the Kaneland School District!  The weekly district newsletter will now be sent on Thursday evening to allow more time for reviewing and planning for the upcoming week's news and events.

Click here for this week's Knightly News

KHS Football Games

Kaneland High School will not have a middle school section this year.  Any student not of Kaneland High School must be accompanied by an adult and sit with that adult at the games.  Students who arrive unaccompanied will not be allowed in the gate.  Students found attending without an adult will be required to call parents to be picked up.  Students will not be allowed to play football in or outside the stadium at any point and will be asked to sit in the bleachers.  Your cooperation is appreciated. 

Community Connections: