Summer Newsletter

 

July 28 - August 15
28 Regular Hours Resume Aversa Out for Admin Mtg	29	30	31 Aversa Out for Admin mtg	1 Teacher Assignments LIVE in Infinite Campus 4pm
4 New Teacher Training	5 New Teacher Training	6 New Teacher Training	7 Kindergarten Curriculum & Supply Drop Off 4-6pm	8
11 Teacher Institute  1st-5th Supply Drop Off & Curriculum Night 4-6pm	12 Teacher Institute	13	14	15

Summer Office Hours

The office will continue to be open over the summer, Monday-Thursday, 8:00am - 3:00pm. The office is closed on Fridays. If these times do not work for you, please call the office to make a personalized appointment with Ms. Jaeger. Ms. Jaeger, Principal Secretary. I, Mrs. Aversa, return to work on July 28th. If you need assistance from us, please feel free to call or email. (630) 365-8170

2025-2026 Supply Lists

Kindergarten

1st - 5th Grade 

School Toolbox - Reasons to get School Toolbox

• Name brand supplies
• It's local 
• Get quality items from brands you trust 
• Pre-packaged in the exact quantities students need
• Supplies guaranteed all school year
• No shoddy folders or dead pens — if it doesn't last, we'll replace it
• Ordering takes about 5 minutes

Summer's fleeting — spend it somewhere other than the checkout line. Packed from your school's list. Start the first day with just what their teachers requested — no guesswork required

School Toolbox - visit www.schooltoolbox.com to order your supplies right to your door!

Teacher Assignments Released - Friday, August 1st

For all students, teacher assignments will be available on your child's Infinite Campus portal by the end of the day on Friday, August 1st.

If you have yet to receive communication outlining the steps to creating and accessing your child's Infinite Campus portal, please get in touch with the main office at 630-365-8170

Ways to Stay Connected

• Facebook - Please like and follow for exciting news, pictures, and videos
• Stewart Scoop Newsletter - Please bookmark this blog - these are bi-monthly newsletters
• PTN Emails - email stewartptn@gmail.com to get on that list
• Kaneland Website - Direct Page for John Stewart → https://kst.kaneland.org/

Before & After School CARE

If you require before/after school childcare, we partner with the Sugar Grove Park District to provide these services at John Stewart.  For information, please visit www.sgparks.org/care 

*Planned Landscaping Changes*

In the next few weeks, you may notice some tree work happening at the front of the school. A few trees are being removed due to illness, and this is part of a planned process in coordination with an arborist. Healthy new trees will be planted in phases to refresh and maintain the landscape. Just a heads-up in case you notice some changes out front—everything is well in hand!

Special Kindergarten Newsletter Edition

 

Dear Kindergarten Parent(s) and Guardians,

Welcome to Kaneland John Stewart Elementary!  What an exciting time for you and your child!  The staff and I look forward to working with you throughout this school year to ensure that your child has a positive and rewarding school experience.

Front Office Staff
Mrs. Samantha Aversa - Principal 
Ms. Ashley Jeager - Principal Secretary 
Mrs. Jessica Bottorff - Attendance Secretary 

For the upcoming school year, Kaneland John Stewart will run three extended-day kindergarten classrooms, with half-day students throughout all three classrooms. Mrs. Lori Doll, Mrs. Lisa Druwe, and Mrs. Alicia Hardy are our fabulous kindergarten teachers this year.  The core and half-day classes will run in the AM from 8:45 - 11:30 am.  Extension and enrichment activities for extended-day students will take place in the afternoon. 

Specific classroom assignments are made based on the desire to keep classroom characteristics equitable, current enrollment information, specific needs of individual students, and registration in extended-day programming.  You can find out who your child's teacher is on August 1st in the Infinite Campus App

Infinite Campus

If you have not downloaded the Infinite Campus app, please do, but you can also access the IC system at www.Kaneland.org. This is an extremely important tool for parents to see all of their child’s school information, payments, fees, emergency contact information, etc.  

Kindergarten Orientation/Supply Drop Off 

Kindergarten orientation/supply drop off for you and your child will take place on Thursday, August 7th from 4-6pm at John Stewart Elementary.  Please enter the main doors - door 1 

4:00-4:45 pm Principal chat in MPR with guardians to review important information regarding starting school.  Kindergarten students play outside on the playground with teacher support

4:45-5:30 pm Supply drop-off in the classroom with guardians and kindergarteners. Teachers will share the curriculum and important classroom information.

5:30-6:00 pm Self-guided school tour of the rest of the building (Optional for families to complete)

*Please do NOT bring other siblings. We want to make this a special event for our kindergarten students

Kindergarten Supply List 

At orientation, you will receive an identification tag for your child to wear on his or her backpack to school for the first few weeks. The color and information on the tag will enable staff to guide your child to the appropriate destinations throughout the school, including which bus to board at the end of the day.  Transportation information can be found on the Infinite Campus App in early August. If the transportation information is incorrect or needs to be changed, please let your teacher or the front office know.  If your child takes a bus, ALL Kindergarten bus stops require an adult when be present at drop-off to release the student.  In the event that you will not be able to attend orientation, please contact the school office to arrange the pickup of your child's identification tag. 

If you have forms to turn in, this is a great night to drop any forms to the office.

The opportunity to sign up for Parent/Teacher Conferences for the upcoming school year will also be available during your visit, so please make sure to bring your calendar.

Our classroom teachers will also be joined by a few other teachers who support our children. Your kindergartener might also talk about Ms. Gecek and Miss Razim who provide interventions and special education supports with our kindergarten team in addition to a few other teachers in the building.

Exploratory Classes
Each day your kindergartener will go to an exploratory class and your teacher will have a schedule for your information at orientation:

Music - Mrs. Kunstman
Art - Mrs. Gregg
PE - Mr. Biddle 
Critical Thinking - Ms. Maz (Mazurkiewicz)
Computer - Ms. Svihlik
Library - Mrs. Steers

I found that asking your child about what exploratory class they went to was a great way to begin talking about their day.


Records
Please have dental, vision, and physical forms turned in by the first day of school. If you have specific questions, you can reach out to our nurse, Ms. Barb Scott at 30555@kaneland.org OR Barbara.Scott@kaneland.org.


School Hours
First Bell 8:45
Tardy Bell 8:50 - If your child is Tardy, you must walk them into the front office
AM Kindergarten Dismissal 11:30
Walker/Car Rider Dismissal 3:25
Busser Dismissal 3:30

Main Office Hours 7:45 am - 4:00 pm

*Students cannot be dropped off any earlier than 8:40 am, as there is no supervision


Before and After School Child Care Options
We have the CARE program that is run through the Sugar Grove Park District. You can register through their website: https://www.sgparks.org/

This is offered to any student who attends full-day school and for half-day kindergarteners before school starts. SGPD also offers some day off activities during times when there is no school.


Lunch & Milk
If your child is enrolled in Extended Day Kindergarten, they will eat lunch at school. Parents will need to pack a lunch for their child each day. We are a cold lunch school. Milk is available for purchase and can be done by the semester or for the full year. Please go to Infinite Campus to make that purchase.


Drop-off and Pick-up Procedures

• Cell phone use in a school zone, including the parking lots, is prohibited by law
• Be sure to note the signage at the entrance to the main parking lot 
• Cars should refrain from entering/exiting the main parking lot when buses are present, including from approximately 8:30-8:50 am and 3:15-3:35 pm. All drop-offs/pickups should occur in the west lot.

Students are not allowed to walk through the front parking lot when buses are present. They should cross the crosswalk with the crossing guard.                           

When heading west on Prairie Valley Street, cars are prohibited from turning left into either parking lot during student arrival and dismissal. *This sign has been a bit obscured by an overgrown tree. The Village of Elburn is aware and ensures the trees are trimmed back   

Student Drop-Off/Pick-Up

• Use the West lot
• Follow the route in the picture BELOW
• Pull all the way forward before allowing your child to exit or enter the car
• Children should enter/exit on the curbside only
• Remain in your car if using the drop-off/pick-up lane
• If you would like to walk your child up, park in a designated spot and use the marked crosswalk
• Refrain from pulling around cars that are unloading children
• Model respectful, patient, and positive interactions for students
• Allow extra time to get to your destination when using the crowded lot

Parent Zone For Waving

In the past, parents would walk their students to the main entrance of the building to send them off for the day. 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 goodbyes there. Think of it like the “kiss and ride or fly zones” you would see at train stations and airports.

First Day of School
On the first day of school, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13th, all of our students meet in front of the school (Door 1) with their teacher. We have adults who will help your child find your teacher. All students walk in together. The PTN will have a Card My Yard Sign that you could use to get a picture of your child’s first day. We ask that parents remain in the parent waiting area and not wait at the front of the building.


Ways to Stay Connected
Facebook - Please like and follow for exciting news, pictures, and videos
Stewart Scoop Newsletter - Please bookmark this blog - these are bi-monthly newsletters
PTN Emails - email stewartptn@gmail.com to get on that list

More information will be shared at the Kindergarten Orientation night but wanted to give you a little bit now. We look forward to seeing you all on Thursday, August 7th at 4pm

Sincerely,

Samantha Aversa

Principal

Kaneland John Stewart Elementary School

End of the Year Newsletter

 

May Important Dates

Wednesday, May 21     Crossing Guard Appreciation Day (Mrs. Becky Fair)

Wednesday, May 21    Field Day

Wednesday, May 21    1 Hr Early Dismissal (2:25/2:30)

Thursday, May 22        Last Day of School   

Thursday, May 22         5th Grade Clap Out Click Here for Info

Thursday, May 22        1 Hr Early Dismissal (2:25/2:30)

Important Summer Dates

June 6 - Summer Office Hours Begin

July 7 - 31 - Summer School @ John Shields Elementary (KSS)

August 7 - Kindergarten Orientation & Supply Drop Off 4:00 - 6:00 pm

August 11 - 1st - 5th Grade Curriculum Night & Supply Drop off 4:00 - 6:00 pm

August 13 - First Day of School

❤  Congratulations to the class of 2025! 🩶

Field Day on Wednesday

Please make students wear comfortable clothes, athletic shoes, and water bottles. 

Summer Office Hours

The office will be open over the summer Monday-Thursday 8:00am - 3:00pm. The office is closed on Fridays starting June 6th. If these times do not work for you, please call the office to make a personalized appointment with Ms. Jaeger. Ms. Jaeger, Principal Secretary, works all summer. I, Mrs. Aversa do not work during the month of July. If you need assistance from us, please feel free to call or email. (630) 365-8170

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. 

Thank you, from the Library!

It has been a FANTASTIC year for Stewart’s Library!   

Many thanks to all the students, families and staff who helped to support the 2024 Fall Literati Book Fair and the 2025 Spring Scholastic Book Fair!  

Thank you to all who donated books for your child's classroom, volunteered your time to help out with set-up, wish lists, student shopping and more!

 All of your efforts resulted in raising $7,906.10 to help purchase new books and replace well loved favorites for the students!  There will be new titles available, many by popular demand, in the fall!

The Kane County Cougars HOME RUN Reading challenge was a success!  Students have been doing a lot of reading at home.  135 students completed the challenge!  WAY TO GO!!

Meet your favorite authors at Kid-LITapalooza this summer! Litapalooza Info

Mrs. Steers

KST LRC Assistant

https://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/blog/summer-slide/

May Newsletter

May Important Dates

Monday, May 5    ALICE Drill 9:15 am Date Change

Monday, May 5 - Friday, May 9     Teacher Appreciation Week 

Friday, May 9    2nd Grade Concert (9:00-9:45am)

Monday, May 12     Nurse Appreciation Day (Ms. Scott)

Friday, May 16    Senior Clap-Out

Wednesday, May 21     Crossing Guard Appreciation Day (Mrs. Becky Fair)

Wednesday, May 21    Field Day

Wednesday, May 21    1 Hr Early Dismissal (2:25/2:30)

Thursday, May 22        Last Day of School   

Thursday, May 22         5th Grade Clap Out

Thursday, May 22        1 Hr Early Dismissal (2:25/2:30)

Data Chats - SIP Writing Goal

This week, we had our final data chat with all classes to review our School Improvement Plan (SIP) writing goal and final assessment. We’re on track to reach our target of 60% student growth by May, and I’m incredibly proud of how well students analyzed data and pie charts!

You may remember that in February, we earned an Excellent rating—5 out of 6 grade levels met or exceeded the 50% growth goal. We’ve continued building on that progress by supporting students' writing skills.

Our Goal:
By February 2025, John Stewart Elementary aims for K–5 students to show 50% growth or reach 85% proficiency in written responses to instructional-level texts. By May 2025, the goal increases to 60% growth or 85% proficiency.

Grade-Level Focus:

• K–1: Read grade-level text and respond to a prompt through writing.

• 2–3: Include at least 2 pieces of text evidence in their written response.

• 4–5: Include at least 2 pieces of evidence and make a connection to the text.

Students will complete their final writing pieces in the next two weeks. We’re excited to see their growth! Also, if the students meet this goal again with at least 5 out of the 6 grade levels with 60% or more growth, we will have a whole school popcorn party on the last day! I will email everyone the results once they are ready!! 

End of the Year Assessments

It’s hard to believe we’re already at the final stretch of the school year! Students are currently working one-on-one with their teachers to complete their Rigby reading assessments. Next Monday, 1st–5th grade students will begin their i-Ready Diagnostic 3 assessment.

During recent data chats, we reviewed important test-taking strategies with students, including:

• Taking their time and not rushing

• Rereading questions carefully

• Using math tools like manipulatives, whiteboards, or paper and pencil

• Practicing positive self-talk to stay confident and focused

Our students have been working hard all year long, and we’re excited to see just how much they’ve grown. They’ve got this!

Field Day Fun Lunch 

The PTN is providing Fun Lunch for field day (5/21) - yay!
The Meal includes 1 piece of cheese pizza, chips, dessert, and a juice box.
This is a free meal for our students and staff, but you MUST sign up to receive your meal. Sign-up will be from 4/23-5/12. REGISTER HERE. Late Orders will not be accepted. If you have questions, please reach out to stewartptn@gmail.com

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 5th, through Friday, May 9th. 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!

Lost and Found

We have an awesome new Lost & Found unit to store our items. Thank you to Mr. Baron's CTE class at KHS for making this out of reclaimed wood and using their engraving tool for the first time on this project. They did a wonderful job and we are so grateful.  

Please have your students take a look at the lost and found items before the end of the year! 

2025-2026 Registration

Kaneland IgKnight Personalized Learning Academy (KIPLA) 

Kaneland IgKnight Personalized Learning Academy (KIPLA) provides educational experiences designed around the individual strengths, needs, and interests of learners. While ALL Kaneland schools provide a rigorous learning experience, IgKnight Academy offers unique, in-depth access to customized learning pathways, personalized methods of instruction and assessment, and flexible learning environments. 
IgKnight Academy programming is open to any Kaneland CUSD #302 student, entering grades 3-8. In the 2025-26 school year, IgKnight programming will be located within Kaneland John Shields Elementary School for students in grades 3-8 and Harter Middle School for students in grades 6-8, with instruction provided by staff highly trained in personalized practices.
Parents can register their student(s) for KIPLA through Infinite Campus.

Questions and other inquiries can be sent to Laura Garland at 10166@kaneland.org or 630-365-5111x71127.

Mid-April Newsletter

 April Important Dates

Monday, April 21      Spring Pictures

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

Monday, April 28         Relay for Life Trivia Night (5:30pm)
Tuesday, April 29        5th Grade Step-Up Knight (Harter Gymnasium) 6:30-7:30pm

May Important Dates

Monday, May 5    ALICE Drill 9:15 am Date Change

Monday, May 5 - Friday, May 9     Teacher Appreciation Week 

Friday, May 9    2nd Grade Concert (9:00-9:45am)

Monday, May 12     Nurse Appreciation Day (Ms. Scott)

Friday, May 16    Senior Clap-Out

Wednesday, May 21     Crossing Guard Appreciation Day (Mrs. Becky Fair)

Wednesday, May 21    Field Day

Wednesday, May 21    1 Hr Early Dismissal (2:25/2:30)

Thursday, May 22        Last Day of School   

Thursday, May 22         5th Grade Clap Out

Thursday, May 22        1 Hr Early Dismissal (2:25/2:30)

IAR Follow-Up

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our families for the support you've given your children as they prepared for the IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness). Whether it was helping with a good night's sleep, encouraging a positive mindset, or simply reminding them to do their best, your efforts made a difference!

We’re also incredibly proud of our students for taking the assessment seriously and putting forth their best effort. Their focus, perseverance, and hard work did not go unnoticed. Way to go!

Spring Pictures by HR Imaging

Spring pictures will take place for all students on Monday, April 21st.  

1) Families can sign up for email notifications and order at myshop.hrimaging.com

2) Images will be online 5-7 days after picture day.  Parents who have signed up will be notified via email when they are ready. Parents have 10 business days to order for portraits to be shipped to the school. Portraits purchased after that date will be shipped to your house. 

3) When you shop at myshop.hrimaging.com, you can pick your pose, choose your favorite background, and order the package that meets your needs. 

Letters for the Honor Flight 

For those families still interested in participating, please get those letters in to the front office by Wednesday, April 30th

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

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"

**Please consider attending. This event has been organized by former KST students who are now KHS Seniors.  

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 5th, through Friday, May 9th. 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 22nd 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