March Stewart Scoop

 

March
Wednesday, March 5  Fun Lunch - Culvers

Friday, March 7    PTN Family BINGO Night  5-7pm

Wednesday, March 19   Fun Lunch - McCallisters

Thursday, March 20    Music Assembly "The Polka Guy" 1:30pm

Thursday, March 20    IAR Virtual Parent Meeting #2 5:30-6:30pm

Thursday, March 20    PTN Meeting 6pm

Tuesday, March 25    5th Grade Choral Concert Field Trip (1:30-7:00pm) @ Harter

Thursday, March 27    Open House (5:00 - 7:00pm) / 3rd Grade Concert 5:15-5:45pm 

No School - SPRING Break March 31 - April 7

April 

Monday, April 7    No School - School Improvement Day

Tuesday, April 8    School Resumes for Students

Tuesday, April 8    IAR Assembly for 3rd - 5th Grade

Wednesday, April 9    Fun Lunch - Buona Beef

Wednesday, April 9 - 16    IAR Testing 3rd-5th Grade

Thursday, April 10    1st Grade Field Trip to DuPage Children's Museum

Friday, April 11    Trimester 3 Progress Reports (sent as needed)

Friday, April 18    ALICE Drill 2pm

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

Tuesday, April 29    5th Grade Step-Up Knight (Harter Gymnasium) 6:30-7:30pm

5 Essentials Survey

All students and staff will take the 5 Essentials Survey during the month of 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/  

Dear Stewart Families, 

We are excited to announce that the Scholastic Book Fair is once again coming to Stewart this spring and will be open for business during Stewart’s Open House on Thursday, March 27th and in school; Monday, March 17th to Thursday, March 27th.  Your child has an opportunity to choose books that empower and inspire them to become bolder, prouder, and stronger readers!    As always, every book they buy earns rewards and benefits for our school!   

Here is what you need to know about the Fair, which will take place in our centrally located LRC library . . . 
All students will have an opportunity to preview books and make their “Wish List” the week of March 17th – 21st.

All students will be able to purchase books during school hours Monday, March 24th through Thursday, March 27th, 4th & 5th grades March 20 - 27.

The Fair will continue to be open for families during Open House; March 27th from 5:00pm – 7:00pm.
  
Our Book Fair will continue to offer the eWallet- which allows you to set up a digital payment account for your child.   This is the best way to avoid those long lines on open house night! Share your child’s “eWallet” so friends and family can add funds giving your child even more books to enjoy!   Any unused funds can be spent at the Scholastic Store Online or to fund a future eWallet.  Scholastic Gift Certificates from the Spring Book Fair can be transferred to your child's new eWallet next year.

If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Online Book Fair. 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.

Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping:

We need your help in reinforcing our school’s values of respect, kindness, and support. Recently, we have noticed an increase in unkind behaviors across the school, including students calling peers names related to their size, hair color, intelligence, or something related specifically to that individual student. At school, we are actively addressing these behaviors through individual conversations, Second Step SEL lessons, and Restorative Conversations. However, creating a truly respectful community takes all of us.

Please take some time to talk with your child about the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. Your support in reinforcing these expectations at home makes a big difference. We all deserve to be in a school environment that is supportive, caring, and safe. Thank you for your partnership in fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all our students!  

Join Us for Our John Stewart Elementary Open House!

Mark your calendars! We invite you to our Open House on Thursday, March 27th, 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!

CLICK HERE to review the Permission Slip for a review of the details

From April 9–16, our 3rd–5th grade students will be taking the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR). 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 8:35 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. 

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!

School Improvement Update: Strengthening Written Responses

This year we are dedicated to helping students improve their ability to respond to texts with clear answers, supporting evidence, and thoughtful reasoning. Our goal was for all K-5 students to achieve a 50% increase or reach 85% proficiency by February 2025—and thanks to the hard work of our students and teachers, we have seen significant progress!

Key Growth Highlights:

📚 Kindergarten improved from 1% to 73% in answering prompts (72% growth!)
📚 1st Grade exceeded the 85% goal early (42% to 97%) and is now focusing on finding evidence in texts, growing from 0% to 71%
📚 2nd & 3rd Grade made strong improvements in using text evidence, reaching 46% and 59% growth from their pre-data. 
📚 4th & 5th Grade built reasoning and text connections, progressing to 64% and 55% growth from their pre-data. This specific skill requires higher-level thinking and we are SO PROUD of their progress! 

Because of this success, we will continue this goal through May 2025, aiming for a 60% increase or 85% proficiency. Thank you for your ongoing support at home—your encouragement helps our students develop strong reading and writing skills for lifelong success!

Based on the Evaluation Criteria, our school received an EXCELLENT Rating! 

5 or 6 of the 6 Grade Levels met a minimum of 50% proficiency in their grade level expectations in the area of either Answering, Evidence, or Reasoning

Mid-February Newsletter

February 
Wednesday, 19th Fun lunch - Jersey Mikes & ACE (3:30-4:30)
Thursday, 20th PTN meeting 6pm
Wednesday, 26th ACE (3:30-4:30)
Friday, 28th No School - Kane County Teacher Institute Day

March
Wednesday, March 5th Fun Lunch - Culvers

Friday, March 7th    PTN Family BINGO Night

Wednesday, March 19th    Fun Lunch - McCallisters

Thursday, March 20th    PTN Meeting 6pm

Tuesday, March 25th    5th Grade Choral Concert Field Trip (1:30-7:00pm) @ Harter

Thursday, March 27th    Open House (5:00 - 7:00) 

No School - SPRING Break March 31 - April 7
Thursday, April 10   1st Grade Field Trip to DuPage Children's Museum

Kindergarten Valentine's Concert 2/7/25

KST students publishing their books in the Author’s Spotlight!

These students published a personal piece of writing that is showcased in our library and available for other students to read. So proud of their hard work and dedication to writing!! 

Design the 2024-2025 Yearbook Cover! 

Here is your chance to design the next school yearbook cover! 

Here are the details: 

● The cover needs to be on a white 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper  

● The paper needs to be designed in portrait (up and down) 

● The design CANNOT include copyrighted images 

● The design needs to be dark and rich in color or BW (it will be scanned) 

● The design must have high craftsmanship (a “4” piece of artwork) 

● The design must include the following text clearly written: 

        o Kaneland John Stewart Elementary 

        o 2024 - 2025 

● Digital drawings can be emailed to 10088@kaneland.org  Designs MUST be turned in to Ms. Svihlik or Mr. Biddle by Tuesday, February 25th. 

Those Who Attended the IAR Virtual Mtg

Thank you to everyone who attended the IAR Parent Night! If you were unable to join us, please review the information below. We would also greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to complete the feedback survey linked on the last slide. Your input is valuable to us!

SLIDES

VIDEO of IAR Night

Calling All K-5 Writers...Chance to be PUBLISHED! (K-5)

The author of the Patrick Picklebottom book series (our escape room and 5 Schools 1 Book read last year) is working exclusively with Kaneland on a writing contest!  He wants our young writers to submit his next mystery to be published in his next book!!!!  You heard that right, our Kaneland student's writing will be in his next book!  See the attached flier to learn more about the contest. All submissions must be sent to Sarah Mumm by February 25th at 10358@kaneland.org. Students K-5 are eligible to participate.  Please share this great news with your K-5 writers and families. 

February Newsletter

IMPORTANT DATES: 

February

Tuesday, 4th   K-2 Dental Health Assemblies
Wednesday, 5th   Fun Lunch - Paisano's & ACE (3:30-4:30)
Thursday, 6th   4th Grade Field Trip to Naper Settlement
Friday, 7th   Kindergarten concert (9:00 - 9:30)
Saturday, 8th   Kindergarten Registration (25’-26’)
Wednesday, 12th   ACE (3:30-4:30) & Family Knight Out @ Paisano's
Friday, 14th   Valentines Classroom Parties & End of Trimester 2
Monday, 17th   No School - Presidents Day
Wednesday, 19th   Fun lunch - Jersey Mikes & ACE (3:30-4:30)
Thursday, 20th   PTN meeting 6pm
Wednesday, 26th   ACE (3:30-4:30)
Friday, 28th   No School - Kane County Teacher Institue Day

March
Wednesday, March 5th    Fun Lunch - Culvers

Friday, March 7th    PTN Family BINGO Night

Wednesday, March 19th    Fun Lunch - McCallisters

Thursday, March 20th    PTN Meeting 6pm

Tuesday, March 25th    5th Grade Choral Concert Field Trip (1:30-7:00pm)

Thursday, March 27th    Open House (5:00 - 7:00) 

No School - SPRING Break March 31 - April 7
Thursday, April 10   1st Grade Field Trip to DuPage Children's Museum

💌 Valentine’s Day Party - Friday, February 14th
First - Fifth Grade: 2:30-3:20
Kindergarten: 10:40-11:20

Valentine's Day Cards are encouraged but every student must bring enough for the entire class. No food or candy should be attached to Valentines.

Teachers will send more information about whether students need to bring in a Valentine's box or if one will be made in class. 

5 School, 1 Book Follow Up
Classroom teachers, please include a reminder for our families that there is still an opportunity to participate in the Culminating Project for 5 Schools, 1 Book. Click this link for more information and to possibly win a family literacy basket!
Show What You Know
Submit your Show What You Know story sharing your learning so far this year for a chance to be part of the winter raffle! Video a short description of something that you have learned and are excited to show what you know and send your celebration to this email ShowWhatYouKnow@kaneland.org. Entries will be highlighted in Knightly News, KCN and on Social Media so please be sure to only use your first name and your school in your video. Please submit your first and last name, grade level and school in the email for your raffle entry! Let's celebrate our learning Kaneland and Show What We Know!


IAR Testing for 3rd - 5th Grade

IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) testing window for Kaneland will be from April 9 - 16. Make-ups will be given April 17 - 18. Fifth Grade students will also take the ISA (Illinois Science Assessment). 
We are starting to work with our students on how to navigate the assessments, along with reviewing some of the practice items provided to us. We want our students to do their best on the IAR assessments and preparing them ahead of time will help. Please encourage your child to do their best! More information will be shared once we get closer to our testing dates.

Feel free to utilize these calendars that include IAR comparative questions to practice. Students are completing at least 1 question each week in class.


Upcoming 5th Grade Dates - Preparing for Middle School

Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Incoming 6th Grade Parent Night (KHMS Cafe) 6:30 p.m.
Registration Form will be discussed & shared (also emailed)

Thursday, February 13, 2025
Instrument Placement Schedule (times are 1:30-3:15 @ KST)

Thursday, February 20, 2025
Incoming 6th Grade Registration @ KST
9:00-9:45 a.m. - KST

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 - KST to KHMS
5th Grade Tours (9:30-11:30 a.m.)

Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Step-Up Knight (Harter Gymnasium) 6:30-7:30 p.m.

For students and parents

Week of August 4, 2025
Jump Start


Restorative Practices
We are proud to say that restorative conferences are happening daily, and we can talk most students through conflict and avoid traditional, out-of-classroom punishments. We also work on repairing the harm so those involved can move on positively and productively. Students need to be in school and classrooms to learn and develop, so we will continue to employ restorative processes in this way. Please understand that in no way does this mean that we are unwilling to assign more significant consequences such as in-school or out-of-school suspensions, lunch detentions, etc. when necessary. It would be great if we lived in a world where these options weren’t necessary, but we recognize that punitive-type consequences are sometimes the right thing to do.

Here is an additional resource on how you can implement restorative practices at home.