April Newsletter

Important Dates

Monday, April 6th - No School /School Improvement Day

Tuesday, April 7th - School Resumes for Students

Friday, April 10th - Beach Bash Dance 6-8 pm

Wednesday, April 15th - Fun Lunch from Brianna's Pancake House

Friday, April 17th - Bus Evacuations 9am

Tuesday, April 21st - 5th Grade Tours at Harter MS 9:30-11:30am

Tuesday, April 28th - Step Up Knight at Harter (Incoming 6th grade) 6:30pm

Wednesday, April 29th - Fun Lunch McDonalds

May Important Dates

Friday, May 8th - 2nd Grade Concert (9:30)

Wednesday, May 13th - Culver's Fun Lunch

Wednesday, May 13th - 3rd Grade Field Trip to Hickory Knolls (9:30-12)

Friday, May 15th - 2nd Grade Field Trip to Blackberry Farm (11:30-2)

Thursday, May 21st - Last Day of School & PTN Sponsored Meal

Thursday, May 21st - 5th Grade Clap Out

IAR Testing 3rd-5th Grade

From April 8–10, our 3rd–5th-grade students will take the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), with make-up testing April 13–17. This assessment measures progress in ELA, Math, and (5th grade only) Science.
To help your child feel prepared:

• Get a good night’s sleep

• Eat a healthy breakfast

• Arrive on time (students may arrive at 8:40; tardy bell is 8:50)

• Charge Chromebooks nightly

• Bring working headphones

• Encourage a positive mindset

We appreciate your support in helping students feel confident and prepared. If possible, please avoid scheduling appointments during testing. 

IM - Imagine Math Curriculum Information  

As the school year comes to a close, students in kindergarten through fifth grade will participate in an end-of-year local math assessment from the ImagineIM curriculum.

This assessment is designed to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned throughout the year and how they approach mathematical thinking. Some questions reflect grade-level expectations, while others are more challenging and may ask students to stretch beyond what was explicitly taught in class.

The purpose of this assessment is not for students to answer every question correctly. Instead, it allows students to demonstrate perseverance, stamina, and a growth mindset when working through meaningful math tasks.

Throughout the year, classrooms have focused on building strong mathematical practices, including explaining thinking, using multiple strategies, and engaging in productive struggle. This assessment offers a meaningful opportunity for students to show those skills.
Additional information will be shared when assessments are sent home. Thank you for supporting student learning as the school year comes to a close.

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 4th, through Friday, May 8th. 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 21st 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

Tick Season - Playground
With the beautiful springtime weather, some unwanted pests come to the community! We have had a few reports of TICKS being found on students. Tick season is considered to occur between April and September in the United States. They usually hide in low brush areas waiting to find a host. If left undetected, several types of ticks may cause disease. We suggest that you check your student thoroughly at home after a day of playing outside. For more information, please feel free to reach out to the health office or visit the Centers for Disease Control website (www.cdc.gov).

March Newsletter

March Important Date

Monday, March 9th - Tornado Drill (2:00)

Wednesday, March 11th - Fun Lunch Buona Beef

Thursday, March 12th - KST Open House (5:00-7:00)

Thursday, March 12th - 3rd Grade Music Concert (5:15-5:45)

Thursday, March 19th - Lockdown drill (2:00)

Wednesday, March 25th - Fun Lunch Culver's

SPRING BREAK March 28-April 5

April Important Dates

Monday, April 6th - No School /School Improvement Day

Tuesday, April 7th - School Resumes for Students

Wednesday, April 15th - Fun Lunch from Brianna's Pancake House

Friday, April 17th - Bus Evacuations 9am

Tuesday, April 21st - 5th Grade Tours at Harter MS 9:30-11:30am

Tuesday, April 28th - Step Up Knight at Harter (Incoming 6th grade) 6:30pm

Wednesday, April 29th - Fun Lunch McDonalds

IAR Testing 3rd-5th Grade

From March 17–19, our 5th-grade students will be taking the Illinois Science Assessment. (ISA). Make-up testing is March 23-27.

From April 8–10, our 3rd–5th-grade students will be taking the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR). Make-up testing is April 13-17. 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 8:40 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. 

 Headphones - Ensure the headphones are in good working order.

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!

5 Essentials Survey

All students and staff will take the 5 Essentials Survey during the months of February & 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/  

Open House

Mark your calendars! We invite you to our Open House on Thursday, March 12th, 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!

25-26 Yearbook Orders

Get ready to celebrate this amazing school year with our 2025-2026 yearbook

Order by April 20th to enjoy  FREE shipping directly to the school.

Orders placed after April 20th will still be accepted, but shipping fees will apply.

Don't miss this chance to capture the memories - order yours today!   

Yearbook order link - https://store.shopyearbook.com/2026kstyearbook 

*For specific yearbook questions, please reach out to Mr. Tom Biddle at 10045@kaneland.org

Substitute Crossing Guards Needed

We are looking for individuals who are interested in helping support student safety by serving as a crossing guard substitute. This is a flexible, “help here and there” opportunity during high-traffic arrival and dismissal times. Coverage is needed from 8:25–8:55 AM and/or 3:15–3:45 PM. If you are interested in learning more about this vacancy or applying, please click the link below for additional information. Thank you for considering helping keep our students safe!

https://www.applitrack.com/d302/OnlineApp/JobPostings/view.asp?all=1=&AppliTrackJobId=1193&AppliTrackLayoutMode=detail&AppliTrackViewPosting=1

February Newsletter

February Important Dates

Friday, February 6th - 4th Grade Field Trip to Naper Settlement 

Saturday, February 7th - New Kindergarten Registration (8:30-12:00)
Wednesday, February 11th - Fun Lunch
Thursday, February 12th - 5th Grade Instrument Fitting 
Friday, February 13th - Kindergarten Music Concert (9:30) 
Friday, February 13th - Valentines Parties 
Monday, February 16th - No School Presidents Day
Friday, February 20th - 5th Grade Scheduling for Middle School
Friday, February 20th - 2nd Trimester Report Cards Go Live (4:00)
Wednesday, February 25th - Fun Lunch
Friday, February 27th - No School Teacher Institute Day

March Important Date

Monday, March 9th - Tornado Drill (2:00)

Wednesday, March 11th - Fun Lunch Buona Beef

Thursday, March 12th - KST Open House (5:00-7:00)

Thursday, March 12th - 3rd Grade Music Concert (5:15-5:45)

Thursday, March 19th - Lockdown drill (2:00)

Wednesday, March 25th - Fun Lunch Culver's

SPRING BREAK March 28-April 5

Monday, April 6th - No School /School Improvement Day

💌 Valentine’s Day Party- Friday, Feb 13th 

Kindergarten: 10:40-11:20

First - Fifth Grade: 2:30-3:20

All students are welcome to bring Valentine’s cards. If cards are brought, please be sure your child brings one for each student in the class. No food items should be attached to Valentine's. Small non-food trinkets are acceptable. Individual teachers will be in contact with their class if a Valentine's box needs to be created at home or if one will be made at school.

Fifth Grade Transition Information

February 6, 2026

• Teachers will provide students with the Registration Form to bring home. Students should bring back their form with selected courses no later than February 19

• Parents will receive an overview at the parent night on course registration from Mr. Faulkner

Week of February 9, 2026 

Instrument Placement Schedule (times are 1:30-3:15 for each school)

• Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 - John Stewart

February 11, 2026

Incoming 6th Grade Parent Night (KHMS Cafe) 6:30 p.m.

• Registration Form will be discussed & shared (also emailed) by Mr. Faulkner

February 20, 2026

Incoming 6th Grade Registration. Counselors from the middle school will come over and meet with the 5th-grade students individually.

• 9:00-9:45 a.m. - KST

Week of April 20th, 2026

5th Grade Tours (9:30-11:20 a.m.). Teachers will take their class on a "field trip" to Harter.

• Tuesday, April 21 - KST

April 28, 2026

Step-Up Knight (Harter Gymnasium) 6:30-7:30 p.m. 

Week of August 3, 2026

Jump Start - registration will be on Infinite Campus and will come out closer to the end of the year.

World Read Aloud Day

We are excited to celebrate World Read Aloud Day on February 4th with a very special gift for every child at John Stewart Elementary. To honor this day and our shared commitment to literacy, each student will receive a FREE copy of Andy’s Space Friends by Jennifer Hayes to take home and enjoy with their families. The book is yours to keep FOREVER!

We encourage you to take time to read together at home, whether it’s Andy’s Space Friends or another favorite book. Just a few minutes of shared reading each day can spark meaningful conversations and nurture a deep love of books that lasts a lifetime.

Upcoming Author VisitKindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grades will get to meet Ron Keres on February 10th!Please turn in book order forms by Friday, February 6th.

BOOK ORDER FORM

Parking Lot Reminders

We kindly ask for your patience and cooperation during drop-off and pick-up, especially during these cold winter mornings. Our parking lot gets very busy, and safety is always our top priority. Mrs. Fair, our wonderful crossing guard, works hard in all kinds of weather to keep traffic moving and everyone safe, so please be sure to follow her signals.

When in the drop-off line, remember to pull all the way forward to help traffic flow smoothly. A little patience, awareness, and teamwork go a long way in keeping our arrival and dismissal safe and smooth for everyone. We truly appreciate your support and kindness toward our staff who are out there each day helping keep students safe! Thank you! 

Mark Your Calendars, Open House is Coming Soon!

We invite you to our Open House on Thursday, March 12th, from 5:00–7:00 PM for a fun and engaging evening with your family. Doors open at 5 PM.

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!

Happy New Year - January Newsletter

January Important Dates

Wednesday, January 7th - Fun Lunch Sign-Up Opens (Closes on1/23)

Tuesday, January 13th - District Wide Spelling Bee @ KHS (5:30)

Friday, January 16th - Preorder Milk Due for 2nd Semester 

Monday, January 19th - No School MLK Jr. Day

Thursday, January 22nd - PTN Meeting 6:30pm

Wednesday, January 28th - Fun Lunch

February Important Dates 

Friday, February 6th - 4th Grade Field Trip to Naper Settlement 
Saturday, February 7th - New Kindergarten Registration (8:30-12:00)
Wednesday, February 11th - Fun Lunch
Thursday, February 12th - 5th Grade Instrument Fitting 
Friday, February 13th - Kindergarten Music Concert (9:30) 
Friday, February 13th - Valentines Parties 
Monday, February 16th - No School Presidents Day
Friday, February 20th - 5th Grade Scheduling for Middle School
Friday, February 20th - 2nd Trimester Report Cards Go Live (4:00)
Wednesday, February 25th - Fun Lunch
Friday, February 27th - No School Teacher Institute Day

Fun Lunch & Milk for Second Semester

Message from the PTN: 

Fun Lunch sign-up is now open until midnight 1/23.
the link is live here
Or you can always find all of our links at our Linktree 
https://Linktr.ee/kstsocial

If you need assistance or have additional questions, please reach out to stewartptn@gmail.com.

Also, the last Fun Lunch of the year will be free! That registration will be sent in April.
Sign-up to volunteer for Fun Lunch will also be in Wednesday’s PTN newsletter email. Please only sign up for 1 slot per family. Thanks!


Prepaid Milk
It is time to order 2nd-semester prepaid milk. Milk may be purchased online through your parent portal on Infinite Campus. Orders are due by Friday, January 16th.

Costs: ($.55)/Milk ($48.00-2nd sem.)

Annual KST Spelling Bee

On Tuesday, December 16th, our students in 3rd-5th showcased their hard work and spelling skills during our school Spelling Bee! After taking a spelling assessment, the top students earned the opportunity to compete in today’s bee.

We are excited to share that the top 10 spellers will move on to represent our school at the District Spelling Bee, which will be held at Kaneland High School in January. What an incredible accomplishment!

A special congratulations to our Top 3 winners:

1st Place: Emily S. (5th grade)

2nd Place: Dylan S. (5th grade)

3rd Place: Leonard T. (5th grade)

Congratulations to all of our participants—we are so proud of your perseverance, confidence, and dedication. Way to shine!

Top 10 Pictured Left to Right: Elaina (3rd), Cameron (4th), Caiden (4th), Eli (4th), Dylan (5th), Emily (5th), Lyla (5th), Leonard (5th), Baylee (5th), Shay (5th)

Final Data Collection for Our School Improvement Goal

We are in the final stretch of our School Improvement Goal focused on helping students strengthen their written responses to grade-level texts. Students are practicing how to answer questions using text evidence and making meaningful connections, and they continue to show growth in their writing.

How families can help at home:
- Provide students with opportunities to write about what they read
- Ask questions like who, what, when, where, and why
- Encourage your child to find details in the text to support their answers
- Offer positive feedback and gentle reminders about grammar (capital letters, punctuation, and using a capital I when appropriate)

For older students, encourage richer vocabulary and more detailed responses.

Winter Weather Procedures for Recess and Student Arrival

As we begin the new year and head into the colder winter months, we would like to share a reminder about our procedures for outdoor recess and student arrival during cold or inclement weather. Our priority is always the safety and well-being of our students.

Recess Guidelines
We use the following temperature guidelines (with or without wind chill) when determining recess:

• Above 10°F – Recess will be held outdoors

• 1°F–10°F – Recess will be held at the principal's discretion, based on conditions

• 0°F or below – Recess will be held indoors

If recess is held outdoors, we also evaluate precipitation and ground conditions, including snow or ice, to ensure student safety.

Student Arrival Procedures
For morning arrival, students will be allowed inside the building anytime the temperature is 0°F or below, or when there is inclement weather, such as rain or unsafe outdoor conditions. Staff will be present to supervise students as they enter the building.

Winter Clothing Reminder
When outdoor recess is possible, please ensure your child comes to school dressed appropriately for the weather, including coats, hats, gloves, and boots as needed.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work to keep our students safe, warm, and ready to learn. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Elementary Principals

Mrs. Aversa (KST), Mrs. Ward (KBK), Mrs. Russelle (KSS), & Mr. White (KME)