Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Back to School Information for Hybrid & Remote Families

Information For Hybrid and Remote Students

Student Schedule and Teacher Assignment

Kindergarten through 5th-grade student schedules for Hybrid and Remote Students are still under construction and will be live on August 17th in the morning.

 

EC-5th grade Supply List Information

Here is a link to the school supply lists. Teachers will determine the supplies that are needed for learning at school and at home. The “at home” application supplies will be returned to the students to take back home. Please individually label all student items.

 

Canvas

This resource will help parents navigate through Canvas. Canvas Information Canvas is being used to support fully remote students and students who are hybrid on days they have remote learning.  Parents who have students in Early Childhood will not be using Canvas unless they are fully remote.  

 

Information for Hybrid Students


Self - Certification Pass - Must be completed daily by 8am  - Each student attendance day, we will be requiring families to self-certify that your child is healthy and not exhibiting any of the COVID-19 symptoms.  It is imperative that if your child is displaying symptoms they stay home and follow the IDPH guidelines.  Student (parent) self-certification will be REQUIRED to complete each school no later than 8am.  We would like for parents to login and try it out - some families have shared they will set an alarm to remind them daily on their phone.


  1. Please use this Self Certification web site at www.kaneland.org/covid and log in using your Tyler Parent Email and Password.

  2. Once you are logged in, for each of your students please read the screening questions to determine if your student meets the criteria and is healthy to come to school each day.

    1. You will select No to each of the questions if your student is healthy and ready to come to school. 

    2. You will select Yes for any of the questions if your student is experiencing any of the symptoms related to COVID-19.  

    3. Once you make your selection, please click Submit.  When you select No, the app will present you with a Green Pass; When you select Yes, a Warning will be displayed indicating that your student should not attend school that day.

    4. If you selected No, you will have the opportunity to print a pass for your student if she/he will not have a device when entering the building (see below)

2) Students will NOT be required to show the pass (electronic or paper copy) each day.  Staff members will have a list of students that need to certify (because they did not complete the certification by 8:00 a.m.) and will use the list to verify that each student is healthy each day.


This flowchart will be used COVID-19 Exclusion and Return to School/Work Chart to assist the School District in guiding students and staff in the event of illness. The flowchart would utilize a Time-Based, Symptom-Based, or physician-based strategy to allow re-admittance to school/work. CDC, IDPH, ISBE, Local, State, and Federal guidelines would be followed in the event of illness onset while at school/work. If there are any questions on Covid-19 Exclusion, please contact Dr. Adkins at 75522@kaneland.org


UPDATED Kaneland Fall 2020 Learning Calendar


Device Pick-Up - Hybrid Students (Kindergarten - 4th-grade students that did not pick up a device in the Spring) A Day students will be assigned a device on their first day of in-person learning.  B day students have the opportunity to also pick up their device during the optional Open House on August 19th. Teachers will email B Day parents with activities to do on August 20th. Teachers will communicate through email or Canvas B-Day parents/students with activities to do on August 20th with their child.  

August 19th Optional B-Day Device Pick-Up   

12:00 - 1:00 B Day Student in K and 3rd Grade

1:00 - 2:00 B Day Student in 1st and 2nd Grade

2:00 - 3:00 B Day Students in 4th (Please bring back borrowed device from last Spring) 


Entrance and Exit procedure - To limit the number of students entering the building at any one location, grade levels will have separate entrances and exits from the building. There will be staff at each location to monitor students as well as around the building to ensure student safety. Please see John Stewart Elementary Map to show the entrances for your specific grade level. 


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


Parking Lot Procedure

All parents dropping off or picking up their child(ren) should use the west parking lot only. The main lot is reserved for buses during arrival and dismissal times. No cars should enter the main lot during arrival and dismissal. Please Click Here for a Map.


We kindly ask for your patience and compassion toward the staff members working to keep our parking lot safe for everyone during student arrival and dismissal. We recognize pulling all the way forward or waiting a few moments to pull away after picking up your child is not always convenient, but these simple actions support the greater goal of student safety. Please remember, the professional training and experience of the staff on "parking lot duty" is in the education field, not traffic control. They do their best each day and greatly appreciate positive feedback and demonstrations of grace. The hecticness of the parking lot during student arrival and dismissal is a perfect place to model kindness for our children.


Social Distancing Reminder  

At any time when you are on our school grounds, we ask that you remain 6 feet apart from others.  We have placed red stickers in common areas around the school and outside to serve as a reminder for adults and children when on the campus of the social distancing requirements.  


Limited visitors into the school (K-5)

Upon entry into a building, a mask/face covering must be worn at all times. No classroom visits are permitted at this time. Teacher-selected classroom volunteers are also not permitted. Parents are not permitted to walk their children into the school or classroom. 


PPE Mask-Wearing

Please review this video from the school nurses for more information about staying safe and healthy in our schools - nurse video. All students are required to wear masks while at school during all portions of their schooling, including recess. The following exceptions -  when the service provider/teacher deems it necessary during speech, ELL, social work services for instructional purposes, or who have a medical exemption form completed.   


Staff for 2020 - 2021

2020 - 2021 Kaneland John Stewart Teachers 

Kindergarten                1st Grade                          2nd Grade                 3rd Grade 

Mrs. Doll                        Miss Cantrell                    Mrs. Gilkey                Mr. Ahearn

Mrs. Druwe                    Miss Nachriener               Miss Imhof                Mrs. Hartkopp

Mrs. Hardy                     Miss Primrose                  Mrs. Iwanski                Ms. Zollers


4th/5th Grade - KPASS Teachers                                         Exploratory  

Miss Conquest - STEM        Mrs. Dillion - ELA                     Mr. Biddle/Mr. Mansour - PE                     

Ms. Pyfer - STEM                Mrs. Salzman - ELA                   Mrs. Gregg - Art
Mr. Rutter - STEM               Mr. Williams - ELA                    Mrs. Kuntsman - Music

                                                                                                   Ms. Maz - Critical Thinking 

                                                                                                   Ms. Svihlik - Technology


RTI                                        Instructional Coaches             Special Education/Related Services

Mr. Argabright - Math             Mrs. Orman                                    Mrs. Full

Mrs. Purnell - Reading            Mrs. Walker                                   Mrs. Kneopke

Mrs. Sears - Coordinator                                                                Miss Sweica

                                                                                                        Mrs. Meadows - Speech

 Mid-Valley                                                                                    Mrs. Gabrielson - Social Work

 Miss Welsh                                                                                    Mr. Warrington - Psychologist

 Mrs. McCafferty                                                                            Mrs. Duffy - OT

Mrs. Tredup                                                                                    Mrs. Novay - ESL                                 


Handbook Information

Please see the Handbook & COVID Addendums for important information regarding the 2020 - 2021 school year. Parents: Prior to the start of school, please review and digitally sign the school handbook and 4th/5th Grade Students 1:1 Handbook for your student(s). These handbooks include information regarding face coverings during the pandemic.


Recess

A daily rotation of recess zones will be developed and provided to all classroom teachers and monitors. Students will have to stay with their classroom recess zone assignment each day they attend recess. 


Lunch

As you know our schools continue to be a brown bag school. This year we are strongly encouraging each student to bring a fully consumable lunch to school, including disposable utensils, bag, and food items.  Our goal is to allow students to eat their lunch and then dispose of items when done.  


Lunch and Recess Hand Sanitizing

Students will wash their hands in the classroom prior to lunch.  Then after eating they will use hand sanitizer heading out to recess.  Finally, students will wash their hands in the classrooms after recess is complete. In the lunchroom, students will be seated 6ft apart. Students will be required to put the mask on anytime they leave their assigned lunch seat and when entering and leaving the lunchroom. 


Snack

Due to the restrictions set by the CDC and IDPH for Phase 4, snacks will not be allowed at school. We encourage all families to eat breakfast prior to school and pack a healthy/hearty lunch.  


Water Fountains

Please send your child with a labeled water bottle as water fountains are only to be used to refill a water bottle and not accessible to drink from. 


Cleaning Procedures

Desks and all frequently touched surfaces will be cleaned nightly by the custodians with hospital-grade sanitizers.


Lunch Monitors

We are still in need of lunch monitors. Please visit this link if you are interested in helping your school. 


Information for Fully Remote Students

Important Dates

August 17th by noon - Fully Remote teachers will send families a link to the Virtual Open House, Monday 3-5pm. Remote teachers will include if your child is in group 1 or group 2 and indicate the time in which the virtual open house will occur for students in grades 1st-5th.  Kindergarten families will receive a pre-recorded welcome video from their teachers.  


August 17th and 18th Device Pick-up 1- 3pm at John Stewart Elementary in the front office/foyer area   Incoming 1st and 4th-grade students- If you picked up a device in the spring, you MUST return that device in order to receive your new assigned device. 

 

The updated Fall 2020 Family Full Remote Learning Structures has general information regarding an overview of schedules and procedures that will be followed for our students who are on a full remote learning plan.   


Supply Pick Up

At times during the trimester, fully remote students will be asked to pick up materials at the foyer of the school.  Your fully remote Teacher will communicate with you when to pick up any materials.  They may be accessed during school hours at your home school. 


Lessons for Fully Remote

Live/synchronous lessons will be scheduled for a one hour period of time but may only be 20-25 mins in length.  The teachers may then invite students to a small group session and come back to follow up later in the hour period for the whole class recap.   


Remote Teachers

Early Childhood - Mrs. Ziemer 

Kindergarten EDK & Half Day - Mrs. Sperlik, Mrs. Hardy

First Grade - Mrs. Sperlik, Ms. Maurer 

Second Grade- Mr. Herron, Mrs. Schulz

Third Grade - Mrs. Metz, Miss VanBogaert

Fourth Grade - Mrs. Reilley (ELA), Mrs. Wantuch (Math) 

Fifth Grade - Ms. Williams (ELA), Mrs. Wantuch (Math)


Thursday, August 6, 2020

Welcome to the 2020 - 2021 School Year!

We are so excited to begin this year with our students in the hybrid model or through remote learning. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we have worked hard to finalized all plans for the beginning of the school year. 

Based on the communication that you should have just received from Dr. Leden, Superintendent of Kaneland Schools, we need to make some adjustments to a few previously scheduled events in the buildings. Please see below. As always if you have any questions, please reach out to your building administrators. We are looking forward to welcoming students back into our schools.

Teacher Assignment 

Teacher assignments are still under construction and will go live on the morning of August 17th. 


Monday, August 17th - The Live Teacher/Class Zoom Meeting for 1st-5th grade students will be held in a 30-minute time slot per grade level which is listed below. They will have the opportunity to see their teacher, their classroom, and there will be time for a brief Q & A session.  Kindergarten teachers will send a prerecorded welcome video to all of their families in the morning. First - 5th Grade Teachers will send out the zoom link by noon on the 17th to families.

Grade Level

Zoom Time

1st Grade  

3:00 pm

2nd Grade 

3:30 pm

3rd Grade 

4:00 pm

4th/5th Grade

4:30 pm


Wednesday, August 19th - Optional Self-Guided Open House Tours for Hybrid Families.

We ask that No Siblings attend, please limit the accompanying adults to a maximum of two. Everyone is required to wear a mask and adhere to the 6ft social distancing guidelines while in the building. Within your hour time slot, you will need to visit a variety of areas throughout the building.  This is not the time to drop off supplies. Please send supplies with your child on their first day of in-person learning.  If your student feels comfortable with the building based on previous years, or from interacting in the live Zoom chat and the virtual building tour video, please don’t feel obligated to attend. 


August, 19th 

Optional Self-Guided Open House Tour - Hybrid Families Only 

9:00-10:00

A  day students K and 3rd Grade

10:00-11:00

A day students 4th and 5th Grades

11:00-12:00

A day students 1st and 2nd Grade

12:00-1:00

          B day students K and 3rd Grade

1:00-2:00

B day students 1st and 2nd Grade

2:00-3:00

B day students 4th and 5th Grades


Devices 

We have also fielded questions regarding devices - All Hybrid Students (Kindergarten - 4th-grade students that did not pick up a device in the Spring) will be assigned a device on their first day of in-person learning.  B day students have the opportunity to also pick up their device during the optional Open House on August 19th.  Fully Remote Students - Device pick up for fully remote students K-4 will be during the August 17th and 18th Teacher Institute Days.


Please refer to the information below for your specific child(ren) grade level(s) for Hybrid Students. 


Grade Level

Technology Devices per Grade Level for Hybrid Students

Kindergarten

You will be receiving an IPAD on your first face to face day in your classroom.

1st Grade  

If you have a device that you checked out during the spring of 2020, please turn this into your classroom teacher on your first day. You will be receiving an IPAD on your first face to face day in your classroom.

2nd Grade 

If you picked up a device in the spring of 2020, please keep that device for this school year. If you did not pick one up, you will receive one on your first face to face day in your classroom. 

3rd Grade 

If you picked up a device in the spring of 2020, please keep that device for this school year. If you did not pick one up, you will receive one on your first face to face day in your classroom. 

4th Grade

If you have a device that you were assigned during the 2019/ 2020 school year, please bring this on your first face to face day. You will then be receiving a new assigned Chromebook as part of the 1:1 initiative in your classroom.

5th Grade

Keep the device you have currently. Bring on your first day of face to face learning. 


Thursday, August 20th - First Day of School for A Day Students / Remote Students 1st Day


Friday, August 21st - First Day of School for B Day Students


Stay Tuned For More Information!

Sincerely,

Samantha Aversa

Principal


Monday, April 27, 2020

May News


Dear John Stewart Families~ 

I hope you are all continuing to stay well as our "stay-at-home" order continues. I can't begin to describe the disappointment felt by our entire staff when we learned we would not be returning to our school home this year. We greatly miss every one of our students and are doing our absolute best to continue to support their learning. Your patience, respectfully posed questions and commitment to do the best you can with Remote Learning is recognized and appreciated. This May news is coming to you a bit early, as I'm certain you have many questions regarding the typical end of the year activities. I wanted to share with you what I currently know and assure you that I will reach back out as decisions are finalized.


Laura Garland
Principal



End of the Year Information
Please know that the district is currently working on a plan to address 3rd-trimester grading, as well as student material pick-up. Once the plan is complete, we will share out with all families.

Celebrating our 5th Graders
Big pictureWith the announcement of Sheltering in Place for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, I'm sure there are many of you who have questions about how to honor and celebrate the milestone in our student's lives of moving from the elementary school to middle school. All elementary schools will be creating a virtual clap out for our students. This will come out on May 20th, our last day of student attendance. We also have ordered a large sign which will be placed in front of the school for 5th graders to come and get their picture taken using social distancing practices. The sign will be in front of the school for several weeks to allow access to all who want to come and get their photo taken. We'll let you know when the sign arrives.

Retirees
We have 3 staff members who are ending long-term educational careers at the end of this school year. While we are all disappointed with the current restrictions on in-person learning, these staff members are particularly sad knowing this is their last year with students. Please consider sending a message to our retirees letting them know how much their efforts have been appreciated over the years.

Julie Kolzow- Special Education Teacher-  10261@kaneland.org
Karen Weigt- 1st Grade Teacher- 10522@kaneland.org
Linda Zulkowski- RtI Reading Interventionist - 10570@kaneland.org

New KST Principal
As I shared with you all previously, I have accepted the position of Personalized Learning Coordinator for Kaneland Schools, beginning on July 1st. The extensive interview process for identifying the next principal for Kaneland John Stewart Elementary School has just concluded. Please watch your email over the next few days regarding the incoming principal.

Summer School
The deadline for summer school registration has been extended through May 1, 2020.

At this point, we are hoping to still be able to offer the traditional Summer School format and are proceeding with the registration process with the intention of doing so. We are also making plans for alternative options should that become necessary. We will keep families posted as we learn what constraints we may or may not be facing in June. At this time, you may register for summer school through the Kaneland Web Store, accessible through our website, kaneland.org.

Summer School courses will run Monday- Thursday from June 1st - June 25th. The time will depend upon which session/sessions your child will be attending. The registration deadline is now May 1st.


PAY IT FORWARD
We know there are so many First Responders in our communities that are risking their lives and family's health to continue to service and protect all community members. We would like to show our support and appreciation to those working to keep the Kaneland community safe. If your students would like to create a drawing, a thank you card, and or a small sign that encourages them on their hard work, please create the card or drawing and either drop it off in the plastic bin in front of our school while out on a walk or taking a ride OR mail directly to the local department. Let's shower our First Responders in Kaneland with love and appreciation! 💛

Mail to any one of the following departments:

Elburn Police Department: 301 E North St, Elburn, IL 60119
Elburn Fire Department: 200 IL-38, Elburn, IL 60119
Kaneville Fire Department: 46W536 Lovell St, Kaneville, IL 60144
Kane County Sheriff: 37W755 IL-38 suite a, St. Charles, IL 60175
Maple Park Fire Department: 305 S County Line Rd, Maple Park, IL 60151
Maple Park Police Department: 306 Willow St, Maple Park, IL 60151
Montgomery Police Department: 10 Civic Center Dr, Montgomery, IL 60538
Montgomery Fire Department: 198 S Railroad St, Montgomery, IL 60538
Sugar Grove Police Department: 10 Municipal Dr # A, Sugar Grove, IL 60554 
Sugar Grove Fire Department: 25 Municipal Dr, Sugar Grove, IL 60554

Technology Support
Beginning on April 6th we will have technical support and repair available for student Chromebooks on-site in the Harter Middle School Community Room, just inside Door 20 (student entrance). You will want to park in the rear of the building. Support will be available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 am- 11:00 am. If you just have a question and need tech support, please use this link, http://www.kaneland.org/r/student-helpdesk/, which will connect you with a tech that can give you support to problem solve.


Class Placement
Despite the suspension of in-person learning, we are beginning conversations related to classes for next year. While we do not accept requests for specific teachers, we do try to accommodate requests for instructional and classroom styles that are best for a particular learner. If you have information regarding your child as a learner, that we are not already aware of, please send me an email with the relevant information. We will consider this information when determining the 2020-2021 class placements. Please note that final class placements come out at the end of summer.



Remote Learning 
We need your help. Please log on to this link for Daily Attendance on days when we should be at school. Be sure to contact your child's teacher if you need any support throughout Remote Learning.

Monday, April 6, 2020

April News

Dear Kaneland John Stewart Families~

Our first day of Remote Learning has come to an end. All in all, it appears to have gone relatively well. We've heard from many families who experienced success in logging in and accessing learning opportunities, as well as several that were problem-solving through issues they encountered. We know your inbox has been full of Kaneland emails over the past two days as we attempted to push out information. That overwhelming initial push out should subside somewhat as we settle into a routine. A few great questions we received today, that may be helpful for all include:
  • Do students have to report attendance for each subject area? A: No, students should complete 1 attendance form per day. 
  • Q: When will Social-Emotional Learning lessons be sent out? A: The next set of SEL lessons will be shared with all families on April 9th. 
  • Q: Do students have to be on-line during the duration of their teacher's office hours? A: No, students may complete their remote learning and email teachers as necessary at any time throughout the day. Responses can be expected during identified teacher office hours. 
  • Q: Will refunds be issued for field trips that have been paid for, but did not take place? A: Yes, the district does plan to issue refunds for field trips. These will likely be issued at the end of the school year, once we have more certainty as to whether or not we'll be back in school this year. 
  • Q: The formating of the Exploratory information is off when I open the link. A: Our mistake! Try this one: Exploratory Remote Learning
  • Q: I am having difficulty logging into iReady. Can you help? A: We sure can! 
Logging into iReady from home
  1. From this home screen you will see “Web Apps” (bottom left under main message box), click on this
  2. After you click on web apps it will ask you to sign into google. Students will need to put their 6 digit number @kaneland.org (example: 123456@kaneland.org) then their secure password (example: MicTip3!)
  3. Then they will need to login to iReady. They will use the SAME login they did for google. Where some students are getting stuck is they are forgetting to add the “@kaneland.org” after their 6 digit username. So again, example: 123456@kaneland.org and then their secure password.

***If siblings are sharing a device, the first child must log out before another logs in.  The easiest way is to shut down in between siblings because that forces a restart which clears their cache. 

Please keep in mind the recommendations from the Illinois State Board of Education regarding the amount of instructional time recommended during Remote Learning. 
Grade Level
Minimum Time
Minutes per day
Maximum Time
Minutes per day
Time on Task
Pre K
20
60
3-5 minutes
K
20
90
3-5 minutes
1-2
45
90
5-10 minutes
3-5
60
120
10-15 minutes
6-8
90
180
Typical Class Period
9-12
120
270
Typical Class Period


I've read multiple times over the past few weeks that Remote Learning should really be called Crisis Learning. We are not attempting to replicate a typical 6-hour instructional day. We are trying to provide some level of engagement with learning for students and families during a time of crisis. Our message to you is that you should strive to only do the best that your family can do right now and to reach out to us if you need any support. 

Device Pick-Up
On Wednesday, April 8th, if your 1st-3rd grade student needs to check out a Chromebook to complete work, you may pick up a loaner at John Stewart Elementary. If your child has access to a device at home that they can use for Remote Learning purposes, it is not necessary to come to school to pick up a loaner device. Please be sure to bring your own pen to sign the 1:1 agreement and have your child's ID number with you. Pick up times are as follows:
  • 2nd Grade- 9am-10am
  • 3rd Grade- 10am-11am
  • 1st Grade- 11am-12pm
**If you have a student in 1st grade, as well as 2nd or 3rd, please wait to pick-up your devices until the 1st grade pick-up time.

** Pick-up will be outside near the flagpole. We ask that only 1 adult member of the family pick-up the device(s) to support our efforts to maintain appropriate social distancing. No teachers will be present at the device pick-up and no one will be allowed in the building. 

**If you are not able to make your designated pick up time, loaner devices can also be picked up in the Harter Middle School Community Room (Enter Door 20) on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays between 9-11 am. 

Technology Support
Beginning on April 6th we will have technical support and repair available for student Chromebooks on-site in the Harter Middle School Community Room, just inside Door 20 (student entrance). You will want to park in the rear of the building. Support will be available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 am- 11:00 am. If you just have a question and need tech support, please use this link, http://www.kaneland.org/r/student-helpdesk/, which will connect you with a tech that can give you support to problem solve.

Updated Lunch Distribution Schedule
Beginning April 6, 2020, on Monday’s and Thursday’s from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. school lunches will be provided for those in need at the following locations:

Kaneland John Stewart Elementary School, 817 Prairie Valley Street, Elburn, IL
Kaneland John Shields Elementary School, 85 S. Main Street, Sugar Grove, IL
Kaneland McDole Elementary School, 2901 Foxmoor Drive, Montgomery, IL

On Mondays – students will receive lunches for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
On Thursdays – students will receive lunches for Thursday, Friday and a weekend pack.

Please email 10161@kaneland.org if you have any questions or unique circumstances if you are not able to pick up lunches on Mondays or Thursdays.

Virtual Zoo
We have had so many great submissions to our Virtual Zoo. We encourage you to take a look at the current exhibits and continue to add your own. Kaneland John Stewart Virtual Zoo

Something Fun to Try at Home
 COVID 19 Time Capsule

Summer School 
On March 16th, the window for summer school registration officially opened on our website,
kaneland.org. Much has happened in our world since then. At this point, we are hoping to still
be able to offer the traditional Summer School format and are proceeding with the registration
process with the intention of doing so. We are also making plans for alternative options should
that become necessary. We will keep families posted as we learn what constraints we may or may
not be facing in June. At this time, you may register for Summer School through the Kaneland Web
Store, accessible through our website, kaneland.org. Summer School Course Catalog

Summer School courses will run Monday- Thursday from June 1st - June 25th. The time will depend upon which session/sessions your child will be attending. The registration deadline is April 24th.


Class Placement
Despite the suspension of in-person learning, we are beginning conversations related to classes for next year. While we do not accept requests for specific teachers, we do try to accommodate requests for instructional and classroom styles that are best for a particular learner. If you have information regarding your child as a learner, that we are not already aware of, please send me an email with the relevant information. We will consider this information when determining the 2020-2021 class placements. Please note that final class placements come out at the end of summer.





September Newsletter

  Important Dates Thursday, Sept. 3 - School Store Monday, Sept. 7 - No School Labor Day  Wednesday, Sept. 9 - Ream's Fun Lunch Friday, ...