October Newsletter

Important Dates 

• October 2 - Custodian Appreciation Day
• October 2-6 - Homecoming Spirit Week - see info below
• October 4 - Homecoming Parade in Sugar Grove - starts at 6:00 and follows the same route as Sugar Grove Corn Boil
• October 4 - PTN Fun Lunch - Jersey Mike's
• October 4 - PTN Knight Out at Raising Cane's (Batavia)
• October 5 - PTN Meeting 6:30-7:30 (KST Library)
• October 6 - PTN Fun RUN - during exploratories
• October 6 - 5th Grade Outdoor Ed
• October 9 - No School
• October 13 - Fire Safety Presentation at school for grades K-2
• October 18 - KST Picture Retakes
• October 18 - PTN Fun Lunch - Reams
• October 23 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day (10/22)
• October 31 - Kinder Halloween Parties 10:30-11:20 / 1st-5th Grade Parties 2:30-3:00
• October 31 - Halloween Parade 3:05-3:20 - in front of the school

Please click HERE to view the 2023-2024 Kaneland School Calendar.


Custodian Appreciation Day
October 2 is Custodian Appreciation Day! We are very, very fortunate to have some of the most caring and dedicated custodians. The kids see Ms. Lily and Ms. Elizabeth each and every day - if you feel inclined - take a moment to help your child write a thank you note! They can bring it to school on Monday!

Homecoming!
Homecoming Week was kicked off today with a Pep Rally! KHS students came to school to excite the Knights and showcase some events kids can look forward to.

KST will be having Spirit Week during the week of Oct. 2-6 to support our Kaneland Knights.

At Home Idea!
A lot of families struggle with getting their child complete non-preferred activities. One way to help your child complete activities they do not prefer is to offer controlled choice. Offering controlled choices throughout the day can help reduce defiant behaviors by allowing children more choices in their day. Please see this graphic below for ways to incorporate choice into your child's day

Halloween Happenings  

As soon as the calendar turns to October, we all begin thinking about Halloween!

Yes - our school allows students to wear costumes. Please send your child in a costume to school on Tuesday, October 31.

Costume guidelines:
Please make them school-appropriate - if there is a mask or prop - you can send them at your discretion - students will have a parade where they can use these but then will need to tuck it away for the rest of the day in their backpacks.
We do ask that there is no gore or blood or guts

Parade:
We will have a school parade that will take place at 3:00-ish in front of the school 
Parents are welcome to attend, and can stay on the sidewalk between Door 2 and Door 12 - kids will walk the parade in their costumes.

Parties:
PTN has shared the sign-up for the Halloween Parties
We do not allow for any candy or food treats to be passed out.
Parties typically include a game and a craft!

Kaneland Preschool Screenings

CLICK HERE for Preschool Screening Sign-Up

Kaneland Connects Strategic Plan

The Kaneland Connects rollout of the strategic plan continues, we are in year three of the five-year plan. We are providing an update on the plan's progress along with information on upcoming events.

Standards-Based Grading (SBG) is one of the five commitments. SBG reports on the level of proficiency that students are able to demonstrate through a variety of assessments and projects, with grade reports falling on a continuum level from Needs Support to Proficient. Additionally, our high school grade span can earn a grade of Excellent (4). Standards-based grading is an effective way to evaluate student progress and encourages continuous improvement.

Standards-based scales are typically 1-4 at Kaneland High School (KHS) and 1-3 in grades K-8. Scores reflect students' increasing skills:

- 1 Needs Support
- 2 Approaching
- 3 Proficient
- 4 Excellent (This score is reserved only for our high school students.)

There is a link between multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and social emotional learning (SEL.) MTSS encompasses academic knowledge and functional and behavioral support for students, improving organization, function, and planning, and those needing regulation in a school setting. MTSS staff collaborate with social workers, psychologists, and behavioral facilitators to analyze and problem-solve support for a student. If you are looking for behavioral support for your child, don’t hesitate to contact an MTSS coordinator or principal in the building. Contact information can be found on the following web page Staff Directory.
As a parent, you are the best support system and advocate for your child's education. Checking your child's grades, reviewing their learning progress, communicating with teachers, and researching ways to support your child in their learning journey are some of the recommended tips. By doing so, a child achieves academic success and develops strong self-esteem and confidence. Please contact the Directors of Educational Services, Mr. Patrick Raleigh, at 11509@kaneland.org or Dr. Sarah Mumm at 10358@kaneland.org, with any questions, concerns, or comments.

Contact Dr. Sarah Mumm if you would like to be a part of the Kaneland Connects Committee. We will meet three times this school year, starting September 27, 2023, then on January 31, 2024, and April 23, 2024, at Kaneland Meredith Academic Center (KMAC) from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Our committee is focused on evaluating the progress of the five commitments outlined in our strategic plan, available on the following web page Kaneland Connects. We recognize the importance of closely monitoring these commitments and ensuring we meet our goals. We are dedicated to ensuring that our schools provide the best possible support for our students, and we're excited to continue working towards these important goals.

In our school district, we strive to ensure that every student is given an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of the course in which they are retaking an assessment. To achieve this, we have implemented a standardized retake process that involves a conference between the student and teacher. Targeted practice activities are identified during this conference, and a deadline is set for the student to complete these activities. Once completed, the student can then move on to their re-assessment. This approach helps promote fairness and consistency while giving students the support they need to succeed.

The upcoming Homecoming Parade in Sugar Grove is on October 4, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. The Kaneland District will participate with a float showcasing our connections and commitments through Kaneland Connects. It will be a great time, so join us along the parade route!

September Stewart Scoop

September 

4        No School - Labor Day

6        Fun Lunch - Culvers

7        Fall Picture Day

20      Fun Lunch - Paisanos Pasta

22      First Trimester Progress Reports (as needed)

October

2-6    Homecoming Week   

4        Fun Lunch - Jersey Mikes

9        No School - Indigenous Peoples' Day

18       Fun Lunch - Reams

Tuesday Recess

Our Gaga Ball Pit will be getting new concrete laid on Tuesday, Sept. 4th beginning at 7 a.m.  We will have to close the playground off for Tuesday due to the equipment needed for the project.  However, temperatures are projected to be higher anyway so students will have indoor recess. 

This Is Us Bulletin Board

This year's theme at school is "This Is Us" - we are brave, strong, smart, hard-working, loving, and so much more which is what makes us such an awesome school!!  To celebrate this theme with us, we would love to have our families join our whole school bulletin board.  Please email a family photo to Jessica.Bottorff@kaneland.org so we can print it off and add it to our bulletin board in the main hallway.  Thanks for participating! 

Kaneland Homecoming

October 4th - Parade

October 4th - Powder Puff @ Kaneland High School Football Stadium

October 6th - Football Game 

Last-Minute Transportation Changes

We kindly ask that you DO NOT change your child's transportation that day any time later than 2:30 p.m. unless it is an EMERGENCY.  Thank you! 

We're Back to School at KST!

News From The Behavior Facilitator

Are you curious about how your child’s days have been going at school? Do you often get one-word answers and are left feeling like you aren’t sure how to encourage your child to share about their day? Check out the below tips for ways to help your child open up about how school is going.

The Best Questions to Ask Your Kids About Their Day at School
Make Your Questions Specific

Who did you play with at recess?
What did you do during PE class?
What did you need help with today? Who helped you?
What was your favorite thing about your day?

Some specific questions for older children might include things like:
Who did you work with during math?
What was the funniest thing that happened today?
Who did you hang out with at lunch?
Who is your favorite/least favorite teacher this year?
Is there anything I can do to support you today?

Start by Talking About Your Day
Sharing about our day will help us model how to talk about the day. This is a new skill that needs to be learned over time. Ask Nothing and Connect Instead

Instead of talking and asking all those questions you are aching for answers to, try taking some time at first to connect with your child. Offer them a hug or a high five. Spend some time making jokes and laughing with your child if they feel playful, or consider racing them home from school for fun. Do whatever works for your child to help them feel safe, grounded, and at home.

Once they are happy and calm, that might be the time you can start to ask them questions about their day. But you’ve got to set the stage and gently ease them into it.
Check out this article to dig deeper into helping your child share about the school day.

Mid-August Newsletter

Important Dates
August

14    1st-5th Grade Supply Drop Off (4-6pm)

16    First Day of School 

September 

4        No School - Labor Day

6        Fun Lunch - Culvers

7        Fall Picture Day

20     Fun Lunch - Paisanos Pasta

22      First Trimester Progress Reports (as needed)

October

2-6    Homecoming Week   

4        Fun Lunch - Jersey Mikes

9        No School - Indigenous Peoples' Day

18       Fun Lunch - Reams 

*Please be on the look out the Fun Lunch Sign-Up in your email. It will be emailed out within the next week by PTN and I will resend it as well.   

Absent Line/Transportation
If your child will be absent from school, please call the absent line (630) 365-8170, Press 4.   
For transportation needs, please call (630) 365-5111 ext 71148

Jessica Bottoff (Front Secretary) - x73101 for any general school questions

Ashely Jeager (Prinical Secretary) - x73102 for milk, school fee questions

Bell Schedule

Teacher Supervision Begins at 8:35 AM

First Bell 8:40 AM

Tardy Bell 8:50 AM

Half-Day Kindergarten Pick Up 11:30 AM

Walkers/Car Riders 3:25 PM

Bussers 3:30 PM

Parking Lot Procedures (SO IMPORTANT) Student Drop-Off/Pickup 

*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 and along Prairie Valley Street*

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.   

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 routinely trims the tree back to make the sign more visible.   

Student Drop-Off/Pick-Up  Use the West lot

• Follow the route in the picture to the right
• Pull all the way forward before allowing your child to exit or enter the car
• Children should enter/exit on the curbside only
• Adults should remain in their car if using the drop-off/pick-up lane
• If your child can not exit the car independently, then you must park in a spot and use the crosswalk. 

      

If walking your child to their door, 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 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 goodbyes there. Think of it like the “kiss and ride or fly zones” you would see at train stations and airports.

iReady Testing
All students will have iReady testing throughout the week of August 28 - September 1.  Please make sure students come prepared with a good night's rest and breakfast. 

School Visitors

We love our school volunteers and visitors!! If you are interested in volunteering in your child's class or in the library, please contact that teacher or staff member. If you are a new volunteer or visitor, please bring your driver's license when checking into the front office to get scanned into our system. If you have already given us your driver's license and are in the system, please just check in at the front office to receive your visitor's badge.

Welcome to the 2023-24 School Year!

Welcome Mrs. Salto - Assistant Principal

Dear John Stewart Families,

I wanted to introduce myself as the Assistant Principal of John Stewart and John Shields for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. Last year I was the Assistant Principal at John Shields and McDole Elementary schools. I am excited about the opportunity to get to know, learn from, and support staff, students, families, and the John Stewart community this year.

Feel free to click here to watch this video to learn more about me both personally and professionally.

Thank you,
Kara Salto

Important Dates

Thursday, August 10th - Kindergarten Supply Drop Off and Curriculum Night 4-5:30pm

Friday, August 11th - PTN Sponsored Ice Cream Social from 5-7pm (All Grades Welcome)

Monday, August 14th - 1st Grade thru 5th Grade Supply Drop Off and Curriculum Night 4-6pm 

Wednesday, August 16th - First Day of School!! 8:40 Start Time

2023-2024 John Stewart Elementary Staff

Preview our AMAZING Staff HERE

Bell Schedule
Bus students will enter as the busses arrive (approximately 8:40) and will wait at their assigned door until the bell rings.

If walkers and drop-off students arrive at school before 8:40 they will wait outside their assigned door until a teacher comes to walk them in at the 8:40 bell.

Students should not arrive before 8:30 due to no supervision.

Door 1: K & 3rd
Door 2: 1st & 2nd
Door 12: 4th & 5th

Students will be able to wait inside on days when the windchill Is 5 degrees or colder.   If it is raining we will bring them in at 8:35am.

FIRST BELL 8:40 A.M.
TARDY BELL 8:50 A.M. - Parents/Guardians must bring their student(s) to the front office to check in if they are tardy

AM Kindergarten Dismissal: 11:30 A.M.

Student Dismissal
3:25 p.m. - Walkers & Pick-Ups

3:30 p.m. - Bussers


LUNCH/RECESS MONITORS WANTED!

Do children's laughs and smiles make your heart happy? Do you enjoy spending time with elementary students? Do you have late morning/early afternoon availability (2.75 hours per day)? If so, please consider reaching out to Mrs. Salto about our lunch/recess monitor vacancies. We'd love the opportunity to learn more about you and share more about these positions. Please contact her at 65928@kaneland.org or via phone at (630) 365-8170 extension 73105 or complete an online application via the link below.

PS - We are also still looking for Substitute teachers for the year! Please don't hesitate to reach out to learn about our flexible scheduling and building opportunities!        Kaneland Employment Online Application


School Calendar
Please click HERE to view the 2023-24 Kaneland School Calendar


Pre-Paid Milk
You are able to prepay milk for the year or by each semester. This is available when you register into your child's Infinite Campus account. The last day to purchase milk will be August 18th. If you elect to pay for the entire school year, the fee is $42.00-1st sem., $42.00-2nd sem., Or $84.00-year

Your child can also bring 50 cents daily to purchase milk when they would like if you do not want to prepay milk for the semester.


Immunization and Health Records
We would encourage all incoming kindergarten students to have immunization records, health forms, dental forms, and eye exams submitted by the first day of school, August 16.

We would also encourage all incoming 2nd-grade students to have an updated dental form submitted by the first day of school.

Bus Routes, Alternate Transportation, & Class Assignments
As you start school, your child's information for who their teacher is, what bus they ride and report card will go through a system Infinite Campus.

All students who are eligible to take the bus will automatically be routed to one. If your child uses alternate transportation or needs to be picked up or dropped off at another location other than your house on a regular basis, please complete THIS FORM. It is required to be completed each year.

As a reminder, for families with a Kindergarten and/or First-grade student, a parent or adult must be at the bus stop to pick their child up at the end of the day unless they have an older sibling riding with them.

Class assignments will be shared through Infinite Campus on Friday, August 4th.


EC-5th grade Supply List Information
Here is a link to the school supply lists. Please bring the supplies with you to your child's scheduled curriculum night - Kindergarten, August 10th / 1st grade - 5th grade, August 14th. If you can't make it to curriculum night, your student can bring their supplies on the first day of school, no problem! We will have extra staff members outside to help!


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 goodbyes 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. When in the parent drop-off line please have students only exit the car on the right side by the sidewalk. Parents, please remain in your car. If you need to get out for any reason, please find a parking spot to assist your child(ren). The traffic should continue to move along.

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.


Chromebook Insurance for Students in Grades 2-12
Every year we allow parents to purchase insurance for their child's Chromebook. The insurance is good for one year and only costs $25. Parents can purchase the insurance now through August 31st with this link - https://gpo.worthavegroup.com/gpo/kaneland/.

Ways to Stay Connected
Infinite Campus - This program will allow you to check your child's teacher, bus information, home information, emergency contacts, etc.

Canvas - This program will allow you to check on your child's academic work and communication from the teacher. The teacher will provide you with an email or document on how to get registered for their specific class. This resource will help parents navigate through Canvas - Canvas Information.

Facebook & Twitter - We will post pictures, videos, and helpful reminders.

Kaneland.org - Stay up to date with what's going on in Kaneland through the main website.

StewartPTN@gmail.com - If you have PTN questions or want to sign up for their emails, please contact stewartptn@gmail.com. Look for the meeting dates on the school's calendar at KST.Kaneland.org


Back-to-School Anxiety
What is Back to School Anxiety?
Beginning school again after a long break can cause nervousness in all students. Students of all ages can worry about their new classrooms if they will make friends, the demands of school, or being away from their parents or home environment.

Symptoms of Anxiety:
Children who are anxious about the start of the school year may have emotional and/or physical symptoms of anxiety such as sleep disturbance, gastrointestinal problems, isolation from family or friends, avoidance of normal activities, feeling weak, tired, or restless, trouble concentrating, and having an increased heart rate.

How to Help Your Child with Back-to-School Anxiety:

Listen, Validate Feelings, and Be Empathetic - If your child opens up and is honest with you about their anxiety, listen to them and validate their feelings. Ensure your child knows it is okay to feel anxious and that you are there to help them through their feelings. Help your child determine what they are worrying about then coach your child to help them problem solve how to help work through their fears or concerns.

Self-Care - Establish self-care routines or strategies with your child. Teaching your child self-care strategies can help them with remembering to check in with their thoughts and feelings when they are becoming overwhelmed with anxiety.

School Year Routines - Create back-to-school routines and practice them before the school year starts. Practice waking up, getting dressed and ready, eating breakfast, then leaving the house. Resume your school year bedtime routines a week or two before school starts. Have a playdate with a familiar peer who attends your child’s school.

Role Play Feared Scenarios - Role-play the scenarios that your child is concerned about. Take turns in the role of your child and whoever else is in your child’s fear (a “mean” teacher, a hard activity, an uncomfortable social situation, etc.). Your responses will help your child learn how to deal with the situation in an appropriate way. Role-playing can also help your child learn how to respond with less anxiety about the situation. Visit the school to rehearse drop-off and pick-up routines or spend time playing on the playground.

Be Supportive and Reinforce Successes - Be supportive of your child’s anxieties about the new school year but continue to get them to school. Allowing your child to stay home from school because of their anxiety will only reinforce their fears. Reinforce the successes that your child does have. Acknowledge their bravery in facing their fears.


BEFORE AND AFTER-SCHOOL CARE
“The Sugar Grove Park District CARE program provides a safe, supervised environment where children can socialize, play, or do homework before and after school, including sports, arts and crafts, games, reading, storytelling, music, videos and study time. This program is for children entering Kindergarten – 5th grades at all four Kaneland Elementary Schools. Enroll Now!”
https://www.sgparks.org/care-program/

KANELAND CARES CLOSET
The Care Closet is still available this year for any family who is struggling with basic necessities. See the link below for more information:     Cares Closet                

Summer Newsletter

End Of Year Reminders

5/25 1 Hr Early Dismissal (2:30 pm)

5/26 Field Day - Please have your child wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring water/water bottle. Feel free to pack a change of clothing for the water games they will play during the day. A Free Hot Dog lunch will also be provided by the PTN if you signed up. If not, please pack a lunch for your student. 

5/26 5th Grade Clap Out (1:45 pm) See Information Below

5/26 Last Day of School - 1 Hr Early Dismissal (2:30 pm)

5th Grade Clap Out Information

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 Friday, May 26th at 1:45 pm.

• The clap-out will take place outside (weather permitting) around the walking path on the West side of the school. 
• 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 take a picture during the Clap Out.
• Pictures can be taken after school in front of the 5th-grade Graduate banner that will be hung on one of the baseball backstops.
• Following the conclusion of the Clap Out, you may take your child home by signing them out on one of the sign-out sheets located at the baseball field.
• In the event of inclement weather, the clap-out will be held indoors and parents will be in the gym 

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 9th. 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.

Summer Reading Program at the Town and Country Library

Check out THIS VIDEO regarding the summer reading program at the Elburn Town and Country Library 

Parking Lot Replacement  

• Demolition of the existing pavement from May 30th through June 6th.

• Installation of the new pavement from June 7th through June 14th.

• Striping to follow soon after.

• The building will be open, please enter with caution and park on the street during this time.

Marque Sign

I am looking for a parent volunteer to take over updating the John Stewart Marque sign.  It only needs to be updated monthly.  You and I would work together to determine what is posted.  Please email me (10017@kaneland.org) if you are interested!   Update, I was able to get a few parent volunteers.  Thank you so much!

School Toolbox - Reasons to get School Toolbox:

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

Visit:  https://schooltoolbox.com/school-supplies/   

Type in school: Kaneland John Stewart

2023-2024 Supply List

Kindergarten Supply List

First - Fifth Grade Supply List

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.  

Infinite Campus Replacing Tyler SIS

This summer Kaneland CUSD 302 will replace the Student Information System from TylerSIS to Infinite Campus. This email is to give you preliminary information about the upcoming change. We will send more information to families over the next several weeks in preparation for the July conversion.

Starting July 10th, parents can log in to the campus portal to pay their student fees, view all students linked to them, and update their household data through the yearly registration process. Parents will receive an email with the parent portal link and an activation code to set up their accounts. At that point, you will also need to update your household information.

The link below is a sneak peek of what you will see within Infinite Campus.

Parent Portal Overview

Please be on the lookout for future communications regarding this important change. Thank you for your attention to this system upgrade. If you have any questions, please contact your student's school.

Kaneland Technology Department

Thank You From Our Librarian

To all the students, volunteers, families, the PTN and staff who helped to support the library this year! Thank you to all who donated books for your child's classroom and books for the LRC at the B&N Fair! All of your efforts resulted in record breaking fundraising to help purchase new books, replace well-loved favorites and get new seating for the hut!  

We also had a fantastic author visit from Anitra Rowe Schulte that kicked off the PTN Ties and Tiaras Spring Dance.

Fall Scholastic Book Fair  Total Sales:  $12,423.81

                           Total Profit & Rewards:  $5,230.95

Spring Scholastic Book Fair  Total Sales:  $15,643.37

                                Total Profit & Rewards:  $5,675.17

Summer Barnes & Noble Book Fair  Profit: $200 (approx.)

I can’t wait to share more new books with the students next year!

Have a wonderful summer!

Mrs. Steers - KST LRC Assistant

                                                       

Back-to-School Dates

Sorry to mention this but for planning purposes, the first day back to school is Wednesday, August 16th

May Newsletter

KST Families ~

Can you believe we are in the last month of the 2022-23 school year!! Time truly goes by so quickly and at times we need to remember to slow down and enjoy each moment. Over the past year, students have made such growth academically and social-emotionally. 

In relationship to our Kaneland Connects Strategic Plan, look how we have grown:

1:1 - Students have used technology to enhance their learning through iReady, IXL, and Reflex. Students have shared their learning with families by utilizing Seesaw and personal weekly emails. 

SEL - Students added to their social-emotional toolbox with strategies learned through weekly lessons from the Second Step curriculum. Lessons included empathy, emotion management, problem-solving skills, relationship skills, and more. 

MTSS - This school year marked the full implementation of MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) from our former RTI (Response to Intervention) program.  Students are supported by the classroom teacher and the MTSS co-teachers with interventions provided in the classrooms that were directly related to skills currently being taught in the classroom.  It was a fluid process where students receive necessary support based on their individual data throughout the year. MTSS looks at the whole child and we will continue to refine that process as we continue to discuss student needs.

PBP - Proficiency Based Progress provides students with clear expectations and learning targets of the reported standards within their grade level. This is a 5th-grade class in Mrs. Kuntsman’s music class - If you watch until the end of the clip, she briefly references the proficiency table on the screen. The proficiency table is posted during class as students play in solos or small groups. They can also refer to it on Canvas if they submit a recorded video at home. Students self-reflect on their own performance and provide peer feedback using the PBP table.   Music Recorder Proficiency Table

SBG - Standards-Based Grading isn't new at the elementary level. For many years students have been assessed with (S) Strength, (P) Progressing, (D) Developing, (B) Beginning.  Next year, we will use the scale reported below.  This year students have had the opportunity to experience 3, 2, and 1 through PBP tables and self-reflection opportunities. 

April Newsletter

Important April Dates

4/6     Visit California Pizza Kitchen for Knights Out Fundraiser

4/6     3rd Trimester Progress Reports (as needed)

4/7     No School - School Improvement Day for Teachers

4/11   5th Grade Tours at Harter Middle School

4/12   Spring Pictures

4/12   Reams Fun Lunch

4/14   Ties and Tiara's Formal Dance

4/20   3rd Grade Music Concert 5:30-6pm

4/20   Open House 6-8pm

4/20   Visit Buona Beef for Knights Out Fundraiser 

4/25   PTN Meeting 6-7pm

4/26   McCalisters Fun Lunch

4/26   Step Up Night for 5th Graders at KHMS 6:30-7:30pm

Important May Dates

1-5   Teacher Appreciation Week

5/2    5th Grade District Choral Concert

5/5    2nd Grade Tea for Two Concert

5/10  Culver's Fun Lunch

5/16  Final PTN Mtg for the School Year

5/19 5th Grade Outdoor Ed / 5th Grade V. Teachers Basketball Game

5/19 Seniors Visit KST

5/25 1 Hr Early Dismissal (2:30 pm)

5/26 Field Day - Please wear comfortable clothing, and shoes, and bring water

5/26 Last Day of School - 1 Hr Early Dismissal (2:30 pm)

Message from the District Office: 

Kaneland is looking to host inquiry circles this Spring to allow the community to attend and reflect on the progress of our crucial Kaneland Connects strategic plan. We will be holding inquiry circles to assess our progress on our plan through the lens of all stakeholders.  All community members (teachers, parents, and students) are invited to attend on Monday, April 17th at Kaneland Meredith Academic Center from 6:00-7:00 pm in the evening.  Please save the date and come out and share your insight and feedback through our inquiry circles process.  If you are unable to attend the April 17th Inquiry Circle session but would love to share insight and feedback, please contact Dr. Sarah Mumm for a virtual feedback option.  We are looking to revise the commitment team meetings moving into next school year.  Additionally, on Thursday, April 20th, the Citizens Advisory Committee will work with the Administration to update and align the Kaneland Candidate Profile to the Kaneland Connects plan and Personalized Learning tenets.  If you are interested in serving on the Strategic Plan monitoring committee please contact Dr. Sarah Mumm at 10358@kaneland.org.  It has been so exciting to see the progress of the Strategic Plan over the course of this school year.   

Bookfair

We are excited to announce that the Scholastic Book Fair is returning just in time for Stewart’s Spring Open House!

Thursday, April 20th, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

■ The fair will begin on Monday, April 10th and it will run through Friday, April 21st.
■ You can visit Stewarts’s Book Fair website at
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/kanelandjohnstewartelemsch1
■ Students will be able to make purchases during designated school hours if they have an eWallet or bring funds to make purchases.
■ Every dollar you spend will benefit our school directly!

Author Visit At KST

John Stewart’s Library is excited to announce a visit from an award-winning local author Anitra Rowe Schulte “Dancing with Daddy” on Wednesday, April 5
A heartwarming, inclusive picture book that tells the story of Elsie, who can’t wait to attend her first daddy-daughter dance.
This book is a loving tribute to the author’s own daughter and a celebration of the lives of very special children and their families who face unique challenges in life.
Learn more about her at www.anitraroweschulte.com and follow her at @anitraschulte on Twitter.
If you would like to pre-order a personalized signed copy of the book Dancing with Daddy please fill out the form on the back of this flyer and return it to school with payment no later than March 1.
Books will be distributed to students on the day of the author's visit.
We are thrilled that Anitra Rowe Schulte will visit 2 weeks prior to our school Ties and Tiara's dance on April 14th!!!

Open House

Open House will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. We are extremely excited about this opportunity to welcome families into the building to celebrate all of the learning that has taken place over the year. We highly encourage ALL families to attend, even if it is only for a few minutes!

During Open House, the PTN will have its annual fundraising event with Silent Auction Baskets for you to bid on. Each classroom has a theme assigned to them and we need your help filling the basket. The PTN will make up the baskets with those donations. All donations are due Monday, April 10th. If you have a business and would like to donate items for the baskets, please email stewartptn@gmail.com or drop donations off at the front office. Thank you for supporting the PTN!

K – Doll – Reading
K – Druwe – Spa day
K – Baseley – Disney
1 – Wirtz – Crafts
1 – Carrington – Summer Fun
1 – Nachreiner – Dogs
1 – Zurko – Pool fun
2 – Gilkey – Sports
2 – Hay – Camping Fun
2 – Corwin – Slime fun
3 – Hartkopp – Fidgets
3 – Trunkhill – Nerf
3 – Zollers – Chicago Cubs
4 – Prisco – Baking
4 – Bovee – Movie Night
4 – Rutter – BBQ Grilling
5 – Ahearn – Candy
5 – Cantrell – Game night
5 – Williams – White Sox

Knight Ticket Update

After implementing the Knight's Tickets program, we have to CELEBRATE our successes in seeing a decrease in our SWIS-documented behaviors of disrespect, defiance, and minor physical contact.  Students are so excited when they earn tickets and have been working hard in showing their best behaviors, kindness, empathy, problem-solving skills, and commitment to excellence, and we couldn't be more proud of them! Keep up the great work KST!! 

News from the Nurse's Office

We are in need of extra clothes, mainly boy's pants sizes 6-10, in the nurses' office for kids to use in case of accidents.  Please send in your gently used pants or return any items that your child has had to borrow.  Thank you so much!!