The Crosby Chronicle
Weekly Newsletter ~ October 26 - 30, 2020
GREETINGS FROM PRINCIPAL FERGUSON!
Hello Crosby Families,
We are in the final week of the month of October, and the days are getting shorter and colder. It seems like the weeks are moving along quite rapidly, and we would like to celebrate this last week of October with a "VIRTUAL SPIRIT WEEK."
Let's all enjoy a spirit filled week of fun with our Crosby Kids!
We have planned a theme for each day this week, and we will celebrate Monday through Friday. Be sure to send me any photos you would like to share. I love seeing all the creative ideas our students come up with!
Here are the daily themes:
Monday - Pajama Day
Tuesday - Sports Team Day
Wednesday - Crazy Hair / Hat Day
Thursday - Costume / Mask Day
Friday - School Spirit Black and Gold Day
Please see details on the photos in this newsletter.
REPORT CARD INFORMATION
As of Friday, October 23rd, report cards for the first quarter of school can be viewed in PowerSchool. As we are all becoming more familiar with this new platform for assignments, grades, and report card comments, I want to share a brief explanation of the current report. As we move forward we will be working on a more detailed report card for each grade level.
REPORT CARD MARKS
X = Not assessed at this time
M = Meets Expectation (Student completes this skill consistently without error)
P = Progressing (Student is showing growth, but is inconsistent, at times, with their ability to complete the task)
N = Needs Improvement (Student needs more time and support to develop the skills necessary to complete the task)
Parent/Guardian Notes :
Due to remote instruction and the shortened school day, your child will not receive a grade for Character Education as a course. The Character Education lessons are embedded in the classroom, with the homeroom teacher and counselors using the Second Step Curriculum.
All special area classes are given grades at the semester mark (Jan/May). Therefore, you will only see mid semester progress report comments for Music, Art, Physical Education, and Technology/Library Skills.
These special classes, and anything that is not assessed at this time, will show an "X".
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
Have a wonderful week, and I hope you all stay healthy and safe.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ferguson
MESSAGE FROM OUR ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ~ MR. BRASS
ZOOM ATTENDANCE EXPECTATION
As we move into the second quarter, Crosby is adjusting its attendance expectation in order to help ensure student safety and maximize student engagement, which is critical to learning. Going forward, whenever students are in a remote learning environment, they will have three ways to demonstrate the fact that they are present and accounted for.
Students will leave their Zoom video on and remain visible to the teacher and/or staff member from 9am-2pm.
If students have their Zoom video off, they will need to verbally respond when called upon to do so, or as part of a learning activity from 9am-2pm.
If students have their Zoom video off, they will need to respond via chat when prompted to do so, or during a learning activity from 9am-2pm.
One of these options must be used, or a student may be marked absent for whatever portion of the day they fail to do so. This includes transitions to breakout rooms and Specials classes - Art, Music, Library/Tech, and Physical Education. Students who are not accounted for after lunch will receive a half-day absence.
Additionally, there may also be times throughout the day when students are prompted to use Zoom features (ex. polling, hand raising) or turn on their video to share what they are working on. This will allow the teacher or staff member to provide timely feedback to help inform instruction and boost student achievement.
We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
Thank you,
Mr. Brass
Ms. Reisenbuchler's Third Grade
Mrs. Padilla's Third Grade
KINDERGARTEN "DRIVE-HI" PICTURES
NO INSTRUCTION FOR STUDENTS - Friday, November 6, 2020
PCL Corner ~ Our Parent Community Liaison ~ Mrs. Vania DeAlmeida
On Thursday November 5th, the Parent Community Liaisons will be welcoming Dr. Ferney Ramirez and the Facebook Live workshops in Spanish for parents.
PURPOSE
Did you know?
Harvard D50 website houses endless resources for Parents!
Parent Workshops/Resources Include:
THE SOCIAL BUZZ ~ MS. LORENA VILLAGOMEZ
Hi Hornet Families!
The Crosby Chronicle is adding a new section, "The Social Buzz!" I am very excited to write to families every week, and share amazing opportunities in our Harvard Community. This section will also include resources and helpful tips for parents. Make sure to check back every week and read what the "BUZZ" is about.
With some holidays fast approaching, I wanted to share with families some helpful tips to stay safe and healthy during the festivities. Our first holiday on the list is Halloween. The City of Harvard has announced that trick-or-treating will take place from 4pm-8pm on Saturday, October 31st.
Like every other year, families need to take steps to make this time fun, and safe for children. However, with COVID-19 numbers going up again, the Center of Disease Control and Prevention has outlined a number of safety tips families can take to make the experience safe this year. Here are some things to keep in mind for those who choose to participate in trick-or-treating:
Children should be accompanied by a trusting adult.
Keep 6 feet distance between non-household individuals.
Wear a mask. Make the mask part of the costume. A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask.
Carry hand sanitizer with you and use it often!
Have children only grab one candy, and not touch all the other candy in the bowl.
Have flashlights or glow sticks for visibility.
Stay on sidewalks except when crossing the street.
Make sure to check the candies when you get home, and wipe them down if possible.
Have children wash their hands for 20 seconds before eating candy.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and please stay safe.
Ms. Villagomez
Social Worker
WEDNESDAYS ~ ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING
IMPORTANT DATES ~
October 26-30 - Virtual Spirit Week
November 3 - No School - Election Day
November 6 - No School for Students - Staff Development
November 11 - Veteran's Day
November 11 - Early Dismissal 1:00 /Staff Development
November 18 - School Board Meeting - 7:00 pm
November 25 - Early Dismissal
November 26 & 27 - No School - Thanksgiving Holiday
RICHARD D. CROSBY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Principal - Mrs. Kathleen Ferguson kferguson@cusd50.org
Asst. Principal - Mr. Paul Brass pbrass@cusd50.org
Social Worker - Mr. Brandon Barry bbarry@cusd50.org
Social Worker - Ms. Lorena Villagomez lvillagomez@cusd50.org
Parent Community Liaison - Mrs. Vania DeAlmeida vdealmeida@cusd50.org
School Counselor - Mrs. Kortni Spaulding kspaulding@cusd50.org
School Counselor - Mrs. Allison Altmann aaltmann@cusd50.org
Email: kferguson@cusd50.org
Website: https://www.cusd50.org/crosby/
Location: 401 Hereley Drive, Harvard, IL, USA
Phone: 815-943-6125