The Crosby Chronicle
Weekly Newsletter ~ December 14-18, 2020
GREETINGS FROM PRINCIPAL FERGUSON!
I hope this newsletter finds you all doing well and staying healthy. It is hard to believe that we only have seven school days until the winter break begins! My hope is that you all will have a restful holiday season, and enjoy the time over the break. May we all be able to make time to be together safely, and start some new traditions this winter.
I would like to remind all of our kindergarten families about the Kindergarten Supply Pick Up this week. Our staff has worked hard to to prepare a variety of learning materials for the third quarter. All kindergarten students will need these materials when we start back to school in January. Please be sure to pick up your learning supplies this Thursday and Friday at Crosby main entrance (Door 1). We will be in the office between the hours of 7:30 am- 6:00 pm these two days for the pick up. We have extended the hours to help our working parents, but please call the school office if you need a later time. Also, you may contact the school office if you need to have the supplies delivered to your home.
I am excited to share our "Crosby Spirit Week" which will be starting Monday, December 14th and will go until Tuesday, December 22nd. This is a time for our students to have fun and show some school spirit during their zoom classes. Please email me any photos you take of our students showing their school spirit!
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, or your child's teacher, if you have any questions or concerns. We are all here to help you and to support all of our students.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ferguson
Principal
KINDERGARTEN LEARNING SUPPLY PICK UP
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17TH - 7:30 AM- 6:00 PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18TH - 7:30 AM-6:00 PM
THE "COUNSELING CORNER" ~ MRS. SPAULDING & MRS. ALTMANN
Hello Crosby Families,
This time of year is full of exciting family traditions and joyful memories. However, when a family is grieving it can feel overwhelming, and difficult to process all the emotions of the holiday season. This year in particular, many families are grieving the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, or simply the loss of what holidays typically look like. Children don’t always know how to identify or express their grief. This is especially tricky when the adults around them are also experiencing those same emotions. If you find yourself unable to support your child through the grief process, give yourself permission to reach out to another trusted adult in your child’s life. As always, that includes your Crosby counselors and social workers.
Below you will find some tips from GriefShare.org that we hope will be helpful:
Conversations and connections … Talk with your children about the loved one who has died. Provide specific memories that give you a sense of peace and joy. Allow children share their feelings and stories. Children may not remember (or have been old enough to witness) all of the special memories. Keep the lines of communication open by spending one-on-one time with your children. This is especially important as your family honors your loved one’s favorite holiday activities.
Communicate … When discussing death, explain in simple terms that the person’s body has “quit working.” Use simple words such as “death” and “died.” Children tend to be literal thinkers. Because of this, it is important to steer clear of phrases such as “went to sleep.” Otherwise, children may be afraid to go to sleep.
Contact … Appropriate hugs and kisses are a great way to stay in contact. Ask them how they would like to be greeted (e.g., by touching elbows, shoulders, the head or giving a “high five”). Respect their rights not to be touched, as well.
Clown around … Children need to take breaks from their grieving. In other words, they will not grieve continuously, every day, all day long. Allow your child to laugh and joke around. It’s okay to laugh. Laughter releases endorphins in the brain and body--which assist in a sense of well being.
Create … Let your child draw, color, paint or construct his/ her world through blocks and other manipulative items. Make an ornament or a collage. What does my life look like? Who is in it? Who is not? This is a healthy way for your child to process his or her grief.
Carry … Let your children have a photo or small memento to carry and hold. It may give them a sense of connection to the loved one that has died. During the holidays, allow your child to keep pictures of your loved one from past holidays. Discuss how the holidays will be different, and also discuss how some traditions will be the same. Your child may want to have a loved one’s shirt or other article of clothing to sleep in. You can even spray the item with perfume or aftershave that smells like their loved one.
Cope … Provide opportunities for your children to journal or draw. It could be in the form of a letter, a daily meditation, or in a book form. (It’s like peeling an onion and getting to the core--their heart.)
Change … Allow your children to help make decisions about day-to-day living and holiday plans. When children are part of the decision-making process, they may feel a sense of comfort and control over the situation. Change is okay.
Center A sense of family togetherness is the center of your child’s world. Children need stability--this is something you can provide by being with them. If you are struggling and need to step away due to your own grief, allow other trusted adults to help support your child. It is okay (and healthy) to ask for help.
Compose … During the grieving process, your family’s world may feel chaotic. A sense of structure may be beneficial (e.g., wake-up times, bed, meal, school, homework and television times). Holidays can be especially difficult, as your children watch other families celebrate. Schedules tend to be interrupted, as well. A sense of structure may provide comfort during this time.
Composure … It is okay for your children to see your tears and to feel your pain. Do not put pressure on yourself to always feel composed. Ask your children for a hug on your down days.
Care … Care for each other. Care for yourself by eating, exercising and sleeping well. When you engage in self-care, you are modeling those important habits that you also want for your child.
Closeness … Stay close to your children through daily talks or activities. One of the best places to get a child to talk is in the car. During the holidays, play your loved one’s favorite holiday music when in the car. Encourage your children to sing along. This might lead to a healthy discussion about the things their loved one enjoyed about the holidays.
Cook … You and your child might find comfort in baking a special holiday meal or dessert in memory of your loved one. If your loved one had a favorite Christmas candy or a favorite Thanksgiving dessert, encourage your child to make these foods. Talk about how much your loved one enjoyed these favorite treats.
Celebrate … Make new memories and new traditions. Honor the memory of your loved one as you celebrate.
Compassion … Provide opportunities for your child to help people who are less fortunate. (Give a gift to another child, deliver meals to a family in need, send a letter, email or FaceTime someone who may be lonely). Random acts of kindness and service can actually uplift the “giver” as much as the “receiver.”
Children’s literature can be a fantastic way to help kids process their grief and understand that their feelings are normal. Here are some books and read-alouds that address the ideas of grief and loss:
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst (English)
Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman (English)
Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman (Spanish)
The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr (English)
The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr (Spanish)
Ida, Always by Caron Levis (English)
Brave Bart: A Story for Traumatized and Grieving Children by Caroline H. Sheppard (English)
No Matter What by Deb Gliori (English)
No Matter What by Deb Gliori (Spanish)
If you are grieving during the holiday season, know that our thoughts and hearts are with you.
Your Crosby Counselors
Mrs. Spaulding and Mrs. Altmann
THE "SOCIAL BUZZ" ~ MS. LORENA VILLAGOMEZ
Hello Crosby Families,
I hope you are all well!
We know this year has been very difficult for many of our community members. All over the country there has been a rise in mental health needs. This year has presented us with many challenges, but there are several resources for McHenry County Residents.
If you notice that your child is having a hard time focusing, sleeping, or interacting with others, they may need guidance to navigate through these difficult times.
McHenry County Mental Health Board has established a quick and easy way to access mental health services for every family member who needs an opportunity to speak with a mental health professional.
Anyone who needs to talk or who is looking for someone to help them explore options to work through a crisis can call the McHenry County Crisis Line at 800.892.8900. If additional services are needed, Crisis Line staff can refer callers for a face-to-face crisis assessment with a specially trained clinician. You can also visit https://www.mc708.org/resources/ for more mental health resources.
Crosby families are also encouraged to reach out to our amazing counselors and social workers for any mental health concerns you may have about your student. We are more than happy to discuss options and find resources for your family. Here at Crosby we want all of our students to know we are here to listen and help them!
Please reach out with any concerns! I am bilingual and would be happy to assist any of our Spanish speaking families with any questions.
The weather is getting cold. Please contact us if anyone in your family is in need of a winter coat. We may have what you need at Crosby Elementary School.
The Salvation Army Store in McHenry has also graciously given us vouchers that can be taken to the store and a free winter coat will be given out.
Pease keep in mind that there are numerous mobile food pantries happening throughout the year to help families in need. Due to COVID-19, premade boxes have already been prepared for families to pick up. This website is a guide to mobile food pantries happening throughout northern Illinois: https://solvehungertoday.org/get-help/distributions/
Harvard Community Food Pantry.
The hours are as follows:
Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 am / 1:30-5:00 pm
Located on 6817 Harvard Hills Rd, Harvard IL 60033
You will need an ID to receive assistance.
Please call or email me if you have any questions or if you need assistance finding this resource.
Sincerely,
Ms. Lorena Villagomez
School Social Worker
Parent Community Liaison ~ Vania De Almeida
Cozy up with a Book Night. Join us for an evening of fun from the comfort of your home! Cozy up in your pajamas, a cup of hot chocolate, your favorite stuffed animal, and your family to read a book and do a fun activity with your teachers. You won’t want to miss it!
December 15 ~ 6:00-7:30 pm
¡Únase a nosotros para una noche de diversión desde la
comodidad de su hogar! Póngase cómodo con su pijama, una
taza de chocolate caliente, su peluche favorito y con su
familia para leer un libro y hacer una actividad divertida con
sus maestros. ¡No querrán perdérselo!
15 de diciembre ~ 6:00-7:30 pm
IMPORTANT DATES ~
December 14-22 - "Spirit Week"
December 15 - Cozy Up With a Book - Virtual Family Literacy Night @ 6:00 pm (ZOOM)
December 16 - School Board Meeting @ 7:00 pm
December 17 - Kindergarten Supply Pick Up - 7:30 am -6:00 pm (Crosby Main Entrance Door 1)
December 18 - Kindergarten Supply Pick Up - 7:30 am -6:00 pm (Crosby Main Entrance Door 1)
December 22 - Early Dismissal @ 1:30 pm/End of 2nd Quarter
December 23 - January 5 - No School/Winter Break
January 6 - Teacher Institute/Non Attendance Day
January 7 - Classes Resume
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/
Phone: 815-943-6125