The Crosby Chronicle
Weekly Newsletter ~ March 1-5 2021
GREETINGS FROM PRINCIPAL FERGUSON!
I hope this newsletter finds you all healthy and safe. It has been a busy few weeks, and we are so excited to have our kindergarten and first grade students back in the building. We are also eager to welcome back our second and third graders on Monday, March 8.
Thank you for your patience as we get into a routine with our bus students and our car riders. We have had some changes in bus routes and adjustments over the past week in order to get our students home earlier. We appreciate your understanding as we work out the kinks!
Just a few reminders regarding the car rider line:
- During Arrival and Dismissal, we want to be sure that our pedestrians (children and adults) are safe.
- Adults, please remain in your car while in the car rider line.
- If you are going to get out of the car, please pull into a parking space in the parking lot and cross at the crosswalk.
- For the safety of our children, please be sure that the children are getting in and out of the car on the sidewalk side of the car.
- Be sure to have your car rider placard displayed on the mirror so it is visible.
Also, we want to be sure that ALL students have a mask on when coming to school. Wearing a mask is an expectation when coming for in-person instruction.
Thank you for your support, and I am so excited to see our students again!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Kathleen Ferguson
Principal
ATTENTION ALL CAR RIDERS!!
For the safety of our students, parents or authorized adults picking up a student must have the car rider tag hanging from their rearview mirror. Additional car rider tags are available in the office. Families may request 2 car rider tags to be assigned to them for multiple vehicles.
If a parent does not have a tag they will be asked to park and go to the office to show identification, and sign the student out.
Only individuals listed as emergency contacts or custodial parents may pick up students from the car rider line, unless there has been an arrangement made with permission for another adult, who is not listed, to pick up the student. Please contact the main office to make arrangements if you have a change in your authorized pick up person.
It is very important that we have these car riders tags distributed to you before the first day your child comes to school.
Second and Third Grade families will need their car rider tags by March 8.
If you plan for your child in grades K-3 to be a car rider, please come to the school to pick up your car rider placard during the following times:
Wednesday, March 3 - 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday, March 4 - 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, March 5- 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Expectations for all students and staff:
Masks are to be worn at all times in the building.
Breakfast will be provided when students arrive.
Lunch will be provided for students to bring home.
Attendance will be taken for in-person and remote.
Parents MUST call the office to report a student’s absence.
WHAT ABOUT WEDNESDAYS?
All students will continue to be remote on Wednesdays. Students will attend their classroom morning meeting from 8:00-8:30 am, and attendance will be recorded.
THE NEXT FEW WEEKS
Week of March 1
Kindergarten students follow the same schedule from the previous week
1st graders return to building in “A/B” groups
Monday/Tuesday, 8:00 am - 12:30 pm – Group A in person
Thursday/Friday, 8:00 am - 12:30 pm – Group B in person
Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/Friday, 2:00 - 3:00 pm – one hour of remote instruction for all students
All students work remotely on Wednesdays
Week of March 8
Kindergarten students follow the same schedule from the previous week
1st graders follow the same A/B hybrid schedule from the previous week
2nd and 3rd graders return to building in “A/B” groups
Monday/Tuesday, 8:00 am - 12:30 pm – Group A in person
Thursday/Friday, 8:00 am - 12:30 pm – Group B in person
Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/Friday, 2:00 - 3:00 pm – all students have one hour of remote instruction
All students work remotely on Wednesdays
Week of March 15 - End of School Year
(dependent upon COVID-19 guidelines)
All in-person students in the building Monday/Tuesday
and Thursday/Friday
8:00 am - 12:30 pm – in person
2:00 - 3:00 pm – one hour of remote instruction
Remote students continue remote instruction through Zoom
All students work remotely on Wednesdays
CROSBY ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
ARRIVAL
- Adult supervision begins at 7:50 am.
- Students should not arrive before 7:50 am.
- There is no supervision available before 7:50 am.
- The first bell will be at 8:05 am.
- The second bell will be at 8:10 am.
- After the second bell, students will be marked tardy and will need to come to the office for a pass to class.
- If there is a late bus, the students will not be marked tardy.
- Upon arrival CAR RIDERS and BUS students will enter the building through the following doors:
First Grade - DOOR 2
Second & Third Grade - DOOR 1 (main doors)
School staff will be assigned to arrival duties in order to receive students off the bus or from their car, and safely assist them to the correct door and their classroom.
School staff will assist students and manage traffic.
Please be patient and kind with arrival and dismissal employees. They are doing their best to maintain safety.
WALKERS
- Walkers may enter through Door 12 which will be open until 8:05 am.
- After 8:05 am, walkers must enter Door 1, and check in at the office.
CAR RIDERS - DROP OFF IN THE MORNING
Cars will drive through the parking lot and pull around to the front of the school to enter the car rider line.
Cars will be directed to pull as close as possible to DOOR 2 where students will be dropped off.
For everyone's safety, students will not be allowed to get out of the car until the car has moved past the crosswalk.
Cars will not be allowed to stop in front of DOOR 13 OR DOOR 1 to drop off students.
Staff will be present on the sidewalk to receive students and escort them to DOOR 13, DOOR 2 AND DOOR 1.
For the safety of everyone and flow of traffic, drivers must remain in their cars at all times.
If your student needs assistance getting out of the car, please park in the parking lot and walk with your student across the crosswalk, following the crossing guard to the sidewalk.
BUS RIDERS - DROP OFF IN THE MORNING
Staff will greet students as they arrive off of the bus and escort students to DOOR 13, DOOR 1, OR DOOR 2. (following grade level assigned doors)
Students will be greeted by additional staff when entering their assigned doors.
Students will receive a breakfast bag as they enter the building, and they will walk to their classroom. Students will have breakfast in their classroom.
DISMISSAL
For the safety of all students, we will dismiss students in an organized manner. Please be patient as you wait for your child in the car rider line. They may still be walking from their classroom to the dismissal location.
- Please call the office with any dismissal changes prior to 11:30 am so we can be sure to notify the classroom teacher of the transportation change for that day. We understand that emergencies happen, and this may not always be possible, but it is best if we know in advance so we are able to have your child in the right place for pick up.
- It is best to notify your child's classroom teacher as well if there is a change for that day.
- Office Pick Up: Parents picking up students prior to 12:00 pm will park in the parking lot and enter the main office to sign students out. This is used for early pick up when appointments occur. There will be no office pickups unless it is before 12:00pm and the office has been notified by the parent/guardian beforehand. In case of an emergency, please be sure to contact the office.
- The 3 ways for your child to be dismissed from school: Walker/Car Rider/Bus Rider
WALKERS
- Staff will escort walkers from the building at Door 12 to the north end of the bus loading zone, and students will be supervised until the end of the Crosby sidewalk.
- Students will be dismissed at 12:30 pm.
CAR RIDERS
Car riders in grades K-2 will be released from DOOR 2 when staff calls students by radio.
Car riders in grade 3, with their younger aged siblings, will be released from DOOR 7 when staff calls students by radio.
There will be no office pickups unless it is before 12:00pm and the office has been notified by the parent/guardian beforehand.
Please park in the parking lot if you are picking your child up before the 12:30pm dismissal time.
Cars must pull all the way up to the end of the sidewalk in front of the school, or as far as they can if other cars are in front of them. There will be staff present to direct the flow of traffic.
As cars pull up, they must have the numbered placard visible (ex. hanging from the rearview mirror).
Students will be released according to the car placard and their matching car tag attached to their backpack.
Students will be released as cars move past the crosswalk and not before.
Staff will escort students to their car after all cars have come to a stop.
Students should not cross the yellow line on the sidewalk at any time while cars are still moving.
All car riders will be held indoors until their driver approaches the front of the car line and the student is called by radio.
Parents must remain in cars when picking up students.
Parents will not be permitted to walk up to the door to pick up their student. They will be directed to the office to sign students out as an office pick up if they come to the door.
BUS RIDERS
Staff will walk students to their bus and help supervise until all students are loaded safely onto the bus.
SCHOOL SUPPLY DROP OFF - GRADES 2-3
You will find the supply lists for all grades in this newsletter.
Please have all supplies marked with your child's name when you come to the main entrance of the building to drop them off. We will be able to receive the school supplies on the following dates and times:
Wednesday, March 3 - 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday, March 4 - 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, March 5- 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
KINDERGARTEN RETURN TO SCHOOL ~ SUPPLY LIST
Kindergarten Supply List for Returning to School
IMPORTANT:
EVERYTHING WILL NEED TO BE MARKED WITH CHILD’S NAME INCLUDING THE MASK.
PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SEND YOUR CHILD WITH A CLEAN MASK ON EVERY DAY.
Bring a backpack everyday or use the canvas bag given at supply pickup.
THINGS TO LEAVE AT HOME:
3 pencils
Markers
Crayons
Scissors
1 glue stick
Spiral notebook
THINGS TO LEAVE AT SCHOOL;
Folder
Crayon/Supply box
5 pencils
1 box of crayons
Markers
Expo black dry erase markers
Scissors
Pink eraser
3-4 large glue sticks
Spiral notebook
Pencil sharpener
Water colors
Playdough
Bring back dice and cubes
1 Clorox wipes
1 Baby wipes
Kleenex
Paper towels
Gallon sized ziploc bags
Old CLEAN sock to be used as an eraser.
1 extra mask in a sandwich ziploc bag.
Extra clothes (seasonal) in a bag (Shirt, pants, underwear, socks)
Gym shoes
Headphones
Lista de materiales para la vuelta a la escuela de Kindergarten.
IMPORTANTE:
TODO DEBE SER MARCADO CON EL NOMBRE DEL NIÑO/A, INCLUIDA LA MASCARILLA.
POR FAVOR ASEGÚRESE DE ENVIAR CADA DÍA UNA MASCARILLA LIMPIA CON SU HIJO/A.
Trae la mochila todos los días o utiliza la bolsa de Crosby que se le dió a los niños en la recogida de material de la escuela.
MATERIALES PARA DEJAR EN CASA:
3 lápices
Marcadores
Crayones
Tijeras
1 barra de pegamento
Libreta
MATERIALES PARA DEJAR EN LA ESCUELA:
Carpeta
5 lapices
1 caja de crayones
Marcadores
Marcador EXPO para las pizarras blancas.
Tijeras
Borrador de lápiz rosa.
3-4 pegamentos de barra grande.
Libreta de espiral
Sacapuntas
Acuarelas / Pinturas de agua
Plastilina
Traer los dados y bloques.
1 Clorox wipes
1 Baby wipes
Kleenex
Paper towels
Bolsas de ziploc tamaño galón
Calcetín viejo LIMPIO (se usará para borrar en la pizarra)
1 mascarilla extra en una bolsa de plástico.
Muda de ropa extra en una bolsa de plástico (Camisa, pantalones, calzones, calcetines)
Zapatos para educación física
1 par de audífonos
Caja de crayones
FIRST GRADE RETURN TO SCHOOL ~ SUPPLY LIST
1st grade
1 backpack
1 Box of 24 CRAYOLA crayons
4 Small ELMER’S glue sticks
1 Doz #2 sharpened pencils (preferred Ticonderoga)
1 Pencil Sharpener
1 Pink Eraser
1 box washable markers (8 colors)
4 EXPO dry erase black markers
1 Scissors
2 Containers of antibacterial wipes
1 Rolls of Paper Towels
1 pair of headphones with mic
1 Reusable water bottle
2 face masks
1 Hand sanitizer
1 pair gym shoes
*2 plastic folders w/ prongs (Monolingual)
*1 pencil pouch/box (Monolingual)
** 1 1inch binder (Duals)
** 1 pencil pouch (Duals)
Primer Grado
1 mochila
1 Caja de 24 crayones (CRAYOLA)
4 Tubos chicos de Pegamento (ELMER’S)
1 Docena de lápices #2 afilados (Ticonderoga preferidos)
1 sacapuntas
1 borrador
1 caja de marcadores lavables (8 colores)
4 marcadores EXPO (negros)
1 Tijeras
2 Contenedores de toallitas antibacteriales
1 Rollo de toallas de papel
1 par de audífonos con micrófono
1 botella de agua reutilizable
2 cubrebocas
1 desinfectante de manos
1 par de zapatos
*2 Carpetas de plástico con puntas (Monolingual)
*1 bolsa/caja para lápices (Monolingual)
**1 Binder de 1 pulgada (Duals)
**1 bolsa para lápices (Duals)
SECOND GRADE RETURN TO SCHOOL ~ SUPPLY LIST
2nd grade REMOTE LIST
AVID folder (provided)
1 page protector whiteboard (provided)
1 pair headphones
1 large zippered pencil pouch or crayon box
1 package of pencils
1 big eraser
1 pencil sharpener
2 wide-ruled 70 page count spiral notebooks
1 box of 24 crayons
1 box of washable markers
1 pack of glue sticks
1 pair of scissors
1 Package of 4 EXPO markers
1 plastic folder
20 small manipulatives in a bag (pennies, counters, crayons…)
1 red pen
1 pack of index cards
2nd grade IN-PERSON LIST
This supplies are in addition to the remote list needed for when we return to in-person instruction
1 backpack
1 box of #2 sharpened pencils
1 large zippered pencil pouch or crayon box
1 large eraser
2 plastic folders
1 box of 24 crayons
1 new wide-ruled 70 page count spiral notebooks
1 highlighter
1 pair of scissors
1 pack of glue sticks
1 Package of 4 EXPO markers
1 container of wipes, either hand or antibacterial
1 face mask
1 container of hand sanitizer
1 water bottle
1 roll of paper towels
1 box of Kleenex
Lista de 2do grado para APRENDIZAJE REMOTO
Carpeta AVID (incluida)
1 pizarra de página protectora (incluida)
1 par de audífonos
1 estuche grande con cremallera para lápices
1 paquete de lápices #2
1 borrador grande
1 sacapuntas
2 cuadernos de espiral de 70 páginas con renglones anchos
1 caja de 24 crayones
1 caja de marcadores lavables
1 paquete de tubos de pegamento
1 par de tijeras
1 paquete de 4 marcadores EXPO
1 carpeta de plástico
20 pequeños manipulativos en una bolsa (monedas de un centavo, contadores, crayones ...)
1 bolígrafo rojo
1 paquete de fichas
LISTA de 2do grado para APRENDIZAJE EN PERSONA
Estos suministros son adicionales a la lista remota que se necesaria cuando volvamos a la instrucción en persona.
1 mochila
Bolsa Ziploc de 1 galón (niños)
1 pequeña bolsa Ziploc (niñas)
1 caja de lápices #2 afilados
1 borrador grande
2 carpetas de plástico
1 caja de 24 crayones
2 nuevos cuadernos de espiral de 70 páginas con renglones anchos
1 resaltador
1 par de tijeras
1 paquete de tubos de pegamento
1 contenedor de toallitas antibacteriano o de mano
1 cubrebocas
1 recipiente de desinfectante de manos
THIRD GRADE RETURN TO SCHOOL ~ SUPPLY LIST
THIRD GRADE IN- PERSON SUPPLY LIST
1 box of #2 sharpened pencils
1 pencil sharpener
1 large eraser
1 box of 24 crayons
1 box of washable markers
1 pair of scissors
1 pack of 2-4 glue sticks
1 Package of 4 EXPO markers
1 container of Play-Doh
1 container of disinfectant Wipes
2 face masks
1 container of hand sanitizer
1 water bottle
1 box of Kleenex
1 pair of gym shoes
Backpack
_______________________________________________________________
LISTA DE ÚTILES PARA TERCER GRADO
1 caja de lápiz # 2 con punta
1 sacapuntas
1 goma grande
1 caja de crayons de 24 piezas
1 caja de marcadores lavables
1 par de tijeras
1 paquete de 2-4 tubos de resistol
1 paquete de 4 marcadores borrado en seco EXPO
1 contenedor de plastilina( Play-Doh)
1 bote de toallas húmedas desinfectante
2 cubre bocas
1 bote de sanitizador de manos
1 botella de agua reutilizable
1 caja de pañuelos faciales( Kleenex)
1 par de zapatos para educación física
1 Mochila
THE "COUNSELING CORNER" ~ MRS. SPAULDING & MRS. ALTMANN
Happy March, Crosby Families!
In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, we thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the books and quotes that he authored! Dr. Seuss has inspired children and adults to love life, love one another, and to embrace authenticity and self-love. These are important ideas that we embrace here at Crosby Elementary School, as well!
In honor of Dr. Seuss, please take a moment to reflect on his words of wisdom and humor! Click here to learn more about his wonderful books, and how they integrate social emotional intelligence into our daily lives! Then click here to visit a virtual Dr. Suess library!
And remember: "Today you are YOU, that is truer than TRUE. There is NO ONE alive that is YOUER than YOU!" ~ Dr. Seuss
Have a beautiful week!
Your School Counselors,
Allison Altmann and Kortni Spaulding
THE "SOCIAL BUZZ" ~ MS. LORENA VILLAGOMEZ
Hello Crosby Families,
Parents and teachers are faced with the challenge of discussing the evolving COVID-19 virus outbreak with children. Although these are difficult conversations to have, they are also important. There is not a “right” or “wrong” way to talk with children about this. With the possibility of students returning to school we want to share a few suggestions that might help ease the conversation:
- Create a welcoming environment for children to ask questions. Children often have questions and might not know how to ask them. Be patient as they try to come up with ways to ask you about it.
- Answer questions as honestly and accurately as you can. Gather information from the CDC and WHO websites that will help you answer their questions.
- Use language that children will understand. Explain in terms in which the child will understand based on their age and developmental level.
- It’s okay to repeat information. Children will probably ask the same question multiple times as a way to feel reassured.
- Acknowledge and validate the child’s thoughts, feelings, and reactions. Show that you think their questions and concerns are important.
- Remember that children tend to personalize situations. For example, they may worry about their own safety and the safety of family and friends.
- Reassure children that many people are helping those being affected by COVID-19.
- Show children how they can be safe during this time. Practice wearing a mask, washing their hands, and staying socially distant.
We understand that this is a difficult conversation to have, and we are here to help. Crosby’s school social workers and counselors are professionals who are trained to have such conversations with children. Please reach out if you have any questions. Remember to not force a child to talk when they are not ready.
Websites:
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
We cannot wait to have children back in our buildings!
As always you can contact me through my email lvillagomez@cusd50.org if I can assist you in any way.
RESOURCES:
McHenry County Crisis Line number 800.892.8900.
You can also visit https://www.mc708.org/resources/ for more mental health resources.
Mobile food pantries: https://solvehungertoday.org/get-help/distributions/
Harvard Community Food Pantry: Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 am and from 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 these resources.
Sincerely,
Ms. Lorena Villagomez
School Social Worker
Return to school updates for Crosby Elementary School.
Please use this link to find the return to school update documents.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION INFORMATION 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR FALL 2021 BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 1, 2021
Do you have a child who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2021?
Do you know a neighbor with a child coming to kindergarten in the fall?
If so, please share this information!
Kindergarten Registration for the 2021-2022 school year will be done online this year through PowerSchool.
For more information, visit www.cusd50.org/kindergarten.
PARENT COMMUNITY LIASION ~ MRS. VANIA DEALMEIDA
IMPORTANT DATES ~
Wednesday - Friday, March 3-5 - School Supply Drop Off
Monday, March 8 - WELCOME SECOND AND THIRD GRADE STUDENTS
Wednesday, March 10 - Asynchronous Day
Thursday, March 11 - Early Release @ 12:30 for all students/ No Remote Classes in the afternoon
Friday, March 12 - Asynchronous Day
END OF THIRD QUARTER
Monday, March 15 - START OF FOURTH QUARTER
Wednesday, March 17 - St. Patrick's Day
School Board Meeting - 7:00 pm
Friday, March 26 - Early Release @ 12:30 / No Remote Classes in the afternoon
Monday, March 29 - Monday, April 5 - NO SCHOOL - SPRING BREAK
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