The Jefferson Buzz
March 25, 2022
A Message from our Principal...
Dear Jefferson Families,
We wish everyone a delightful Spring Break. I hope that time away from school might give our students some extra rest and the warmth of the sunshine on their faces. Hopefully they will find a good book, ride their bikes, play board games with friends, and enjoy time with their families. When students return, we will hit the ground running as we have a lot more to accomplish in our final quarter of the 2021-2022 school year. Along with learning important subject matter, teachers are also planning field trips, projects and outdoor activities. The days always go fast at Jefferson as it is, but the last few months are really going to fly!
First up upon our return from break will be for students to complete our state assessments. The Illinois Assessment of Readiness includes 3 ELA (English Language Arts) and 3 math tests. 5th grade will start testing on Tuesday, April 5th and 4th grade will start the next day. There will be one test each day. Teachers will have a schedule of the testing and students will continue to have their specials during this time. The state assessments are important as they help us determine the effectiveness of our curriculum and instruction and they provide parents/guardians a snapshot of how their student has grasped the content taught at their grade level. We encourage students to do their best, without letting test taking cause them stress. We have amazing students who have learned a great deal. We want students to take their time with these tests so that they can demonstrate just how hard they’ve worked all year to master the essential learning targets. If you have any questions about state testing, don’t hesitate to call us.
We are looking forward to seeing you all on April 7th at our family night. More information about that was sent home today with your child and is included in this newsletter.
Happy Spring Break,
Dr. Judy Floeter and Mrs. Tasha Rayas
jfloeter@cusd50.org, trayas@cusd50.org
815-943-6464
4th Grade News!
Quarter 4 and spring are officially here! We hope everyone has a relaxing spring break and will come back ready to finish the school year strong!
In reading, we are focusing on characters, setting, and events. To help reinforce reading skills at home, please continue to have your child read for at least twenty minutes every night.
In math, students will be continuing to further their multiplication skills. It is important that students know their multiplication facts to ensure success.
Students are working hard on their state projects in social studies. They are very excited to share them with you on April 7th!
After spring break, students will be completing the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) and NWEA Map testing in both math and reading. It is important for students to get plenty of rest to do their best on these tests.
5th Grade News!
The beginning of the 4th quarter for 5th graders means that 6th grade is next. We do all we can to make this a smooth transition for students. This past week we had a presentation from a few Jr. High teachers that shared some information about AVID, band and chorus. Students heard about electives and a little about the scheduling at the Jr. High. After the presentation students were sent home with a yellow paper to indicate if they are interested in band, chorus, or both. If your student is interested please return the yellow form to Jefferson.
At the Jr. High, AVID is taught as an elective. This is an exciting opportunity for students that are interested in this class. They focus on future planning, organizational skills, study skills, collaboration, and other important life skills. Teachers have posted the AVID application to their Google Classroom. Students need to fill out the AVID application form by April 15.
After Spring Break 5th grade classes will be writing with 6th grade pen pals to ask questions and learn more about the Jr. High. Towards the end of the year we will take a tour of the school. The Jr. High will have more opportunities for parents and students. Keep an eye out on the district page and your email for more information.
Our Community Rocks!
Summer Opportunities for D50 Students
A variety of opportunities are offered to students this summer.
All program fees have been waived (besides REACH) to allow students to take advantage of these opportunities.
SIGN UP FOR SUMMER ACTIVITIES HERE
REACH and Targeted Tutoring have their own registration links.
REACH Summer Camp
Bridge Programs
K-8 Grade Targeted Tutoring (By invitation only)
Extended School Year (Identified students with an Individual Learning Plan)
Athletic Sports Camps
Questions?
Please reach out to Sarah Wargaski (Summer School Principal) by email or phone.
815-943-4022 Ext. 2155
How can we help? Contact your building's Parent Community Liaison!
The goal of Harvard CUSD 50 Parent Community Liaisons (PCL’s) is to build a strong relationship between our families, schools, and community.
Family involvement within the school and home leads to higher grades, test scores, and overall success for our scholars.
PCL’s are available to meet with parents to address questions and concerns and provide resources as needed.
The PCL’s will be offering workshops for parents and students throughout the school year.
The PCL team demonstrates deep respect and passion to assist in serving its families and community.
Parent Community Liaisons can assist with a variety of needs, including:
Assisting parents with questions or concerns
Helping parents and students to navigate PowerSchool
Informing parents about school rules or policies
Supporting parents during meetings or conferences
Conducting home visits
Supplying resources for families
Providing workshops for parents and students
Discussing parent involvement strategies
Community Resource Links
Mchenry County Emergency Utility And Rental Assistance Program
Harvard Food Pantry
CUSD 50 Resources
Please visit our site at https://www.cusd50.org/page/liaisons
Student Mental Health Days
Students ages 6 to 17 years old across Illinois can now take up to five excused mental health days per school year.
Parent must call the student to the main office (please make them aware that a mental health day is being used).
A mental health day is not the same as a sick day, and students do not need a doctor's note.
Students will have the opportunity to make up any missed work, and the missed day will not be used against the student's consideration for Cum Laude with attendance.
After a student takes two mental health days, school personnel will schedule a meeting with the student and parents to create a support plan.
We Are Here For You!!
jfloeter@cusd50.org Principal
(815)943- 6464 Ext. 2402
trayas@cusd50.org Student Support Facilitator
(815)216-5709
(815)943-6464 Ext. 2407
jtheisz@cusd50.org Social Worker
(815)943-6464 Ext. 2440
jhenning@cusd50.org Social Worker
(847) 497-5945
(815)943-6464 Ext. 2440
aduran@cusd50.org Parent Community Liaison
(779) 803-4255
(815)943-6464 Ext. 2448
apietrusiak@cusd50.org School Counselor
815-943-6464 Ext. 2440