The Crosby Chronicle
Weekly Newsletter ~ December 6-10, 2021
GREETINGS FROM PRINCIPAL FERGUSON!
I hope you all are doing well and staying healthy. We are approaching the end of the second quarter of school, and this means that we will be completing the first semester. It is hard to believe that the school year is almost halfway over already! We have many exciting things happening at Crosby at this time of the year.
Please remember that all students should wear warm jackets, hats, gloves, and boots as the temperatures are dropping. If you are in need of any winter gear for your children, please contact the school office, and we can help provide what you need. It is so important that our students are dressed for the weather when they are dropped off at school each morning.
Some of you will see our students coming home with prizes that they have earned for their hard work in selling the chocolate bars for the PTO fundraiser. Many of you are also seeing your child come home with a new book to keep at home. Each month, I am rewarding students with books for the Crosby Kid and Rockin' Reader tickets they are earning in class, and all around the school. I am passionate about getting books into the hands of our children to help foster the love of reading, and to build their home library. I hope you will take time to ask your child about the book they have brought home, and take time to read the book with them. The children have the choice of books in either English or Spanish.
This week we are starting our assessments for the NWEA MAP Math and Reading tests. The assessment window will be open from December 6-December 17. Your child's classroom teacher will keep you informed of your child's testing day and time. Please be sure that your child is getting to bed early each night so they are rested for school. Also, be sure that your child eats a good breakfast at home, or takes a school breakfast bag when they arrive at school.
We are excited about our Virtual Family Night this Tuesday! We hope you will join us on zoom for "Cozy Up With a Book Night." Your child will be bringing home their hot cocoa packet on Tuesday. See the details in this newsletter.
Just a reminder that this Wednesday is Early Dismissal for our students so that our staff may attend professional development sessions.
Also, in this edition you will see the names of our Students of the Month for September, October, and November. I am so proud of our "Crosby Kids", and I believe our “Crosby Kids” all have the potential to demonstrate this exceptional character. Congratulations to all of our Students of the Month for this first semester of school!
I am looking forward to staying connected with you, and please don't hesitate to reach out to me if I can help in any way. I hope you all have a wonderful week.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ferguson
Principal
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STUDENTS OF THE MONTH!
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH ~ NOVEMBER
KINDERGARTEN
Benjamin Brehm
Emma Castaneda Hernandez
Justice Cooper
Melissa Deciderio Santiago
Javyn Del Boccio
Lilyanna Garcia
Ailany Gonzalez
Javier Juarez
Arusha Kermajani
Nikolas Knudsen
Berkeley Kruckenberg
Ashton Menard
Arturo Mercado
Izabella Mondragon
Wyatt Perkins
Jase Saylor
FIRST GRADE
Arylene Alba Oliva
Duffy Arnold
Yael Ayala Dias
Owen Bywalec
Sergio Castaneda
Natalie Dziewiontka
Julianna Gonzalez
Paola Hernandez Mondragon
Mia Martin
Sebastian Martinez-Estrada
Rebekah Medley
Alexis Mercado
Ritchie Pena
Victoria Roldan
Kilian Sanchez Olmedo
Samantha Shafer
Paislee Vermett
SECOND GRADE
Sergio Arce Luna
Devin Buntjer
Marlen Castaneda
Selena Cortez
Brianna Deciderio Santiago
Wendy Fuentes Fuentes
Leo Gonzalez Pichardo
Alonso Juarez Pichardo
Brett Kelnhofer
Aubrey Krage
Derek McCauley
Angel Mercado Contreras
Antonio Orendain
Caleb Paredes
Elsa Pedersen
Rafael Puentes
Kalley Rios
Julian Silva
Jesus Tellez-Hernandez
Quentara Weidner
THIRD GRADE
Mackenzie Acosta
Ashley Castaneda
Evelyn Castaneda Cruz
Gabriella Deciderio-Ortiz
Benjamin Dominguez Mejia
Cesar Escobar-Castro
Joaquin Herrera
Carolina Huicochea
Eli Martin
Eduardo Hernandez-Mercado
Olissa Moya
Jeili Nova Nova
Logan Olbrich
Gael Perea-Perez
Florencio Pichardo-Oros
Lizbet Pichardo Sanchez
Armani Renteria
Gerardo Rojas Nava
Milagros Valdez
Dante Willis
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH ~ OCTOBER
KINDERGARTEN
Lainey Brugger
Genesis Cuevas Barrios
Aeryn Esquivel-Mercado
Amelia Gardner
Emmanuel Gonzalez
Ezekiel Herrera
Ezra Hoff
Ximena Lara-Torres
Alexander Morales Santana
Amelia Muralles
Mya Perez
Daleyza Ramirez
Runner Schlottman
Sebastian Scholer
Alexis Tellez
Violet Wargaski
FIRST GRADE
Cassandra Alvarez
Ashley Antonio Martinez
Juriany Aquino
Adriana Aquino Zarate
Maci Carnehl
Aiyana Carrillo
Mariana Esquivel Contreras
Dawson Hanson
Anthony Hernandez Castaneda
Gavin Kosirog
Liam Lewis-Botts
Sergio Morales
Eddie Nicky
Sierra Olbrich
Rosio Ramirez Maya
Angel Ramirez Mercado
Angel Rodriguez
SECOND GRADE
Alia Aquino
Parker Beall
Rigoberto Bernal Santos
Perla De Santiago Gonzalez
Marissa Escobar
Alexander Flores Torres
Natalia Galvez
Daniel Gonzalez Ortiz
Andrea Hernandez-Flores
Elsie Ingersoll
Juan Juarez
Evelin Juarez Calixto
Emanuel Mercado Contreras
Max Oswald
Ramon Perez
Samantha Ribar
Emma Sieck
Crystal Valdez
Daisy Vazquez Roldan
Carlyn Vondra
THIRD GRADE
Dennis Arnold
Jesus Avila-Castro
Zaliyah Cager
Eliana Campos
Melissa Esquivel-Ortiz
Alina Flores-Acosta
Willie IV Hope
Lucas Kawell
Cliodhna Kelly
Haven Kruckenberg
Aleksey Lopez
Giana Marquez
Emmanuel Ortiz-Ramirez
Julaynee Pedroza Morales
Nevaeh Rogers
Wendy Rojas-Ortiz
Sofia Romo-Murillo
Oscar Sanchez-Juarez
Aria Solorio
Angel Valdez Esquivel
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH ~ SEPTEMBER
KINDERGARTEN
Valeria Arce Luna
Harper Belohlavy
Leonel Bernal
Brian Campos
Amari Esquivel
Giselle Esquivel
Lylah Fox
Jimena Gomez
Jenna Jimenez
Ana Mercado
Victoria Morales
Malachi Orkild
Chrisander Padilla
Alexander Sanchez Juárez
Hazel Sieck
Oliver Zemon
FIRST GRADE
Mila Alvarez
Harper Duzik
Jaxson Gerrish
Mateo González
Anthony Juarez
Paetyn Keller-Morrone
Hunter Kleinsmith
Malaren Kruckenberg
Faelynn McDevitt
Jorge Morales
Victor Ortiz
Jenessa Ramirez
Sophia Rangel
Peyton Saylor
Dylan Valeriano Morales
Samuel Winfrey
Thalia Zingrone
SECOND GRADE
Mia Acosta Jimenez
Daleyza Aguilar
Bradyn Blythe
Ximena Castaneda
Aria Coffer
Anthony Garcia Soto
Aubree Gonzalez
Brayan Gonzalez
Jillian Gratz
Jesus Hernandez Calixto
Kenzye Hoff
Alexander Lopez Sanchez
Roman Martinez
Jonathan Mercado
Alexis Miranda
Brooke Ramberg
Nelliana Ramirez
Yareli Rojas Hernandez
Jennifer Valdez
Cristian Vasquez Tambriz
THIRD GRADE
Alonso Aquino Consuelos
Austyn Block
Avery Brown
Jacqueline Esquivel-Pichardo
Alfredo Estrada
Jayla Figueroa
Vivian Galarza Ramirez
Brianna Garcia-Gonzalez
Zael Herrera
Kaitlynn Jesski
Katie Kitson
Jason Lee
Tinley Nulle
Javier Ramirez
Iris Ramirez Nova
Leandro Roldan
Elena Sanchez
Giovanni Santos Cisneros
Olivia Wilbur
Isaac Zaragoza
EARLY DISMISSAL - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8
CROSBY ARTISTS ARE MAKING AMAZING CREATIONS
ART BLAST NEWSLETTER ~ MR. RYCZEK & DR. BRISTOL
Our students have worked very hard this first semester, and they have learned a lot about art concepts such as the Elements of Design (color, line, value and texture), and different art techniques. They have been inspired by famous artists, as well as art movements. To recognize and celebrate their artistic learning, we are currently planning an art show for students and parents in April. Because of this, we have been holding on to student work so that it can be used in the art show. We want all of our students to be represented. Our artists should be proud of their work, and we wish for everyone's talents to be displayed in our exhibit.
Currently, we have our students' artwork on display throughout the building, and in the classroom. It is a pleasure to work with your children, and to be able to see their creativity shine. Until we have the art show in April, here is a sampling of what our Crosby Kids have been working on. We look forward to celebrating these amazing artists each day and in April with our art show.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bristol and Mr. Ryczek
"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." ~ Albert Einstein
Kindergarten
You may have noticed in the first quarter report cards, we said kindergarten art lessons focused on color and line. For the first project, students explored the primary colors, the Greek vase form, and patterned lines. For the second project, students worked with creative lines and patterns to create an underwater scene. Here is a picture of student work so you can visualize what the projects looked like.
In the second quarter, students have been learning about value and texture. For value, the students learned about Pop Art and how to successfully use paint and colored pencils to apply value to their very own Pop Art apples. For texture, the students are creating their very own winter scene using different textured materials.
First Grade
You may have noticed in first quarter report cards we said first grade projects focused on color and line. For the first project, students explored color blending, layering, and creating various color values. For the second project, students learned about the historical significance of the Illuminated Manuscript to create an artwork using line techniques and design. Here is a picture of student work so you can visualize what the projects looked like.
In the second quarter, students have been learning about value and texture. For value, the students applied what they learned using colored pencils and watercolors in order to create their very own silhouette scene. For texture, the students used various textured materials to create a cactus scene.
Second Grade
You may have noticed in first quarter report cards we said second grade projects focused on color and line. For the first project, students learned about the Gothic stained-glass window and created one of their own using only three colors. For the second project, students worked with creative line techniques and patterns to create a hand design. Here is a picture of student work so you can visualize what the projects looked like.
In the second quarter, students have been learning about value and texture. For value, the students applied what they learned using colored pencils and watercolors in order to create their very own mountain scene. For texture, the students used tin foil and sandpaper to create their very own texture rubbings.
Third Grade
You may have noticed in first quarter report cards we said third grade projects focused on color and line. For the first project, students learned about 1-Point Perspective and color value. They created architectural buildings from one focal point, and added color value to each building. For the second project, students worked with creative line techniques to create Hand Scapes. Here is a picture of student work so you can visualize what the projects looked like.
In the second quarter, students have been learning about value and texture. For value, the students used prior knowledge of one point perspective to create a value perspective drawing using pencil and colored pencil. For texture, the students used many different textured materials to create a textured art piece that could be used to make their own rubbings.
STUDENTS ARE REWARDED EACH MONTH WITH BOOKS
COUNSELING & CHARACTER EDUCATION CORNER ~ MRS. KORTNI SPAULDING & MRS. ALLISON ALTMANN
Hello Crosby Families!
This week in Character Education we have been talking about ways to be a bucket filler during the holiday season. This time of year can be a stressful one; Students are learning to identify opportunities to express empathy, kindness, and support toward others. We’ve been so thrilled at the meaningful discussions our students have been having in class! They are learning how to have respectful conversations about cultural differences as it relates to the holiday season. They are learning that some families celebrate something different from them, and some families choose not to celebrate any holidays. They’re also talking about ways to be bucket fillers within their own families. Our lesson for the week has been posted in each Google Classroom so that medically excluded students may still participate. They can click on the speaker icon to have the lesson dictated to them.
Nothing brings joy to our holiday season quite like our Crosby Kids! Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Allison Altmann and Mrs. Kortni Spaulding
CROSBY PTO UPDATE
PTO MONTHLY MEETING ~ TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14 @ 6:00 VIA ZOOM
Our PTO meetings are always the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm via zoom.
Here is the zoom link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://cusd50.zoom.us/j/86474917592
Please consider joining us on zoom for the meeting, and bring your ideas for this school year. We are looking for family members to help out this school year. We need your support to host events for our students.
If you are interested in helping out, please email Jessica Helmeid or Carrie McDevitt at cspto@cusd50.org
Hope to see you on zoom at the next PTO meeting!
THE SOCIAL BUZZ ~ MS. LORENA VILLAGOMEZ & MR. BRANDON BARRY
As we ae experiencing the colder months now, please reach out to us if your student is in need of a winter coat, hat, gloves, or scarf.
If your child is in need of a winter coat please contact me, our counselor Kortni Spaulding, or our PCL Vania DeAlmeida.
lvillagomez@cusd50.org or 815-943-6125 ext 2561
RESOURCES: The resources listed below are available for all Harvard residents. If you need help please do not hesitate in reaching out to us or the agencies listed below.
McHenry County Crisis Line - 1(800)-892- 8900.
You can also visit https://www.mc708.org/resources/ for more resources
Harvard Community Food Pantry -1 (815) 943-4909- Open Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30am and from 1:30-5:00pm. Located at 6817 Harvard Hills Rd, Harvard IL 60033.
You will need an ID to receive assistance.
Mobile food pantries: https://solvehungertoday.org/get-help/distributions/
Please call or email us if you have any questions or concerns!
Best regards,
Ms. Lorena Villagomez- lvillagomez@cusd50.org or 815-943-6125 ext 2561
Mr. Brandon Barry- bbarry@cusd50.org or 815-94306125 ext 2578
Crosby School Social Workers
PARENT COMMUNITY LIAISON ~ MRS. VANIA DE ALMEIDA
BPAC
Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee
Comité Asesor de Padres Bilingües
Next BPAC Meeting is Thursday, December 9 @ 11:00 am at the Central Office.
What is BPAC?
BPAC is a committee of bilingual parents/guardians, teachers, counselors, administrators, and community leaders. The primary purpose of the committee is to provide recommendations and oversight to the District’s bilingual program services. Participation and attendance to BPAC meetings provides a platform for communication, collaboration, and planning for supporting bilingual children, families, and the community.
¿Qué es BPAC?
BPAC es un comité de padres/guardianes,maestros,consejeros,administradores, y líderes comunitarios bilingües. El propósito principal del comité es brindar revisión y recomendación de los programas bilingües del distrito. La participación y asistencia a las reuniones BPAC proporciona una plataforma de comunicación, colaboración y planificación para apoyar a los niños, las familias, y la comunidad bilingüe.
MASK WEARING
EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS 2021-2022
Each month, we will have early dismissal days in which we will dismiss students at 1:15 so staff are able to attend professional development sessions. Early dismissal days may also be due to a holiday break.
Please mark these dates on your calendar, and plan accordingly for student pick up in the car rider line, or supervision for your child if they walk home or ride the bus. Thank you.
September 8
October 6 - Parent Teacher Conferences
October 20
November 10
November 24 - Thanksgiving Break
December 8
December 22 - Winter Break
January - 12
February - 9
March - 9
March 25 - Spring Break
April 13
May - 11
May 26 - Last Day of School
DAILY SCHEDULE
Doors Open
8:00 am
School Begins
8:15 am
All School Pledge of Allegiance and Morning Announcements
8:20 am
Lunch / Recess Periods - 10:10 am – 1:10 pm
Kindergarten - 10:10-10:50
First Grade - 11:00-11:40
Second Grade - 12:30-1:10
Third Grade - 11:45-12:25
Dismissal
3:00 pm
Breakfast
All students may eat free breakfast with their class from 8:00-8:15 am.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
Adult supervision begins at 8:00 am
Walkers may enter through Door 12 which will be open until 8:10 am. After 8:10 am, walkers must enter Door 1 and check in at the office.
Car riders should be dropped off as directed in the car rider line. Kindergarteners should enter through Door 13, 1st graders should enter Door 2, and 2nd and 3rd graders should enter 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 Door 1.
Bus riders will enter Door 13 for Kindergarten, Door 2 for 1st grade, and Door 1 for 2nd and 3rd grade.
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Please notify the office of any dismissal changes before 2:00 pm. (Before 11:30 am on Early Dismissal days.)
Office Pick Up: Parents picking up students prior to 3:00 pm should park and enter the main office to sign students out.
Walkers: Staff will escort walkers from the building at Door 12 to the north end of the bus loading zone, and students are supervised until the end of the Crosby sidewalk.
Car Riders: To ensure the safety of our students, parents must have a car rider tag hanging from their rearview mirror. 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. Additional car rider tags are available in the office. Families may request 2 car rider tags to be assigned to them for multiple vehicles. 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 to pick up the student. Students in grades K, 1, and 2 will exit Door 2 when staff calls students by radio. Car riders in grade 3, and any younger siblings, will exit Door 7. All car riders will be held indoors until their driver approaches the front of the car line and 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.
IMPORTANT DATES
December 7 - Cozy Up With a Good Book Family Night - 6:00 pm via zoom
December 8 - Early Dismissal @ 1:15 - Staff Development
December 9 - BPAC Meeting @ 11:00 am (Central Office)
December 14 - PTO Meeting @ 6:00 pm via zoom
December 15 - School Board Meeting @ 7:00 pm (Central Office)
December 6-17 - NWEA MAP Reading and Math Testing
December 22 - Early Dismissal @ 1:15 - Winter Break
End of the Second Quarter
December 23 - January 5 - Winter Break
January 5 - Staff Institute Day
January 6 - School Resumes for Students
January 7 - Report Cards Go Home with Students
January 10 - Fire Drill @ 9:30 am
January 11 - PTO Meeting @ 6:00 pm via zoom
January 12 - Early Dismissal @ 1:15 - Staff Development
January 17 - NO SCHOOL for Students and Staff
January 19 - School Board Meeting @ 7:00 pm (Central Office)
RICHARD D. CROSBY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Principal - Mrs. Kathleen Ferguson kferguson@cusd50.org
Asst. Principal - Mr. Paul Brass pbrass@cusd50.org
Student Support Facilitator - Mrs. Yolanda Roldan yroldan@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
Character Education Teacher - Mrs. Allison Altmann aaltmann@cusd50.org
Email: kferguson@cusd50.org
Website: https://www.cusd50.org/crosby/
Phone: 815-943-6125