November 2018
Newsletter
A Note from the Principal
Dear KG Parents,
We are very excited to see our school report card this year which was released by the IL State Board of Education (ISBE) at the end of October. In the new reporting system, Kelvin Grove received the second highest rating possible as a “Commendable” school. The students did an excellent job demonstrating growth in many areas over the previous year. There are still changes being made toward how schools receive their rating for next year, but the three major components contributing to a school’s rating are results on state assessments, 5-Essentials climate survey, and student attendance.
Students that are not called in absent, or without a valid reason (being sick for example), has a significant detrimental effect on our rating as a school by increasing the chronic absenteeism and truancy rate for KG. While it’s important to be at school each day, it’s equally important to contact the office to let us know why your son or daughter will be absent. Mrs. Krumlinde and I appreciate the consistency more parents are demonstrating in contacting the school for communicating absences but there’s still room for improvement. If you fail to contact the school in the morning, please remember to contact us after you’ve received our automated call to give a valid reason for your child(ren)’s absence.
Another change required by ISBE, is the administration of the 5-Essentials climate survey. Schools were required to administer this climate survey to students and parents on an every-other year basis. Since the survey has become a more integral portion of a school’s rating, schools are required to give the survey each year to students and parents. We will still need a percentage of parents complete the survey for each building in the district. Hence, if you have children at both Kelvin and Milne, we ask that you complete the survey twice. The survey window will open in late November and go through the winter months. I will share the link to access the survey once it has been established. Your participation is once again crucial to our continued success as a school.
November is also Parent/Teacher conference time. Conferences will occur on Monday, November 19th and Tuesday, November 20th. Conferences on Monday will be in the afternoon and evening: 12:30 pm-4:00 pm and 5:30 pm-8:00 pm. Conferences on Tuesday will occur during the morning and afternoon: 8:30 am-11:30 am and 12:30 pm-3:00 pm. Students will not have classes these two days. Parents will schedule individual times with teachers online using the PTC Wizard application. If you’re new to the district or need a refresher course, the instructions for scheduling conferences can be found on our website. The link to access PTC Wizard is below:
https://kelvingrove.ptcwizard.com/parent/
With the change in daylight savings time approaching, I am always reminded of the change in the seasons as well. The fall weather is always unpredictable but cool mornings and evenings are guaranteed. Please make sure your child has sufficient clothing in the morning as they come to school and if they walk home after a club or activity. Dressing in layers is the best way to combat the changes in temperature during this season. Stay warm and have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
Sincerely,
John R. Jennings II
Principal
Notes from the School Nurse...
During this time of year we tend to see a higher incidence of strep throat, respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Flu viruses also may spread when people touch something with flu virus on it and then touch their mouth, eyes, or nose. Many other viruses spread these ways too. To maintain a healthy school environment we encourage D91 families to practice Everyday Preventative measures such as:
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you or your child gets sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you (or your child) stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
In addition to everyday preventative measures, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends for children to get a seasonal influenza vaccine each year. Flu vaccination is recommended for all children aged 6 months and older. The week of December 6-12 is National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), which is a national observance that was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination. Making healthy choices can help prevent the flu and spreading flu to others.
Winter break and the new year are fast approaching! With that in mind, it’s not too early to start thinking about next school year. 5th Grade Parents! - Your 5th grader will need an Illinois State Physical and updated immunizations for their 6th grade school year! Don’t wait… make your appointment now and get the health requirements completed as soon as possible. By the time August rolls around appointments will be limited and lines will be long to get those physical and vaccines completed before the exclusion date, October 15, 2019.
Current 6th Grade Parents!- Illinois State Law requires Dental Exams to be completed and turned in by May 15, 2019! Don’t wait any longer- Get those dental exams completed as soon as possible. If a dental exam is not turned in for your student by the last day of school, you will not have access to your students grades until that exam is completed and received by the nurse.
As always, please remember any medication needs a medication authorization form (which is available in the office and online) on file in the nurse’s office and the medication must be in it’s original container. Please contact me with any changes in your student’s medications or the development of any health concerns during the school year. It is important that your student’s health record is kept current.
Finally, with the cold winter weather, PLEASE send students to school with appropriate outerwear including coats, hats, and gloves/mittens. Have a safe and healthy winter.
Thank you and Take Care!
Jenna Drobick, BSN, RN
Kelvin Grove School Nurse
4th and 5th Grade Guidance
This new school year is well underway and Guidance classes are going well! We have already completed six lessons and have covered the following topics in 4th grade classes: Empathy and Respect, Listening with Attention, Being Assertive, Respecting Similarities and Differences, Understanding Complex Feelings, and Understanding Different Perspectives.
In 5th grade classes we have learned about: Empathy and Respect, Listening with Attention, Being Assertive, Predicting Feelings, Taking Others’ Perspectives, and Accepting Differences.
As you have probably noticed, we are sending homework activities to keep you aware of what we are learning about and to give you a chance to practice the skills being taught with your children so you can reinforce the learning at home. Since the homework pages are not coming back consistently from a number of students, we have started a homework contest amongst the 4th grade homeroom classes and amongst the 5th grade homeroom classes. Homeroom classes with the most returned and completed assignments over a 3-4 week period will receive a free day in Guidance class, consisting of outside play time or fun inside activities. In order for the homework assignment to be considered complete, the worksheet should be completed and include the student name and an adult signature. Please encourage your child to bring home and complete the homework activities with you to help solidify the important social skills being taught.
Looking ahead, 4th graders will be learning about conversations and complimenting others, joining in conversations and activities, showing compassion to others, and managing our emotions. Fifth grade classes will be learning about how to disagree with others in a respectful manner, responding to others with compassion, and managing our emotions. As always, if you have any questions or suggestions regarding the Guidance program, please contact me. I would love to hear from you!
4th Grade
ELA
Students have been reading the novel, On My Honor. Students should be re-reading the chapters at home for additional practice.
Students should be practicing spelling words for the tests on Wednesdays.
Math
Please work with your child on fact fluency.
Students can use the think central online component of the Go Math Series to practice concepts learned.
Science
Students have been learning about Animal Sense Receptors.
Social Studies
Students have been learning about the government of the United States.
Students will soon learn about the nation’s economy.
Please check your child’s agenda, home folder and teacher website daily.
5th Grade
Fifth graders have been busy reading the novel Hatchet. The students have really enjoyed this book and the conversations we’ve had along the way. In language we have covered: simple, compound, complex sentences and clauses. In science we are well into learning about the human impact on Earth’s systems. Students have been doing hands on activities. In social studies we are continuing to learn about the early people. Students will be creating dioramas to depict the early peoples lives and cultures.
Fifth grade will be going to Weitendorf Agricultural Center on November 8th for a field trip. Here students will be participating in a variety of STEM projects.
We look forward to seeing everyone at parent teacher conferences. Please continue checking your child’s agenda, your teacher’s website for any new information, and practicing your math facts. Grade sheets are sent home weekly, please sign these and send them back to your child’s homeroom teacher.
Fifth Grade Teachers
4th/5th Grade Physical Education
This November, we will be heading into our basketball unit. We will be learning and practicing the skills of passing, dribbling, shooting, and layups and we will be playing mini games and lead up games to improve our skills.
4th & 5th Grade Technology Class- Mrs. Lakics
- Mrs. Lakics
Jr High CAD
6th Grade
This month, the 6th grade is focusing on responsibility. Students are responsible for turning in assignments on time. If an assignment is not turned in on time, the grade is entered as a zero. That grade remains a zero until the student turns the assignment in and lets the teacher know that they have completed the missing assignment. Please check parent connect for up to date missing assignments. A zero means the assignment is missing and needs to be turned in. Please remember, Trimester 1 ends on November 9th. Be on the lookout for the online sign up for Parent Teacher Conferences. The link will be sent out soon.
7th Grade
In seventh grade we are looking forward to our field trip to Drury Lane to see A Christmas Carol, please make sure your student has turned in their permissions slips and fee.
In ELA students are reading the play, portions of the novel and will be comparing the versions. They have been working on Sadlier units and will continue to work on their vocabulary through this online program. Students will also be starting their novel study on Chains this month.
Math classes are switching gears from rational number operations into ratios and proportions.
Science classes are wrapping up our Scope about the Anatomy of a Cell and moving into Bodies & Systems.
Social Studies classes are finishing their chapter The Road to Revolution and starting chapter 7, The American Revolution.
8th Grade
READING-LANGUAGE ARTS
Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop: https://www.sadlierconnect.com/@1952592
The eighth grade classes begin each class session with either silent reading or journal writing. Vocabulary study continues with the online Sadlier Connect program. Study guides are given for each unit test, so make sure that your child has completed the study guide and is using it to prepare for the final test. Reading short stories from our Literature text will continue during the first trimester. Final tests are given after each story has been discussed and analyzed. Finally, Independent Book Project Presentations will begin on December 5, 2018.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Discovery Education
Online Textbook: http://www.discoveryeducation.com/
United States History (Civil War to Present)
Students will be exploring and discussing in what ways the American Dream became a reality for immigrants to the United States. Students will begin to understand the trends and factors leading to increased immigration during the late 1800s and early 1900s. They will also evaluate governmental and public responses to the “new” immigration of this time period. We will also cover and discuss the causes leading to urbanization during the late 1800s and early 1900s, as well as how industrialization changed American cities, American society and American politics.
SCIENCE -StemScopes
Online Textbook:http://stemscopes.com/ (login with school email and password)
In Earth Science, we will keep investigating the history of planet Earth and the Solar System. Students will also begin to discover what past geoscience processes can tell us about Earth’s materials and natural hazards.
Math
Online Textbook: https://my.hrw.com/ (login with school email and password)
Students will soon be completing Unit 2 on Linear and Nonlinear functions. Unit 3 will expand the knowledge gained in writing linear equations by working on solving equations and systems of equations.
We will begin by solving linear equations. Students will increase their ability to solve equations with variables on both sides of the equal sign through the isolation of variable. We will then move onto working with rational numbers. Students will then use the distributive property to solve the equations before finally looking at equations that have many solutions or no solution.
Next we will look at solving systems of equations or solving more than one equation with more than one variable. Methods used to accomplish this will be graphing, substitution and elimination. Elimination with multiplication will also be addressed. Finally, students will solve special systems.
During this unit, students will either be given a quiz or a project to measure progress on each section performed. Upon completion of the unit, an overall assessment will be given.
Mrs. Peil - Social Studies & Science
Students will be exploring and discussing in what ways the American Dream became a reality for immigrants to the United States. Students will begin to understand the trends and factors leading to increased immigration during the late 1800s and early 1900s. They will also evaluate governmental and public responses to the “new” immigration of this time period. We will also cover and discuss the causes leading to urbanization during the late 1800s and early 1900s, as well as how industrialization changed American cities, American society and American politics.
In Earth Science, we will keep investigating the history of planet Earth and the Solar System. Students will also begin to discover what past geoscience processes can tell us about Earth’s materials and natural hazards.
6th/8th Grade Physical Education
This November, we will be finishing our flag football unit and headed into our basketball unit. We will be learning and practicing the skills of passing, dribbling, shooting, and finish with a basketball game tournament.
7th Grade Physical Education
This November, we will be finishing our flag football unit and headed into our basketball unit. We will be learning and practicing the skills of passing, dribbling, shooting, and finish with a basketball game tournament. Students should also be getting prepared for their GREAT Project, which is due in January. This is a community service project. Some examples include volunteering at the library or animal shelters, helping out an elderly neighbor, or raking leaves. If you have any questions or concerns please let Ms. Anderson or Mrs. Clark know.
Technology Class
In technology class 6th grade is working on 3D design and printing a keychain with their names on it. 7th grade is working on 3D design and printing the state of Illinois with a hole cut out where we live. 8th grade is working on 3D design and printing a famous landmark from around the world. They are adding as much detail in order to replicate the landmark they chose to design. Some key concepts students are learning are the design process, overlapping,creating a hole, and grouping.
-Mrs. Lakics
Art Club
Throughout the fall months, we are working on the following projects:
Our 4th Graders have completed a fall still life with accurate size, shape, proportion, and spacing - inspired by the work of Paul Cezanne. We also focused on achieving highlight and shadow through shading with watercolor pencils. Next month, we will explore the simplicity and beauty of landscape silhouettes and create our own original watercolor using warm colors. Our 5th Grade students have completed an enlarged animal eye with oil pastels that places focus on color scheme, achieving texture, and demonstrating emphasis. We also explored the technique of overlap to achieve both highlight and shadow. As we progress in the months ahead, we will begin a unit on painting, the color wheel, and exploring the unique styles of both Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh.
The 6th, 7th, and 8th grade art students of first trimester are working toward their final assessment. Students will review all artists, skills, terminology, and techniques prior to this cumulative online evaluation of growth.
Please note the following upcoming Art Club dates:
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 FOR 4/5TH GRADES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2018 FOR 6TH-8TH GRADES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH FOR ALL GRADES TO FINISH INTRODUCED PROJECT
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018 FOR 4/5TH GRADES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018 FOR 6TH-8TH GRADES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2018 FOR ALL GRADES TO FINISH INTRODUCED PROJECT
Enjoy the Fall season and wonderful school year.
Mrs. Cravens
Band
UPCOMING CONTEST INFO:
Kelvin Grove will be hosting our own Solo & Ensemble Contest on Thursday, November 15 from 5:30-8:30pm. All students who are participating should have already received their times. Please make sure to be practicing your piece(s)! Parents will be needed to help with room monitoring, handing out medals, setting up, tearing down and other activities. Please watch for e-mails and papers coming home! This contest won’t run without the help of the parents.
UPCOMING CONCERT INFO:
Our first concert of the year will be on Thursday, November 8 at 7:00pm in the old gym. This concert will feature Intermediate Band and Concert Band. Concert Band will also be performing for the Veteran’s Day assembly on Friday, November 9 at 9:00am. The Winter Concert and the first concert that will feature the Beginning Band is Tuesday, February 5 at 7:00 pm in the old gym. Please mark your calendars. A calendar of band events and other information can be found at our website: http://kgband.weebly.com/.
FUNDRAISING INFO:
Avon sales began on Tuesday, October 9. All orders and money are due on Wednesday, October 31. Remember Ad book ads were due on Tuesday, October 23. Thank you for supporting the band through our fundraisers.
Starting on November 1, the Band and Chorus will be starting our Poppin Popcorn sale. We will have all sorts of flavored popcorn for sale in resealable half gallon and gallon bags! Remember that Christmas, New Years and sporting events are great times for some popcorn! All orders and money will be due on Friday, November 16.
RECOGNITION:
Congratulations to Kyle Ellison for being selected to perform at the ILMEA District I Band Festival. He will be performing at Lincoln-Way Central High School on Saturday, November 3. Students from all around the surrounding area audition and only a fraction of students who audition are selected to participate in this festival. It is quite an honor to be selected. Congratulations!
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Mrs. Plagman at (815)838-0737 x1139 or nplagman@d91.net.
KG LRC Newsletter
GOBBLE, GOBBLE . . .
KG students will be gobbling up some recreational reading this November in the Learning Resource Center -- along with some homemade bread and butter (we're baking in the MakerSpace and discovering yeast and what it does). We will investigate primary sources and ask essential questions.
The LRC gets overrun by turkeys in November! KG students will add turkey feathers to our featherless paper poultry. A feather will be added for each student’s favorite book, favorite author and the title of the book they are currently reading during CRAFT WEEK in the MakerSpace. Students will also listen to Sadako and create some paper cranes to help decorate the LRC.
YOUR CHILD AND READING . . .
The most important part of my job is helping kids locate a book that “fits” them — and to remind them to read JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT!!! Encourage your student(s) to seek me out (or email me at sbruemmer@d91.net) if they need more one-on-one time in the library or want some additional book suggestions. We tell our students (especially those that don't LIKE to read) that they just haven't found the RIGHT book for them . . . YET!
LRC SCHOOL READ-IN
The LRC SCHOOL FAMILY READ-IN will take place during students' regularly scheduled LRC times during the week of November 12-16. The LRC will become a reading campground complete with tents and "campfires" -- and students can find a spot to curl up and read by flashlight. Students are invited to bring blankets and flashlights for their library time during that week -- and be ready to relax and read during LRC November 12-16.
Kelvin Grove families are encouraged read at home as a family on the third Thursday in November. Sponsored by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian, Jesse White, and the Illinois Center for the Book, Family Reading Night is an annual statewide event held to encourage families to spend quality time reading together. The next Family Reading Night will be November 15, 2018. Please set aside time at home that Thursday to read together as a family.
This fall, students at the middle school level will be honing their research skills and enriching their web site evaluation skills. “FAKE or REAL? & PLAGARISM" will be topics explored. Students will also begin to explore LRC STUDENT CENTERS (specialized work stations that cater to individual needs featuring a wide variety of lessons and skill sets. MakerSpace will be buzzing with creativity and engineering skills, too!
Grades 4 and 5 will be exploring reference materials and genre, also using LRC STUDENT CENTERS. Using traditional print reference components such as the dictionary, the atlas, the almanac and the encyclopedia—students will explore electronic formats and databases. All grade levels will continue developing search skills using Follett Destiny and databases -- along with components from Britannica Online.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving -- and keep on reading!
Mrs. Bruemmer
Principal Appreciation
October 21-27, 2018 is Principal Appreciation Week. Leadership at the building level is crucial in establishing the learning environment and providing what is best for students in a school. Great school leaders pay constant attention to the needs of students, staff, and the community. They invite, they inspire. They support families, students and staff in ways that lead to improvement and success. The positive impact our D91 Principals make each day can not be measured. They work tirelessly to create a nurturing and supportive school environment for our students and our staff. Please take a moment to join me in thanking your child’s principal for the work done each and every day on behalf of students in District 91.
Mrs. Gray
Yearbook Club:
Students have chosen the cover for the 2019 yearbook and are working on tagging photos and designing pages. Our Upcoming meeting dates for November/December are as follows.
November 12, 2018
November 26, 2018
December 10, 2018
December 17, 2018