The Jefferson Buzz
November 13, 2020
A Message from our Principal...
Dear Jefferson Families / Queridos families de Jefferson,
I am astonished that we are two weeks into November and Thanksgiving is just two weeks away. We have now traveled 55 learning days together - family and school hand-in-hand. This is not how we had hoped that the year would go, and we deeply lament that our students are not physically in school. We worry continually about what our students are missing and how we could fill in the gaps. However, I was recently reminded that in the midst of all the challenges of remote learning and dealing with this pandemic, I should not think so much about the gaps, but in the gains. We have gained a lot. Nearly every family now has WIFI and at least one computing device. Nearly every parent/guardian knows what their child is learning about. Teachers and students connect more personally because they each have a glimpse into each others’ homes, and see the reality of how we each live outside of the school. Students are teaching teachers. Teachers are teaching families members. Younger siblings are teaching older siblings. Families are teaching administrators! We are all learning programs and apps that make communications easier so that we can build stronger relationships. Our community has worked tirelessly to help families with food insecurity. Materials and supplies have been gathered and distributed to families in record numbers. I have seen unceasing creativity, ingenuity and problem solving. We (families and school) are working together to provide positive and quality school experiences for all students. On top of that, everyone has exhibited patience and grace with one another as we slowly figure it all out. I believe that we have gained far more that we may have lost. I’ll wager that our students will remember that we have done our best. Students are still learning. They are learning every day - in our expanded classrooms. Together, side-by-side (literally and figuratively), we are making it work.
Thank you for continuing to walk this new path with us. We look forward to the day when we are back in the building with your children. Meanwhile, we are here at Jefferson School for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have a need, a question, a concern or just want to talk.
Warm regards,
Dr. Judy Floeter
Jefferson School
815-943-6464 x 2402
Meet Some of Jefferson's Specials Teachers!
Mrs. Swenson
I Love to sing and ride my bike...sometimes at the same time!! :) I have traveled the world and learned to speak many languages. I enjoy sharing the universal language of music with the students at Jefferson School. We teach music to help students have a better understanding of themselves, their family, their community and our world through experiencing and creating music.
Mr. Seyller
Jefferson Families,
My name is Casey Seyller and I’m the Health and Wellness/Physical Education teacher at Jefferson Elementary School. I would like to take a minute to tell you how excited I am to share the amazing work your students have been doing in my class. We have really hit hard on positive mindset and wellness.
The students have been doing little workouts or different types of activities that will not only develop their physical strength but their positive mindset as well. In my class I’ve been exploring different things that I’ve not been able to do in regular physical education class. I try to always incorporate some type of motivational video and or positive song with lyrics that encourage your young students to be courageous, strong, resilient and kind.
Your young scholars have learned about sleep, nutrition, breathing techniques, balance and coordination. I can’t wait to see how much they have learned so far when we do their assessment in the coming weeks. Thank you all for your support at home and getting your students to come to class and participate.
Sincerely,
Mr. Seyller
Mrs. Coffer
Hi!
I am one of the Band Directors in the District and I teach beginning band at Jefferson and Cadet Band at the Jr. High. I received my Music Education degree from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago and I have been teaching band for 8 years. I love teaching Band at the beginning level because I get to see all the kids get excited about music! The best part is seeing students “light up” when they have success. Being a Harvard district band director is great because I am able to see the growth across the whole program.
My family and I live in Harvard. My husband, Korey Coffer, is also one of the Band Directors in the District and teaches at the High School. When I am not teaching, I enjoy swimming, camping, running and spending time with my family and pets.
1st Quarter Celebration Photos
Winter Coat Vouchers
If anyone in your family is in need of a winter coat please contact Mrs. Julie or Mr.Jason to obtain a coat vouchure. The vouchure can then be taken to the Salvation Army Store in McHenry for a coat.
Harvard Families, This is the Last Week to Sign Up!
2020 has brought many challenges and has caused us to make many changes in the way we do just about everything. Harvard Christmas Giving Tree is no exception. The health and safety of our Harvard families is our #1 priority. So this year we will be offering a contactless experience.
If you are in need of assistance this year we have a new process that goes as follows.
Step 1- Call 815-770-0142
Leave a message with your full name and phone number in English or Spanish.
Step 2- Wait for someone to return your call to set up a time for your virtual application. During this time please download and set up a free account with Google Duo or Zoom. This is how you will do your application on the date that you set up with the volunteer.
Step 3- Make sure you have all of your documents ready for your application appointment. Proof of income, proof of address, and verification of children living with you, date of birth required on document.
Step 4- Your application appointment. A volunteer will call you on the date set up during step 2 to go over your information. Once application is complete you will await further information from the Local Church who will be providing the assistance for your family.
Step 5- You will be contacted by the local church as to how and when you will receive your assistance for your family.
Step 6- Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
Deadline for completed application process is November 20th.
Please contact us as soon as possible to ensure you make the deadline.
Bee Mindful...
Mrs. Julie & Mr. Jason
Parent's Corner
Hello Jefferson families!
There are TWO different learning options that D50 is hopeful to have for the second-semester.
If you have not filled out the survey, you can complete it here: Second Semester Survey
Families received the survey via email on October 30th, We request that all families complete the form by *Monday, November 16th.*
Dr. Tafoya has talked through the two different options! If you would like a little more explanation, please watch his video here: View Dr. Tafoya’s Message
COMING UP:
Marque sus calendarios para nuestro próximo taller con el Dr. Ferney Ramirez, a las 6:30-8pm el 19 de noviembre sobre:
EL LADO OSCURO DE LAS REDES SOCIALES AMENAZAS, RIESGOS Y PELIGROS; CÓMO PREVENIRLOS.
SAVE THE DATES - NO se lo pierdan!
Most Sincerely,
Alisha Fregoso Durán
Bilingual Parent Community Liaison
Harvard Community Unit School District 50
815-943-6464 Ext. 2448
We Are Here For You!!
jfloeter@cusd50.org Principal
trayas@cusd50.org Student Support Facilitator
(815)216-5709
jtheisz@cusd50.org Social Worker
jhenning@cusd50.org Social Worker
(847) 497-5945
aduran@cusd50.org Parent Community Liaison
(779) 803-4255