The Crosby Chronicle
Parent Newsletter ~ April 4, 2022
GREETINGS FROM PRINCIPAL FERGUSON!
I hope this newsletter finds you all doing well as we are looking forward to some spring weather after that crazy snow last week. Hopefully, you all had some relaxing time to spend together with family and friends over Spring Break.
Once again, we are recognizing our "Students of the Month" and in this newsletter we are featuring our February and March "Student of the Month" selections. I am so proud of all of these hard working students as they have been modeling excellent leadership!
Over the next few weeks our third graders are taking the state required IAR Test. Please encourage your child to get a good night's sleep each night and stay healthy. It is important that the students are in school so they do not have to complete the make up sessions. Testing will begin after morning meeting, announcements, and breakfast each morning from 8:45-10:30.
Here is a look at the upcoming assessments for our K-3 students. Your child's teacher will be communicating the dates for their classroom assessments.
April 5 - Apr 22 - IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) - All students in grade 3
Apr 18 - May 13 - FAST Early Reading and Math (English)- All Students in grades K/1
CBM Reading and Math CAP - All Students in grades 2/3
Fastbridge 50 Spanish Early Reading - Dual Language Students in grades K/1
Fastbridge 50 Spanish - CBM Reading (Spanish)-Dual Language Students in grades 2/3
May 2 - May 13 - NWEA MAP Math and Reading - All students in grades K-3
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ferguson
Principal
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STUDENTS OF THE MONTH!
FEBRUARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
KINDERGARTEN
Mia Aquino-Zarate
Mirian Bernal
Koen Book
Elizabeth Herrera
Reyna Illescas Ramirez
Leonardo Jimenez
Noah Jones
Eleazar Juarez
Piper Kent
Rylee Kosciolek
Angelina Mercado
Ivan Mercado Pichardo
Saul Ramirez
McKenzie Ramsey
Elena Rojas
Sophia Salinas Morales
Maleny Tellez Ortiz
FIRST GRADE
Jaqueline Diaz Ramirez
Alexia Escobar Torres
Jesse Kinney
Alexander Lopez Esquivel
Milani Mayhew-Castillo
Javier Mondragon
Evelyn Morales
Allison Nova
Melanie Peralta
Jimmy Ramos-Diaz
SECOND GRADE
Sofia Bernal Gonzalez
Sergio Calixto
Arlen Castaneda
Melany Castaneda Tapia
Gabriel Dela Cruz
Justin Garcia Garcia
Darwin Hernandez Martinez
Zared Herrera
Anna Keola
Brittany Lopez Alvarado
Sara Lopez Reyes
Charlotte Meyers
Eleanor Murray
Joseph Nova Aranda
Finnegan Ostler
Julius Palmer
Alberto Pedroza Hernandez
Araceli Ramirez Arango
Crystal Rojas Rojas
Kameron Vanderplow
THIRD GRADE
Jaqueline Aguilar Gonzalez
Jennifer Contreras-Esquivel
Alexa DeLeon
Derrick Garcia
Christian Hernandez
Frankie Herrera
Easton McCafferty
Emily Mercado
Valentina Mercado
Ryan Meza
Tania Morales
Aubrey O'Neill
Karen Ortiz-Martinez
Richard Ramirez
Lucy Sanchez
Aron Sanchez-Hernandez
Griselda Smith
Victor Smith
Maxwell Solorio
Axel Trepanier
MARCH STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
KINDERGARTEN
Vivian Bentley
Bruno Bernal
Infinity Boneta
Antonio Cager
Juan Castaneda
Colin Killeen
Kyler Kitson
Lois Kudayisi
Camila Marquez-Aguayo
Evelin Nava Hernandez
Harper Smith
Rosalie Walker
FIRST GRADE
Jessica Castaneda
Landen Deciderio
Peyton Flores
Diego Gonzalez Mercado
Martin Lopez Lopez
Katie Ramirez Hernandez
Jaelyn Rios
Niko Sanchez
Victor Van Dyke
Ethan Vazquez
Kendall Worley
SECOND GRADE
Alexa Aquino Ortiz
Uriel Castro
Vanellope Jenkins
Genesis Lopez-Avalos
Tony Mojica Hernandez
Araya Monge
Sebastian Mora Aranda
Keyli Peralta Pichardo
Eduardo Pichardo Ramirez
Erik Rojas Albarran
Isabella Salinas
Santiago Valdez Ramirez
Aryanna Young-Drummer
THIRD GRADE
Nathan Bannwolf
Hunter Burns
Isla Crone
Aubrey Davis
Angie Estrada-DePaz
Eli Gardner
Jacob Hernandez
Liliana Juarez Hernandez
Cody Kitson
Joshua Knudsen
Brissia Lara-Torres
Evelyn Mondragon Esquivel
Jenifer Morales Juarez
Mayra Morales-Valdez
Cristian Ochoa-Escobar
Isabella Oliva-Hernandez
Isabella Ortiz-Gomez
Ashley Paredes-Reyes
Gael Perea-Perez
Haddie Zemon
STUDENTS ARE REWARDED EACH MONTH WITH BOOKS
CROSBY ARTISTS ARE MAKING AMAZING CREATIONS
ART BLAST NEWSLETTER ~ MR. RYCZEK & DR. BRISTOL
The second semester has gotten off to a fantastic start and our students have been putting in incredible effort learning new art concepts, such as: the Elements of Design (contrast, movement, unity, balance), and more art techniques. We are now planning an art show for students and parents which will be held in May. This art show will be a fun way for students to show what they have learned and to "show off" how well they are doing in art classes!
As previously stated, our students this semester are learning about contrast, movement, unity and balance. These are Principles of Design that our students are putting into action with the art they make. So far this semester, each grade level has made art using contrast and movement. In this letter you can see a sampling of what our students have been working on so far. It is a pleasure to work with your children and to be able to see their creativity shine!
There will be a District 50 Art Show held at Starline in Harvard. The reception will be held on April 13th and will showcase a selected amount of student artwork. More information on the event will be announced soon. Also, Dr. Bristol will be out the entire month of April. We are fortunate to have Mrs. Penny Perez covering Dr. Bristol's classes. Even with her absence, Dr. Bristol has gone above and beyond with planning for our students this semester! We have a lot of fun things planned for the rest of the year, and we can’t wait to see everyone again after spring break!
Sincerely,
Dr. Bristol and Mr. Ryczek
"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." ~ Albert Einstein
Kindergarten
Third quarter projects focused on the two Art Elements of contrast and movement. For
the first project, students explored contrast by learning about opposites in art. They
used opposite colors with apples as a stamp for their colors. For the second project,
students learned about movement in art and started to create outlines of their bodies
to show movement.
FIRST GRADE
Third quarter projects focused on the two Art Elements contrast and movement. For the first project, students explored contrast by learning about opposites in art. They used opposite colors to create two opposite images of their hands. For the second project, students learned about movement in art and started to create outlines of their bodies to show movement.
SECOND GRADE
Third quarter projects focused on the two Art Elements contrast and movement. For the first project, students explored contrast by learning about opposites in art. They used opposites to create their own vase of flowers. For the second project, students learned about movement in art and started to create outlines of their bodies to show movement.
THIRD GRADE
Third quarter projects focused on the two Art Elements contrast and movement. For the first project, students explored contrast by learning about opposites in art. They used opposites to create their own vase of flowers. For the second project, students learned about movement in art and started to create outlines of their bodies to show movement.
COUNSELING & CHARACTER EDUCATION CORNER ~ MRS. KORTNI SPAULDING & MRS. ALLISON ALTMANN
Hello Crosby Families!
For the last couple of weeks in Character Education we have been focusing on problem solving. We’ve noticed that many of our students struggle to settle disputes in a fair, efficient, and appropriate manner. One of the social-emotional goals we have for students is that they will feel empowered to solve their problems autonomously when their safety is not at risk. One way to accomplish that goal is to arm them with the tools and language to work through minor issues.
Here are just a few of the strategies we are teaching:
Rock, Paper, Scissors- When we need to decide who goes first at something, this quick and simple game is an easy way to determine a winner.
Share- When we want the same thing, we can use it together or set a timer and allow each person a chance to use it.
Take a break from the problem- When we are overwhelmed or we can’t find a solution, sometimes we just need to try something new or give ourselves some space from what is upsetting us. This is a good strategy for children that get angry while playing video games. Getting a drink of cold water is a great way to naturally regulate breathing and calm the body.
Compromise- We teach kids that a compromise is a solution that allows both people to be happy. They are learning the art of give and take in their friendships.
Talk it out- We always want to encourage our students to use kind, productive language to work out their problems. They know how to name their feelings and talk through conflict, and as adults we aim to praise them when we see it in action. We also want to model that healthy behavior in our adult lives.
Ask an adult for help- Whenever a problem is too big, too scary, or presents a safety risk, students know that they MUST ask an adult for help.
As elementary students, it can be tempting and even common for kids to use unhealthy healthy methods to solve problems. You may notice a child using relational aggression, physical aggression, or threats to get what they want. In those situations we want to encourage students to name their feeling and then use the above strategies to work it out.
As always, we are so grateful for the chance to work with your students and we wish you a wonderful week ahead!
Mrs. Allison Altmann and Mrs. Kortni Spaulding
THE SOCIAL BUZZ ~ MS. LORENA VILLAGOMEZ & MR. BRANDON BARRY
It has been a great school year so far and we are looking forward to the nicer spring weather. We are here to help if your child has any needs for clothing. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
If your child is in need of clothing, food, or school supplies, 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
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 27 - Last Day of School
IMPORTANT DATES
April 12 - PTO Mtg via zoom @ 6:00 pm
April 13 - Early Dismissal @ 1:15 - Staff Development
April 14 - BPAC Mtg @ 11:00 am - Central Office
April 15 - NO SCHOOL
April 20 - School Board Meeting @ 7:00 pm
PARENT COMMUNITY LIAISON ~ MRS. VANIA DE ALMEIDA
BPAC
Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee
Comité Asesor de Padres Bilingües
Next BPAC Meeting is Thursday, April 14 - 11:00 am - 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.
CROSBY PTO UPDATE
PTO MONTHLY MEETING ~ TUESDAY, APRIL 12 @ 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/89738283480
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.
Thank you to our PTO Officers for all they do to support our students.
President - Jessica Helmeid
Vice President - Carrie McDevitt
Secretary - Eileen Sieck
If you are interested in helping out, please email Jessica, Carrie, or Eileen at cspto@cusd50.org
Hope to see you on zoom at the next PTO meeting!
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 8:00-8:25 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.
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