The Crosby Chronicle
Weekly Newsletter ~ November 23 - 27, 2020
GREETINGS FROM PRINCIPAL FERGUSON!
As Thanksgiving approaches, Our Crosby staff wishes you blessings for your family. We are thankful to live and work in such a wonderful community. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!
Thank you to all who have been working so hard to support our students during the remote learning plan. As some of you know, last school year, I implemented a “Student of the Month” recognition program for our K-3 students. Even though we cannot do all of the things we did when we had students in the building, I would still like to recognize our AMAZING “Crosby Kids” for all of their hard work and determination in these challenging times.
This school year I decided to implement a “Student of the Quarter” recognition program at Crosby Elementary School. Students will be nominated and selected by their homeroom teacher, and two students from each homeroom will be chosen each quarter. Our students will be recognized over my video announcements, and a letter from the principal will be mailed home with a certificate and a few surprises! Also, I have partnered with Harvard Culver’s, and students will receive a FREE Kids Scoopie Meal when they are selected.
Implementing positive incentives which build up our students is critical to the social and emotional growth of each child. These incentives can raise student confidence, and guide student choices throughout the school day, and the developmental years. Pillars of building character in our youth starts now in these early years.
"It has been said that character can be measured by what one does even if no one is looking."
I believe our “Crosby Kids” all have the potential to demonstrate this exceptional character. The following areas are the criteria we use for selecting the “Student of the Quarter.” This criteria is based on the remote learning platform we are currently using.
BE RESPONSIBLE
Be on time - Log on a few minutes before class starts.
Be prepared - Computer is charged, Camera is on, Check Google Classroom announcements, Materials are ready (paper, pencil, etc.)
Participate - Complete assigned activities, Attend all Zoom meetings, Ask questions and share thoughts
BE RESPECTFUL
Be kind to classmates, teachers, family members.
Follow adult directions and school/ home rules.
Find a quiet work space. Check your surroundings for distractions.
Mute yourself when you are not speaking.
Raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking.
BE SAFE
Handle materials and devices with care.
Keep hands/ feet/ objects to self.
Wear appropriate clothing.
Eat/ drink away from your device.
Do not take photos or videos during class/ group meetings.
I have been enjoying the interaction with many of our students on zoom meetings. I miss our "Crosby Kids" so much. Take care and stay healthy. Please let me know if we can help you in any way. We value your partnership with us.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ferguson
Principal
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CROSBY ELEMENTARY "STUDENTS OF THE QUARTER"
Arylene Alba Oliva
Nayehli Bernal
Katelyn Blachford
Maddox Dahlke
Messiah Golliher
Raelyn Gonzalez
Taryn Jesionowski
Anthony Juarez Flores
Kinsley Judge
Vivian Klein
Hunter Kleinsmith
Sebastian Martinez-Estrada
Nataly Morales Santana
Eddie Nicky
Jenessa Ramirez
Rosio Ramirez-Maya
Jimmy Ramos-Diaz
Elisa Sanchez
John Sanders
Paislee Vermett
Samuel Winfrey
Bradyn Blythe
Isabela Del Real
Aubree Gonzalez
Jillian Gratz
Greyden Heinsohn
Darwin Hernandez-Martinez
Kenzye Hoff
Aubrey Krage
Elsa Pedersen
Rafael Puentes
Nelliana Ramirez
Adhly Hyde-Simental
Axel Swanson
Jesus Tellez-Hernandez
Crystal Valdez
Blake Vermett
Quentara Weidner
Henry Zemon
Giovanni Alonso
Daniela Bernal-Morales
Austyn Block
Zaliyah Cager
Eliana Campos
Elizabeth Castaneda
Benjamin Dominquez Mejia
Ayelen Esquivel Escobar
Alfredo Estrada
Alina Flores-Acosta
Yovanie Hernandez
Frankie Herrera
Brissia Lara-Torres
Andrew Martin
Ryan Meza
Evelyn Mondragon Esquivel
Jonathan Pichardo Esquivel
Leandro Roldan
Natalia Romero
Haddie Zemon
Christopher Alba Oliva
Layla Badran
Luke Blachford
Harper Brugger
Yareli Castaneda
Berklynn Finke
Itzel Garcia Soto
Miley Gonzalez
Melanie Guzman
Jacquelin Herrera-Morales
Emily Lopez
Israel Martinez-Santiago
Darrius Medley
Valeria Mercado-Castaneda
Marlene Morales Esquivel
Tim Nellessen
Kimberly Nova
Evelyn Powles
Nova Smith
Savannah Watters
Grade 2 Learning Materials Pick Up
Thankful by The Juicebox Jukebox | 2020 Gratitude Appreciation Kids Songs Music Thanksgiving
THE "COUNSELING CORNER" ~ MRS. SPAULDING & MRS. ALTMANN
Happy Thanksgiving, Crosby Families!
Holiday celebrations may look a little different this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. You may be wondering how to help your child manage the disappointment in experiencing a change to his or her holiday celebrations. Listed below are some tips that might help you and your family cope. Even during these difficult times, we are discovering new ways to do things--and we might even create a “new” family tradition that we love in the process!
Wishing you and your family all of the very best this Thanksgiving and Holiday Season!
(Ideas below are from connecticutchildrens.org)
0-3 years old: Focus on quality time during the holidays – and don’t worry about the details.
Children this age will not be able to recall detailed memories of holidays past and will not recall the events of this year in the future.
It’s okay to keep things very simple for children this age in terms of celebrations and explanations.
All children benefit from having quiet-down time to feel love and attention from parents. With social distancing and quarantine measures in place, this is the perfect season to indulge kids with affection.
> Related: For Happier Holidays in Quarantine, Practice Gratitude This Thanksgiving
4-6 years old: Create new, quarantine-approved holiday traditions.
Establish traditions within your immediate family – make holiday decorations, make a home-made gift, cook a special meal.
Instead of in-person visits with friends, family or even Santa, consider fun ways to have a video interaction, write letters or make cards.
Don’t punish children for having a negative reaction to holiday changes this year. Tell them that it’s okay to feel sad, disappointed or angry.
Find the positive and teach positive self-talk. For example, “Since we don’t have to travel, we get extra time to relax and play at home.”
> Related: 8 Ways to Celebrate a Virtual Thanksgiving During COVID-19
6-12 years old: Help your child cope with holiday blues – and build resilience for the future.
At this age, children understand the precautions that need to be taken due to COVID-19.
Validate their feelings of disappointment and sadness about changes to their holiday traditions: It’s normal and OK to feel angry, frustrated or sad.
Remember that helping children overcome disappointment helps them build resiliency.
Ask them for their ideas about how to make the holiday special.
Teach fun relaxation strategies – try yoga for the first time, or practice slowly breathing in and out the scent of a favorite treat, lotion or candle.
> Related: Growing Resilient: What Your Child Needs to Get Through Tough Times
Parents and caregivers: Manage your own disappointment about this holiday season.
Allow yourself to feel sad, worried or angry.
Do something to nurture yourself.
Adjust your expectations.
Look at the big picture.
Children take cues from their parents. If you maintain a positive, festive and calm demeanor, your kids will pick up on that and do the same.
Let this be your guide to finding all the hope, peace, joy and sense of renewal that a traditional holiday season brings. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if we can help in any way.
As we enjoy some extended breaks from school, many families will spend more time watching movies together or playing games online. It can be hard to determine what is appropriate for children of different ages. Commonsensemedia.org is an amazing tool for finding content that is not only appropriate, but beneficial for younger audiences. You can search for just about any movie, book, app or game and you’ll get a parent’s guide to the media. Then, after you’ve watched it, Common Sense Media provides discussion questions to help your family chat about the lessons you learned in the movie. Additionally, the site will offer recommendations for other technology or entertainment you might like based on your preferences.
In this digital age it is absolutely critical that kids are absorbing developmentally-appropriate media. It’s nearly impossible for adults to keep track of all the new and exciting content that is released on a daily basis. Commonsensemedia.org is a valuable tool to help you navigate the digital world with your child; We hope you find it as helpful as we do!
Wishing you a safe and healthy week!
Your Crosby Counselors,
Mrs. Altmann and Mrs. Spaulding
THE "SOCIAL BUZZ" ~ MS. LORENA VILLAGOMEZ
The weather is getting cold. Please contact us if anyone in your family is in need of a winter coat. We may have what you need at Crosby Elementary School.
The Salvation Army Store in McHenry has also graciously given us vouchers that can be taken to the store and a free winter coat will be given out.
Pease keep in mind that there are numerous mobile food pantries happening throughout the year to help families in need. Due to COVID-19, premade boxes have already been prepared for families to pick up. This website is a guide to mobile food pantries happening throughout northern Illinois: https://solvehungertoday.org/get-help/distributions/
Harvard Community Food Pantry.
The hours are as follows:
Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 am / 1:30-5:00 pm
Located on 6817 Harvard Hills Rd, Harvard IL 60033
You will need an ID to receive assistance.
Please call or email me if you have any questions or if you need assistance finding this resource.
Sincerely,
Ms. Lorena Villagomez
School Social Worker
IMPORTANT DATES ~
November 25 - Early Dismissal for Students @ 1:30 pm
November 26 & 27 - No School - Thanksgiving Holiday
December 9 - Early Dismissal - Staff Development
December 16 - School Board Meeting @ 7:00 pm
December 22 - Early Dismissal/End of 2nd Quarter
December 23 - January 5th - No School/Winter Break
RICHARD D. CROSBY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Principal - Mrs. Kathleen Ferguson kferguson@cusd50.org
Asst. Principal - Mr. Paul Brass pbrass@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
School Counselor - Mrs. Allison Altmann aaltmann@cusd50.org
Email: kferguson@cusd50.org
Website: https://www.cusd50.org/crosby/
Phone: 815-943-6125