The Jefferson Buzz
December 4, 2020
A Message from our Principal...
Dear Jefferson Families / Queridos families de Jefferson,
Wow! It’s December! We are heading into the last precious weeks of our calendar year. These are usually exciting times! I sincerely hope that through the stress and strain of this pandemic, you and your family will be able to enjoy some of the specialness and wonder of the season. It certainly has been a beautiful first few days of the month with the blue skies of the day and gorgeous full moon lighting up our nights. During my morning pledge and message to students I encourage them to spend time outside. They need breaks from the screens, and even if a bit chilly, being in nature is a balm for our senses!
Meanwhile, as we head into the last weeks of our semester, it is a good time to check in on how your child is doing academically. In this newsletter are instructions for checking your students’ outstanding assignments and current grades. Please help your child to check too. Our specials teachers (Art, Library, Music, PE) have also sent home information about how students will be graded since they only send home grades at the end of semesters. Students should catch up on missing assignments before the semester ends. Teachers are more than willing to help your child to catch up if they have missing work. We also have open zoom links on Wednesdays with staff available to help students with assignments or things that they don’t understand. It's important for students to show their teachers what they know, so completing assignments is vital.
Please remember that we are always here to help your child and you. Just give our office a call or email us at any time.
Warm regards,
Dr. Judy Floeter
Jefferson School
815-943-6464 x 2402
Important Information About 2nd Quarter Grades!!!!
Explanation of Jefferson School Specials Grades
Specials classes are: Art, Library, Music, Physical Education/Health
● Report Card Grades for specials are given only at semester (December and May)
● Grades reflect progress towards meeting the state standards.
● Letter grades are used only on report cards.
● Assignments and Grades can be viewed in Powerschool.
● Assignments are assessed (graded) against the subject’s Illinois state standards.
● Assignments are graded on a 4 point scale.
● Missing assignments can be found in each special’s Google classrooms.
● For the first semester, students have until December 18th to complete any missing work and earn their grade. Please check to see if your child has missing assignments.
● If you have any further questions about your child’s grade, please contact the special’s teacher.
For more detailed information regarding specials grading as well as how to check assignments in google classroom please see the links below.
Looking for Low-Cost Internet Options?
Jefferson's Spirit Week December 14-22!
Monday, December 14th - “Ugly Sweater Day”
Tuesday, December 15th - “Crazy Socks/Holiday Socks Day”
Wednesday, December 16th - “Hat Day/Holiday Hats and Headwear”
(Wear your favorite hat/cap, Elf or Santa Hat, or a Holiday Headband)
Thursday, December 17th - “Winter/ Holiday Movie or Book Character Day” (Dress up like your favorite character)
Friday, December 18th - “Show your School Spirit Day”
(Come to school in your black and gold attire!)
Monday, December 21st - “Mad About Plaid”
(Wear your favorite plaid/flannel shirt!)
Tuesday, December 22nd - “All School Pajama Day”
(Come to school in your favorite, most comfortable pajamas!)
Bee Mindful...
With 2nd Semester approaching let's make sure our students are ready to begin the last stretch of remote learning. We need your help to make sure they are set up for success. Here are some helpful tips...
1. Have a designated learning space
Print or write out your child’s schedule with breaks built in
Ensure you have the appropriate equipment (WiFi, laptop, headphones & charger)
Stock their work area with school supplies
Include pens, pencils, markers, paper, notebooks, and any other materials your student may need
Make sure this area is quiet or has a door that can be closed
Reduce distractions (Put away toys/activities, turn off the television and video games, etc.)
2. Make a schedule and try to stick to it
Have them set their alarm clock for in the morning
Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and wakes up in time to prepare for their day and eat breakfast
Remember, there has to be flexibility
Take brain breaks for online learning
3. Understand the remote learning plan
Make sure your child signs into their chromebook a few minutes early
Every student should be signed on no later than 9am EVERY week day
Please reach out to child's teacher or the school’s Parent Community Liaison if you have any questions
4. Keep the lines of communication open
Talk to your children about their day
Monitor your children's grades and check-in with their teachers with any questions
Do you still have questions? Reach out to your child's teacher, the school’s Parent Community Liaison, the social workers, Dr. Foeter or Mrs. Rayas
Your Social Work Team,
Mrs. Julie & Mr. Jason
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