Jefferson Elementary
Welcome to the 22-23 School Year!
Welcome to the 22-23 School Year!
September 3, 2022
Dear Jefferson Families,
Wow! Yesterday was Day 13 of the new school year already. It has been quite a wonderful two weeks of school. There is genuine excitement all around the building because we are all learning and building new relationships with one another. Students and staff have shared that they are so happy to be together again.
We were very excited to see many of you at our Jefferson Curriculum Night. If you were unable to attend, please ask your child’s teacher to send you their curriculum information.
We hope you will have time to visit the school during conferences. The school looks terrific with new desks, new chairs, some new soft seating and new cafeteria tables. Students are thrilled that we have a facelift!
Everyone at Jefferson truly believes in our partnership with families. We learn and grow with our students and you. Please call us with any questions, comments or suggestions. Wishing you and your family a restful Labor Day!
Most sincerely,
Dr. Judy Floeter and Mrs. Sarah Wargaski
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Traffic Flow for Safety
We are asking for your help with some safety concerns that we have with the traffic flow near Jefferson School. Our primary concern is the safety of all our students. One way you can help us is to make sure that no one parks their car on Hart Blvd south of the school. We also ask that students not be dropped off or picked up south of the school on Hart. We have many adults supervising dismissal who will help keep your child safe until you pick them up.
In the morning, students can be dropped off either at Door #3 on the west side of the building, or along the sidewalk that is alongside Jefferson Elementary. If you drop off your student on Harrison street, it should be on the sidewalk next to the school. Students dropped off on Harrison may enter at the front door.
Our biggest challenge is at dismissal when students are being picked up. To be safe, we need to make certain that there is good visibility at all intersections near our schools, especially as we share our campus with the high school where there are lots of new drivers. Parents may pick up their student either at door #3 (the west door) or along Harrison street on the school side of the street. If using Harrison, make sure your child knows that you will meet them there. Please note that our dismissal only takes ten minutes. We appreciate your help with keeping our kids safe. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us.
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT JEFFERSON
Music at Jefferson
The language of music is full of symbols. We are learning to read music symbols and turn them into beautiful sounds by making music with our friends. Students have added the Music Google Classroom to their chrome books and have many different activities to continue their exploration of the language of music on their own. Students are also learning to sing the National Anthem and other patriotic songs in recognition of the Veteran's Wall coming to Harvard next week. There is more information on the American Veterans Traveling Tribute below.
STEM - Request for Donations
If you are not familiar with the term, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Our new STEM teacher, Ms. Jahnke, is planning some projects using recyclable materials. We are looking for donations of the following materials:
- Cardboard (boxes, paper towel rolls, egg cartons)
- Clean plastic recyclables
- Fabric scraps (scraps, buttons, pom poms, etc.)
- Clean tin cans
Donations can be dropped off in the main office anytime before Sept 15.
The Magical Yet
The Magical Yet is an inspirational story that Dr. Floeter is reading to all classes this fall. This book was written by by Angela DiTerlizzi and illustrated by Lorena Alvarez. From the publisher, "Each of us, from the day we're born, is accompanied by a special companion—the Yet. Can't tie your shoes? Yet! Can't ride a bike? Yet! Can't play the bassoon? Don't worry, Yet is there to help you out."
News from 5th Grade
5th grade is off to a great start. Students have shown great leadership by following expectations and coming to school eager to learn. Students have been working on mapping skills and learning more about the geography of the US. They will begin to learn about American Indians and their land in the coming weeks. Students have been growing their math mindset by thinking about how we use math and the different ways we can use math. The next unit in math will be volume, but we will continue to grow our math minds all year! As students read they have been analyzing multiple accounts and using point of view to analyze information about the characters, setting, plot and tone. SLA students have been working on vocabulary by determining the meaning of words and phrases in academic context. Students have been learning about matter and how it is everywhere around us in science. Ask them questions about matter and what they can tell you about objects in your home.
5th grade will be hosting two career fairs for our students, but need your help! Fill out the form if you would be interested in speaking about your career to our 5th graders. The first will be October 4 and the second will be April 14. Both will take place during the school day. We hope to get at least 10 volunteers for each session.
American Veterans Traveling Tribute
On September 7th, Harvard students will have the opportunity to view the tribute as it makes its way to Milky Way Park in an honor parade. Students and staff are encouraged to wear Red, White, or Blue that day to show our pride and respect for our veterans.
RESOURCES FOR JEFFERSON FAMILIES
Northern Illinois Food Bank
The Northern Illinois Food Bank is offering the BackPack Program to District 50 families again this year. Every other week throughout this school year, families with children enrolled in the program will be provided with pre-bagged, shelf-stable, nutritious food items. Items may include: milk, pasta, canned fruit, canned vegetables, cereal, tuna, beans, rice, and more! Please contact Jason Henning at 815-943-6464 if you are interested in participating in this free program.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Jefferson Elementary has also partnered up with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for this school year. BBBS works hard to support the relationship between Bigs and Littles. Their goal is for the relationship to be as successful as possible for everyone. The program will be held on Tuesdays from 3:00 - 4:00pm and will begin in late September.. Please contact Jason Henning at 815-943-6464 for additional information and/or to sign up.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
- If your child is going to be absent, please call the main office as soon as possible (815)943-6464. You can leave a message anytime.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Red, White, and Blue Day - September 7
Wear red, white, and/or blue to show respect to our veterans during the Honor Parade
Picture Day - September 16
Parent Teacher Conferences - October 5-6