Happy Friday, Lil Steamer Families!
March 20, 2020
From the desk of: Principal Hoese
Every Student.
Every Family.
Every Teacher.
EVERY DAY.
#WEDOTHEWORK
That was the message and the hashtag I presented to the FES school family at our first inservice back in August. Nowhere in that are there exceptions. There are no asterisks.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought us into uncharted territory across the nation. This has directly impacted our entire educational system.
I will be very real with you.
Our district has piloted and adopted an E-Learning program in recent years. While this program certainly is further along than MOST school districts in the state, it is not currently where it needs to be to handle an extended closure of this proportion. None in the state are.
BUT WE ARE GOING TO DO OUR VERY BEST.
This is a learning experience for our teachers, too. There will be hiccups. There will be setbacks. We expect and anticipate them in education. We are all on the same team looking for the same outcome regarding our student's learning. Only in working together can we provide the best possible version of that.
We will continue to try to provide structure and connection for our students. Please encourage those efforts as we provide updates and formulate our district plan amid the ever-occurring changes happening day by day.
If you need to get in contact with me, the best way is my jhoese@riverbendschools.net email address. I will return your email or give you a phone call if requested as soon as I am able.
Stay safe #SteamerNation,
JAGH
From the Desk of: Superintendent Dr. Hogue
Dear River Bend Families, 3-18-20
I hope all of you are safe and adjusting to the many disruptions to our everyday routines. We certainly miss your children and want to keep communicating all that we know. The governor's office and the state board of education have been providing updates almost daily since Friday, March 13th.
E/Home based learning - On the afternoon of Friday, March 13 we received notification of upcoming school closure dates by the state board of education. By Sunday, March 15 a full E-Learning plan was in place at River Bend for the upcoming school closure dates. However, the State Superintendent changed the requirements for E-Learning procedures on Sunday, March 15 forcing us to change our plans. We are currently working on a plan so that if school continues to be closed beyond March 30th, we can keep students connected to their education. As of today, we are not aware of any extended closing dates. We are working with staff to determine what an E/Home based learning program might include if school is closed for an extended period of time. More information will be provided as it is known.
Third Quarter Grades - Our third quarter recently ended and many of you may have questions about work that was not finished. If you have questions, please contact your child’s teacher. The administrative team will be meeting soon to determine a response to end of quarter grading concerns.
Meals - We will continue to serve families that contact us. All River Bend students are able to receive free meals. If you are not currently receiving meals you can begin receiving the meals by completing the following document: https://forms.gle/k9iMepWWZnkZDwtDA or call 815-589-2711. It is important that you use this form to sign up for meals so that we have an accurate count of the number of meals to prepare. We are also working on a plan to serve meals over spring break.
Medicine or other items at the schools - If you need to get your child’s medicine please call the district office or your child’s building, or email your child’s principal. A staff member will assist, if no one is at the building please leave a message with contact information so that a staff member can call you back.
- FES Principal - Mr. Hoese - jhoese@riverbendschools.net
- RBMS Principal - Mrs. Schipper - kschipper@riverbendschools.net
- FHS Prinicipal - Mr. Gosch - rgosch@riverbendschools.net
- FHS Asst. Principal - Mr. Henrekin - phenrekin@riverbendschools.net
- Superintendent - Dr. Hogue - dhogue@riverbendschools.net
- Learning support -websites and links: Students and parents please remember that these activities are non-graded activities. It is important for students to continue to learn and grow during this time. High School Students: Check Canvas for links to learning activities. River Bend Middle School: Check Canvas or email for links to learning activities.Fulton Elementary School: Teachers will reach out via email to families with resources.
- Spring Break - During the week of spring break we will continue meals. Many of you and our staff have commitments during the spring break week and we will not be manning the buildings officially, and may not be providing learning activities.
As updates become available from our state sources we will provide additional updates.
Please keep safe,
Darryl Hogue
From the desk of: Counselor Mrs. Meumann
As families face social distancing and school and work closings due to COVID-19, it’s possible to feel stressed with the idea of being at home for many days with children who are having boredom set in. Here are some different ideas for play that you can try with your children:
-Listen to music and let the children dance and sing
-Draw with sidewalk chalk
-Read together or independently
-Color
-Puzzles
-Board Games
-Legos
-Crafts
-Help you with chores
-Pretend play with dolls, trains, cars, or kitchen items for playing house
-Jumprope
-Go for a walk
Schmaling Memorial Public Library - E-Books
Everyone with a library card is able to access ERead IL to check out e-books. All Riverbend students can get a library card for free, regardless of where they live. Schmaling Memorial Public Library has a school district roster and is able/willing to issue cards remotely.
Schmaling Memorial Public Library suggested reaching out to her directly for more information at fulpublib@mchsi.com.
PRINCIPAL HOESE'S #WINTHEDAY CHALLENGES
#SteamerNation
#wedothework
Morning Announcements
How Arnie Gets to Work!
#WINTHEDAY CHALLENGES
FULTON’S 2020 DUTCH DAYS FESTIVAL IS CANCELLED
The Fulton Dutch Days Festival Committee has announced the cancellation of the 46th annual Festival, scheduled for May 1 and 2, 2020.
The Committee, following consultation with the Mayor, City Administrator, Whiteside County Health Department, and Dr. Stephen Harrison, the City’s Medical Director, decided to cancel this year’s Festival. The decision to cancel complies with the recommendations and directives of the CDC, Illinois’ Governor Pritzker, and the White House Coalition Team.
This decision is made out of concern to keep residents, visitors, and volunteers safe during this period of time when social distancing becomes a necessity. Many of our local businesses and organizations enjoy participating and benefit financially during the Festival so we encourage everyone to support them when the restrictions are lifted from our daily routines.
Our theme this year, “THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF THE NETHERLANDS” will carry over to next year’s Dutch Days Festival and interested parties are encouraged during the year to read the book, OPERATION CHOWHOUND,” by Stephen Dando-Collins which will be a focus on the theme.
See you next year—May 7 and 8, 2021.
Barbara Mask, Chairman
Fulton Dutch Days Festival Committee
Positions Available
UPCOMING EVENTS
Spring Break Starts
Monday, Mar 23, 2020, 08:00 AM
Fulton Elementary School, 7th Avenue, Fulton, IL, USA
Spring Break Ends
Friday, Mar 27, 2020, 03:30 PM
Fulton Elementary School, 7th Avenue, Fulton, IL, USA
NO SCHOOL - COVID19 CLOSURE
Monday, Mar 23, 2020, 08:00 AM
Fulton Elementary School, 7th Avenue, Fulton, IL, USA
SCHOOL RESUMES *
Tuesday, Mar 31, 2020, 08:00 AM
Fulton Elementary School, 7th Avenue, Fulton, IL, USA
Fulton Elementary School
Email: jhoese@riverbendschools.net
Website: riverbendschools.org/fes
Location: 1301 7th Avenue, Fulton, IL, USA
Phone: (815)589-2911
Twitter: @FultonSteamers