The Crosby Chronicle
Weekly Newsletter ~ December 7 - 11, 2020
GREETINGS FROM PRINCIPAL FERGUSON!
I hope this letter finds you all doing well, and I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving! It is hard to believe that we have the holidays right around the corner, and we will be finishing the second quarter at the winter break. This means we will be halfway through the school year already. Time sure is going by quickly!
As I reflect back to the first day of remote learning in August, I cannot help but be so proud of all that our students, staff, and families have accomplished. We have spent our learning days together - family and school hand-in-hand. Although it might not be how we had hoped this year would go, I still recognize all of the amazing things we have done. I truly miss seeing all of our students here in the school building each day, and I wonder about the experiences our students are missing by not being in person for their instruction. Then I quickly remind myself of how we are all safe, and how much we have all grown, and become very good at this remote learning plan.
I was recently reflecting on the many positives, and the strides we have made as a district. Nearly all of our families are now connected with WIFI, and have at least one computing device. Many of our parents/guardians know more about what their child is learning in their zoom classes. Our teachers and students connect more personally because they each have a chance to understand more about each others’ lives outside of the school building. We are all learning programs and apps that make communications easier so that we can build stronger relationships.
Our community has worked tirelessly to help families with food insecurity. Materials and supplies have been gathered and distributed to families in record numbers. I have seen unceasing creativity, ingenuity and problem solving. We (families and school) are working together to provide positive and quality school experiences for all students. On top of that, everyone has exhibited patience and grace with one another as we slowly figure it all out. I believe that we have gained far more that we may have lost.
I am excited to share our "Crosby Spirit Week" which will be starting Monday, December 14th and will go until Tuesday, December 22nd. This is a time for our students to have fun and show some school spirit during their zoom classes. Please email me any photos you take of our students showing their school spirit!
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, or your child's teacher, if you have any questions or concerns. We are all here to help you and to support all of our students.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ferguson
Principal
THE "COUNSELING CORNER" ~ MRS. SPAULDING & MRS. ALTMANN
Hello Crosby Families,
More than ever, health and human services are so vitally important for both children and adults. Did you know that the state of Illinois has a program titled “All Kids?” This program provides affordable health insurance regardless of immigration status or health condition, and it includes dental and vision coverage. All children deserve the opportunity to grow up healthy. Now is a great time to take a look at your child’s healthcare needs and consider whether All Kids might be a good fit for your child! Please take a look at the information below, which has been cited from https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/MedicalPrograms/AllKids/Pages/about.aspx
About All Kids
What is All Kids?
All Kids is Illinois' program for children who need comprehensive, affordable, health insurance, regardless of immigration status or health condition. Every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy. With All Kids, your children will be able to get the care they need, when they need it. It means you can take your child to the doctor for a regular check-up, to the dentist to fill a cavity, or to the eye doctor to get a prescription for glasses.
To date, there are over 1.6 million Illinois children enrolled in All Kids. If your family, like many hardworking families, cannot afford private health insurance, All Kids may be the answer for you.
What does All Kids Cover?
All Kids is complete health insurance for your child. All Kids covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, vision care, dental care, and eyeglasses. All Kids covers regular check-ups and immunizations (shots). All Kids also covers special services like medical equipment, speech therapy, and physical therapy for children who need them.
Who can get All Kids?
Children can get All Kids health insurance if:
They live in Illinois.
They are age 18 or younger.
They meet the insurance requirements for All Kids.
Their family's income meets the All Kids Income Limit.
How do I Apply for All Kids?
The easiest way to apply is using the Internet. You can fill in and submit an ABE Application online.
You can also download and print a copy of the application from the Web site.
There are All Kids Application Agents all over Illinois that can help you apply. To find an application agent near you, visit the All Kids Application Agents Web site or call the number below.
We can also send you an application in the mail. Just call 1-866-All-Kids (1-866-255-5437). If you use a TTY, call 1-877-204-1012. The hotline has translation services available.
What Happens After I Apply?
All Kids will notify you by mail when a decision has been made. If your child qualifies for All Kids, we will send you an All Kids member handbook to explain how it works. We will also send you an HFS Medical Card.
All Kids Hotline 1-866-ALL-KIDS (1-866-255-5437)
TTY: 1-877-204-1012
Wishing you a healthy and happy week ahead!
Your Crosby Counselors
Mrs. Spaulding and Mrs. Altmann
THE "SOCIAL BUZZ" ~ MS. LORENA VILLAGOMEZ
Hello Crosby Families,
I hope you are all well!
We know this year has been very difficult for many of our community members. All over the country there has been a rise in mental health needs. This year has presented us with many challenges, but there are several resources for McHenry County Residents.
If you notice that your child is having a hard time focusing, sleeping, or interacting with others, they may need guidance to navigate through these difficult times.
McHenry County Mental Health Board has established a quick and easy way to access mental health services for every family member who needs an opportunity to speak with a mental health professional.
Anyone who needs to talk or who is looking for someone to help them explore options to work through a crisis can call the McHenry County Crisis Line at 800.892.8900. If additional services are needed, Crisis Line staff can refer callers for a face-to-face crisis assessment with a specially trained clinician. You can also visit https://www.mc708.org/resources/ for more mental health resources.
Crosby families are also encouraged to reach out to our amazing counselors and social workers for any mental health concerns you may have about your student. We are more than happy to discuss options and find resources for your family. Here at Crosby we want all of our students to know we are here to listen and help them!
Please reach out with any concerns! I am bilingual and would be happy to assist any of our Spanish speaking families with any questions.
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
Parent Community Liaison ~ Vania De Almeida
As your Parent Liaison I’m here to help get you the information and assistance you need to support your child at home and ensure your child’s success in school. I look forward to working with you!
Como su Enlace Familiar les puedo ayudar a obtener la información y asistencia que necesitan para apoyar a su hijo en casa y asegurar el buen desempeño de su hijo en la escuela. ¡Sera un placer trabajar juntos!
IMPORTANT DATES ~
December 9 - Early Dismissal @ 1:00 - Staff Professional Development
December 14-22 - "Spirit Week"
December 15 - Cozy Up With a Book - Virtual Family Literacy Night @ 6:00 pm (ZOOM)
December 16 - School Board Meeting @ 7:00 pm
December 17 - Kindergarten Supply Pick Up - 7:30 am -4:30 pm (Crosby Main Entrance Door 1)
December 18 - Kindergarten Supply Pick Up - 7:30 am -4:30 pm (Crosby Main Entrance Door 1)
December 22 - Early Dismissal @ 1:30 pm/End of 2nd Quarter
December 23 - January 5 - No School/Winter Break
January 6 - Teacher Institute/Non Attendance Day
January 7 - Classes Resume
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