The Crosby Chronicle
Weekly Newsletter ~ January 25-29, 2021
GREETINGS FROM PRINCIPAL FERGUSON!
Thank you to everyone who has been working so hard to support our students during the remote learning plan. I am very excited to be planning for the return of our "Crosby Kids" as they will be coming back to learning in the building in the future weeks!
As we move forward into February, I will be communicating weekly with updates on the students who will be returning to the building at that time. I am planning to bring in small numbers of students gradually, as we prepare to have all students back in the building by March 15th. Please watch for my weekly communication which will lay out the details and information.
This week we welcome our students in the Instructional Behavior Focus Program! It will be so great to see their smiling faces as they walk through the front doors!
I have included some very important information in this week's newsletter. Please be sure to read it over and mark the dates on your calendar. We are very busy preparing for Kindergarten Registration for Fall 2021. It would be great if you could pass on the information to any neighbors and friends who have a child starting kindergarten in the fall.
I value the partnerships we share as we strive and work together to provide the best educational experience for all of our students. TOGETHER we can be strong!
As always, please contact me, or your child's teacher, with any questions you may have.
Have a wonderful wintry week, and stay warm!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ferguson
Principal
ATTENTION ALL THIRD GRADE FAMILIES... NEW CHROMEBOOK PICK UP!!
All third graders will receive a new Chromebook. You will need to come to Crosby School to pick up your new Chromebook and turn in your old Chromebook.
Also, at this time all third graders will need to pick up their learning supply bag so you have learning materials for the third quarter.
Dates: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday - January 27, 28, 29
Location: Crosby School - Main Entrance (Door 1)
Time: Anytime between the hours of 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
On Thursday, January 28th, we will extend the hours from 7:30-6:00 pm to accommodate parent schedules. If you are unable to pick up at these times, please contact the school office at 815-943-6125 to arrange your pick up.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION INFORMATION
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR FALL 2021 BEGINS ON FEBRUARY 1, 2021
Do you have a child who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2021?
Do you know a neighbor with a child coming to kindergarten in the fall?
If so, please share this information!
Kindergarten Registration for the 2021-2022 school year will be done online this year through PowerSchool starting February 1.
Kindergarten Parent Information Meetings will be done on ZOOM, and open for our incoming kindergarten families.
We will use this time to have a virtual tour of the school, meet some of our staff, and ask questions. Our teachers will share about "A Day in the Life of a Kindergartener."
Parent Meetings are being offered at two different times to accommodate parent schedules. The same information will be shared at both sessions.
Please attend the one that works for your schedule.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 26 - 5:00-6:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting
https://cusd50.zoom.us/j/85917443457
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27 - 1:00-2:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting
https://cusd50.zoom.us/j/86061624960For more information, visit www.cusd50.org/kindergarten.
DUAL LANGUAGE INFORMATION SESSIONS
There will be two sessions offered at different times (in both English and Spanish).
The same information will be presented at both sessions. Please pick the day and time that works for you.
All sessions will be done on ZOOM.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28 - 5:00-6:00 PM (WITH AN OPTIONAL 30 MINUTE Q&A FOLLOWING THE SESSION)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://cusd50.zoom.us/j/84911995584
FRIDAY, JANUARY 29 - 1:00-2:00 PM (WITH AN OPTIONAL 30 MINUTE Q&A
FOLLOWING THE SESSION)
Join Zoom Meeting https://cusd50.zoom.us/j/84934552093
For more information, visit www.cusd50.org/kindergarten.
SCHOLASTIC ONLINE BOOK FAIR ~ FEBRUARY 8-21, 2021
We are working hard to keep kids reading and to raise critical funds for our school with our Scholastic Online-Only Book Fair from February 8-21.
The Book Fair will connect your kids to notable books and inspiring characters — helping them become lifelong readers. And you’ll love the new option to shop for Book Fair exclusives directly from the interactive booklist.
Plus, enjoy these special online shopping features:
• Access to over 6,000 products
• All orders ship direct to home
• FREE shipping on book-only orders over $25
• All purchases support our school and earn 25% in rewards
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with online shopping: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/richardcrosbyelementary1
Thank you for continuing to support our school.
Happy reading!
Ms. Belena Garza
Crosby Elementary School Librarian
THE "COUNSELING CORNER" ~ MRS. SPAULDING & MRS. ALTMANN
Hello Crosby Families,
We are SO excited for our 2nd Annual Crosby Elementary School "Great Kindness Challenge" where we will be joining thousands of schools throughout the world in spreading kindness during the week of January 25-29, 2021 (and ALL YEAR LONG, as well!).
This world-wide initiative is a way to celebrate kindness and compassion, and build a sense of community throughout our school, neighborhoods, community, cities, states, nation and WORLD!
The children will be engaged in fun activities during their class time. For more information on the "Great Kindness Challenge", and ideas on ways to integrate this fun initiative at home, click here! If you’d like to share photos of your family participating, you can email them to your Crosby Counselors!
Have a GREAT week, and Happy Great Kindness Challenge Week!!
Crosby kids are excited to be a part of the "2021 Great Kindness Challenge!"
Let’s celebrate with some fun “Dress Up Days!”
Monday, January 25- “Powered By Kindness:” Wear your favorite superhero t-shirt or outfit!
Tuesday, January 26- COLLEGE DAY! Wear a college T-shirt or sweatshirt and research, think, and share something KIND that the college/university/campus does for the community.
Wednesday, January 27th- “Kindness Rocks!” Dress up as your favorite music artist, favorite singer, or favorite musician!
Thursday, January 28th- KIND CHARACTER DAY! Dress up as your favorite KIND character from a book, movie, or TV show!
Friday, January 29th- Team Up For Kindness: Wear your favorite sports team apparel!
Los niños de Crosby están emocionados de ser parte del Desafío de Gran Bondad 2020! Nos uniremos a miles de escuelas en todo el país para crear una cultura de amabilidad! Celebremos con algunos divertidos “días de disfraces”
Lunes 25 de enero- “Motorizado por la bondad:” usa tu camiseta o atuendo de superhéroe favorito!
Martes 26 de enero- DÍA AVID” use una camiseta o sudadera de la universidad e investiga, piensa y comparta algo que la universidad hace por la comunidad.
Miércoles 27 de enero- " ¡La bondad es genial!" ¡Vístete como tu artista musical favorito, cantante favorito o músico favorito!
Jueves 28 de enero- “día de personaje de bondad” Vistete como tu personaje favorito de un libro, película o programa de televisión!
Viernes 29 de enero- “Forma equipo para ser amable” usa la ropa de tu equipo deportivo favorito!
Your School Counselors,
Mrs. Spaulding and Mrs. Altmann
THE "SOCIAL BUZZ" ~ MS. LORENA VILLAGOMEZ
Hello Crosby Families,
Parents and teachers are faced with the challenge of discussing the evolving COVID-19 virus outbreak with children. Although these are difficult conversations to have, they are also important. There is not a “right” or “wrong” way to talk with children about this. With the possibility of students returning to school we want to share a few suggestions that might help ease the conversation:
- Create a welcoming environment for children to ask questions. Children often have questions and might not know how to ask them. Be patient as they try to come up with ways to ask you about it.
- Answer questions as honestly and accurately as you can. Gather information from the CDC and WHO websites that will help you answer their questions.
- Use language that children will understand. Explain in terms in which the child will understand based on their age and developmental level.
- It’s okay to repeat information. Children will probably ask the same question multiple times as a way to feel reassured.
- Acknowledge and validate the child’s thoughts, feelings, and reactions. Show that you think their questions and concerns are important.
- Remember that children tend to personalize situations. For example, they may worry about their own safety and the safety of family and friends.
- Reassure children that many people are helping those being affected by COVID-19.
- Show children how they can be safe during this time. Practice wearing a mask, washing their hands, and staying socially distant.
Websites:
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
We cannot wait to have children back in our buildings!
As always you can contact me through my email lvillagomez@cusd50.org if I can assist you in any way.
RESOURCES:
McHenry County Crisis Line number 800.892.8900.
You can also visit https://www.mc708.org/resources/ for more mental health resources.
Mobile food pantries: https://solvehungertoday.org/get-help/distributions/
Harvard Community Food Pantry: Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 am and from 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 these resources.
Sincerely,
Ms. Lorena Villagomez
School Social Worker
IMPORTANT DATES ~
January 25 - 29 - The Great Kindness Challenge
January 26 - Kindergarten Parent Meeting via Zoom - 5 pm
January 27 - Kindergarten Parent Meeting via Zoom - 1 pm
January 27 - 3rd Grade New Chromebook & Material Pick Up - 7:30 am-4:00 pm
January 28 - Dual Language Information Meeting via Zoom - 5:00 pm
January 28 - 3rd Grade New Chromebook & Material Pick Up - 7:30 am-6:00 pm
January 29 - Dual Language Information Meeting via Zoom - 1:00 pm
January 29 - 3rd Grade New Chromebook & Material Pick Up - 7:30 am-4:00 pm
February 1 - Kindergarten Registration Begins - Online via PowerSchool
February 5 - "100th Day of School"
February 11 - No School - Parent-Teacher Conferences
February 12 - No School - Non Attendance Day
February 15 - No School - Presidents' Day
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