Ferson Creek eNews

Happy Friday Ferson Creek Fox Families,

It's such a special feeling when the whole school comes together in one space. This past Wednesday was one of those moments that we gathered as a school community to honor a special group of people- our veterans. We are so grateful for those who were able to join us on Wednesday and for their service. A special thank you to our guest speaker, Mr. Tyler Metzger, Veteran Navy Seal.

Below are the words that I shared with students to open the assembly.

A veteran is someone who has served in the United States Armed Forces. They made a commitment to protect our country and the freedoms we enjoy every everyday. Some served during times of peace, and some served during times of conflict. No matter when they served, each veteran answered the call to put others before themselves.

Wednesday was a special opportunity to say two powerful words: thank you.

The veterans who were with us on Wednesday are family and friends of our students and staff. We thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, your dedication, and your service to our nation. We are grateful for all that you have done for our country and for our communities.

Students, I encourage you to think about what it means to serve others. We can serve others by showing kindness, helping those around us, standing up for what is right, and treating others with respect.

At Ferson Creek, we believe in being kind, respectful, and responsible learners. Today, we also remember the importance of gratitude. One of the best ways we can honor our veterans is by showing our appreciation through our attention, our respect, and our words.

Veterans, we hope you know how much your service means to us. We are honored that you chose to spend part of your day with us. Thank you to our Veterans!

Click here to watch out Veterans Day video. A big thank you to Mrs. Ignoffo for putting this together for our Ferson Creek community!

Have a great weekend,

-Mrs. Salto and Ms. Pigoni

November

November 16th- 20th CogAT makeup testing for grades 3 & 5

November 16th: Big Hearts Donation Incentive: Wear a cozy sweater day

November 16th- CHESS club @ 3:35 in art room

November 17th- PTO Meeting 12:30-1:30

Culvers Night (Culvers of South Elgin) 5-8p.m.

November 18th- Early release at 2:30p.m.

Whole school PBIS reward earned- Pajama day

Trimester report cards available to parents in Synergy ParentVue

November 19th- Windy City Bulls Assembly

November 20th- Student Leadership Club Spirit Day: Flannel Day

November 23rd-29th- No school. Have a great Thanksgiving!

Our lost and found is overflowing. Next week our lost and found items will be arranged on tables in the front foyer. Please encourage your student to take a look at the tables to see if they can find any of their missing items. All items in the lost and found will be donated over winter break.

Dear Ferson Creek Families,

I am really excited to announce that Ferson Creek will be participating in a Guinness Book of World Record attempt, “Most people sport stacking in multiple locations”, as we will be joining approximately 800,000 other students from around the US and participate in an event called Stack Up! All next week (November 16-20), our students will use our stacking cups in a variety of games and activities and will be counted in the total that Speed Stacks and World Sport Stacking Association will submit to the Guinness Book of World Records.

I love our cup stacking unit because there are so many aspects to it that can challenge every student,

regardless of age, background and/or skill. It really is an activity that everyone can do! In addition to that, cup stacking also uses both sides of the body and brain, which studies have shown to enhance brain development, memory and retention skills, hand-eye coordination, and other academic and athletic skills.

One of my goals, as a Physical Educator, is to promote activity at home that the students are excited for and that families can join in. I believe that cup stacking is a unique, fun and simple activity that motivates kids and families to connect, be active and have fun!

Speed Stacks has sent me some of their Speed Stacks Sets and StackMats for interested families to purchase. These are NOT REQUIRED for students, as we have plenty of sets that we use for our cup stacking games and activities. However, if you choose to purchase an item, please read the next section. If you do not want to make a purchase, please skip to the final paragraph.

● Sets are $25.00. Pro Series 2 sets are $30.00. StackMats (mat, timer and gear bag) are $30.00. There are also bundles available as well. There is no shipping, as the items are here at school.

● Speed Stacks Sets and StackMats are available for immediate purchase. ‘First come, First served’ on color and design choices.

● To purchase an item, click/type https://bit.ly/FC-Cup-Order2026 OR scan the QR Code (below), choose our school and place your order.

● When you purchase online, I am notified. Please print the receipt and the student (or one sibling from that family) may come to the PE office with the receipt and pick up the item.

● If the color/design choice is no longer available, there are some options available regarding what you and family would like to do. If this occurs, I will contact the family and we will determine how to

proceed.

● As of right now, I plan to close our Group Order on Tuesday December 1, 2026.

I once again want to say how excited I am that we are participating in this amazing event! With the games and activities we have planned, I know all of our students are going to have a great time!

If you have any questions about the event or about purchasing (again, NOT REQUIRED) an item, please don’t hesitate to email (william.navis@d303.org) me!

Gratitude Overview

We are looking forward to focusing on Gratitude this month! One way to think about Gratitude is “choosing to appreciate the people and things in our lives.” Practicing Gratitude can increase our well-being and even our happiness! Gratitude is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Well. Across grade levels, students will be developing skills like emotion regulation, positive self-talk, and stress-management.

Purposefull Pursuits

Have some fun connecting as a family this month while practicing Gratitude. Here are 2 “PurposeFull Pursuits” you can complete together!

1. What are some small, specific things that you are Grateful for? Maybe it is your favorite water cup, the way the cat sleeps on the chair, or when your grandma bakes banana bread. Spend some time as a family trying to think of at least 10 small things that you have Gratitude for and then choose to notice them this week with a smile.

2. Review Gratitude as a family! Remember that Gratitude is choosing to appreciate the people and things in our lives. Find a place in your home to display a glass jar. Cut up small slips of paper and place them next to the jar. Use the jar to collect special people, places, events, and memories that your family is thankful for. Find a time each week to add slips of Gratitude to the jar and assist students in writing or drawing gratitude as needed. Having a gloomy day or a challenging time as a family? Pull out the slips of Gratitude and read them aloud together as a reminder of your Grateful moments.

Conversation Starters

Can you share or show what it means to practice Gratitude?

What is something you are Grateful for every day?

Come out and support our amazing Ferson Creek Elementary teachers on Tuesday, November 17th, from 5:00–8:00 PM at Culver’s in South Elgin!

This special fundraising event helps provide our teachers with additional classroom funds so they don’t have to spend their own money on classroom supplies, party decorations, educational toys, and other materials that help keep our students excited and engaged in learning. A percentage of the evening’s sales, along with 100% of all tips collected during the event, will go toward supporting our teachers!

Bring your family, enjoy a delicious meal or sweet treat, and help us give back to the teachers who do so much for our children every day!

Culver’s of South Elgin

280 Randall Road, South Elgin, IL

Tuesday, November 17th
5:00–8:00 PM

Every purchase helps make a difference. We hope to see you there!

At the end of October, Ms. Daley and Mrs. Sheridan, school social workers, will begin Erin's Law lessons utilizing the Second Step Child Protection Unit. For more information regarding Erin's Law and the Second Step instructional resource, please see the letter below.

This festive event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season and we’d love for Ferson Creek students, families, and staff to get involved! There are multiple ways to join in the fun:

• Create your own gingerbread masterpiece — solo, as a family, or with a group! All ages and skill levels welcome. There will be prizes in multiple categories.

• Join us on December 6th. Stop by the event from 11am – 3pm to enjoy music & treats, and vote for your favorite gingerbread house.

• Admission is FREE!

Lunch and Recess

Parent volunteer positions for lunch and recess are currently on pause.

Birthday Lunches

Parent(s)/guardian(s) are welcome to join their child for lunch on their birthday (or an alternate day for summer birthdays).

• Check-in Required: All visitors must check in at the main office to receive a visitor tag before entering the lunchroom.
• Pre-Registration/RSVP Google Form: Please fill out the RSVP Google Form below at least 24 hours in advance so the office and lunchroom staff can plan for extra seating. We are limiting attendance to 2 adult guests per student. Click here to complete the birthday lunch RSVP Google Form.
• Guidelines and Rules: Food may only be shared with your own student. For student privacy, no photos may be taken during lunch. When lunch is over, you must return to the office to sign out.
• Grade-Level Lunch Times

Kindergarten 12:35-12:55

1st Grade 11:05-11:25

2nd Grade 11:25-11:45

3rd Grade 12:55-1:15

4th Grade 11:50-12:10

5th Grade 12:10-12:30

School Start Time - 9:05 am

Earliest Drop-Off Time - 8:50 am

School End Time - 3:25 pm

Early Release End Time - 2:35 pm

There are three easy ways to report your child's absence:

📱 Synergy Parent Portal/App: Click "Report Absence" on the home screen or in the attendance section

📞 Call: 331-228-2300, press option "1"
📧 Email: Amanda.hodnik@d303.org

Phone/email details:

• Messages can be left 24 hours a day
• Please include: your name, your child's name, your phone number, reason for absence, and symptoms (if ill)
• Already emailed the teacher about the absence? Please copy Amanda.hodnik@d303.org on that email as well — this helps you avoid a daily attendance verification call

Using Synergy ParentVue?

1. Click the Report Absence button on the home screen or in the attendance section
2. Select the Start and End Date for the absence
3. Choose a Reason from the drop-down menu
4. Enter a Note explaining the absence
5. Upload documentation (e.g., doctor's note) if required, then click Save

Please refer to Chapter 2 of the 2026-2027 Student Handbook for detailed district attendance policies and procedures. Click button below for handbook!

All schools in St. Charles CUSD 303 have moved to Synergy SIS as the district’s new student information system, replacing HAC (Home Access Center). ParentVUE is the secure parent/guardian portal where you will be able to view your student's information, such as grades, report cards, attendance, and online registration.

Please activate your ParentVUE account by following the steps below.

Activate Your Account

Click here to begin: ParentVUE Account Activation

1. Review the Privacy Statement.

2. Click I Accept at the bottom of the page.

3. Create your username and password, and enter your email address.

4. Click Complete Account Activation.

You will then be logged into ParentVUE!

Important Notes

• Initially, you will see one tile: Student Information.

• Student Information: We kindly ask that you click into Student Information and verify that your student’s information is accurate. If edits are necessary, click Edit Information.

• On August 10 in the afternoon, you will see additional information and tiles in the portal.

• Each parent/guardian should create their own account. Do not share accounts.

• You only need one account, even if you have multiple children enrolled in the district.

• You must activate your web portal account before using the mobile app.

• Students in middle and high school will receive their own StudentVUE accounts, which provide similar information. Please do not give your student(s) your ParentVUE login credentials.

Using the ParentVUE Mobile App

1. Download the free ParentVUE app by Edupoint from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

2. Open the app and either allow location services or type your zip code, then tap the district name.

3. Log in using the username and password you created during activation.

If you need assistance, please contact your student's school.

Thank you for completing your ParentVUE activation!

The District 303 Parent/Guardian Attendance Resource Guide is officially launching on the D303 website. This comprehensive resource is organized into three sections: D303-specific attendance resources, community-based attendance resources, and general attendance information, providing families with a clear, accessible starting point for navigating attendance concerns.

Gianna Pigoni, Assistant Principal

Website: https://fersoncreek.d303.org/
Location: 38W160 Bolcum Road, St. Charles, IL, USA
Phone: 331-228-2300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ferson-Creek-Elementary-1492773537612187/