Neubert Elementary School
Family Newsletter | Week of March 9, 2026
Principal's Message
Dear Neubert Families,
On Monday at 9:00 AM, we will be conducting a Severe Weather Drill. During this drill, students and staff will practice the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) “Shelter” procedures. With spring approaching and weather patterns beginning to change, this is a great opportunity for everyone to review and practice the steps we take to stay safe during severe weather.
This week, our 3rd-5th grade students will begin the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) on Tuesday. The IAR measures students’ progress toward the Illinois Learning Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics and helps us better understand how students are growing academically. Our testing schedule will be ELA on March 10 and 11 and Math on March 12, 13, and 17. Please read below to learn ways that you can help your student prepare for testing.
The 5Essentials Family Survey is open and will remain open through March 10 (linked below). This survey gives our families an important opportunity to share feedback about our school and helps guide our continuous school improvement efforts. Our district goal for parent participation is 20%, and we can only reach that with your help. We are currently at 75 surveys completed with an overall 17% response rate.
In order for our school to receive a Parent Report, we must meet both requirements set by the state:
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A minimum response rate of 20%
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At least 8 parents submitting survey responses
At this time, the minimum number of respondents has been met; however, we still need to reach the 20% participation threshold to receive our official Parent Report. Your voice truly matters, and every survey completed helps us better understand how to support our students, families, and school community.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support at home.
Your Partner in Education,
Ms. Nicole Bryan, Principal
Neubert Elementary School
The 5Essentials Survey
5Essentials Survey Window Now Open – We Value Your Voice!
Our annual 5Essentials Survey window is now open, and we invite all Neubert families to participate. This statewide survey provides important feedback about our school’s learning conditions and overall effectiveness. It gathers input about areas such as school climate, communication, family engagement, and instructional support.
Your responses are confidential and help guide our school improvement planning, goal setting, and decision-making. We carefully review the results each year and use them to strengthen our programs, supports, and partnerships with families.
The survey does not take long to complete, and your voice truly makes a difference.
👉 Family Survey Link (select "Kane" for the county)
Opened February 9, Closes on March 10
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our Neubert Knights!
Neubert Staff Shoutouts
At Neubert, we are so lucky to have such a dedicated and caring staff! We invite you to take a moment to recognize a staff member who has made a difference for your child(ren) or family. Your personal messages will be sent directly to the receiving staff member. Your kind words mean so much and help us celebrate the amazing work happening every day!
Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) & Illinois Science Assessment (ISA)
Our 3rd-5th grade Neubert Knights will be participating in the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) this week. The IAR measures student progress toward the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) learning standards in:
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English Language Arts (ELA) - reading comprehension, vocabulary, written expression, and critical thinking
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Mathematics - problem-solving, reasoning, modeling, and conceptual understanding
These assessments provide valuable information about how well students are mastering grade-level standards and help guide our continuous school improvement efforts.
📅 Testing Dates
IAR - English Language Arts (Grades 3-5)
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March 10
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March 11
IAR - Mathematics (Grades 3-5)
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March 12
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March 13
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March 17
Illinois Science Assessment (ISA - Grade 5 Only)
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April 8
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April 9
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April 10
The Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) measures 5th graders’ understanding of the Illinois Learning Standards for Science, including life science, physical science, earth and space science, and scientific practices.
How Families Can Help Their Knight Prepare
You can support your child by:
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Ensuring they get a good night’s sleep before each testing day
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Providing a healthy breakfast (or encouraging them to eat breakfast at school)
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Making sure they arrive on time and attend school on testing days
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Encouraging a positive mindset - remind them to take their time and try their best
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Limiting late-night screen time during the testing window
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Reassuring them that this is simply an opportunity to show what they know
Send them to school with a charged chromebook and a pair of headphones
We are proud of the hard work our students demonstrate every day. Thank you for partnering with us to support their success! Let’s help our Knights rise to the occasion and show what they know!
The Kids Heart Challenge
Our Neubert Knights showed so much heart during this year’s American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge! 💙❤️ Fundraising has officially come to a close, and we want to extend a HUGE thank you to all of our students and families who participated and helped make a difference. Because of your generosity and effort, we were able to raise funds that will support the purchase of new P.E. equipment and materials right here at Neubert, directly benefiting all of our students!
Ms. Adams will be working on distributing prizes to students who earned them. Thank you for your patience as those are organized. And get ready… 👀✨ 18 students earned the privilege of silly stringing Ms. Bryan and the admin team! More details coming soon on this exciting (and messy!) celebration!
Thank you again for partnering with us to support heart health, kindness, and our Neubert community.
Dismissal Reminders
Arrival and Dismissal Guidelines:
Be your child’s best example.
Please be courteous and follow safety guidelines at all times – do not use your cell phone while in the school zones.
Follow all directions from school safety personnel. (Staff can see potential problems you may not.)
Students are to be picked-up promptly at dismissal. There is no supervision after school hours. If you bring other children with you (i.e. siblings), please make sure you keep a watchful eye on them.
Please drive slowly and watch for children!
School Parking Lots are closed during arrival from 7:45-8:05 and during dismissal from 2:10-2:30.
March: Irish American Heritage Month
March is Irish American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions Irish Americans have made to our country’s history, culture, arts, education, public service, and community life. Throughout history, Irish immigrants and their descendants have helped shape the United States through leadership, perseverance, creativity, and a deep commitment to family and community values.
Ways Families Can Celebrate at Home
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Read a book together about Irish or Irish American history, folktales, or biographies.
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Explore family heritage by talking about your own family’s traditions, immigration stories, or cultural roots.
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Listen to traditional Irish music and learn about instruments like the fiddle or tin whistle.
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Cook a traditional Irish recipe together such as soda bread or colcannon.
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Learn about important Irish American figures, such as:
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John F. Kennedy
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Grace Kelly
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Nellie Bly
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Create Celtic-inspired art using knot designs and traditional patterns.
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Research the history of St. Patrick’s Day and how it became a celebration in the United States.
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Discuss the importance of inclusion and belonging, and how learning about different cultures helps us build understanding and respect.
Celebrating heritage months helps our students grow in empathy, curiosity, and appreciation for the many cultures that contribute to our shared community. Let’s continue learning and celebrating together!
March: National Women's History Month
March is National Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate and honor the vital contributions women have made to our nation’s history, culture, science, education, government, and community life. From leaders and innovators to artists, activists, educators, and caregivers, women have shaped our world in powerful and lasting ways.
Ways Families Can Celebrate at Home
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Read a biography together about an influential woman in history.
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Watch a documentary or short video highlighting women’s contributions to science, sports, the arts, or public service.
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Have a family discussion about strong women role models in your own life—past or present.
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Research a “Woman of the Day” throughout the month and share one interesting fact at dinner.
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Create artwork or a poster celebrating a woman who inspires you.
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Explore STEM together by learning about scientists such as:
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Marie Curie
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Katherine Johnson
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Learn about women in leadership, such as:
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Ruth Bader Ginsburg
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Rosa Parks
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Encourage goal-setting conversations about dreams, leadership, and how children can make a positive impact in their communities.
By celebrating National Women’s History Month, we help our students grow in appreciation, respect, and understanding of the many women whose courage and contributions continue to shape our world.
The Royal Broom Competition
Congratulations to Mrs. Burkes Class!
They are the winners of our Royal Broom Award for keeping the cleanest classroom the entire week of February 23! Our night custodians crowned them champions, and their room sparkled the brightest. ✨The Royal Broom competition runs all year long, so who will sweep up the honor next week? 🧹
March's Perfect Attendance Award
We’re excited to share this month’s Perfect Attendance Reward! Students who have perfect attendance in March will earn a free kids meal at Chick-Fil-A! Let’s keep up the great attendance and enjoy some fun rewards!
Lost and Found
Updated 03/06/26
Our Lost & Found is officially living up to its name and it’s bursting at the seams with hats and gloves! 🧤🧢 If your child’s winter gear mysteriously vanished, there’s a very good chance it’s hanging out here, waiting to be reunited with its owner. Please take a moment to check the Lost & Found pictures below.
To help lost items make a quicker reunion in the future, we encourage families to write students’ names on their belongings. A name goes a long way in helping us return items faster. Thank you for helping keep our Lost & Found from growing! 😊
Neubert Spirit Wear Days
Our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a team of passionate parents and staff who work together to make Neubert an even better place to learn and grow. From planning fun family events to supporting teachers and students, the PTO helps build the strong, connected community our kids deserve. Stay tuned for ways to get involved!
Late Start Days
Late Start Hours for Kindergarten through 5th Grade
10:00 am - 2:15 pm
Remaining Late Start Dates for the 2025-26 School Year
- Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Mark Your Calendars
Important Upcoming Dates
- 3/9/26 - Severe Weather Drill
- 3/10/26 - First Day of IAR Testing (Grades 3-5)
- 3/10/26 - 5Essentials Survey Closes
- 3/13/26 - End of Quarter 3
Virtual Backpack
Calendars & District Information
2025-2026 District Calendar
2025-2026 Late Start Calendar
2025-2026 Elementary ABCDE Calendar
2025-2026 District Testing Calendar
D300 Strategic Plan
NES Website
Family Newsletter Archive
Contact Us
- Principal - Ms. Nicole Bryan - nicole.bryan@d300.org
- Assistant Principal - Mrs. Christina Nowak - christina.nowak@d300.org
- Student Services Specialist - Mrs. Kim Almodovar - kimberly.almodovar@d300.org
- Principal's Secretary - Mrs. Christine Stofan - christine.stofan@d300.org
- Registrar Secretary - Mrs. Evangelin Chapa - evangelin.chapa@d300.org
- Certified School Nurse - Mrs. Kathy Frank - katherine.frank@d300.org
School Phone Number: 847-532-6800