JCB Spelling Bee

On Tuesday, January 19, 2016, JCB held its annual spelling bee. In order to give the students an experience close to what the regional spelling bee will be, we held our contest at school during the day. We promoted a positive academic atmosphere for all of our students.

Shortly after winter break, individual homerooms held class spelling contests and narrowed it down to 2 final spellers. These students studied for the all-school spelling bee using lists provided by Scripps National Spelling Bee. Families of spellers were invited to attend and cheer on their spellers.

I reminded our spellers, audience and family members that all of the spellers should be very proud. Everyone on that stage is an excellent speller and deserves to be there. Congratulations to the following spellers who made it to the all-school spelling bee.

Zach Owen, Dylan Schmidt, Caitlin Flebbe, Madeline Molidor, Ben Ward, Allie Dercole

Braeden Horne, Aliyah Andersen, Trevor Wirtz, Blake Bowers, Orion Western, Jake Depner

Madison Frost, Cole Haynes, Adrian Mascote, Leyla Wagner, Lana Bowers, Delaney Stern

Alex Tijerina, Alicia Hurley, Cali Courtemanche, Kaylee Hensley, Peyton Koczersut, Josh Brown

Cooper Boeckh, Lilia Rothschild, Everett Sanderson, Vivian Davis, Micayla Wacaser, 

Jeramy Morgan, Hannah Brown, Bella Nitz, Jessica McCue and Will Dalebroux.

It was quite an exciting event. The students demonstrated outstanding spelling skills as well as amazing poise and sportsmanship. The students in the audience appeared to be as excited as they would be watching a thrilling football game! They were so happy when their classmates spelled correctly and were respectful and encouraging when a classmate did not spell correctly. I was very proud of all of our students.

Congratulations to our winner, 5th grader Braeden Horne from Mrs. Diedrich's class and our first runner-up, 4th grader Will Dalebroux. Both of these students will represent JCB at the Regional Spelling Bee at Nippersink Middle School to be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. We wish them the best of luck.

Students Accept Reading Challenge

Before students left school for the winter break, they were presented with a challenge--to read at least 500 minutes over break. That is quite a few minutes, but we knew we would have students rise to the challenge. Students completed a reading log and documented their minutes throughout the break. Then, students who reached 500 minutes of reading brought their logs in to school. Mrs. Moore, one of our reading specialists, was the teacher who developed and organized the challenged. She tallied the logs and we had 60 students who met the goal of reading at least 500 minutes.

On Friday, January 8, students were supposed to have been treated to an extra recess outside for fun snow games. But since it was raining (yes, raining) that day, we had a fun indoor activity instead. Students were in groups of 4 and made their own torn paper snowmen. After students finished that activity, they were treated to hot chocolate and candy canes. The students loved it. Check out our pictures below. The snowmen are so great looking. They will be decorating our halls soon.

And keep your eyes out for our spring break reading challenge!

Nurse's Corner

Recently (both before winter break and since we have returned), we have seen a number of students coming into the Nurse’s Office with two predominant complaints; headaches and stomachaches.

In the early part of the day, students who complain of stomachaches or headaches usually fall into one or two categories. When questioned about a stomachache and/or headache, they will usually say that they did not have any breakfast, had only a very small breakfast, and/or that they had very little for dinner the previous evening. Additionally, they may state that they have had no fluids during the day. In the latter part of the day, when complaining of headaches, when questioned, they may say that they have eaten lunch, but again state that they have had little or no water during the day.

Though mornings can be a hectic time of day, it is important that students eat a breakfast which should include juice, milk, or water in order for them to be able to concentrate on school work and to ensure that they remain hydrated. During the school day, the students are permitted to keep a water bottle with them so that they can remain well hydrated.

Often, parents think about the need to be well hydrated when the weather is warmer and children are sweating. What may not be as obvious in the colder weather, is that children may be just as likely to become dehydrated due to the fact that with the use of a furnace to heat the school and the home, the air becomes significantly drier.

Here in the Nurse’s Office, in most cases, we are able to resolve stomachaches resulting from not eating breakfast by using crackers and some water. In the majority of students complaining of headaches without fever, the headache can be relieved by encouraging a few cups of water before returning to class.

Please encourage your student to eat breakfast and drink fluids before leaving for school and to refill their water bottle frequently during the day. Please let the Nurse’s Office know if you have any questions. And thank you for your support as the school works with the home to make sure that our students are getting what they need in order to be the best students they can be.

JCB Christmas Parties

Thanks to all of our parents and staff who helped put together some very fun classroom parties for our students. And thanks to the many parents who contributed food, drinks, activities, and goods to make the parties a great experience for everyone.

5th Grade Weather Day

Students in Mrs. Barger-Ancog's 5th grade class did research, created, and presented weather maps the last week of school before break! Nice job, students!

Pajama Day a Success!

Our first JCB Pajama Drive was a huge success! We collected over 100 pairs of new pajamas in all sizes in conjunction with a program sponsored by Scholastic--Pajama Program--Great Bedtime Story. Scholastic will donate a new book for each pair of pajamas. This year, we were fortunate enough to be able to donate these new pajamas to Turning Point, a domestic violence agency whose mission is to confront violence against women and children in McHenry County, Illinois. The staff and students were so pleased to know that our donations are going to support people in our very own backyard.

On Thursday, December 17, students and staff celebrated our donation with our own pajama day, accompanied by guest readers who brought us delightful stories. Thanks to Anna Wolk with FoodServices for the donation of milk for our students to enjoy during story time. Thank you again to everyone who participated and donated. Guest readers included Dr. Dan Johnson, Anna Wolk, Mrs. Barger, and lots of high school mentor students.

Check out some of our pictures of story time.

JCB Math Team News

This year the James C. Bush Elementary School Bloodhounds started a math team. The Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics sponsors math contests for teams in grades 3-8 and high school. Schools can participate in the contests with grade level teams of up to 5 students and/or as individuals. For our first year, we chose to participate as teams. Students with above grade level scores on the MAPs math tests taken in the fall were invited to participate. To get ready for the first competition, students practiced twice a week with grade level coaches during recess. The scores of the top two teams in each grade level will be submitted to the ICTM to compete against other elementary schools. Results should be posted shortly after the winter break. Our next competitions will be in February and March.

The first contest of the year was held this week during recess. As a reward for their participation, students were treated to a pizza lunch. I overheard one student say, "I get to do math AND have pizza!! This is the best day of my life!" I loved watching all of the students demonstrate problem solving skills, collaborative skills, and outstanding math skills. They were truly excited about being a part of this group.

Congratulations to our JCB Mathletes!

Third Grade

Third Grade

Fourth Grade

Fourth Grade

Fifth Grade

Fifth Grade