Cheetah Connection
A PRINCIPAL UPDATE FOR OUR CHANDLER FAMILIES
February 5, 2021
Save the Date!
- February 8th- 12th- Kindness Week
- February 8th- Class Valentines Due
- February 10th- Wear Valentine socks!
- February 10th- Virtual Author Visit with Jeff Mack
- February 12th- Crazy Hair Day (104 Allen Eagle Run registrations! Way to go!)
- February 12th- Bring a new pair of socks to school for ACO!
- February 12th- Valentines Exchange Day!
- February 12th- 5th Grade Music Choice Form due
- February 15th- Staff Development Day- Student Holiday
- February 15th- 19th- Love Week (see more info below)
Have You Signed Up for the Allen Eagle Run Yet???
Chandler Elementary is well on our way of meeting our goal of 150 registrations. As of this morning we have 104 of our Cheetahs signed up and in 4th place in the district!
Please make sure you click on Chandler Elementary if you are registering any other family members to give us the credit!
***NEW INCENTIVE ALERT! The grade level with the most registrations will be winning an ICE CREAM SUNDAE PARTY! At-Home learners are included!***
The Allen Eagle Run event benefits the Foundation For Allen Schools, and all proceeds directly fund classroom grants, teacher and student scholarships, Allen PTA programs and campus projects.
The registration price will be going up after today 2/5, so please get signed up today!
Thank you for continuing to support our Cheetahs!
Want to keep in touch with what is happening at Chandler Elementary? Follow us on Social Media!
Follow us on Twitter!
- @CC_PTA
- @cheetahchandler
Follow Mrs. Allen on Twitter!
- @ChandlerPrin
Follow us on Facebook!
- Like Chandler Elementary PTA
Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day this year will be celebrated at Chandler on February 12th. As in years past, we do not have a party on that day, but rather just allow students to exchange valentines with other students. This year we are asking that if you chose to send valentines with your child, that you send them by Monday, February 8th. This will allow them to sit untouched for several days prior to your child opening their box/bag. In addition, we ask that you not send a container for the valentines. We will be providing that for students this year. More specifics will be sent home from the teachers in the coming weeks.
- Chandler PTA is excited to publish our first cookbook featuring recipes from our families!
- We invite you to share a recipe to be included in the cookbook.
- This can be a family tradition or something special representing your culture.
- Please include a photo of your family either making the recipe or a finished dish.
- Submit your recipe by February 23.
- We will then take all submissions and put them together in a cookbook that will be available electronically to Chandler families.
- Questions? Contact Carol at chandlerpta2ndvp@gmail.com
Open House
- As with all the new things this year, Open House will look a little different.
- Our At-Home and In-Person teachers are working with students to create a special work portfolio to share with our Chandler families March 4th.
- We will not be having an in person Open House rather we will be sending home a special work portfolio either in a virtual format for at-home learners or paper portfolio for our in-person learners.
Attention 5th Grade Families:
Believe it or not, the time has come to start planning for 6th Grade Music! All Allen ISD 6th graders must choose a “specialized” music course for 6th grade. The choices we offer are Band, Choir and Orchestra. The students will watch the following informational video about 6th Grade Band and Orchestra in their music class. Their Music Teacher is available to answer questions about Choir.
Please sit down and discuss music options with your 5th grade student. Once you have come to a decision, please fill out the form located here: https://forms.gle/wWN7oGS2Wb3hCwM88
This choice form is due by Friday, February 12th.
Should you have any questions, please contact the following people:
For Band Questions, contact Andrea Brooks - andrea.brooks@allenisd.org
For Orchestra Questions, contact Valerie Curry - valerie.curry@allenisd.org
For Choir Questions, contact your campus music teacher.
Allen ISD Love Week- February 15th- 19th
Expectations for AT-HOME Learners
As we have returned from the break, I want to take a moment to re-establish some expectations for success in ‘At-Home’ learning. Below are ‘At-Home’ learning expectations for all students. Students must be actively engaged in the learning for the entirety of class. Active engagement includes the following:
- Logged into the Google Meet or Zoom at the start of class and remain in the meet for the entirety of all synchronous learning times
- Cameras must be on for the entirety of class. In addition, students need to show their entire face...we should not just see part of it or backgrounds.
- Students will complete and submit all assignments by the due date
- Students are expected to attend all asynchronous small group/intervention as assigned by the teacher
- Complete activities assigned in music, PE, and art each week
Please remind your child of these expectations. We are here to ensure your child is successful. Let us know if you have any questions or we can help in any way.
Damaged school issued computer or device?
- Should your school-issued computer become damaged, please submit a help ticket here, https://allenisd.on.spiceworks.com/portal/tickets
- We will then be able to get you a replacement while repairs are being made.
- The school will then create an invoice and send it to you to pay for the damage, repairs, or a replacement through SchoolPay.
- Should you have further questions about this process, please let us know.
STEAM Ambassador Tutoring
General Overview:
STEAM Ambassadors will provide flexible, one on one online peer tutoring services to students 5-12 with homework help and science and math concept comprehension.
Goals:
Assist students with math and science concepts through virtual tutoring sessions.
Provide accessible student support that would typically be offered in a face to face setting but has become increasingly difficult as students learn away from campus.
Establish a virtual tutoring model that successfully addresses the diverse needs of learners across Allen ISD.
Who are the tutors?
Tutors are 10th-12th grade STEAM Ambassadors that excel in science and math.
STEAM Ambassadors were chosen by board members, administrators, and teachers during an extensive interview process last spring.
Tutors have completed classroom observations and were trained on best instructional practices.
Please visit the STEAM Ambassador website to learn more about the leadership program and tutoring
How to sign up:
**Parents and students may view available times for tutoring sessions and sign up for a session here**
Students can learn about the available tutors by viewing their bios.
Students will sign up for a session at least 24 hours in advance, providing details regarding material they would like to cover during the session. Additionally, graded quizzes/assignments, homework, etc. can be submitted here for the tutor to review in detail with the student (reworking missed questions, clarifying/reteaching when necessary)
Prior to the first tutoring session a parent/guardian permission slip will be submitted
Reminder- Allen ISD Resources
Notes From the Nurse: COVID-19 Information
If there is a positive COVID case at Chandler, the parents of any student who is identified as a close contact will be notified by Nurse Carah. A close contact is defined as:
- being directly exposed to infectious secretions (e.g., being coughed on); or
- being within 6 feet for a cumulative duration of 15 minutes; however, additional factors like case/contact masking (i.e., both the infectious individual and the potential close contact have been consistently and properly masked), ventilation, presence of dividers, and case symptomology may affect this determination.
Although the state says face shields meet the requirement for a face covering, please know face shields are not considered protective/being properly masked when close contacts are being identified.
Please remember:
- masks are required to be worn over the mouth and nose of all 4th through 6th grade students.
- masks are strongly encouraged for Kinder through 3rd grade students.
For more information about Allen ISD’s COVID-19 prevention, mitigation, response procedures click here. The COVID-19 case dashboard can be viewed here.
Feel free to email any questions to carah.frazier@allenisd.org
Counseling Connection
National School Counseling Week - Thank you for your support, love and treats!
February 1-5 has been National School Counseling Week - a week to promote, inform, and share what your friendly school counselor can do for your student! Please be sure to check out my website (https://www.allenisd.org/Domain/4438) for more information on our Allen ISD Counseling Program and how I enjoy serving our Chandler Cheetahs. From classroom guidance lessons to individual student appointments to planning for middle school and our futures, it is my great joy to spend my days with our Chandler students and staff! I appreciate so many kind words, notes, flowers, and special treats all throughout the past week!
6th Grade Middle School Registration Presentations - next week!
Attention 6th grade parents & FUTURE FORD MUSTANGS! It's hard to believe it's time to think about sending our 6th graders on to Ford Middle School next year, but we will begin the process of getting your student ready to go to middle school beginning the week of February 8-12! Stay tuned for more specific information, but know that Mrs. Horton, Chandler Counselor, will be sharing a presentation from the FMS Counselors in classes next week for both In-Person AND Virtual students. Parents will have the opportunity to view the presentation, as well, since FMS will not be able to host an in-person informational night this year. Each student will receive a 7th Grade Course Selection Sheet to work on filling out at home together with parents and will return these by Monday, February 22nd. Mrs. Horton will walk our 6th graders through every step of the process and will be available for questions by email or phone. Be watching for more information!
Allen ISD Counseling Department - Parent Chats
During these uncertain times, we understand that you may be struggling to balance your child's at-home or in-person learning along with your own work and home commitments. We are here to support you! Join us at one of the times below by clicking on the date/time links below. We are here to provide a space for you to discuss your challenges and identify healthy ways to cope & problem solve. It is a great way to connect with other parents facing similar struggles. Facilitated by the Allen ISD Support Counselors. Please note: Registration will open 2 weeks prior to each event. Please navigate to https://www.allenisd.org/Domain/18 for more information or contact your campus counselor with any questions.
Elementary School Parent Chats:
Be The One Character Value for January - DETERMINATION
Our Allen ISD definition of determination is: Deciding it is worth it to finish what you have started! Stick with things and persevere!
The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in our determination.
A great determination quote we love is: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!" --William Edward Hickson
Your determination shows when you:
- Follow all the steps required to finish a project.
- Complete work on time.
- Put in your best effort every time.
- Encourage others to do their best.
Updates From Specials
Library News
- February 10th we have a virtual author visit scheduled with Author/Illustrator Jeff Mack! At home students will be given the Zoom link as we get closer to the event. We ask that at home students remain on mute and do not make comments in the chat unless asked to do so. At home students will need a blank piece of paper and a pencil and/or crayons to participate in the drawing portion of the talk. We look forward to this exciting opportunity!
- 3rd -6th grade students who read 5 or more of this year’s Bluebonnet books will be able to vote for the Bluebonnet Award in early February. Students can fill out this form for each book they read or listen to. Last day to turn in forms is Feb 7. Learn more here: https://www.allenisd.org/Page/23219
- Learn more about our Birthday Book Program here: https://www.allenisd.org/Page/2701
Doodle for Google is here again. This is an option art contest I love to tell students about every year. It’s easy to enter and has great prizes, including a chance for your work on the Google homepage and college scholarships. This year’s theme is “I am strong because…” For more information, visit: https://doodles.google.com/d4g/
Check out your artist’s finished artwork and get personalized masks and more at Artsonia.com.
We are currently in 4th place in the district with 87 people signed up for the Eagle Run!!
PRICE INCREASES TO $30 AFTER FRIDAY!
HELP US REACH OUR GOAL of 100 + people signed up!!!
IF WE REACH OUR GOAL OF PEOPLE SIGNED UP WE EARN:
- 100 PEOPLE = CRAZY HAIR DAY
- 150+ PEOPLE = TURN COACH B. INTO A HUMAN SUNDAE
THERE ARE 3 SIGN UP OPTIONS:
- FUN RUN/WALK MILE,
- 5K
- SLEEP IN OPTION
COST IS THE SAME FOR ALL THREE:
- $25 if you sign up by February 5th (paper or online)
- $30 from February 6th – 25th
PLEASE CONSIDERING HELP OUT OUR PE PROGRAM AND CHANDLER PTA!
Click on the link below to sign up online or check out Peachjar for a paper copy:
Kids Heart Challenge is raising money for the American Heart Association
- We will be raising money February 1st through February 26th.
- Look for envelopes in Thursday Folders.
- Our goal is to raise $6,000 for this worthy cause.
- The students will receive instant prizes and thank you prizes for the money that they raise!
Chandler Reminders
Arrival & Breakfast
- Doors open at 7:30 am for students to enter the building.
- Students will be counted late if they are not physically inside the building by the 7:45 am tardy bell.
- All outside doors will lock and students will need to enter at the front door after 7:45 am.
- Parents will need to sign their child in if they arrive after the 7:45 am tardy bell.
- Students who eat breakfast should be in the cafe no later than 7:40 am.
- Students should always exit the car on the curb side for safety reasons.
- If your child is walking to school, please remind them to leave with enough time to be inside the building by 7:45 am.
- All walker students should be utilizing the crosswalks at either Bur Oak or Shelley.
In-Person Absences
- Absence notifications to the school and excuse notes can be entered via Family Access in lieu of calling the school and/or sending a handwritten note.
- Please report your students' absence for “in-person” learning to Rhonda Ploubis by 10:00 am using one of the following methods:
- Family Access - notifies the school AND provides the excuse note (This feature cannot be used in lieu of a medical note to excuse students who leave school for a medical appointment or come in late from a medical appointment.)
- Email rhonda.ploubis@allenisd.org (follow up with handwritten note, medical note or Family Access note)
- Call 469.467.1400 (follow up with handwritten note, medical note or Family Access note)
Important Reminder: All notes must be received within 3 school days of the absence to be considered excused.
In-Person Changes in Dismissal
- Any changes in dismissal need to be communicated to your child's teacher in writing.
- If you are changing your dismissal in an email to your child's teacher, please also CC rhonda.ploubis@allenisd.org and jennifer.gee@allenisd.org.
- All changes need to be made prior to 2:00.
- Any changes that need to be made after 2:00 need to be called directly into the office.
Dismissal Car Tags
- ***VERY IMPORTANT*** Please make sure that car tags are displayed in your front window for EACH child.
- If you have more than one child, please display car tags for ALL children being picked up.
- In order for dismissal to go more quickly, we need to scan the QR code for EACH child. Thank you!
Masks
- Students in grades K-3rd are highly recommended to be wearing a mask during the instructional day.
- Students in grades 4th-6th are required to wear masks at all times. Please note teacher do plan structured mask breaks throughout the day.
- If a student in grades 4th-6th arrives without a mask students will be held up in the office until a parent is called to bring a mask up to school. Please ensure your child brings their mask daily.
ALLEN ISD COVID-19 DASHBOARD
Allen ISD has launched a COVID-19 dashboard to provide our families and staff with a transparent and up-to-date snapshot of lab-confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in our district.
An active case indicates that a student or staff member has received a lab-confirmed positive case of COVID-19 and they have not yet returned to campus. Individuals who test positive are excluded from participation in any in-person/on-campus activity until the campus verifies that the individual meets the return criteria set by state and local health authorities. Once the individual is cleared to return, they are no longer considered an active case.
This data will be updated each school day. You can find the dashboard under the Back to School 2020 section of the Allen ISD webpage. Here is the direct link: https://www.allenisd.org/Page/59663
We appreciate your continued support and partnership as we navigate the 2020-2021 school year together. Go Cheetahs!
Thank you,
Bobbie Allen
Principal
Chandler Elementary
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Website: https://www.allenisd.org/Page/2390
Location: Chandler Elementary School, Water Oak Drive, Allen, TX, USA
Phone: 469-4671400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chandlerelementaryPTA
Twitter: @cheetahchandler