CGS Weekly Message
11/28/23-12/1/23
Good afternoon,
Happy Sunday!
We hope that you enjoyed your Thanksgiving Holiday break with your loved ones! We have so many things to be thankful for this holiday season. We hope that you will take the time to reflect on the amazing things to be grateful for each and every day! If you'd like to join Mrs. Spencer's "Attitude of Gratitude" challenge, click here to access the padlet and add the things you're grateful for!
- 11/27/2023- Teacher Workday- NO SCHOOL for Students (Make note that this is a change from our previously approved 23-24 Academic Calendar, please make plans accordingly!)
- 11/27/2023- Open House for our High School students and families ONLY from 3:30 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. at our NEW high school campus located at 5806 Pagetown Road, Burlington, NC 27217.
- 11/28/2023- Normal scheduled school day for students! 1st day of school for high school students on our NEW campus!
- 12/15/2023- Half Day- Dismissal at 11:45 A.M. for our K-8 Campus and dismissal at noon for our High School Students.
- 12/18/2023- 1/1/2024- Winter Break Holiday!
- 1/2/2024- Students first day back from the Winter Break Holiday!! Welcome back! (Make note that this is a change from our previously approved 23-24 Academic Calendar, please make plans accordingly!)
In case you didn't see Friday's newsletter, please click HERE for important information regarding our EXPANSION and information for next week!! Thanks!
SPECIAL THANK YOU to Integrity Church!!
We want to take a moment to shout out Integrity Church. We are so thankful for the amazing things we were able to accomplish due to their willingness to "house" our staff and students over the past 5 months!! We greatly appreciate your patience with us and willingness to "make it work" and we will miss all of you! From the Amazing Coffee Shop to the the Fantastic Preschool, you guys welcomed us with open arms! Thank you to ACS who welcomed us as neighbors as well!! Thank you again to Pastor Bud Wrenn, Tammy, Debbie, and all of the congregation for allowing us to utilize and share your space! #communitypartners #grateful
Grizzly Good News
Volunteer Involvement
Shout out to our amazing parents, students, staff, and board members for volunteering and helping us move over the holiday break last week!! We are so thankful for all of you!! Here are some pictures below of our Grizzlies in Action!
Faculty Spotlight
Shout out to Mrs. Tunstall who is one of our 1st grade teachers at Clover Garden! Her classroom is amazing! She works hard to ensure all students have an opportunity to grow and learn in an organized, fun, and engaging classroom. Keep up the great work Mrs. Tunstall!
Student Engagement
On 11/9/2023, our CGS high school students participated in special programming that targeted all grade levels. Here's a breakdown of the special programming that students received on our half day:
ALL students -
- iGuardian online predatory behaviors
Grade 10-12 - ACC Department Presentations:
- Dental Assisting Department: Joanna Roberts
- Biotechnology Department: Christina Johnsson and Dr. David Battigelli
- Graphic Design & Advertising Department: Eric Perel
- Nursing Department: Darlene Listopad
Student Engagement
At the November Board Meeting, there were some "Outstanding Community Members" who were recognized! Shout out to these amazing students who helped make our time at Integrity a little bit more manageable by helping us take down and set up tables, chairs, etc. multiple times each week!! Thank you Grizzlies!!
Chris Anzora-Cruz, Charlie Castaneda, Ma’Keem Martin, Ty’Keem Martin, Noah Reid, Zachary Wilson, and Garrison Womble.
Community Events
Texas Roadhouse Giftcard Fundraiser- Supports Dance Program- DUE TUESDAY, 11/28!!
Due to the cancellation of school on Monday 11/27, we have decided to move the final collection day for the TXRH packets to Tuesday 11/28. However, we would like to give the option for families to drop off any orders on Monday, 11/27. Feel free to drop off any time between 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. if able. If not, we will collect all orders Tuesday morning! Please don't forget to turn in your orders!
Thanks,
Mrs. Ballard
Dance Instructor K-12
Blood Drive- Hosted by our High School BETA Club- Friday, 12/1/23
Please sign up and join us for donating blood to our local American Red Cross organization! This benefits so many!! Please email Mrs. Johnson for any questions at christinejohnson@cgsnc.org.
2024-2025 Academic Calendar
Cafeteria/Lunch Updates
*** Any K-8 lunches that were pre-ordered for Monday, 11/27 will be cancelled and the funds will be reimbursed to your account.***
Any questions, please email our cafeteria coordinator, Ms. Robyn at robyncox@cgsnc.org
Feedback Form FAQ Document for CGS Families 2023-2024
FAQ Feedback Form Submissions for 11-26-2023
Just a comment regarding the 3-8 pick up line. I don't feel it is the kids getting the wrong cones or being told the wrong cone, the cars parked in the back of the lot back out into the car rider line, so there's a car not picking up a child at a cone in the middle of the line, then when we get to our cones our child is "at the wrong cone" so that in my opinion is the issue you see as far as the cones. Thank you for all you do we are grateful for all of yall!
- Thank you for the feedback! We will investigate as to "who" those cars are as only staff park in the back car rider lines this year since high schoolers aren't on the K-8 campus! Thank you for the information!
I see that the list of clubs has been posted. Yearbook is listed for grades 8-12 but meets at the k-8 campus and via zoom. Will the meeting begin being held at the high school campus once it's operational?
- That's great feedback! Please email Mrs. Thompson, the Yearbook Advisor at caseythompson@cgsnc.org! There may be some opportunities for this now that the campuses are close by.
Will there be an Open House at the new High School Campus for parents and students prior to the first day of school?
- Yes! Monday, November 27th from 3:30 P.M. until 5:00 P.M.
Once the new school opens, will a gym be available? These late night practices are a big pain when the kid doesn't drive and no communication from the coaches at all! Some kids are able to stay after school because they have younger siblings that play. If not having the gym space is an issue, how about reaching out to local facilities that can accommodate these HS players so they can get the practice time that is needed at a earlier time.
- Thank you for the feedback! Unfortunately, the new high school doesn't have a gym so we must continue sharing the one gym at the K-8 campus. I would encourage you to reach out to our athletic director, Coach Paschal for additional suggestions regarding practice times at taylorpaschal@cgsnc.org. Thank you!
What will security look like at the new school? Will both campuses have an SRO?
- Deputy Bellingham, our school's SRO will continue to monitor and share his time at both campuses. We are looking into additional security options for our high school since the Burlington police department is unable to help us on that campus due to it being outside their jurisdiction as they did when we were housed at Integrity.
I would like to start by giving a big shout out to Mrs. Ballard and all the work she puts into the dance program. She works really hard with these girls and it goes unnoticed. Thank you Mrs. Ballard for all you do for our students!!
- Thank you for sharing!!! We agree!!
The Ceramics class was told that an order of 300lbs of clay was approved by the PPT was on the way when Mrs.McCollister left. It has been weeks and the class still doesn’t have clay, the sub is trying her best and is giving art projects that don’t have to do with clay. These students signed up for this class to work with clay. Where is the 300lbs of it?
- I am unsure of the status of the ordered clay but will check into it with our PTT officers ASAP. Thank you for the question!
I just purchased items to donate for the Santa store, but then I realized that I haven't heard that there will be one this year. Will there be a Santa store? It is always a favorite for our children and it seems to be a great fundraiser for the library.
- YES! The Santa Store will take place on our K-8 Campus scheduled for the week of December 11th- December 15th! Thank you for your donations and participation! Please email Mrs. Redd, our librarian for any questions regarding the Santa Store at roseredd@cgsnc.org. More information coming soon! : )
My son does not ride the school bus now. But i would like him to when the new building opens. Is there a sign up?
- Please email our CGS Bus Coordinators at cgsbuses@cgsnc.org to check the status/waiting lists for our school buses. There may be an opportunity mid-year to move onto a bus but only if there is room. Those ladies would know, please email them!
Will there be transportation available after school to shuttle kids from High School to K8 campus for band or sports?
- No, the Shuttle Buses are not running after we move. Mr. Harper is working together with Mrs. Simpson to make one last run work this week to accommodate for the last week of Band Practice, but after this week, car pooling will need to take place for any high school students needing transportation to the K-8 campus.
Where will high school students be eating lunch?
- At the high school, there will be eating space available in our courtyard and in our commons area stadium seating. We are unsure if the commons area will be completed with construction by Tuesday, so we are working on a back up plan if needed of temporarily eating in classrooms until construction is complete.
Is there an possibility of adding a debate club for high school students? Or will there be additional clubs in general at the new campus?
- Maybe! Once everyone is settled, there may be opportunities for additional clubs or we may need to wait until next school year. Lots of changes taking place right now! : )
Once we transition to the high school will there be additional elective class options?
- Not this school year, but we are already planning and working on options for next school year.
What can middle school do to be able to eat snack in class again? They go to lunch at 11:13am. My daughter is starving by the time I pick her up. They are growing, and sitting in class hungry makes it hard to focus and learn. At this age eating every 2-3 hours is normal. Their bodies need the fuel throughout the day so they can be more focused. It may not be every middle school class that no longer allows snacking in the classroom. My daughter’s classes allowed snacking all year until recently, within the past week they have put a stop to it. Now their body has gotten use to that snack and it has been taken away. Teachers get a planning period which allows them a chance to snack, which teachers need as well. These students are at school 7 hours, they need more than just lunch at 11:13am. What can I do as a parent to allow my daughter to snack before lunch and late afternoon? Do I need a note from her doctor? Please advise. Thank you to ALL the teachers and everything they do for our students!!
- Great feedback! Let administration speak together alongside our teachers to investigate into this concern and see what if anything can be done to improve that situation. Thank you!
**Parents, just a note- if you have a specific issue/complaint/concern with a member of our CGS staff, you will need to email me directly. I will not post concerns specific to an individual staff member in this forum.
Click on the link here to ask your question! Also, if you have any GOOD NEWS to share, please use this link as well! Sometimes your emails get lost and we appreciate any/all feedback! : )
Volunteering Opportunities
Grizzlies Families, don't forget to log your volunteer hours!! We had so many of you working to help with our fall festival, don't forget to email our volunteer coordinator to log your hours. Reminder that we request that each family volunteer at least 4 hours per month (Total of 40 for the school year) towards events and helping at CGS. Thank you for putting CGS 1st and helping us to be successful! We couldn't do it without you!
To participate in volunteer opportunities check out the Volunteer Calendar and you will see a view of volunteer needs. If you see an opportunity that interests you please email volunteercgs@cgsnc.org and let us know where you want to sign up. Our parent volunteer liaison will add your name to the volunteer list and confirm via email. We will also use this process to log your volunteer hours by your child/childrens names.
Feel free to reach out to Volunteercgs@cgsnc.org with any questions!
Staffing Updates
Current Openings:
- EC T.A./Bus Driver
- 7th/8th Grade Math Teacher
- High School Art Teacher
- High School History Teacher
Testing Updates
Athletic Department News
For anyone looking to catch a CGS Game, here is the link to our master athletics schedule.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cvflf6Ieprven0XAibTW3AcBzSJ2IswTtn6d4OaYIF0/view
Parents/Students- PLEASE READ:
While we encourage and LOVE student engagement and participation at our after school athletic events, students are NOT allowed to stay after school and "hang out" until the games begin. ALL STUDENTS must leave school at dismissal and return when the gate opens prior to the start of the game and enter through the back gym entrance. We do not have supervision for our students after school and want to ensure the safety of all of our students while they are on our campus.Taylor D. Paschal
Athletic Director
Psychology Teacher
Clover Garden School
2454 Altamahaw Union Ridge Rd, Burlington, NC 27217
(336) 586-9440 ext.214
Mental Health Survey 23-24
PTT Updates
CGS Families, Thank you for purchasing a Spooky Gram or a Turkey Gram! With your donations we raised $1,832 towards the K-8 bathroom remodel.
Wednesday, December 6th we will celebrate staff birthdays and restock the refrigerator. If you would like to donate, please click the links below.
Thursday, December 7th is our next PTT Virtual Meeting via Microsoft Teams. We will discuss the Staff Christmas Party, Teddy Grams, and more! Mark your calendars.
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 264 685 257 731
Passcode: EfMQzC
Friday, December 15th is our CGS Staff Christmas Party. Please click here to donate an entree, side dish, or volunteer.
Don't forget our December fundraisers!
· Father / Mother Dance – Christmas Candy Grams 12/4-12/13
· Library - Santa Store - 12/11-12/15
· MS Art - Texa Roadhouse Spirit Night- 12/14
Thank you for all you do for our staff and children at CGS. Please like us on Facebook for weekly updates or click here to sign up to receive emails.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please email us at cgsptt@cgsnc.org
Thank you,
Melissa Blanchard
Parents Teachers Together
Clover Garden School
Expansion Updates
Have a fantastic week!
As always, thanks for all that you do,
Mrs. Vereyken
Executive Director
Clover Garden School
*If you need this weekly newsletter translated into a different language, please let our Title 1 Coordinator, Mrs. Simmons know at brandisimmons@cgsnc.org.
*If you have any thoughts, feedback or suggestions for our Title 1 team on ways to improve our practices, please contact Mrs. Simmons at brandisimmons@cgsnc.org.
Clover Garden School
Email: info@cgsnc.org
Website: cgsnc.org
Location: 2454 Altamahaw Union Ridge Road, Burlington, NC, USA
Phone: 3365869440
Facebook: facebook.com/cgsgrizzlies