Colt Crusader
A Newsletter for the Families of CFES Students
April 2018 Edition
2828 Pleasant Acres Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
757-648-2240
http://www.christopherfarmses.vbschools.com
Follow us on Twitter @cfescolts
Principal: Teri Breaux , @TeriBreaux
Asst. Principal: Patti Porter, @sunsetzzz
Congratulations Mrs. Featherston!
SEAC - Special Education Advisory Committee
The School Board of the City of Virginia Beach is seeking parents, community members and staff to serve as members of various Community Advisory Committees as described below. Terms of service begin July 1, 2018. In order to serve on a School Board committee, members must live within the City of Virginia Beach. In some instances, participants are selected to represent specific zones within the city. In those cases, the volunteer must reside within the designated area. Community members interested in serving on an advisory committee should submit an application and a letter of interest to the clerk of the School Board at Dianne.alexander@vbschools.com by 5 p.m. April 15. Applications submitted via U.S. Mail must be postmarked on or before April 15, 2018.
The School Board is seeking 12 volunteers to serve on the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Members include parents of children with disabilities, individuals with disabilities, representatives from community organizations and local school personnel. The term for members is three (3) years.
SEAC meets monthly (September – June) in order to fulfill the following duties and responsibilities:
- Review annually the local plan for the education of students with disabilities, including revisions;
- Determine the extent to which the local plan for the previous year was implemented;
- Participate in the development of priorities and strategies for meeting the identified needs of children with disabilities;
- Represent the community;
- Encourage a collaborative relationship between School Division staff and the community;
- Become knowledgeable about current programs, research, and best practices in special education and its relationship with general education;
- Focus attention on issues relative to improving the educational services for special education students; and
- Submit recommendations of the Committee in writing to the Superintendent and the School Board.
To learn more about SEAC, please contact the division’s Parent Support and Information Center at 757-263-2066 or visit http://www.vbschools.com/curriculum/special_ed/seac.asp.
April is Autism Awareness Month
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.
The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism.
Autism’s most-obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Some developmental delays associated with autism can be identified and addressed even earlier. Autism Speaks urges parents with concerns to seek evaluation without delay, as early intervention can improve outcomes.
The above definition of autism was taken from www.autismspeaks.org.
Purple Up!
Citizenship Trait for April is SELF-CONTROL
Calling all Moms!
Spanish Immersion
We will have 50 spaces in the Spanish Immersion Program for 1st grade next year and limited spaces in 2nd grade. We do not accept new students into the program after 2nd grade unless the child is a Spanish speaker or has attended another immersion school.
If you would like to know more about the program, you are invited to an informal meeting with Mrs. Breaux on Monday, April 23rd at 8:30am in the library. If you are unable to attend this meeting but still have questions about the program, please call Mrs. Breaux at 648-2240.
Report Cards
Volunteer Tea
Academic and Career Planning
Christopher Farms Elementary engages our students in academic and career planning activities throughout the school year. With your help, our goal is for academic and career planning conversations to continue at home. We encourage you to visit Destination Graduation (especially the Planning Ahead section) to learn more about the scholastic experiences provided to your student and how we can continue to work together to ensure your student’s success! Be sure to check out the VB Schools Academic and Career Planning site for more details on this exciting student-driven process. Our work will ensure your child is given every opportunity to talk about and explore academic and career goals. If you have any questions or concerns about academic and career planning at Christopher Farms Elementary, please contact Sara Nichols, School Counselor, at sara.nichols@vbscohols.com or 648-2252.
Check out what else is happening at "The Farm"...
UPCOMING PTA EVENTS
Muffins with Moms - April 17th
PTA Board Meeting - April 19th
Lynnhaven Golf Cashola - April 25th
Looking Ahead - Testing Dates
May 15 - Grade 4 Reading
May 16 - Grade 4 Reading
May 17 - Grade 3 Reading
May 18 - Grade 3 Reading
May 21 - Grade 5 Reading
May 22 - Grade 5 Reading
May 23 - Grade 5 Math
May 24 - Grade 5 Math
May 25 - Expedited/Make-Up
May 29 - Grade 4 Math
May 30 - Grade 4 Math
May 31 - Grade 3 Math
June 1 - Grade 3 Math
June 4 - Expedited/Make-Up
June 5 - Grade 5 Science
June 6 - Grade 5 Va Studies
June 7 -14 - Expedited/Make-Up