November 2021
Chestatee Elementary School
A Letter From Dr. Tennies, Our Principal
Dear Families,
Good News! School Leaders have noted the COVID data within Forsyth County continues to improve.
A key metric we are looking at is the rate of infection reported by the Department of Health. Our superintendent, Dr. Bearden, shared he is looking for this number to drop below 5% and be held consistently. Below 5% is considered not a pandemic spread. There will be a transition plan to assist our return to normal, after the data supports this move. I am looking forward to being able to a return to “normal operations.”
There have been changes we took back in 2020 that I believe we will keep, due to great (and sometimes unexpected) beneficial results. Technology use, virtual meetings, and team collaboration will be a part of our work for years to come. They help us connect.
I am also sharing that the morning routine for students entering school will continue to stay the same as well.
Students will continue to walk independently to class in the morning. Our carline needs to flow almost continuously for 30 minutes for students to enter the school in a timely fashion.
I am proud that our students showcase The Chestatee Way every day.
As always health and safety are a priority.
Kindly,
Dr. Polly Tennies
Principal
Chestatee Elementary School
770-887-2341 ext. 722004
A Few Words from FCS Superintendent, Dr. Bearden
Dear FCS Staff and Parents:
It has been awhile since I have given you a report on our COVID cases. I’m sure many of you follow our website to track the information. As of this morning, we have 44 total active cases in our district (39 students and 5 staff).
One week ago, on October 20th, we had 58 total cases (53 students and 5 staff). On October 13th, we had 67 total cases (62 students and 5 staff). On October 6th, we had 79 total cases (66 students and 13 staff). Nearly two months ago, on August 28th, we had 1022 total cases (900 students and 122 staff). Clearly, we are continuing to trend down.
Having said that, I do ask that we all continue with appropriate mitigation strategies. While the number of cases has declined, the virus remains in our community. Since we still have community spread, we are not quite ready to resume 100% normal operations. I am cautiously optimistic that we may be able to do that after Thanksgiving Break…fingers crossed! We will keep you informed.
If you haven’t done so already, please consider voting. Unless you reside in the city of Cumming, our Education SPLOST is the only item on the ballot. Please visit our website if you would like more information about our SPOLST. Please keep in mind, this is not a new tax. It is a continuation of our one cent sales tax that has been in existence for many years.
At the risk of offending any Houston fans, Go Braves!!
Have a great day!
Sincerely,
Jeff
The November 2, 2021 1% Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax or SPLOST for Schools is an opportunity for Forsyth County voters to continue the current sales tax for another five-year period or when a cap of $300 million is collected in order to:
• Continue to make payments on voter-approved Bonds ($50 million),
• Complete maintenance and life cycle projects at existing schools,
• Build one new elementary school, which will be a replacement and larger school for Midway, our second oldest school in the county,
• Fund safety, STEM, fine arts, CTAE/College and Career Development, special education, technology, transportation, and athletics,
• And to purchase land.
SPLOST is not a property tax. It is charged on goods purchased in Forsyth County regardless of where the purchaser resides.
As you know, Forsyth County Schools’ student enrollment has increased 43% over the past decade. To meet the needs of our students, voters have approved various referendums. (You can list items that you have received in the past or that you will receive in this SPLOST here if you so choose to do so.)
We encourage you to be informed on this issue and to share the information with others. The district has posted a flyer, video, and more information at www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/splost. Advance voting is October 12-29. Times, dates, and polling places are also located on this website.
We are Grateful...
For Our Partnerships With Families!
For Everyday Heroes like Firefighters and Police Officers!
For Our Room Moms Who Decorated and Filled Tables to Help Teachers!
For Forsyth Women's Club for Gathering Supplies!
For Generous Donations from Browns Bridge Church!
For Students Who Shine!
For Character Days like Emerald City Day!
For Laughter from Idioms!
For 50 Days Smarter!
For Centers Outside!
For Costume Car Lines!
For Fine Arts Programs like Art!
For Engaging STEM Lessons!
For Our New Orchestra Club!
For New Playground Equipment and the Excitement that Brings!
For a Great Night of Walk and Treat!
For an Amazing Principal and Her Fun Assistants!
For Book Studies that Come to Life!
Congratulations to our Staff Member of the Month for October- Sarah Cockerham!
We are proud to announce Sarah Cockerham as our October Staff Member of the Month!
Sarah Cockerham has 14 years of experience teaching in Forsyth County Schools. Mrs. Cockerham taught 3 years at Mashburn Elementary and 7 years at Brookwood Elementary, both in fourth grade. She also has experience in Special Education (grades 2-5). This is her fifth year at the "T" teaching 4th grade. She holds an undergrad dual degree obtained in Early Childhood Education and Special Education as well as a reading endorsement from North Georgia College. She also graduated from Mercer University with a Master's in Education and an ESOL endorsement.
Sarah and her husband, Michael, stay busy with three children of their own. Wyatt is in Pre-K at Chestatee while Lily is in third grade. Her oldest, Amelia, was a Chestatee Eagle before moving to North Forsyth Middle School and is now a seventh grader. Amelia has been very involved in cheer competitions which takes them to some great places like Orlando! Sarah is a Forsyth native and recently moved to a North Georgia community. She enjoys spending time at their new home as a family.
Sarah has been nominated several times for Staff Member of the Month. She is a great team member and leader for her team. Her calm, laidback approach is a true strength for adults and kids alike. Her students and families love her because she knows how to connect, communicate and truly care. She is also an awesome teacher!
We are so happy that Sarah teaches at Chestatee and feel lucky to have her on our fantastic staff!
A big thank you to our business partners, Ultimate Auto Glass and Electronics, and Mathnasium of Coal Mountain for sponsoring our Chestatee Staff Member of the Month Program!
Teacher and Staff Member of the Month Nominations
2021-22 PTO Information!
Our PTO is a GREAT Way to Get Involved!
Our PTO board members raise money to help teachers and our school.
You can support our PTO through our fundraiser, events, and spirit wear.
There are no membership dues this year.
What's Coming up at the T?
November 2: Election Day
November 18: National Parent Involvement Day
November 22-26: Thanksgiving Break
We are Grateful for our Cafeteria Team! Congrats on Your 100!
Important Cafeteria Information
Our Communi-T-y is the BEST!
Partners in Ed- Faye and Rusty Tarsches from Mathnasium of Coal Mountain Support Our School!
Mathnasium Word Problems of the Month
Lower Elementary:
Question: Grace plants a pea for her science fair project and measures how much it grows each week. The first week, it grows 2 inches. After 2 weeks, it is 5 inches tall. After 3 weeks, it is 9 inches tall. After 4 weeks, it is 14 inches tall. After 5 weeks, it is 20 inches tall. If the pattern continues, how tall will the pea plant be after 6 weeks?
Answer: 27 inches
Solution: The plant grew two inches the first week, 5 – 2 = 3 inches the second week, 9 – 5 = 4 inches the third week, 14 – 9 = 5 inches the fourth week, and 20 – 14 = 6 inches the fifth week. The pattern is that it grows 1 more inch each week than it did the last. So, it will grow 7 inches the sixth week, making it 20 + 7 = 27 inches tall.
Upper Elementary:
Question: Natalie collects water samples from 6 random puddles around her neighborhood and counts the number of mosquito larvae in each. She finds 12, 22, 0, 13, 8, and 13 larvae in the samples. What is the average number of larvae per water sample that Natalie collected?
Answer: 11⅓ larvae
Solution: To find the average, we add up all the numbers of larvae and then divide by the number of samples. Natalie collected a total of 12 + 22 + 0 + 13 + 8 + 13 = 68 mosquito larvae in her samples. So, the average number of mosquito larvae in a sample is 68 ÷ 6 = 11⅓.
Community Opportunities
Watch DOGS
Here’s what you would do:
Wear a WD shirt (we have one to borrow if needed), and help on car line by smiling, greeting kids, and helping them get out of the car.
Please know that we cannot permit any entry of parents into the school at this time per FCS guidelines.
Questions? Contact Meg Killingsworth
770-887-2341
A Few Words From our Family Engagement Coordinator
Dear Families,
November is Family Engagement Month, and to me that is super exciting! We will be celebrating YOU all month! Who? YOU….Our dedicated, engaged, amazing families! Thank you for all you do to be involved and engaged in your child’s learning.
You need an example of engagement? No problem! Chestatee knows partnership!
Here are 3 examples!
· October Conferences were a success! Partnerships were continued as teachers and families came together to discuss student progress.
· Messengers, Social Media Posts, emails, and newsletters are read and reacted to in order to get more information and stay in the loop.
· The Walk and Treat was fantastic on October 14th! From donating treats to decorating table displays to coming to the event…. Could it have been any bigger?
- On November 18th, it is National Parent Involvement Day. We will have a Coffee and T with Dr. Tennies and myself if you can join us. We sip our coffee and talk from 9-10. Click here for the link and more details.
We are also sending off our Family Game Up to the Georgia Department of Education to enter a contest! Help us by sending me pictures of your family playing the game. If you see something we should tweak, please reach out to me and let me know. We will be submitting the entry in a week! And we love winning contests! Click here for the details.
Thank you, Families, for all you do to partner with our school!
Thank you for helping your child to learn. Thank you for coming to events. Thank you for reaching out to us and partnering with us. Thank you for sharing your most precious gift with us every day.
Here is to a very Happy Family Engagement Month!
Together we are Chestatee!
See you soon!
Meg
Meg Killingsworth
Family Engagement Coordinator
770-887-2341 ext 722122
Parent Help Videos are on Our Website!
Families In Action!
We Love Seeing Families Together or Working at Home!
Blake and Owen Soar!
REMEMBER THE MOMENTS BIG and SMALL!
From the best friend, to the teacher who inspired your child beyond belief, these years are theirs to live.
Don't Forget....
Box Tops/ Soup Labels
The procedure will be changing in the near future (we will keep you posted!)
For now, keep filling out your Box Top Sheets and turn them in to Ms. Donna in the front office.
Kroger and Publix will donate money too...
Publix Partners with Chestatee also. You only need to put your phone number in as you checkout. Publix will donate a certain percentage of their profits to Chestatee from your purchase!
We love our Partners in Education!
Chestatee Elementary School
Email: chestateees@gmail.com
Website: http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/site/default.aspx?domainid=260
Location: 6945 Keith Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA, United States
Phone: 770-887-2341
Facebook: facebook.com/ChestateeES
Twitter: @chestateees