Wildcat News
December 2021
Contact our office at: 253-298-3200 centralavenue@fpschools.org
Central Avenue Elementary
Tonya Middling - Principal
Kristin Hillius - Assistant Principal
Dear Parents and Families,
About 18 months ago, we moved into the Historic Collins building while the Historic Central Avenue School was torn down making room for a new, modern, and secure elementary school that will serve generations to come! We are so grateful for the patience, support, flexibility and cooperation our families have given to Central Avenue staff these past 18 months while the new school was being built. We are ecstatic about the new school--the gymnasium, music room, library, and playground are all something to be excited about!
As the move to the new Central Avenue School approaches, we want to take this opportunity to remind you of some important updates noted below. Any changes to bus routes will be forthcoming. We have attached a map of the new campus so that you and your child can identify the floor and room number of their new classroom. As a reminder, at this time, parents and volunteers are not allowed in the building. We hope you've been able to enjoy watching the progress of the new school construction. If not, check out the link below for look at the construction phases. https://www.fpschools.org/about/capital-projects.
I hope this December brings you joy, happiness and hope for a wonderful New Year!
It's great to be a Wildcat!
Mrs. Middling
Trimester Report Card
It's hard to believe we have completed the first trimester! This week, Wednesday, December 1st is the final day of the trimester. Our students and our teachers have been working so hard on the grade level standards in reading, math, and science. Our specialists have also been working hard in music, library, PE, and social/emotional learning! Report cards will be sent home on Friday, December 10th.
As we begin the new trimester, we ask that you please reach out to your child's teacher for assistance if your child is not able to attend regularly. We will help to problem solve and create plans for your child, so that they can get their important learning. We recognize the work that all of our families are doing to help support your children, and we continue to thank you for your partnership!
Important Dates to Remember
December 1st: Trimester ends, dismissal 12:35
December 6th: Picture Retake Day (am)
December 8th: Early Release Wednesday 2:35
December 8th: Parent Zoom Meeting 6:00
December 15th: Early Release Wednesday 2:35
December 17th: Async day (school is closed to students)
December 20th-31st: No School - Winter Break
January 3rd: Async day (school is closed to students)
January 4th: Async day (school is closed to students)
Parent Zoom
Please join us for a parent zoom meeting, Wednesday, December 8th at 6:00pm. We look forward to this opportunity to share updates, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Moving
Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we prepare to move into our brand new school building! The constructing teams are making incredible progress and we are excited to be in our new building (located at 4505 104th St E, Tacoma, WA 98446) in January 2022! As you can imagine, there are lots of moving parts to facilitate a move during the school year. Our current Central Avenue Elementary building will be closed to students for 3 days so that teachers can pack, unpack and set up their classrooms in our new schools. On these dates, students will not come to school and will be given independent learning activities to complete at home on their school laptop and/or other handouts.
- Friday, 12/17: School is closed to students: Packing
- Monday, 1/3: School is closed to students: Unpacking
- Tuesday, 1/4: School is closed to students: Classroom Setup
I recognize that this places an additional burden on families. A mid-year move also places additional strain on our staff as they have to manage the daily demands of teaching while preparing to move materials, equipment and supplies for themselves and students. Setting aside independent learning days will allow the moving crews to begin moving items on Monday, December 20 and will ensure that we are ready to enjoy our new school home when students return on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.
Thank you all for your support and flexibility during this time of transition. We look forward to sharing photos and additional information about our new school in the weeks ahead!
WE APPRECIATE OUR CUSTODIANS!
To say, we would be a mess without them, is an understatement! Ms. Sam and Ms. Kayla take such good care of students, staff and our building. They work tirelessly to make sure that our school environment is clean and safe. This year, they have the added job of assuring that everything is packed and ready for our move and then will have to establish new routines at our beautiful new building. Please join us as we honor Ms. Sam & Ms. Kayla November 29 - December 3, thank you both for all that you do!
PICTURE RETAKE DAY 12/6
If you ordered a picture packet they were sent home before Thanksgiving Break. If your child missed our picture day and you would like them to get their picture taken on re-take day - please remember to send in picture money, if you would like to purchase a picture packet. If you would like your child to get re-takes done, please make sure the complete original packet is sent to school that day. No re-takes can be taken without the complete original packet.
- Please do not have your children wear green.
- Online ordering is available where credit cards will be accepted. Please go to www.qualityschoolportraits.com to order portraits online. You must type in the school code of CENT3 and order by 9pm prior to photo day.
Winter Wishes
This year the FPHS Cardinals are adopting every classroom and every student at Central Avenue Elementary School. All proceeds will be utilized for this year's campaign.
High school students will travel to Central Avenue before winter break and show future Franklin Pierce High School Students what it means to be a part of a community! One of the goals is to provide each student with a winter wishes t-shirt!
The goal is to teach high school students the value of serving their community and to one day have every student at Franklin Pierce HS be the previous beneficiary of this experience. To travel back to their former elementary schools and give that experience to current grade schoolers. For the Winter Wishes program to come full circle for our students and our community
Facebook pays all the processing fees for you, so 100% of your donation goes directly to the nonprofit. Donations accepted via Facebook or cash donations will be given to the Booster Club.
LOST AND FOUND
Our lost and found is overflowing. Please have your child check for any missing items. A reminder that many coats look the same. It is very important to write your child’s name inside their coats. Please be sure to pick up before Winter Break/school move!
A Message from Nurse Tami:
FALL WEATHER IS HERE!
We are enjoying our beautiful Fall weather which means that mornings can be cooler. It is also important to remember that students go outside for recess rain or shine. Be sure to send your child to school dressed for the weather. Please take a moment to label outer-wear with a permanent marker in case it is misplaced.
Parties!
DISTRICT POLICY REGARDING PARTIES - Classrooms may have celebrations. If you plan on having snacks, COVID Safety guidelines MUST be followed:
- ALL snacks MUST be store bought
- ALL snacks MUST be individually wrapped
Arrival & Dismissal
Our parent drop-off and pick-up area is off of Bingham in our back parking lot. IMPORTANT: To avoid blocking traffic on Bingham, we ask that if cars are backed up at the entrance to our parking lot that you continue to drive down Bingham (southbound) and turnaround to get in line so we don’t hold our busses up who will need to come onto Bingham to get into our bus circle. Please be mindful of driveways by leaving space for their owner to get out without having to wait. It is recommended that families arrive for pick-up as close to 4:05pm as possible. Thank you!
BUS PROCEDURES
We have a very helpful transportation department; if you have any questions, issues about something that happened on the bus or at the bus stop, or concerns about a late bus, please call the transportation office directly at 253-298-3865.
Central Avenue Elementary
Email: centralavenue@fpschools.org
Website: http://centralavenue.fpschools.org/
Location: 4608 128th Street East, Tacoma, WA, USA
Phone: 253-298-3200
Facebook: facebook.com/centralavenueelementary