August Newsletter 2019
Chestatee Elementary School
A Letter From Dr. Tennies, Our Principal
Dear Families,
Welcome back to a fantastic new school year! We are so happy to see you and your children and to begin our brand-new year together. The teachers are excited to meet their new students and share the joy of learning. While you were gone, Chestatee was able to have a section of our old exterior roof demolished and a new roof installed. There have been roofers, welders, and painters working on our school all summer long. Thankfully, all work is ahead of schedule. So much has been accomplished in a short time period.
You may also notice that we still have some safety fencing on our roof, as last-minute finishes are completed. This work is being done in the evenings, so as not to disturb our classrooms during the day. Stay tuned as we look for the new car line canopy to be visible around Fall Break. Through the work of our Local School Council (LSC), and the Forsyth County Board of Education, we were able to receive funding for this addition that will greatly assist with our arrivals and departures on rainy days.
I love seeing the changes that improve the school facility for our students. On the playground, our new and improved soccer field will be getting a lot of use at recess. This summer we were able to add dirt, grade, and sod an extensive section of our playground for our kids that love to play soccer. A temporary irrigation system was used to assist with the grass, and now we are ready for some high energy activity.
Finally, you’ll notice that our school received an extensive lobby remodel designed to accentuate safety. As you approach our front entrance, please enter the school through our double glass doors (not the single side door that was used previously). You will be able to greet our receptionist, Ms. Donna, through the new vestibule that was installed this summer and sign in using the RAPTOR system.
Being ready for school takes the work of many people in our support network. We are grateful for all who contributed to the improvements at Chestatee. We are looking forward to seeing you on campus soon!
Kindly,
Dr. Polly Tennies
Principal
It's Going to be an Incredible year!!
Meet the New Faces at the "T"!
Denise Bergey
Kelly Sumner
Kim Ware
Carmen Weaver
Megan Orr
Rebekah Cox
Kristin Hamby
Cara Applewhite
Jackie Busche
Abigail Elrod
Dana Zimmerer
Hanna Fyle
We Have a "New" Assistant Principal for Grades 3-5!
Mrs. Kristen Glass
Mrs. Abby Gaines
We had a T-Riffic Open House and First Day of School!
VOLUNTEER CORNER
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 in 2 different ways.
1. Look for sign-ups throughout the year to help at events.
2. Become a member by joining PTO with your membership dues.
What's New At the T?
Our Front Office
Soccer field by the playground
Learning Cottages to house 4 classrooms
LEARNING THE CHESTATEE WAY AND PBIS EXPECTATIONS
Everything is Possible
Passion First
We Are Connected
100% Accountable
Attitude of Gratitude
Live to Give
Free and Reduced Lunch
Need help filling out the form? Stop by and see Meg Killingsworth in the Family Resource Room (122). Or give her a call or email. She’s glad to help!
Here is the link to the application and a video to help: https://bit.ly/3360D0W
770-887-2341 ext 722122
Need Help with Carline?
What's Coming up at the T?
Save the Date!
Friday August 30: Early Release Day
Monday September 2: Labor Day
Academic Parent Teacher Team Meetings/ Curriculum Nights
Save the dates!
3-5 Curriculum Night and APTT: September 5
K-2 Curriculum Night and APTT: September 12
6:00 PM Your Child's Classroom
Childcare provided!
What is APTT?
APTT stands for Academic Parent Teacher Teams. Families are invited into the classroom to learn about a foundational skill that could use some help at home. Assessments and class data is shared. Families set a goal and learn games to practice the skills in fun ways. They leave with a bag of the materials needed to play the games. We meet as a class in September, January and May. Individual conferences are held in October.
Mark your calendars! Our goal is 100% Attendance!
Our Communi-T-y is the BEST!
Thank you First Redeemer Church, The Place Forsyth and Harry Norman Realty for your generous gifts for our families!
Thank you Flack's Flooring for your comfy rugs you donated to our classrooms! The kids are sure to enjoy having a warm place to sit and learn on the floor!
A Few Words From our Family Engagement Coordinator
Dear Families,
I have missed you and seeing everyone at Chestatee these past two months. Summer was great and filled with time to relax, rest, and have some fun. It was nice to get a break from the regular routine and alarm clock, but now I AM READY! I hope you are too!
During the summer I met lots of new folks. When I say I’m a teacher, they always ask me what grade. I get to explain to them this unique position at Chestatee. Some of you may be wondering how I can help too.
Here are my 3 main jobs:
1. Help families: Communicate, answer questions, check out learning materials to help at home, coordinate academic events, seek input and feedback.
2. Support teachers: We work together to help partner with our families. Academic Parent Teacher Teams are a big part of this.
3. Title I responsibilities: Thank you, extra funding and resources! With this extra money, we have some obligations to show the state how we are using these federal funds. I get to help make sure we are in compliance.
The best part is that I am here for the adults in our students’ lives. These adults are the students’ first teachers. If you have questions, need resources, or want some help, come by and see me. Stop by the new Family Resource Room (122- right inside the cafeteria main doors) one day and say hi. I’d love to see you and meet our new folks too.
Here’s to an amazing year!
Sincerely,
Meg
Meg Killingsworth
Family Engagement Coordinator
770-887-2341 ext 722122
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