November Newsletter 2018
Chestatee Elementary School
A Letter From Dr. Tennies, Our Principal
November is Family Engagement Month in Georgia schools. Our State Superintendent recently wrote a thank you letter to Georgia Families. I am a big fan of Mr. Woods, ever since he stopped by our school a few years ago to recognize Chestatee as one of six Family Friendly Schools in the state of Georgia.
A few words from Richard Woods, State Superintendent of Schools:
It’s Family Engagement Month in the state of Georgia! A time where we, as a state, collectively recognize and honor the impactful contributions parents and families provide at school and home to support student success. The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) is committed to educating the whole child. In this effort, we strive to provide high-quality programs that improve teaching and learning across the state and equip schools with the information and resources necessary to help parents actively engage in their child's academic achievement.
Family engagement is a shared responsibility in which schools and other community organizations are committed to communicating with, reaching out to, and building ties to engage families in meaningful ways. Research on family engagement suggests that when schools, families, and communities support each other, students of all backgrounds and ability levels achieve at the highest levels; resulting in prepared students for their next step after high school—college, the military, or beginning a career. Join the celebration throughout November as schools and districts across the state plan special events and recognitions to honor the crucial role that parents play in students’ education.
I would also like to share our pride in achieving a 5-star climate rating on the College and Career Readiness Index(CCRPI). School Climate is comprised of student, teacher, and parent survey information, student discipline information, safe school data, and school wide attendance. Todd Whittaker says, “ Climate is the way a school feels when you walk in the door." Chestatee is one of 13 schools in Forsyth County with this top distinction.
One more reason to celebrate? Our parent survey information is one of the highest in the county. We value our parent partnerships and look forward to our continued work together.
Kindly,
Dr. Polly Tennies
Principal
Chestatee Elementary School
770-887-2341 ext. 722004
INCREDIBLE Things Happen at the "T"!
Thank you PTO for Our Fall Festival! It was a blast!
Happy 50th Day of School!
Red Ribbon Week Celebration with BMX!
Math Team
What's New At the T?
7:45 am-9:15 am
10:00 am -10:50 am
11:45 am-12:30 pm
Before you are able to come and read to students, you MUST watch the mandated reporter video here. You will also need to sign the Volunteer Agreement attached below.
Teacher/ Staff Member of the Month Nominations
Congratulations to October Teacher of the Month- Kristin Pollock
Congratulations to the October Teacher of the Month, Kristin Pollock! Ms. Pollock is one of our autism teachers at Chestatee. Parents stated that she always gives 100% to her students, and her heart shines in her classroom. They can tell how much their children are loved by Mrs. Pollock!
This is Mrs. Pollock's second year at Chestatee Elementary and her 7th year as a teacher! Mrs. Pollock graduated from Ball State with a degree in Special Education Intense Interventions. Mrs. Pollock has taught Kindergarten through 12th grade throughout her time as an educator. We are grateful she is a teacher at our school!
See our Garden Grow...
Live to Give Supports our Troops!
This month, the Live To Give Club planned and implemented a letter writing campaign. The students set a goal of 1,200 handwritten letters. These letters would then be gathered and sent to the local VA where they would send them overseas to the brave men and woman serving our great nation. Not only did the students meet their goal and send all the letters, the school also received letters in return. One soldier was brought to tears at the kind words our students showed. Way to Go, Chestatee!!
We are Connected!
What's Coming up at the T?
Veteran's Day Celebration Friday November 9
National Parent Involvement Day
We’ll be celebrating our amazing parents all day on the 15th. Also, stop in for our Coffee Chat from 9-10 AM and have some coffee and donuts with other parents, Dr. Tennies, and Meg!
November 19-23
Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you enjoy this time with your family or friends!
Toys for Tots
Please remember to send your pictures to Mrs. Fondo
Movie Night November 30
Our Communi-T-y is the BEST!
We would like to thank Ricky Bryan of Bryan Properties for his generous gift to our school’s media center during the recent book fair!
Holiday House Information
Want to Join PTO?
PTO Yankee Candle Fundraiser Runs October 24-November 14!
Thank You to Our School Store Sponsor!
Farmers Insurance will be providing the cool items students get to "buy" at our school store with their Bravo Bucks! Please check them out here!
You can also check out their Facebook page.
A Few Words From our Family Engagement Coordinator
Many years ago, I started a “Gratitude Journal” to highlight the things in life that make me feel thankful. Some things that I write are pretty big. But most things that make my days the best are actually pretty small. A nap on a Saturday, an extra cup of coffee and a slow morning on the weekend, and time with my family seem to be repeated a lot!
Being the month of Thanksgiving, I took some time to look back at many of my entries. Looking through the past months since starting this school year, I see so much of our school in what I write. I thought you might enjoy seeing some of my list.
I’m so thankful for….
1. A smooth start to the year
2. All of our new families this year
3. All of our families who care so much and in so many ways
4. Our amazing, dedicated staff and our new teachers who fit right in
5. Our business partners and churches who support our mission with time, service, and monetary donations
6. Our volunteers who make classrooms run smoothly, help individual children, and sprinkle extra kindness in our hallways
7. Our PTO who supports student learning and gives selflessly
8. Smiles from children as they see a family member visit for lunch or a special event
9. Hugs, waves, smiles from children and adults alike every morning and every afternoon
As the kids leave each day, my favorite saying is, “We’ll see you back tomorrow for another great day!” I am so thankful for such a happy school. I love Chestatee and all that makes this school so special. Thank you for your part in making our school a place in which I am truly grateful!
Have a very happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Meg
Chestatee Family Engagement Coordinator
770-887-2341 ext. 722302
Georgia Parent Survey
The Georgia Parent Survey contains 24 questions. All parents are encouraged to participate in the Georgia Parent Survey because the data will be used as part of the calculation of the School Climate Star Rating. Survey responses are anonymous and will be submitted directly to the Georgia Department of Education for analysis.
Free and Reduced Lunch
Click here to apply. Need help filling out the form? Stop by and see Meg Killingsworth in the Family Resource Room (302). Or give her a call or email. She’s glad to help! Can't come in?
Here's a video with directions!
770-887-2341 ext 722302
Don't Forget....
Box Tops/ Soup Labels
Remember if you full up a box tops page, Ms. Donna has a prize you can earn!
Kroger and Publix will donate money too...
Publix Partners key-ring cards are available in the front office for to you scan every time you buy groceries at Publix. Publix will donate a certain percentage of their profits to Chestatee as well!
See Ms. Donna in the front office for one of these cards, or send a letter with your child asking for one, and we will send one home for you!
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