Chichester Central School News
September 4, 2020
Dates to Remember
9/4-7 No School - Labor Day Weekend
9/8 Election Day - Remote Learning Day for all students
9/16, Chichester School Board Meeting, 6pm
9/18 CCS Newsletter Published
10/2 CCS Newsletter Published
Message from Your Principal
New name, same person! Some of you may have noticed, or heard through the grapevine that I have a new last name! Ms. Jessica Snider is the name you will begin seeing on school communication.
For those of you who don't know me, this is my second year at CCS, and I am incredibly grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community here in Chichester. I graduated from Plymouth State University with both a Bachelor's degree in Childhood Studies and a Master's Degree in School Administration.
I grew up in neighboring Northwood, NH, and returned to the community after college. I've lived next door to my grandparents for the past 14 years, and have cherished my relationship with them. When I;m not at school, I have four horses, and actively compete my competition horse in the Equitation, Jumper, and Hunter Derby rings. I also enjoy time on Jenness Pond at our family camp, cooking, finding time to read a good book, and spending time with my family and friends.
I am honored to work alongside this dedicated staff, to serve this community, and to enrich the lives of our students. Here's to a wonderful 2020-2021 school year here at CCS!
Staff Spotlight
Mrs. Bird, Paraprofessional
Fun Facts: I have a Bachelors Degree in Theatrical Design and Technology. I stood for 13 hours to watch the ball drop in Times Square on New Years Eve and it was one of the most magical moments of my life. I met Al Pacino once and he told me he liked my shoes.
Family: I was adopted at age 7 by my awesome parents. Although I technically grew up as an only child, I have 7 biological siblings!
Hobbies: All things arts and crafts! Drawing, painting, and sewing. I also love to cook and can play the acoustic guitar and piano.
Favorite CCS Tradition: The Halloween parade and festivities is always a blast!
Other: I am currently taking classes to get my dual teaching certification!
Mrs. Rainville, Paraprofessional
Fun Facts: I have 4 animals. 2 dogs and 2 cats
Family: Married 19 years to Craig. Two teen daughters!
Hobbies: Reading, hiking, kayaking
Favorite CCS Tradition: The Halloween parade
Other: I love animals, Disney and kids!
Mrs. Ferland, Occupational Therapy
Fun Facts: I marched in a Drum and Bugle corps as part of the color guard, traveling the eastern states competing during the summers. I also served briefly in the United States Navy before getting my degrees in OT from UNH.
Family: I grew up the youngest of 3 and the only girl. My two older brothers were both my tormentors and protectors. They have become my closest friends and I hope that my children will have the same bond! I have 3 children, my stepson James (18), daughter Alicea (9) and son Nicholas (4). My husband Joe, dog Sadie-Belle, Cats Tommy and Baby Kitty, and a slew of fish round out our clan.
Hobbies: At this time in my life my hobbies are my kids' hobbies (horseback riding and anything involving motors and wheels) along with being a taxi, short order cook, maid, General, pet handler, etc. etc. I do enjoy reading, exploring the outdoors and new places and finding hidden 'treasures' within the ordinary. I have wanted to learn piano and photography, perhaps in my next chapter.
Favorite CCS Tradition: With only 1 [unconventional] year under my belt I would have to say the welcome back BBQ was my favorite. It was a great way to see and meet so many from this wonderful community in a relaxed atmosphere!
Other: I feel very lucky and blessed to be able to be a part of the CCS community and am looking forward to learning more of what this amazing community is all about!
From the Chichester School Board - Help Wanted
The Chichester School Board is looking to fill 2 to 3 vacancies on the Voluntary School Budget Advisory Group. The objective of the group is to review and analyze the upcoming school budget and to present their observations, suggestions and recommendations to the School Board. This group is made up of registered voters from the town of Chichester. Members will attend School Board meetings from October - March in order to hear all pertinent details as the budget develops.
To apply to serve on the Voluntary School Budget Advisory Group, please submit in writing a letter of intent describing why you would like to serve and any budgeting experience you have by Monday September 14, 2020 to Heather Chiavaras at hchiavaras@sau53.org.
Curriculum Update - Social Emotional Learning with Mrs. Carrier
Welcome Back!!
We are excited to welcome all students back to CCS. Whether you are participating in our in person hybrid model or the CCS remote model, we are happy to see you. All students in grades K-8 will receive Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons during guidance classes. As we transition back to school this fall we will be focusing on learning a new tool to help us understand and regulate our emotions, RULER.
Over the next two weeks we will learn about R (recognize) using the Mood Meter.
Ask your student to tell you what the mood meter is and how they can use it. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out through email, ccarrier@sau53.org or by phone 798-5651, ext. 22.
What is Surplus? Written by Christine Vayda, Chichester BA and Ben Brown, Chichester SB
What is Surplus?
Surplus can come from two sources:
1. Under expending the budget (appropriations surplus)
2. Realizing more revenue than was estimated (revenue surplus).
When the operating budget is developed during the budget season, it is representative of an estimate of our future obligations. That process begins almost a year before the new school district begins to operate in that fiscal period. It includes assumptions for health insurance, salaries, energy and supply costs, and a multitude of other items that comprise a budget.
If the estimates are greater than the actual expenditure when closing out the fiscal year, this results in surplus for the school. The same holds true for revenue estimates, if the school district receives more revenue than is estimated, this results in surplus for the school.
The opposite, i.e. running a deficit, isn’t allowed by NH state law. Should a school district find itself in that position, the only alternatives are to hold a special School District Meeting to request additional tax dollars, or to dip into any available trust funds. Retainage dollars, explained in more detail below, are only available in emergency situations (and simply running a deficit isn’t considered an emergency). This is the reason school districts typically budget so conservatively.
Where does this surplus go?
The surplus at year-end (June 30th), minus any retainage, goes back to reduce the school portion of the tax rate for the following tax year.
What is Retainage?
Schools may choose to retain a portion of their surplus in order to ensure they have the cash necessary to meet their obligations for a particular expense that was not anticipated. However, it is important to understand that the only way to use money from the retainage is to have both an emergency (as defined by the NH DOE) and a revenue shortfall. A school district on its own cannot decide to use money from its retainage – it must request access from the NH DOE. Schools may also choose to use retainage to provide for tax rate stabilization to avoid peaks and valleys from one year to the next. Retainage comes from surplus money at the end of the current fiscal year. If this money it not used by the end of the following fiscal year, it gets returned to the tax at that time.
Chichester Fiscal Year 2019-2020
Surplus: $481,269.57
Fiscal year 2018-2019 retainage: $126,524.75
Total Year end overage/shortage: $607,794.32
Fiscal Year 2019-2020 retainage: $120,000.00
Ending amount to be returned to offset tax rates: $487,794.32
Chichester Central School
Email: ccsnewsletter@sau53.org
Website: ccs.sau53.org
Location: 219 Main Street, Chichester, NH, USA
Phone: 6037985651
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chichester-Central-School-1701806419852893/
Twitter: @ChichesterRams