The Howl
Chief Charlo Elementary School News
Principal's Notes for October 2019
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Thank you all for a wonderful start to the 2019-20 school year. Thank you all for an incredible “Run with the PACK” Jog-A-Thon. This was our 2nd fundraiser of its kind and it exceeded all expectations. We hope your kiddos enjoyed the two-week STEAM focus, run/walk and the Chief Charlo T-shirt. The money raised goes towards our new playground project for the summer of 2020 and beyond.
Here are a few reminders heading into the fall:
- Picture Day is October 16th
- We recognize mornings can sometimes be hectic, but please do whatever you can to ensure your student(s) arrive to school on time. The first 10 minutes of school sets the tone for the day and a student who frequently misses the initial directions and discussion of the day’s events may feel out of place. The first 5-10 minutes each day are essential for our kids.
- The weather is changing and the cooler fall days are here! Please remind your child to dress appropriately. A warm coat, mittens or gloves, and a warm hat should be considered the minimum as we move into colder fall weather.
- Please remember Thursdays are district early out. Students will be released 1 hour earlier then their normal dismissal time. Please adjust student transportation accordingly.
- Please visit our school website. In addition to teacher websites, you will also find other useful information, including a school calendar and upcoming events. It can be viewed at: www.mcpsmt.org/chiefcharlo. Any suggestions or comments are always welcome and greatly appreciated.
- There will be no school October 17th and 18th for MEA conferences.
WHATS NEW IN STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math):
As classrooms settle and routines are established, students will begin engaging in STEAM activities across the building. This year, students will be participating in building STEAM challenges, classroom STEAM Showcase units, Project Lead The Way engineering modules, computer coding and programming, SPARK lessons with local art residents and a variety of other wonderful experiences in the classroom. We will have our annual “STEAM” night in April too. Please be on the lookout for additional STEAM information from your child(s) teacher.
In addition, Chief Charlo will focus on three art forms to increase Arts Integration in the classroom. Poetry, tableau and dance movement will be emphasized to support student engagement and understanding with the curriculum.
Again, thank you for a great start to the school year. We are so excited to have the opportunity to work with, explore, and support your children’s learning this year. As always, please do not hesitate to call, email or stop by with any questions or concerns throughout the year.
Vincent Giammona
Principal
Chief Charlo Elementary
Chief Charlo: October at a Glance
Tuesday, October 8th, 6:00-7:00pm - PTO Meeting - Chief Charlo Lunch Room
Thursday and Friday, October 17-18, NO SCHOOL - Professional Development Day
Enchanted Forest
Garden Committee
We All Fit In
Arts Integration
Library Corner
This month at the library our featured book genres will be Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, and Scary stories. Don’t be afraid to read these books--(K-2 grades): You Read to Me, I'll Read to You: Very Short Scary Tales to Read Together by Mary Ann Hoberman, Scary, Scary Halloween by Eve Bunting, Gone with the Wand: A Fairy’s Tale by Margie Palatini, Five Funny Frights by Judith Bauer Stamper, The Spider and the Fly by Mary Botham Howitt (3-5 grades) Pals in Peril Zombie Mummy by M.T. Anderson, Bones: Terrifying Tales to Haunt Your Dreams by Lois Metzger, Wings: a Fairy Tale by E.D. Baker, Scary Folktales by Megan Kopp, The Curse of the Campfire Weenies, and Other Warped and Creepy Tales by David Lubar, and Claws by Mike Grinti.
THE ANNUAL PUMPKIN CHARACTER CELEBRATION!!!!
Any student may bring in a BOOK CHARACTER pumpkin and a copy of the book in which the character appears to the Chief Charlo library. Please do not carve any pumpkins—just decorated pumpkins please. The pumpkin should arrive at Chief Charlo on Monday, October 28, 2019 before school. When you bring the pumpkin to the library, you will fill out a card with your name, your class, the name of the character, and the title of the book. This year will be a short week so please plan to take the pumpkin home on Thursday, October 31, 2019. Adults (including parents), who are willing to take the time are asked to VOTE for their favorites. Those choices will be compiled and the 10 pumpkins receiving the most votes will be given recognition in The Howl, Chief Charlo School's newsletter.
Box Tops—The fall competition is in full swing. Bring in your box tops through October 25th. The winning classes will have an ice cream party with Mrs. Greil. Go to Participating Products to find out all the products which have box tops for education.
Tech Talk—find out about the latest kid’s technology, movies, and video games in a safe and friendly environment. Check out Common Sense Media at https://www.commonsensemedia.org. This is a great website designed for families, parents and teachers.
See you soon at the library!
Mary Greil
Teacher Librarian Chief Charlo
mrgreil@mcps.k12.mt.us
The Families in Transition (FIT) Program
PARENTING Resources
Helping Kids Manage Their Emotions - 10/24 (Franklin School),
Helping Kids Cope with Learning Disabilities - 11/06 (Chief Charlo School) and more!!
LOOKING TO GIVE BACK TO YOUR SCHOOL?
THANK YOU'S
Greetings from your Chief Charlo Counseling Team!
As your Chief Charlo counselors, we wanted to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves and tell you a little bit about what we do! Kelley Donisthorpe is new to Chief Charlo this year, but previously spent two years as the Elementary counselor at Lolo Elementary. She is currently working on her PhD and has taught at the college level. Kelley is available Tuesday-Friday. Stacy Holden is in her fifth year at Chief Charlo and fifteenth year as a school counselor. Stacy has worked at all levels and also works at Jeanette Rankin Elementary and Rattlesnake Elementary. Stacy is available at Chief Charlo Mondays and Thursdays.
The comprehensive counseling program at Chief Charlo follows the ASCA National Model. We provide classroom lessons every other week on social emotional skills (problem-solving, emotional regulation, friendship skills), academic success (organization, goal setting, and academic skills) and career exploration. We work with students in small groups based on student needs, and may focus on a variety of topics – such as changing families, skill building, worry, self-esteem, making and keeping friends, etc. We provide individual counseling on a short-term basis (6-8 weeks), and provide community referrals as needed.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns about your child.
Kelley Donisthorpe: (406) 542-4005 x4976; kdonisthorpe@mcps.k12.mt.us
Stacy Holden: (406) 542-4005 x4988; slholden@mcps.k12.mt.us
PTO Events for 2019/20 School Year
Join us for these FUN events that benefit your school! 100% of all money raised is allocated to services, events and needs of Chief Charlo students and staff.
Jog-A-Thon- SEPTEMBER 27th
Hearing Screening- Oct 3
Vision Screening- Oct 8
Original Works-Coming SOON!
Fall Fest- OCT 25th
Parents Night OUT
Craft Fair- Nov 16
Barnes & Noble Book Fair
Bingo Night
Spirit Week & Sock Hop
STEAM Showcase Night
BBQ Basket Fundraiser
...want to know more details and be part of more FUN?
Follow YOUR PTO on Facebook (Chief Charlo PTO) or on Instagram: ChiefCharloPTO for the most up-to-date information and communication
YOUR Parent Teacher Organization 2019/20
Join us for the next PTO meeting - FREE Child Care!!!
NEXT MEETING DAY: Tuesday, October 8th , 2019, 6:00-7:00pm
Chief Charlo Lunchroom
Current Board Members:
Kara Cook, President chiefcharlopto@gmail.com
Jeff Avgeris, Vice President Krash197@gmail.com
Amy Mill, Treasurer chiefcharlotreasurer@gmail.com
Jennifer Owen, Secretary jeowen08@gmail.com
Meeting Schedule: We meet the SECOND TUESDAY of each month in the lunchroom. Meetings start at 6:00pm and childcare is free!
Interested in becoming a member? Everyone is welcome! It's never too late to join! The Chief Charlo PTO encourages families to join, stay informed, and help out in any way you can. Please contact us at chiefcharlopto@gmail.com or follow our social media outlets on Facebook or Instagram for more information. Membership is free due to our amazing sponsors.