9-17-23 PAW'S PRESS
Inspire ~ Believe ~ Achieve ~ LEAD
Principal's Message
Dear Cherokee Families,
We value our partnership with families so much! We will be having our first PTO meeting at 6:15 PM in the Media Center on Tuesday, September 19th. We would love to see you there!
Important Updates:
- MSTEP reports from spring 2023 testing went home on Friday for 4th and 5th grade students. More information is below.
- This year we are piloting a leadership program called The Positivity Project. This is in place of Leader in Me. We introduced students to The Positivity Project last week. Click here for more information.
- We had our first fire drill last week. The students did a great job exiting the building quickly and quietly. See below for information about other drills.
As in the past, the Paw's Press newsletters will include key information and typically will be sent at the end of each week. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help make the school year a success for you and your child!
Sincerely,
Heather Batko
Cherokee Principal
DONATE AND WIN!!!!
The Cherokee PTO Walk-a-thon is our MOST IMPORTANT FUNDRAISER of the school year! 100% of the proceeds directly benefit Cherokee students and families. It helps to fund family fun activities, student leadership incentives, students resources, field trips and more!
Please see the flyer below.
Click on the link below to register (in order to collect donations)! All students who register by Sunday, September 17th will earn a popsicle at lunch on Monday, September 18th.
Go to https://app.99pledges.com/fund/wildcatswalkathon add participant, and click donate. Share with friends and family around the world so they can donate too! Thank you so much for your support!
PTO MEETING - 9/19/23 at 6:15 PM
DUE 9/23/23 - Order your FREE class shirt!
Please click here to order your child's shirt.
Please complete the link for each of your children at Cherokee.
Thank you to our t-shirt sponsor!
ORDER CHEROKEE SOCKS! (added 9/3)
PTO Panera Fundraiser - September 26th
The Panera Fundraiser is on September 26 from 4-8 pm at the Panera at 14121 Hall Road just east of Schoenherr. The flyer (or digital image) must be presented at purchase in order for the PTO to receive 40% of the sales.
Basketball Information (added 9/17)
See PDF of flyer below.
Saftey Drills (added 9/17)
- Throughout the school year we are required to complete 5 fire drills, 3 lockdown drills and 2 tornado drills.
- We have already completed our first fire drill and the students did a great job!
- In October, we will have the first of our lockdown drills. These drills are comprised of age-appropriate lessons as well as practicing other tasks such as relocating to a safe place.
- We do not tell families or students the exact dates/times of these drills for safety reasons.
- The book, I'm Not Scared I'm Prepared, that is utilized for the lockdown drills is below in a PDF format in case you would like to review it with your family. This book is used at all elementary schools in the district.
- Our teachers do a great job of reviewing procedures in a way that makes students feel safe.
Picture Day (added 9/17)
- Picture day is October 13th.
- Flyers with more information will come home closer to the date and will be shared in the Paw's Press Parent Newsletter.
Literacy Instruction (added 9/17)
We are happy to have you as part of the Cherokee family and look forward to a wonderful year filled with student success and memorable moments.
As educators, we are committed to continuous growth and ensuring our students meet their highest potential. We promise to deliver a high-quality education to all students and are committed to giving every child the tools they need to read proficiently. Proficient readers find success both inside and outside of school. At Cherokee, we want every child to learn to read and apply those skills to other subjects and new learning opportunities. We are committed to learning the latest research and reading best practices, so every child learns to read proficiently. This research is called the Science of Reading, and it clearly defines how the brain learns to read. In our classrooms, teachers use practices supported by the Science of Reading.
What Does the Research Say?
Reading scores in America have not shown growth for more than 40 years. According to NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress), less than 40% of American 4th graders are proficient readers. Based on our reading proficiency data, there is room to grow. The research indicates that while reading is more challenging for some students than others, with evidence-based reading instruction, nearly every child can become proficient by the end of 3rd grade.
Science of Reading
The Science of Reading provides evidence to inform how proficient readers and writers develop; why some have difficulty; and how we can most effectively assess and teach and, therefore, improve student outcomes through prevention of and intervention for reading difficulties. The Science of Reading is also referred to as Structured Literacy.
It is important to know that kids do not just learn to read by placing books in front of them. Kids do not learn to read by guessing or looking at the pictures on a page. In fact, guessing and relying on photos on a page are poor habits that contradict the research. Readers need to sound out words and use research-based strategies to become proficient readers.
Our Focus
At Cherokee we are committed to improving reading instruction for all students. We have reviewed our teaching, modified our building schedule, and embraced the latest scientific research on how students learn to read. If your family has been a part of Cherokee for some time, you will notice changes in how we teach reading. Our reading instruction will include new routines, lesson plan structures, small group instruction, and time for intervention and enrichment. Whether you are a current family or new to Cherokee, it is going to be a fantastic journey. It is an exciting time to be in education as we align our classroom instruction with the Science of Reading.
Our Literacy Block for English Language Arts
To ensure that each student receives the reading instruction geared toward their needs, our literacy block is divided into two sections: whole group and small group instruction. Whole group instruction, where all students receive the five components of literacy instruction, takes place for 90 minutes. Small group instruction, where students meet with their teacher to receive reading instruction aligned to their needs, takes place for 30 minutes daily.
Assessments
When students enter grades K-5, they are administered a reading screening assessment. The assessment we use is called FastBridge. This screening assessment is performed three times per year to ensure that all students are progressing. Staff members review this data to determine the support that each student needs. By reviewing this data, we learn each student’s reading skills and identify students who need additional reading instruction or enrichment opportunities. If the reading screener determines that your child needs additional reading instruction, they will be placed into intervention groups. Students will be progress monitored regularly to ensure they are making adequate reading growth.
We believe it is important to share your child’s outcome from this screening assessment, and it will be shared with you, typically with their progress report/report cards.
Five Components of Reading Instruction and Acquisition
Although instruction looks different in each grade, children need specific instruction each day focusing on the five components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Each one is described below.
- Phonemic Awareness - Kindergarten through second grade students will learn phonemic awareness, which is the ability to hear and manipulate word sounds. While phonemic awareness will be emphasized in grades K-2, we will ensure all students have this necessary foundation. Students in 3rd – 5th grade may need to practice these skills until they have acquired this foundational skill.
- Phonics - All students will be taught phonics, which is the ability to combine sounds and letters to create words. Teachers will teach phonics following an explicit and systematic progression of phonics skills that moves from simple to more complex. As students learn new phonics skills, they will use decodable readers, which will help them to practice that phonics skill in text.
- Fluency - Fluency is the ability to read a text accurately, quickly, and with expression. Students will build stamina for reading lengthy or complex texts. Reading fluency serves as a bridge between word recognition and comprehension.
- Vocabulary - All students will learn new vocabulary words each week through fun and engaging vocabulary routines.
- Comprehension -All reading instruction aims for students to understand what they read. Teachers will help students learn comprehension strategies each week as they read new passages.
Through explicit and systematic instructional practice we can help students find success. We are committed to providing a high-quality education using instructional practices aligned with best practices and evidence. We thank you for your confidence in Cherokee and Chippewa Valley Schools, and we look forward to partnering with you in your child’s education
ORDERING LUNCH (added 8/27)
- Even though lunch is free for all students, we still need parents to complete the digital online ordering form so that we have an accurate count and enough food for all students.
- Click here to order hot lunch.
- Ordering deadlines: Please note that we have received communication from food services that families need to order lunch by 9:30 AM the school day prior. For example, when ordering lunch for pizza on Monday, please order by 9:30 AM on Friday. This helps with the accuracy of our lunch count. We of course always order extra but this helps with accuracy.
- Click here for a printable lunch menu.
- There is a charge of $1.50 for ordering doubles.
- Click here for the Food Services website.
FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FOR ALL STUDENTS (added 8/20)
- Chippewa Valley is excited to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students starting this school year thanks to the Michigan Healthy School Meals Program!
Students DO NOT need to arrive early for breakfast at the elementary level. Breakfast will be served after the first bell in classrooms once the school day has started.Breakfast is free for all students. Our goal is to improve student success by providing a nutritious meal at the start of the day.
Even though meals will be provided for free, it is important for families to continue sharing household income information in order for our schools to receive full access to federal and state funding for educational programs that our students are entitled to. Click here for the School Meal Application Form or see the image below.
- Also, please view the document below for allergy information for parents and well as other important information from Food Services.
- Food Allergy Flyer
Breakfast Update (9/10)
Peanut/Tree Nut Alert Zones (added 8/24/23)
- We have many students at Cherokee with severe peanut/tree nut allergies. Therefore peanuts/tree nuts products and products contaminated in a facility that processes peanuts/tree nuts will not be allowed in many classes, common areas, etc.
- Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3/4 Blend, 4th grade and 5th grade classrooms are peanut/tree nut alert zones. Foods/snacks that contain peanut/tree nuts should not be consumed in these classrooms.
- Pods for all grade levels are peanut/tree nut alert zones. Foods/snacks that contain peanut/tree nuts should not be consumed in pods.
- Due to the severity of some of our students with allergies it will be asked that some classes avoid bringing peanut/tree nut products for both lunch and snacks consumed in the classroom. The lunch period for 4th grade and the 3/4 blend is a peanut/tree nut alert zone. Peanut/tree nut products may not be consumed during lunch by students in these classes.
- Your child's teacher will review guidelines and answer any specific questions.
- The link for the Snack Safely Guide is below. This guide has many great many recommendations for foods that do not have peanuts, tree nuts and are not processed in facility with these items. This guide updates regularly so it is best to check the link below rather than printing.
- Click here for the Snack Safely Guide.
IMPORTANT - Bus Stop/Transportation Information (updated 9/3)
BUS TAG WITH ROUTE NUMBER/SIGNS - Students in grades K-2 will be given a tag with their bus route number/color on it. Please leave this tag on your child's backpack until they are confident about their bus number. If the tag falls off before they are confident about their bus number, please write their number on their backpack or provide another tag. Adults will be guiding students to their busses and adults will be holding a signs to match the bus tag route number. A sample backpack with tag and corresponding bus sign are below.
LABELING ITEMS WITH STUDENT'S NAME - Many students have difficulty repeating their first and last name to unknown adults. It is often a good idea to write your child's name on their backpack so adults can get them to the appropriate class/bus if they can't repeat their first and last name. It is also a good idea to label other items so they don't get lost (jackets, lunchboxes,etc.).
IMPORTANT - FROM TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT:
Families are urged to check bus stop information prior to the start of school
Dear Chippewa Valley Families,
Make sure you check the Info Finder Bus Stop Information page before school starts to verify your child’s bus stop. Several routes have changed because of new student enrollments and driver changes.
https://www.chippewavalleyschools.org/departments/transportation/
Have a great school year! Thank you.
UPDATED 8/13 - New Bell Times - All Chippewa Valley Elementary Schools
Updated - Arrival Times:
- Students may enter the building at 8:50 AM.
- School begins at 8:55 AM.
Updated - Half Day Dismissal Times
Updated - Full Day Dismissal Times
3:29 PM - SACC, Service Squad and Safeties
3:33 PM - Walkers and Parent Pick Up
3:37 PM - Bussers
3:39 PM - School Fully Dismissed
Bus Riders:
- Busses may run slightly late picking up students the first few days of school as our drivers and students learn their new routes. It is still recommended that students arrive at their bus stop 10 minutes prior to their scheduled time.
- More information from the transportation department will be coming soon.
Walkers/Riders:
- Walkers/Riders should line up and be dismissed from their grade level/ classroom entrance doors. Teachers will pick-up their students from their entrance at 8:50 AM when the morning music begins.
- An updated map of grade level/classroom entrances is below.
Parking Lot:
- Please review the parking lot procedures map below.
- Staff will be present in the parking lot, bus loop and building entrances to help ensure a safe and smooth arrival and dismissal process.
- We ask for your patience and support as our new families learn the process and our returning families get back-in-the-swing-of-things :)
Parking Lot Procedures Map (added 8/6)
Arrival/Dismissal Map 2023-2024 (added 8/20)
FastBridge Assessments (added 9/10)
Info sent out by district:
Chippewa Valley Schools will soon be conducting our fall benchmark assessments. Between September 11th and October 6th, students will take the FastBridge assessments in kindergarten through 5th grade in math and reading. These tests help teachers see where students are academically at a moment in time. The teachers look at the screening scores after the testing and compare their students’ scores with other information about school performance. Students with low scores across different tests receive additional support to help them meet their learning goals.
Elementary Students - FastBridge:
- K & 1 students will be assessed using the earlyReading assessment suite, allowing the teachers to screen and monitor student progress in developing reading skills. Teachers will work with students individually to complete their assessments. They will also take the aMath assessment, which screens for broad math abilities. Amath is a computer-adaptive test with questions aligning with the National Core State Standards.
- 2 – 5 students will be assessed using the FASTtrack assessment suite, which screens for broad and specific measures. The broad measures are those measures that determine how well the student integrates all the skills necessary to achieve proficiency. The specific measures indicate specific skill deficits and describe the problem in greater detail. CBMreading is a part of this assessment suite and is an effective way to screen and monitor student reading progress. There is a correlation between this measure and the proficiency level on the state exams such as M-STEP. Along with these reading assessments, they will also take the aMath assessment, which screens for broad math abilities. Amath is a computer-adaptive test where the questions align with the National Core State Standards.
- To watch a 2 ½ - minute video on the FastBridge assessment, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCbEThKdpQk&t=14s
MSTEP Reports (added 9/17)
Information sent out by district:
Student M-STEP reports recently arrived at our schools and will be sent home with your child by Friday, September 15th. The Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, or M-STEP, is a computer-based assessment designed to gauge how well students are mastering grade-level state standards each spring. These standards broadly outline what students should know and be able to do to be prepared to enter the workplace, career education training, and college. When combined with classroom work, report cards, local district assessments, and other tools, M-STEP results offer a comprehensive view of student progress and achievement. For additional information, click State Assessment in Michigan: What it is, What it means - And What it Offers.
The Michigan Department of Education has created a set of parent guides to help families understand the M-STEP results you will receive soon. Below, you will find the link to the most recent parent guide that is currently available on the MDE website.
2023 Spring
M-STEP and PSAT Grade 8 - How to Read Your Child's Score Report
M-STEP, WorkKeys, SAT Grade 11 - How to Read Your Child's Score Report
Please contact your child’s teacher or building principal with any additional questions.
Sincerely,
Niyoka Wright
Coordinator of Assessments and Data Analysis
Chippewa Valley Schools
www.chippewavalleyschools.org
UPDATED 8/13 2023-2024 District Calendar for Parents
Small revisions have been made due to the recent change in bell times.
2023-2024 Important Dates (added 8/6)
- See below for a summary of some important dates.
- A PDF file is also available below.
Medication Drop Off (added 8/6)
Our District Medication Policy requires all prescription medications to have a Request for Administration of a Prescription Medication to student form filled out with a physician’s order with parent’s signature each school year. The medication must be in a new original container and/or prescription bottle with the child’s name on it. Over the counter medication will also need a Request for Administration of Non-Prescription Medication to student form filled out and signed by parent.
All medication administration forms can be found on the chippewavalleyschools.org web page (click here). Forms can also be picked up at the school in the main office.
Please bring in completed forms signed and dated by your health care provider with parent signature along with any required prescription medications.
Parents must hand deliver medications with completed forms to the Health Aide in the main office to be checked for full accuracy. No medications will be administered at school without accurately completed forms. Also please check the expiration date on medications as we cannot accept expired medications.
IF YOUR CHILD IS NOT FEELING WELL (added 8/6)
- If your child is not feeling well, please keep them home and call our attendance line.
- Our attendance line is 586-723-4899.
- Attendance at school is of course very important. However, if a child is not feeling well they should stay home so they are able to rest and recover.
- We a want to prevent the spread of illness as much as possible.
- Students should be fever free for at least 24 hours (without the assistance of fever reducing medication) before returning to school.
- Students should also wait at least 24 hour to return to school after vomiting.
- Students who are having difficulty breathing, severe cough, etc. are also strongly encouraged to stay home.
September PTO Newsletter (added 8/20)
Cherokee PTO Board Members (added 8/13)
Check out their Facebook page for regular updates!
Juliana Kozinski, PTO President
Angela Drost, PTO Vice President
Monica Radyko, PTO Secretary
Nicole Tomaszycki, PTO Treasurer
INFORMATION FOR OUR CHEROKEE FAMILIES
Friendly Reminders to Our Families (added 8/6)
We appreciate your understanding and appreciate those families who continue to model kindess, patience, and respect. You make a difference & we are all doing the best that we can!
Please Remember:
- Adults are to remain outside of the building and must be "buzzed-in" by the front office.
- All adults must show their ID at the entrance if they need to drop something off or pick-up their child early.
- Contact information must be up-to-date in case we need to contact your family.
- We release children to only those people listed on your child's PowerSchool contact list.
- Changes in your child's dismissal process must be called in no later than 3:15 so we can be sure to get the information to our staff.
- Families are asked to preorder lunch using the online ordering system. Links for the menu and online ordering will be in the Paw's Press Newsletter as soon as they are available.
- Refrain from parking on Rivergate near the school including the bus loop.
SACC - Cherokee Childcare (added 8/6)
A NOTE FROM MRS. ASHLEY
For families looking to register for SACC
- SACC registration is first come first served.
- Due to limited staff and capacity limits some registrations may not be approved at this time until more staff are available.
- As staffing levels increase, so will our ability to enroll more students. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
- Once your registration application is submitted you must receive a registration approval email before your child can attend.
- Registrations will remain pending in the system and will be approved as openings become available.
For families currently enrolled in SACC
- Adding on additional days other than what was originally scheduled may be limited at this time due to student and staff ratios. You will be notified if your schedule change can be approved (some days may be available where others may not)
- If your child does not need to attend on a scheduled day please remove them from the schedule to open up a spot for someone else.
We appreciate your understanding at this time and anticipate more staff to be available soon. Until then we must adhere to the Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers and stay within the required student to staff ratios. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
NOTE: SACC will continue to remain peanut/tree nut fee.
Ashley Murphy
Cherokee SACC Director
(586) 723-4860
- CLICK HERE to access the CVS SACC informational page.
Other Resources
Mental Health
District Calendar
District Acceptable Use Policy
CVS Handbook/Code of Conduct
District COVID-19 Reporting Form
Families should utilize the COVID-19 reporting form for positive cases. Click on the link below for the reporting form and procedures.
Welcome Back Letters
CHEROKEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
We choose to Inspire, Believe, Achieve & LEAD!
Website: https://www.chippewavalleyschools.org/schools/elementary-schools/cherokee/
Location: 42900 Rivergate Drive, Clinton Township, MI, USA
Phone: 586-723-4800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CherokeeWildcats