Chestnut Grove Parent News
September 8-11, 2020
"Every student matters; Every minute counts!"
Dear Chestnut Grove Families,
Our teachers worked so hard to prepare for our "mock virtual days" this past week. District-wide, we are preparing our students to be ready for future virtual days. Students learned to access their learning management systems on their devices (Canvas and Seesaw). Older students also learned to check their DCS email and access their Google Drive. In many classes, our traditional learners were so excited when our virtual learners joined in their lessons!
Our students are doing a great job with wearing a mask when required; however, we are seeing an increase in the number of students who forget their mask. We do have a limited number of "emergency" masks on hand, but it would be helpful to consider establishing a procedure for keeping a spare mask in your child's backpack or car for those days one is forgotten. Also, please make sure masks are getting washed on a regular basis.
Thank you for continuing to remind your child each morning to notify you if they feel ill or develop any symptoms. If your child becomes ill or is exposed to someone with COVID-19 symptoms, please email Nurse Laura immediately, laura.davis@dcs.edu.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child's teacher or me.
With gratitude,
Rebekah Higgins, Principal
Upcoming Dates to Note
September 8 - Extended Day Begins (Click here for more information)
September 9 - Progress Reports 3-5 (sign and return to your child's teacher)
September 16 - Picture Day (individual pictures)
September 25 - City Saver Card Fundraiser begins
October 12 & 13 - No School (Fall Break)
October 14 - 2nd 9 weeks begins
October 14-16 - DCS Virtual Days for all students (announced in Dr. Douglas' Aug. 26th video)
Please help our car line run smoothly!
In the afternoon, it helps to have your car line number visible as our teacher on duty calls the number for your child to get into the pick-up line.
Extended Day begins September 8th!
Instructional News
STAR and DIBELS assessments are in our final week of administration. Our expectation is for ALL students to grow from these baseline assessments. It is important to encourage your child to do his/her best, complete all assignments, and ask questions when necessary. Our teacher-parent communication is crucial to ensuring the success of your child; thank you for being connected to your child's teacher through their selected form of communication. We believe that "Every Student Matters and Every Minute Counts!"
- Each student's Accelerated Reader (AR) count restarted on August 12th.
- We are looking forward to a new year of celebrating READING growth in all of our students!
- Encourage your child to read daily!
Please join PTO!
Virtual Learning Corner
Please continue to maintain communication with our virtual teachers and ensure your child attends their assigned Google Meets. This is an important part of your child's instructional time; Google Meets are a requirement. Teachers have communicated expectations for students; thank you for your support in maintaining an area where your child is able to focus and stay engaged in their online instruction. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact your child's virtual teacher or virtual administrator, Ms. Aubrey Shields.
Kindergarten: jennifer.irelan@dcs.edu
Transition to Traditional
Prior to each transition date, you will receive a survey via email asking if you wish for your child to transition to traditional at the next available re-entry date. We ask that you complete the survey as soon as you receive it so we can prepare for our students transitioning.
Next re-entry date for Virtual and Blended-Virtual: October 14th (2nd 9 weeks)
COMMUNICATION
School Operations - Reminders
- 7:15am - Doors open for students to report to the cafeteria. Breakfast is offered.
- 7:30am - Students dismissed to classrooms
- 7:45am - Students who arrive after 7:45am will be counted tardy.
- 2:45pm - Dismissal process begins
Students should be dropped off and picked up at the front carlines (south:K-2; north: 3-5). The rear parking lot is designated for buses only. Teachers are stationed to assist your child.
Dismissal - Carline numbers are required and should be posted at the top passenger side of your windshield to pick up your child. If you need a replacement card, notify your child's teacher.
If you need to check your child out in the afternoon, please do so before 2:15 to avoid congestion in preparation for dismissal.
OFFICE ENTRY
Wellness and Safety Precautions
Meal Services
Virtual students should receive information for picking up lunches. If you did not sign up for lunch pick-up and need to do so, email julia.senn@dcs.edu .
BUS Transportation
Visit dcs.edu for important bus information, including registration forms and routes.
Chestnut Grove Elementary
Email: rebekah.higgins@dcs.edu
Website: https://cge.dcs.edu/
Location: 3205 Cedarhurst Dr. SW
Phone: 256-552-3092
Facebook: facebook.com/chestnutgroveelementary