Chestnut Grove Parent News

April 9, 2023

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"Every student matters; Every second counts!"

"Every student matters; Every second counts!"

Dear Chestnut Grove Families,


Our 4th and 5th graders will take ACAP English Language Arts/Reading Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Next week, 2nd -5th graders will take ACAP Math. Small group testing will take place throughout the month of April. Parents, please encourage your child to do their best and show how much they have learned this year. We want the hard work put in by our students and teachers to shine! As in every school day, we ask that students get a good night sleep, breakfast to get their energy flowing, and positive encouragement as they head off to school.


Congratulations to our newest Million Word Reader, Jack Winkler, 3rd grade!! Way to go, Jack!!


With gratitude,

Rebekah Higgins, Principal

"Every student matters; Every second counts!"
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UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

April

4 - 21: ACAP Testing (Reading and Math for 2nd-5th graders)

20: Kindergarten Performance 6pm

21: Progress Reports (3rd-5th graders)

21: DCS GreenPower Race

21: Pop Tabs drop off deadline

25-27: End of Year Benchmarks

26: DCS Track Meet - rescheduled


May

1-5: TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

3: 5th grade Austin High Mile Run

5: Lunch Hero Appreciation Day

10: Nurse Appreciation Day

11: Chestnotes Spring Performance, 6pm

12: Last day CGES Library is open

15: Testing Celebration (2nd-5th)

18: Field Day

19: AHS Senior Walk @ CGES (am)

19: Talent Show (4th & 5th)

22: Field Day Rain Date

23: Awards Days

24: EOY Class Parties, Report Cards go home

25: Last Day for Students (11:30 dismissal)

UPCOMING EVENTS

AHS Volleyball Gear Sale

Coach Crook is offering the opportunity for you to purchase AHS Volleyball gear on sale until April 12th. See the link: AHS Volleyball
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Alabama Literacy Act

With requirements of the AL Literacy Act as written in law, if your child is showing any consistent deficiencies in foundational reading skills on mClass assessments, you recieved a SRIP - Student Reading Improvement Plan that explains what we are doing at school to provide support for your child, as well as resources you can do to support at home. Ask your teacher if you would like additional resources.

CGES is a Ronald McDonald Pop-tab Pandemonium Collection Site!

We need all Pop Tabs turned in by Friday, April 21st to prepare for our turn in date.


Parents, see the attached letter explaining the purpose of collecting pop-tabs for funding families' needs while their child's medical needs are being met.


We have a drop-off bin in the foyer where can place your full bags of aluminum pop tabs.

2022-23 Million Word Challenge

2022-23 Million Word Challenge

CGES Million Word Readers

Merrick McGowen - 4th grade

Khaled Alwajih - 4th grade

Jack Winkler, 3rd grade

Who will be next?


Each student’s million word count starts over at the beginning of each school year. Students must score an 80% or above on their AR Quiz for the words to be counted. STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO READ AT HOME at least 20 minutes each night and take AR quizzes to log their words read. They will earn AR Rewards in library in addition to the following rewards given by the DCS Foundation.

REWARDS (t-shirts & gift cards will be delivered at the end of the school year

prior to awards day):

  • 1st Million Words Read - They will receive a new MWC t-shirt with the current school year on it.
  • 2nd Million Words Read and beyond - a $10 gift card per every million read over 1 million (ie: 3 million words earns a $20 gift card) This only applies to 3rd-8th grade students!
2022-23 Million Word Challenge

PARENT RESOURCES TO HELP AT HOME

Importance of Sleep

Did you know sleep is one of the most important factors of your child's health?

The amount of sleep your child gets at night also has a direct impact on their behavior and ability to learn during the school day. Check out this article to increase your knowledge on the importance of sleep for children:

https://healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sleep/Pages/healthy-sleep-habits-how-many-hours-does-your-child-need.aspx

Help support our Hardworking Teachers & Staff!!

Mrs. Hill and I have an annual tradition to provide snacks and treats for our hardworking faculty and staff the last Friday of each month with our "Sunshine Cart." If you would like to donate or know someone who would like to sponsor this monthly event, please reach out to our counselor, wendi.hill@dcs.edu.

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

PreK

Arrival - UPDATED 8/12/22 (7:30-7:45am) at the front left (playground end)

Dismissal (2:15-2:30pm) in the rear (Vicksburg Drive)

If you arrive to drop-off or pick-up your child after these times, you will need to park and come to the office.


K & 1st grade arrival (7:15-7:45am) & dismissal (2:45-2:55pm) will be in the front left parking lot. Older siblings of K/1st graders will join their younger sibling on the lower carline.

2nd - 5th grade arrival (7:15-7:45am) & dismissal (2:45-2:55pm) will be in the front right parking lot.


If you do not have your carline card, you will be asked to park in the parking lot and bring your ID to the office to pick up your child.


IMPORTANT TIPS

  • Walkers: students who live in the neighborhood; dismissed to adult at 2:35pm. If you allow your child to walk home alone, contact Mrs. Higgins or Mrs. Coffey.
  • Check-outs must be done prior to 2:15pm (2:00 for PreK). We do not allow checkouts after this time due to preparing for dismissal.
  • If your child's regular mode of transportation changes, it is important for you to communicate directly with your child's teacher by 2:00pm daily since they are the ones who handle transitions to dismissal each day.
  • If you do not have your carline card, you will be asked to park in the parking lot and bring your ID to the office to pick up your child.
  • Students are marked tardy if they arrive after 7:45am.
  • If a student is checked out prior to 11:30am, they are counted as absent for the day.
COMMUNICATION

COMMUNICATION

Parents, maintaining open communication is important. Please keep your email and phone numbers updated so that you can receive important communication from Chestnut Grove and Decatur CIty Schools. If your contact information changes during the school year, please email our secretary, Mrs. Coffey: lyvonne.coffey@dcs.edu .


Stay connected ~

  • Ensure you are signed up for teacher communication
  • Visit our website https://www.dcs.edu/ and social media
  • Check your child's communication folder/binder daily
  • Join PTO and sign up to volunteer
COMMUNICATION
Chestnut Grove Elementary

Chestnut Grove Elementary

Chestnut Grove Elementary
Rebekah Higgins, Principal
3205 Cedarhurst Dr. SW rebekah.higgins@dcs.edu 256-552-3092 dcs.edu/o/cge