Cheetah Connection
A PRINCIPAL UPDATE FOR OUR CHANDLER FAMILIES
April 9, 2021
Save the Date!
- April 13th- STAAR Testing- 4th Grade Writing
- April 19th- 23rd- Virtual Spring Book Fair
- April 20th- General PTA Meeting- 5:30pm
- April 22nd- 5th Grade Field Trip to the STEAM Center
- April 23rd- 5th Grade Field Trip to the STEAM Center
- April 26th-28th- Field Day (during Specials)
Dr. Bullock
Johnny Hill
David Hicks
April 20th General PTA Meeting via Zoom
- Please join us for our PTA meeting on April 20th at 5:30 via Zoom.
- Dr. Bullock-Superintendent, Johnny Hill- Chief Financial Officer, and David Hick- Chief Information Officer will be joining us to discuss the important Attendance Credit Election coming up.
- Zoom link coming soon!
CHEETAHS GOT TALENT!
21-22 Class Planning Information
Dear Parents and Families:
We are working hard to keep kids reading and raise critical funds for our school with our Scholastic Online Book Fair from 4/19/21 - -5/2/21!
The Fair will connect your kids to notable books and inspiring characters—helping them become lifelong readers. And you’ll love the new option to experience the magic of the shopping experience through a Virtual Book Fair!
Plus, enjoy these special online shopping features:
- Access to over 6,000 products
- All orders ship direct to home
- FREE shipping on book-only orders over $25*
- All purchases support our school and earn 25% in rewards
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with online shopping:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/carlenachandler
Thank you for continuing to support our school.
Happy reading,
Mrs. Bobbie Allen
Chandler Elementary School
Tardies
- Instructional time starts at 7:45am.
- Please help us by having your child here a few minutes before the late bell rings.
- Often times when students are rushing to get into the building it leads to them starting their day off on the wrong foot.
- Please ensure they are in the building before 7:45am in order to not be marked tardy.
- Please make every effort to get to school on time.
- Thank you for your cooperation.
PRE-K REGISTRATION
Pre-K registration for the 2021-2022 school year opens TODAY, April 1st! This information will also be communicated through our Social Media platforms, Peachjar, Take-Home folders for In-Person Learners at Boyd, Rountree, Reed, and Cheatham Early Childhood, and electronic copies to our PEIMS Specialists. Please include the following blurb in your campus newsletters:
Allen ISD Pre-K registration for the 2021-2022 school year is NOW OPEN! Did you know the district offers a Pre-K program for qualifying students? If you are interested in learning more about Pre-K eligibility criteria and enrollment details, please review the flier below.
Upcoming Attendance Credit Election
This spring, Allen ISD will host a special election known as an Attendance Credit Election. You may remember this election from the Spring of 2020 that was ultimately canceled due to COVID-19. In short, a new Texas law requires Allen ISD to gain voter approval for a process of reimbursement under the recapture law (commonly referred to as Robin Hood).
If this election fails, the Texas Education Agency will detach $3.03 Billion worth of commercial property from Allen ISD’s tax revenue. This would result in a permanent loss of local control in our district. What does this mean to you as a taxpayer? With a reduction in commercial property, it would require the tax rate to rise 9 cents, causing a median single-family home (worth $375,000) to have an increase of $337.50 in its annual tax bill.
What happens if this election is approved by voters? An approved election would allow Allen ISD to make its state-required recapture payments with the State of Texas through the purchase of attendance credit. This is the same process that Allen ISD has used since 2011. It is also important to note that if approved, your total tax rate will not change and it will not affect the level of state funding that Allen ISD receives.
Election Day is May 1, and we want our community to have upfront and factual information. Click here for more information on the election via the district's website.
Kindergarten Enrollment is Open!
Is your future Allen Eagle ready to start Kindergarten in 2021! Enrollment forms and information are available on our enrollment website.
https://www.allenisd.org/Page/58088
Who is eligible to enroll in kindergarten? Texas State law requires a child must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 of that school year.
Pre-K students currently enrolled and attending Allen ISD at Rountree or Cheatham do not need to re-enroll for kindergarten.
The first day of school is scheduled for August 11, 2021
STAAR Testing Dates
***Parents of 4th grade AT HOME LEARNERS, please watch for e-mails related to transportation and lunch choice for April 13th STAAR writing.***
- April 13
- 4th grade writing (In Person & At Home)
- May 11
- 3rd – 6th grade math (In Person)
- May 12
- 3rd – 6th grade math (At Home)
- May 13
- 3rd – 6th grade reading (In Person)
- May 14
- 3rd – 6th grade reading (At Home)
- May 17
- 5th grade science (In Person & At Home)
Want to keep in touch with what is happening at Chandler Elementary? Follow us on Social Media!
Follow us on Twitter!
- @CC_PTA
- @cheetahchandler
Follow Mrs. Allen on Twitter!
- @ChandlerPrin
Follow us on Facebook!
- Like Chandler Elementary PTA
Expectations for AT-HOME Learners
As we have returned from the break, I want to take a moment to re-establish some expectations for success in ‘At-Home’ learning. Below are ‘At-Home’ learning expectations for all students. Students must be actively engaged in the learning for the entirety of class. Active engagement includes the following:
- Logged into the Google Meet or Zoom at the start of class and remain in the meet for the entirety of all synchronous learning times
- Cameras must be on for the entirety of class. In addition, students need to show their entire face...we should not just see part of it or backgrounds.
- Students will complete and submit all assignments by the due date
- Students are expected to attend all asynchronous small group/intervention as assigned by the teacher
- Complete activities assigned in music, PE, and art each week
Please remind your child of these expectations. We are here to ensure your child is successful. Let us know if you have any questions or we can help in any way.
Damaged school issued computer or device?
- Should your school-issued computer become damaged, please submit a help ticket here, https://allenisd.on.spiceworks.com/portal/tickets
- We will then be able to get you a replacement while repairs are being made.
- The school will then create an invoice and send it to you to pay for the damage, repairs, or a replacement through SchoolPay.
- Should you have further questions about this process, please let us know.
STEAM Ambassador Tutoring
General Overview:
STEAM Ambassadors will provide flexible, one on one online peer tutoring services to students 5-12 with homework help and science and math concept comprehension.
Goals:
Assist students with math and science concepts through virtual tutoring sessions.
Provide accessible student support that would typically be offered in a face to face setting but has become increasingly difficult as students learn away from campus.
Establish a virtual tutoring model that successfully addresses the diverse needs of learners across Allen ISD.
Who are the tutors?
Tutors are 10th-12th grade STEAM Ambassadors that excel in science and math.
STEAM Ambassadors were chosen by board members, administrators, and teachers during an extensive interview process last spring.
Tutors have completed classroom observations and were trained on best instructional practices.
Please visit the STEAM Ambassador website to learn more about the leadership program and tutoring
How to sign up:
**Parents and students may view available times for tutoring sessions and sign up for a session here**
Students can learn about the available tutors by viewing their bios.
Students will sign up for a session at least 24 hours in advance, providing details regarding material they would like to cover during the session. Additionally, graded quizzes/assignments, homework, etc. can be submitted here for the tutor to review in detail with the student (reworking missed questions, clarifying/reteaching when necessary)
Prior to the first tutoring session a parent/guardian permission slip will be submitted
Reminder- Allen ISD Resources
Counseling Connection
FYI - Community Medication Disposal Day - Saturday, April 24th
This DRIVE-THROUGH event sponsored by Allen ISD, Allen Police Department & Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Allen collects & safely disposes of your unused & expired prescription medication, over the counter meds, vitamins, pet meds, and sharps (Epi-Pens, Diabetic supplies) on Saturday, April 24th from 10:00-2:00 at the Lowery Freshman Center - 368 N. Greenville Ave.
Medication Disposal Flyer Link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fo5UTLBCTVCl7BUOqDeM0HJnz4fnDV0Q/view?usp=sharing
Attention 6th Grade Students & Parents! - FMS Mascot Tryout Info
Ford Mascot tryouts are coming soon for interested 6th grade students! Please plan to attend a virtual (Zoom) mandatory parent meeting on April 13th at 6:30pm. The Zoom link is available on the Ford Middle School website on the FMS Cheer Link. Mascot tryouts will be April 19th at Ford Middle School in person. For more information, please contact FMS Cheer Sponsors, Laurie Ingle (Laurie.Ingle@allenisd.org) OR Sarah Ford (sarahm.ford@allenisd.org).
Allen ISD Counseling Department - Parent Support Chats
During these uncertain times, we understand that you may be struggling to balance your child's at-home or in-person learning along with your own work and home commitments. We are here to support you! Join us at one of the times below by clicking on the date/time links below. We are here to provide a space for you to discuss your challenges and identify healthy ways to cope & problem solve. It is a great way to connect with other parents facing similar struggles. Facilitated by the Allen ISD Support Counselors. Please note: Registration will open 2 weeks prior to each event. Please navigate to https://www.allenisd.org/Domain/18 for more information or contact your campus counselor with any questions.
Elementary School Parent Chats
"Be The One" Character Value for April is POSITIVE ATTITUDE!
Our Allen ISD definition of trustworthy is: Approaching life with confidence, happiness, and optimism.
Positive People:
- Are more motivated to do well
- Are more able to handle difficulties when they arise
- Have better relationships with friends and family
- Are physically healthier and live longer
"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." - Winston Churchill
Please encourage your students to have a positive attitude with some of these tips:
- Enjoy the unexpected, even when it's not what you originally wanted.
- Use the power of a smile to change the situation.
- Be friendly to people you do not know.
- Get back up when you fall down.
- Work hard to have a growth mindset - replace negative thoughts with positive ones. For example, instead of saying, "this is too hard," smile and say to yourself, "this may be a challenge, but I have what it takes to try!"
Notes From the Nurse
Attention 6th Grade Students:
For 7th grade, students are required to have a Tdap vaccine and a meningitis vaccine. These vaccines are typically given at the 11-year-old check-up. Please send your student’s most current vaccine record to Nurse Carah was we can ensure our school records are up to date.
COVID vs Allergies
Unfortunately, there is an increase in COVID cases on our campus. Please keep your child home if they are feeling sick. If you are unsure if they should be at school, please keep them home and contact the school. Based on your student’s symptoms, we will let you know if it is ok for your child to be at school or if they need to stay home.
As we head into warmer weather, a lot of our students have been struggling with seasonal allergies. There is a lot of overlap between COVID symptoms and allergy symptoms. The CDC has created this visual aid to show which symptoms overlap and what symptoms should be treated as potential COVID. (See below)
Please contact Nurse Carah with any COVID-19 or health-related concerns by calling Chandler at 469-467-1400 or via email at carah.frazier@allenisd.org
Updates From Specials
Library News
Library books will be due May 7th this year. Overall students have done an amazing job of taking care of library books this year, way to go Cheetahs! We still have some books missing from last year and some students are having difficulty finding books checked out earlier this year. If your child has any long overdue books please have them look in the classroom, at home, after school care, and in the car before paying the replacement cost of the book. At home students can return any found books to the office during school hours or during the designated supply and device collection times at the end of the school year. Contact carrie.rios@allenisd.org for replacement cost information for lost books. Thank you!
Check out your artist’s finished artwork and get personalized masks and more at Artsonia.com.
Chandler Reminders
Arrival & Breakfast
- Doors open at 7:30 am for students to enter the building.
- Students will be counted late if they are not physically inside the building by the 7:45 am tardy bell.
- All outside doors will lock and students will need to enter at the front door after 7:45 am.
- Parents will need to sign their child in if they arrive after the 7:45 am tardy bell.
- Students who eat breakfast should be in the cafe no later than 7:40 am.
- Students should always exit the car on the curb side for safety reasons.
- If your child is walking to school, please remind them to leave with enough time to be inside the building by 7:45 am.
- All walker students should be utilizing the crosswalks at either Bur Oak or Shelley.
In-Person Absences
- Absence notifications to the school and excuse notes can be entered via Family Access in lieu of calling the school and/or sending a handwritten note.
- Please report your students' absence for “in-person” learning to Rhonda Ploubis by 10:00 am using one of the following methods:
- Family Access - notifies the school AND provides the excuse note (This feature cannot be used in lieu of a medical note to excuse students who leave school for a medical appointment or come in late from a medical appointment.)
- Email rhonda.ploubis@allenisd.org (follow up with handwritten note, medical note or Family Access note)
- Call 469.467.1400 (follow up with handwritten note, medical note or Family Access note)
Important Reminder: All notes must be received within 3 school days of the absence to be considered excused.
In-Person Changes in Dismissal
- Any changes in dismissal need to be communicated to your child's teacher in writing.
- If you are changing your dismissal in an email to your child's teacher, please also CC rhonda.ploubis@allenisd.org and jennifer.gee@allenisd.org.
- All changes need to be made prior to 2:00.
- Any changes that need to be made after 2:00 need to be called directly into the office.
Dismissal Car Tags
- ***VERY IMPORTANT*** Please make sure that car tags are displayed in your front window for EACH child.
- If you have more than one child, please display car tags for ALL children being picked up.
- In order for dismissal to go more quickly, we need to scan the QR code for EACH child. Thank you!
Masks
- Students in grades K-3rd are highly recommended to be wearing a mask during the instructional day.
- Students in grades 4th-6th are required to wear masks at all times. Please note teacher do plan structured mask breaks throughout the day.
- If a student in grades 4th-6th arrives without a mask students will be held up in the office until a parent is called to bring a mask up to school. Please ensure your child brings their mask daily.
ALLEN ISD COVID-19 DASHBOARD
Allen ISD has launched a COVID-19 dashboard to provide our families and staff with a transparent and up-to-date snapshot of lab-confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in our district.
An active case indicates that a student or staff member has received a lab-confirmed positive case of COVID-19 and they have not yet returned to campus. Individuals who test positive are excluded from participation in any in-person/on-campus activity until the campus verifies that the individual meets the return criteria set by state and local health authorities. Once the individual is cleared to return, they are no longer considered an active case.
This data will be updated each school day. You can find the dashboard under the Back to School 2020 section of the Allen ISD webpage. Here is the direct link: https://www.allenisd.org/Page/59663
We appreciate your continued support and partnership as we navigate the 2020-2021 school year together. Go Cheetahs!
Thank you,
Bobbie Allen
Principal
Chandler Elementary
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Website: https://www.allenisd.org/Page/2390
Location: Chandler Elementary School, Water Oak Drive, Allen, TX, USA
Phone: 469-4671400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chandlerelementaryPTA
Twitter: @cheetahchandler