THE HOWL
CHIEF CHARLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS - February 2023
February is Kindness Month ... Spread Random Acts of it throughout!!
Time for School - Don't forget the bell rings at 8:13am
Dismissal is 3:15pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Thursdays are early dismissal at 2:30pm.
~ FRONT OFFICE NOTES ~
We understand that our parking lots fill up quickly, but please remember that before and after school, the bus Loop is for buses only. Also, don't forget the handicap spaces are only for those folks who may need this accommodation. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and courtesy in and around our parking lots!
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* NO SCHOOL Monday, February 13 due to Staff Development.
* NO SCHOOL Monday, February 21 due to Presidents' Holiday.
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Kindergarten thru 2nd grade parents, please provide your child with an extra pair of clothes to keep in their locker or backpack in case of a bathroom accident or a needed change after recess. The FIT office is running out of smaller sizes for these incidents.
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Parents, please put your student's name or initials in their coat and other outer gear. This helps the lost and found items find their way home. It's sad to see so many top name brand items never make it back to where they belong.
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** Looking for a meaningful Volunteer Opportunity during the day? Chief Charlo is in need of Lunch Duty help, Extended Resource Classroom assistance, and Zero Waste Cafeteria Coaches!! If interested or to learn more, please see the MCPS Volunteer Portal near the bottom of this newsletter.
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*Kindergarten Registration for the 2023-2024 school year is just around the corner. Registration starts March 1st*
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MCPS Superintendent Candidate Meet-and-greet
During a special board meeting last week, the MCPS Board of Trustees selected three Superintendent candidates to interview: Dale Olinger, Thom Peck and Candace Roush. For more information, visit the Superintendent Search web page.
MCPS families and members of the Missoula County Community are invited to a meet-and-greet with the three Superintendent candidates this Thursday, February 2, 6:00P.M., in Administration Building A.
What: Superintendent candidate meet-and greet for MCPS families and members of the Missoula County community.
When: Thursday, February 2, from 6 - 7:30 P.M.
~ FEBRUARY AT-A-GLANCE ~
February 2 - Early out - ALL students dismissed at 2:30pm
February 6-10 - 2nd Annual 'Souper Bowl' Food Drive competition with Lewis and Clark Elementary School
February 9 - Early out - ALL students dismissed at 2:30pm
February 10 - 100th Day celebration in Kindergarten
February 13 - Staff Development Day - NO SCHOOL
February 16 - Early out - ALL students dismissed at 2:30pm
February 20 - Presidents' Holiday - NO SCHOOL
February 23 - Early out - ALL students dismissed at 2:30pm.
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PTO Events
February 8 - PTO meeting, 6:00-7:00pm, located in the library (FREE childcare provided)
February 24 - Family BINGO Night, 6:00pm, located in the cafeteria
*Watch for more information to come*
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Looking Ahead - March 16-17, Spring Conferences & Chief Charlo Book Fair
~ FEBRUARY LUNCH MENU ~
~ LIFE AROUND CHIEF CHARLO SCHOOL ~
4th Graders Learn About Robotics
Jump Rope for Heart Assembly
Class buddies are BACK
Mrs. Matthias's 3rd grade and Ms. Sullivan's 1st Grade Elf Buddies have fun during the past holiday
Mrs. Fulbright's 5th Graders made our cafeteria festive with their hand drawn holiday art
2nd Grade Reading Group spends time sharing stories with their ERC friends
FUN was had by ALL during the PTO's Family Fun Night
~ 2ND ANNUAL 'SOUPER BOWL' FOOD DRIVE COMPETITION ~
Last year's 'Souper Bowl' Food Drive was a HUGE success!!
Charlo students were determined to help our local community tackle food insecurity, as well as keep our then principal, Mrs. Zins, from getting a pie in the face.
Chief Charlo won 1st PLACE over Lewis and Clark with 1978 pounds of donated food.
Suggested items: Canned soup, fruit, vegetables, meat and chili, dry beans, tomato or spaghetti sauce, pasta, boxed meals, peanut butter, dressings and condiments, dry cereal, oatmeal, flour, sugar, rice, cooking oil, baby food and formula, cases of water and personal care items
Help us tackle hunger again this year and keep Mr. Gaub from getting a pie in the face?
* FOOD DRIVE IS ALL WEEK - FEBRUARY 6-10 *
~ COUNSELOR'S CORNER ~
Did you know that missing 1 or 2 days every few weeks can impact your student academically and socially? Research shows that when students are absent 10% or more of the time, it is harder for them to gain reading and math skills. It can also impact their ability to build strong relationships with their peers. Chronic absenteeism is a strong predictor of student success and high school dropout rates.
Things you can do to support your student:
- Set a regular bedtime and have a consistent nightly routine.
- Lay out clothes the night before and pack their backpack. Make sure all agendas and homework is complete before going to bed. This can help lessen morning stress.
- Talk with your student about the importance of school.
- If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.
We notice when your kiddo is gone and we miss them! Please call the office and let us know when they will be absent. It is okay to keep a sick child home.
Character Strong Trait of the Month
~ Parent Teacher Organization ~
Chief Charlo Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
Current Board Members:
Heather Bomb, President: chiefcharlopto@gmail.com
April Miller and Mindy Glenna, Co-Vice Presidents: chiefcharloptovp@gmail.com
Amy Mill, Treasurer: chiefcharlotreasurer@gmail.com
Elyse Johnson, Secretary: chiefcharloptosec@gmail.com
Meeting Schedule: We meet the SECOND WEDNESDAY of each month.
Meetings start at 6:00pm.
Interested in becoming a member? Everyone is welcome! Membership is free due to our amazing sponsors. The Chief Charlo PTO encourages families to join, stay informed, and help out in any way you can. It's never too late to join and be part of the FUN!!
Check us out at http://facebook.com/chiefcharlopto
YAY ... Chief Charlo's Book Fair is BACK!!
The Chief Charlo Scholastic Spring Book Fair is coming BACK!!
The book fair will run March 14th-March 16th 2023 during Parent Teacher Conferences! Look for more information on the book fair coming in February!
Chief Charlo's LIBRARY PAGE
Our library has lots of Valentines books to choose from for all grade levels.
Check out the Chief Charlo Library Page for LOTS of fun links, Online book recommendations for your student and Online reading rooms. https://www.mcpsmt.org/domain/149
February is National Black History Month
Ask Mrs. Greil to show you the library's selection of books to learn more stories.
President's Day is just around the corner.
~ Meet Chief Charlo's New Native American Specialist - Benji Headswift ~
In the Missoula Community, Benji recently designed the Montana Grizzlies' alternative Native logo and is proud of its 'monumental' showcase of Native heritage. See clip below:
~ FAMILIES IN TRANSITION (FIT)
Families in Transition Coordinator - Rm 233
The Families in Transition (FIT) Program is here to assist Chief Charlo students and families experiencing housing instability (McKinney-Vento Act) and/or economic hardship. FIT works as a bridge between those families, our school and the district staff to empower students to stay in school and remain successful both in school and as lifelong learners. FIT also provides families access to community resources and services.
FIT is here to support your family, because we care about all of our Wolves - BIG and small!!
I look forward to assisting you!
Coryll Rupert (FIT Coordinator)
728-2400, X4983
Friends of the Children Montana
Missoula Food Bank and Community Center
Asking for help can be difficult to do. You are welcome here. Our store does not have eligibility criteria, so no one needs worry that they will be turned away. No documentation needed. All information is kept confidential. Intake forms in several languages.
YMCA After School Care Program
The YMCA is committed to supporting families throughout the school year with programs such as After School Care for students in grade K-5, and full day care on no school days. Chief Charlo Elementary. Financial Assistance is available.
Families who were part of the Snowflake Giving Wall can't thank our school community enough for their kindness!!
~ MISSOULA COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ~
Locate your individual school's Native American Specialist and learn about resources available to your child.