Colt Crusader
A Newsletter for the Families of CFES Students
March 2018 Edition
2828 Pleasant Acres Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
757-648-2240
http://www.christopherfarmses.vbschools.com
Follow us on Twitter @cfescolts
Principal: Teri Breaux , @TeriBreaux
Asst. Principal: Patti Porter, @sunsetzzz
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents,
In the wake of the horrific school violence that has occurred across our nation, I want to assure you that safety is the upmost priority at Christopher Farms Elementary and across Virginia Beach City Public Schools. I appreciate the phone calls, emails, and personal conversations I have had with several of you in the last few weeks. The only way we can combat the anxiety that many parents harbor every day when sending their children off to school is to work together.
Recently, our Superintendent, along with our Chief of Police and Commonwealth Attorney, put out a message for our secondary students around our school system’s ongoing digital campaign to Be Social, Be Safe, Be Smart. That message can be viewed here - https://goo.gl/3E6SH5 . At the elementary level, we have focused on defining good digital citizens. Last week, our teachers celebrated Digital Day, and through the works of the activities in the classroom, as well as media messages through our morning announcements, our students are better able to communicate what it takes to be a good digital citizen.
Many parents have asked, “How can we help at home?” Here is my plea…Talk with your children. Encourage them to be kind, in every situation. Listen to them when they are frustrated and help them become problem solvers. I recently heard someone say that we should not worry as much about the children who are visibly upset; we should worry about the children who aren’t connected with others in some way. Does your child have friends? Do you know who they are? What does your child do in his/her free time? How much time is spent behind a screen, and do you know what is on that screen?
Screen time…that is a challenge in many of our homes, including my own. Over the last week, I have taken more time to sit and talk with my children about what they are doing behind that screen. I have altered some rules in my house around technology because I must keep my children safe. I urge you, if you haven’t already, start talking to your children and asking questions about the content of what is behind that screen. It is our moral imperative as parents to make sure we know what are children are being exposed to through all situations, especially through media.
Media comes in so many various forms today, one of which continues to be a fan favorite in many homes – video games. What video games are your children playing? We live in a society where we gripe about the younger generation’s lack of social skills, yet we allow our young people to learn social skills through media outlets that are not always appropriate for young children. I beg you, if you are a parent who allows violent video games in your house, please take time to think about the implications. Does your child really understand that death is final? Does your child understand that they can’t come to school and treat it like a video game? Does your child have the social skills to differentiate between fiction and reality? Most children do not. In my own experience, children who are most angry, violent, and have a hard time with coping skills often admit to playing violent video games. So when parents ask, “How can we help?” please don’t be surprised if I ask about those video games.
The most important message we can send to our children is if they see something, say something. Long gone are the days where we should discourage “tattling.” Instead, we are teaching our children the importance of reporting as the goal is to keep everyone safe. We want to hear our children, and we need to listen to them.
Many of you have asked about the specific safety protocols at Christopher Farms. In January, we began locking all front doors during the school day. We recently had an access door installed that allows our security assistant to open the door remotely for visitors. We continue to scan identification for all visitors who come into our schools during the school day. Our staff continues to be vigilant in ensuring all visitors have a badge, and all external doors are locked and closed throughout the school day. Within our school, classroom doors remain in the locked position, and we practice various drills throughout the school year. Additionally, we have reinforced that only adults should open classroom doors and external doors around the building, even if children recognize the visitor at the door.
As a principal, it breaks my heart that we are having to have these conversations, and to be honest it makes me angry that events in our society have taken away a feeling of safety for parents and children. I want to personally thank you all for all you do every day to help make our school community amazing. Together, we will continue to raise a stronger generation for tomorrow who will lead us into a kinder world.
Fondly,
Teri Breaux
Citizenship Trait for March is COOPERATION
Calling all Dads!
Say Cheese!
Spanish Night - noche española!
CFES has TALENT!
March 30 - STAFF DAY
Check out what else is happening at "The Farm"...
PTA Volunteer of the Year
UPCOMING PTA EVENTS
3/6 - Donuts for Dads
3/15 - PTA Executive Meeting
3/20 - Zoup Cashola Night
3/23 - Talent Show