

Chávez Cheetah Chat
Cheetah Chat for 9/20/2023

Here we are entering our third week of school and things are really happening at Chávez. I recently had a chance to spend time in every classroom and share some of my favorite books with our kids. One book I read was Change Sings, by Amanda Gorman. This book is about the power of kindness, friendship, inclusion and initiative to make the world a better place. The rich artwork and powerful prose in this book are truly inspiring and make me think about the work we do here each and every day. I noticed in all our classrooms that teacher and staff have build strong communities, where kids are able to be themselves, learn and grow. This is so beautiful.
Today we had our first school wide assembly to celebrate our community, recognize staff and come together for song and cheers. It was also an occasion to honor our own Mariah Engle, kindergarten teacher, as she was named a regional finalist for Oregon Teacher of the Year! School board members, Superintendent Andy Dye and others joined us for the special morning. What a way to start the day!
Please read on for important dates and other news you can use.
With Gratitude,
Principal Kevin
SEPTEMBER EVENT
1,000 Riders Celebration! See information below
Sunday, September 24th, 1-3pm
River Edge/EWEB Public Plaza, 500 E. 4th Ave.
OCTOBER DATES
10/5 CURRICULUM NIGHT - See information below
10/6 LIFETOUCH PICTURE DAY - Packets sent home.
10/10 PACK MEETING 5:30-6:30
SCHOOL BELL SCHEDULE
Arrival
7:30 - 7:50 -- Breakfast available to all students
7:55 am – Class Begins
Dismissal
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 2:25 pm
Wednesday 1:10 pm
School Office Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
7:30am – 3:00pm
Wednesday
7:30am – 2:00pm
UPCOMING EVENTS
1,000 RIDERS CELEBRATION SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24TH
1,000 Riders Celebration!
Sunday, September 24th, 1-3pm
River Edge/EWEB Public Plaza, 500 E. 4th Ave.
See event page for more details
Since the start of the Kinder/1st Learn to Ride program in 2019, we've taught more than a 1,000 kids to ride bikes in 4J alone! When you include the many students who've learned in Springfield and Bethel, as well as the thousands who have gained critical traffic safety skills in our 5th/6th grade bike safety classes, we've got thousands of students to celebrate!
Please join us for ice cream and a group ride, starting and ending at the EWEB Plaza.
Limited numbers of bikes and helmets will be available on loan, but must be requested in advance. Fill out this form to request: https://forms.gle/fL8414uUk9x2e1Pw9
Carpool Connection!
Join a virtual meeting to meet other families for shared walking, biking or driving trips to school.
Wednesday, Sept 27th, 7:30-7:50pm
Pre-registration required - click here to register
This meeting will provide an opportunity to connect with other families around carpooling as well as walking or biking together. Participants will join breakout rooms with families from their region or school to connect and share contact information. You will be able to talk directly with other families who may live nearby or on your route to school. Register now and you will be sent details about joining the meeting. Translation services will be provided upon advance request by contacting Sarah Mazze at mazze_s@4j.lane.edu or 541-516-0887
CURRICULUM NIGHT Thursday, October 5th
CLASSROOM PRESENTATIONS
Kinder – 2nd grade - 5:30-6:00
3rd – 5th grade - 6:30-7:00
DINNER: 5:30-6:45 in the cafeteria
Want to know what your child is learning in school?
You won’t want to miss out on this important information.
Classrooms will have presentations to share what they are learning.
CHILDCARE IS NOT PROVIDED SO PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY
Students may attend classroom presentations and must stay with their parents
BE SURE TO VISIT THE PARENT INPUT STATION: We want to hear from you!
LIFETOUCH PICTURE DAY Friday, October 6th
Picture packets were sent home on Monday, 9/18. All students will have their picture taken regardless of whether you are purchasing or not. If your child is absent on picture day we will have a make up day on November 13th.
PACK MEETING 2ND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH
Everyone is invited!
PACK (Parent Advocates for Chávez Kids)
Please join us on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.
INFORMATION YOU CAN USE
Dear Chávez Family,
I wanted to introduce myself and my role here at Chávez for those of you who are new or whom I’ve not yet met. My name is Shannon Sell and I have the privilege of serving in the role of school social worker implementing the comprehensive counseling program at Chávez Elementary. This is my eighth year here, and I am looking forward to working with you and your child(ren)!
The counseling programs across the district are based on the American School Counseling Association Model and our district standards. Our program includes a variety of services for ALL students and is designed to assist with interests and issues related to the stages of student growth in the areas of academic, career, personal, emotional, and social development. The following are some services that I plan to offer for the 2023-2024 school year:
Classroom lessons with emphasis on social and emotional skills and resilience.
Small group counseling and/or psychoeducational sessions to provide more targeted support based on student needs. Examples may include friendship/social skills, anger management, or addressing anxiety.
Individual Student Planning/Problem-Solving to help students adjust to school or help with personal issues (academic, personal, social, etc.) on an as-needed basis.
Referral Assistance to other programs and services in the community and communication with outside programs as needed and with parent permission.
Parent/Caregiver Collaboration through individual meetings & conversation specific to your individual child and/or parent nights with information about varying topics.
I would appreciate hearing your thoughts to help me develop a program that best serves your child and family. Please complete this linked survey to help guide my work: Family Input
If you have any questions regarding the counseling program or would like to discuss your child, please contact me directly at 541-790-5383 (office phone), or email at sell_s@4j.lane.edu. I look forward to working together with you this year to help ensure your child’s success in school and life in general. We are going to have a great year!
Warm regards,
Shannon Sell, LCSW (she/her, What are personal pronouns and why do they matter?)
School Social Worker, Chávez Elementary
END OF SCHOOL DAY
Our number one job is to keep your child safe and to know where they go after school. If after school plans change, we ask that you call the school office by 1:30 in order to get the message to the teacher.
We ask that when;
- You are picking up your child by car that you stay in your car and follow the line to the pick up spots.
- When you are walking to pick up your child from the west side of the school wait for them at the basketball area of the playground. A staff member will radio for your child to meet you there.
- When walking from the east side of the school that you wait at the fire lane (end of bus loop). A staff member will radio for your child to meet you there.
Why is this important? During release time we have 350+ children to watch over and make sure they get to where they are supposed to be safely after school. By following these procedures we've put in place for students safety it's easier for staff to monitor.
Thank you for your cooperation.
VOLUNTEER AT OUR SCHOOL!
Volunteers make the impossible possible.
There are many ways you can volunteer and be involved in your child's school!
In today’s schools, there are simply far more jobs and responsibilities than there are people to do them. By helping with special events and routine tasks, volunteers allow teachers and staff to focus more on helping children learn and grow. The school can accomplish more, and offer children and families more services, with the help of volunteers.
To get started click here to fill out the form.
Contact Ms Angie gee_a@4j.lane.edu or call 541-790-5332 for any questions or if you need help filling out the form.
EVERY DAY IN SCHOOL MATTERS!
Help Your Child Succeed in School: Build the Habit of Good Attendance Early
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
- Keep your child healthy and make sure your child has the required shots.
- Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor or another parent.
- Try to schedule medical appointments and extended trips when school isn't in session.
- 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.
If your child is going to be absent for any reason please communicate with the school by:
- calling attendance line at 541-790-5322
- emailing chavez_attendance@4j.lane.edu
TITLE I GENERAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
The Eugene 4j School District administers both Reading and math assessments to each of our students three times a year—fall, winter, and spring. Students scoring below the 20th percentile may be recommended, by the building-level team, to receive instructional interventions in reading and/or math. Students receiving interventions will have their progress monitored during regular intervals. At our school, all students receive 90 minutes of reading instruction and 70 minutes of instruction in the area of mathematics, each day. Parents/guardians will be notified if their child is recommended to receive additional reading and math instruction.
Please see letter to families below...
Our Mission at César E. Chávez Elementary School
Mission Statement:
To create a diverse student community of academically and socially skilled individuals by encouraging independence, respect and visionary thinking.
Program Description:
The César E. Chávez Elementary School community believes a strong connection between parents, students and the school is the best way to promote student success. Chávez values parent involvement and collaboration. Our academic program focuses on literacy through systematic instruction. Our students have access to technology throughout their school day to enhance learning. Chávez is a respectful, caring community with high expectations. We honor individual successes and believe everyone can learn in an encouraging environment.
Have Questions? Contact Us!
Chávez Office 541-790-5300
Principal Kevin gordon_k@4j.lane.edu
Ms. Karma, Secretary carey_k@4j.lane.edu
Ms. Maria, Bilingual Office Assistant germanpastrana_m@4j.lane.edu
Ms. Angie, Family Resource Coordinator 541-790-5332 gee_a@4j.lane.edu
Fax: (541) 790-5310
Attendance: (541) 790-5322