December Newsletter 2018
Chestatee Elementary School
A Letter From Dr. Tennies, Our Principal
Do you like to read? Do you consider yourself a “reader?” What are the factors that help kids love books? I believe it is important that children see and experience other people who love books. Having role models that make reading an important part of their lives is essential. The Get Georgia Reading Campaign celebrates readers throughout the state. In our school, we try to show children how fun and inviting books can be, and that reading is a great activity that expands your horizons.
If you are a Twitter Fan, check out our new hash tag #CHESreads. We will be sharing pictures from readers at the T, as well as activities that teachers do to promote literacy at our school. You may remember seeing our first grade team dressed up last month as the characters from the Wizard of Oz, a book they all recently finished reading aloud to their classes. I hope you can also see the restaurant “book tasting” that fifth grade teachers styled for their students last week. If you see our students reading outside of school, feel free to share their photos at our hash tag as well. We are building a culture for reading #CHESreads!
Every school in Forsyth County writes a school improvement plan. One of our goals is to promote reading in such a way that student engagement with books increases. “There are many little ways to enlarge your world. Love of books is the best of all.” – Jacqueline Kennedy
Kindly,
Dr. Polly Tennies
INCREDIBLE Things Happen at the "T"!
Click below to watch highlights from our AMAZING Veteran's Day ceremony!
Thank you PTO for an INCREDIBLE Movie Night!
Principal for a Day- Jalynn Barr
What's New At the T?
7:45 am-9:15 am
10:00 am -10:50 am
11:45 am-12:30 pm
Before you are able to come and read to students, you MUST watch the mandated reporter video here. You will also need to sign the Volunteer Agreement attached below.
Teacher/ Staff Member of the Month Nominations
Congratulations to November Teacher of the Month- Penny Wade
Parents say that Mrs. Wade is kind but firm and always set high expectations for each child. They also stated that she instills a foundation for a lifetime of learning and teaches children to “do school” in a positive and encouraging way. Mrs. Wade’s students always show amazing gains! We are lucky to have her at Chestatee!
Live to Give-Letters to Santa!
This month, the Live To Give Club planned and implemented another letter writing campaign. Letters to Santa! Macy's is donating $1 for every Santa letter to Make a Wish Foundation. If you and your family are writing letters feel free to join us in our efforts and drop it by your local Macy's.
100% Accountable
What's Coming up at the T?
Community Wellness Night
The North Synergy Schools invite you to attend this important parent event Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 6:00 PM at North Forsyth High School.
Celebrate the 80th day of school!
Don't Miss our Coffee Chat
Come have coffee with Dr. Tennies, Meg and other parents!
Toys for Tots
FAKE SNOW DAY IS COMING!!!
APTT Nights-Mark your calendar!
January 24: 3-5 APTT Night at 6 PM
HAPPY HOWL-IDAYS!
The Kids for Critters Club would like to wish our furry friends at the Humane Society
Happy “Howl-idays”
and we need your help!
We will be collecting supplies to take to the Humane Society.
When: December 10th – December 14th
Where: Items can be placed in the donation box located outside the cafeteria.
What: Dog and Cat Food, Cat Litter, Paper Towels, Puppy Pads, Trash Bags
Our Communi-T-y is the BEST!
Thank You to Our School Store Sponsor!
The Justin Adams Agency for Farmers Insurance is Helping Students Experience Rewards of Positive Behavior
Chestatee is one of several schools in the district implementing PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) as a way to address social, emotional, and behavioral needs. All staff members explicitly teach and recognize positive behaviors within our school. Students love to earn Bravo Bucks each day for meeting and exceeding our school-wide expectation, following the Chestatee Way. Students save their Bravo Bucks to purchase new and exciting items from the school store. The school store offers a variety of toys, Chestatee gear, school supplies, and the ability to purchase passes to be on the morning news, have extra recess, and have lunch with Dr. Tennies. Students are working hard to earn bravo bucks, setting goals for items they want to purchase, and saving and spending their bravo bucks all while doing a little math. Not only has the school store provided an incentive for students to follow the Chestatee Way, but students across the building are experiencing first-hand the rewards of hard work and positive behavior.
With over 1,200 students at Chestatee, our school store goes through a lot of merchandise. The funding and donations provided to Chestatee allow us to make the store a place students love to shop! This year in particular, a Chestatee family and local business decided to step-up in a big way. Justin and Scarlett Adams, parents of two Chestatee students, have seen the positive impact that PBIS has had on their own children. Their business, the Justin Adams Agency for Farmers Insurance, donated a total of $1,000 to Chestatee as funding for the school store. Their generosity really is what makes the school store a place students love to shop as it helps purchase new and “hot” items each month. Not only has their monetary donation been greatly appreciated, but they’ve also volunteered to help run the school store time-to-time! They’re a great example of just a few of the ways you can become involved and help Chestatee meet the needs of our students!
Please check out Farmers Insurance here!
You can also check out their Facebook page.
Thank you to our community for the outpouring of love to our students and families!
Thank you to Modern Woodsmen for sponsoring our November Coffee Chat!
Want to Join PTO?
A Few Words From our Family Engagement Coordinator
December is the month for giving. I always try to find everyone on my list the “perfect gift.” It makes me wonder whether there really is a perfect gift. Do I see my child’s face light up when she opens up a gift the way she does when I see her after a few hours? Does she seem as happy to open a gift as she does to hear her favorite stories at bedtime? In this busy season of shopping, celebrating, and giving, the best “gifts” in our family are the moments we share. I plan to put down my phone, and spend a little more time giving this holiday season.
Here are little gifts to sprinkle love on your child in December:
1. Read a bedtime story
2. Cuddle up together
3. Go for a walk
4. Ask about your child’s day
5. Eat dinner together
6. Stop everything and listen
7. Visit the park
8. Bake cookies
9. Visit decorated houses near you
10. Drink a cup of hot cocoa
11. Take a selfie (or 50!)
12. Watch a holiday show on TV together
13. Play a game
14. Come on by the school for lunch or your child’s holiday party
How will you sprinkle love? I would love to hear your ideas too!
See you soon,
Meg
Meg Killingsworth
770-887-2341 ext 722302
Georgia Parent Survey
The Georgia Parent Survey contains 24 questions. All parents are encouraged to participate in the Georgia Parent Survey because the data will be used as part of the calculation of the School Climate Star Rating. Survey responses are anonymous and will be submitted directly to the Georgia Department of Education for analysis.
Free and Reduced Lunch
Click here to apply. Need help filling out the form? Stop by and see Meg Killingsworth in the Family Resource Room (302). Or give her a call or email. She’s glad to help! Can't come in?
Here's a video with directions!
770-887-2341 ext 722302
Don't Forget....
Box Tops/ Soup Labels
Remember if you full up a box tops page, Ms. Donna has a prize you can earn!
Kroger and Publix will donate money too...
See Ms. Donna in the front office for one of these cards, or send a letter with your child asking for one, and we will send one home for you!
We love our Partners in Education!
Chestatee Elementary School
Email: chestateees@gmail.com
Website: http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/site/default.aspx?domainid=260
Location: 6945 Keith Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA, United States
Phone: 770-887-2341
Facebook: facebook.com/ChestateeES
Twitter: @chestateees