The Cougar Call
John B. Cary Newsletter: May 2022
Chalk Talk with Principal Powell
Quote of the Month: “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” —Jacqueline Kennedy
Why have The Richmond Book Festival at Cary Elementary?
It has been said, Reading not only has tremendous power when it comes to fueling the development of all aspects of language ability, its importance to the entirety of a human life in this day and age really can’t be overstated. When talking about the importance of literacy, Former UN Secretary Kofi Annan stated, “Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.” Abolitionist Frederick Douglass said, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” And, Poet Maya Angelou went on and stated, “Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his needs, is good for him.” It is clear that some of the greatest scholars understood the importance of reading and literacy, yet, according to the Read Center here in Richmond Virginia states that approximately 20% of our friends, family members, and neighbors are functionally illiterate today.
Imagine encountering a world where you could not understand street signs, nutritional labels or could not read a nighttime story to your child. Yet, for hundreds of people this is a reality. The administration, staff, students and parents in Cougar Nation are doing something about this. We realize that reading is complex thinking. We know that good readers are able to connect the printed letters they read to specific sound patterns. This connection allows for decoding, fluency and meaning to take place. We also know that modeling matters. In short, when children see caring adults reading or when they are read to this accelerates the passion to read.
The ‘WHY’ behind us creating The Richmond Book Festival is very clear. Most of the challenges that we have as a society is connected to literacy. Make no mistake about it, now is the time and Cary Elementary is the place.
Join us May 21, 2022 from 10 am to 3 pm, here at Cary Elementary. There will be food, family and fun. The book festival will feature authors, robots, panel discussions, silent auctions, and so much more. I look forward to seeing you soon. Please contact the Cary PTA for additional information at jbcarypta@gmail.com
See you this Saturday!
Yours in Service,
Michael Powell
Principal Powell
John B. Cary COVID-19 Response Team
We are here to support you! If your scholar or family has a concern related to COVID-19, please reach out to Principal Powell directly via email (mpowell4@rvaschools.net). You can also call the school (804)-780-6252.
Family Engagement Survey
Scholarly Success with Dean Singleton
Happy May to all scholars and families! We are extremely excited to close out the 2021-2022 school year strong. Kudos to all our scholars, families, staff, and community partners for the ongoing support. Most importantly, we would like to thank our amazing teachers. They have bought their A game daily to safely resume face-to-face teaching and learning. Let’s continue to recognize and celebrate all the wonderful teachers we have at JBC.
As we continue through the final marking period, please keep in mind that our school-wide goal is for all scholars to be present and on time EVERY DAY. Attendance is imperative as we progress through end-of-year testing. Below is a list of upcoming testing dates. Please encourage all scholars to do their best work.
Important Testing Dates:
Are you excited for Summer Break? RPS is thrilled to offer a no cost summer program for identified children. Our 2022 summer program will be in person and will provide intensive Reading and Mathematics remediation for students whose learning has been significantly impacted by the pandemic and other factors. Please visit the RPS Summer Learning Page for more information. https://www.rvaschools.net/academics/academic-programs-and-supports/rps-summer-school
On behalf of the attendance team, we would like to give a huge shout to Ms. McAllister and Mrs. Woodfolk’s classes for having the top attendance for the month of April. Kudos to your scholars for being present and on time every day. Who’s class will be our attendance champions this month? As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, or feedback. I’m happy to help!
Best,
Ketia Singleton, M.T.
Assistant Principal
phone: 804.780.6252
email: ksinglet@rvaschools.net
Resilience. Pride. Success. #WeAreRPS
Upcoming Dates
Now-May 20: Spring PALS Testing (Grades K-2)
May 17: Kindergarten Tree Planting Ceremony 12 PM near the Caboose
May 19: College & Career Day
May 20: Donations for NEHS Pet Drive due
May 21: Richmond Book Festival at Cary 10 AM-3 PM
May 26-June 17: SOL Testing (Grades 3-5)
May 30: No School in observance of Memorial Day
June 23: 5th Grade Moving On Ceremony (THIS IS A CHANGE!)
June 24: Last Day of School for Students (2 Hour Early Release)
Mr. Bennett’s Exceptional Education Connection
Dear Cougar Nation,
Can you believe that it is almost June already? I’d like to give a shout out to YOU, the families of Cougar Nation. Without the wonderful support from our families, community volunteers, and PTA, there would be no Nation in Cougar Nation. It truly does take a village in lifting our Cary scholars’ achievement.
Even though we may be winding down our academic year over the next few weeks, there is no time like the present to continue to support your scholars’ achievement. Here are my suggestions to continue to support this:
Continue to have your scholars Present And On Time!
Utilize at home learning, such as iReady math and reading.
Communicate with your teachers. If you need assistance, we are here to support YOU.
Thank you again to our dedicated families and community members. With your support, we will succeed in the mission of lifting student achievement.
Ryan Bennett
PTA News
Richmond Book Festival: The first Richmond Book Festival will take place at Cary on Saturday, May 21st from 10 AM-3 PM! Please join us.
If you are interested in volunteering or sharing your talents please email jbcarypta@gmail.com. Check out the upcoming events below.
Culture & Climate Team
Congratulations to John B. Cary for being named a 2022 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School. Cary was one of 27 schools honored with that distinction this year. Check out this video message from Secretary Cardona announcing the 2022 honorees!
Kindergarten Tree Planting Ceremony: The kindergarten classes invite you to join us outdoors near the caboose playground for a tree planting ceremony on Tuesday, May 17 starting at 12:00 PM (weather permitting)! Please wear green and bring a lawn chair. Masks are required.
May Spirit Days: Help us celebrate the remaining spirit day in May!
May 19: College & Career Day
5th Grade Moving On Ceremony: Save the date! The 5th Grade Moving On Ceremony will be held on June 23rd (THIS IS A CHANGE).
In Case You Missed It: Congratulations to scholars achieving in academics, attendance and citizenship for the third nine weeks. Check out our virtual awards ceremony celebrating their success!
Standards of Learning Assessments: SOL Assessments begin on May 23 for our scholars. It is important that scholars be present and on time.
Counselor Connection with Mrs. Cauthorne
Hello Cary Cougar Families,
It is hard to believe that it is May! Wow, what a journey we have been on! Our worlds were unexpectedly turned upside down and we've faced challenges we couldn't have even imagined just over 2 years ago. But despite the difficult circumstances, our teachers, staff, and parents have demonstrated unparalleled tenacity, dedication, and compassion in meeting the needs of our students, families, and community. Although the scholars have faced tough times they continue to soar to success. I have never been more proud to be a part of John B. Cary Elementary School’s team of educators, support staff, and parents. Your positive influence is observed every day in our school, in and out of the classrooms, and around the Richmond community.
As teachers, support staff, and parents, you make a difference. You teach students to expand their knowledge, encourage them to take academic risks and inspire a passion for learning that will live on long after they have left your class. Do not underestimate the weight of your influence or the extent to which it will carry on beyond the classroom.
I am sending a warm and heartfelt THANK YOU to all of our teachers, support staff, and parents for their tireless efforts in making a difference in the lives of our students. I truly recognize and appreciate how our educators play such a pivotal role in the lives of our students—inspiring a lifelong love of learning and discovery and making a difference in their well-being and long-term success. Thank you teachers, support staff, and parents for all that you do, seen and unseen, to make our Cary Cougars’ experience at school positive.
Warmest Wishes,
Mrs. Cauthorne
School Counselor
Don’t let up on attendance
Studies show that students who miss just 10 percent of the school year in the early grades are still behind their peers when they reach high school. That’s one reason attendance is critical right through the last day of school. Teachers are still teaching new content. By taking part in class every day, your child won’t miss anything. They will learn to be dependable—a quality that will help them throughout their school career.
Dr. Holland's Learning Studio
We are finishing cityscapes in K-3 and working on self portraits with 4th - 5th grade. Students have been enjoying working outside and we are hoping to do more plein air art as we head into the end of the year.
Mrs. Henderson’s Music Moment
As we approach the testing days ahead, I would like to encourage all of our testing scholars to show what you have learned, and know! You all have worked very hard during this academic school year, and now, you can make all of the John B. Cary Elementary School faculty and staff very proud of you. Here are just a few pointers to help you become successful on each of the assessments you have to take.
1.) Review your notes, worksheets, handouts, etc. you have received from your teachers during this school year.
2.) Ask your teachers to review any concept(s) on which you may still need clarification and assistance. It’s no shame in asking for help.
3.) Get a good night’s rest prior to each of your testing sessions. When you don’t get a good night’s rest, your brain is not as alert as it would be with a good night’s rest.
4.) Eat a healthy and nutritious breakfast. Food is energy, and you will need the energy to help you navigate and determine the best answers that make the most sense.
5.) Last, but not least, relax! Stay calm! Breathe! Think the questions through before you hit your answer choice. Take your time!
So put your ‘A’ game face on, because you’ve got this!! You can do it!!!
Much success to all of our testing scholars!!
Mrs. Burgess' Math Minds
Grades 3-5 are getting ready to show off all they have learned this year with SOL testing right around the corner. Please encourage your scholar to do their best and show their thinking on paper for each problem before choosing an answer. They have worked so hard this year, we can’t wait to see they show off their new knowledge!
At home, it is beneficial to keep pointing out numbers, patterns and shapes as you see them every day. Practice counting to 100 by 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s. This can help scholars at every age see patterns in numbers. If your scholars are ready, practice some math facts as you drive or walk around town. Scholars need to know that what they are learning in school is important to their family members and most love to show off what they have learned, be ready to listen and ask questions!
This is also a great time of year to take notice of the weather. Pay attention to how much rain falls and compare the amounts from week to week. Practice using a thermometer and track the change in temperature. All of this data can be found on your phone’s weather app. Put your device to work to inspire mathematical thinking and conversations!
The Reading Corner with Ms. Johnson
Another great reading resource here in Richmond, is the Library of Virginia.
https://www.lva.virginia.gov/lib-edu/ldnd/summer-learning.htm
A daily reading online resource is DaybyDayVa – For daily activities related to reading, check out the Library of Virginia’s Family Literacy Calendar at http://daybydayva.org/. (DayByDayVA is supported in part by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.)
Additionally, there is a section on summer learning with links to reading, math, science, history & social science. (example - Sign up for STEM - Families that sign up will receive fun and engaging activities related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math by email each week.)
Fitness Fun at Cary
Did you know, May is National Physical Fitness & Sport Month? Join the movement by getting active. Don’t know where to start? Check out this activity planner to jump start your ideas. Every movement counts! Check out this interactive graphic to think of ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine. Don’t let spring showers hinder you! Fun activities like balloon volleyball, streaming your favorite Freeze Dance, or even doing a treasure hunt can help you and your little ones beat the rain blues!
May is Better Hearing & Speech Month
Happy Better Hearing & Speech Month from Ms. Schaffer, your Speech-Language Pathologist! Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) across our state and country work with persons who have communication disorders. The focus of SLPs who work in schools is to enhance the communication abilities of our students. We work to remediate, improve, or alleviate student communication (articulation and language) and swallowing problems that affect our students within their educational environment.
Every May is Better Hearing & Speech Month! In keeping with the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association, this year’s theme is “Connecting People”. I greatly appreciate being a part of the Cary team and for the many wonderful opportunities to connect with you all!
May Menus
Click the link below to view the breakfast and lunch menus for the month of May.
Stay Connected using Remind
Remind for RPS Families
RPS is excited to launch the Remind Plan to provide 2-way communications with families and students!
Remind allows teachers who choose to use text messaging to communicate with parents and students. With Remind:
- Parents can choose how to receive messages – text, email or app. For students, texting is available for ages 13 and over.
- It allows for safe and secure messaging that is available in multiple languages
- It has a call feature, so teachers may use it to make calls without using their personal number.
See instructions below on how to sign up or resubscribe to receive Remind notifications from John B. Cary and RPS. If you need to update your contact information, please reach out to the school!
Sign Up to Receive Texts
To receive Remind text messages, use our school code below and text it to 81010 (including the @) on your mobile device. You can also sign-up online by clicking here.
- John B. Cary Elementary School: @johnbcar
John B. Cary Elementary School
Home of the Cougar scholars. You just can't hide that Cougar pride!
Website: jces.rvaschools.net
Location: 3021 Maplewood Avenue, Richmond, VA, USA
Phone: 804-780-6252
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/carypta
Twitter: @CougarScholars