Colt Crusader
A newsletter for the families of CFES - Week of 3/30
Weekly Edition
2828 Pleasant Acres Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
757-648-2240
http://www.christopherfarmses.vbschools.com
Follow us on Twitter @cfescolts
Principal: Robyn Backer , @Robyn Backer
Asst. Principal: Patti Porter, @sunsetzzz15
Message From Ms. Backer, Our Principal
With that being said, we have a lot to think about! Teachers are going to start coming into school on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week to begin packing up student supplies and materials, while still maintaining social distancing. You will need to set up an appointment by emailing me (Robyn.Backer@vbschools.com) to pick up your materials. Please read more information about this below.
I am incredibly proud of our entire community. First, our teachers have been working incredibly hard to ensure your students are still learning and receiving excellent resources to work on at home. Our students have been working on their continuity of learning assignments and their hard work is paying off! When I met with each grade level this past week, they were excited to talk about virtual meetings, student progress, and so much more.
On Monday, you will receive an Alert Now with updated links to a new set of plans for each grade level. These new plans will only for this upcoming week and will begin on Monday, with Day #11. I have asked all of your teachers to continue to send out a daily morning message with a to do list (along with May Dos for optional extensions) for the day. We have listened to your feedback and have adjusted our plans to be more simplified with more direct links and specific texts for the students to use in reading. In addition, we have highlighted two resources that many of the students will be using next week. Mr. Bowman has created videos showing you how to get to these resources and navigating them. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher.
We are working hard to get all of the answers to your questions as quickly as possible. Currently, we are working on getting more information regarding field trip refunds and spring pictures. This information will be posted in next week's newsletter.
Let's continue to have a positive attitude about the changes and find joy in the little things each and every day. Warm weather is just around the corner and it is finally almost April! Please stay safe and healthy; let me know if you need anything!
-Ms. Backer
Yearbook Update
Resources that will be used next week
Do you want to talk to Mrs. Yoshida?
Use this link for her Counselor Call Google Form. Parents/Guardians may use it as well if you need any support. All students in grades 2-5 that they have access to it through their Schoology Guidance Course.
Calendar Changes
As you have heard, we have made some changes to the school calendar. Quarter 3 has been extended through April 24th. Quarter 4 will begin April 27th. The primary reason for this extension of the third quarter is to make sure that we approach instruction and grading in the 4th quarter as thoughtfully and purposefully as possible.
We will be shifting on Monday, April 6th to a new schedule where teachers will be participating in professional development each Monday. Students will have access to their teachers from Tuesday through Friday only. This will continue from April 6th through the end of the school year.
Spring Break will continued as scheduled.
Grading
Chromebook Information
- If you are having problems with a broken Chromebook or other device, you are now able to exchange it for a similar device at any of the schools currently serving as food distribution sites. A complete list is posted on our website. Please wipe the device with a disinfectant and bring the device and charger to one of those sites between 9 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday. A VBCPS employee will inventory the broken device and provide a replacement.
- If you do not have internet access at home, please either complete this form or call (757) 263-1111 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also contact Ms. Backer (Robyn.Backer@vbschools.com) so arrangements can be made for access to alternative learning materials.
Access to CFES
We understand that parents might need access to the building. You might need access to pick up essential items such as (supplies you have run out of at home, glasses, medicine, registration) Beginning March 31st, CFES will be open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to parents. Parents who need to access the building as noted above must have an appointment to ensure the appropriate staff are present and their access is confined to 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. only. You can make an appointment by emailing Ms. Backer at robyn.backer@vbschools.com Please make sure you provide at least 24 hours notice!
Please note, your teachers will be working on packing up all of your students' non-essential supplies that were left in the classrooms and will be available to be picked up by appointment starting April 21. More information will be forthcoming on how to sign up.
Math Resources
Redbird Reports:
Check out your students’ usage and performance. This video will show you how to access reports that you can use to provide feedback to individual students.Take a Virtual Field Trip to the Aquarium
WAYS TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH CFES HAPPENINGS:
- Check our website weekly: https://christopherfarmses.vbschools.com
- Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cfescolts
- Download the VBSCHOOLS app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- Make sure the school has your updated phone number and email address in order to receive Alert Now communications
- Follow your child's progress on Parent Portal: https://www.vbschools.com/parents/parent_portal
Proud Principal
Email: robyn.backer@vbschools.com
Website: https://christopherfarmses.vbschools.com/
Location: Christopher Farms Elementary School 2828 Pleasant Acres Drive Virginia Beach, Virginia 234
Phone: (757) 648-2240
Twitter: @RobynBacker