The Cherokee Chronicle
March 2021
Principal's Note
Lamar Families,
As we move into the end of our third nine weeks, we once again want to say thank you for your dedication and perseverance this school year! We currently have around 90% of our students back in-person and 10% in fully virtual settings. As of the writing of this newsletter, we have one of the lowest quarantine rates in the district and I appreciate the precautions taken by our students, families, faculty, and staff to keep it this way.
Several things to be aware of as we move into March and approach Spring:
1. Lamar EPIC! Reading Week will be next week (March 1-5) in celebration of Read Across America Week and Dr. Seuss's Birthday. Please check out our flier below for information on dress up days (dress code still in effect, mask still worn)
2. Summer School is going to be a very robust program this year with free breakfast/lunch, bus transportation, ELA/ math remediation and daily physical activity. We will also have field trips and guest speakers. Please use this link below to find out more information and to register your child.
3. Parent/ Teacher Conferences will be on March 16 from 1 to 3 PM. These will be by appointment only. Email your child's teacher if you are interested in meeting. Remember you can check your child's grades using the button below (Parent Portal).
4. TCAP State Testing will begin on April 12 and go through April 23. If possible, please plan appointments and absences outside of this time frame. Check out the buttons below for more upcoming school and district-wide dates.
5. Safety Updates from our School Resource Officer Brandon Cutshall are below. Also, check our newest safety upgrade and the pictures of our playground fence.
Again, thanks for your continued support and as always please feel free to contact the office at 753-1130 if you have questions.
Respectfully,
Mark Merriman, Principal
Updates from Officer Cutshall (SRO)
Just a few reminders for parents for morning and afternoon arrival and dismissal.
The entrance to the school is the small roadway nearest the EMS station closest to Cherokee Rd. both morning and afternoon. Please refrain from entering the roadway in front of the school. This is the bus entrance and exit as well as the main exit. Entering here only slows down the arrival and dismissal process as that roadway is very narrow and two vehicles especially buses cannot pass without damaging the grass shoulder. This also creates a safety risk as it could lead to a collision if a driver becomes distracted, and with kids in the vehicle, it’s easy to become distracted.
Please drive with caution and care while on school campus. The limit on campus is 10 mph. Throughout the day, we have students that are outside playing on the playground, in gym class, or just taking a needed break. As parents, we know how easily a child can get excited during play and possibly enter the road or chase after a ball, so please be mindful of this when you enter onto campus and watch your speed.
Reminder that Tennessee is a hands-free state. For reference TCA 55-8-199. It states that it is illegal to: (a) hold a cell phone or mobile device with any part of their body, (b) write, send, or read any text-based communication, (c) reach for a cell phone or mobile device in a manner that requires the driver to no longer be in a seated driving position or properly restrained by a seat belt, (d) watch a video or movie on a cell phone or mobile device, and(e) record or broadcast video on a cell phone or mobile device while the vehicle is in motion. Please do not use your cell phone while in the school zone or while in car line. A violation of this in a school zone is a $200 fine and court appearance.
Our school zone is active from 7:45-8:30 and 3:15-4:00 and the speed is 15 mph. Please be mindful of this when arriving and departing the school.
If you have any questions or concerns about any of these or further issues, please don’t hesitate to contact myself or the school for assistance. The safety and well being of our students is our #1 concern!
~Officer Cutshall
Playground Fencing Project Completion
Request for Student Resources
If your child or family needs assistance with hygiene items, clothing, food, school supplies, or other school resources while students are learning remotely, please click the request button below.
Cherokee Reusable Water Bottles for Sale
CDC Guidelines stipulate that water fountains are closed in the school. However, the water bottle refill stations will be open and operate with an automatic ("hands free") sensor. The PTA anticipated this situation and is proud to offer custom Lamar Cherokee water bottles to students for $7. They are available for sell in the office and at the concession stand and are an item on the school-wide supply list. Below are pictures. Call the office with any questions 423-753-1130.
BAND App
Mission, Vision, and Motto
Learning is a process which is cultivated through the collaborative efforts of the school, home, and community.
I am a Cherokee working to be the best that I can be!
Email: merrimanm@wcde.org
Website: https://www.wcde.org/Domain/864
Location: 3261 Highway 81 South, Jonesborough, TN 37659, USA
Phone: 423-753-1130
Twitter: @Lamar_School