December Newsletter 2019
Chestatee Elementary School
A Letter From Dr. Tennies, Our Principal
Dear Chestatee Families,
When I was a child attending school, it seemed like it took forever for Winter Break to arrive. Now that I am a principal, I believe we just got started yesterday on a hot day in August, and now holiday decorations are out in stores! Our journey this school year is half way complete. For me, the year is quickly proceeding at lightning speed. Mid-year is the perfect time to take a moment, pause, and check our progress for the year. Luckily, the College and Career Readiness Performance Index or CCRPI scores were recently released. The Georgia Department of Education has helped us take our check with some informative data.
I recently shared some of the best news with parents and community members at our Local School Council Meeting and November Coffee Chat. Here are some of the best reasons to celebrate at Chestatee.
· 100% of Progress points earned. Progress looks at all Chestatee subgroups and determines if every group is improving. This is my favorite number.
· All 4 academic subject areas saw score increases. Great gains in Science and Social Studies. Lexile reading levels increased.
· A 5-star climate rating (5 is the highest), and a ranking from our parents in the top 10% of Forsyth County Schools on parent survey responses.
· And finally, an overall increase on the total score from 80.4 to 89.4. Wow!
I would love to commend the teachers and staff of our school for their hard work and dedication and thank our parents for the wonderful partnerships we have in education. Thank you to our students as well, who continue to SOAR! If you are interested to learn more about Chestatee’s performance in four key areas (Content Mastery, Closing Gaps, Climate and Readiness) , use this link to access more information on the GA DOE Webpage: http://ccrpi.gadoe.org/Reports/Views/Shared/_Layout.html
Kindly,
Dr. Polly Tennies
Principal
Amazing things Happen at the T!
Teacher/Staff Member of the Month Nominations
Do you want to recognize and celebrate the exemplary teaching and contributions by Chestatee Elementary teachers and staff? Click here to write a nomination.
Congratulations to our November Staff Member of the Month-Kelly Sumner
We are proud to announce our November Teacher of the Month- Kelly Sumner!
Kelly is new to Chestatee this year and has received several nominations already! There is a common theme in each of them. Her smile lights up the room and her positive attitude and engaging teaching style make kids want to come to school. Her students and families both adore her, and staff members often comment about how wonderful she is as a teammate.
Ms. Sumner joined the third-grade team this year at the T. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in early childhood education. She has taught second and third grades for a total of 16 years. She also has an endorsement in science education. She previously taught at Daves Creek Elementary and lived in Sandy Springs. Kelly recently moved to the area and is enjoying the beauty our community offers. She will be getting married in June and loves the lake, the beach, cooking, shopping, and her cat, Rascal. Kelly loves young learners and helping them realize their undiscovered talents, strengths, and potential. She loves helping others to celebrate their special qualities that make them who they are. We are so glad that Ms. Kelly Sumner came to Chestatee!
VOLUNTEER CORNER
Highlighted Volunteer Group for the Month
School Store Donations
It was an Amazing Family Engagement Month!
100% Accountable
Free and Reduced Lunch
Would your family benefit from Free or Reduced Lunch? It takes 10 minutes to apply!
There are 2 ways to see if you qualify:
1. Fill out a paper application, and return it to the school.
2. Apply online at this link: https;//frapps.horizonsolana.com/FORC01
If you would like help filling out an application, please contact Deb Mason or Meg Killingsworth. They will be happy to assist you!
Deb Mason
770-887-2341 ext. 722131
Meg Killingsworth
770-887-2341 ext. 722302
What's Coming up at the T?
Save the Date!
Hat Day is Friday, 12/6
Internet Safety Night: December 12th at 6:30 PM
December 13 Coffee Chat: 9:00-10:00 AM
Take a break from this busy season for some coffee and company. Join Dr. Tennies and Meg in their tacky sweaters, and wear yours too if you'd like! This is a great time to get connected to other parents and grandparents. Come by the Family Resource Room! We'd love to see you!
Week of December 16 Class Holiday Parties
Your child’s teacher will let you know the date and time. If you plan to come, please pre-register to skip the line.
December 20- January 6 No School/Winter Break
Teachers will be back on 1/6 for a Professional Development Day. Students will return on 1/7/2020.
January 16 APTT
Meeting #2 for Grades 3, 4 and 5
Come see your child’s progress and learn ways to help with a second skill!
January 23 APTT
Come see your child’s progress and find out ways to practice a second skill!
Our Communi-T-y is the BEST!
North Forsyth ROTC will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots through December 15th.
Thank you to the Cumming Waves Swim Team led by Coach Teresa Coan for the generous donation to our food pantry! Students, Michael and Alex, led the charge with their team. We are so appreciative!
Our PTO is a GREAT Way to Get Involved!
Our PTO board members raise money to help teachers and our school.
You can support our PTO in 3 different ways.
1. Look for sign-ups throughout the year to help at events.
2. Become a member by joining PTO with your membership dues.
3. Support a school fundraiser!
A Few Words From our Family Engagement Coordinator
You really impress me, Chestatee Families! During November we highlighted all the ways that you are in engaged in your children’s education. We saw families come to the school, help at home, and show great ways to be involved. It was a great month of highlights and celebrations. What a gift to your children! We want to thank you for a wonderful Family Engagement Month!
It is hard to believe that we are now moving in to December. The holidays will be here before we know it, and it is such a busy time. As a mother, I find myself getting caught up with the hustle and bustle too. I worry about my family picture, sending my cards out in time, or buying the perfect gifts for the folks on my list. And then I remember that the best moments are making memories. As a role model for my kids, I want them to remember the things that I do rather than the things that I buy.
So, here’s a list of activities that take 15-30 minutes and make those memories during a busy time. I’m going to try for 1 a day during 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 fun selfies together.
12. Watch a holiday show on TV together.
13. Play a board game.
14. Dance together to your favorite songs.
15. Call a loved one together.
16. Come on by the school for lunch or your child’s holiday party.
May you find some time for making memories this December!
See you soon,
Meg
770-887-2341 ext. 722122
Don't Forget....
Box Tops/ Soup Labels
The procedure will be changing in the near future (we will keep you posted!)
For now, keep filling out your Box Top Sheets and turn them in to Ms. Donna in the front office.
Kroger and Publix will donate money too...
Publix Partners with Chestatee also. You only need to put your phone number in as you checkout. Publix will donate a certain percentage of their profits to Chestatee from your purchase!
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