Colt Crusader
A newsletter for the families of CFES
August 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
We are so excited to welcome our new families and to reconnect with our returning families as our unique summer break comes to a close. Though the end of our last school year and the start of this new school year may not have been what many had expected, we here at The Farm are embracing our Growth Mindset. We look forward to building on what we have learned and are continuing to work together toward achieving our goals. We will be working hard over these next two weeks to finalize class lists, schedules, supply lists, and organize meet/greet and open house. Please check out our newsletter that will go out the week of August 17th with more information.
As you hopefully have seen and heard from various email and phone notifications, VBCPS is requesting that you make a choice between 2 possible learning options for the first semester of this school year. We understand some parents have confused this selection with the survey they took earlier in July. The following excerpt was taken from Dr. Spence, Superintendent of VBCPS’s July 30th email. It has the explanation of the options approved by the school board that we need you to choose from, as well as the link to instructions on how to log into ParentVue to register your child(ren).
“Therefore, we now know we will begin the 2020-21 academic year in a virtual environment for all students and use daily health metrics to determine when to begin face-to-face instruction. If you’ve not had an opportunity, I would encourage you to review the plan as soon as possible, and take a look at our FAQs, which are being updated daily.
The next step is to ask each family to choose between two options for learning in the fall:
Option 1: families may choose for their child(ren) to attend face-to-face instruction once our health metrics tell us it is safer to do so.
Option 2: families may choose for their child(ren) to have only virtual learning through our Virtual Learning Center for at least the first semester.
We are now ready for parents and guardians to make that choice by completing the Fall 2020 Registration Verification process for every child enrolled in the division, as well as to register for bus service as needed. Please follow the instructions here to complete the process within your ParentVue account and make your selection for each of your children. We cannot create student schedules and teacher assignments for the new school year without this information, so please complete the Registration Verification process online by Aug. 12. If you need any assistance in registering for a ParentVue account, which will also give you access to your child’s grades, assignments and much more, please contact the VBCPS Technology Customer Service Center at (757) 263-1111.”
Note, the process seems to be easier on a computer than a smartphone. If you have any questions, concerns or need from CFES, please call 757-648-2240.
We wanted to take a moment to note here that regardless of which option you select for your children, they will have access to the support of school counselors. School counselors support the social/emotional, academic and career development of our students. We realize that the Covid-19 Pandemic and events surrounding racial injustice may have had a variety of impacts on our families over the last 5 months, particularly in social/emotional and academic development. If you have any specific questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Stay safe and healthy!
-Ms. Backer
Back to school tips from Mrs. Yoshida, our school counselor
In general, there are a few things to consider as we move toward beginning this school year.
- Though “we are all in this together”, as stated above, it is likely we have each experienced the last 5 months differently. Some may have experienced loss, some may have been ill, some may have been in financial distress, some may have felt disconnected socially, while some may have enjoyed their time with family. Take a moment to check in with your child and ask how they are feeling about the new school year. Do they have questions or concerns? Here are some free books that may be helpful to begin your conversation What Color Is Today by Alison Stephen, Coronavirus-A Book For Children by Axel Scheffler, Why We Stay Home, Suzie Learns About Coronavirus by Samantha Harris & Devon Scott, We’re Going to be O.K. by Dr. Ebony Jade Hilton and Dr. Leigh Ann-Webb, and My Hero Is You by Helen Patuck.
- Our first two weeks will be virtual for everyone regardless of which option is chosen. If you have access to FaceTime, Google Meet, Zoom or other video conferencing applications, you may wish to host calls to family members or friends to build your child’s comfort in communicating digitally. Allow them to see themselves and others on the screen and practice the give and take of a conversation. For example, recognizing non-verbal cues or pauses and waiting for others to finish speaking before beginning to speak.
- Children’s schedules tend to be less structured during the summer. You may wish to begin implementing a routine or schedule that allows for certain school readiness tasks over the next few weeks. These may include a bedtime, wake up time, personal hygiene routines such as getting washed and dressed and time for focused activities such as reading, writing, art or physical activity. Preschoolers and Kindergarteners may also practice things like eating lunch from a lunchbox or throwing their trash away and bringing their dish to the sink. If students move gradually toward a structured schedule, they may be less likely to feel overwhelmed when it is required.
- Practice safety expectations. CFES’s Colt’s Code teaches our community to be Respectful, Responsible and Ready. This year we will include our COVID 19 safety precautions in this code. We will be ready by being prepared with face coverings each day. We will be responsible by wearing these face coverings, washing our hands frequently and maintaining a safe social distance and we will be respectful of the health and wellness of everyone by following these procedures that are put in place to keep everyone safe. If families begin acclimating the use of masks and distancing as precautions, like hand washing, it will help the students to be more comfortable when expected to do in the building. Note, not all face coverings are the same. Some are much more comfortable and breathable than others. Find one your child feels comfortable in.
Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with to help your child’s transition back to school. Email correspondence is probably the most efficient way to contact us until late August, but phone messages may also be left with the main office.
Yearbooks
KINDERGARTEN & NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION
Is your child turning 5 on/before Sept. 30, 2020? Do you know someone who is new to the area and needs to get their student registered?
Click here to visit the Online Registration website for details. Please be advised when accessing this link:
- If you currently have a ParentVue account, follow the prompts to submit a new student registration application.
- If you don’t remember your ParentVue password or username, click on “More Options” and then “Forgot Password” to enter your email address and further instructions will be sent to you.
- If you do not have a ParentVue Account, click on “More Options” and then “Create a New Account,” answer the questions, and a link will be sent to your email address which will allow you to complete the application.
Once you have completed the online registration portion, hang tight - our registrar will email you with next steps and to make an appointment to complete the remaining registration components in person.
Please share with your friends/neighbors who doesn't already have a child at Christopher Farms.
UPDATES FROM THE OFFICE
Shared Housing - Friendly reminder that the Shared Housing applications and supporting documentation are due August 7, 2020. Please call the school to set up an appointment to complete for the 2020-2021 School Year.
Is Your Information Up to Date? - Parents/Guardians please make sure to keep your address, email and phone numbers current. We do not want you to miss any important information from our school or the division.
Have You Moved? - If you have moved (or will be moving) before the start of the school year, please call the school as soon as possible to insure a smooth transfer.
Meet Our New Staff Members
Mrs. Coulson- Library Media Specialist
- I lived in Kenya for two semesters as an undergrad on exchange program. It was an amazing experience that still influences my everyday life and interest in diverse perspectives and cultures.
- I am a lifelong learner and reading enthusiast and I absolutely adore elementary aged kiddos. I am so excited to get to know the Christopher Farms family and to share my passion for reading and literacy with our students.
Mrs. Cotter- 1 Day Music Teacher
I have held many different positions teaching music from infants to college students. More recently, I was a Special Education Assistant at Hermitage Elementary. I am originally from New Hampshire.
- As a proud spouse of a Navy Musician, we have been stationed in Illinois, Japan, and Norfolk (3 times!)
- I have two children (ages 13 and 16) and one cat who runs the house! I am an avid reader, love to cook-especially asian food, and I play the flute.
- I am so excited to start making music with your community!
- I love to walk the Fort Story Beach, and watch dolphins.
Mrs. Smith- Pre-K Assistant
I am originally from Jacksonville, Florida and attended college in North Carolina before meeting my navy husband and moving all over the United States.
- I have worked In Early Education mostly as a lead preschool teacher and a teacher assistant in public school since 1998.
- I have a true love for literacy and grammar and really enjoy the early stages of helping little ones discover this amazing world of reading!
- Some of my favorite things include reading, the beach, Vermont in the fall, the entire Hamilton soundtrack. I love all things 80s and dancing while making dinner.
Mrs. Dodson-Pre-K
- Mrs. Mary Dodson will be joining our team after spending the past 7 years teaching PreK at Diamond Springs. Some fun facts about her are:
- I met my husband in 7th grade and we have two daughters, Ellie is 4 and Caroline is 10 months.
- I love spicy food.
- My favorite place in Virginia Beach is Sandbridge.
Mrs.Reasland- Kindergarten
- I lived in Italy for 15 years.
- I love to read.
- I have dual citizenship, USA and Canada
Mrs. Hunger-Kindergarten
- I am from Michigan and moved to Virginia Beach 12 years ago.
- I’m a mom of three (Anna-5 years old, who is currently a Colt, Colin who is 2, and my stepson Jon is 16 and lives in Pennsylvania).
Mrs. Sandridge- 1st Grade
I am a recent graduate of Regent University but have been in classrooms teaching for 6 years. I have also worked at a preschool for the past 4 years. Some fun facts about me:
- I lived in England for a while when I was a child and I spend as much time as I can reading.
- My favorite thing about me though is that I am a new mom! I have a beautiful 3-month-old little boy at home named Dominic and I couldn’t be happier!
Ms. Royal- 2nd Grade Spanish Immersion
- My favorite animal is a flamingo!
- I lived in Spain for a summer!
- I have an orange and white cat that likes to chase his tail and beg for treats!
Mrs. Pearson- 3rd Grade
You might recognize her as Ms. Willett's student teacher from this past spring. She graduated from ODU this spring and we are so excited to have her teaching 3rd grade at the farm! Here are some fun facts about her:
- I am an extreme animal lover!
- I love all genres of music!
- I am obsessed with the color red!
Ms. Caldwell- 3rd Grade
Danielle is coming to us from Albemarle County and will be teaming with Ms. Zaleski. Here are some fun facts:
- Aside from teaching, I'm a lover of creating--hand-lettering, illustrations, home decor.
- In my free time, you can catch me outdoors (mountains or beach--no bias here) and spending time with my family.
- ☀️I believe any day can be made better with sunshine, a body of water, and an iced coffee. ⠀
Ms. Savides-5th Grade
We are excited to welcome Parthena Savides to our 5th grade team! She will be joining us from Trantwood ES, where she taught 4th grade. Here are a few fun facts about her:
- I am a first generation American because both my parents came from Greece
- I did an internship in the Foodways department at Colonial Williamsburg (which goes hand in hand with the fact that I love to bake)
Mrs. Espinda- 2nd/3rd Special Ed Assistant
My name is Amanda Espinda.
- I was born and raised in Hawaii, and the Military brought my family and I to Virginia.
- I have a 4th grader @ CFES, and a daughter in 8th grade
- I am very excited to be a part of the Christopher Farm’s family!
Summer Learning Boost
We know how hard it can be to keep the children engaged in their learning during the summer months. But we’ve got a great resource for you. Our new Summer Learning Boost website provides lessons and resources to children in grades pre-K through grade 5 who were enrolled in VBCPS during the 2019-2020 school year. All you need is your student’s login credentials via Clever.
For incoming students who were not enrolled in VBCPS during the 2019-2020 school year, you’ll find the website has an expansive list of resources and activities to engage in over the summer. In addition, all incoming kindergarteners can access Smarty Ants, an online literacy resource.
VDOE SPECIAL EDUCATION SURVEY
Each school year, the VDOE is required to report to the U.S. Department of Education the “percent of parents with a child receiving special education services who report that schools facilitated parent involvement as a means of improving services and results for children with disabilities.”
Parents/guardians of students with an individualized education program (IEP) will be provided the survey, which the VDOE will use to collect the necessary data to report on this requirement. Parental participation in this survey will help the VDOE collect additional information to identify training needs related to the special education processes. The VDOE will use the results of the survey to improve parental involvement in the special education process and improve outcomes for all students within the Commonwealth. It is important to note responses are recorded anonymously and cannot be linked to a specific student. Parents who have more than one child receiving special education services may submit one survey for each child receiving services.
Parents may access the survey, in English and Spanish, at the following websites:
- English Version - English Version of 2019-2020 Indicator 8 Parent Survey
- Spanish Version - Spanish Version of 2019-2020 Indicator 8 Parent Survey
VIRGINIA BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY ONLINE RESOURCES
Check out these awesome resources that have been provided by the Virginia Beach Public Libraries for the summer!
Virtual Programming - Virginia Beach Public Library is excited to pilot online programming for children of all ages during our extended building closure. Check out our virtual youth book club for grades 3rd – 5th! To see the full list of events, please visit our Event Calendar, making sure Digital Program is selected in the navigation bar under Library Branch.
Student Accounts - Virginia Beach City Public Schools and Virginia Beach Public Library have partnered to provide year-round digital public library access to all K to 12 students. For more information visit https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/libraries/Using-the-Library/Pages/vbcps-student-account.aspx.
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