Colt Crusader
A newsletter for the families of CFES - Week of 5/18
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
Happy Friday Christopher Farms families! We are so proud of our families and students as we have seen an increase in participation with the change to Emergency Learning. We hope that you are enjoying the videos from your teachers, as well as learning new information. Thank you for all of YOUR hard work from home.
As we begin to think about closing down school for the 2019-2020 school year, we are all feeling the stress and worry about what is next? At this time, we are waiting to hear from the Governor and the Virginia Department of Education for the plan and/or phases for the return to schools. VBCPS is planning for 3 possible scenarios:
- Scenario 1 - Schools reopen as close to what we think of as normal.
- Scenario 2 - Schools reopen with physical distancing and/or other public health mitigation strategies in place. This would likely include a combination of some face-to-face instruction for students along with remote learning.
- Scenario 3 - Schools would remain closed. The ELP plan would shift to a Remote Learning Plan within an early all-virtual environment.
Like Dr. Spence shared, we know that there will still be challenges with no perfect solution for every family. I can promise you that at Christopher Farms, we will do anything it takes to assist you when the time arrives to prepare for this transition!
In the meantime, we are busily preparing for the end of the school year at CFES. Next week, you will receive information about a Parent Drive Thru for the pick-up of the remaining school supplies, medicine from the clinic, and class pictures. At this time, we do not have the ordered yearbooks from Lifetouch. There is more information on yearbooks further in the newsletter.
Lastly, but certainly not least, I want to take a moment to send a HUGE thank you to our current PTA board. They have done a fabulous job supporting our students and staff while organizing the most amazing events!
Michelle Canulli - President, Amanda Espinda - VP of Membership, Jessica Bueno - Secretary, Shawnie Green - VP of Programs, Sheree Scott - Treasurer, and Sandy Mealer - VIE
At this time, I would like to share with our CFES community the nominations for the 2020-2021 PTA Board.
Amanda Espinda - President
Haley Perry - VP of Membership
Jessica Bueno - VP of Programs
Evelyn Paddock - Treasurer
Heather Andrews - Secretary
Sandy Mealer - VIE
The nomination period will stay open for two weeks. If you would like to put in for a nomination for one of the positions above, please email me at Robyn.Backer@vbschools.com.
Thank you so much for all that you do each and every day for our students and community. We could not do it without you and are so appreciative of your support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
-Ms. Backer
Celebrating this week's #Goodphonecalls of the day!
Levi, 5th Grade - Mrs. Pascual, Mrs. Cochran
Clara, 3rd Grader - Mrs. Willett, Mrs. Rodriguez
Kaja, 1st grader - Mrs. Kernodle, Sra. Torres
Preston - 4th Grader - Ms. McNeely, Mrs. Nicolosi, Mrs. Shuttleworth
Kinsley, 3rd Grader - Mrs. Willet, Mrs. Rodriguez
Are You Moving Next Year?
Update on Yearbooks
Field Trip Refunds
For our 3rd and 4th grade families, you have the option of requesting a refund or transfer your child’s field trip money to their fourth/fifth grade teacher to be used towards a field trip during the 2020-2021 school year.
For our 5th grade families, you have the option of requesting a refund or donating the $6.00 to the fifth-grade classes at Christopher Farms Elementary School for the 2020-2021 school year.
Please complete the form below by Friday, May 1. If you have any questions, please email to wende.phillips@vbschools.com
Counselor Corner:
Last week’s social emotional learning story of Howard B. Wigglebottom showed how making the best out of a situation can be helpful when feeling like we aren’t able to control the world around us.
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. Many people mistakenly use mental health interchangeably with mental illness. The Canadian Mental Health Association distinguishes, “Mental health is our mental well-being: our emotions, our thoughts and feelings, our ability to solve problems and overcome difficulties, our social connections, and our understanding of the world around us.
A mental illness is an illness that affects that way people think, feel, behave, or interact with others. There are many different mental illnesses, and they have different symptoms that impact peoples’ lives in different ways.”
Just like physical health, some people have good health and no problems going about their lives, while others experience serious health problems that have a very negative impact on their lives. Some serious health problems may last for a long time, and some may resolve quickly. Many people fall somewhere in the middle—they’re generally in good health, though the occasional problem may come up. Mental health is similar in this way.
Like someone who feels unwell may not have a serious illness, people may have poor mental health without a mental illness. One may also have good mental health with a diagnosis of a mental illness. We all have days where we may feel down, stressed out, or overwhelmed by something that’s happening in our lives. An important aspect of good mental health is the ability to look at problems or concerns realistically. It isn’t about ignoring problems or feeling happy and confident all of the time. It’s about living and coping well despite problems. Check out the VBgov Mental Health Awareness, CFES Parent Resource pages or contact Mrs. Beda or Mrs. Yoshida with any questions or concerns.
With the right supports and tools, anyone can live well, find meaning, contribute to their communities, and work towards their goals. This fits in perfectly with our theme of resilience.
This week’s optional lesson on Resilience (Week 3) gives a real life example of how growth mindset, perseverance and resilience not only brought success to one man, but also made an impact on his entire country.
Music assignments for the week of 5/18
Kindergarten
https://www.loom.com/share/e5720683555b4430bba726e86a58664e
First Grade
https://www.loom.com/share/4c44fb10113e44d0b4d5bd57d1f8c927
Clever/Wixie - So Mi La
Second Grade
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT3SBzmDxGk
https://drive.google.com/open?id=12XgM-1scTcI7J31FgX-QsYIdFY2ofJ-2
Third Grade
https://www.brainpop.com/games/sortifymusicalinstruments/?topic_id=b7f0df6c0120db77
Send me a screenshot of final page
Fourth Grade
https://www.brainpop.com/games/sortifymusicalinstruments/?topic_id=b7f0df6c0120db77
Send me a screenshot of final page
Fifth Grade
Clever/Wixie - Compose BAGED. If possible use melody instrument to record sound
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.
Check out our CFES Artist spotlight!
The week I would like to highlight 3 CFES artists! Maddie (3rd Grade), Kaden (2nd Grade), and Macie (Kindergarten) did a wonderful job with last week's project. Great job, and keep up the hard work!
Art Assignment from Ms. Jones
This week we will be learning about Andy Goldsworthy. Instead of making artwork through drawing, painting, or clay, he would use what he found in nature to build a work of art. He created his artwork right where he found the natural materials that he liked so that others could find what he created in nature. My challenge to you, is to channel your inner Andy Goldsworthy. Find natural objects outside, and use them to create your own artwork. When you are done, don't forget to take a picture and send it to me through schoology, or email. Have fun, get outside, and get CREATIVE!
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