SoWashCo is excited to host our first Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Friday, October 6th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at East Ridge High School.

Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend this free event celebrating and honoring the legacies, contributions, and stories of our Hispanic/Latinx community.

The event features:

• Culturally authentic food and snacks (with options to purchase additional items)
• Culturally authentic games and crafts for kids
• Traditional and popular music and entertainment

We are excited to celebrate with our Hispanic and Latinx students and families. We are stronger together.

https://www.sowashco.org/get-involved/volunteer

Click on The Volunteer Process.

There is a volunteer application and a link to complete your background check. It is helpful to do this early in the year so you are set in case a volunteer opportunity arises such as field trip or helping at track and field event.

If you have had a current background check WITH THE DISTRICT in the past two years and have volunteered during that time you do not need to complete another one at this time. Unfortunately we cannot accept background checks from any other organization. You must have one on file through our district.

South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) is offering families the option of purchasing a Device Protection Plan to protect district-issued devices from theft (with a filed police report) and accidental damage to the device, damage from fire, flood, natural disasters ,or power surges.

The enrollment fee for individuals opting to participate in the Device Protection Plan is $25 per device annually. Families who qualify for Educational Benefits are eligible for reduced pricing ($12.50 annually per device) or free coverage. It's important to note that the protection fee is nonrefundable. Coverage will begin upon payment receipt and extend until Aug. 31, 2024.

For students who were enrolled in the Device Protection Plan during the previous year, it is essential that they inform the school of any damages incurred over the summer within the first week of the new school year. To sign up and make payments for the device protection plan, families can use the EduTrak website. If you have any inquiries or require a paper form, feel free to get in touch with us at fees@sowashco.org.

• Learn more about device protection
• Instructions for paying fees through EduTrak

Please note that families who waive the device protection plan will be responsible for the full cost of repair or replacement of the device.

The purpose of the Student Handbook and Annual Notifications are to provide a framework of resources for your experience as a student. This includes information so that you can develop an understanding of the general rules/expectations and guidelines, along with notification of board policy or state statute.

Please watch this important video to learn how to access the handbook:

• Elementary Student Handbook (Video)

Items noted with an asterisk [*] indicates notice is required by State statute. Items noted with two asterisks [**] indicate notice is required by School Board policy.

Besides the policies that are included and/or referred to in this Handbook, students are expected to be aware of and to abide by all of the District's policies. All of the District's policies can be found on the District's website. Students should pay particular attention to the policies in Section 500 that specifically pertains to students. Questions regarding policies can be directed to your building administrator.

It has been a common practice to provide treats for the class in honor of a child’s birthday; however we are asking that NO EDIBLE TREATS be sent in to celebrate birthdays. We will make your child’s birthday special in the classroom without edible treats.

If you would like to send a little something to honor their day please consider an alternative birthday treat such as pencils or a book donated to the classroom. We ask that no edible treats be sent in due to varying allergy conditions and other issues related to edible treats in the classroom. Thank you for your help with following this new practice of celebrating birthdays in the classroom.

Candy Gram, Principal: cgram0@sowashco.org / 651.425.5803

Judy Nicklay, Office Coordinator: jnicklay@sowashco.org / 651.425.5801

Desi Faletti, School Social Worker: dfaletti@sowashco.org / 651.425.5808

Marci Patchett, School Psychologist: mpatchet@sowashco.org 651.425.5824

School Website: https://cges.sowashco.org/

District Website: www.sowashco.org

CGES Office: 651-425-5800

CGES Attendance Line: 651-425-5806

CGES Health Office: 651-425-5802

CGES Fax Number: 651-425-5815

SoWashCo Student Information: 651-425-6218

SoWashCoTransportation: 651-425-5303