I would like to take this time to remind you that your input is always welcome and needed in order for us to continue to thrive as a learning community. There are several ways to do this:

• Communicate with your room parent and let your thoughts be known
• Reach out to our School Improvement Team Parent representative or our team via the public comments link on our website
• Join the PTA or simply show up for a virtual meeting to find out what we are all about
• Email your administrator and share your thoughts/input

This year we are working on revising and reviewing our School Improvement plan. During our meetings we will share strategies and action steps that we think will help us do the work of improving our school. One area that is a large focus of our district strategic plan includes family/community engagement. To that end we are working to ensure that all family voices are both represented and heard. If you have ideas about how this could be happening more or perhaps be improved, please reach out.

News from the PTA

• Join the PTA for just $10 per person or sponsor a Seawell teacher or staff member for only $5 by clicking on the MemberHub link. As a PTA member there is no obligation to attend the PTA meetings or volunteer. We welcome other family members too, such as grandparents, to become PTA members, too!

• Volunteer with the PTA! There are several vacant positions, including PTA president. If interested in volunteering with the PTA, please send an email to ptaseawell@gmail.com.

• The 2022 Fall PTA Fundraiser is here. Support your favorite causes: Critter Corner, Field Day, Book Fair, cultural activities and so much more! 100% of EVERY donation goes to Seawell Elementary School. NO amount is too small. Donate at: https://seawell.memberhub.com/store/items/793476

Thank you for your generosity.

• LIKE the Seawell PTA Facebook page.

• LINK your Harris Teeter VIC Card online or at the cashier to enter school code #2543 the next time you shop.

• Symptomatic Staff/Students - Will be required to provide*:
• A negative PCR COVID-19 test, or
• 2 negative Antigen (Rapid) tests separated 24 hours apart in order to return to work/school, or
• An alternative diagnosis from a primary care provider.
• *This is not for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. This is to prove that the COVID-like symptoms being experienced are not COVID-19. Individuals who choose not to test for COVID-19 or get an alternative diagnosis from their primary care provider are required to follow the COVID-19 positive staff/students guidance.
• COVID-19 positive Staff/Students - Must quarantine for 5 days and can return on day 6 as long as they are free of vomiting, diarrhea, and fever without the use of medication and all COVID-19 like symptoms are improving (they do not need to be resolved). The individual needs to continue to wear a mask at work/school while indoors for an additional 5 days after returning. Please contact your school nurse for additional information and guidance on returning to work/school.

Learning Disabilities Awareness Month (October)

Digital Citizenship Week is October 17-21st. See more information below!!

October 28

• End of the First Quarter

October 31

• Teacher Workday

November 3

• SIT Meeting - New Time 5:30-6:30 - Virtual

November 4

• Report Cards will be sent home (Don't forget about fall parent/teacher conferences)

November 8

• Teacher Workday

November 11

• Veterans Day Holiday

November 23- 25

• Teacher Workday/Thanksgiving Break

Follow Seawell on Twitter!

Digital Citizenship Week is October 17-21st. This year we are combining Social/Emotional Well Being and its connection to digital life!

Digital Citizenship Spirit Week

October 17-21, 2022

Monday, October 17th: Inclusive

• Be a Good Sport Online

• Sports Day

• Wear your favorite sports gear to show how we team up for digital citizenship

• Spread kindness when online

Tuesday, October 18th: Informed

• Shine Bright & Stand Out

• Neon Day

• Wear bright/neon colors to always remind us to highlight and verify our sources

• Talk about the importance of checking the source

Wednesday, October 19th: Engaged

• Stand up to Cyberbullies

• Cyberhero Day

• Dress up as your favorite superhero to show how we use technology to be a force for good

• Discuss how you use your digital citizenship skills when you are working online

Thursday, October 20th: Balanced

• Put on Your Thinking Cap

• Hat Day- Tech-free day

• Wear your favorite hat to show how we balance our time on technology

• Reflect on your tech usage

Friday, October 21st: Alert

• Know your Digital Footprint

• Crazy Sock Day

• Wear your silliest socks to show how you are learning about your digital footprint

• Discuss your digital footprint

The purpose of GPAC is to meet with the Director of Advanced Learning and Student Leadership and to provide a communication link between our school community and district administration. This group will support the implementation of the current 2022-2025 AIG Plan and will contribute to the development of subsequent AIG Plans.

Third Graders & New to CHCCS Fourth & Fifth Graders

Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools will give the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and the TerraNova to all of our 3rd grade students and 4th and 5th grade students who are new to the district. At Seawell the CogAT will be given as follows:

Tuesday, Nov. 1st Verbal Subtests

Wednesday, Nov. 2nd Nonverbal Subtests

Thursday, Nov. 3rd Quantitative Subtests

In addition the TerraNova will be given:

Tuesday, Nov. 29th Reading

Wednesday, Nov. 30th Math

Our goal is to make sure each child in grades 3 through 5 has the chance to participate in our universal screening opportunity which allows us to support our students through a strength based approach. If your child is in third grade, or is a fourth or fifth grader who is new to CHCCS, and you do not want them to participate in testing please return the form that has been sent home with your child. Finally, if your child does not feel well on a testing day there will be opportunities for makeup testing the following week. Please do not have your child take the assessment if they are not feeling well. Should you have any questions please consult our Frequently Asked Questions document or our building level GES. We look forward to helping you in any way possible.

Fifth Graders

Our gifted education plan also allows for referred 5th grade students to be rescreened for gifted identification prior to transitioning to middle school. If you feel your 5th grade student would benefit from being reassessed, please complete and return the form that will be coming home with your child or contact Seawell’s gifted education specialist, Holly Grant at hgrant@chccs.k12.nc.us or 919.967.4343 ext. 33202. Should you have any questions please consult our Frequently Asked Questions document or our building level GES. We look forward to helping you in any way possible. Finally, if your child does not feel well on a testing day there will be opportunities for makeup testing the following week. Please do not have your child take the assessment if they are not feeling well.

At Seawell the CogAT will be given as follows:

Tuesday, Nov. 1st Verbal Subtests

Wednesday, Nov. 2nd Nonverbal Subtests

• Special Needs Advisory Council (SNAC) website linked here

• Ms. Lindsay Guge Cozon is our representative

Please call Seawell at 919.967.4343 ext 33201 or email ssilberstein@chccs.k12.nc.us to report absences and tardies.

Educational leave for students must be requested at least ten days in advance utilizing this form.