The HOWL
Chief Charlo Elementary School - 2nd February Edition
FRONT OFFICE NOTES
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KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION OPENS TUESDAY 2/16. CHILD MUST BE 5 ON OR BEFORE 9/10/21. VISIT YOUR SCHOOL OR www.mcpsmt.org/studentregistration TO REGISTER.
Weather is bitter cold outside!! Please remind your student(s) to dress warmly and bring proper Winter attire.
* If assistance is needed with Winter gear, contact our FIT Coordinator, Coryll Rupert, 728-2400, Ext 4983.
~ Don't forget that Monday, February 22 is a REMOTE learning day for ALL students.
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Remaining February Schedule
Feb 16-19 -- Grades K-5 - ALL students in the building
Feb 22 -- Remote Learning for ALL students
Feb 23-26 -- Grades K-5 - ALL students in the building
Feb 22-26 -- SPIRIT WEEK (see below for daily theme ideas)
Feb 22 -- FAMILY DINING FUNDRAISER - Romeo's Restaurant - 15% of sales go back to our school. (Watch for fundraiser flyer needed night of event)
Feb 26 -- VIRTUAL FAMILY FUN NIGHT (Watch for further information)
** PTO Butter Braid Fundraiser -- Order forms went home on 2/12. Forms must be returned BY 3/10, but online orders will continue until 3/15.
FREE school lunch available on Mondays
FREE school meals for the remainder of the school year.
Help teachers and classmates to stay safe from COVID-19.
Pack an extra in their backpack in case theirs gets wet or soiled.
Be a role model - show your child(ren) how to wear it properly. Over the nose, please.
Chief Charlo Spirit Week
WHY FAMILY DINE OUT FUNDRAISERS??
Remaining monthly events - Feb 22 (Romeo's Kitchen).
MCPS Native American Student Services Department
Counselor's Corner: A Note from Mrs. D
Separation Anxiety
Hello Chief Charlo Wolves! This school year has been a different one, and has brought about many new hurdles for many of us. One hurdle I am seeing and hearing about more this year is separation anxiety. So, I wanted to share some ideas for how to help your children transition from school to home a little easier.
· Establish a goodbye ritual that you do every time you say goodbye, and practice it even for quick separations (i.e., hugs, high fives, handshakes).
· Read a book about it and discuss it with your child (i.e., Llama, Llama Misses Mama or The Kissing Hand).
· Morning and night routines are really important. It can be helpful to make a visual schedule of their day and go through it with them. Consistency and predictability bring feelings of safety and security, try your best to establish a morning routine for school days and stick to it!
· Find a small object that reminds them that they are safe and loved that they can carry with them while you are apart.
· Model excitement about their day rather than focusing on missing them all day. Try to remind them of fun things they have going on at school, and how excited you are to hear about their day after school.
· Make sure to validate their feelings, it is ok to feel sad or mad about going to school. Then talk about what to do if they feel sad or mad at school (i.e., blue, yellow and red zone tools).
Transitions are hard, and so is saying goodbye to an attachment figure. Please reach out if you want more ideas and strategies to help with goodbyes. I am happy to help brainstorm and make a plan with you! I can be reached at kdonisthorpe@mcpsmt.org or 728-2400 ext. 4976 – Mrs. D.
Families in Transition (FIT) Program
The Families in Transition (FIT) Program is here to assist Chief Charlo students and families experiencing housing instability (McKinney-Vento Act) and/or economic hardship. FIT works as a bridge between those families, our school and the district staff to empower students to stay in school and remain successful both in school and as lifelong learners. FIT also provides families access to community resources and services.
FIT is here to support your family, because we care about all of our Wolves - BIG and small!!
Coryll Rupert (FIT Coordinator)
728-2400, X4983
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Local Community Resources
YMCA After School Program
Y After School provides 2 programs to families. Offered Monday–Friday from school release to 6:00 p.m. Care is provided onsite for Russell, Paxson, Chief Charlo, and Hellgate Elementary students. Care is provided at the Y for Lewis & Clark and Franklin students.
Parks & Recreation - City of Missoula
NEW PRICING starting February 2. New afterschool locations.
ALL families are eligible to save 20% to 75% OFF regular program fees!
Our highly trained staff, low participant-to-staff ratios, and rigorous COVID-19 safety protocols will help ensure a fun, engaging experience for your child! Sign up online today or give us a call at 721-PARK (7275!) or register at
Boys & Girls Club Mid-Missoula Clubhouse
The Mid-Missoula Clubhouse is Boys & Girls Club of Missoula County's largest Club, serving more than 45 youth, ages 5-12, during after-school programs, and serving as our Summer Club location for 150 youth. With Members coming to Club from five elementary schools across Missoula - Chief Charlo, Janet Rankin, Lewis & Clark, Paxson, and Russell - this Clubhouse is always filled with a lot of energy, excitement, and fun!
For more information, contact 542-3116 or register at:
CHIEF CHARLO PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)
Current Board Members:
Kara Cook, President: chiefcharlopto@gmail.com
Heather Bomb and Britteny Lundberg, Co-Vice Presidents: chiefcharloptovp@gmail.com
Amy Mill, Treasurer: chiefcharlotreasurer@gmail.com
Elyse Johnson, Secretary: chiefcharloptosec@gmail.com
Meeting Schedule: We meet virtually the FIRST WEDNESDAY of each month.
Meetings start at 6:00pm.
Interested in becoming a member? Everyone is welcome! Membership is free due to our amazing sponsors. The Chief Charlo PTO encourages families to join, stay informed, and help out in any way you can. It's never too late to join and be part of the FUN!!
Check us out at http://facebook.com/chiefcharlopto