Friday, January 31st - February 16th - Science Olympiad registration (4th/5th students)

Monday, February 17th - NO SCHOOL (President's Day)

Thursday, February 20th- Uncle Pete's Lunch

Thursday, February 27th - SPRING CONFERENCES (BY INVITE ONLY)

Thursday, February 27th - Young Authors Submissions Due

Friday, February 28th - NO SCHOOL - RECORDS DAY

Monday, March 10th - REGISTRATION DUE for early bird discount

Science Olympiad 2025! If you are a fourth or fifth grader, now is the time to make plans to participate in this year’s Science Olympiad which takes place on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Information, along with the ONLINE registration form, are available on the District 64 Science Olympiad Web Page. Registration is from January 31 - February 16.

As an fyi, spring conferences work differently than the fall. It is only one night (4-7 pm) and teachers reach out to parents that they'd like to meet with. If your teacher would like to schedule a conference with you, you will receive an email with directions from them this week. We'd ask that you complete the scheduling by Monday 2/24 with the conference then taking place on Thursday 2/27.

I'm getting reports about unsafe student drop-offs on Cherry Street. If you are dropping your child off on Cherry, please make sure you pull to the curb and let students off on Carpenter side. I'm hearing of drop-offs in the street. If you drop-off on other side, please direct your child to cross at Hamlin and Cherry. Believe me, in the past, I've requested a stop sign at Broadway and Cherry, similar to how it is at Elm. With cars pulling in and out, it is very unsafe for students to just randomly be crossing Cherry or being dropped off in the middle of the street. Let's keep our kids safe. As a driver, please also be extra cautious as you are pulling in and leaving.

We are in the process of exploring a new mass communication system for our staff and families, and we want your input! We invite you to participate in a brief survey that will help us assess and improve our communication tools and strategies.

Your feedback is invaluable in creating a more effective communication system. The survey will only take about 5-10 minutes to complete. By sharing your thoughts, you can help us enhance the connections within our schools and community. Thank you for your participation!

CLICK ON LINK BELOW

Chess-Ed is excited to return to Carpenter School to provide lunchtime chess instruction this Spring. The 10-week program runs from 02/05/2025 to 05/13/25 and takes place on Tuesdays from 11:35 am to 12:30 pm (during lunch). The program is open to Carpenter students in all grades and of all chess abilities (including those in full-day and half-day Kindergarten). Professional instruction will include the basics for beginner and novice players and build with opening theory, middle game planning, and end game combinations for continuing and advanced students. Playing chess improves memory, uses analytical and critical thinking skills, teaches problem solving, responsibility, sportsmanship, social skills and more! The benefits of chess last a lifetime!

To register, please go to https://2024-2025carpenterchess.eventbee.com/. Register by 02/20/25 to take advantage of lowest available fee. For more information about the program, please refer to the program flyer. Chess-Ed is looking forward to working with your CHESS ENTHUSIAST this Spring!

Holidays To Acknowledge

We have an upcoming holiday that we will acknowledge in a few weeks. Below is some information that is meant to help build a better understanding of our community. This is just a snapshot and does not include everything about the holidays:

• Ramadan (Evening of Friday, February 28 through Sunday, March 30)
• Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, introspection, and prayer for Muslims. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. They break their fasts by sharing meals with family and friends. Eid-al-Fitr is at the end of Ramadan, also known as the festival of breaking the fast.
• What should you say to those who celebrate? The traditional Arabic greeting is Ramadan Mubarak, which translates to Blessed Ramadan or Happy Ramadan.
• Click here to learn more.

We know Ramadan will be starting soon and are checking if there are any families that need any accommodations during this time around eating, schedules, PE, recess, or anything else.