Dear North Star Families:
Happy New Year! I hope this message finds you refreshed and ready to embrace all the opportunities that 2025 has in store. January is a time for reflection, growth, and perseverance—a fitting character trait for the month as we encourage students to keep striving for their best, even when challenges arise.
This month marks the conclusion of our first semester. We are so proud of the progress our students have made so far, and we are excited to continue supporting their success in the new year. In Grades 3-5, students will complete growth assessments to help us measure their learning and set goals for the remainder of the year.
January is also packed with events to keep us engaged and connected:
- House Meetings will help us refocus on teamwork and celebrate accomplishments.
- Altruismo Unity Day will inspire kindness, generosity, and unity among all our students.
And who knows? Maybe a snow day or two will surprise us this month—fingers crossed for some winter fun!
Thank you for partnering with us to make North Elementary a place where our students shine. Let's keep persevering together to make 2025 an incredible year!
Candy Llewellyn, Ed.D.
Principal
804-524-3430
IMPORTANT DATES 📆
Tuesday, January 7 - Student Growth Assessments (gr. 3-5) for Reading
Wednesday, January 8 - Student Growth Assessments (gr. 3-5) for Math
January 6 - January 24 - VAALLS (literacy) testing (Gr. K-3)
Thursday, January 9 - House Meeting Day - wear your house shirt!
Wednesday, January 15 - Student Holiday (teacher work day/professional day)
Monday, January 20 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
Tuesday, January 21 - School Board Meeting - 6:30 pm CHHS Tech Center
Thursday, January 23 - House Meeting Day - wear your house shirt
Friday, January 24 - Report Cards go home
Friday, January 31 - Altruismo Unity Day - WEAR BLACK!
To help ensure a smooth and safe dismissal process, please keep the following in mind:
Car Riders: If picking up your child by car, please display your car tag clearly. Stay in your vehicle and have your child enter on the passenger side closest to the sidewalk to avoid traffic hazards. If you need to leave your vehicle to assist your child, please park in a designated space to keep the car line moving smoothly. If you do not have a car tag, visit the front office with ID to complete the necessary paperwork.
Walkers: Parents and guardians picking up walkers should meet their child at the main entrance. A staff member will call your child from the building to meet you.
Bus Riders: For students in grades PK-2, an adult must be present at the bus stop for pick-up. Students in grades 3 and above are not required to have an adult meet them.
Early Pick-Ups: Early dismissals must be completed by 2:45 p.m. After this time, we are preparing for dismissal, and it may be difficult to accommodate early requests. If you arrive after 2:45 p.m., you may be asked to wait until regular dismissal begins.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our dismissal process safe and efficient for all!
Stay Connected with North Elementary – Join Rooms Today!
We’re thrilled to introduce Rooms, a new, easy-to-use communication tool available through the CHPS App! We encourage all families to download the app by searching “Colonial Heights PS” on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Once you’ve downloaded it, you can join Rooms to stay directly connected with North Elementary and the Colonial Heights school community.
Rooms makes it easier than ever to stay informed and engaged with two-way conversations between you, your child's teachers, and the school. A fantastic feature of the app is its ability to translate messages into multiple languages, making communication accessible for all families. With Rooms, you’ll receive updates, ask questions, and stay informed about school events – all with just a few taps on your phone. Join us in staying connected to your child’s education today!
4o
the Power of Attendance: Every Day Counts!
At North Elementary, we believe that every school day is an opportunity for growth, learning, and connection. Regular attendance plays a critical role in a student’s success, and we need your help to ensure that every child is present and ready to shine each day.
When students attend school consistently, they benefit from the full learning experience—engaging in lessons, building friendships, and developing important habits like responsibility and perseverance. Research shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve higher grades, feel confident in their abilities, and develop a strong sense of belonging.
Here’s how you can help:
- Set a Routine: Establish regular bedtime and morning routines to ensure your child is well-rested and ready for school.
- Plan Ahead: Schedule appointments and family trips outside of school hours whenever possible.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on our calendar for important dates and events that make school exciting and fun for your child.
We understand that absences happen, whether due to illness or emergencies. If your child must miss school, please communicate with their teacher to stay on track with their learning.
Let’s work together to help all of our students thrive. Remember: every day counts, and we’re here to support your child’s success!
Sources:
Absence Notes & Excuses
It is important for students to be in school every day. However, if your child is ill, please keep them home. We do require a doctor or parent note following any absence - even if you called the school office. We want all of our Stars to be successful and in order for that to happen we need them at school each and every day. If possible, please do not schedule vacations during the school year.
Remember if a child misses more than 2 days of school per month (even for excused absences) that equates to 18-20 days over the course of the school year - making them chronically absent.
School Meals
Breakfast and lunch will be served daily to all students at no cost.
School menus can be found HERE.
If your child will be bringing his/her lunch to school, please help them so they are able to open juice boxes or other containers they bring in their lunch. We have adults on hand to help but if the students can open things themselves, it makes lunch go smoother!
Dress Code
Please make sure that students are dressed appropriately for the weather and for play. Students have recess every day and they should wear shoes that are comfortable and safe (sneakers are preferred).
Shorts, skirts, and dresses should be no shorter than fingertip length (about 3 1/2 inches from the knee). Students are not to wear cropped tops or shirts that reveal their midriff. Tank tops, halter tops, or tops with spaghetti straps should not be worn. Jeans with holes are permitted, however the holes must not be above 3 1/2" above the knee. House shoes/slippers are not allowed.
Students are not to wear hats, caps, or hoods of any kind inside of the building or on the bus.
Literacy Resources
Reading and engaging with your child at home is one of the most powerful ways to support their learning and success. When you spend time reading together, you’re helping them build critical language and comprehension skills, as well as fostering a love for stories and learning. These moments not only boost their confidence but also make a significant impact on their progress in school, especially as they practice sounding out words, recognizing patterns, and building vocabulary.
Working with your child also strengthens the connection between home and school, showing them that learning happens everywhere, not just in the classroom. Even small efforts like talking about their day, reading a bedtime story, or practicing sight words contribute to their development and help prepare them for new challenges. This time together lets them know they’re supported and that you value their education, laying a foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
The Virginia Literacy Partnerships website offers a variety of resources to support families in helping their children develop strong literacy skills. It features information and activities on topics such as listening to books, playing computer games to enhance literacy, developing phonological awareness, learning letter names and sounds, reading and spelling words, expanding vocabulary, improving reading comprehension, supporting language development, encouraging writing, and reading online books. The website also includes a comprehensive section for educators, with professional learning opportunities, instructional resources, and materials.
