The SHARK Alert
Chatham Elementary School Community Update
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Welcome to this week’s SHARK Alert!
It was a fantastic week here at school, highlighted by our whole school coming together for a SHARK Assembly. During the assembly, we celebrated eight students who were nominated by their teachers for the CES Sea of Success for going above and beyond with our SHARKS expectations. A huge congratulations to Ada M., Calvin B., Caroline M., Annabel L., Grayson C., James P., Eli T., and Kole P. for showing us all what it means to be a super SHARK!
Looking ahead to this week, we are so excited to host our very first Build it Night! this Thursday evening at 5:30 PM. Sponsored by our wonderful PTO, this is a great, free event where families can come get creative together. Be sure to read more about it further down in the newsletter so you don't miss out on the fun!
Finally, we have two important deadlines coming up. Please remember that this Friday is the last day to drop off donations of gently used warm clothing (jackets, boots, etc.). Additionally, all Fudge Fundraiser orders are due by Friday as well. Thank you so much for your continued support!
Have a wonderful week ahead!
Afternoon Dismissal Procedures & Timely Pick-Up
As we work to keep our afternoons safe, efficient, and smooth for everyone, please review these key details regarding our dismissal procedures:
Dismissal Window: Afternoon dismissal begins at 2:25 PM and concludes promptly at 2:35 PM.
Car Line Procedures: To keep the pick-up line moving safely, drivers must remain in their vehicles at all times. We also strongly encourage families to position students in car seats on the passenger side of the vehicle for quicker and safer loading.
Mindful Loading: Please be mindful of how much time it takes to load your student. If your child has difficulty getting buckled and situated, please pull ahead and park in a designated space to finish adjusting. This prevents traffic backups and keeps the line flowing smoothly for everyone behind you.
Park & Pick Up: Families wishing to park and walk to the gym doors to meet their students must park in the designated spaces on Depot Road in front of the town tennis courts. Please DO NOT park in the Hitching Post Road lot during dismissal.
Main Office Parking Lot: Please do not enter the main office parking lot before 2:45 PM, as this area is strictly reserved for school bus loading.
Late Pick-Ups (After 2:35 PM): Any family arriving after 2:35 PM must report to the Main Office to sign out their student.
Why Punctuality Matters
Our staff's workday officially ends at 2:35 PM. Immediately following dismissal, many of our educators and support staff transition into scheduled team meetings, professional responsibilities, and other required commitments. When dismissals run late, it directly impacts their ability to attend these obligations. We kindly ask that all families be respectful of our staff's time and plan arrivals accordingly.
Thank you for your partnership, your attention to the afternoon schedule, and your shared commitment to keeping our school community safe and organized!
School Bus Safety Week
National School Bus Safety Week is held each year to reinforce one shared priority: keeping students safe on and around the school bus.
- Drivers: Always stop when the lights are flashing and the arm is out, and be alert for students entering or exiting the bus
- Students: Follow all directions from the adults on the bus and only exit and cross when told it's safe to go
We all have a part in keeping our youngsters safe!
Independent & Confident Learners
On Friday, October 16th, the students in Mrs. Tuccio’s 3rd-grade class were treated to a well-deserved "Stuffy and Fort Day!" After working hard to completely fill their class shark tank, the students earned the opportunity to choose their own class prize.
Demonstrating exactly what it means to be independent and confident learners, the students chose to build cozy blanket forts under their desks for some dedicated silent reading time with their favorite stuffed animals (stuffies). It was great fun to wrap up a busy week, and just another wonderful example of how our students take their learning seriously—even when they are having a blast!
Angie, Tara, & Felix enjoying fort time
Rowen says "Hello"
Jaiden & Isla enjoying the quiet time
Dressing for the weather
As autumn arrives, our morning temperatures are dropping and the weather is getting much crisper! Please remember to send your child to school dressed in layers—such as sweatshirts, light jackets, or coats—so they stay warm and comfortable throughout the day.
As a reminder, our students head outside for recess as much as possible, as long as it isn't raining or bitterly cold. Wearing layers allows students to adjust easily as temperatures shift between morning drop-off, outdoor play, and the classroom. Writing your child's name inside their jackets and sweatshirts is also a big help in keeping our Lost & Found clear!
Stay healthy and warm,
Nurse Heidi
Winter Clothing Swap
The PTO is hosting a Winter Clothing Swap to help families get ready for the colder months ahead. Sponsored by the CES PTO, this initiative gives parents a fantastic, eco-friendly way to trade gently used winter gear that children have outgrown for the next size up.
Here is everything you need to know to participate:
How to Donate
Please send in clean, gently used winter gear—such as coats, boots, and snow pants.
Donation Deadline: All items must be brought in by October 23.
Drop-Off Location: Collection bins are located just inside the school’s front doors for easy drop-off.
When is the Swap?
The swap takes place on October 27 and October 29, held conveniently during Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Be sure to stop by the swap area during conference days to find cold-weather essentials for your growing kids!
Have you taken the Chatham Community Scorecard yet?
The Town of Chatham wants to hear from all year-round and seasonal residents to better inform the work of staff and to provide feedback to the Select Board on the community's priorities!
The Survey will remain open until Sunday, November 15th but why wait! Take the survey today at https://tinyurl.com/vp924ubd.
We want to hear from you! We know that Monomoy is filled with great people - here's your chance to help highlight them! Our Staff Shoutouts recognize a member of our team each month, and nominations are now open. While it's still early in the school year, we're sure there are Sharks who have gone above and beyond - go to www.monomoy.edu/staffshoutout and tell us about them.
- Wednesday, October 21st - Early Release Day
- Thursday, October 22nd - PTO Build It Night!
- Friday, October 23rd - Grade 3 to CCMNH
- Friday, October 23rd - Last Day to Drop Off Warm Clothing Donations
- Friday, October 23rd - Fudge Fundraiser Orders Due
- Tuesday, October 27th - 11:00 Dismissal - Parent/Teacher Conferences - Clothing Swap
- Thursday, October 29th - 11:00 Dismissal - Parent/Teacher Conferences - Clothing Swap
- Friday, October 30th - PTO Halloween Parade 4:00 pm
Resource Fair
The Cape and Islands Regional Domestic Violence Council Resource Fair on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. 1:30-3:30 pm at Margaritaville Resort 1225 Iyannough Road, Hyannis. No registration required.
Monomoy Youth Basketball
Contact us:
Email: jakelly@monomoy.edu
Website: http://ces.monomoy.edu/
Location: 147 Depot Road, Chatham, MA, USA
Phone: 508-945-5135
Facebook: facebook.com/ChathamElementarySchoolPto
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuaO-WElYPYfj1kU9LfhSzw
Instagram: ChathamElemMRSD