The Cannan Chronicles

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CES Vision - Empower every student to reach their full potential and become lifelong learners.

CES Mission -Cannan Elementary will thrive in a nurturing environment with high expectations by:

CES Motto - #beFIERCE

CES Core Values -

Friendly - Innovative - Encouraging - Responsible - Courageous - Empathetic

Wow! I can’t believe we are wrapping up our first marking period and getting ready for fall break. This year is flying by!

Thank you for partnering with us to make these first nine weeks such a success. Our Kats are learning and growing each day, and I am so proud of their hard work and progress. From classroom activities to assessments, we are seeing our students build confidence, strengthen their skills, and celebrate their learning!

Your support makes a difference! Making sure your child comes to school each day, arrives on time, reads at home, and is ready to learn helps us keep that growth going. Please continue checking Class Dojo, teacher updates, and our campus newsletter so you stay connected to everything happening at Cannan.

Please remember that Friday, October 9, is an early release day, and there will be no Late Bird. Please plan accordingly for your child’s dismissal.

We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! We can’t wait to finish these nine weeks on a high note and head into fall break proud of all we have accomplished together. Thank you for sending your very best to us each day and for being part of our Cannan community. We are on a mission to grow every student!

Our 2026–2027 Campus Theme: Mission Im-Possible

Our mission is simple but powerful—to help every student grow, learn, and reach their fullest potential. We believe that when students, families, and staff work together, anything is possible.

At Cannan, we want every child to know:

Click the link below to give a shout-out to a CES staff member! We want to hear what makes our CES staff members FIERCE!

Friendly - Innovative - Encouraging - Responsible - Courageous - Empathetic

https://forms.gle/5SL8StzmR3DsLBDr9

Our Parent Conference Day is on October 13 during Fall Break.

This is a great opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, discuss their progress, and learn how we can continue working together to support their growth.

If you would like to schedule a conference, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

Conferences can be held in person or by phone.

Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s learning and success this year.

We appreciate our Cannan families!

Students will participate in R U OKAY lessons during library specials starting this week. These lessons are designed to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life.

Questions? Email acastillo@willisisd.org

If a student loses their bus ID, the replacement fee is $5.

NO CASH will be accepted.

Payment can be made through the SchoolPay QR code on the flyer or the SchoolPay link:

SchoolPay – Bus ID Replacement Fee

We are looking for:

• One or two parents of Cannan Students

• One community member who does not have a child at Cannan

This committee works together to create, review, and evaluate our Campus Improvement Plan.

If you are interested in participating, please email bpaulson@willisisd.org

Meeting Dates are coming soon!

Your family may qualify for free or reduced-priced meals.

As part of the National School Lunch Program, some students may be eligible for a free or reduced-price lunch. All families wishing to receive free or reduced-priced meals must complete a new application each school year.

If the family received assistance in the previous year, it will continue for the first 30 operating days into the new year or until a new application is processed. The fastest way to apply for free or reduced-price meals is by completing an online application, found at www.schoolcafe.com/willisisd.

Paper applications can take up to 10 days to process. After the application has been processed, the family will receive a notice stating the benefits for which the family is eligible. If a paper application is needed, you can print it here (English) (Spanish) or pick it up at any school office, cafeteria, or at the Child Nutrition office.

Login Instructions

• Visit www.schoolcafe.com/willisisd
• Use your existing "School Cafe" login from the previous year (or use "Forgot Password" if necessary)
• If not registered, click "Create an Account"

Items Needed

• Student ID Number
• Student birthday
• If you have SNAP or TANF benefits, you will need your EDG (eligibility determination group) number
• Last month's total (gross) income for all household members working
• Last 4 digits of the social security number for the person completing the application

Procedures & Safety Instructions

To ensure a safe, organized, and efficient car rider dismissal process, all families and staff are asked to follow the procedures below.

Arrival to the Car Rider Line

1. When arriving from Cannan Road, enter the driveway using the designated entrance.
2. Cars should enter the driveway every other vehicle. Please allow several vehicles to exit before turning into the driveway to prevent the line from backing up. If vehicles cannot exit, vehicles cannot enter.
3. Once inside the driveway, traffic will separate into two lines.
4. Follow the traffic flow and remain in your designated lane.

Merging Into One Line

1. Continue following the two traffic lanes until you reach the designated merging point at the end of the drive.
2. At the designated point, vehicles will alternate and merge into one line.
3. Do not merge or turn early. Wait until you reach the designated stopping point before merging.
4. Follow all directions from school staff directing traffic.

Safety & Traffic Flow

• NO CELLPHONE USE: Cellphone use is not permitted while in a school zone, including while you are in the car rider line. Please put your cellphone away and remain focused on the traffic and students around you.
• Do not block the driveway or red-lined areas at any time. Please note that the red lines may be difficult to see at this time. They are located at the entrance gate where the two car rider lines begin. Please keep this area clear at all times so traffic can enter and exit safely.
• Daycare buses, school vehicles, and workers may need access to the driveway and must be able to enter and exit safely.
• Remain in your vehicle and keep the line moving when directed.
• Do not pass another vehicle unless instructed by a staff member.
• Watch carefully for students, staff, buses, and pedestrians.
• Please remain patient and courteous while waiting your turn.

Morning Drop-Off

• Please have your child ready to exit the vehicle before you reach the drop-off area.
• When a staff member opens the vehicle door, your child should be prepared to exit promptly and safely so the line can continue moving efficiently.
• Please make sure backpacks, belongings, and other items are ready before arriving at the drop-off area.

Afternoon Pick-Up

• Please have your green car rider tag clearly visible for Coach Warren to see.
• The car rider tag must be displayed before your child can be released.
• If you do not have a green car rider tag, you will be asked to go to the front office to obtain one before your child can be released.

Important Reminder

We are all working together to get everyone in and out safely and efficiently. Please follow the designated traffic pattern, listen to staff instructions, wait your turn, and help us keep Cannan Elementary safe for everyone.

At Cannan Elementary, protecting your child is our highest priority, and every safety procedure is in place to ensure students arrive, learn, and return home safely each day. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our campus safe.

• Raptor Check-In Required: All visitors, including volunteers and parents picking up students early, must present a valid government-issued photo ID and check in through our Raptor Visitor Management System every visit — no exceptions. For the safety of all Wildkats, visitors without an ID will be turned away.

• Front Door Entry: Every individual entering the campus must show their ID to the front door camera for verification before being granted access. This must be done one person at a time. Only one person may enter through the secured entrance at a time. Please do not hold any exterior door open for another person or allow anyone to enter into the building behind you. Every individual must be verified before entering.

• Emergency Contacts: Please ensure your child's emergency contact information is current. Only individuals listed as emergency contacts will be allowed to pick up your child. You can always easily update your information by calling our front office at (936) 890-8660.

• Bus Rider Safety: For the safety of our youngest students, all Kindergarten bus riders must have an adult present at their designated bus stop. If an adult is not present, the student will be returned to Cannan Elementary, where a parent or authorized emergency contact will need to pick them up.

• Safety Coordinator: Jennifer Fishback, Assistant Principal, serves as our campus Safety Coordinator. Please don't hesitate to reach out to her with any safety questions or concerns.

Have questions about the nurse's office, medications, immunizations, or other health services?

Click the link below to visit the Willis ISD Health Services website, where you'll find answers to frequently asked questions, important health information, medication policies, immunization requirements, and more

https://www.willisisd.org/about/departments/student-services

Lunch and Outside Food -

• We do not allow outside food to be dropped off at the front.

• If you plan to eat lunch with your student, you must check in at the front office. There is a designated place for visitors to eat with students on the stage.

Birthdays -

• Parents may send a small, store-bought birthday snack for their child's class.
• Suggested snacks include mini cupcakes, cookies, or other individually served desserts.
• All treats must be commercially prepared and store-bought. Homemade treats cannot be served.
• Please do not send treat bags, party favors, balloons, gifts, decorations, or additional items.
• Please do not send drinks, pizza, chips, candy, or party-style snacks.
• Treats will be shared at the teacher's discretion and at a time that best fits the instructional schedule.

Stay Connected with Cannan!
Be sure to check the Cannan website regularly for the most up-to-date information. We will continue updating calendars and posting pictures throughout the year.

The website is also a great place to:

• Access SchoolPay

• Submit a Paws of Pride

• Use the Contact Us button to understand the communication flow and know exactly who to reach out to with your questions or concerns

• Submit an Anonymous Alert to administrators if there is suspicious activity, bullying, or student-related safety issues.

It’s your one-stop shop for staying connected to all things Cannan!

Morning Drop-Off

• Time: The doors will open at 7:40 am.

• Location: Car rider drop-off is on the side (cafeteria) entrance.

• Students must be escorted into the building if arriving after 8:00 am.

• Breakfast will open at 7:40 am.

Afternoon Pick-Up

• Time: Dismissal is at 3:30 pm.

• Location: Car rider pick-up is on the side (cafeteria) entrance.

• Procedure: Please have your GREEN car rider tag displayed in your car. If you do not have a car rider tag, you must park and enter the building at the front to pick up your student.

The car rider line closes at 8 am. The cafeteria doors are closed when the 8:00 am bell rings.

If you arrive after that, please escort your student inside and sign them in.

Early Dismissal is not allowed after 2:45 pm.

Transportation Changes

• If you would like to change your student’s transportation for the day, email cannantransportation@willisisd.org

• All changes must be made by 2:15 pm.

• Please include your student’s name, grade, and the transportation change.

Bus Riders

• Contact the Transportation Dept for any bus-related questions at 936-856-1220

• Download the My Ride K-12 app to access your student’s bus route/pickup locations.

• Kindergarten students must have a parent or designated adult to get them off the bus. If no one is there to receive the student, the student will be returned to their school.

This year, we will be using School Pay for T-Shirt orders, Field Trips, and any events on campus (RSVP). To begin the process, below is the link to set up your account. This way, when something comes up, you can have your account already made. Also, you can create a parent passport to make your wait time shorter for check-in for events on the campus. This allows you to scan your driver's license and utilize a QR code for the future.

• Respect posted office hours and schedule appointments as needed
  

• Avoid unplanned drop-in

Communication Chain

• Contact the teacher first
  

• Then, Assistant Principal
  

• Lastly, the Principal, if needed

• Teachers will work with you to schedule a time before/after school or during their conference period
  

• Virtual options available
  

• Notify the front office if you’d like an administrator present
  

• Always contact the front office directly for emergencies or time-sensitive needs (transportation, medical, etc).

Lunch with Your Child

• Visitor Policy
  

• Parents may eat lunch with their child only
  

• A designated parent table is available during lunch
  

• Outside Food Guidelines
  

• Allowed only when the parent stays to eat with the child
  

• Dropping off fast food is not allowed
  

• If needed, bring a labeled lunchbox to the front office for your child to retrieve
  

• Forgotten Lunches
  

• Deliver to the front office
  

• Students will be called to pick it up during non-instructional time

We know that some of you may be facing food insecurity due to recent funding cuts. We want to let you know that if you are not already receiving the bag of food for your child on Friday, here is another opportunity to sign up for that.

If you cannot print this off, please email Mr. Castillo, the Cannan Elementary School Counselor, at acastillo@willisisd.org to let him know you would like to partake in this program. This is for Cannan students only. If you have students at other schools, please contact their school counselor for information about the Backpack Food Program at their school.

As always, please let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you in any way.

Students with perfect attendance each month will participate in an attendance celebration.

Help us reach our perfect attendance goals by ensuring your child is at school every day to join in on the fun!

Missing a day of school here and there may not seem like much, but absences add up!

• When a student misses 2 days a month...they will miss a total of 20 days a year.
• When a student misses 4 days a month, they will miss a total of 40 days a year.

Willing Adults Taking Care and Helping (WATCH)

Would you like to be a part of our Wildkat WATCH Program?

Would you like to volunteer at Cannan Elementary?

Contact: ptocannan@willisisd.org

Be sure to download the Willis ISD App on your phone or device. This is a way to quickly connect to new feeds and check your parent access.

• October 9 - End of MP1 - Early Release - No Late Bird
• October 12 - 16 - Fall Break - No School
• October 20 - WISD Sensory Friendly Fall Fest and Dyslexia Night
• October 26 - 30 - Book Fair
• October 26 - 30 - Above the Influence Week
• October 27 - Spooky Science Night/Late Night Book Fair
• October 30 - Storybook Parade

Mrs. Brooke Paulson, Principal

Mrs. Jennifer Fishback, Assistant Principal

Mr. Angel Castillo, Counselor

Phone: 936-890-8660

Website: https://ces.willisisd.org/

Follow Us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WISDCannan/