Center Community Chat #2

A warm welcome to all of our new and returning Center families. We look forward to another exciting of year of partnering with you to create a welcoming, and enriching learning environment for all Center Students.

The first days of school are exciting and hectic. Below is some important information about routines and procedures at the school.

A special thank you to our custodian Al Woodman and Dynamic Janitorial, who worked tirelessly to make sure the school is sparkling and ready for our students on Tuesday, August 26th (for students in grades 1-4). A huge shout out to the "anonymous" family for their time repainting our recess shed. It looks amazing!! Thanks also to the contractor Joe & his team who have worked diligently to get our new vestibule ready for the school year!

Center Chirps

• Ms. O'Hearn and Ms. Ely are now available to answer questions. They are available in the main office from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM and can also be reached by phone.

Warm regards,

Donna & Jenn

Staff Updates:

We would like to bid a fond farewell to Maryellen Olsson, who taught on our 4th grade team and is transferring to Parker Elementary.

As we look ahead, we are excited to welcome Ms. Brooke Larson to our 4th grade team. Ms. Larson did an amazing job during the interview process, and she came highly recommended. She completes our fourth grade team! As of this moment, I am happy to report that Center School is fully staffed.

Please send in a note on the first day of school indicating what your child's dismissal plan is (pick-up, extended day, or the bus). If your child arrives on the bus we will assume they are returning home on the bus unless we hear otherwise.

Please press the link below for complete dismissal practices.

Please find the CPS academic calendar below. The first day of school for grade 1-4 is August 26. Kindergarteners will have an orientation on that day, your specific time slot was in your placement letter, and the first full day of kindergarten in August 27.

Please note that parents/adults are not allowed to escort their child(ren) to their classroom on school days. Staff members will be in the main lobby to assist all students and guide them to their classrooms. We appreciate your assistance with this.

Once again, the Chelmsford Public Schools will be purchasing school supplies for students. These supplies include the traditional items families would buy in the past (crayons, pencil boxes, glue sticks, binders, etc.). Students will still require a backpack but our hope is that providing these supplies will assist families as we begin the school year.

5 – 5:25 PM: Principal/Assistant Principal Presentation in the cafeteria for K - 2 grade families

5:30 – 6:15 PM: Grades K - 2 Teacher Presentations.

6:15 – 7:00 PM: Specialists/ Reading/ Special Educators and Related support providers available in classrooms/offices

7 – 7:25 PM: Principal/ Assistant Principal Presentation in the cafeteria for 3 & 4 grade families (The 5 PM presentation is repeated.)

7:30 – 8:15 PM: Grades 3 & 4 Teacher Presentations

We kindly request that children remain at home during curriculum night.

This year Massachusetts is offering all school lunch and breakfast at no charge to students. This does not automatically make families eligible for any other benefits. We strongly encourage families that feel they are eligible for transportation or extended day reduced tuition to fill out the online free and reduced meal application. The links can be found below. https://cpsnutrition.com/index.php?sid=1478035692058&page=lunchapps

If you do qualify for benefits you most likely will be eligible for SNAP benefits. https://www.mass.gov/snap-benefits-formerly-food-stamps

Some examples of SNAP benefits are discounts on gas, electric utilities and internet services.

Please visit our school nutrition website at https://cpsnutrition.com/index.php?sid=1478035692058 for more information about our program and also a link to the free and reduced lunch application.

Our bus registration is continuing this month and all students who will ride the bus are required to register. These registrations assist us in making the most efficient and safe bus routes. Please visit the transportation website at: https://chelmsfordschools.org/departments/transportation/ for more information on how to register for the bus.

• Please read the attached document regarding medication drop-off
• Please visit the health page for additional information and medication forms at https://chelmsfordschools.org/departments/health-services/health-forms/

August

• Monday, August 25: No School, Staff orientation

• Tuesday, August 26: Grades 1-9 start, K Orientation

• Wednesday, August 27: All students in school

• Friday, August 29: No School

September

• Monday, September 1: No School (Labor Day)
• Monday, September 8: Let Your Kind Shine

• Wednesday, September 10: PTO Meeting, 7:00 PM Center Library

• Monday September 15: National DOT day

• Tuesday, September 16: Curriculum Night, 5-6:15 PM grades K-2 , 7-8:15 PM grades 3 & 4

• Wednesday, September 17: National Constitution Day

• Wednesday, September 17: Half day/Professional Development Day

• Friday, September 19: Show Your Chelmsford Spirit Wear

• Thursday, September 25: Picture Day

Center is not only a wonderful place to attend and learn but also a wonderful place to work, as many of our parents/grandparents can attest to. Substitutes in all areas are always in high demand. Please look at the CPS district website if interested.

The first Monday of the month will be a "Let Your Kind Shine" spirit day. You are invited to wear tops that promote kindness.

The third Friday of the month is Chelmsford/Center Pride spirit day. Sport our district colors, maroon, white, and black.

* Dates may be adjusted due to holidays or breaks. Please look at the weekly calendar of events for specific dates.

A picture speaks a thousand words as they say, and we love to include these in our weekly updates and on the website through our Twitter feed. Please let email Ms. O’Hearn at ohearnc@chelmsford.k12.ma.us. if you do not want your child’s picture included in these forums.