Cherokee Wolf Pack News

Dear Cherokee Families,

We’ve wrapped up our first month, and our classrooms are buzzing! From mastering new routines to making new friends, our students and teachers have kicked off the year on such a strong note. Mark your calendars, we have some exciting events coming up that you won't want to miss. Be sure to stay tuned to ParentSquare, so you're always in the loop!

Thank you,

Dr. Cigarroa

Join us on Monday, September 22nd for an incredible evening of exploration, creativity, and student performance. We have some amazing activities lined up:

🪐 The Star Lab (4:00-5:15 PM): Step inside our portable planetarium and explore the wonders of the universe!

👑 Living Wax Museum (4:00-5:15 PM): Watch our 5th Grade students come to life as their favorite Fairy Tale characters in a walk-through Fantasy Land! 🎭

1st & 2nd Grade Program (5:30 PM): Catch a special performance by our youngest wolves in the Little Theater. 🎨

Student Artwork: Marvel at the "Starry Night" inspired artwork created by our talented students, on display in the Upper and Middle Hallways.

Important details: 🔑 Please use the GYM DOORS to enter. We can’t wait to see our pack come together for this magical night! 🐺✨

Cherokee/Maroon and Gold days are every Friday. Let's show our Cherokee Wolves/SH Topper Spirit!

On Friday, Sept. 4, SH football players will be here to open car doors at morning arrival. Let's fill the school with maroon and gold.

Health screenings will take place Thursday, September 3, for PK, K, 2, 4, and students who have been registered.

There will be no school on Monday, September 7, for Labor Day. Educare will also be closed on this day.

Please call the office at 423-434-5281 by 2:45 p.m. for any changes to your child’s afternoon dismissal plans.

Checkpoint Testing Dates

Thursday, 9/24: Writing for Grades 3-5

Monday, 9/28: ELA for Grades 2-5

Tuesday, 9/29: Math for Grades 2-5

Wednesday, 9/30: Science for Grades 3-5

To help students do their best, please be sure they:

• Get a good night’s rest the evening before testing

• Eat a healthy breakfast (at home or at school)

• Arrive on time each day

Thank you for your support in helping our students shine!

Every day counts, Wolves! Showing up regularly helps our students build friendships, stay on track, and achieve their dreams.

Here is why attendance matters:

• What is Chronic Absenteeism? Missing 10% or more of the school year—including both excused and unexcused absences.

• Small Absences Add Up: Missing just 2 days a month equals 18 days a school year. That is almost a full month of lost learning!

• Growth Every Day: Every single school day gives our Wolves a chance to learn, connect, and make progress.

  
  

❓ Surprise Attendance Days are Coming! ❓

Keep showing up! On random days throughout the month, students who are present will earn a special incentive. Last year, students got to pie the principals... what surprise is in store this year? 👀

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

Be Here, Be a Wolf! 🐺🐾

Morning Arrival

• Doors will not open until 7:45 AM. Please do not drop students off earlier, as there may not be any supervision.
• Car Riders: Enter through the Cherokee Road parking lot by the power grid and join the car circle line. Please do not drop students off in the parking lot.
• Walkers: Enter through the main office entrance.
• Bus Riders: Enter from the main office entrance.
• The tardy bell rings at 8:15 AM. Students arriving after this time must be signed in at the front office.

Afternoon Dismissal

🚗 Car Riders

• Enter and exit through the Cherokee Road parking lot by the power grid to join the car circle line.
• Do not park on the theater side—reserved for staff parking and buses.
• The car circle line opens at 3:00 PM. Avoid blocking Cherokee Road.
• Display your car tag daily so staff can call your child from the gym. Car tags have been distributed and need to be displayed for dismissal. Please call the office if you need a car tag.
• Pick up between 3:15–3:30 PM. Repeated late pickups may require enrollment in Educare.

🚌 Bus Riders

• Load and unload from the main office.
• Typically leave campus by 3:30 PM.
• A new bus form must be completed each school year.
• Contact Teresa Stout in the main office for bus forms or route details.

🚶 Walkers

• Dismiss through the main office entrance.
• Parents meet walkers outside the main office doors.
• Do not park in the parking lots—reserved for staff parking and buses.

Cherokee Night at CFA

Need dinner plans for Monday, August 31? Stop by Chick-fil-A on Market Street on Monday, 8/31, anytime from 5:00-8:00 p.m. for a Cherokee Spirit Night! A portion of the proceeds will go to our Cherokee PTA, but please mention that you are there to support the Cherokee Elementary School PTA when you order in person or on the app. If you can, wear your Cherokee shirt and let’s fill CFA with our Wolf Pack Pride! We hope to see you there! ❤️💛🐺

Fall 2026 Stock the Lounge

Help us stock the lounge with favorite snacks and drinks to show our appreciation for Cherokee teachers and staff. Don't have time to shop but want to help out? Feel free to send in a monetary donation in a marked envelope, and we can do the shopping for you!

Please drop off items in the PTA bins in the car line or at the front door Monday, September 14th through Friday, September 18th. Email cherokeeptajctn@gmail.com with any questions.

Click the link to sign up 👉 Stock the Lounge.

Upcoming PTA Dates

• 8/31 - Cherokee Night at CFA 5:00-8:00 PM
• 9/8 @ 3:45 PM PTA Board Meeting
• 10/14 - 10/16 Grandparents Lunches in the cafe.
• 10/27 SHHS Trunk or Treat
• 11/12 Fall Family Favorites (formerly Fall Fiesta)

Reminders

• Sign up for Kroger Community Rewards with your Kroger loyalty card
• https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards
• Boxtops Rewards: Link your Walmart Wallet and earn rewards
• https://boxtops4education.com/how-to-earn

💛🐺 Be Part of the Pack — Join the Cherokee PTA! 🐺💛

Your voice, your ideas, your support — they all make a difference for our students!

Sign up today and help us make Cherokee stronger. 💪📚

• PTA Board Meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of the month in the Library.
• 👉 Join here: https://cesjc.givebacks.com/shop