Center Community Chat #3

Dear Center Community,

What a successful first week of school. From the moment we entered the building, we were greeted with a warm welcome from our families. The chalk messages were so fun. We enjoyed nourishing food for the soul, starting with a delicious breakfast provided by the union, followed by a wonderful lunch from our CSPTO. Thank you for your generosity!

A special thank you to the many volunteers who guided our tours for new kindergarten students. These experiences highlight why our Center is such a great community for learning and growth. We truly appreciate your partnership!

The highlight of this week was definitely having students back in the building. They excelled in their first week by showing their PRIDE, being kind to one another, and learning routines.

Update regarding breakfast:

Breakfast is again free and available to all students. Caretakers no longer have to sign up online. All students will have a blue card (distributed from food service) and they will be attached to their backpack. Upon entering the building, the students will walk (with their backpack) to the cart and select their breakfast. There will be 2 carts, one in wing A & one in wing B. A cafeteria worker will scan their card after the selection has been made. Signs will be posted at the locations of the two carts.

Enjoy the long weekend. We look forward to seeing all students back on Tuesday.

Warm Regards,

Donna & Jenn

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. Reminder: there is No school tomorrow or Monday.

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

• 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

• Thursday, September 18: Picture Day (updated date)

• Friday, September 19: Show Your Chelmsford Spirit Wear

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.