CGS Weekly Message for 25-26
9/29/2025-10/3/2025
Good afternoon,
Happy Sunday!
Fall Pictures- Make Up Fall Picture day is Monday, October 13, 2025.
Save the Dates:
- 10/3/2025: Half Day Dismissal! K-8 Campus dismisses at 11:45 A.M. and HS dismisses at 12:00 P.M.
- 10/3/2025: Fall Senior Night for Senior Athletes playing fall sports
- 10/4/2025: Annual Athletics Golf Tournament Fundraiser at Quaker Creek Golf Course
- 10/6/2025-10/10/2025: Academic Break! No School!
- 10/13/2025: Make up Fall Picture Day for those that missed it!
- 10/14/2025: October BOD Meeting @ 6:30 P.M. In person at our HS Campus or via YouTube
- 10/17/2025: Trunk or Treat Night - Hosted by our CGS PVC! More details to come soon!
- 10/18/2025: Marching Band Competition at Western Alamance High School
- 10/20/2025: School Closed/Teacher Workday! Parent/Teacher Conferences (K-12)
- 10/31/2025: Senior Drape/Tux Portraits @ 9 AM at the HS Campus
Looking further ahead:
- 11/1/2025: Campus Clean Up date - more details to come soon!
Reminder- Check out our CGS Directory for questions regarding anything CGS! You can also reach out to us at info@cgsnc.org for questions.
Don't forget to check out our website at www.cgsnc.org and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cgsgrizzlies for updates!
K-8 Campus Updates
Greeting Grizzly Families,
We hope your week is off to a great start! We're reaching out to ask for your partnership in maintaining our positive school community environment.
Recently, we've experienced some concerning incidents in our restrooms, particularly in Building 2, Building 3, and the Commons area. These incidents involve unsanitary behaviors that create unsafe and unpleasant conditions for all our Grizzly Scholars.
Our school expectations apply to every setting on campus, including restrooms. We believe that with your support at home, we can address these issues together and ensure our facilities remain clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone.
How You Can Help
Please remind your Grizzly Scholar about proper restroom etiquette and hygiene
Discuss the importance of respecting shared spaces and community property
Reinforce that our school expectations follow us everywhere on campus
We truly appreciate your partnership in creating a positive learning environment for all our students. Together, we can ensure our school remains a place where every Grizzly Scholar feels safe, respected, and proud to learn.
Thank you for your continued support!
**Also Parents of Middle School Students, please be mindful students will participate in a video training session on the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. This is a great tool and resource for our school community. Below is an excerpt from the site giving a general overview.
“Sandy Hook Promise strives to build a community of Upstanders by empowering young people and their families to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities using our Know The Signs programs: Start with Hello and Say Something.”
Key features of our programs include:
Developmentally appropriate learning: Programs designed for all youth.
Empathy and connection: Fostering understanding and compassion.
Warning sign recognition: Teaching youth how to identify potential risks.
Positive action: Empowering youth to take steps to prevent violence.
Interactive learning: Engaging activities that make learning fun.
Family resources: Tools to help families support the Know the Signs teachings.”
All the BEST,
Leah Spencer
#GrizzlyPride
High School Campus Updates
Hello Grizzly Families!
It's hard to believe we are in the last week of the quarter and nearing another academic break. Thank you for having students at school and on time daily. Grades will be finalized at the end of this week. Please continue to monitor your student's grades and assignment completion through Canvas and Infinite Campus. Every course counts and becomes part of a students high school transcript when they enter 9th grade. We ask for your continued support in ensuring a successful academic experience.
All the best,
Dr. Morris
FASFA is OPEN! It's always good to get a head start on completing FASFA because it's often required when applying for scholarships.
Burlington Woman's Club (BWC) Scholarship Opportunity
Jostens will be on site for Seniors and Sophomores ordering 11:30-1pm on October 1st.
DRIVERS EDUCATION ELIGIBILITY FORM (for learner's permit)
Please email the school-level Principal or Assistant Principal to have a document drafted and set up a time to meet for completion. Please allow 72 hours from the time you request the certificate to when you pick it up. This document requires a parent/guardian to come to the school for completion and is good for 30 days.
TRANSCRIPT REQUEST
If you need a transcript, please use the CGS Transcript Request Form and allow 72 hours for your request to be completed.
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Do you have a snapshot camera you no longer use? Mrs. Miner needs additional digital cameras to use in Digital Photography 1 and 2. If you have a digital camera you'd like to donate, please contact Mrs. Miner (shelleyminer@cgsnc.org).
High School Student Advising Information and Opportunities:
Senior Shout Out- Mr. Noah Kastner
Congratulations to Senior, Mr. Noah Kastner! He has qualified as a Semifinalist in the 2026 National Merit® Scholarship Program. Noah will have the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,870 National Merit Scholarships to be offered next spring. Wish him luck as he continues in the process. We are so proud of you!
Click HERE for more information on the scholarship program.
Senior Class of 2026
SENIORS--The Park Scholarship Program at NC State University
The Park Scholarships program brings together students with outstanding accomplishments and potential in scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
THE PARK SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM is a four-year scholarship valued at $124,000 and covers:
- Tuition, fees, and room and board
- Books and personal expenses
- $2,000 computer stipend
- Enrichment grants to fund study abroad, research projects, service activities, conferences, and more
- Guaranteed invitation to join the University Honors Program
THE PARK EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
- Professional training in leadership, public speaking, and business etiquette
- Educational trips, retreats, and seminars
- Faculty mentors and a network of more than 1,100 accomplished Park Scholarships alumni worldwide
Applications for the Park Scholarships program and admission to NC State are both due by 11:59 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 1, for consideration for the Park Scholarship. For more information:
SENIORS--IT IS TIME TO GET READY TO APPLY TO COLLEGE!!!
CommonApp opened August 1st for 2025-2026. Be sure to create an account with your personal email address. Dr. Morris serves as the counselor for those applying to college. Please see the presentation linked here for important information to support your senior year college application journey. The CollegeWise CommonApp Guide is available to assist you in creating your account.
SENIORS--FREE College Planning and Paying Resources
Sallie Mae shares resources to assist in planning for college. Please see the links below.
- Applying to college checklist
- 1-2-3 approach to paying for college
- Scholly® Scholarships by Sallie
- Filing the FAFSA®
- Decoding financial aid offers
- Comparing financial aid offers
- Help your student pay for school (comparing Parent PLUS Loans and private student loans)
- It’s never too early to start thinking about scholarships! A scholarship that’s quick and easy to apply for is Sallie’s $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. It takes less than two minutes to enter, and no essay is required. Better yet, they give out a scholarship monthly, so students can enter every month!
Reminder: Senior Drape/Tux Photos will be on October 31st at 9 AM at the HS Campus
Senior Parent Checklist for College Applications
Senior Student Checklist for College Applications
Seniors 2026--Check out the opportunities to explore William Peace and East Carolina University
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
ECU Free Application Week
Apply for admission to ECU for free this week!
Dates: Mon.-Fri., September 22-26, 2025
More Information: admissions.ecu.edu/apply
University of NC System Virtual Transfer Fair
The UNC System Virtual Transfer Fair is an opportunity for students, families, and transfer advisors to learn more about UNC System universities. Attendees will hear about the unique learning opportunities and transfer admission processes from each UNC institution.
Date: Tues.-Thurs., September 30—October 2, 2025
Time: 3pm-4:30pm
Register: bit.ly/4fVyLSW
Let’s Connect Events
These are in-person college knowledge events for middle school, high school and community college students and their families. These events are hosted by the ECU Office of Undergraduate Admissions in partnership with various NC counties and community colleges. There will be a variety of ECU representatives available to discuss academic programs, resources, and to share information about campus life.
Let’s Connect ECU (formerly known as Conectémonos en ECU)
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Time: 5pm—8pm
Location: ECU Main Campus Student Center, Greenville, NC
ECU College of Education Academic/Preview Day Events
Date: Friday, October 3, 2025
Time: 10am-3pm
Location: ECU Main Campus, Greenville, NC
Register: bit.ly/3VkEZCc
iTeach Event
This event is proudly sponsored by the ECU College of Education and will offer a university Information Session and Campus Tour from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Additionally, there will be a Teacher Education Academic Fair and presentations about the College of Education, University Scholarships, NC Teaching Fellows program, the Education Living-Learning Community and other resources.
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Campus Tour & Presentation: 10am-12pm
Teacher Education Academic Program Fair & COE Presentations: 1-4pm
Register: Opens in September
Location: ECU Main Campus, Greenville, NC
College for North Carolina (CFNC) Resources
NC Countdown to College (C2C) is a year-long initiative to increase the number of students who pursue post-secondary education by assisting high school seniors with the college admissions process (residence, FAFSA, and applications) and ensuring that each participating student submits at least one admissions application.
Register: www.cfnc.org/apply-to-college/nc-countdown-to-college
Free Application Week: October 20, 7:30am—5pm, October 26, 2025
ECU Fall Open House
This campus-wide event is hosted by the ECU Office of Undergraduate Admissions. During this event, prospective students and their families will have the opportunity to tour campus, attend information sessions, explore academic programs, and meet current students, faculty, and staff. See attached flyer for details.
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 9am—2pm
Location: ECU Campus, Greenville, NC
Register: bit.ly/4mzwKyf
School Nurse Updates
Please continue to sanitize, wash hands frequently and notify the school nurse of any student illnesses or injuries. Thank you!
Please see the letter below from Nurse Corbett.
Please reach out to Nurse Corbett with questions at angelacorbett@cgsnc.org.
Parent Volunteer Committee at Clover Garden School
All Things Parent Volunteer Committee (PVC) – Click Here!
Want to get involved at Clover Garden? Click here to read the latest updates from our Parent Volunteer Committee! Learn how you can support our Trunk or Treat event (host a trunk or donate items), donate to our October Staff Sips & Treats, get involved with the upcoming Community Garden, and see what’s coming up for the month of October.
Get your GRIZZLY GEAR! 🐻💥
Ready to rock your school pride? Head over to grizzlyden.org NOW and grab the hottest school apparel! Hoodies, tees, crewnecks- you name it in both elementary and MS/HS style! Don't wait, gear up, stand out, and show everyone what it means to be a part of Grizzly Nation!
Support our Teachers- Junior Civitan Donation Collection
Please help our Junior Civitans as they support our K-12 Teacher Closets by donating any extra school supplies you may have. Our Junior Civitan club is collecting donations to supply the teacher closets at both campuses to help provide teachers with "extra supplies" as they may need them throughout the school year. Thank you for your help! Please see a Junior Civitan member or view the flyer below for more details!
K-5 Dance Camp- Sponsored by our CGS Dance Ensemble
Our CGS Dance Ensemble is hosting a dance camp for our elementary school kids!
On November 19th, from 2:45 - 6:30pm the campers will spend time learning technique and choreography.
They will receive a snack and a t- shirt while attending the camp.
On November 21st, all participants are invited to perform with our CGS Dance Ensemble at the varsity girls' halftime to showcase what they've learned!
If registered before October 17th - $40. After October 17th, registration will be $50. Sign-ups close on November 7th!
Interest Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Rvxe1REgYkkyesx9XDffqVLxUitMK_xwAfNWFerbH6I/edit?ts=68a63970
Student Work- Adjectives to Describe our Grizzlies
Words to define some of our amazing CGS Students!! LOVE this bulletin board and the positive self esteem it promotes! 💓
Student Work- Setting Goals in Middle School
Shout out to our Middle School students who are already setting goals for their futures! Thank you to our teachers for completing our social and emotional work with our grizzlies!
Athletics Updates:
3rd Annual CGS Athletic Boosters Golf Tournament:
Saturday, October 4th @ 8:30 A.M.
Quaker Creek Golf Course
Come out and Support our Athletic Boosters Program!
Open Coaching Positions- if interested in any of the following coach openings please email both Coach Paschal and Coach Somers your resume/experience
- Varsity Softball Head Coach
- JV Boys Basketball Assistant Coach
Dates to Know:
- 10/3- Fall Sport Senior Night
- 10/4- Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser
Band/Performing Arts Updates
Our CGS Marching band had their first competition this last Saturday! Congratulations to Mr. Harper and to our Marching Grizzlies for winning all of your awards!! #GOGRIZZLIES!
CGS Band Division Awards received:
- 2nd place marching performance
- 2nd place drum major
- 2nd place over all in Class A
- 2025 Ledford of Bands Spirit Award
Save the Dates:
- 10/18/25: On Saturday, October 18th, our Marching Grizzlies will have a local competition at Western Alamance High School! More details (time) coming soon! Come out to support our Marching Grizzlies on that Saturday!
- 10/25/25: Northwestern Guilford High School Band Competition
- 11/22/25: Burlington Holiday Parade
- 12/5/25: Mebane Holiday Parade
- 12/6/25: Graham Holiday Parade
Band Rehearsals continue on Monday and Thursday weekly from 3:30 P.M.- 5:30 P.M.
Lunch Information
Parents,
Attached please find a copy of this October's menu. Please review it carefully as you place your order at https://clovergarden.familyportal.cloud/. You have until Thursday the week before the serving week to place your order. Please be sure you have enough money on your account to cover lunches for the month, the money doesn't come out of their accounts until they pick up their lunch. Please make sure your account is no more than $25 in the negative. If your student’s account is more than $25 in the negative he/she will not be allowed to purchase a la carte items and charge them to their account.
Also the only confirmation you will receive is a green check mark. This company doesn't send out email confirmations.
Thank you,
Dana Walker
Cafeteria Coordinator
Mental Health Services
Please click on this LINK if you are interested in Mental Health Services for your student(s).
Staffing Updates:
Current Vacancies:
- High School Science Teacher
- MS/HS P.E. Teacher
- MS P.E. Teacher
- 2nd Grade Classroom Teacher
**Coach Bradford (MS PE) and Mrs. Maness (2nd Grade) both resigned this week. We wish them the best in their future endeavors.
Have a GREAT week Grizzlies! 🐻
As always, thanks for all that you do,
Mrs. Vereyken
Executive Director
Clover Garden School
*If you need this weekly newsletter translated into a different language, please let our Title 1 Coordinator, Mrs. Simmons know at brandisimmons@cgsnc.org.
*If you have any thoughts, feedback or suggestions for our Title 1 team on ways to improve our practices, please contact Mrs. Simmons at brandisimmons@cgsnc.org.
Clover Garden School
Email: info@cgsnc.org
Website: cgsnc.org
Locations:
2454 Altamahaw Union Ridge Road, Burlington, NC, USA
5806 Pagetown Road, Burlington, NC 27217
Phone: 3365869440
Facebook: facebook.com/cgsgrizzlies