The Weekly CHES Cougar Connection
Week of December 9th 2024
"The Winter Break Countdown Begins!!"
Dearest CHES Families!
We hope this message finds you well as we enter the final stretch before winter break! First, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you for your patience, understanding, support, and advocacy during the heating issues we faced last Monday. Your immediate and positive response to our needs was truly outstanding, and we’re so grateful to partner with such an amazing community.
We also want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of our CHES students who participated in the PGCPS All-County Honors Orff Ensemble! Their outstanding performance left us shocked and proud, as they showcased their talents through instruments, dance, vocals, and powerful monologues. A special thank-you goes to Mr. Pierre, who led the students with passion, dedication, and remarkable leadership. The event was a true testament to the hard work and creativity of our scholars and staff. Bravo to everyone involved! 🎉
As we move forward, we want to remind you that the grading window is now open. This is an excellent opportunity to sit down with your students, review their grades on ParentVUE, and celebrate their accomplishments while setting goals for them to complete the term.
The countdown to winter break has officially begun, and we’re looking forward to excitement and energy. Thank you for all you do to support our school community.
Finally, you may have received an automated TEST message from our School Messenger system. Please complete this BRIEF survey to help us determine if it is working properly.
Until Next Week...
We are CHES and our cougars climb to new heights! 🐾
THIS WEEK AT CHES...
MONDAY
- Fire Drill
- CogAT Testing 4th Dual Language Class
- CogAT Testing (Off Level Testing - parents have been notified)
- LIT Club
- Jump Rope Club
- Step Club
- Write A Book Support Session
TUESDAY
- Grading Window Closes
- CogAT Testing 4th Dual Language Class
- CogAT Testing - Off Level Testing
- Science Bowl Team
- Primary Fitness Club
WEDNESDAY
- Tennis Club
- CogAT Testing 4th Dual Language Class
- CogAT Testing - Off Level Testing
- Homework Club
- Write A Book Support Session (updated)
THURSDAY
- CogAT Testing 4th Dual Language Class
- CogAT Testing - Off Level Testing
- Good News Club
- Science Bowl Team
- Homework Club
- Primary Fitness Club
FRIDAY
- Uniform Free Day'
- CogAT Testing 4th Dual Language Class
- CogAT Testing - Off Level Testing
WRITE A BOOK SUPPORT 2.0
Attention 2nd - 5th TAG Parents and Guardians,
We are hosting additional afterschool student work sessions for the mandatory TAG Write-A-Book project and optional PGCPS Write-A-Book competition. TAG and Comprehensive students in 2nd-5th grade can submit books for the district competition.
We will be hosting two December sessions to support students on school Chromebooks as they work on their final drafts. Sessions are intended for students who do not have reliable technology access at home. Chromebooks and adult supervision will be provided. Students must come with their written rough drafts and a snack!
Sessions will be held from 3:45-4:45pm on the following dates:
(Students must register, but can select one or both dates.)
Monday, December 9th
Wednesday, December 11th
Here is the registration link: Registration for Write-A-Book Work Sessions
These sessions are intended as a way to support students with their writing and offer them dedicated time to work, but parents and students are still responsible for project completion and meeting stated deadlines.
THE WEEK BEFORE WINTER BREAK...
Winter Break is quickly approaching! Please take a minute to look over the scheduled spirit days below that will begin on Monday, December 16th!
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
CONGRATULATIONS for a stunning performance from our CHES Scholars at the prestigious PGCPS All County Honors Orff Ensemble! What a performance! And. what can we say about our very own Mr. Pierre is the director?!? CHES is so proud of you all!
CHES student performers: Jamir Almazar, Edward Bright II, Josiah Edwards, Grace Emmel, Madison Ann Jackson, Victoria Logossou, Avery Porter, Erika Reaves, Dyllan Render, Danielle Singleton, Kenzie Tchagah, Estella Thomas, and Kaliyah Thorpe.
CHES PTSA UPDATE
A Note from our CHES PTSA...
PTSA Needs YOU to Advocate for CHES
Our PTSA Advocacy Committee is hard at work this semester and needs YOUR support to strengthen our efforts. We are advocating at the district level for CHES to receive much-needed improvements to our building and grounds. Our PTSA representatives have provided written and oral testimony at PGCPS board meetings this fall and we are starting to see progress as a result. Now, we need more parents, students, and teachers on board to continue those efforts! If you are interested in joining the PTSA Advocacy Committee, email advocacy@chesptsa.com to get involved.
We invite you to join as a PTSA member for 2024-2025: individual memberships are only $10 and a family membership is $20. We are forming (and growing) committees in multiple interest areas: communications, advocacy, events, fundraising, classroom support, and teacher hospitality. There is a place for YOU in the PTSA!
Join today at https://chesptsa.givebacks.com/.
CHES Swag Sale
Need some new gear to represent CHES? Now's your chance! The PTSA is hosting a CHES Swag Sale Orders will be shipped directly to you and apparel is available in both youth and adult sizes. Start your holiday shopping and share your Cougar pride with your family and friends!
https://sparkprintservice.com/collections/the-ptsa-of-capitol-heights-elementary-school
PTSA members receive a 10% discount on their order- look for an email with the discount code. Not a member? Join today! I
AFTER-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CLUB OPPORTUNITIES
2nd SEMESTER BBA SPORTS CLUBS
Now that the 1st Semester After-school Sports Clubs have completed, we are getting ready for the 2nd semester! Please review and consider the following BBA Sports Clubs!
Basketball
Soccer
https://bbaafterschool.leagueapps.com/events/4447463-capital-heights-elementary-soccer-spring-2025
Cheer
https://bbaafterschool.leagueapps.com/events/4447468-capital-heights-elementary-cheer-spring-2025
Flag Football
Few Spots Remain: Register NOW for Afterschool Clubs with Wize Computing Academy
The PTSA is excited to partner with Wize Computing Academy (https://www.wizeacademy.com/south-central-maryland/) to offer two new afterschool programs beginning in January 2025: LEGO Coding and Robotics and Coding in Minecraft. Priority registration for PTSA members has ended- enrollment is open to all CHES families now. PTSA members still receive 10% off registration- check your emails!
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/CHESCodingClub
Lego Coding and Robotics
- Grades: 2nd - 5th
- Class size: Up to 18 students
- Time: Mondays from 4pm - 5pm
- Dates: January - March (as long as school is in session)
Coding in Minecraft
- Grades: 3rd - 5th
- Class size: Up to 10 students
- Time: Wednesdays from 4pm - 5pm
- Dates: January - March (as long as school is in session)
CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS LOTTERY IS OPEN
We wanted to share a friendly reminder to everyone that the application window for PGCPS Specialty Programs and The Creative & Performing Arts closes next month - December 13th.
Please see the links below:
Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1siHCM808gaQJ2Zcyk_wqhoo3xhuE7zbGOs_qR83HPIE/viewform?edit_requested=true
Application Info: https://sites.google.com/pgcps.org/pgcps-cvpacpa-application-site/application
Audition Site: https://sites.google.com/pgcps.org/pgcps-cvpacpa-application-site/home
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND NOTICES
Take the time to visit Kettering Middle School's Open House to learn more about the Spanish Immersion Program. Open Houses will be at 1:15pm on the following dates:
December 9, 2024
January 13, 2024
February 10, 2025
March 10, 2025
Families, please check out this wonderful information from the immersion program. I hope you participate and enjoy the night of codes.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CHES EVENTS:
December 10, 2024 - SPanish Spelling Bee List Released
December 17, 2024 - Picture Retakes
December 18, 2024 - Holidays Around the World (updated)
December 19, 2024 - Winter Showcase
December 19, 2024 - Winter Classroom parties (updated)
PGCPS Grading Dates: (⭐⭐NEW⭐⭐)
December 10th - Progress Report Grading Window Closes
December 18th - 2nd Quarter Progress Report Released Online
January 24th - End of the 2nd Quarter
February 11th - 2nd Quarter Report Cards Released Online
Parent-Teacher Conference Days:
March 5, 2025 (2-Hour Delay)
Systemic Professional Development Days (No School for Students):
February 14, 2025
March 17, 2025
Professional Days (3-Hour Early Dismissal):
December 20, 2024
January 27, 2025
February 28, 2025
April 4, 2025
May 16, 2025
OUR MISSION
Capitol Heights Elementary School seeks to create a challenging environment that encourages high expectations for success through Talented Gifted Best Practices, Arts Integration and Dual Language models. We recognize that each child is an individual; that all children have gifts; that all children need to succeed and our families are partners in education. Our school promotes a safe, developmentally appropriate, caring, and nurturing environment.
Shawna R. Berry - Lead Learner
Principal