Cheetah Connection

Your voice matters to us, and your input is incredibly valuable as we continue to grow and improve as a school community. We kindly ask that you take a few minutes to complete the feedback form linked below—your thoughts help guide our decisions and better support our students. Thank you for partnering with us and for sharing your perspective!

Chandler Elementary Feedback Form 25-26

• 4/14- STAAR Testing- Reading 3-6- NO LUNCH VISITORS OR VOLUNTEERS
• 4/14- Kinder Field Trip to STAAR Concert Series
• 4/16- 1st Grade Field Trip to Sea Life Aquarium
• 4/16- 2nd Grade Field Trip to Dallas Zoo
• 4/20- Staff Development Day- No school for Students
• 4/21-4/24- Volunteer Appreciation Week
• 4/21- Last Day of Cheetah Chasers
• 4/21- Last Day of Tutoring
• 4/22- STAAR Testing- 5th Grade Science- NO LUNCH VISITORS OR VOLUNTEERS
• 4/23- Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast- 8:30am in MPR
• 4/28- STAAR Testing- Math 3-6- NO LUNCH VISITORS OR VOLUNTEERS
• 4/28- 2nd Grade Field Trip to STAAR Concert Series
• 4/28- School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
• 4/29- Kinder Field Trip to STEAM Center
• 4/30- Empowered Leaders Field Trip
• 5/1- Kids Against Hunger Service Project Day
• 5/1- Student Nutrition Appreciation Day
• 5/4-5/8- Teacher Appreciation Week
• 5/4- May Spirit Rally
• 5/5- Last day to check out Library books- All Library books due on 5/12
• 5/6- Bike to School Day
• 5/6- School Nurse Appreciation Day

As we enter the final stretch of this school year, we are beginning to plan for the 2026-27 academic year. To estimate class sizes and staffing requirements, it is helpful to know which students will be moving over the summer. If you are planning to move and your student will not be returning to Chandler or Allen ISD, please complete the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1gZLzqsgKv6bKIjPoKadTeD1PSzL0UybYpS__VXCfwfk/edit If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Rhonda Ploubis at Rhonda.Ploubis@allenisd.org. Thank you for your assistance

Do you have a design idea for next year’s class shirt? The chosen designer will win a free class shirt next year! Please submit your 2026-2027 class shirt design by May 1st to classshirts@chandlerelementarypta.org

Chandler Cheetah Parents:

It is hard to believe we are only six weeks away from the end of the year! We are already in the process of looking ahead towards 2026-2027 and making plans for another exciting year for our students. With each new grade level, parents naturally begin to wonder about class assignments. Therefore, I feel it is important to share with you the process, timeline, and details that will take place to organize class lists for next year. Putting together class lists is an extremely challenging and time-consuming task for our teachers. Each student’s needs are analyzed and considered prior to determining the most suitable learning assignment. Each child is different and has a unique set of needs. Therefore, it is imperative for us to balance those needs in order for teachers to be able to effectively meet the needs of each student. To balance groups of students for instructional success, our teachers use the following criteria:

• Balance of students in academic programs (AIM, ESL, SSI, DT, SPED, ARI/AMI)

• Instructional environment

• Learning styles and/or needs

• Equal division of boys and girls

• Social needs (friends)

• Personality of students

As you can see, many details are considered in order to create balanced classes and provide an optimum learning environment for each student. This process requires a great deal of collaboration and planning among team members, including support staff. In my experience, I have found that adding teacher requests hinders the opportunity of balanced classes and poses challenges in regard to scheduling and meeting individual student needs. If your child has a unique need and you feel they would benefit from a particular type of learning environment that the current teacher would be unaware of, feel free to submit that in writing (email works the best!) to me no later than Friday, May 1st.

My hope is you will put your trust in this process and know your child’s teacher cares for your child, knows his/her needs, and will group them according to what will foster success and happiness next year. I assure you we will be diligent in our efforts to provide an effective, nurturing learning environment that will facilitate academic excellence. As always, thank you for sharing your child with us!

Sincerely,

Chelsea Abboud

Principal

chelsea.abboud@allenisd.org

When: Tuesday, April 14 | 5:30–7:30 PM

Where: LFC Track

Allen ISD will host its third annual “Field Day for Everyone” on Tuesday, April 14, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Lowery Freshman Center Stadium. This free community event welcomes students of all abilities to enjoy inclusive games, activities, vendors, and more!

Field Day for Everyone is designed to celebrate and support inclusive play while connecting families with local resources.

Attendance is free, but we ask that you RSVP.

Activities will include adapted games such as: Jenga, Connect 4, Dance Party DJ, 9 Square, Gaga Ball, Bocce Ball, Cornhole, Parachute, Soccer, Dart Archery, Seated Volleyball, Obstacle Course, and more.

Dozens of vendors will be on-site to offer services, resources, and giveaways. Participating organizations include ACEING AUTISM, Allen Orthodontist, Allen Premium Outlets, Allen Special Olympics, AMA Taekwondo, ASA, Be An Angel, Big Blue Swim School Allen, BRW Architects, CEC, Chick-fil-A Allen, Children’s Health, City of Allen, Community Impact, CUTX, Dean Hansen Insurance Agency, LLC, Freeform Chiropractic McKinney, Hanson Orthodontics, Harbor Village, Hugs Cafe, JCK Resources, Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Allen, Lone Star Kids Care, My Possibilities, Newgen Chiropractic, Raising Cane’s, RBFCU, Salience Health, Southern Charm Pediatrics, Special Strong North Dallas, Stealth Scoopers and Texas Health Resources, with more to come.

Learn more at https://www.allenisd.org/fieldday.

RSVP NOW!

I want to be proactive in helping your 6th grader be prepared for 7th grade enrollment, as this process will begin quicker than we think! Please pay close attention to the following information regarding vaccine requirements.

All incoming 7th grade students are required to have the following immunizations prior to starting 7th grade:

1. Tetanus/Diphtheria/Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) *Must have been given in the last 5 years

2. Meningococcal (must be documented on the vaccine record as one of the following: MCV4, Menactra, Menveo, or MenACWY) *Must be given on or after the 11th birthday*

These immunizations are typically given during the 11-year-old well-child checkup, so your student may have already received them. If so, please submit documentation as soon as possible. Providing this information early will help ensure a smooth transition and registration process for middle school.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Nurse Megan.

Kids Against Hunger - Panda Express Spirit Night - Tuesday, 4/14

We are so close to our $6,000 goal to host Kids Against Hunger soon! Our last fundraiser will be a Spirit Day at the Lucas Panda Express on Tuesday, April 14th! Please stop by (dine in or drive thru), mention Chandler Elementary, and show the image below so that we receive 20% back of everyone's totals that day! Thank you so much for your support and participation!

Volunteers Needed for Kids Against Hunger!

Kids Against Hunger, our great day of service at Chandler, is almost here - Friday, May 1st! All students will be part of a meal-packaging assembly line, packing nutritious shelf-stable meals for families in hunger crisis in Honduras. We need YOU to help it run smoothly! Please take a look at our Sign-Up Genius to see if there is a time slot that works for you - you won't regret this fun and heartwarming day serving others in the world! We need help with set up on Thursday afternoon, 4/30 as well as help during the day on Friday, May 1st. For questions, please reach out to Dawn Horton, School Counselor. Allen ISD Background Checks are required. To volunteer, click on this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4FADA82AA2F49-56326964-kids#/

New Backpacks Needed!

In case you did not know, Chandler has a Care Closet filled with school supplies, some clothing and toiletries, and a few snacks to have on hand to help students in need. We are currently running very low on new backpacks and often, these may wear out during the school year. If you would like to help, we are accepting new (with tags) backpacks sized for elementary students. It is helpful if they have a water bottle pocket on the outside. Contact Dawn Horton, School Counselor, for more info or to donate to our Care Closet. (Dawn.Horton@allenisd.org)

Conflict & Conflict Resolution

In classroom guidance with the counselor, students have been learning about conflict and how to resolve it peacefully and kindly! Cheetahs know to start by Cooling Off first - take a deep breath, go for a walk, quick drink of water, etc... Then, students are learning to use I-Messages:

I feel ______ when you ________. Could you please _________?

This is a great way to make sure everyone's feelings are heard and valued. Both parties in the conflict should practice good listening skills and try to brainstorm solutions together, working toward a peaceful compromise.

For more tips or assistance with conflict, reach out to Counselor, Dawn Horton.

Last Day of Cheetah Chasers will be on April 21st.

• Please make sure they wear tennis shoes on their PE days so that they can participate. These shoes need to be some sort of tennis shoe that will stay on their feet.

• As a REMINDER in PE, we are moving and grooving so if your student is in Kindergarten thru 5th grade they will come to PE 3X a week while 6th grade comes 2X a week (they have Band, Orchestra or Choir).
• If students come to PE with shoes that are unsafe such as crocs, sandals, boots, dress shoes, etc. they will have to sit out for the day.
• We want them all to be able to participate while being safe but if they do not wear the correct shoes they will have to sit out for the day.

Thank you for assistance and if you have any questions just let us know.

To stay updated about what is happening in Chandler Music please check out our Google Site and follow us on Instagram!

https://sites.google.com/allenisd.org/chandlercheetahmusic/home

Insta: @chandler_cheetah_music

¡Para mantenerse actualizado sobre lo que está sucediendo en Chandler Music, visite nuestro sitio de Google y siguenos en Instagram!!

https://sites.google.com/allenisd.org/chandlercheetahmusic/home

Insta: @chandler_cheetah_music

4th & 5th Grade Families: If your student has a recorder at home, they need to bring them to school.

Familias de 4º y 5º grado: Si su hijo/a tiene una flauta dulce en casa, debe traerla a la escuela.

Important music dates:

• May 14th: Choral Festival (during school hours)

Fechas musicales importantes:

• 14 de mayo: Festival coral (durante el horario escol

• JOIN PTA!!!
• Like us on Facebook: @chandlerelementaryPTA
• Like us on Twitter: @CC_PTA, @cheetahchandler, @ChandlerPrin
• Like us on Instagram: @chandlerelementarypta
• Volunteer! To volunteer, complete a Criminal History Check online at www.allenisd.org each year.
• Contact your child's teacher or sign up to volunteer through the Chandler PTA.

Help support Chandler Elementary and show your school spirit at the same time! PTA is selling these Chandler Elementary car tags for $5 each. Every penny of this purchase goes back to Chandler PTA to help students! Car decals can be purchased on PTA's website in the "Spirit Wear Store": https://chandlerpta.membershiptoolkit.com/home

Camp Invention is a summer day camp filled with fun, hands-on STEM adventures led by qualified local educators, designed to spark creativity, build confidence and ignite a lifelong love for learning. Learn more about this summer opportunity here!

A strong partnership between home and school is essential to every child’s success. As we begin the second semester of the 2025–2026 school year, I want to remind you that, as always, you are welcome to schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher for a parent-teacher conference to discuss their progress or address any questions you may have. If you’re interested in scheduling a conference, please reach out to your child’s teacher to arrange a convenient time.

Allen ISD’s Instructional Plans are available online to support parents in understanding what is being taught in each grade level or course. Allen ISD’s Instructional Plans provide module or unit names, the curriculum standards taught within each module or unit, and the number of instructional days per module or unit. The Instructional Plans are available and linked to each Campus Webpage under the “Our School” tab. Click here to access Allen ISD’s Instructional Plans site. For more information regarding the Instructional Plans in your student’s grade level or course, please contact the classroom teacher.

Students have access to eBooks and Audiobooks from a computer or mobile device through the digital library platform called Sora. Allen ISD has launched a new feature in the Sora eBook and audiobook digital library platform for enhanced parental involvement, the Sora Parental Controls feature. Through this feature, parents have the ability to search for eBook and audiobook titles accessible to their student, view their student’s digital book checkouts, and block access to eBook titles and audiobook titles for their student. Directions for the Sora Parental Controls feature can be found on the District Library Media Services Webpage and are available here: Sora Parental Controls

• ONLY students who are registered to ride the bus will be allowed on the bus each day.
• NEW THIS YEAR--Students may not ride home with a friend, even if they have a note from a parent.

A new Texas law (HB 1481) now requires all school districts to prohibit student use of personal communication devices during the school day. Starting August 12, Allen ISD students will not be allowed to use phones, smart watches, tablets, wireless earbuds, or similar devices from the time they enter campus until they leave at dismissal. This includes lunch and passing periods. Devices may be carried but must be turned off and kept in backpacks.

The new rule is part of updated Student Code of Conduct guidelines and is intended to reduce distractions, protect instructional time, and support a focused learning environment. Chromebooks issued by Allen ISD as part of the Empower 1:1 program are not prohibited under this new law.

Students will still be allowed to use devices once off campus for extracurricular activities or transportation needs. Please be sure to review the new guidelines with your child. Learn more at https://www.allenisd.org/devices

Allen ISD has launched a new feature in the Destiny Library Management System for enhanced parental involvement, the Destiny Library Parent Access Account. Through this account, parents have the ability to search for book titles accessible to their student, view their student’s current book check outs, view their student’s checkout history, and block access to book titles for their student. Directions for the Destiny Library Parent Access Account can be found on the District Library Media Services Webpage as well as at this link.

As we prepare for the distribution of student devices for the 2024-2025 school year, we want to ensure that every child has access to the necessary technology for their educational needs. As in previous years, students who have paid the yearly, non-refundable Device Insurance Fee are eligible to receive a new district-issued device. To facilitate the smooth distribution process and to safeguard the devices provided to our students, it will be mandatory for all families to pay the device insurance fee before obtaining a device. The deadline to pay is 9/30. The device insurance covers accidental damage and theft (with a police report) throughout the academic year. It provides peace of mind for the school and the students, ensuring uninterrupted learning and minimal disruptions in case of unforeseen incidents. The Device Insurance fee is $30 per school year. This fee is adjusted based on free/reduced lunch applications and McKinney-Vento as outlined in the Back-to-School forms. The information above as well as payment information will be included in the Back-to-School forms and at the link below.

https://www.schoolpay.com/pay/for/TECHNOLOGY-STUDENT-DEVICE-INSURANCE-FEE/SFfGf3

• Doors will open at 7:30 a.m. for arrival.
• Instructional minutes begin at 7:45 a.m. and students who are not physically inside the school building are marked tardy.
• Breakfast will begin at 7:30 AM.
• To ensure your student does not miss instructional time, we ask that you arrive as close to 7:30 AM as possible to give them time to eat prior to class beginning.

Our arrival and dismissal procedures will remain the same without any changes.

Carpool Arrival:

• Please plan to pull all the way forward and have your child practice opening and closing their car door.
• We will have staff outside to assist if your child requires assistance.

• Please see the map below so you know which area of the carpool lane you will need to be in to drop your student off at the correct door.
• K-2nd will drop their student(s) at the front of the building (older siblings may go in the front doors with their K-2 sibling)
• 3rd-6th will drop their student(s) along the west side of the building.

Carpool Dismissal:

• I do anticipate our dismissal time will take a few minutes longer the first few weeks and ask for your patience.
• Car tags will be on student desks at Meet the Teacher.
• If you do not attend Meet the Teacher, please make a homemade sign to use for the first day. Please include the student's name, grade level, and teacher.
• Children will not be outside and only staff members assisting with dismissal will be outside.
• Staff members will not be available for private conversations with families as their priority will be to assist in a safe and secure dismissal for all students.
• K-2nd will pick up their student(s) at the front of the building (older siblings will be dismissed in the front with their K-2 sibling).
• 3rd-6th will pick up their student(s) along the west side of the building.
• Please remember that this is in an effort to adhere to keeping everyone safe.
• If you would like to change the way your child goes home after 2 PM, you must call the office at 469.467.1400. Teachers will not be checking e-mail after that time.
• Changes will not be made without parent authorization.

• OLDEST sibling will be dismissed with YOUNGER sibling (K, 1st, 2nd) at the front of the building.
• You will be taking home a student specific car tag the evening of Meet the Teacher. If you need more than one tag, please ask your child's teacher.
• Please place car tag on your rear view mirror or passenger side window.
• A staff member will be using the information specific to your child on the car tag to communicate during dismissal.
• You child will make their way to the colored zone in which you are waiting.
• Students will ONLY be released to parents/guardians with their visible car tag.

• You will sign up your child to meet you at the following locations at Meet the Teacher Night. Please see map below. Option 1: Water Oak/Bur Oak, Option 2: Bur Oak or Option 3: Shelly.
• I have an image for you below to specifically let your child’s teacher know which crosswalk you plan to meet your child at for dismissal.
• Action Needed: Please ensure your child knows which crosswalk you will be meeting them at.
  
• If you will be meeting your child at a crosswalk, they are marked down as a “walker".

Option 1: Water Oak/Bur Oak:

• If you plan to walk/bike from home, please feel free to say goodbye at the sidewalk/crosswalk on Water Oak.
• We will have staff on the sidewalks leading up to the school in the mornings to ensure a safe entry into school.
• We will have staff walking kids to the crosswalk area at Water Oak in the afternoon at dismissal.
• If you are walking/bike riding with your child home in the afternoon, please plan to meet your child at the crosswalk.

Option 2: Bur Oak:

• If you plan to walk/bike from home, please feel free to say goodbye at the sidewalk/crosswalk on Bur Oak.
• We will have staff on the sidewalks leading up to the school in the mornings to ensure a safe entry into school.
• We will have staff walking kids to the crosswalk area at Bur Oak in the afternoon at dismissal.
• If you are walking/bike riding with your child home in the afternoon, please plan to meet your child at the crosswalk.

Option 3 Shelley:

• If you plan to walk/bike from home, please feel free to say goodbye at the sidewalk/crosswalk on Shelley.
• We will have staff on the sidewalks leading up to the school in the mornings to ensure a safe entry into school.
• We will have staff walking kids to the crosswalk area at Shelley in the afternoon at dismissal.
• If you are walking/bike riding with your child home in the afternoon, please plan to meet your child at the crosswalk.

• All students will be escorted to their appropriate daycare bus or regular bus by a staff member each day.

All students will be issued a student ID card with a lanyard. They will wear these daily for checking out books, buying lunch, etc.

Please bring your child's school supplies to either Meet the Teacher Night or on the first day of school. You can find this list on the Chandler website.

We highly encourage students in grades K-1 to bring an additional change of clothes to keep in their backpack.

Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle each day in order to access water fountains for filling of water containers. Please ensure their names are on their water bottle.

All students will need headphones or earbuds. Please send these with your students as soon as possible!

• Please, please, please put your child's name on their personal items.
• We recommend using the initial of the first name and the full last name. (Ex: C. Abboud)
• If your child misplaces something and their name is on it, we will do everything we can to get it back to them.
• Suggested items you put their names on:

1. Water bottle
2. Lunchbox
3. Jacket

• Students will still go to Art, Music, and PE each week.
• Your child's teacher will communicate the schedule for each day.
• Please make sure that your child wears running/tennis shoes on the days that they have P.E.

If you need to drop off medicine for your child, please fill out the Medical Authorization Form and/or contact Nurse Megan at Megan.Herndon@allenisd.org if you have any questions. She can make arrangements with you.

Attendance - What Do I Do If My Child is Absent?

• Notify the office by 10:00 am by submitting an Absence Request in Family Access (preferred), calling the office at 469-467-1400 or e-mailing the Registrar.

• By submitting the Absence Request in Skyward, you will have notified the school and provided the absence note! Otherwise, we must have a signed note from a parent, guardian or doctor stating the reason for the absence. The note needs to include the student’s name and date(s) of the absence(s).

• By policy, your child’s absence will be recorded as unexcused if we do not receive a note within 3 school days of his/her return – even if you notified the school via phone or email.

• A doctor’s note will be required for admittance into class if your student is absent more than 5 consecutive school days. This may be in written form, or you may also submit your absence request through Family Access.

• If your child is absent from school and you would like to pick up his/her homework, you must request the homework by 10:00 am. It will be available for pick up in the office after 3:00 pm.

• Unless a child is sick, please make every effort to have him/her in school. It is often difficult for young children to ‘catch-up’ when they have been out for several days.

• Please note that family vacations are not considered excused absences.

Once enrolled in public education, students are required by law to attend. Specific details can be found in the Elementary Student Handbook found online at www.allenisd.org.

What Do I Do When My Child is Late to School?

• It is imperative that no child be dropped off on the west side (gym side) of the school after the late bell rings at 7:45 am as the doors will be locked.

• All students should be escorted by their parents to check in at the office when they arrive late to school. Families simply ring the bell to gain access to the building.

• Students are not considered late if they are coming to school after a doctor’s appointment if a doctor’s note is provided when signing into school for the day.

Visitors on Campus

• Ring the bell located on the left side wall at the front of the building (east/flagpole side).

• Be prepared to show your picture ID.

• The receptionist will need you to state your name, your student’s name and the reason for your visit before unlocking the door.

• Approval and an ID badge must be obtained prior to entering the instructional areas of the campus.

• To volunteer on campus you must have a background check. Click here for more information.

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Lunch

• Students will have a lunch card (includes lunch number) on a lanyard for them to scan in the lunch line.

• Students may bring their lunches to school if they prefer not to purchase one.

• Lunches should be sent in containers that students are able to open independently.

• Carbonated drinks are not recommended as they leak, explode, etc.

• Students do not have access to a microwave or refrigerator.

• Lunches may be dropped off at the front desk if forgotten, heated or purchased from a restaurant if the parent is not staying to eat with the student.

• Please see the PARENTS tab on the Vaughan website for additional cafeteria information - https://www.allenisd.org/page/student-nutrition

Lunch Visitors

• Parents are welcome to eat lunch with their own children at the designated parent table in the cafeteria that are on the stage.

• We do have specific days in which we ask for no lunch visitors.

• We ask that parents refrain from eating with their child until September 2nd. This allows our staff to support students with expectations and procedures in the cafeteria.

• We also do not allow parents to join their students for lunch on state testing days.

• When you arrive for lunch, you will need to sign in with the receptionist and then proceed to the lunchroom.

• For security purposes and to avoid hurt feelings of other students, only your own children will be allowed to sit with you.

• You are welcome to bring in an outside meal for your student and/or yourself only.

• If purchasing a tray, please have your child order your meal at the beginning of the day in order to have enough food prepared.

Cafeteria Payments - "MySchoolBucks" System

Allen ISD's online payment system for cafeteria accounts is MySchoolBucks, offering a convenient online service that allows you to securely pay for your student’s meals online using your credit/debit card or electronic check.

You may:

• Set Up Automatic Recurring Payments

• Track & Review Meal History

• Create Low Balance Alerts

• Make Payments with the Mobile App, and much more

  
  

Sign up now! Registering for your FREE account is easy, go to https://www.MySchoolBucks.com. Create a secure account and never worry again about sending cash or checks with your student(s) to school again.

We are looking for parents who want to partner with teachers to encourage, inspire, and grow our students as well as support teachers in various ways. We send out a weekly sign up with volunteer opportunities (work with small group of students, copy, laminate, lunch duty, help in library), this allows you to choose areas you are interested or feel comfortable. This can change from week to week. If interested, please read through the volunteer handbook linked below then sign and return the last page.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Roxanne Rinaldi - Roxanne.Rinaldi@allenisd.org

We appreciate your continued support and partnership as we navigate the 2025-2026 school year together. Go Cheetahs!

Thank you,

Chelsea Abboud

Principal

Chandler Elementary

Website: https://www.allenisd.org/Page/2390
Location: Chandler Elementary School, Water Oak Drive, Allen, TX, USA
Phone: 469-467-1400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chandlerelementaryPTA
Twitter: @cheetahchandler