The SHARK Alert

Welcome to this week’s issue of the SHARK Alert!

Time is flying by at CES. This past week we said goodbye to September and welcomed the busy month of October. There are lots of important events coming to CES, so please make sure to read the SHARK Alert each week.

Please keep in mind that there is no school on Friday, October 9th due to a Staff Professional Development Day. In addition, school will be closed on Monday, October 12th in observance of the national holiday.

Wishing you a great week ahead!

Warmly,

Dr. Kelly

We appreciate your patience and flexibility as our towns undergo a variety of roadwork projects. You will find the most accurate and current information about road closures and detours on our town websites and on the social media pages of local public safety:

• Town of Harwich Website - this page has weekly updates from the contractors, along with detours and recommended school transportation pickup and dropoff spots
• Harwich Police Facebook Page
• Town of Chatham Website
• Chatham Police Facebook Page

These resources are also linked on our website. We ask that everyone be prepared for some slight delays as road construction projects continue in the coming weeks.

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome our new physical education teacher, Ms. Sophie Brzezinski, to the Chatham Elementary School family! Ms. B comes to us with an impressive athletic background as a former Division 1 cross country and track runner. In addition to her own running career, she has been sharing her expertise by coaching cross country and track at Monomoy High School. We feel incredibly lucky to have her bringing that same passion and energy to CES!

Ms. B has already hit the ground running. This week, she perfectly combined collaboration, fitness, and fun across her classes. Our Pups (our youngest learners) had an absolute blast pretending to be penguins, working together to build their very own "igloos" out of hula hoops! It was a fantastic and creative way for them to practice collaboration and gross motor skills while, of course, having lots of fun.

Meanwhile, our 4th graders stayed active and engaged by rotating through a variety of gym stations, allowing them to practice and hone different physical skills in a dynamic setting.

We are so glad to have Ms. B at CES. If you see her around the school, please be sure to give her a warm Chatham welcome!

Digital invitations to schedule Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences were sent last week. We look forward to partnering with you to support your student's progress this school year!

• Invitation Date: Digital invitations will be emailed directly from your student's teacher on Monday, September 21st, in the afternoon.

• Conference Dates: Tuesday, October 27th and Thursday, October 29th.

• Duration: Each conference will be 15 minutes in length.

• Format Options: Families are encouraged to attend in person at CES, but a virtual option is readily available for those unable to make it to the building.

The infographic below provides a step-by-step preview of how to respond to the invitation. We look forward to connecting with you!

A key component of the MRSD Portrait of a Graduate is empowering our students to become "Creative and Critical Thinkers"—and that important work starts right away in our Kindergarten classrooms!

Recently, our youngest learners have been putting these skills into action as they explore the fascinating life cycle of plants. Through hands-on exploration, observation, and asking thoughtful questions, they are learning exactly how things grow. And what better plant to study during this beautiful autumn season than the pumpkin?

By discussing how a tiny seed transforms into a sprout, a vine, a flower, and finally a fully grown pumpkin, our students are building foundational critical thinking skills and making brilliant connections about the natural world around them.

As your family begins to decorate for the season with harvest displays and jack-o'-lanterns, make sure to ask your little SHARKS to share everything they know about a pumpkin's life cycle. You are sure to be impressed by these budding creative and critical thinkers!

Being active is one of the best ways children can support their growing bodies and minds. For elementary aged children, physical activity isn't just about building strength and endurance but it can also help them feel happier, sleep better, concentrate in school, and develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Children can get moving by riding a bike, dancing to their favorite music, playing tag, jumping rope, walking the dog, climbing at the playground, helping in the garden, or simply playing outside with friends and family.

Why movement matters

Regular physical activity can help children:

• Build strong bodies: Movement helps develop strong muscles and bones and supports healthy growth.

• Support learning: Active children may find it easier to focus, pay attention, and be ready to learn.

• Boost mood: Physical activity can help children manage stress and support positive mental well-being.

• Sleep better: Regular movement can contribute to healthy sleep habits.

• Support heart health: Being active helps keep the heart and cardiovascular system healthy.

• Develop important skills: Running, jumping, balancing, throwing, and climbing help children develop coordination and confidence.

• Build lifelong habits: When children learn that movement can be fun, they are more likely to carry an active lifestyle into the future.

Make movement part of everyday life

Rather than focusing on how many minutes a child exercises, try focusing on finding more opportunities to move throughout the day. Make it a family activity! Take a walk after dinner, have a dance party in the living room, choose the playground instead of the couch, or let your child help with active household tasks.

Most importantly, keep it fun and positive. Children don't need to be the fastest runner or the best athlete. Every child can benefit from moving their body, discovering activities they enjoy, and feeling proud of what their bodies can do.

This year, let's encourage our children to move, play, explore, and have fun! Small bursts of activity throughout the day can add up to big benefits for growing bodies and minds.

The PTO is hosting a Winter Clothing Swap to help families get ready for the colder months ahead. Sponsored by the CES PTO, this initiative gives parents a fantastic, eco-friendly way to trade gently used winter gear that children have outgrown for the next size up.

Here is everything you need to know to participate:

How to Donate

Please send in clean, gently used winter gear—such as coats, boots, and snow pants.

• Donation Deadline: All items must be brought in by October 23.

• Drop-Off Location: Collection bins are located just inside the school’s front doors for easy drop-off.

When is the Swap?

The swap takes place on October 27 and October 29, held conveniently during Parent-Teacher Conferences.

Be sure to stop by the swap area during conference days to find cold-weather essentials for your growing kids!

Satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting our school! We are excited to announce our Annual Fudge Fundraiser featuring delicious treats from Candy Manor. Look for more information coming in backpack mail this week!

• Collect Orders: October 12 – October 23

• Order & Payment Deadline: Turn in all orders and money to the main office by October 23. You can also order online by scanning the QR code on the flyer or using the order form on the back.

• Order Pick-Up: November 9th at Chatham Elementary School

Thank you for your support!

The Town of Chatham wants to hear from all year-round and seasonal residents to better inform the work of staff and to provide feedback to the Select Board on the community's priorities!

The Survey will remain open until Sunday, November 15th but why wait! Take the survey today at https://tinyurl.com/vp924ubd.

We want to hear from you! We know that Monomoy is filled with great people - here's your chance to help highlight them! Our Staff Shoutouts recognize a member of our team each month, and nominations are now open. While it's still early in the school year, we're sure there are Sharks who have gone above and beyond - go to www.monomoy.edu/staffshoutout and tell us about them.

• Wednesday, October 7th - Early Release Day
• Friday, October 9th - No School - Professional Development Day
• Monday, October 12th - No School - Indigenous Peoples/Columbus Day
• Tuesday, October 13th - CES PTO Meeting
• Wednesday, October 14th - SHARK Assembly
• Wednesday, October 21st - Early Release Day
• Thursday, October 22nd - PTO Build It Night!
• Friday, October 23rd - Last Day to Drop Off Warm Clothing Donations
• Friday, October 23rd - Fudge Fundraiser Orders Due
• Tuesday, October 27th - 11:00 Dismissal - Parent/Teacher Conferences - Clothing Swap
• Thursday, October 29th - 11:00 Dismissal - Parent/Teacher Conferences - Clothing Swap

SHORE Food Pantry Begins September 10!
The SHORE Food Pantry at MRHS will begin serving all Monomoy families Thursday, September 10! The weekly pantry is open to everyone, and no sign-up is required. Families can simply drive up, fill their bags with the items they need, and take them home.

When & Where
Date: Every Thursday, beginning September 10
Time: 9:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Monomoy Regional High School, Outside of Building B, Door 4
Families are welcome to stop by during the pantry hours and take what they need ... no registration or appointment necessary.

If you have any questions, contact Shana Grogan at sgrogan@monomoy.edu. In partnership with Stop & Shop, we look forward to supporting our families through the SHORE Food Pantry!

Email: jakelly@monomoy.edu
Website: http://ces.monomoy.edu/
Location: 147 Depot Road, Chatham, MA, USA
Phone: 508-945-5135
Facebook: facebook.com/ChathamElementarySchoolPto

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuaO-WElYPYfj1kU9LfhSzw
Instagram: ChathamElemMRSD