Cheetah Connection

9/2- 6th Grade Field Trip to STEAM Center

9/4- College Colors Day- Wear your favorite college team gear!

9/7- Labor Day Holiday- No School for Students and Staff

9/8-9/11- College and Career Week

9/9- NFL Kickoff Day- Wear your favorite NFL team gear!

9/14- PTA Board Meeting- 8:15am

9/14- Room Parent Meeting- 9:30am

9/15- PTA General Meeting/ Watch Dog Kickoff- 5pm

9/15- Academic Night- 5:30-7pm

9/21- Staff Development Day- No School for Students

9/28-10/2- Fall Book Fair

9/29- NHL Kickoff- Wear your favorite NHL team gear!

9/29- Donuts with Dudes- 7am

As we prepare for the distribution of student devices for the 2026-2027 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 9/30/26. 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.

Beginning this school year, the Technology Department is transitioning from SchoolPay to MySchoolBucks for all technology payment processing. This includes payments for the Technology Device Insurance Program as well as Device Repair/Loss Invoices.

What This Means for Parents:

• A Familiar Platform: Because many of our families already use MySchoolBucks to manage Student Nutrition payments, this transition should be fairly seamless and intuitive for them.

• Integrated Instructions: Parents will not need to hunt for instructions; all guidelines on how to make technology payments will be clearly outlined and included within the Empower 1:1 Back to School Forms.

Reminder- all dismissal changes need to go through the front office. Teachers don't always have time during the day to check their email, so to avoid confusion, we ask that all dismissal changes go through the front office.

Call or email BEFORE 2pm:

469-467-1400

Maria.helton@allenisd.org or rhonda.ploubis@allenisd.org

You now have the opportunity to nominate any Chandler staff member for Teacher of the Month! Nominations will be accepted through the google form linked below.

Morning Drop-Off Procedures

• Doors open at 7:30 AM in the morning

• If you drop your child off before this time they will need to wait outside the front or side entrances for the doors to unlock.

• Cars will file in through the front or side-drive in a SINGLE LINE.

• Please pull all the way down to drop students off.

• When dropping off your child, please remain in your car.

• Safety Patrol will be out in front and on the side of the building to help with unloading.

• We ask that you do not park and walk up to drop off your child but if you must walk up to drop off your child, we ask that you cross in the designated crossing areas only. DO NOT walk through cars.

• DO NOT drop off your child in the parking lot or street and allow them to walk up on their own.

• If you arrive after 7:45 AM, you will need to park and walk your child into the front office to sign them in.

Afternoon Pick-Up Procedures

• Dismissal begins promptly at 2:55 PM each day.

• Each student will be given a car tag with the student’s number on it. Please make sure the youngest student’s tag is displayed for K-2nd pick up in the front and all tags displayed for 3rd-6th pick up on the side. It will be used daily to pick up your child in the car lines.

• Cars will form 2 lines and pull all the way down paying attention to the staff directing traffic.

• Staff will be out in the front and side to assist with loading.

• When picking up your child, please remain in your car.

• Please make sure your child’s teacher knows how your child will be going home each day.

• Any changes in afternoon pick up or transportation needs to be communicated to the teacher or front office no later than 2:00 pm each day.

The safety of our students is our top priority. Please refrain from using cell phones and pay close attention when driving. Thank you for your help in making sure we keep our students safe.

Allen fans - get ready for Friday Night Lights as #2 ranked Allen will open the football season against the #1 ranked Duncanville Panthers.

This amazing matchup is part of the Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer Football Classic and takes place Friday, August 28 at 7 p.m. at Allen’s Eagle Stadium. Every ticket purchased will support DFW kids with cancer - including 4 who currently reside in Allen.

Tickets will be available beginning Monday, August 24 at https://www.allenisd.org/o/aisd/page/tickets.

Note: Eagle Stadium is now cashless. For more information and important security info, visit: https://www.allenisd.org/o/aisd/page/eagle-stadium-security

he Foundation for Allen Schools is pleased to welcome you to the 2026-27 school year!

This year, the Foundation is celebrating 30 years of giving back to Allen ISD. We strive to impact every student, every teacher, and every campus. One way we do this is through our classroom grant program. To learn more, including which grants were funded at your campus(es), click here.

For the safety and well-being of all students, students are not permitted to carry medications, including over-the-counter medications such as cough and throat lozenges, during the school day.

If your child requires medication at school, a parent or guardian must complete a Medication Request and Authorization Form and submit it, along with the medication, to Nurse Megan. Please note that some over-the-counter medications may also require a physician's signature before administration.

If you have any questions about your child's medications or medical needs, please feel free to contact Nurse Megan directly.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and healthy environment for all students.

Welcome Back to School from the Counselor!

It is so nice to see everyone at school! If you are new, WELCOME to Chandler! If not, WELCOME BACK! We're glad you're here!

What is a School Counselor?

• A trusted adult for students to talk to at school!

• A teacher of Guidance Lessons for ALL students (positive character traits, friendship & school success skills, conflict resolution, future career planning, healthy coping skills and more!)!

• A caring professional offering individual short-term counseling, small group counseling ("Lunch Bunch") and Consultation!

• A facilitator of many campus programs, such as PALS (student mentors), Student Council, Watch DOGS, special awareness weeks, and more!

• A provider of community resources for parents and families!

• A confidential listener and advocate for ALL Cheetahs, Staff and families! You are IMPORTANT and VALUED!

Please reach out if I can answer questions about my role at Chandler or if you need assistance!

469-467-1400 x 114131

Dawn.Horton@allenisd.org

Chandler Cheetahs Choose CHARACTER!

Each month, we focus on a different character trait in a variety of ways!

Our monthly CHARACTER TRAIT WORD for August at Chandler is KINDNESS!

We hope you'll partner with us in reinforcing each trait at home!

Student Council Applications - Attention 5th & 6th Grade Student Leaders!

Parents of 5th and 6th graders, please check Thursday folders if your student is interested in running for Student Council Election for 2026-2027!! Our Chandler Student Council is a wonderful group of leaders who want to be positive role models, demonstrate excellent character and enjoy serving others & representing Chandler!

Please click on the Google Form Application link or QR Code: https://forms.gle/ZaJVPnUwUdG3atZ18

All forms include a short, 2-minute video submission that will be shared as part of our upcoming election. All forms and videos must be submitted no later than Friday, August 28th! Please reach out to Dawn Horton or Briar Hall, Chandler Student Council Sponsors, with questions.

Have a need? Let us know!

Does your family need assistance with school supplies, backpacks, clothing, or shoes? Do you need help applying for Allen ISD Free & Reduced Meals or need some extra weekend food to feed your students? Other needs? Mrs. Horton, School Counselor, has resources available, so please don't hesitate to reach out. Every need is confidential.

Fill out this quick Google Form to receive HELP: https://forms.gle/ztCdMxXAYGQULQ2AA or contact Dawn.Horton@allenisd.org!

Friday, Sept 4th marks the National College Colors Day which encourages everyone to display their team spirit across the United States. Support your team and show your team spirit by wearing your college colors to school. Let’s see how many schools will be represented on Friday, Sept. 4th!

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

Important music dates:

• October 1st: 3rd Grade PTA Cultural Night Performance at 6PM in Chandler GYM
• October 27th: 4th Grade Program at 6PM in Chandler Gym
• November 6th : Veterans Day at 9AM in the Chandler Gym
• December 11th: Choir Tour 9AM-2PM
• December 15th: Ford Cluster Holiday Concert at 6:30PM at Allen High School PAC
• April 13th: 2nd Grade Musical at 6PM in Chandler Cafeteria
• May 13th: Choral Festival (during school hours)

Fechas musicales importantes:

• 1 de octubre: Presentación cultural de la PTA de tercer grado a las 6PM en la gimnasio de Chandler
• 27 de octubre: Programa de cuarto grado a las 6PM en el gimnasio de Chandler
• 6 de noviembre: Día de los veteranos a las 9AM en el gimnasio de Chandler
• 11 de diciembre: Recorrido del coro de 9AM- 2PM
• 15 de diciembre: Concierto festivo de Ford Cluster a las 6:30 p. m. en el PAC de Allen High School
• 13 de abril: Musical de segundo grado a las 6PM en la cafetería de Chandler
• 13 de mayo: Festival coral (durante el horario escolar)

Welcome back Cheetahs! We hope you enjoyed many great books and stories over the summer. Our Chandler Summer Reading Challenge is due Friday, August 21st. Extra copies are available in the library or parents can fill out this form if your child completed the 600 minutes of reading over the summer. Prizes will be distributed later in August.

• 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

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.

• 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.
• 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.

• Parents need to log into the transportation APP and get bus route information.

https://www.allenisd.org/page/transportation-bus-stop-information

• Parents need to let homeroom teachers know which bus number to put their child on BEFORE TUESDAY 08/12.

Dual Language Program Bus Riders -

• Bus riders from last year - PARENTS DO NOT NEED TO RESIGNUP
• All dual language buses have stayed the same
• NEW DL BUS RIDERS - Contact Ms. Ivonne at the front office to complete transportation request @maria.helton@allenisd.org
• Your student CANNOT RIDE UNTIL Ms. Ivonne CONFIRMS with you
• All new students must complete this process, even if an existing sibling rides the bus

• Parents need to let homeroom teachers know which bus number to put their child on BEFORE TUESDAY 08/12

• All bus 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.

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 Chandler 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 August 31. 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 reach out to your child's teacher for more information!

We appreciate your continued support and partnership as we navigate the 2026-2027 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