Cherokee Wolf Pack News

Dear Cherokee Families,

We are so excited to welcome our students and families back for another amazing school year at Cherokee Elementary! The first day is always full of excitement, new beginnings, and opportunities to learn and grow together.

We’re also excited to announce that our new 5th grade teacher, Kelly Pate, is joining our Cherokee team! We know our students will be in great hands, and we appreciate your continued support during this transition.

Thank you for sharing your children with us—we can’t wait to see all they will accomplish this year!

Warmly,

Dr. Cigarroa

My name is Kelly Pate, and I’m so excited to be joining the Cherokee Elementary community as the 5th grade Science and Social Studies teacher. I’ve been in education for 13 years and earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Carson-Newman University, along with a master’s in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee State University. I spent 12 years teaching first grade in Unicoi County, and more recently, I served as an elementary assistant principal. While I don’t have children of my own, I’m crazy about my two nieces! I love flower gardening, baking, and spending time at the beach. I’m excited to return to the classroom and can’t wait to get to know the students and families at Cherokee!

Morning Arrival

• Doors will not open until 7:45 AM. Please do not drop students off earlier, as there may not be any supervision.
• Car Riders: Enter through the Cherokee Road parking lot by the power grid and join the car circle line. Please do not drop students off in the parking lot.
• Walkers: Enter through the temporary office entrance.
• Bus Riders: Enter from the theater side of the building.
• The tardy bell rings at 8:15 AM. Students arriving after this time must be signed in at the front office.

Afternoon Dismissal

🚗 Car Riders

• Enter and exit through the Cherokee Road parking lot by the power grid to join the car circle line.
• Do not park on the theater side—reserved for staff parking and buses.
• The car circle line opens at 3:00 PM. Avoid blocking Cherokee Road.
• Display your car tag daily so staff can call your child from the gym. Tags are reused each year—contact the office if you need another.
• Pick up between 3:15–3:45 PM. Repeated late pickups may require Educare enrollment.

🚌 Bus Riders

• Load and unload from the theater side of the building in the bus zone.
• Typically leave campus by 3:30 PM.
• A new bus form must be completed each school year.
• Contact Teresa Stout in the main office for bus forms or route details.

🚶 Walkers

• Dismiss through the temporary office entrance.
• Parents meet walkers outside the temporary office doors.
• Do not park on the theater side—reserved for staff parking and buses.
• Construction Note: The covered main entrance and the sidewalk on the right side (Lone Oak Rd side) are fenced off. Walkers should use the sidewalk to the left of the main office, which is open.

School Hours: 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM

We’re so excited to welcome students back for the first official day of school! Our team will be ready to greet students with smiles, encouragement, and support as they begin an exciting new year.

Reminders for a smooth start:

· Morning drop-off begins at 7:45 AM. We encourage families to allow extra time the first few days as everyone settles into routines. Staff members will be stationed throughout the building to guide students to class and help ease any first-day jitters.

· If your child didn’t drop off supplies at Open House, please send them on the first day.

· Clear communication on how your child will be going home is essential. Please be sure your child’s teacher knows their afternoon transportation plan.

Important to-dos before the first day:

· If you haven’t filled out your bus transportation forms, this needs to be completed ASAP. Please call Teresa Stout in the main office for assistance.

· All students should have completed their re-enrollment in PowerSchool. Parents should have received an email with instructions. If you need help, contact Teresa Stout in the main office.

Main Office phone number: 423-434-5281

These students will follow a staggered start schedule, and teachers will reach out directly with your assigned day. Please know we’ll be extra attentive to helping our youngest learners feel comfortable and excited.

Parent Meetings: We invite families to join us for grade-level meetings to learn more about classroom expectations and how to support your child’s success:
- Kindergarten Parent Meeting: Friday, August 8 at 10:00 AM (This meeting is for parents only—please make arrangements for childcare if needed.)

Your voice, your ideas, your support — they all make a difference for our students!
Sign up today and help us make Cherokee stronger. 💪📚

👉 Join here: https://cesjc.givebacks.com/shop

• Breakfast & Lunch: Both are free for all students again this year! 🍎🥪

• Grade-Level Parent Meetings:

  • 1st Grade: Thursday, 8/7 at 5:45 PM

  • Kindergarten: Friday, 8/8 at 10:00 AM

  • 5th Grade: Tuesday, 8/12 at 6:00 PM

  • 4th Grade: Thursday, 8/14 at 6:00 PM

  • Grade levels not listed will notify parents directly about meeting times.

• PTA Popsicles with the Principal: Monday, 8/19 from 5:30–6:30 PM on the back porch/back playground. Come enjoy a sweet treat, meet other families, and connect with your school leaders! 🍦🐺

Please watch for updates from your child’s teacher with more details about these events.