Cartersville Elementary School

Welcome, October!

Thank you for a wonderful September! This month is a super busy one, along with our fall break. Please take a moment to read through the full newsletter each month. Many questions we receive are answered in the newsletter. Here are a few highlights!

• Heading into flu season, we will no longer allow students to have squishies at school beginning Monday, October 5th. This includes NeeDohs, butter, dumplings, and all other squishies. Take a look at our science experiment below to see why!
• Fall Break is October 12th-16th.
• Book Fair is October 19th-23rd.
• Both grades will attend the Booth's West Fest event on either October 22nd or 23rd.
• We are at the beginning of conference season! Look for information from your child's homeroom teacher in the coming weeks. We would love to hear from you! See information below about how you share information with your child's teacher to help them best support the academic and social growth this school year.
• Thank you to everyone who offered to chaperone our upcoming field trips to the Booth Museum for West Fest! In many classrooms we had more sign up than there were opportunities to serve. So, if you weren't selected this go around, please be on standby for future opportunities. All parents are able to attend this event, even if they are not chaperoning.

Go Canes!

~Mrs. Bryant

Our school day is from 7:40-2:40. Doors open at 7:15 each morning.

· Early checkouts are not permitted after 2:10 pm for student safety.

· Please remember to send in a written and signed note for all transportation changes.

· All visitors must come through the main office and bring a photo ID to sign in.

· If your child is absent from school, a note must be turned in within 3 days of the absence. You may e-mail doctor's excuse notes to Sabrina McWhorter at smcwhorter2@cartersvilleschools.org. (Note: Text messages to staff will not excuse an absence.)

· All medications requiring administration at school must be brought to the school by a parent or guardian.

· No outside food or drink may be ordered and sent to the school for students; however, parents may bring food with them for a lunch visit with their child in our cafeteria.

· Be sure to check your child's grades frequently on Infinite Campus. Progress reports will go home at 9-weeks, and report cards will be issued at the end of the school year.

· We kindly request all families picking their students up in cars, use the car rider line each afternoon. Car tags are available in the front office. This is for the supervision and safety of our students.

October 1st - ESOL Family Night

October 5th - AV Club

October 5th-7th - Bus Safety Visits from our transportation department during special areas

October 6th - Hispanic Heritage Month dress up day! (See below for details)

October 6th - Purple Rain Singers rehearsal

October 6th - 5th grade art club group 2

October 6th - First 4H meeting in cafeteria at 7:15 am (or when you get off the bus!)

October 7th - 5th grade disc golf

October 8th - School Board meeting at CES at 6:00 pm

October 8th - Booth Western Art Museum Family Night! (see below for more information)

October 9th - Progress reports sent home (Note this is a change from the original October 7th date.)

October 12th - 16th - FALL BREAK! No School!

October 19th - 23rd - Book Fair

October 19th - ESOL Meeting

October 20th - Purple Rain Singers rehearsal

October 21st - 23rd - 5th Grade Challenge to Rock Eagle

October 21st - Pickleball

October 22nd - Booth Museum visit - West Fest - 5th Grade

October 22nd - Spooky Science Night (see below for more info!)

October 23rd - Booth Museum visit - West Fest - 4th Grade

October 26th - 30th - Red Ribbon Week! (See below for dress up days!)

October 26th - 4th Grade Art Club - Group 2

October 27th - 4th Grade Art Club - Group 1

October 27th - Purple Rain Singers rehearsal

October 28th - Pickleball

October 29th - PTC meeting

October 29th - NEHS Chapter meeting

October 30th - Fall parties (students only)

October 30th - Purple Rain Singers perform national anthem at football game!

Please note the information below is meant to help with planning; however, dates are still subject to change should the need arise. Please check each month's newsletter for updates to school events.

NOTE: Printed copies will be available at Open House.

Our Charleston Wrap fundraiser is ending soon! We're raising money for new soccer goals, improvements to our courtyards (like shading and more seating), and stock for our school holiday store. The last day to earn prizes for sales is Friday, October 9th. Get your child registered for a sharable sales link here: https://www.registercw.com/registrant/registration. Our Organization ID is 10995 or use the search tool to find Cartersville Elementary School!

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to CES 10/19-10/23! While we accept cash, checks, and credit cards, the easiest way for your child to shop is by using an e-wallet. See the Book Fair section below for the e-wallet link and to see your child's time to shop!

If you're interested in volunteering at the book fair or helping with Spooky Science night or participating in all the fun things PTC does, it's not too late to join! Just go to https://www.successfund.com/33rmw.

Our Fall Book Fair will run from October 19th-22nd! It will also be open during our Spooky Science Night! We will accept the following as payment at our fair: cash, credit cards, eWallet, checks (Payable to the school). Use the link below if you would like to set up an eWallet for your child. Parents are welcome to attend but will need to sign in using the kiosk in our front office. Please plan to arrive a little early and remember to bring your driver's license or ID.

E-wallet Link

We'd love to hear from you! Please take a few moments and help us get to know your child from YOUR perspective! We'd love to hear about your hopes and dreams for your child. Information will be share with your child's teachers to support their academic and social growth this school year.

🌟 CES Parent & Caregiver Survey: Supporting Student Growth 26-27 – Fill out form

Parents, please let your students know to leave their squishies at home! As we are heading into flu season, we are striving to keep everyone healthy and will no longer allow squishies at school. We conducted a science experiment to show our students just how much bacteria their fun, squishy toys can hold. See below for an image of the bacteria found in a squishy vs. a toilet seat! Let's keep everyone healthy, learning a priority, and leave the squishy toys at home! (Our 5th grade students will learn even more about microorganisms 2nd semester!)

Our teachers would love extra funds to extend students' learning. If you are interested in adopting a teacher/team, please click on the link below! As we continue our journey to becoming a STEAM certified museum school, your contributions can support this innovative work and student success!

https://sfnd.io/453jn

Dear Cartersville City Schools Families,

Thank you for your continued support of the Cartersville High School Football Program and Purple Hurricane Athletics. Friday night football is an important part of the Cartersville community, and we are proud to have our students, families, alumni, and fans in the stands supporting our young people.

As we begin another football season, we want to remind everyone of a few expectations that will help us maintain a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment for all of Hurricane Nation.

During previous seasons, we have seen large groups of school-aged children congregating in the walkways near the fenced-in grass area at the south end of the stadium, behind the home stands, and in other areas of the athletic facility. Because of the number of unsupervised students and the potential safety concerns, these areas cannot be used for gathering or playing during football games.

Please Remember:

• All student behavior must be school-appropriate while on the Cartersville High School campus and at away athletic events. Cartersville City Schools students are expected to follow all applicable school rules, policies, and student handbook procedures. Failure to do so may result in school disciplinary consequences.

• For safety reasons, please leave footballs, soccer balls, and other recreational equipment at home.

• Ball playing, tag, running throughout the stadium, and other games or activities are not permitted during the game.

• Students should not gather in large groups in walkways or other areas of the stadium instead of watching the game.

• Playing football or other games behind the band or stadium bleachers is not permitted.

• Only authorized personnel are permitted in the field house, on the field, or on the sidelines at any time.

Important Reminder for Students in 8th Grade and Below

All students in 8th grade and below must have a paying adult present with them in order to enter the game. An adult must be in attendance at the game with the student. Simply dropping a student off at the stadium does not meet this requirement.

Students in 8th grade and below are expected to remain with their accompanying adult throughout the game and should be seated in the stands or in designated standing-room areas while supporting the Purple Hurricanes.

Our goal is not to keep students and families from enjoying Friday night football. Quite the opposite, we want everyone to feel welcome and to enjoy being part of Hurricane Nation. These expectations are in place to ensure that our games remain safe, organized, and enjoyable for everyone.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe environment and for supporting our students, coaches, and teams. We are glad you are here, and we look forward to seeing you on Friday nights!

Go Canes!

Darrell T. Demastus
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director

Whether you are a rising 4th grade family or have a student new to 4th or 5th grade at Cartersville City Schools, we invite you to take a few moments and read through our FAQs for new students. Contents include how to navigate our car rider line, student cell phone expectations, lunch visitor guidelines, and more!

Tons of Delicious Options - Many Are Made from Scratch!

Our school meals are made fresh with wholesome, nutritious ingredients that fuel students’ learning and growth, while offering delicious flavors everyone loves.

See Our Menus

Paying for Meals Has Never Been Easier!

You can pay for meals online using MySchoolBucks or by sending cash or a check with your student. Lunch prices by school are posted below.

**Please note that elementary school students are allowed to use their available funds to purchase extras such as chips, cookies, and flavored water/drinks. Please discuss your lunch expectations with your child.

Learn More

Qualify for Free or Reduced School Meals?

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program that provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to qualifying children each school day.

We encourage all families to complete the application online

Apply Today

Check out our October menu below!

Registration link:

https://79494.blackbaudhosting.com/79494/Family-Night---Animal-Corral-Western-Trails

If you'd like to know a little more about our school goals, progress, and accountability please visit our website at the link below.

School Improvement Plan

CCS Mission - We inspire all students to build the skills and confidence to find their passions and achieve their goals.

As we begin the new school year, we wanted to reach out with a reminder about something that truly makes a difference in student success: consistent attendance. Research shows that regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of academic achievement. When students are present and engaged from day one, they build strong foundations in their learning, develop positive relationships with peers and teachers, and establish routines that support their growth throughout the year.

As we kick off the school year, we encourage you to:

• Establish a consistent morning routine to ensure your child arrives on time each day

• Plan vacations and appointments outside of the school calendar when possible

• Communicate with the school promptly if your child will be absent so we can support their learning

Starting the year strong sets the tone for everything that follows. Your partnership in prioritizing attendance sends a powerful message to your child about the value of education and commitment to their success. We appreciate your continued support.

As we begin the school year, children are excited to share ideas and experiences—but unfortunately, they also tend to share germs. Illnesses among students and staff are expected, but there are simple steps we can all take to reduce the spread of infectious diseases:

· Keep children home when they are sick

· Know when it's appropriate to return to school

· Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water

· Use personal protective equipment when caring for ill students

A child should remain home if their illness interferes with their ability to participate in school or may put others at risk. While schools and families may not always know the exact illness, certain symptoms are clear signs that a student should stay home:

· Fever of 100.4°F or higher, especially if accompanied by a new rash. Student’s must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school.

· Vomiting more than twice in the past 24 hours. Students must be vomit-free for 24 hours before returning to school.

· Diarrhea that causes accidents, contains blood, or is significantly more frequent than usual. Students must be diarrhea-free for 24 hours before returning to school.

· Draining skin sores that cannot be covered, or mouth sores causing drooling.

· Respiratory symptoms that are worsening or not improving, and not explained by allergies

While we maintain a strict attendance policy, student health is a top priority. It is important to protect other students from getting sick if your child is sick, so please consider keeping your child home during illnesses that could be contagious.

If your child stays home, please remember to send a written excuse. Also, if your child sees a doctor, please request a school excuse note and send it to your child’s teacher. Please notify the teacher if your child stays home to prevent them from getting behind in school.

Thank you for helping us keep our students and staff safe and healthy. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns about your child!

Marcie Garrett, RN, BSN

Cartersville Elementary School Nurse

Phone: (678) 535-6133

Email: mgarrett@cartersvilleschools.org

Welcome Parents!

We are delighted to invite you to join your children for lunch at our school. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, we kindly ask that you follow these guidelines:

1. Sign In at the Office: Upon arrival, please sign in at the school office and present a valid ID.
2. Lunch Visitors: Parents and other guests on a student's pickup list may sign in and join their child for lunch. If a guest is not on the pickup list, they may still join for lunch if a parent/guardian sends a note giving permission. This ensures that all visitors are known to the parents/guardians, maintaining a secure environment.
3. Friends at visitor lunch tables: Students may invite one friend to eat with their guest(s) provided the friend’s parent/guardian sends a note giving permission prior to their scheduled lunch time.
4. Team Lunches: To keep the focus on academics during the school day, we are unable to accommodate team lunches for recreational sports.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We look forward to seeing you!

All students are expected to be neat, clean, and appropriately dressed for all school activities. Clothing and appearance should not distract from the instructional program. Good judgment should be a key word. Please note the following guidelines:

• Shoes must be worn at all times. Sandals are allowed; flip flops and high heels are discouraged.

• Halter tops, tank tops, spaghetti straps, see-through clothing, and clothing which shows the midriff are not permitted.

• Shorts are acceptable provided they are not too short.

• Jogging shorts, Lycra-Spandex cycling shorts and swimwear are not permitted.

• Hats and other head coverings are not to be worn in the building.

• Articles of clothing which advertise or display the symbols of drugs, weapons, tobacco products or alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

• Clothing which displays obscene language or symbols is not permitted.

• Emblems, insignia, badges, or other symbols, which unreasonably distract students or disrupt the operation of the school, are prohibited.

• Students should avoid extreme hairstyles and colors which may distract from the learning environment.

• All clothing must be worn in the manner in which it was intended to be worn.

• Belts must be worn if pants/shorts are oversized.

• Pajamas, including pajama pants, should not be worn to school unless it is a designated pajama day.

• Costume attire should be reserved for designated dress up days only.

• Students should wear athletic shoes in P.E. (ex. tennis/running/sports shoes).

• Shoes that contain roller devices are not permitted.

• No see-through holes above the knees that show the students' skin or under garment can be seen.

Administration reserves the right to determine if items of clothing or student appearance are too casual, too revealing or too distracting. In the event of an infringement of the dress code, parents may be called to bring appropriate clothing.

The number of students with cell phones and cellular watches in grades 4 and 5 has grown tremendously over the past two years. In order to minimize distractions during the school day and prepare our students for middle school expectations, the following rules for student electronic devices will be in place at CES.

CES Student Cell Phone/Smart Watch Expectations: In accordance with Georgia House Bill 340: Distraction-Free Education Act, CES has created the following expectations regarding cell phones and smart watches.

Student cell phones and smart watches are expected to be off and remain in students' backpacks during the school day. (This includes day and over-night fieldtrips) If a cell phone or smart watch is visible or used during the day, the following consequences will be put in place:

· First Offense - Student Warning

· Second Offense - Infraction: Warning - Parent Contacted

· Third Offense - Infraction: Teacher assigned consequence - Parent Contacted

· Fourth Offense - Infraction: Teacher assigned consequence - Parent Contacted

· Fifth Offense - Office Referral to Administration – ISS

*A student refusing to put away an electronic device when asked could result in an additional office referral for defiance.

*Smart phones/watches are exempt from this rule if the watch is used for medical reasons. Parents must contact the school nurse to put a plan in place for the device. Example: Diabetic

*Please note that if the device is being used for any other purpose than medical purposes, the student may be subject to the consequences listed above.

We are fortunate to be a one-to-one school, with a school laptop available for every student. In addition, all of our classrooms have phones and digital clocks.

Should you need to get in touch with your child during the school day, please call the school at 770-382-0983.

Hello and welcome to the CES/CMS After School Program. The ASP lead is Marcie Garrett, the school nurse at CES. She will be your primary contact for all things ASP. Her email address is mgarrett@cartersvilleschools.org.

Welcome to CES/CMS ASP

Thank you for your interest in the CES/CMS After School Program (ASP)! We are very happy to have your child with us and look forward to a fun, safe, and enriching year. Here is the link to sign your child up for ASP. This link/QR Code is only for students that are new to the program. Returning students should have already received a link to re-register for ASP.

https://schools.procareconnect.com/form/a474fc0e-6040-4d32-aa34-a66c83e787c5

Here are a few things to know about CES/CMS ASP:

· CES/CMS ASP is a separate program from CPS ASP. Even if your child attended CPS ASP previously, you will receive a new PIN for CES ASP this year in the Procare App for ASP.

· CES/CMS ASP serves students in grades 4-8.

· ASP begins immediately after school dismissal each day.
· The cost of ASP is $12 per day, per child, plus a $20.00 registration fee per child. The registration fee is capped at $40.00 per family per school. Please ensure that your child's emergency contact information is current and up to date.
· Children should be picked up by the designated closing time. If someone other than an authorized adult will be picking up your child, they will need to have a code and be on their list of authorized pickups in the Procare App.
· We provide a variety of activities, including homework time, arts and crafts, games, outdoor play, and other engaging experiences.
· Students are expected to follow school and ASP behavior expectations to help maintain a safe and positive environment for everyone.
· Please feel free to communicate any concerns, questions, or special needs regarding your child.

Thank you for trusting us with your child. We look forward to a wonderful year together!

The ASP Handbook can be found on the CES/CMS After School website at: After School Program - Cartersville Elementary School

The Cartersville Elementary School Parent-Teacher Cooperative (CES PTC) is a group of parents/family members, teachers, and staff who work together to make a great school even better. We host teacher appreciation events throughout the year, fundraise for school improvements, and create fun experiences for CES students through programs like the book fair, glow run, and holiday store.

PTC hosts monthly meetings in the CES cafeteria. Meetings are usually held at 8:30 a.m. on the last Thursday of the month. If you can't attend meetings in person, that doesn't mean you can't be involved in PTC! There are lots of opportunities to participate, whether you have time to volunteer in person or not.

PTC dues are $10 per family (not per child) per school year. Please click on the link below to join. Once we've received your registration, we'll reach out via emails to welcome you and link you to our GroupMe!
Click here to join PTC: https://sfnd.io/33rmw

You can also reach out to CartersvilleElementaryPTC@gmail.com any time with questions!

Hey fourth graders! See America's natural wonders and historic sites for free. You and your family get free access to hundreds of parks, lands, and waters for an entire year. See the link below to see how it works!

Every Kid Outdoors

Please visit the link below to learn how to access this voluntary opportunity.

K-12 Student Accident Insurance (kandkinsurance.com)

Email: bbryant@cartersvilleschools.org
Website: https://www.cartersvilleschools.org/ces
Location: 340 Old Mill Road, Cartersville, GA, USA
Phone: 770-382-0983