CGS Weekly Message for 25-26

Happy Sunday!

We had a fantastic 1st week back at CGS! Thank you to our parents, staff and students for making the transition to the new school year a successful one!

If you haven't done so, please make sure that you return your child's Emergency Packet which was due last Friday to the front office. Thank you!

Parents, thank you for your continued patience as we complete the switch to Infinite Campus. There have been many technical glitches we are overcoming due to this state vendor change. We were able to get access codes to our HS Parents last week. We are actively working on providing access codes for our middle school parents this week, and then to our elementary parents shortly after.

Save the Dates:

• 8/13/2025: Senior Drape/Tux Portraits @ 9 AM at the HS Campus (THIS HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED- new date coming soon!)
• 8/13/2025: 1/2 Day Dismissal! Dismissal at 11:45 A.M. for the K-8 Campus and 12:00 P.M. for our High School Campus
• 8/25/2025-8/29/2025: Academic Break! NO SCHOOL for students or staff!
• 9/1/2025: Labor Day Holiday! NO SCHOOL!

Reminder- Check out our CGS Directory for questions regarding anything CGS! You can also reach out to us at info@cgsnc.org for questions.

Don't forget to check out our website at www.cgsnc.org and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cgsgrizzlies for updates!

Below is the most up to date version of our Student/Parent Handbook for 2025-2026. We revised our Middle School Bell Schedule to reflect new lunch times due to crowding in the cafeteria last week. Thanks!

School Day:

K-8: School starts at 7:45 A.M. and ends at 2:45 P.M.

(students may arrive as early as 7:15 A.M.)

9-12: School starts at 8:00 A.M. and ends at 3:00 P.M.

(students may arrive as early as 7:30 A.M.)

All families, please familiarize yourself with our Car Rider Line Procedures. They can be found by clicking HERE.

K-8 Campus:

Please do not forget your white sheet of paper on your dashboard for dismissal. This sheet should state your child's First/Last Name, Grade Level, and name of Homeroom Teacher. This helps our car line duty teachers quickly put in your student's information into our system so that they are waiting for you upon your arrival to the cones. Thank you!!

Dear Grizzly Families,

What a wonderful first week of school we've had! It has been such a joy to see all the smiling faces in our hallways and classrooms. We've been impressed by the excellent manners and positive attitudes our students have shown as they've settled into their new routines. Thank you for preparing your Grizzly so well for this new school year – it truly shows.

Please note: Tardies to school COUNT this week at K-8, so please make sure that you are dropping your student off before 7:45 A.M. in order for them to be in their classrooms in their seats by 7:45 A.M.

As we move into our second week, I wanted to share a few important reminders to help ensure smooth operations for everyone.

Car Rider Procedures

Please remember to pull down to the farthest cone during both morning drop-off and afternoon pickup. This helps us maintain traffic flow and ensures the safety of all our students and families.

Pickup Time

All students should be picked up daily no later than 3:10 PM. This helps our staff maintain consistent schedules and ensures your child's safety.

Thank you for your cooperation with these procedures and for your continued partnership this school year. When families and school work together, our students thrive.

I'm looking forward to many more weeks of smiling faces, learning, and growth ahead! Let’s make it a great week!

Thank you for your continued support; have a restful evening!

#GrizzlyPride

Mrs. Spencer

K-8 Principal

Hi Grizzly Families,

We had a great first week back to school! The students were busy learning CGS expectations and getting back in the school routine. Thank you for ensuring your student is on time and attending every day to optimize their success.

Best regards,

Dr. Morris

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

*Emergency packets were due August 1st. Please turn them in as soon as possible so we can ensure the accuracy of contact information in Infinite Campus.

*When picking up students in the car rider line, form two lines (so cars are not stopped on Pagetown Road) and merge into one line.

*Review the dress code (pg 49). Leggings and yoga pants can be worn with a top/dress that is mid-thigh.

*Cellphones must be turned off and placed in the teacher-designated area when the students enter the classroom.

*Review the attendance policy in the Student/Parent Handbook (pg. 41)

DRIVERS EDUCATION ELIGIBILITY FORM (for learner's permit)

Please email the school-level Principal or Assistant Principal to have a document drafted and set up a time to meet for completion. Please allow 72 hours from the time you request the certificate to when you pick it up. This document requires a parent/guardian to come to the school for completion and is good for 30 days.

Drivers Education Information

The Alamance Burlington School System is starting to plan the 2025-2026 driver's ed class schedule. If interested in taking driver's ed through the school system, please fill out the Driver Education Class Interest Form.

Biology Honors Course

Our 3rd-period online Biology Honors course is slated to start this week. Students will be using the Edmentum EdOptions platform with a live teacher, while support/supervision are provided by CGS school staff. Student will need a headset with a microphone during the live sessions and their school-issued computer.

NCVPS Biology Honors begins August 11th.

Criminal Justice in Action Course

We have added an elective course option. Mrs. Mebane will be teaching "Criminal Justice in Action." This course introduces students to the American criminal justice system. It explores law enforcement, the court system, trial procedures and corrections, while examining the rights of individuals, ethical dilemmas, and the role of justice in society. Through case studies, debates, projects, and simulations, students will engage in critical thinking about real-world issues in criminal justice. This course is replacing the freshman seminar course and has seats available 1st period. If your scholar is interested in this elective for the Fall 2025 semester, please have them sign up in the front office on Monday, August 4th.

Transcript Requests

If you need a transcript, please use the CGS Transcript Request Form and allow 72 hours for your request to be completed.

Thank you,

Dr. Morris

High School Principal

SENIORS--IT IS TIME TO GET READY TO APPLY TO COLLEGE!!!

CommonApp opened August 1st for 2025-2026. Be sure to create an account with your personal email address. Please see the presentation linked here for important information to support your senior year college application journey.

NC College Connect Information FOR PARENTS/STUDENTS

NC College Connect is a groundbreaking initiative offering direct college admission to eligible high school seniors across the state for the 2025–2026 school year! Open to public high school seniors with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher who meet course requirements, students will be matched with colleges where they already qualify — no traditional application needed.

The program now includes more UNC System schools, NC Independent Colleges and Universities and NC Community Colleges. Students are directly admitted and can accept offers by completing a short form on CFNC.org.

The student and parent webinars will give an overview of the program, while office hours are an opportunity for more personalized support.

Webinars

• August 5, 6 p.m.
• September 16, 6 p.m.

Office Hours

• August 26, 6-7 p.m.
• September 30, 6-7 p.m.

Parents of 7th and 12th grade students, please see the letters below from Nurse Corbett regarding required immunization records.

Please reach out to Nurse Corbett with questions at angelacorbett@cgsnc.org.

• More information coming soon!

Potential Fall Campus Clean Up day:

• October (Date- TBD)

Dear Clover Garden Families,

We’re excited to share a new opportunity for families to get involved and help make the 2025–2026 school year extra special! Starting this year, we are launching a Parent Volunteer Committee (PVC)—a group of dedicated parents working together to support our students, teachers, and the entire Clover Garden community.

The goal of the PVC is simple: to brighten our school environment and foster a stronger sense of connection and support throughout the year. Whether it’s helping with half-day teacher lunches, organizing fundraisers, or planning festive school events, there are many ways to pitch in and make a difference.

There are three main ways to get involved:

1. Join the Planning Committee:
   Be a leader in shaping what we do! Planning committee members will meet regularly (likely every other week) and help organize events and initiatives throughout the year. This is a time commitment, but a rewarding way to make a meaningful impact.

2. Donate Supplies:
   Can’t commit time right now? You can still support by donating items we’ll need for various events, activities, and classroom support.

3. Volunteer as Needed:
   Sign up to help with specific events when your schedule allows—whether it’s serving a teacher lunch, setting up for a holiday party, or helping out during a fundraiser.

If you're interested in getting involved in any way, please fill out the short interest survey below to let us know how you'd like to contribute:

We’ll be holding our first virtual interest meeting soon, and we’ll send out details shortly.

Thank you for being such an important part of our Clover Garden community. We can't wait to partner with you to make this year one to remember!

Ready to rock your school pride? Head over to grizzlyden.org NOW and grab the hottest school apparel! Hoodies, tees, crewnecks- you name it in both elementary and MS/HS style! Don't wait, gear up, stand out, and show everyone what it means to be a part of Grizzly Nation!

We had a very successful week with our new Kindergarten students who are starting school for the first time! They had a staggered start to the school year this past week. They all completed their 1st FULL DAY last Friday. We are so proud of our youngest Grizzlies!! Welcome to CGS Grizzly Cubs! Pictured are a few of our Grizzlies on their 1st Full Day of School! They did a great job!

Check out some photos of our Grizzlies in action in the classroom this past week from our K-8 Campus!

Last week was our K-8 Principal's birthday! Shout out to Mrs. Spencer in hopes that she had a very Happy Birthday! Mrs. Spencer chose to celebrate our staff on her birthday by treating them to a yummy, cold Kona Ice Cup!! Thank you Mrs. Spencer for being extra sweet on your birthday to our staff! 🍧

Athletics

Athletic Boosters Meeting on Thursday, August 7th at 7 pm in the K8 Cafeteria.

MS Fall Sport Tryouts-If you and your student attended the parent meeting for athletics last week, and have completed all the requirements via Dragonfly:

Your student will need to get up with Coach Paschal or Coach Somers to receive their orange tryout wristband. Students can see Coach Somers from 10:45-12:30 daily, or Coach Paschal after 12:30 in her office near the gym. The last day to pick up wristbands for tryouts is Friday, August 8th. Wristbands must be obtained and worn on the first day or your student will not be able to participate in tryouts.

Cheer

Tuesday, August 12th- MS & HS Mandatory Cheer Meeting at the HS Campus

• Registration will begin at 5:30
• Meeting will begin at 6:00 pm
• Meet the Coaches/Info Session will be at 6:30

MS & HS Cheer Workshop on August 15th- 4:30-6:30

August 19th- MS Cheer Tryouts & August 20th- HS Cheer Tryouts

Athletics Website: For all things athletics, please visit our website at https://sites.google.com/cgsnc.org/grizzly-athletics

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our athletic director, Coach Paschal at taylorpaschal@cgsnc.org.

Our CGS Annual Fun Run will take place on August 22nd! See details in the flyer below!

Our CGS Marching Grizzlies and Color guard had a fantastic Summer Camp! They are looking forward to a great school year!

Click HERE to see a video snapshot of what they worked on this summer!

Welcome Grizzlies to the 25-26 academic year! BOG3, iReady and mClass testing begins this week, see the schedule below. Our 3rd graders should have taken home 2 letters regarding testing on Friday so please check bookbags. If you have testing questions please contact me by email at tonyaginter@cgsnc.org. We're going to have a GREAT year!

Dear Clover Garden Families,

We’re happy to inform you that the cafeteria deposit feature is now up and running!

If you’d like to add funds to your student’s meal account, please use the following link:

https://clovergarden.familyportal.cloud/

We have made a few more changes. Our first change is that you now have until the Thursday before the serving week to place your child’s order. The other change the negative credit limit. Please make sure your account is no more than $25 in the negative. If your student’s account is more than $25 in the negative he/she will not be allowed to purchase a la carte items and charge them to their account.

Some families mentioned they hadn’t received the original message, so we wanted to make sure everyone has the correct information and access moving forward.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact me directly.

Reach out if you have any questions or if you need your students lunch number.

Thank you for your continued support!

Warm regards,
Dana Walker
Cafeteria Coordinator | B & A Coordinator
Clover Garden School
336-586-9440 ext. 228

Grizzly Families!

The Grizzly Den is a K-8 program with the priority being for our youngest Grizzlies in K-5. The Grizzly Den is not available for our High School students.

Click here to register. CGS Grizzly Den Registration Form

Please reach out to Mrs. Walker, danawalker@cgsnc.org with any questions.

Please click on this LINK if you are interested in Mental Health Services for your student(s).

Please help me in welcoming some new hires to our Clover Garden School faculty/staff! Welcome to the Grizzly Team!!

Click HERE for a link to our new hires for the 25-26 school year.

Current Vacancies:

• High School Science Teacher

As always, thanks for all that you do,

Mrs. Vereyken

Executive Director

Clover Garden School

*If you need this weekly newsletter translated into a different language, please let our Title 1 Coordinator, Mrs. Simmons know at brandisimmons@cgsnc.org.

*If you have any thoughts, feedback or suggestions for our Title 1 team on ways to improve our practices, please contact Mrs. Simmons at brandisimmons@cgsnc.org.

Email: info@cgsnc.org
Website: cgsnc.org
Locations:

2454 Altamahaw Union Ridge Road, Burlington, NC, USA

5806 Pagetown Road, Burlington, NC 27217
Phone: 3365869440
Facebook: facebook.com/cgsgrizzlies