CFL Family Newsletter

Welcome Back Families

Welcome back to a new school year at CFL! We are so excited to see our students' smiling faces and begin another year of learning, growth, and connection. Our staff is ready to create a warm, supportive environment where every child can thrive.

Please note that school hours have changed slightly this year.

Student hours are 7:35 AM – 3:00 PM
Doors open at 7:15 AM
Breakfast will be served from 7:15–7:40 AM

Students arriving after 7:30 will be offered a grab-and-go breakfast option to take with them to class. We hope this staggered start and end time helps families transition smoothly and makes it easier for those dropping off at multiple schools.

Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead! We’re glad you’re here!

Some Helpful Reminders:

Late Students - If your student arrives late, you will need to bring and check in your child at the front office. There will be a grab and go breakfast option to ensure your child is offered breakfast

Early Check-Out - If you are checking your student out early, please call ahead and we will try to have your student ready by the time you get to the school. Please allow 10 minutes before you arrive. Students will still need to be signed out by a parent or guardian at the front office.

Changes in End of Day routines - If you need to change your child’s normal end of day routine please call the school before 2:00 pm to allow us time to ensure the message gets to the teachers before students are released. Parents are not allowed to go to buses to take their student. Theu will go to front office and if they buses are still at the school a staff member will bring them to the office for checkout.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the school! Veronica Duran and Miriam Baltazar, our friendly and super helpful secretaries. Our office is open Tuesday through Friday and can be reached from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call the school at (970) 285-5702.

With Gratitude,

Kim Frees

Principal

Just a quick reminder that we are a four day school week! Tuesday thru Friday

We open our doors at 7:15 a.m.

We begin our day at 7:35 a.m.

We end our day at 3:00 p.m. This is a new end time please plan accordingly.

PK News from Ms.Hills

🌟 Welcome to Preschool! 🌟

Dear Preschool Families,

We are so excited to welcome you and your child to an incredible year of learning, growth, and fun! Our preschool teachers are busy getting classrooms ready and can’t wait to meet their new preschoolers. We are looking forward to building strong partnerships with you to make this a successful and joyful start to your child’s educational journey.

🏠 Home Visits: August 12–15

Our teachers will be reaching out soon to schedule home visits during the week of August 12–15. These visits are a special opportunity for your child to meet their teacher in a familiar setting and for us to learn more about your child—what they love, how they learn best, and how we can support them. Home visits help us start building strong, trusting relationships that will last throughout the school year.

🎒 Soft Start & Parent Orientation: August 19–20

We will be hosting three soft start sessions during the week of August 19–20. These will give your child a chance to explore their new classroom, meet their teachers and classmates, and begin adjusting to preschool routines in a smaller group setting.

While your child participates in the classroom, families will attend a Parent Orientation where we will go over the Preschool Family Handbook and share important information about the year ahead. More details about these sessions will be sent to you soon by your child's teacher.

Your attendance and your child’s is very important in helping them feel confident and secure on their first full day.

🎉 First Day of Preschool: August 21

Mark your calendar! The first official day of preschool is Thursday, August 21. We can’t wait to begin this exciting adventure together!

📄 Required Documents

Please make sure your child’s preschool file includes the following required documents before their first day:

A copy of their birth certificate
Immunization records
A completed Health Appraisal Form from your child’s doctor

All documents must be turned in before August 21st in order for your child to start preschool. Please begin gathering these items now so you're all set.

We are thrilled to begin this journey with you and look forward to a wonderful school year filled with discovery, joy, and growth. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call our office—we’re here to help!

Warmly,
Ms. Nicole Hills

Assistant Principal & Preschool Director

nhills@garfield16.org

School Supplies

The supply list is posted on our website. Go to "Quick Links," then select "Parent Center." These are basic high school supplies. Additional supplies maybe required depending on the class.

Mark Your Calendars

August 12 and 13th~ K-1 Student Assessment Days (Check the letter that was send to you this summer for specific date and time

August 14th~ First Full day of school for K-1 Students

August 19th and 20th~ PK soft start (Teachers will be reaching out to you with specific dates and times)

August 20th~ Back to School Night 6pm -7pm for all CFL students

August 21st~1st day of half/full day of Preschool

August 22nd~ Parent Pancake Breakfast 7:30-8:00

August 29th~ Fall School Pictures

Student Drop off and Pick Up Process

Dear Families,

As we begin the school year, please take a moment to review our arrival and dismissal procedures to help keep all students safe.

Parent Drop-Off and Pick-Up:
Parents should use the far east parking lot when dropping off or picking up students. To ensure safety, please walk your child to the front of the building and help them safely cross the street.

In the front atrium, we ask that families follow our “Kiss and Go” process to allow for a smooth and efficient start to the day. During the first week of school, parents are welcome to walk their child to breakfast or to the library.

After School:
If you are picking up your child after school, please make direct contact with their teacher. For safety reasons, students may not walk to your vehicle on their own.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school community safe and organized!

Parent Handbook ~English

Parent Hamdbook~ Spanish

PK Handbook English

PK Handbook Spanish

Lunch Menu

25/26 School calendar

Stick on fridge!

Opt Out Form for Student Image Publishing

You can come to the CFL office if you need this form.

Transportation Information

spanish version of cardinal club information with cardinal picture

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the 1st day of School?

A: We have K-1 Pre-Assessment Days on August 12th and 13th~ A letter has been sent home with your day and time. First Full Day is Thursday August 14th, PK Soft Start Days are the 19th and 2oth. First Day is August 21st.

Q: What are school start and end times

A K-1 Start times :We let students into the building at 7:15 am. tardy Bell is at 7:40 am. End of the day is 3:00 pm.

PK times: Full Day 7:30 am-3:00 pm

PK AM times 7:30 am -11:30 am

Pk PM times 11:00 am -3:00 pm

Q: What school supplies will my child need to provide?

A: The supply list is posted on our website. Go to "Quick Links," then select "Parent Center." These are basic high school supplies. Additional supplies may be required depending on the class.

Q: Can my child ride a bus to school?

A: Yes! We have bus routes for CFL which can be found on our district website located under "Transportation" Please contact our director of transportation, Jacob Cooper, for any questions or for more information at (970) 285-5700 ext 5130.

Q: What kind of technology will my child have access to?

A: All students at CFL will have a Chromebook. Chromebooks will stay at school

Q: Will there be a back-to-school event this year?

A: Yes! Back to School Night for PK-1 students and parents will be Wednesday August 20th from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Q: I didn't see my question here, who do I ask?

A: You are always welcome to call our office at (970) 285-5701. You are also always welcome to reach out to our school principal Mrs. Frees via email (kfrees@garfield16.org) and she will get back to you as soon as possible.