Center Community Chat #4

Dear Center Community,

A wonderful week 2 with students and we look forward to 5 days with them next week.

We hope to see many of you at our first CSPTO meeting of the year on Wednesday, September 10th from 7:00-8:00 in the Center library. You can join in-person or virtually. See the CSPTO Pulse for more details and the link.

Dismissal Procedures Soon to Change at Center:

This summer, all elementary schools added a secure lobby vestibule to enhance safety in our buildings. In the coming weeks, our school will also be updating dismissal procedures. As part of this change, parent pickup will take place outside the building, (as it is in all district schools) with families remaining in their vehicles and using a number system to help in the process. We look forward to sharing the updated details with you soon and reviewing them together at Curriculum Night on September 16th . We are hoping to have the new procedures in place shortly after that. Thank you for your patience and support as we work through these important updates.

Center Chirps:

• Students and Staff did an amazing job on our first Fire Drill
• Monday, September 8th is a "Let Your Kind Shine" spirit day, so let's spread our message of kindness.
• Enjoy the weekend & rest...5 full days ahead!

Warm Regards,

Donna & Jenn

Please send in a note on the first day of school indicating what your child's dismissal plan is (pick-up, extended day, or the bus). If your child arrives on the bus we will assume they are returning home on the bus unless we hear otherwise.

Please press the link below for complete dismissal practices.

Please find the CPS academic calendar below. Reminder: there is No school tomorrow or Monday.

Please note that parents/adults are not allowed to escort their child(ren) to their classroom on school days. Staff members will be in the main lobby to assist all students and guide them to their classrooms. We appreciate your assistance with this.

5 – 5:25 PM: Principal/Assistant Principal Presentation in the cafeteria for K - 2 grade families

5:30 – 6:15 PM: Grades K - 2 Teacher Presentations.

6:15 – 7:00 PM: Specialists/ Reading/ Special Educators and Related support providers available in classrooms/offices

7 – 7:25 PM: Principal/ Assistant Principal Presentation in the cafeteria for 3 & 4 grade families (The 5 PM presentation is repeated.)

7:30 – 8:15 PM: Grades 3 & 4 Teacher Presentations

*******We kindly request that children remain at home during curriculum night.

This year Massachusetts is offering all school lunch and breakfast at no charge to students. This does not automatically make families eligible for any other benefits. We strongly encourage families that feel they are eligible for transportation or extended day reduced tuition to fill out the online free and reduced meal application. The links can be found below. https://cpsnutrition.com/index.php?sid=1478035692058&page=lunchapps

If you do qualify for benefits you most likely will be eligible for SNAP benefits. https://www.mass.gov/snap-benefits-formerly-food-stamps

Some examples of SNAP benefits are discounts on gas, electric utilities and internet services.

Please visit our school nutrition website at https://cpsnutrition.com/index.php?sid=1478035692058 for more information about our program and also a link to the free and reduced lunch application.

Dear Caregivers,

Thank you in advance for all of your efforts to help students prepare so they can be healthy and comfortable at Center School.

As you work on your new daily routines, please try to incorporate the following into your plans:

• Sleep: The CDC recommends 9-12 hours of sleep every night for children aged 6 to 12 years old. Please plan your child's bedtime to allow for enough rest.

• Breakfast: Encourage your child to eat a healthy breakfast every day.

• Dress: Help your child choose comfortable clothes and shoes for both learning and play. Include layers for changing temperatures and weather.

• Snack: Pack a nut-free snack and water bottle every day.

• Extra clothes: Include a full change of clothes (top, bottom, underwear, socks) in their backpack in case their clothes get soiled or torn after an injury, spill, illness, or bathroom accident.

• Plan for dismissals & sick days: Because illness and injuries come at unpredictable times, it is important to make a plan now so that you know who will care for your child when they need to stay home from school or be picked up early. Students who are dismissed from school for injury or illness need to be picked up within 30 minutes.

For more information on how caregivers can help kids to have a healthy school year, please visit healthychildren.org

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Bus Safety:

Parents and caregivers, please support our bus drivers and reinforce expectations for bus safety. The link below reviews expectations that are reviewed with all students. Thank you for your continued collaboration.

Bus Registration?

Our bus registration is continuing this month and all students who will ride the bus are required to register. These registrations assist us in making the most efficient and safe bus routes. Please visit the transportation website at: https://chelmsfordschools.org/departments/transportation/ for more information on how to register for the bus.

September

• Monday, September 8: Let Your Kind Shine

• Wednesday, September 10: PTO Meeting, 7:00 PM Center Library

• Monday September 15: National DOT day

• Tuesday, September 16: Curriculum Night, 5-6:15 PM grades K-2 , 7-8:15 PM grades 3 & 4

• Wednesday, September 17: National Constitution Day

• Wednesday, September 17: Half day/Professional Development Day

• Thursday, September 18: Picture Day (updated date)

• Friday, September 19: Show Your Chelmsford Spirit Wear

October

• Thursday, October 2: Custodian Appreciation Day
• Monday, October 6: Be kind, spirit wear
• Thursday, October 9: Ice Cream Social 5:00-7:00
• Monday, October 13: No School (Indigenous Peoples' Day)
• Friday, October 17: Spirit Wear Day- Show your Chelmsford Pride
• Friday, October 17: River Hawks Night
• Saturday, October 18: Trunk or Treat- 1:00-3:00 pm
• Thursday, October 23: Half Day/ Professional Development Staff
• Thursday, October 23: Picture Re-take
• Saturday, October 25: Trunk or Treat Rain Date

Center is not only a wonderful place to attend and learn but also a wonderful place to work, as many of our parents/grandparents can attest to. Substitutes in all areas are always in high demand. Please look at the CPS district website if interested.

The first Monday of the month will be a "Let Your Kind Shine" spirit day. You are invited to wear tops that promote kindness.

The third Friday of the month is Chelmsford/Center Pride spirit day. Sport our district colors, maroon, white, and black.

* Dates may be adjusted due to holidays or breaks. Please look at the weekly calendar of events for specific dates.

A picture speaks a thousand words as they say, and we love to include these in our weekly updates and on the website through our Twitter feed. Please let email Ms. O’Hearn at ohearnc@chelmsford.k12.ma.us. if you do not want your child’s picture included in these forums.