Chalmers Chronicle

Hello Leopard Family!

It's always a great week at Chalmers Elementary! Students need to be dropped off from 7:15-7:35. If you arrive after 7:35, you must walk your student inside and get a tardy slip. When visiting for lunchtime, please park in a parking spot. This will keep the driving lane clear. You will be required to show your ID when checking in. Students will not be allowed to be checked out after 3:20. This allows us to make sure all students are packed and ready for their buses.

Reminders:

School Times: 7:35 A.M. - 3:40 P.M. (This is 15 minutes EARLIER than last year.)

Doors Open for Drop Off: 7:15 A.M.

Tardy Time: 7:45 A.M.

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This month, we celebrate the incredible contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history and recognize the impact they have made in shaping our communities and the world. Our students will explore the rich tapestry of Black history through engaging lessons, activities, and discussions that promote understanding, respect, and appreciation for diversity. Join us in honoring the legacy of remarkable figures, as well as the everyday heroes in our communities. Let's work together to inspire the next generation to carry forward the values of equality, justice, and unity.

#BlackHistoryMonth #CelebrateDiversity #LearnAndGrow #OurHistoryMatters

Feb. 18- PTO Chocolate Fundraiser Starts

Feb. 25- 3rd grade choir student performance at GJH Auditorium-6 PM

March 4- Spring Picture Day

March 6- Chalmers Show Choir Performance and Art Show at Chalmers Elementary-5:30 PM

March 10-Student Intervention Day

March 17-24- Spring Break

April 3- 4th Grade to NCTC Farm City Week Field Trip

April 10- Reading STAAR Test

April 14- Regular school day

April 18-Holiday

April 22- Bus Driver Appreciation Day
April 24- Math STAAR Test

May 7- School Nurse Appreciation Day

May 8- Incoming 2nd grade parent info meeting-5:30 PM

May 9- 3rd Grade Field Day (1/2 classes in AM and 1/2 in PM)

May 12- Regular School Day

-GT Field Trip

-2nd Grade Field Day

May 13- 3rd Grade Field Trip

May 21- End of Year Awards Ceremonies (2nd @ 2:00, 3rd @ 8:15, and 4th @ 9:30)

May 22- Last Day of School, Talent Shows @ 8 & 10, and Early Release

Please sign up to be a volunteer. You must only register 1 time per academic year. The time slot sign up will come later for those who are approved volunteers.

*Student must remain in vehicles every morning until 7:15 AM. Students are getting hurt from running and playing without supervision.

*Do not drop students off in the morning from the main highway and walk over. This is very dangerous. You must pull through the drop off lines.

* When dropping students off each morning, students need to exit vehicles BEFORE reaching the crosswalk. Especially, the lane next to the sidewalks.

*DO NOT ENTER THE WRONG WAY FROM RADIO HILL ROAD. THIS IS CAUSING SAFETY ISSUES.

All students have a red plastic "Take Home Folder" that comes home every day. This provides a communication method between home and school. Please check your child's folder each night for important notes and homework. You can also send any important notes to teachers, office, or other school personnel in these folders. This is also where students keep their homework.

One of our goals at Chalmers Elementary is for students to read and comprehend text on their grade level. In order to meet this goal, we need some help from our families. Students at Chalmers Elementary bring home leveled reading materials everyday. The reading stays the same for 2 weeks. In addition to the reading material, there will be a page of discussion questions for families, and a reading log. We ask that you read and engage in conversations about the reading with your student for at least 20 minutes a day. Please keep the questions and reading items in students' red plastic take home folders in the section labeled "Return to School."

Students will have a few math and reading questions for homework each day/week. This will help reinforce and develop skills that have already been taught to the students in class. This is designed to take 10 minutes or less for each subject per day.

* Students are allowed to bring water bottles to school with WATER only. Please label.

* Please check students' folders for a calendar of specials and wear tennis shoes on PE days.

* No students can check out after 3:20 P.M.

* Dismissal is at 3:40- Please be on time when picking up students.

* Jeans can NOT have holes, tears, or frays.

* Shorts must be mid-thigh and can NOT have holes, tears, or frays.

* Spaghetti straps and crop tops are NOT allowed.

* Athletic shorts ARE allowed at Chalmers & Edison.

The Texas 90% rule dictates that students must attend at least 90% of their classes to be eligible to receive credit for a course. This rule is in place to ensure that students have consistent access to the educational content and classroom interactions necessary for their academic growth. Unfortunately, over the years, we have noticed a rising number of students falling short of this attendance requirement, leading to the need for summer school to catch up on missed instructional time.

Beginning the summer of 2024, we will be implementing a change in our summer school policy. Regrettably, we will no longer be offering summer school as a means to make up for excessive absences. We understand that this policy change might pose challenges for some families, and we want to assure you that this decision was not made lightly. Our primary goal is to provide students with the best possible education during the regular school year, and consistent attendance is crucial for achieving this goal.

We kindly ask for your partnership in this effort. Here's how you can help:

1. **Prioritize Attendance**: Encourage your child to attend school regularly. Explain the importance of consistent attendance and how it contributes to their academic success.

2. **Open Communication**: If your child is facing challenges that might impact their attendance, please let us know. We are here to provide support and explore solutions to help them stay engaged in their education.

3. **Establish Routines**: Establishing consistent routines and schedules at home can greatly aid in ensuring your child's regular attendance.

4. **Monitor Progress**: Stay informed about your child's attendance record and academic progress. Regularly reviewing their grades and attendance in the GISD parent portal can help you address issues promptly.

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La regla del 90% de Texas dicta que los estudiantes deben asistir al menos al 90% de sus clases para ser elegibles para recibir crédito por un curso. Esta regla existe para garantizar que los estudiantes tengan acceso constante al contenido educativo y a las interacciones en el aula necesarias para su crecimiento académico. Desafortunadamente, a lo largo de los años, hemos notado que un número cada vez mayor de estudiantes no cumplen con este requisito de asistencia, lo que lleva a la necesidad de que la escuela de verano recupere el tiempo de instrucción perdido.

A partir del verano de 2024, implementaremos un cambio en nuestra política de escuela de verano. Lamentablemente, ya no ofreceremos escuela de verano como medio para compensar las ausencias excesivas. Entendemos que este cambio de política podría plantear desafíos para algunas familias y queremos asegurarles que esta decisión no se tomó a la ligera. Nuestro objetivo principal es brindarles a los estudiantes la mejor educación posible durante el año escolar regular, y la asistencia constante es crucial para lograr este objetivo.

Le solicitamos amablemente su colaboración en este esfuerzo. Así es como puedes ayudar:

1. **Priorice la asistencia**: anime a su hijo a asistir a la escuela con regularidad. Explique la importancia de la asistencia constante y cómo contribuye a su éxito académico.

2. **Comunicación abierta**: Si su hijo enfrenta desafíos que podrían afectar su asistencia, háganoslo saber. Estamos aquí para brindar apoyo y explorar soluciones que los ayuden a mantenerse comprometidos con su educación.

3. **Establezca rutinas**: Establecer rutinas y horarios consistentes en casa puede ser de gran ayuda para garantizar la asistencia regular de su hijo.

4. **Monitorear el progreso**: Manténgase informado sobre el registro de asistencia y el progreso académico de su hijo. Revisar periódicamente sus calificaciones y asistencia en el portal para padres de GISD puede ayudarle a abordar los problemas con prontitud.