The SHARK Alert

Happy Monday, CES Families!

We hope you all enjoyed the long weekend and had plenty of time to relax, rest, and recharge. The days are incredibly busy around CES, and this upcoming week is packed with energy and exciting events!

First up, we are looking forward to our SHARK Assembly on Wednesday. We encourage all students and staff to wear their SHARK gear or school colors to show off our school spirit!

We also want to remind families that our first PTO meeting of the school year will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, October 13th at 6:00 PM. We would love to see new faces join us as we begin planning for some wonderful upcoming activities, including our Fudge Fundraiser, Build it Night, Warm Clothing Swap, and the Annual Halloween Parade.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and let's have a fantastic week ahead!

Warmly,

Dr. Kelly

As we work to keep our mornings safe, efficient, and smooth for everyone, please review these key details regarding morning arrival:

• Arrival Window: Morning arrival begins at 7:35 AM and ends at 7:45 AM. Students dropped off by car need to be inside the building by 7:45 AM.

• Park & Walk: Families who wish to park and walk their students should park in the designated spaces on Depot Road in front of the town tennis courts.

• Main Office Parking Lot: Please do not enter the main office parking lot before 7:45 AM, as this space is strictly reserved for unloading school buses.

• Late Arrivals (After 7:45 AM): Any car arriving after 7:45 AM must drop off students at the Main Office so they can receive a late pass before heading to class.

Why Punctuality Matters At 7:45 AM, our morning drop-off staff must quickly transition from arrival duty to being in classrooms with students. While arriving a minute or two late—such as at 7:46 or 7:47 AM—might seem minor, it directly impacts our daily schedule. Even if you see a door open or a car finishing up unloading at 7:46 AM, joining in delays staff from reaching their classes on time and can leave classroom students unattended.

We kindly ask all families to pay close attention to the clock each morning. Thank you for your partnership, your respect for our staff's schedule, and your commitment to keeping our students safe!

We appreciate your patience and flexibility as our towns undergo a variety of roadwork projects. You will find the most accurate and current information about road closures and detours on our town websites and on the social media pages of local public safety:

• Town of Harwich Website - this page has weekly updates from the contractors, along with detours and recommended school transportation pickup and dropoff spots
• Harwich Police Facebook Page
• Town of Chatham Website
• Chatham Police Facebook Page

These resources are also linked on our website. We ask that everyone be prepared for some slight delays as road construction projects continue in the coming weeks.

As autumn arrives, our morning temperatures are dropping and the weather is getting much crisper! Please remember to send your child to school dressed in layers—such as sweatshirts, light jackets, or coats—so they stay warm and comfortable throughout the day.

As a reminder, our students head outside for recess as much as possible, as long as it isn't raining or bitterly cold. Wearing layers allows students to adjust easily as temperatures shift between morning drop-off, outdoor play, and the classroom. Writing your child's name inside their jackets and sweatshirts is also a big help in keeping our Lost & Found clear!

Stay healthy and warm,

Nurse Heidi

The PTO is hosting a Winter Clothing Swap to help families get ready for the colder months ahead. Sponsored by the CES PTO, this initiative gives parents a fantastic, eco-friendly way to trade gently used winter gear that children have outgrown for the next size up.

Here is everything you need to know to participate:

How to Donate

Please send in clean, gently used winter gear—such as coats, boots, and snow pants.

• Donation Deadline: All items must be brought in by October 23.

• Drop-Off Location: Collection bins are located just inside the school’s front doors for easy drop-off.

When is the Swap?

The swap takes place on October 27 and October 29, held conveniently during Parent-Teacher Conferences.

Be sure to stop by the swap area during conference days to find cold-weather essentials for your growing kids!

Get ready to create, imagine, and innovate! Chatham Elementary School families are warmly invited to join us for a fun, hands-on Family Build It Night. Sponsored by the CES PTO and run by our amazing art teacher, Ms. Kidd, this free community event invites students and parents to build together using cardboard and recyclable materials.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, October 22

• Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

• Location: Chatham Elementary School

• Cost: Free!

• Safety Note: All students must be accompanied by an adult.

Registration is required to attend. Spots fill up quickly, so please register as soon as possible by clicking on the link below.

Satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting our school! We are excited to announce our Annual Fudge Fundraiser featuring delicious treats from Candy Manor. Look for more information coming in backpack mail this week!

• Collect Orders: October 12 – October 23

• Order & Payment Deadline: Turn in all orders and money to the main office by October 23. You can also order online by scanning the QR code on the flyer or using the order form on the back.

• Order Pick-Up: November 9th at Chatham Elementary School

Thank you for your support!

Get ready for spooky fun! Join us for the Annual Halloween Parade on Friday, October 30th, sponsored by the CES PTO. This festive event is open to all CES families and friends!

We will meet at the Chatham Community Center, and the parade kicks off promptly at 4:00 P.M. Wear your favorite costume and join the march down Main Street for trick-or-treating, featuring delicious treats generously provided by the Chatham Merchants!

• When: Friday, October 30th at 4:00 P.M.

• Where: Meet at the Chatham Community Center

• Important Note: All students must be accompanied by an adult.

The Town of Chatham wants to hear from all year-round and seasonal residents to better inform the work of staff and to provide feedback to the Select Board on the community's priorities!

The Survey will remain open until Sunday, November 15th but why wait! Take the survey today at https://tinyurl.com/vp924ubd.

We want to hear from you! We know that Monomoy is filled with great people - here's your chance to help highlight them! Our Staff Shoutouts recognize a member of our team each month, and nominations are now open. While it's still early in the school year, we're sure there are Sharks who have gone above and beyond - go to www.monomoy.edu/staffshoutout and tell us about them.

• Monday, October 12th - No School - Indigenous Peoples/Columbus Day
• Tuesday, October 13th - CES PTO Meeting
• Wednesday, October 14th - SHARK Assembly
• Wednesday, October 21st - Early Release Day
• Thursday, October 22nd - PTO Build It Night!
• Friday, October 23rd - Last Day to Drop Off Warm Clothing Donations
• Friday, October 23rd - Fudge Fundraiser Orders Due
• Tuesday, October 27th - 11:00 Dismissal - Parent/Teacher Conferences - Clothing Swap
• Thursday, October 29th - 11:00 Dismissal - Parent/Teacher Conferences - Clothing Swap
• Friday, October 30th - PTO Halloween Parade 4:00 pm

The SHORE Food Pantry at Monomoy Regional High School has been selected again as a nonprofit partner in the Stop & Shop Bloomin’ 4 Good Program! The SHORE Food Pantry will receive $1 for each $11.99 specially marked Bloomin’ 4 Good bouquet sold throughout the month of October 2026 at the East Harwich Stop & Shop location. The funds raised will help eliminate food insecurities for our Monomoy students, families, and community. Find more information on the food pantry at https://www.monomoy.edu/shore-food-pantry.

SHORE Food Pantry Begins September 10!
The SHORE Food Pantry at MRHS will begin serving all Monomoy families Thursday, September 10! The weekly pantry is open to everyone, and no sign-up is required. Families can simply drive up, fill their bags with the items they need, and take them home.

When & Where
Date: Every Thursday, beginning September 10
Time: 9:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Monomoy Regional High School, Outside of Building B, Door 4
Families are welcome to stop by during the pantry hours and take what they need ... no registration or appointment necessary.

If you have any questions, contact Shana Grogan at sgrogan@monomoy.edu. In partnership with Stop & Shop, we look forward to supporting our families through the SHORE Food Pantry!

Email: jakelly@monomoy.edu
Website: http://ces.monomoy.edu/
Location: 147 Depot Road, Chatham, MA, USA
Phone: 508-945-5135
Facebook: facebook.com/ChathamElementarySchoolPto

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuaO-WElYPYfj1kU9LfhSzw
Instagram: ChathamElemMRSD