Cherokee Elementary

Dear Cherokee Families,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new principal of Cherokee Elementary and honored to be part of this amazing community. It’s going to be a fantastic year filled with joyful learning, strong relationships, and lots of fun—and I can’t wait to partner with you to make this year one to remember.

Whether you're returning or joining us for the first time—welcome to the Pack! We are so glad you’re here.

Warmly,

Dr. Cigarroa

We want to share an important update with our families:
Mrs. Watts has been moved from First grade to Second grade to help balance class sizes. We are so thankful for her flexibility and dedication—she’s going to do amazing things in Second grade! As a result, Second grade will now have four teachers this year. Class lists will be posted on the wall as you enter, so you’ll know your child’s teacher before visiting classrooms.

We can’t wait to see everyone at Open House! Class lists will be posted outside of classroom doors.

📅 Open House – Wednesday, July 30 | 4:30–6:00 PM

We can’t wait to see everyone at Open House!
Due to construction at our front entrance, families will need to enter through the car circle entrance located by the gym.

This is a great opportunity for students to:

• See their classrooms

• Meet their teachers

• Drop off supplies

• Get excited for the year ahead!

🛍️ Community and Program Info in the Gym:

• PTA will be in the gym with spirit gear and membership sign-ups. Come show your Wolf Pack pride!

• After-school programming information will also be available.

• Mrs. Rincon will be set up with fun games and popcorn for students and families to enjoy!

🗂️ Need help or missing information?

• Mrs. Stout will be at the back of the gym to assist with:
  • Class lists
  • Teacher letters
  • Bus information
  • Online enrollment
  • Turning in missing paperwork

• Mrs. Bowling will be available to help families complete their Household Income Survey.

This will be a fun and informative event to help everyone start the school year off right. We hope to see you there!

School Hours: 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM

We’re so excited to welcome students back for the first official day of school! Our team will be ready to greet students with smiles, encouragement, and support as they begin an exciting new year.

Reminders for a smooth start:

· Morning drop-off begins at 7:45 AM. We encourage families to allow extra time the first few days as everyone settles into routines. Staff members will be stationed throughout the building to guide students to class and help ease any first-day jitters.

· If your child didn’t drop off supplies at Open House, please send them on the first day.

· Clear communication on how your child will be going home is essential. Please be sure your child’s teacher knows their afternoon transportation plan.

Important to-dos before the first day:

· If you haven’t filled out your bus transportation forms, this needs to be completed ASAP. Please call Teresa Stout in the main office for assistance.

· All students should have completed their re-enrollment in PowerSchool. Parents should have received an email with instructions. If you need help, contact Teresa Stout in the main office.

Main Office phone number: 423-434-5281

These students will follow a staggered start schedule, and teachers will reach out directly with your assigned day. Please know we’ll be extra attentive to helping our youngest learners feel comfortable and excited.

Parent Meetings: We invite families to join us for grade-level meetings to learn more about classroom expectations and how to support your child’s success:
- PreK Parent Meeting: Tuesday, July 29 at 5:30 PM
- Kindergarten Parent Meeting: Friday, August 8 at 10:00 AM (This meeting is for parents only—please make arrangements for childcare if needed.)