The Panther Pride – Newsletter for week of September 12, 2003

PRINCIPAL’S PAWSE
What a wonderful week we’ve had!  I was so proud to see so many children
(and adults) wearing red, white and blue in remembrance on September 11th.
I want to thank the parents that are using the car drop off area at the
back of the school.  This really helps to keep the children safe and it
improves the flow of traffic!  I would encourage all parents who bring
their children to school to do the same.  Many of you are receiving letters
from Mrs. Moore, our lunchroom manager, about your child’s account being
overdrawn.  There are two main reasons for this problem so early in the
year.  1.  Children ended the year last year owing money.  2.  Children who
did not attend Chaires last year (including Pre-K and Kindergarten
students, transfers, etc.)  had to pay full price for meals while the
free/reduced paperwork was processed and approved.  Children did not eat
free the first two weeks as they did in past years.  If you have questions
or need further explanation, please contact Mrs. Moore at 878-1706.
(Please do not call during lunchtime 10:45-1:00)

MRS. OLK’S CORNER
As many of you know we have had LOTS of technology “glitches” since the
implementation of a new server.  We are slowly but surely working out all
of the “bugs” and we are ready to start Accelerated Reader.  You can access
a list of books for which tests are available by clicking on the Chaires
Web site, find AR Search on the left hand side of the screen, click on that
and put your child’s reading level where it says grade level.  You will get
a list of books for that level.  We will be updating that list periodically
as we receive new tests.

Open House
Our first Open House will be on Monday, September 22nd  from 6:00-7:00pm.
We will meet in the cafeteria for a short program.  After the program you
are invited to visit your child’s classroom and meet their teacher.

Car Drop-Off Reminder
Parents need to drop off students in our designated drop off area in the
back of the school.  If you need to walk your child to class please park in
the parking spaces marked Parent/Volunteer (space number 22-26) and walk
your child all the way across the street.  Parents are also welcome to park
in the grassy area in front of the portable.  It is extremely dangerous for
students to cross the driveway themselves with our busses coming in.

Soup Labels & Box Tops
At Chaires, back-to-school also means back-to-collection Campbell product
labels.  We’re very excited to be participating in the Campbell’s Labels
for Education Program this year.  The program is a great way to earn FREE
merchandise for our school, but we need your help. Our collection baskets
are located in the front office.

Fund Raiser Reminder
The Cherrydale Fundraising packets are due on Friday, September 19th.

Progress Alerts
Progress Alerts for the 1st nine week will go out on Wednesday September
17th.  Your child will only receive one if the teacher feels a need to
alert you of an academic or behavior problem.

Fifth Grade Chorus
The Fifth Grade Chorus, under the direction of Jan Kilpatrick, will do a
short performance at the beginning of Open House September 22, in the
cafeteria.  Even though the newly formed group has only been together for
two weeks, we invite you to come and join us as we kick off the new school
year.  The Chorus has many exciting performances planned for the 2003-2004
school year.

Extended Day Program
The Chaires Extended Day Enrichment Program is starting off the new school
year with an exciting new line-up of classes.
Mondays your child may take Super Squads Cheerleading.  Tamu Griffin is the
instructor.
Tuesdays we are proud to offer a new class, African Hand Drumming,  by Bill
Johnson.
Wednesdays, Mason’s School of Music is here to provide Piano Lessons for
the after school students.
Thursdays are a great day for Junior Gym, owned and operated by Jennifer
Ness.
Fridays are packed with Karate/Tae Kwon Do from Gallop’s Tae Kwon Do.
In addition to these specialty classes we offer snacks, computers, crafts,
homework help, playground, and group games.  Students are grouped in grade
levels and stay with the same instructor for the entire afternoon.
Our Mission Statement:
We strive to make our Extended Day Enrichment Program an enjoyable,
compassionate, and intellectually stimulating program, while teaching good
life skills and fostering high self-esteem, in a safe, social environment.
Call Cathy Davis at 922-2866 to sign up, or for more information.

Mural Mural on the Wall
I’m sure you’ve heard the stories by now!  The children are so excited, as
are the adults.  Mr. Stacy Ridgeway from Mural Mural on the Wall has been
here at school all week painting a mural on the cafeteria wall.  The
children have gone in to visit for a brief and exciting program.  We’ve
watched the mural go up, step by step, each day as we go into the
lunchroom.  Our mural features a panther (school mascot), the original
Chaires School, children reading, beautiful scenery and dolphins.  We hope
all parents will enjoy seeing the project at Open House!

Upcoming Events
Please mark your calendar and plan to join us for these upcoming events!
Please note that the items with a X indicate that we will be seeking parent
volunteers to assist us.  If you are able to assist, please contact the
front office      by calling 878-8534.


X September 16  PTO Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Media Center
    Bookmobile, 4:30-7:30, front of school
 September 17  Progress Alerts go home
 September 19  PTO Fall Fundraiser Ends . . . send in
orders today!
 September 22-26 Writes Upon Request Assessment this week (grades 2-
5 only)
X September 22  OPEN HOUSE, 6:00-7:00, Cafeteria first,
then classroom visits
 September 23  Leon County Mobile Health Unit at Chaires
East, 1:30-3:30
September 30  Bookmobile, 4:30-7:30, front of school
   Cub Scout Pack #25 Meeting, 6:15-8:00, Cafeteria
 October 7  Skate Night at Skate World on Capital
Circle NE, 6:30-8:30
 October 9  Partners for Excellence Kick Off at Civic
Center for all Chaires Business Partners
X October 10  Fall Individual Photographs (Prepaid)


Good News At Chaires

Spirit Stick Award
Congratulations to the following “most spirited” classes for the week of
September 5th:  Mrs. Davis, Mrs. C. Turner, Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Mizell, Ms.
Dannemiller, and Mrs. Toner!  These classes had the most students at their
grade level wearing purple, gold and/or Chaires T-shirts!


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