Chadds Ford Elementary School

Happy December.

There is much to look forward to this upcoming month, throughout the newsletter take notice to the December spirit days, concert dates, digital citizenship updates, and many other events!

Charge on Chargers for a month ahead filled with fun, learning, and generosity!

CFES explores and teaches concepts to help our students develop strong character. The Core Essentials program infuses the social-emotional learning competencies with each of our monthly values.

Thank you for support to engage in conversations at home that enhance the learning at home about the Core Essential traits we will be learning this school year. Our hope is that our Charger students will embody these skills and traits to build their character and succeed in life.

☑Competencies addressed throughout the year: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-Making

☑ Big Idea Values addressed throughout the year: creativity, friendship, integrity, gratitude, generosity, responsibility, kindness, peace, patience, and commitment

During the month of December, our students will be focusing on the concept of generosity. Generosity is defined as making someone's day by giving something away. Chat with your child about navigating situations that require you to express and show your generosity and discuss how you can support practicing this skill with your child. The resources below provide helpful tips on getting the conversations started at home.

"And so you have found out that secret – one of the deep secrets of Life – that all that is really worth the doing, is what we do for others." — Lewis Carroll

Attendance Alerts - attendance, travel plans, and dismissal changes should be communicated on Powerschool and to cfeattendance@ucfsd.net, and please cc the homeroom teacher. All changes to dismissal plans should be submitted before 2:30 pm to ensure a safe dismissal process.

Attendance Reminder for Requested Assignments- 2023-2024 Parent Handbook

If a student is absent from school two days or more days due to illness or injury, homework assignments may be requested by contacting the school. Parents are asked to contact the elementary school before 10:00 A.M. Assignments will be available by the close on the day following the request. Missed assignments for a one day absence can be provided upon the student returning to school.

School Schedule Reminder:

• School starts at 9:10 am and dismissal is at 3:40 pm
• AM Kindergarten reports from 9:10 am - 11:45 am
• PM Kindergarten reports from 1:05 pm -3:40 pm

Important Transportation Note:

A huge shoutout and thank you for honoring and following procedures for the car line. We appreciate your help in maintaining a safe campus for all. As a reminder: If you are a picking up a car rider and arrive on campus before 3:15 pm for a 3:35 pm dismissal you will be asked to wait in the lower gravel lot. The crowded car line poses safety concerns and challenges for late in the day deliveries to the school that need to access the back of the building. Please make note and plan accordingly, car riders will still be dismissed starting at 3:35 pm.

Car line map

Thank you for your patience with the arrival and dismissal procedures. Safety on campus is extremely important. You can assist in the process by:

• Please stay attentive and pull forward to maximize our car line capacity.
• Stay in your vehicle and advance forward in the loading zone between the cones.
• Drop off and pick up can occur anywhere between the orange cones, pulling forward helps expedite the process.
• If you need more time before your journey home please pull into an open parking space or proceed to the lower gravel lot, this will allow the car line to flow smoothly and quickly.
• Please be mindful of staff entering and leaving the parking areas, you can help by leaving space for parking as needed.
• Keep a watchful eye on traffic control and flow, watch for staff in yellow vests and signs to direct traffic.
• Remember the speed limit on school grounds is 15 MPH!
• When on the driveway entering and exiting the school please yield to the school buses on the smaller bridge area.

Smartwatches and cell phones - as noted in the Parent Handbook - During school hours, speaking/texting on cell phones (smartwatches) is prohibited. Please review the policy with your child.

Communication - Please regularly check your email or voicemail for updates from the school for any upcoming communications or weather-related events that may impact the school day.

It is important that you review your Parent Portal in Powerschool. All information for your child and family is stored in this portal for communications. A helpful area to review is under the 'Forms' section. In this section, you will find pertinent forms (FERPA, Acceptable Use, etc.) which link permissions to your child that the school references frequently. As a family keeping your portal updated ensures that you receive communications from the school and district. In addition, the school will follow your preferences indicated in the portal. Take a moment to check the portal. Reach out to the main office at Chadds Ford if you need further support.

Staying connected is an important part of the home and school partnership. We appreciate working and growing with our families to create a strong bond that benefits your child. Please keep in mind the school day is busy and it will take some time for staff to respond to emails and calls. We are in this together, your support and understanding are paramount to our success as a team!

Safety Drills - we participate in monthly safety drills to ensure are practices are relevant, timely, and proactive. Being prepared and responsive is paramount to the safety of our students and school. Our monthly safety drills will occur to practice and refine our processes. Please chat with your child about preparedness and the importance of drills at home. Please review the attached flyer and review the website, https://iloveuguys.org/The-Standard-Response-Protocol.html

Please take a few moments to acquaint yourself with the Student Code of Conduct (as outlined in Board Policy #218, AG-1). This essential document serves as the compass for our decision-making regarding student behavior and disciplinary measures across UCFSD. I can't emphasize enough the pivotal role the Student Code of Conduct plays in our commitment to fostering a safe learning environment for our students. During the first week of school, our teachers will set expectations and teach our students about their responsibilities as a Charger.

The Student Code of Conduct categorizes infractions into four levels of severity, ranging from level one (minor infractions) to level four, indicative of the most severe transgressions. This framework also provides specific consequences that correspond to each violation, ensuring a transparent and equitable approach.

Above all, our foremost objective is to establish a safe and secure environment for every student, extending throughout our classrooms, hallways, and shared spaces. We are committed to upholding a proactive and equitable stance in addressing disciplinary matters. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need clarification or guidance concerning the Student Code of Conduct. Your engagement is vital as we work together to uphold the values of safety, transparency, and consistency within our school community.

CHIP Renewal Notice

Thousands of Pennsylvania kids under 19 could lose their CHIP health plan coverage if they fail to renew their eligibility now that the public health emergency has ended. This has a direct impact on the health and wellness of our students. CHIP families are again required to complete their renewal information using the state COMPASS system to maintain their child’s State coverage.

Highmark HEALTHY KIDS can provide helpful details and assistance for those families who need to complete their CHIP renewals or no longer qualify for Medicaid. CHIP coverage, an HMO offered by Highmark Healthy Kids is affordable, comprehensive health insurance. All kids who are under 19, residents of PA, are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or qualified alien, and do not qualify for Medicaid are eligible for CHIP, regardless of income.

CHIP School Flyer 2023 - English.pdf

CHIP School Flyer 2023 - Spanish.pdf

Updates:

Vision Screenings have been completed for all grades. If your child failed their vision screening, referrals have been sent home.

Hearing Screenings will continue this month with K-3 students.

Remember that students normally participate in outdoor recess. Always send your child to school prepared for outdoor recess with jackets/coats, winter hats, gloves/mittens, and boots as needed.

• As cold and flu season is upon us, just a reminder that in accordance with the Parent Handbook, these symptoms indicate that a student should NOT attend school:
• Fever in the last 24 hours (100 degrees or above)
• Vomiting in the last 24 hours
• Diarrhea in the last 24 hours
• Unidentified rash
• Draining eye/eyes

Snacks! - remember to send in a healthy snack with your student daily. Research confirms that hunger can negatively impact academic performance.

Links to plan are below. Forms can also be found on UCF webpage -> Quicklinks -> Nurse/Health Services

• Allergy Action Plan
• Asthma Action Plan
• Prescription Medication Authorization

If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out to the school nurse, mhocking@ucfsd.net

Metacognition: How Thinking About Thinking Can Help Kids

Writer: Rae Jacobson Clinical Experts: Marc Gladstone , Tamara Rosier, PhD

Metacognition is a big word for something most of us do every day without even noticing: Thinking about our own thoughts. Reflecting on our thoughts is a big part of understanding our feelings and learning new things. When kids hit challenges — a hard math test, a fight with a friend — it can be tempting for them to give up. But in order to thrive, kids need to be able to go from “I can’t” to “How can I?” Metacognition can help.

Figuring out how to face tough situations without getting frustrated can be extra helpful for kids with learning issues. A kid with ADHD who struggles to stay on task might feel anxious about writing a long essay. Without the skills to reflect on why they feel upset, they might think: “I’m just bad at writing.”

But a kid who knows how to reflect could look at the same situation and say, “I always feel like this when I have to work for a long time. Maybe I should start early and take breaks.” Taking a metacognitive approach makes it easier to manage frustration and find solutions.

Metacognitive skills can also help kids manage their feelings and boost self-esteem. The bad feelings kids have when they feel frustrated easily turn into negative self-talk: “If I failed the test, that means I’m not smart.” Metacognitive thinking can help kids think things through — and stop beating themselves up. For instance: “I failed the test because I wasn’t ready. How can I be more prepared next time?”

Parents can help kids learn metacognitive thinking. Start by asking open-ended questions that give kids space to reflect. For example, “Can you tell me more about why you think that?” It’s also important to help kids think through times when they get upset or act out. Thinking about their behavior can help them learn to manage difficult situations in a better way. For example, “Why do you think you got upset when Dad changed the channel?”

Contact Ms. Campanaro

Email: dcampanaro@ucfsd.net

Phone: 610-388-1112 X3758

Linked below are the county links to locate services within the county you reside that include but are not limited to housing, food, and behavioral health needs.

Delaware County Department of Human Services Resources

How to Find Health and Human Services in Chester County

Here are other resources that are meaningful to inform you about the importance of attendance.

https://www.attendanceworks.org/resources/handouts-for-families-2/

Child Mind Institute Family Resource website to support parents/guardians to find information to help them support their child who may be struggling with mental health, behavior or learning challenges.

Contact Kate Rentschler

Phone: 610-347-1700 X3575

Email: Krentschler@ucfsd.net

From Mr. McGarvey - Technology Teacher

Digital citizenship is a crucial aspect of modern education, especially for elementary school students who are navigating an increasingly digital world. As technology continues to play a significant role in our daily lives, instilling the principles of digital citizenship early on becomes essential. This short update will explore why fostering digital citizenship skills in elementary school is of paramount importance. In addition to Common Sense Media's Digital Passport curriculum and Google's Be Internet Awesome that our students currently use in technology class, there are several other reputable resources that we can share with families to enhance their understanding of digital safety.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Parenting in the Digital Age - ConnectSafely: ConnectSafely offers guides for parents on various digital safety topics, including social media, cyberbullying, and online privacy. These resources provide practical tips and advice to navigate the challenges of parenting in the digital age.

2. Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI): FOSI offers a range of tools and resources to help parents manage their children's online experiences. Their content covers topics such as online safety, privacy, and digital literacy, providing valuable insights for fostering a safe digital environment at home.

   Common Sense Media for Parents: Common Sense Media provides an extensive array of resources for parents, including reviews of movies, TV shows, books, and apps. They also offer advice on managing screen time, addressing digital dilemmas, and guiding children through the digital landscape.

3. StaySafeOnline - National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA): The NCSA website provides resources for parents to enhance their understanding of online safety. It includes tips on securing devices, protecting personal information, and guiding children through the responsible use of technology.

4. Google's Family Link: Family Link is a tool by Google that allows parents to set digital ground rules for their children. It provides features such as app controls, screen time limits, and the ability to remotely lock devices, offering parents a way to manage and monitor their child's online activities.

   Apple Screen Time: Like Family link but for Apple devices. Learn more about Apple Screen Time
   

Digital citizenship refers to the responsible and ethical use of technology, encompassing a range of skills and concepts such as online safety, responsible behavior, and effective communication in the digital realm. For elementary school students, learning about digital citizenship is akin to acquiring essential life skills in the 21st century.

1. Safety First: Teaching digital safety is a cornerstone of digital citizenship education. Elementary school students need to understand the potential risks associated with online activities and learn how to protect themselves. This includes recognizing and avoiding online dangers such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators.

2. Responsible Behavior: Digital citizenship instills a sense of responsibility when using technology. Students learn the importance of respecting others online, being mindful of their digital footprint, and understanding the consequences of their actions. This foundation sets the stage for positive and constructive online interactions.

3. Effective Communication: As elementary students engage with digital tools, teaching effective communication becomes crucial. They learn how to express themselves respectfully, collaborate with peers, and engage in online discussions. These skills are transferable to both online and offline environments, preparing students for future academic and professional success.

4. Critical Thinking Skills: Digital citizenship encourages the development of critical thinking skills. Students learn to evaluate online information, distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources, and make informed decisions. These skills are vital in an era of abundant information and digital media.

5. Global Awareness: Digital citizenship expands students' awareness beyond their immediate surroundings. Through online interactions and exposure to diverse perspectives, elementary school students develop a global mindset, fostering cultural understanding and empathy.

How can families assist in promoting digital citizenship? Open communication between parents and children about online experiences allows for a shared understanding of the digital realm. Encouraging a set of guidelines for screen time, establishing safe online spaces, and modeling responsible digital behavior at home reinforces the lessons learned in the classroom. Additionally, staying informed about the digital tools and platforms that children use enables parents to guide and support their children in making responsible choices online.

In this collaborative approach between schools and families, we can create a more robust foundation for students to navigate the digital world confidently. As technology continues to shape our lives, instilling the values of digital citizenship becomes a shared responsibility, ensuring that students grow into conscientious, well-informed, and responsible members of the digital community.

Children need healthy meals to learn. Free breakfast is available to all students who wish to participate. Breakfast is served in the cafeteria upon student arrival. Lunch is available for all students who wish to purchase ($3.00). Meal requirements are put in place to ensure that the food items contribute to a sufficient and healthy meal for each child. The webpage has a wealth of information about our meal program, click the button below.

Dec. 1st - Picture retakes

Dec. 6th - PTO meeting at CFES 9:30 am

Dec. 15th - PTO K-2 Winter Workshop

Dec. 19th -Winter K-3 Concert 1:45 pm-3:00pm

Dec. 20th - Winter Chorus, Orchestra, and Band Concert 1:45 pm-3:00pm

Dec. 25 -Jan 1st - Winter Break

Jan. 2nd - School reopens for all students

December Spirit Days:

• Friday, Dec. 15th - School Spirit - Wear your Chadds Ford spirit wear
• Dec. 18th - 22nd - Special Spirit Days leading up to Winter Break

Be on the lookout for additional special spirit days!

Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union Foundation is committed to education of youth in our community.

We are now seeking nominations for the Excellence in Teaching Award, which recognizes 20 outstanding and dedicated teachers in our area each year. Recipients of this award receive $1,000 towards classroom expenses their school also receives a $1,000 award. Deadline is December 22, 2023.

Be on the lookout for information from homeroom teachers about the First in Math app. Chargers will be working hard to build math fluency and problem solving skills. We will be computing our way to the goal of acquiring 1 million stickers in the First In Math program by May 3, 2024. If we make our goal, there will be a special celebration day planned for the students! Keep those math minds going and solve those problems!

Check out this video of our students sharing information about the program.

First In Math - click on the hyperlink

Thank you PTO for your support and funding for signage on the trail which was installed this summer. We look forward to our students, staff, and community enjoying our walking and learning trail!

Walking and Learning Trail - click on the hyperlink

Birthday Books, If you would like more information about Birthday Books, please click here and print out the form. You can submit forms to the library.

Chadds Ford Elementary Chargers are committed to supporting service projects. Thank you Chadds Ford teachers, Mrs. Eschbach and Mrs. Bickings for organizing the November and December collection for coats and cards. Thanks to the amazing generosity of our Chadds Ford Community and the hard work of our student volunteers, we on our way to collecting at least 100 coats for refugees and making cards of kindness. Thank you to each of you for making this drive a success through your support, publicity efforts, and coordination!

Supporting a variety of organizations and making thoughtful donations to important causes is one way that Chargers contribute to society. Stay tuned for upcoming projects throughout the year.

The components of the greenhouse are delivered and on campus. We are happy to report that Williamson College of the Trades has partnered with Chadds Ford to install the greenhouse this spring. Our community partners have selected Chadds Ford Elementary's greenhouse project as the annual Williamson College of the Trades service day project recipients. In the meantime, if you have experience or materials that can be donated to get our greenhouse up and running in the spring, please contact Danielle Clark, CFES Principal, dclark@ucfsd.net

The PTO meeting is on Wednesday, December 6th, 9:30 am at Chadds Ford. Please bring your ID when arriving on campus for a visitor sticker. We welcome all to attend!

Many thanks to our PTO and volunteers for an exciting Read-A-Thon for third grade and a wonderful staff luncheon over conference week, a welcomed and delightful treat for all!

There are many great ways to get involved and be a part of the Charger spirit! Please consider how you can be a part of the PTO in this upcoming school year.

Stay connected and share your story: X #ChaddsFordUCFSD Instagram chaddsforducfsd Facebook @ChaddsFordChargers search and use CFES hashtags #chaddsforducfsd #cfeschargers #UCFProud. Charge on Chargers!