Wahoo! A new school year at CBES!

I love the first day of school and look forward to it all summer long! The energy, excitement and anticipation charges my batteries more than anything else. We have had a really good week with teachers and staff preparing for another year. We've made some changes, some improvements and look forward to putting all of this work in place for students.

One of the changes is that families can now update all their student's information online through their Powerschool account! This upgrade is meant to be more convenient for you and more accurate for us. In times of emergency, having contact information at our fingertips is critical.

We've been working for almost a year on updating our school Mission, Vision and Values statement. Click here to see if for yourselves! We worked with Chris Hannah from Dreaming Tree to create the design of this document. We also worked with Chris to re-brand our Titan Traits program. You will start seeing these images around the school, on stickers, and even on the walls! The Mission Tree is also painted on our wall by the fabulous Ms. Elise!

Another new priority for the year is that we are working with Luke Yoder from Elevated Dialogue to dive more deeply into Restorative Practices to help build school culture, strengthen our relationships, and bring consistency and intention to problem solving and repair when things go wrong.

Something that's NOT new but coming up quickly is the 20th Anniversary of the Celebrate the Beat musical residency! Colleen Macomber will be back in CB working with our students on her very own creative theme: Oceans! This program is for 3rd - 5th graders and more information including dates, times and fees will follow soon.

Last but not least, the 2nd Annual Back to School Bash will be on September 6th! 4:30 - 5:00: classroom visitations, 5:00 - 6:30: Community Celebration outside on the field!

Can't wait to see you all on Monday morning!

Sally Hensley and Kathryn Long

Students will need to return to school with their chromebooks, charger and case. Please pack them to return on Monday, 8/28.

Each CBCS student will have a Chromebook, charger and protective case. Previous students should return with their technology materials on the first day of school. Please click here for more information on technology offerings and the $30 annual tech fee due September 15th. The tech fee is applicable to all students and can be paid through MyPaymentsPlus. Fees are waived for those eligible through the free and reduced application.

Filling out this application is strongly encouraged as it qualifies your family for free or discounted rates on all school functions that require a fee (Ski for PE, Celebrate the Beat, technology package, after school clubs, field trips, etc.).

Gunnison Watershed School District has opted in to Healthy School Meals For All in 2023-24. This program provides FREE breakfast and lunch to ALL students for the 2023/2024 school year. No application is required for students in the 2023-2024 school year to receive free complete meals. Please note, any individual items and/or second meals will be charged, so pre-fund your mypaymentsplus account if your student is likely to buy these items. The first week's lunch menu is below:

Monday, August 28

Chicken tenders

California blend veggies

Fruit

Tuesday, August 29

Nachos

Pinto beans

Corn salad

Wednesday, August 30

Fish fillet sandwich

Capri blend veggies

Fruit

Thursday, August 31

Pizza

Salad

Fruit

Friday, September 1

Cheese burger

Fries and fruit

We will continue to offer bus service from CB South for the 2023/2024 school year with some limitations. AM bus service will depart at 7:50AM from the CB South transit center. The RTA bus will be available afterwards to accommodate any overflow. Elementary aged children will receive priority on the school bus. PM bus service will be suspended until October due to staffing conflicts. We understand the inconveniences and challenges this causes. Please contact the Transportation Department at 970-641-7780 with any questions or for further information.

Our goal is to provide further transportation, but we can't do it without bus drivers! If you or someone you know may be interested in acquiring their CDL and supporting our community in this fashion please let us know.

First and second day drop off will follow the same procedure previous years with students being met by their teacher, holding a sign with their name, in front of the school building. If students wish to have breakfast beginning at 8AM they are welcome into the cafeteria prior to meeting their teacher on the playground.

Similar to last year, the school needs elementary lunchtime assistants and crossing guards. New this year, the school has asked for recess supervision. The greatest need is for crossing guards, which happens to require the least amount of time - just 20 minutes!

Crossing Guard - 1 volunteer on Tues am, Wed am, Wed pm

Open slots:

• Week of 8/28: All Open
• Following Week: All Open
• Please sign up for a slot on SignUp Genius.

Elementary Lunchroom Assistant - 1 volunteer daily

Open slots:

• Week of 8/28: All Open
• Following Week: All Open
• Please sign up for a slot on SignUp Genius.

**New** - Elementary Recess Supervision - 1 volunteer daily

Open slots:

• Week of 8/28: All Open
• Following Week: All Open
• Please sign up for a slot on SignUp Genius.

Please contact Stephanie Sandstrom, Crested Butte Elementary School Office Manager, with any questions about your elementary student. Questions, concerns and messages can be firected to Stephanie via email at ssandstrom@gunnisonschools.net or by calling 970-641-7720.