College Heights Connection

Dear Families,

I just have a few reminders during this wonderful week of learning and growing here at College Heights.

Safety is always on our minds. Thank you for helping keep our community safe by not propping or holding the door open when you are entering or leaving the building.

As the weather gets cooler, please make sure to send your child with a light layer for outdoor play, and don't forget to put your child's name on everything you send to school. We have nearly 270 children at College Heights, so our lost and found is frequently full. If you're missing an item or two, please come check the bin by Caretha's desk.

Literacy Week is almost here. We are planning a fun-filled week of early literacy activities. More information is included below.

Finally, picture week is next week. We are looking forward to seeing lots of beautiful smiles.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Principal Garland

Monday, October 21 (6-7 pm) - Family Literacy Night

Families are invited to kick off our literacy week at Family Literacy Night. College Heights teachers and staff will be manning several different stations that will include literacy games, story time, sharing information about our Bunny Bags and DEI book cart, bookmark making, and much more. The Scholastic Book Fair will also be open that night.

Tuesday, October 22 (check with your teacher for exact time) - Mystery Reader Flash Mob

Families are invited to come read in your child's classroom. Teachers are sending signup information.

Wednesday, October 23 - DHS Fall Literacy Activity Stations

Students from the early childhood education program at Decatur High School are coming to visit College Heights. They will host a variety of early literacy activity stations.

Thursday, October 24 - Get Cozy and Read/Special Guest Readers

Students can wear pajamas to school and spend some extra time reading books in their classrooms. We will have a special guest come and read to the one and two year old classes.

Friday, October 25 (9:30 am) - Book Parade

All classes will be parading in the front of the school representing the different diverse books they have been reading. This is a can't-miss event!

BUT WAIT - THERE'S MORE!

Five Days! Five Minutes! A video series on early literacy for parents

Each day, families will receive a quick five minute video on building early literacy skills in young children. These videos were curated by Erynn Mathews-Davis, our Instructional Coach, with the goal of offering information and strategies for supporting children's development.

Buy a book parade book for your family

This year, we are partnering with Charis Books and More to offer families the opportunity to purchase books featured in our book parade. Purchase books here. Books purchased will be delivered to your child's classroom soon after Literacy Week, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the school.

Shop the Scholastic Book Fair

The fall Scholastic Book Fair will take place all week in the library from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. This book fair will feature a wide variety of books for infants through grade school students. Can you spare an hour to volunteer at the book fair in the morning? It's super easy and a great way to meet other College Heights families. If you are interested, please click here!

Pre-K students enjoyed the story Little Taco Truck and practiced how to handle a library book with gentle hands. We learned how to turn pages and how to place a library book in our laps or on the floor next to us. Preschool students heard There Might Be Lobsters, which reminded us how to be brave even if everything around us might be a little scary and overwhelming. Ones and twos got up and moved to the very fun book Clap Your Hands.

Families, remember that you can check out books from the College Heights library. Email Leslie for more information or stop by the library.

This week's stories:

Little Taco Truck by Tanya Valentine, illustrated by Jorge Martin

Clap Your Hands by Lorinda Bryan Cauley

In the Middle of Fall by Kevin Henkes

I Love Your Face by Karma Wilson, illustrated by AG Ford

There Might Be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi, illustrated by Laurel Molk

Deana Kingsbury will be returning to take student photos. Black and white, candid student photos will be taken during morning recess time the week of October 14 AND on October 22 (see updated schedule below). You can see some of Deana's amazing work displayed in the hallways on either side of the library.

Welcome to Zumba Kids! You may wonder what we do in Zumba class? It is 25 minutes of high-energy, kid-friendly choreography and music that encourages coordination, flexibility, self-control, stamina, and sportsmanship. Most of all, our class is fun! Every class starts out with a warmup routine. Then we do several choreographed dances of a variety of styles, balancing repeat work with learning new material. The class ends with a dance party where every student has the opportunity to be the leader, followed by a cool down that consists of yoga stretches and mindful breathing. Everyone participates at their own level, engaging their imagination along the way!

Just a reminder College Heights is closed to all students (0-3 and Pre-K) on Tuesday, November 5 for a teacher professional learning day. Pre-K students will engage in at-home instruction using a learning choice board. Look for more information from your child's classroom teacher.

We just need you to dress up your trunk and give out candy from 5-7:30 pm. Please email Amina Williams at aminaiswilliams@gmail.com or reply to this email by October 16 if you'd like to volunteer. You get to pick your own theme :)

A Season of Giving is a neighbor-led organization that brings joy to local children and seniors through gift-giving.

For Assistance: To apply for gift assistance, please complete our online application at Apply by October 31. We are excited to support children through 12th grade again this year.

Sponsor a Gift: Donors can purchase gifts based on individual wish lists for children or seniors. If you would like to be a sponsor, please fill out the form at Sponsor.

Donate Directly: If you prefer, you can make a donation, and we will do the shopping for you. Simply Donate at our website!

Volunteer: We would greatly appreciate your help! If you're interested in volunteering, please go to Volunteer and sign up.

Need Help or Have Questions? If you encounter any issues with the forms or have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at aseasonofgivingdecatur@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support and generosity of the Season of Giving!

October 14-16, 22 - School Photos

October 21-25 - Literacy Week

October 25 - Book Parade, 9:30 am

October 30 - Early Release Day (Pre-K only), 12:15 pm

November 5 - NO SCHOOL for 0-3 and Pre-K (teacher professional learning day)