Centennial Eagles News

Dear Centennial families/guardians,

We sure did make a BIG splash last week with all of our school events. From Dr. Schaffer (Superintendent) and Dr. Schneider (Deputy Superintendent) visiting our awesome classrooms, to staff meet and greet with the Board of Education, to our Board of Education presentation with our first grade critical thinkers, to our School Accountability meeting, to hosting all of the Elementary Principals on Thursday with classroom visits to see critical thinking in action, to our annual Bald Eagle Boogie - Walk-a-Thon event...it was a BIG week, a FUN week, and a week to remember!

Tidbits and reminders:

Check out the Pledgestar Link for Bald Eagle Boogie Pledges/Donations. We are so close Centennial!: www.pledgestar.com/centennial

2024-25 PTA Calendar magnets went home with the youngest household students last week. Please check backpacks.

School events THIS week:

• Tuesday: Kindergarten Field Trip to Bartles Farm
• Thursday: PTA Popcorn Party for ALL Classrooms and 6:30 pm PTA meeting (in-person & virtual) Here is the link to join the meeting virtually.
• Wednesday, Freddy's PTA Fundraiser 10/9 4-8pm
• Friday: No School for students (Teacher Work Day)

School events NEXT week:

• Tuesday: 5th Grade Field Trip to Viestenz Smith Park & 3rd Grade Opera Field Trip
• Wednesday: 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm Student-led Conferences & Book Fair
• Thursday: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm Student-led Conferences & Book Fair (NO School for students)
• Friday: No School for students and staff

Kind regards,

Carmen Polka, Ed.D.

Principal

Thank you to Amber Sackrider for volunteering to be our School Accountability Committee (SAC) Chair!

Quick notes from the SAC meeting last Tuesday evening:

• Critical Thinking at Centennial
• Teaching the language of critical thinking can seem overwhelming for students, however, we teach the language of critical thinking because that is how they can name their thinking. Students are able to reflect on their reasoning.
• Warm welcomes/Class Agreements

• Staff co-created the class agreements w/students

• Warm welcomes are in place this year with new entries into school in the morning.

• Writing Focus/SUIP update
  
• Increase understanding of our SAC process at Centennial
  

• SAC Chair - Who is interested?

• Clarity on the SAC Chair role-Amber Sackrider has volunteered for this role.

• How could we increase SAC attendance and awareness of what SAC does? Perhaps add the agenda items into the weekly newsletter AND adding the notes to the follow up newsletter. (Hence the information you are currently reading :).)

• Increase involvement w/school, passion for community building
  
• Collaborate and communicate w/parents: our areas of success and areas of growth
• NEXT SAC Meeing:

• Safety & Security drill clarification and what parent resources are there available?

• Plan a parent/family night focused on academics: math, science of reading, critical thinking, Mystery Science (To do list)
• Mid-year iReady data, update on writing
  
• Other topics to be determined...please reach out if something is of interest to you!

Congratulations to:

Noah L.

Jackson W.

Battle of the Books 2024-2025 for 3rd, 4th and 5th

Mrs. Westerfield is seeking dedicated students to take part in this year's Battle of the Books District Competition held Saturday, March 29th. The format has changed from previous years. To be a part of the team, students must commit to READ the 10 books assigned to their grade level, attend the March District Competition and stay connected to fellow teammates throughout the season. (No required out-of-school meetings, occasional optional recess meet-ups, no more than once a week... and team building exercises as the final competition approaches ) Half-sheet flyers are available to indicate interest. Final decisions to move forward with CES teams is due October 4th = so get those interest flyers back ASAP. Questions? Contact Mrs. Westerfield at mary.westerfield@tsd.org or check out Battle of the Books on the TSD webpage:

https://www.tsd.org/academics/library-resources/battle-of-the-books-bob

During periods of inclement weather, Thompson School District is occasionally faced with the difficult decision on whether or not to close schools. You can find more information about these policies and how these announcements are communicated here:

https://www.tsd.org/departments/communications/school-closing-delayed-start

If you are interested, details can be found on our district Tech 4 All website.

SCHOOL HOURS

Office Hours are 7:30 am - 3:30 pm

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

Breakfast 7:45 am (Enter through front doors)

Start Time 8:00 am

Wednesday Late Start

Breakfast 8:45 am (Enter through the front doors)

Start Time 9:00 am

Every Day Dismissal Time - Kindergarten 3:05pm, 1st - 5th grade 3:10 pm

MORNING DROP-OFF & AFTERNOON PICK-UP PROCEDURES

Please take a moment to read the before and after school procedures so we are all SAFE on campus.

SAFE TRAFFIC RULES: MORNING DROP-OFF

This is LONG but super IMPORTANT to READ!

East Hug & Go:

• Kindergarten (parents may need to exit car to help the child exit the car safely)
• 4th and 5th Grade Students drop off in Hug & Go and walk in front of the building to the double door entry on the playground where we have supervision (do not go behind the building near the cottages)
• If you have students in multiple grades, please default and follow the youngest students drop-off area
• All students exit on the curb
• May go right or left out of the parking lot (going right may be busy with West Hug & Go traffic-heads up)
• If parking, please use the cross walk areas within the East parking lot as we have staff/volunteers designated to help students/families cross safely
• Please adhere to the cones for safe driving areas
• When crossing 37th street we have ONE crosswalk-please use this area (near the West Hug & Go). Staff will redirect families when they are not using this crosswalk as it is in everyone's interest to use the crosswalk.

West Hug & Go:

• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade Students drop off in West Hug & Go and go straight to double doored entry (1st and 2nd near Hug & Go/3rd double doors on playground)
• All students exit on the curb, parents may not exit the vehicle
• May only turn right out of the parking lot
• If parking or walking near the church, please use the Outdoor Classroom/Garden path to get to your classroom door(s)
• Please adhere to the cones for safe driving and walking areas
• When crossing 37th street we have ONE crosswalk-please use this area (near the West Hug & Go). Staff will redirect families when they are not using this crosswalk as it is in everyone's interest to use the crosswalk.

Other traffic notes:

• Parking spaces in the front of the school (even if vacant) are for staff only-this is due to safety issues.
• Students may not be dropped off in the front of the school. ALL students need to be dropped off from a vehicle in the East or West Hug & Go areas.
• U-turns in front of the school-PLEASE do not do this. It is super unsafe for our humans.

SAFE TRAFFIC RULES: AFTERNOON PICK-UP

East Side Pick-Up:

• Kindergarten parents, please park in the parking lot when picking up your students if you plan to exit your car.
• 4th and 5th Grade families, you can use this side OR the church parking lot to meet your students, whichever works best for your family.
• May go right or left out of the parking lot (going right may be busy with dismissal)
• If parking, please use the cross walk areas within the East parking lot as we have staff/volunteers designated to help students/families cross safely.
• Please adhere to the cones for safe driving areas.
• When crossing 37th street we have ONE crosswalk-please use this area (near the West Hug & Go). Staff will redirect families when they are not using this crosswalk as it is in everyone's interest to use the crosswalk.

West Side Pick-Up:

• This area is NOT available during pick-up. It will be coned off.
• If parking near or at the church, please have your child walk through the Outdoor Classroom/Garden path to get to you.
• Please adhere to the cones for safe driving and walking areas.
• When crossing 37th street we have ONE crosswalk-please use this area (near the West Side of the building). Staff will redirect families when they are not using this crosswalk as it is in everyone's interest to use the crosswalk.

Other traffic notes:

• Parking spaces in the front of the school (even if vacant) are for staff only-this is due to safety issues.
• Students may not be picked up in the front of the school.
• U-turns in front of the school-PLEASE do not do this. It is super unsafe for our humans.

OTHER DISMISSAL INFORMATION

AFTERNOON PICK UP:

● 3:05 pm: Kindergarten pick up is located on the East side of the building where drop off

is located.

● 3:10pm: All other grades dismissed. Students may be picked up at the classroom door on foot, not in a vehicle.

Thank you to all for keeping up on our Centennial communications!

The science fair encourages participation for all students in grades K-12! There are enticing monetary prizes for high school students at the state level, for students that advance.

Are you an adult family, staff, or student member of the TSD Community who is interested in learning about how TSD addresses equity, diversity, and inclusion? If so, sign-up to join the TSD Educational Equity Council (TEEC)! We will host quarterly meetings this school year to increase knowledge of the equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) work throughout TSD.

We are seeking broad and diverse community participation to help us move our work forward in alignment with the TSD Strategic Plan and TSD Board Policies related to Educational Equity (Policy ADB), Equal Educational Opportunities (Policy JB), and Non-Discrimination/Equal Opportunity (Policy AC).

The first meeting of the Thompson Educational Equity Council (TEEC) will be held on October 24, 4:30-5:30 p.m. If you are interested in attending, please complete the sign-up form. We will have pizza!

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*And Ms. Correen and Mr. Sean!

*Please send in any candy donations for our Trunk or Treat event!

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*Thank you to our PTA and Volunteers!

Please plan non-illness related student absences in alignment with days we are not in session.

Every Friday is Spirit day...please wear your red, white, or blue OR any of your Centennial shirts!

School Year 2024-2025:

October

1st-Centennial Students present to the Thompson School District Board of Education and SAC Meeting (5:00 pm in-person @Centennial)

4th - Bald Eagle Boogie Walk-a-Thon

10th - 6:30 pm PTA Meeting (in-person & virtual)

11th - No School: Teacher Work Day

16th - 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm Student Led Conferences & Book Fair

17th - No School: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm Student Led Conferences & Book Fair

18th - No School: Staff Exchange Day for evening conferences

25th - PTA Family Event: Trunk or Treat/Dia de los Muertos (evening)

November

5th - Picture Retake Day

14th - 6:30 pm PTA Meeting (virtual)

25th - 29th - No School: Fall Break

December

23rd - January 3rd - No School: Winter Break

January

6th - No School: Teacher Work Day

7th - No School: Staff Professional Development Day

16th - 5: 30 pm School Accountability Meeting (virtual) & 6:30 pm PTA Meeting (virtual)

20th - No School: Dr. Martin Luther King Remembrance Day

February

5th - 6:30 pm PTA Meeting in the Centennial Library (and virtual option)

17th - No School: President's Day

18th - No School: Staff Professional Development Day

21st - Group Picture Day

March

4th - 3:30 pm - 7: 30 pm Student Led Conferences (tentative)

6th - 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm Student Led Conferences (tentative

6th & 7th - NO School students

7th - NO School staff

13th - 6:30 pm PTA Meeting (virtual)

17th-21st - No School: Spring Break

*Stay tuned for CMAS (state testing dates)

April

4th - PTA Carnival

9th - 5:30 pm SAC Meeting (virtual)

9th - 6:30 pm PTA Meeting (virtual)

21st - 24th Spring Book Fair/Art Show

25th - No School: Teacher Work Day

May

14th - 6:30 pm PTA Meeting in the Centennial Library (and virtual option)

23rd - Last Day of School (Half-Day)

*Scroll down for information about fundraisers.

*The dates listed here will continue to be updated as needed.

If your student requires medication at school, please see the attached forms/links for parents/guardians and the provider to fill out and sign. Once the Action Plan or permission for medication form is completed the health office can accept your student's medication.

As a reminder, forms are good for one year. Medication needs to be in original pharmacy labeled packaging and is unexpired. Action plans do not need additional medication forms. If your student needs medication outside of the action plan (i.e. ibuprofen, Tylenol, Benadryl only, etc...) see TSD permission for medication. Please reach out to the health office with any questions or concerns at 970-613-5802.

Asthma Action Plan

Asthma and Anaphylaxis Action Plan

Anaphylaxis Action Plan

Seizure Action Plan

TSD Permission for Medication

Dear Parents/Guardians:

For the 2024/25 school year, the Thompson School District will provide access to no-cost meals for all students through the Healthy School Meals for All program.

Research shows students perform better at school when they are not hungry. By providing access to breakfast and lunch for all students at no cost, we better support their learning.

Although all students will receive access to no-cost meals, it's still important for households to provide their income information when requested. Gathering this information allows the Thompson School District to receive the state and federal funding we qualify for. These funds go directly to schools to help cover the cost of meals and support after-school activities and other nutritional programs for students. Plus, qualifying households may be eligible for Summer EBT benefits, receive discounted or waived school fees, class materials, utilities support, and more. Providing household income information ensures you and your school receive all available financial support.

Our school meals follow U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines for healthy school meals. You can be confident your children are getting quality school meals while saving your family time and money.

For information on how to apply, please go to: tsd.org/departments/business-services/nutrition-services/free-and-reduced-application

Please use this website to register for the YMCA: https://www.ymcanoco.org/before-after-care/thompson

Here is a Social Emotional Learning website for resources for parents.

In keeping our campus safe. Please remember the following:

• All pets, of any kind, are not allowed on school grounds before, during, or after school. We love furry friends, however, to ensure that all students are in a safe environment, please refrain from bringing your family pets to school, especially during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.
• Please also remember that all tobacco products including cigarettes and vaping mechanisms are prohibited on school grounds. We appreciate your cooperation.

"Safe2Tell Colorado provides the only anonymous way for students, parents and community members to report unsafe and risky behaviors before they grow out of control." Safe 2 Tell Organization

All volunteers in the Thompson School District must be registered before they are authorized to volunteer at the schools.

This is includes, but is not limited to, activities such as:

• Assisting in your child’s classroom

• Chaperoning your child’s field trips

• Volunteering at PTA events

Register by going to: tsd.org/get-involved/volunteer

and click on the “Register” button

Tip: Consider registering your spouse at the same time as yourself!

FYI: If you registered last year, you do NOT need to reregister!

Once you register, the district will provide Centennial your personalized volunteer badge. When you arrive at the school to volunteer just find your badge at the front office desk and log in to the volunteer system. This helps us keep track of all the wonderful volunteer hours provided by our Centennial families!

Volunteering things to remember: (these can be reviewed in full in the Volunteer Handbook found on the Thompson School District website - www.thompsonschools.org ):

• Please wear your name badge so it is visible at all times

• Please remain neutral in your speech and actions with respect to religion and politics

• If you overhear any information about a student or family you may NOT repeat it

• You may not discuss any information that may be considered confidential. For example, while in a volunteer situation you witness an event with a child you know, but that is not your own child. Contacting that students family is a breach of confidentiality. If you suspect a breach in confidentiality of student information it should be reported immediately to the principal.

Emergency Procedures:

In each classroom is a poster of what to do in case of a specific emergency or threat. Please review these and know where to go and who to report to if there is a drill or emergency.

Registration closes for the school year at the end of April.

Welcome to Centennial...we are your CES PTA board.

Erin Batlle - President

Nicole Brinkman - Vice President of Programs

Katrina Johnson - Vice President of Events

Amy Estergard - Treasurer

Kathy Conway - Secretary

contact us: info.centennialpta@gmail.com or call (970) 212-6044

Go to this link for all things PTA!

*Join PTA! Memberships are only $7 annually. We sponsor many of the events that help make Centennial such an incredible school for our children. PTA also supports the fundraising efforts throughout the school year that help to provide funding for technology, safety needs, family nights, classroom needs, etc... The PTA organization is a major player in advocating for our students and staff, at the local, state and national levels. Your involvement is the key to helping ensure we have another successful year at Centennial!

*PTA Membership link is: https://ceslovelandpta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true&category=Memberships (Or you can use this tinyURL: https://tinyurl.com/mrpby3vs)

Check out the CES PTA website to learn more about membership perks and how you can get involved.

*Box Tops is also using a new program this year. Please visit: https://www.boxtops4education.com/ for more information. According to their website: "No more clipping. No more sending Box Tops to school. All you need is your phone. Download the ALL-NEW Box Tops app, shop as you normally would, then simply scan your store receipts to find participating products. The app will automatically credit your school's Box Tops earnings online."

King Sooper's has developed a new Community Rewards program. This means you will no longer need to purchase or re-fill the gift cards associated with our organization. You will simply register using the information below to link your regular King Sooper's rewards card to Centennial Elementary.

Updated on 8-20-24:

To Use the NEW King Sooper's or City Market Community Rewards Program:
Please visit the appropriate link below..

• For King Sooper's Stores - go to http://www.kingsoopers.com
• For City Market Stores - go to http://www.citymarket.com

Once logged into your King Sooper's or City Market account, select your profile and then click on "My Account". At the bottom of the "My Account" page, select "Community Rewards." Search for Centennial Elementary either by name or PA684 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card.

(*Customers must have a registered King Sooper's or City Market rewards card account to link to your organization. If a member does not yet have a King Sooper's or City Market rewards card, please let them know they are available at the customer service desk at any King Sooper's or City Market*)

REMEMBER, purchases will not count for your organization until after you have registered your rewards card.
Participants must swipe their registered King Sooper's or City Market rewards card or use the phone number that is related to their registered King Sooper's or City Market rewards card when shopping for each purchase to count.

Thank you!
Centennial PTA

The Centennial PTA Facebook page is overseen by the PTA.

Note: We do also have a PTA Instagram page (the info posted there is the same). Our handle for both Facebook and Instagram are @CESLovelandPTA

Stay tuned for October update...

www.grandfamilycoalition.org

Website: https://www.thompsonschools.org/centennial
Location: 1555 West 37th Street, Loveland, CO, USA
Phone: 970-613-5800