Chadds Ford Elementary School

Happy almost 2025!

May your holiday season be warm and bright and filled with happy times together. We'll see the kids back here on Thursday, January 2nd.

In the newsletter be sure to spend a few minutes to learn more about:

• Full Day Kindergarten Registration Opens Monday, January 13th, 2025
• Last Call Winter Student Activities Registration
• Chadds Ford Band Plays at University of Delaware
• Calendar and Spirit Days

Car line safety reminders:

• Students should enter and exit the vehicle on the sidewalk (passenger side) for safety
• If you need extra time to load or unload please pull up beyond the staff area to provide assistance to your child
• Staff are not permitted to assist with buckling and doors of vehicles
• We encourage you not to pass vehicles in the car line

Reminder:

• School starts at 9:10 am and dismissal is at 3:40 pm
• Car rider drop off begins at 8:50 am
• AM Kindergarten reports from 9:10 am - 11:45 am
• PM Kindergarten reports from 1:05 pm - 3:40 pm

“Be a little kinder than you have to.” - E. Lockhart

As you may already know, Chadds Ford Elementary is excited to begin our full-day kindergarten program in the 2025-2026 school year! Our full-day kindergarten program will focus on three key themes: strong academics with targeted literacy intervention, a nature-based learning component, and active playful learning. A strong estimate of the number of kindergarten students we can expect will be important as we prepare for our exciting new program. With that in mind, Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year will begin on Monday, January 13th, 2025. If your family has any kids starting kindergarten next year, please be sure to register as early as you can!

Tell UCFSD about a moment where someone's kindness made a difference to you, your family or your friends-- and UCFSD and Greet Unionville-Chadds Ford Magazine will help you celebrate them! Nominees will receive limited edition UCFSD Kindness Matters merchandise and may be featured in official District communications. The nomination form will remain open for the rest of the 2024-25 school year.

The science behind kindness shows us that people who pay it forward are healthier and happier. Plus, they help us to create more prosperous communities for our children.

Remember, no act of kindness is too small and there has never been a better day than today to get started!

Do you know a rockstar teacher who’s making a huge difference in the lives of their students? Now’s your chance to give them the recognition they deserve! Nominations for the Citadel Heart of Learning Award will close on January 15, 2025

Citadel Heart of Learning Awards

At Citadel Credit Union, we’re committed to serve those who work every day to build a better future for us all. That’s why every year we honor outstanding teachers across the Greater Philadelphia area in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster and Philadelphia counties with the Citadel Heart of Learning Award. This year, our winners will be awarded a total of over $80,000 in grants and prizes, along with our treasured glass heart trophy. Grand prize winners will be selected from each of the six counties, so be sure to spread the word and submit your nominations by January 15, 2025.

Thanks for helping us celebrate the best educators in our community!

Winter Student Activities - Registration Opens on December 9th at 10:00am

As you may be aware, this year we are piloting a Student Activities program in our elementary schools. Throughout the year, programming will run in three, eight-week sessions. After a successful program in the fall, we look forward to starting our winter session the week of January 6.

Registration for the winter session will open on December 9 at 10:00 AM. You will need to access your child's PowerSchool account in order to register. Instructions and details about our program are located on our webpage CFES

It's important to know that activities are limited and can only be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. To keep our Elementary Student Activities Program accessible to as many students as possible, we kindly ask that you initially register for one activity per child in the winter session. Registration for the winter session will close on December 27. If there is not an opportunity for your child this winter, please check back in the spring session.

As a District, we find tremendous value in the way that student activities build community, create connections, teach life lessons and help kids to discover their passions. We also feel strongly that student activities are supposed to be FUN.

Hi everyone! A new Board Games Club is starting up on January 6th - and you can join in the fun!

• 2nd and 3rd graders are meeting on Tuesdays after school until 4:45pm.
• 4th and 5th graders will meet on Thursdays after school until 4:45pm.

We will play all sorts of board games, from classics like Checkers, Sorry, Jenga, and Trouble to newer games like Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza and Uno Flip. We have Memory, Hi Ho Cheerio, Guess Who?, Connect 4, Mastermind for kids, Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Uno, and many more.

You can bring your own game, too, and teach us how to play. This club is a great way to meet new people, have fun, and learn new skills.

Mrs. Mangan (CFES Occupational Therapists) hopes to see you there!

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 and Security

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

Safe2Say Something is a school safety tool.

"Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late." - https://www.safe2saypa.org/Safe2Say

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. Our team will continue to review expectations and teach our students about their responsibilities as a Charger.

Updates:

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

• While respiratory viruses continue to circulate in the community, here are common strategies used to combat the transmission of respiratory infections:

• Practice good hand hygiene - especially after using the toilet, before eating, and after blowing your nose.
• Always cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or elbows if no tissue is available. Dispose of tissues and wash hands.
• Symptomatic individuals are encouraged to reach out to their healthcare providers, and remain home if experiencing a persistent cough or fever.

• REMINDER if you sent your student in with an Emergency medication example, Epipen/inhaler, UPDATED action plans are needed for each school year. 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

Complete the survey linked below.

If your family would benefit from support for expenses related to school trips, events, activities, or supplies, please fill out this confidential Google form. The purpose of this initiative is to ensure that every student has access to enriching educational experiences regardless of financial constraints.

We value the privacy of all families and will treat all information with the highest level of confidentiality. If you require any assistance in completing the form or have specific queries, please don't hesitate to contact our school counselor Dani Campanaro for more assistance.

Sincerely,
Dani Campanaro, School Counselor

dcampanaro@ucfsd.net

From Mrs. Rentschler - School Social Worker

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

Screen Time & Technology

https://childmind.org/topics/screen-time-technology/

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

Resource from Chester County Safe Schools on Mental Health

Elementary Coping Room Tools

Our Pennsylvania State Troopers often visit Chadds Ford Elementary School, please review the information below as a reminder of the laws for children riding in vehicles.

Pennsylvania vehicle code section is PA VC 4581 and subsection (a)(1.1) is specific to car seat requirements. This is the law and shall be enforced when police encounter unsecure children on the roadway. PA VC 4581 Section 4581.0 - Title 75 - VEHICLES

The Law in Pennsylvania

Child passenger safety laws vary from state to state, so it’s important you are familiar with the laws here in Pennsylvania

• Below are the specific car seat rules and booster seat requirements of Pennsylvania:

  1. Children under 2 years old
     • Children riding the vehicle must be secured in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height limits designated by the car seat’s manufacturer.
  2. Children from 2 to 4 years old
     • Children must be seated in a child safety seat with proper restraints.
  3. Children between 4 and 7 years old
     • Children should be kept in a forward-facing booster seat with a harness until they reach the car manufacturer’s height and weight limits.
  4. Children between 8 to 12
     • Children must be seated in a booster seat with a harness until they are big enough to use adult seat belts properly. The condition must be that the lap and shoulder belt should properly fit the upper thighs, shoulder, and chest, respectively.

  In addition to these provisions, the law requires children under the age of 13 to sit in the rear whenever possible and be properly buckled.

Another helpful resource is SafeKids.org. Child Safety Laws In Your State | Safe Kids Worldwide

This website provides a litany of information regarding child safety to include child passenger safety, car seat check stations, specific laws per state and more.

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 ($3.10). 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.

Thursday, January 2nd - School Reopens

Monday, January 6th- Winter Student Activities Start

Monday, January 13th- Full Day Kindergarten Registration Opens

Monday, January 20th- No School for Students

Friday, January 24th - Spelling Bee & PTO Bingo Night

Wednesday, January 29th - No School for Students

Thursday, January 30th - CFES Band Performance at University of Delaware

January Spirit Days:

• Friday, January 17th - Wear your CFES spirit wear to show your school spirit!
• Friday, January 31st - Wear your favorite winter sports team gear to school to show off your spirit.

Stay tuned for additional special spirit days!

To maintain a safe, respectful, and responsible school environment our teachers and staff provide direct instruction and support to our students to learn expectations of our school. Please take time to review the expectations at home to build the home and school connection. Click on the button below for more information.

Additionally, students earn class Charger cards when a classmate is showing Charger Pride by being safe, respectful, and responsible. Ask your child about Charger Pride tickets.

Keep an eye out in your home mailbox for a special surprise from Chadds Ford Elementary! Our teachers are sending out unique postcards throughout the school year to recognize students who go above and beyond in demonstrating Charger Pride. These postcards celebrate our students who consistently show they are safe, respectful, and responsible at school. It's our way of acknowledging their exceptional efforts and letting them know how proud we are of them. Keep up the good work, Chargers!

Do you want to help our school with Charger Pride? Please consider donating items from the wishlists, access the below QR code to support our PBIS Celebration Days.

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.

From Mr. Miller:

Please reserve Thursday, January 30 in your calendars. CFES & PES 4th and 5th grade bands will combine into 1 large band and perform at a University of Delaware men's basketball game at 6:30 against Towson University. We have been participating in this awesome experience since 2011! We will be performing at halftime and even at some of the time-outs. And we get to sit right next to the UD pep band! Lots of chants and cheering! This is such a fun experience that gives students a peak into what their future can look like if they keep playing their instrument!

So please save the date of Thursday, January 30, it is truly a fun and rewarding experience. It is a 6:30 game.

Here is a link to a video that has pictures and some of our performances at the game we went to last year.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vuxuvld1p8JMiYNwphAKUs4U0mm7pd9m/view?usp=share_link

Thank you to our staff and community partners for participating in the Secret Snowflake collection. Our school helped facilitate donations and gifts to pass along to others in our Charger community. Your generosity and kindness is felt and appreciated.

Chadds Ford Elementary Chargers are committed to supporting service projects. If you have ideas or suggestions for ways that our students and school can contribute to society please reach out. 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.

Chadds Ford Elementary and Clothes Bin® have partnered to collect and recycle old clothing, shoes and textiles! So, please do not throw them away! Just place the items in the green recycling bin in our lower parking lot.

Every pound of recycled items supports Chadds Ford Elementary!

Here is a list of items that can be placed in our bin:

• Clothing: pants, jeans, skirts, dresses, suits, shorts, shirts, tees, tanks
• Footwear: shoes, boots, heels, sneakers, sandals, socks, tights
• Undergarments: bras, underwear, slips, camisoles
• Accessories: hats, belts, ties, scarves, headbands
• Handbags: wallets, totes, luggage, backpacks, briefcases
• Linens: towels, sheets, comforters, blankets, tablecloths

As you clean out the old and bring in the new, you can help the environment and Chadds Ford Elementary too!

Stay tuned for more details about the next PTO meeting in January. We welcome all to attend. 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.

Thank you PTO for the many wonderful events at Chadds Ford this past month including:

• Gifts to staff
• Staff treat basket raffles
  
• Winter Workshop

We appreciate the many volunteers and donations which make these events a success!

A Parent Support Network

FOCUS is a committee in the Unionville Chadds Ford School District, organized by parents in collaboration with UCF District administration. FOCUS provides information and education to parents and the community through seminars, workshops, webinars, and posted resources.

Our Mission

The mission of FOCUS is to promote well-being for families and healthy choices for youth in our community.

Upcoming events:

• 2/13: FOCUS Presents Queen Bees & Masterminds with Rosalind Wiseman (7-8:30 p.m., Zoom)
• 4/24: FOCUS Presents Neurodiversity with Dr. Eric Mitchel (7-8 p.m., Zoom)

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