Dear Center Community,

A few belated but extremely important thank yous to extend this week since we didn't publish a Chat last week.

December 2nd was National Special Education Day. At Center Elementary, we are truly fortunate to have an exceptional team of special educators who play a critical role in fostering the success of all students. Our special educators work tirelessly to meet the diverse and unique needs of our students, offering personalized support, encouragement, and innovative teaching strategies. They collaborate with classroom teachers, families, and support staff to ensure every child has the tools and opportunities they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

The dedication, patience, and creativity they bring to their work enrich our school community and help us build an inclusive environment where every child is valued and supported.

Please join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to our special education team for their unwavering commitment and the meaningful impact they have on our students' lives:

Special Education Teachers: Nicole Carlson, Megan Iannalfo, Erica Johnson, Jen Krafsig, Katie LaRochelle, Claire Yankopoulos

Speech and Language Pathologists: Heather Tassinari, Shannen Yost

BCBA: Annie Gieseker

Occupational Therapist: Erin Beals

Physical Therapist: Melanie Mezares

School Psychologist: Gabby Morin

Thank you to our CSPTO for treating staff to coffee and muffins on the last "Thankful Thursday" in November. What a nice, warm treat on a cold, wet, day. We are grateful to partner with such a generous, kind, and appreciative community.

The PTO needs your help. The winter gift room is a long standing tradition at Center but it can't work without you! Currently, 8 of 24 volunteers have signed up to help students shop. Please press this link if you are able to give event a little bit of time. https://signup.com/mobileweb/2.0/vspot.html?activitykey=12317142012#choose_event_page

Congratulations to our second grade students who won the PRIDE bucket filling contest for November. They will enjoy an extra recess.

Staff Update:

Gabby Morin, our school psychologist, has chosen to pursue another career path. Her last day at Center will be Friday, December 13th. We wish her well in her new endeavors. The position has been posted and we will provide updates as we have them.

Center Chirps:

• Nurse Felzani is in need of small pants (sizes 4/5 and 6/7) for the nurses' office and would gladly take outgrown clothes that anyone is willing to donate.

A reminder that Thurday, December 12th is a half day for all students. Students will be dismissed at 11:45, please let your teacher know if this impacts their dismissal plans.

Warm Regards,

Dianna and Donna

Want to have some fun and foster your child's social skills? Check out these recommendations from our speech and language pathologists.

The holidays are right around the corner! Resources for holiday support are now available. Any families who can benefit from additional support should reach out to Sarah West, School Counselor, via email at wests@chelmsford.k12.ma.us. A few local Chelmsford community programs generously provide help for the holidays and Sarah West can help coordinate this with any family in need.

Forms for Beacon Santa (Due 10/31), Secret Santa (Due 11/8) are attached at the bottom of this newsletter and paper copies are available in the main office at Center. Please note the individual deadlines for form submissions as they are approaching soon. "

Thank you

Sarah West

December

• Monday, December 9-13: Gift Room

• Wednesday, December 11: Gr 1-4 grades available online for parents/guardians

• Thursday, December 12: Half day/Conferences

• Friday, December 20: Chelmsford Spirit Day/PJ day

• Winter Recess: December 23 - January 3

January

• School back in session on Monday, January 6

• Monday, January 6: Be Kind Spirit Wear day

• Wednesday, January 8: Gr K, Term 1 End of marking period

• Friday, January 10: co-president’s meeting; 9:15-10:15

• Tuesday, January 14: Half Day (Professional Day)

• Tuesday, January 14: Dining to Donate the Establishment

• Friday, January 17: Gr K, Teacher deadline for posting grades

• Monday, January 20: No School- Martin Luther King, Jr. day

• Friday, January 24: Chelmsford Spirit Day

• Wednesday, January 22: Gr K, T1 Grades available online for parent/guardian

• Wednesday, January 22: CSPTO mtg Center Library, 6:30-7:30

At Center School, there are a number of free and reduced cost programs and donations, offered throughout the year, for example, free backpacks and school supplies, gift cards, holiday support, Thanksgiving meals etc. If these resources would be helpful, please fill out the attached 2 question form This information is confidential and will remain exclusively with the administration. You will not need to provide any additional documentation and we will reach out as options arise. Please contact Mrs. Fulreader if you have any questions.

https://forms.gle/zotYEnqVWCjcuuii8

This year, and moving forward, Massachusetts is offering all school lunch and breakfast at no charge to students. This does not automatically make families eligible for any other benefits. We strongly encourage families that feel they are eligible for transportation or extended day reduced tuition to fill out the online free and reduced meal application. The links can be found below. https://cpsnutrition.com/index.php?sid=1478035692058&page=lunchapps

If you do qualify for benefits you most likely will be eligible for SNAP benefits. https://www.mass.gov/snap-benefits-formerly-food-stamps

Some examples of SNAP benefits are discounts on gas, electric utilities and internet services.

Please visit our school nutrition website at https://cpsnutrition.com/index.php?sid=1478035692058 for more information about our program and also a link to the free and reduced lunch application.