5-26-24 PAW'S PRESS

SENT OUT 5/20/24

Dear Cherokee Families,

It is hard to believe how quickly the last few days of school are flying by! We are already starting to think about the 2024-2025 school year. Please see below for some optional opportunities to give input for the next school year. The opportunities for input are time sensitive (DUE BY May 27th).

Student Info/Family Input Form for 2024-2025

Each year, our staff works to create well-balanced classes. During the process, we look at each child’s academic, social and emotional needs. As a partner in this process, we offer your family the opportunity to tell us about your child’s unique learning style, strengths, and challenges.

The intent of this form is to help ensure the best possible learning environment for all children. However, this is NOT intended to be an opportunity to request a specific teacher. Due to many variables, honoring specific teacher requests is not possible. If you would like to provide information on your child to aid in the placement process, this form (CLICK HERE) must be submitted by Monday, May 27th by midnight.

ONLY STUDENTS EXITING 3RD or 4TH Grade – (INPUT FOR 4/5 BLENDED CLASSROOM)

As we begin planning for the 2024-25 school year, we anticipate a 4/5 blended classroom. In a blended classroom, students from both 4th and 5th grade levels are placed with the same teacher. There are many benefits for students in a multi-age classroom including having an additional teacher present during the school day which allows for smaller instructional groups. We make every effort for students in a multi-aged classroom to have interaction with their grade-level peers and ensure students have the chance to participate in all grade-specific events throughout the school year.

Ms. Beliveau is a current 3/4 blended teacher at Cherokee. She has been asked to take the 4/5 blended classroom for the 2024-25 school year. Ms. Beliveau has been a teacher for 30 years and at Cherokee for 26 years.

Some families prefer their child have a traditional classroom experience; therefore, we are reaching out to gather input for your child’s placement for next year.

Many factors are used when determining class placement and we cannot guarantee student placement, however, your preference will be considered if the situation does arise.

If you have a preference that you would like considered as we begin to place students in classes for next year, please visit and complete the online form (CLICK HERE) by Monday, May 27th (by midnight). If you have no preference, there is no need to respond.

Thank you again for a wonderful year and we look forward to continuing your child’s success this year!

Heather Batko

Principal

Thank you to Mr. Walkenhorst for organizing our Field Day! Thank you to all of our parent volunteers! See you soon! Thank you to NAS for sponsoring our class shirts this year! Students should wear them on Field Day.

A few notes from Mr. Walkenhorst:

• Only parents who are pre-approved volunteers should be attending field day (signed up through Mr. Walkenhorst's signup genius, background check on file, etc.). Volunteer check-in is outside in the back of the parking lot near the big playground. There will be a volunteer check in table. Volunteers will be given stickers showing that they are allowed to be on site.
• Students should dress in layers so that they can be comfortable and adjust as needed for possible chilly weather, being hot from running around, etc.

• Students should wear close toed shoes and socks (no Crocs, sandals, etc.).

• Students may also want to bring water bottles, hats, glasses,etc.

We are looking forward to a fun Field Day with our students! In the event of poor weather, the rain date will be June 3rd.

Dear Cherokee Families,

We have lots of fun things planned for the last few months of school! Some dates are below! Stay tuned for others!

Other Important Updates:

• May and June Lunch Menus and Ordering Links are below.
• Memorial Day (May 27th) - NO SCHOOL
  
• Spring FastBridge Assessment Window Closes (May 31st)
• Field Day (May 31st) - Rain Date June 3rd
• PTO Jimmy John's Baseball Game Fundraiser (June 2nd)
  
• Leadership Ticket Store (June 5th)
• Kindergarten Completion (June 10th) - See below
• 5th Grade Parade (June 10th) - Parents can line up by basketball court/swings at 2:00 PM
• 5th Grade Completion (June 10th) - See below
  
• Last Day of School (June 11th) - Half Day Dismissal at 11:44 AM

As in the past, the Paw's Press newsletters will include key information and typically will be sent at the end of each week. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help make the school year a success for you and your child!

Sincerely,

Heather Batko

Cherokee Principal

hbatko@cvs.k12.mi.us

Click here to order lunch for May.

Click here for a printable lunch menu.

Click here to order lunch for June.

Click here for a printable June lunch menu.

• Please be sure to follow allergy guidelines. Thank you!
• We have many students at Cherokee with severe peanut/tree nut allergies. Therefore peanuts/tree nuts products and products contaminated in a facility that processes peanuts/tree nuts will not be allowed in many classes, common areas, etc.
  
• Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3/4 Blend, 4th grade and 5th grade classrooms are peanut/tree nut alert zones. Foods/snacks that contain peanut/tree nuts should not be consumed in these classrooms.
  
• Pods for all grade levels are peanut/tree nut alert zones. Foods/snacks that contain peanut/tree nuts should not be consumed in pods.
• Due to the severity of some of our students with allergies it will be asked that some classes avoid bringing peanut/tree nut products for both lunch and snacks consumed in the classroom. The lunch period for 4th grade and the 3/4 blend is a peanut/tree nut alert zone. Peanut/tree nut products may not be consumed during lunch by students in these classes.
• Your child's teacher will review guidelines and answer any specific questions.
• The link for the Snack Safely Guide is below. This guide has many great many recommendations for foods that do not have peanuts, tree nuts and are not processed in facility with these items. This guide updates regularly so it is best to check the link below rather than printing.
• Click here for the Snack Safely Guide.

Kindergarten staff will share details with families.

Superintendent Ron Roberts recognized the staff below for their years of service during our staff meeting on May 22nd. We are so proud of all of their contributions!

Andrea Machala (30 years)

Rebecca Antonow (25 years)

Maryann Marko (25 years)

Kristina Hatcher (15 years)

Rebecca Muszynski (15 years)

Do you have a child who will be attending Kindergarten in the fall of 2024? Click here to begin the registration process. REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 22nd! We are so excited to meet our incoming Kindergarteners!

Our Kindergarten Kick-Off was on May 21st. Click here for information shared.

Please have your child return any books they have checked out from the library as soon as possible. If their book is not returned by the end of the school year it will be considered lost and a fee will be assessed for the price of the book to your child's Payschools Central account. If you find the library book over the summer please keep it safe and return it to school next year so that your child's account can be updated and the fine deleted.

Thanks so much for your help!

Ms. Tropper, Cherokee Elementary School Media Clerk

In order to promote summer reading and impact

literacy across the district, the K-8 media

centers would like to invite your child to

participate in a summer reading challenge.

Students should track their summer reading on

the provided form (use the appropriate form for

elementary or middle school) and return the

signed document to the media clerk in their

building.

New middle school students will

submit their form during their library

orientation in September, after checking out

their first book as a middle school student!

ALL students who participate and return a

signed form will receive a kid’s meal coupon for

Noodles & Company.

Students will receive a copy of the summer reading tracker. If you need a new copy please visit the Cherokee Media Center page ( https://www.chippewavalleyschools.org/schools/elementary-schools/cherokee/media-center/) and click on the Summer Reading form link to the right of the page.

Happy Reading

Sarah Tropper

Media Clerk

Camp Invention® is coming to Macomb Intermediate School District!

In partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF), Macomb Intermediate School District is excited to offer the nationally acclaimed Camp Invention® program to children entering K through 6th grade. This inspiring, weeklong summer experience provides opportunities for open-ended, hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering and more! Taking on a variety of exhilarating activities each day, children have fun collaborating with friends, thinking creatively and inventing their own solutions to real-world challenges.

Macomb ISD is offering two weeks of camp this year:

· Grades: K-6th

· Location: Macomb Intermediate School District

44001 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI 480348

· Camp 1 Date: July 15 - 19, 2024

· Camp 2 Date: July 22 – July 26, 2024

· Time & Cost: 9:00AM to 3:30PM, $175

The all-new 2024 program will spark the imagination of both new and returning campers with an adventure full of inspiration, innovation and unforgettable discoveries!

During this action-packed, confidence-boosting program, young innovators will:

• Develop their own sports ball and customize a light-up game with a unique brand and logo as they explore athletics, design and innovation

• Discover the science of light through illuminating inventions and fluorescent animals, then build a one-of-a-kind Glow Box using circuitry and ultraviolet light

• Embark on an epic global operation to tackle water challenges around the world, learning the role that water plays with the help of a robotic lab-on-wheels

• Star as a contestant on a prototyping game show, molding and shaping ideas into awesome inventions using everyday items and a DIY toolbox

Registration: Availability is limited, so visit invent.org/camp or call 800-968-4332 to secure your child’s spot today!

The Chippewa United girl's lacrosse team is hosting a clinic for girls grades 4th-12th. The lacrosse clinic is July 8,9,10,15,16,17 (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) from 5:30-7pm on the football field.

Registration can be found here: https://chippewavalleyschools.ce.eleyo.com/course/828/camps-clinics-and-leagues-2024-25/girls-lacrosse-intro-camp

More information can be found in the flyer (attached).

Dear Chippewa Valley Elementary Parents and Guardians,

At Chippewa Valley Schools providing families with the best educational programs and childcare services is our priority. For the past few years, changes in the labor market and fluctuating family schedules have made it challenging to maintain our School Aged Childcare (SACC) program at all twelve elementary schools.

To ensure that we can continue to offer a high-quality, reliable SACC program for our families, it is necessary to change our program fees. Starting next school year there will be an increase in the one-time registration fee and a modest change to the daily hourly rate. Depending on the number of hours your child attends SACC each day, your childcare costs may be slightly higher, or, in some cases, they may be slightly lower than they are now. In addition, to ensure the continued stability of the program and appropriate staffing, we will ask parents to commit to a regular weekly schedule for their child.

Please see the attached Image and PDF) information detailing the updated fees for the 2024-2025 school year. Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we work to provide these important services for our families.

We are so lucky to have such a supportive PTO and school community at Cherokee!

Check out their Facebook page for regular updates!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/CherokeePTO/

2024-2025 PTO Board

President - Monica Radyko

Vice President - Kelly Farmer

Treasurer- Nicole Tomaszycki

Co-Treasurer- Caren Melton

Secretary - Rachel Maikrzek

Communications Coordinator - Crystal Kozak

Fundraising Coordinator - Kathy Fontaine

Volunteer Coordinator - Position Open

Representatives - Amber Kincher & Jamie White

• Step One: Click here to select a volunteer date.
  

• Step Two: Click here to complete the Paw's Pals Application. You must already have a background check on file.

Click here for arrival/dismissal and transportation information.

Our District Medication Policy requires all prescription medications to have a Request for Administration of a Prescription Medication to student form filled out with a physician’s order with parent’s signature each school year. The medication must be in a new original container and/or prescription bottle with the child’s name on it. Over the counter medication will also need a Request for Administration of Non-Prescription Medication to student form filled out and signed by parent.

All medication administration forms can be found on the chippewavalleyschools.org web page (click here). Forms can also be picked up at the school in the main office.

Please bring in completed forms signed and dated by your health care provider with parent signature along with any required prescription medications.

Parents must hand deliver medications with completed forms to the Health Aide in the main office to be checked for full accuracy. No medications will be administered at school without accurately completed forms. Also please check the expiration date on medications as we cannot accept expired medications.

• If your child is not feeling well, please keep them home and call our attendance line.
• Our attendance line is 586-723-4899.
• Attendance at school is of course very important. However, if a child is not feeling well they should stay home so they are able to rest and recover.
• We a want to prevent the spread of illness as much as possible.
• Students should be fever free for at least 24 hours (without the assistance of fever reducing medication) before returning to school.
• Students should also wait at least 24 hour to return to school after vomiting.
• Students who are having difficulty breathing, severe cough, etc. are also strongly encouraged to stay home.

Please remember, ALL of the policies and procedures put in place at Cherokee are intended to keep our children safe. Many of these policies are district-wide and can either be found in the the CVS Student Code-of-Conduct, or Cherokee's Paws' Policies & Procedures. Links can be found below.

We appreciate your understanding and appreciate those families who continue to model kindess, patience, and respect. You make a difference & we are all doing the best that we can!

Please Remember:

• Adults are to remain outside of the building and must be "buzzed-in" by the front office.
• All adults must show their ID at the entrance if they need to drop something off or pick-up their child early.
• Contact information must be up-to-date in case we need to contact your family.
• We release children to only those people listed on your child's PowerSchool contact list.
• Changes in your child's dismissal process must be called in no later than 3:15 so we can be sure to get the information to our staff.
• Families are asked to preorder lunch using the online ordering system. Links for the menu and online ordering will be in the Paw's Press Newsletter as soon as they are available.
• Refrain from parking on Rivergate near the school including the bus loop.

A NOTE FROM MRS. ASHLEY

For families looking to register for SACC

• SACC registration is first come first served.
• Due to limited staff and capacity limits some registrations may not be approved at this time until more staff are available.
• As staffing levels increase, so will our ability to enroll more students. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
  
• Once your registration application is submitted you must receive a registration approval email before your child can attend.
• Registrations will remain pending in the system and will be approved as openings become available.

For families currently enrolled in SACC

• Adding on additional days other than what was originally scheduled may be limited at this time due to student and staff ratios. You will be notified if your schedule change can be approved (some days may be available where others may not)
• If your child does not need to attend on a scheduled day please remove them from the schedule to open up a spot for someone else.

We appreciate your understanding at this time and anticipate more staff to be available soon. Until then we must adhere to the Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers and stay within the required student to staff ratios. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

NOTE: SACC will continue to remain peanut/tree nut fee.

Ashley Murphy

Cherokee SACC Director

(586) 723-4860

• CLICK HERE to access the CVS SACC informational page.

We choose to Inspire, Believe, Achieve & LEAD!

Website: https://www.chippewavalleyschools.org/schools/elementary-schools/cherokee/
Location: 42900 Rivergate Drive, Clinton Township, MI, USA
Phone: 586-723-4800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CherokeeWildcats

If your child is going to be absent, please call our attendance line at 586-723-4899.

https://www.facebook.com/CherokeeWildcats

https://www.facebook.com/groups/CherokeePTO/