CES Weekly News

Dear Aviator Families,

As we close the final chapter of the 2024–2025 school year, I want to pause and say—what an incredible journey it’s been. This year, our Aviators truly went Above & Beyond. In classrooms, on the playground, during performances, competitions, and community events—our students soared to new heights. We set ambitious goals, and with determination and heart, we achieved new altitudes in learning, collaboration, and school spirit.

From the very first day, I watched our staff pour their passion into making every lesson meaningful. I saw students stretch their thinking, grow in confidence, and support one another like a true flight crew. I witnessed families partnering with us, cheering from the sidelines and helping our school shine brighter every day.

Together, we:

• Celebrated major academic growth

• Introduced innovative learning experiences and creative projects

• Honored effort and perseverance through events like the Aviator Effort Extravaganza

• Strengthened our culture of kindness, respect, and responsibility

It has been nothing short of inspiring. As your principal, I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished and deeply grateful for each member of our Centerville Elementary community. We truly are a school family—lifting each other higher, grounded in care and driven by excellence.

Thank you for an amazing year. I hope your summer is filled with rest, joy, and adventure. We’ll be ready to welcome you back next year as we continue our mission to go Above & Beyond—together.

With gratitude and Aviator pride,

P. Heath Branham
Principal, Centerville Elementary School ✈️💙

We still have a few boxes of our hardback, full-color 24-25 CES Yearbook, but they won’t last long!
This is your chance to grab a treasured keepsake that captures every moment, memory, and milestone from this amazing school year. From spirit days and celebrations to learning lifts and Aviator adventures — it’s all inside!
🎉 Yearbooks are just $40 — cash, check, or credit card.
💫 Supplies are limited, and once they’re gone... they’re gone!
📚 It’s a keepsake your child will look back on for years to come.

Go above & beyond and secure your copy today! ✈️
Let’s celebrate a year worth remembering — together!

Monday, May 19 Speech Pathologist Day

• 4K Awards & Party 8:30 a.m.
• CC1 Classrooms Awards & Party 10:45 a.m.
• 4th Grade - Traveling Trunks Experience

Tuesday, May 20 Summer Beach Day

• 5K Awards & Parties 8:30 a.m.
• 1st Grade Awards & Parties - 1:00 p.m.
• 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony - 6:00 p.m. Runway Cafe

Wednesday, May 21 Half Day for Students - Dismissal at 11:20 a.m.

• 5th Grade Luau
• 4th Grade Awards & Parties 8:30 a.m.
• 3rd Grade Awards & Parties 9:00 a.m.
• 2nd Grade Awards & Parties 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, May 22 Half Day for Students - Dismissal at 11:20 a.m.

• Last Day for Students
• Report Cards Issued
• The CES Main Office will be closed from 12:00-2:30 so that all employees may enjoy the End of Year Celebration Luncheon & Awards

Friday, May 23

• Teacher Workday - Last Day for Instructional Staff

UPCOMING DATES & EVENTS

Friday, May 30 Blowfish Reading Award Game 6:00 p.m.

Friday, July 4 4th of July Peach Festival

Thursday, July 31 Open House & Meet the Teacher

Monday, August 4 1st Day for Students (K4 & K5 will have a staggered start)

Tuesday, August 12 Grade Level Orientation Night (K4, K5, 2nd, 4th) 6:00-7:15

Thursday, August 14 Grade Level Orientation Night (1st, 3rd, 5th) 6:00-7:15

Hey Aviators! Don’t forget — Tuesday, May 20th is our Summer Beach Dance Party during Related Arts! 🌞💃🕺

We’re bringing the beach to CES, and you’re invited to join the fun by dressing in your best beach-themed gear! Think:

🌴 Surf shirts
🌺 Beachy t-shirts & shorts
🕶️ Sunglasses
🌸 Floral leis
👒 Beach hats

🚫 Please leave swimsuits at home – we’re keeping it school-friendly fun!

We can’t wait to celebrate all of YOU and your amazing hard work this year! Let's turn up the music, show off those dance moves, and party our way into summer! 🌊🎶🎉 Let’s make it a beach bash to remember! 🏖️✨

We are thrilled to announce that Centerville Elementary School will once again provide ALL school supplies at no cost to families for the upcoming 2025–2026 school year!

Thanks to our Title I funding, every CES Aviator will receive everything they need to take flight on the first day of school—pencils, notebooks, crayons, glue sticks, folders, scissors, dry erase markers, and so much more—all covered! 🎒✏️📓🖍️✂️📚

That’s right—families will not need to purchase school supplies again this year! This initiative ensures that every child starts the year fully equipped and ready to learn.

Families are welcome to send items such as:

• A refillable water bottle

• A lunch box (if your child brings lunch from home)

• A backpack

We are proud to remove the stress and expense of school supply shopping and to provide a level playing field where every Aviator has the tools to succeed from day one.

This is just one more way CES goes Above & Beyond to serve our incredible students and families. We can't wait to welcome your Aviator back this fall—fully supplied and ready to soar!

Fun & Easy Ways to Keep Learning Alive This Summer (K–5)

Summer break is here—but learning doesn’t have to stop! At Centerville Elementary, we believe every day brings new opportunities to grow, explore, read, and wonder. Whether you're heading to the beach, exploring the mountains, or enjoying a staycation at home, here are exciting, educational, and family-friendly ideas to keep your Aviator engaged all summer long.

🌟 Reading Takes You Places

• Enroll in your local library’s summer reading program

• Set a family reading goal—like reading 100 books or 1,000 minutes!

• Create a cozy reading nook or tent with pillows and flashlights

• Explore nonfiction books about oceans, animals, space, and history

• Start a travel journal or reading passport to “visit” new places through books

• Audiobooks during long car rides = learning on the go!

✏️ Writing for Fun

• Start a summer scrapbook or comic book series

• Write postcards or letters to friends and family

• Create a “My Summer Adventures” journal

• Practice persuasive writing: “Why I Deserve Ice Cream Today!” 🍦

• Write your own version of a favorite story with a twist ending

🔢 Real-Life Math Moments

• Bake together—practice fractions and measuring

• Build a budget for a pretend vacation or lemonade stand

• Estimate and count shells, steps on a hike, or change at the store

• Play math games like Uno, Yahtzee, or card games using addition/multiplication

• Do “math scavenger hunts” at the grocery store (find items by price, weight, or shape)

🧪 Science Exploration at Home

• Grow your own plants or herbs—track them in a science journal

• Try simple experiments with baking soda + vinegar or sink/float predictions

• Stargaze and learn about constellations

• Build a bird feeder and observe visitors

• Collect and examine rocks, leaves, or bugs—create a mini “nature museum”

🌍 Social Studies Adventures

• Learn about your state or country—make a travel brochure

• Explore maps and globes—track where friends/family live or where you’ve been

• Watch short documentaries about U.S. landmarks or world wonders

• Interview grandparents or relatives and write a family history story

• Plan a pretend trip around the world—what would you pack? What would you eat?

🏖️ Beach, Mountains, & Backyard Learning

• At the beach: Count waves, explore shells, build a sand fort and measure it!

• In the mountains: Go on a nature hike scavenger hunt

• At home: Set up a backyard campsite, explore bugs, stars, and summer skies

• Keep a “Wonder Wall” where kids post questions and investigate answers

Above All—Keep It Fun and Meaningful!

The best learning happens when curiosity leads the way. Whether it’s through books, games, experiments, or conversations around the dinner table—your support and involvement help your child continue to thrive all summer long.

Stay curious, stay kind, and keep soaring, Aviators! ✈️💙

Please note that our office will operate on a modified summer schedule during the weeks of May 26 through July 25:

• Days of Operation: Monday through Thursday

• Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Closed on Fridays

We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to plan accordingly during this time.

Hey, Aviator families!

We are excited to share summer reading resources from Centerville, our district, and the Gilbert-Summit branch Library. There are lots of free opportunities to keep students reading and connected this summer. Whether your child is motivated by pizza, bundt cakes, or just good ol' fashioned competition, we've got something for everyone! Visit our CES Summer Reading Hub for more details. Happy Summer Reading!

https://sites.google.com/lexington1.net/centervilleelementarylibrary/parent-resources

Lexington County School District One is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all students, parents/legal guardians, staff, visitors, personnel and community members who participate or seek to participate in its programs or activities. Therefore, the district does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or any related medical conditions), color, disability, age, genetic information, national origin or any other applicable status protected by local, state or federal law. The district will use the grievance procedures set forth in policy to process complaints based on alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act of 1963; the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008; and Titles I and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The district designates specific individuals to handle inquiries or complaints. To find out whom to contact and how to contact them, please go to our website at www.lexington1.net/contact-us.