Parkview Elementary
April 2024 Newsletter
April 2, 2024
Dear Parkview Families,
As we turn the calendar over to April, we are well into our journey of learning and growing this school year!
During the month of April our third, fourth, and fifth grade students will be taking the WI Forward Exam. This computerized test is a state requirement for students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of core academics including reading and math. Fourth Grade will also be tested in the areas of social studies and science. Results of the Forward Exam will be shared with families next fall. For our Third and Fourth grade families, there are some great ways to help your child be prepared for this type of exam, two ideas include:
Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and eats a healthy breakfast
Many teachers report that students who don't do well on tests haven't gotten enough sleep, and haven't eaten breakfast on the morning of the test. Doing both of these things will ensure that your child is working at full capacity (Narang, 2008).
Remain positive
Staying calm will help your child stay calm. If your child gets nervous about the test or is likely to experience anxiety during the test, help them practice some relaxation techniques that they can try once they are taking the test (Narang, 2008).
If you have questions about your child’s progress, or the WI Forward Exam, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s classroom teacher or me. The Department of Public Instruction has resources for families and test preparation: How to Help your Student Prepare for the State Assessment.
In addition to the Forward Exam, April is also tornado safety month. We will practice our tornado drill procedures on April 11th along with the Statewide Tornado Drill. As a reminder, the Chippewa Falls School District is very concerned about the safety of all students. Fire drills, severe weather drills, all school lockdowns and intruder drills are practiced at various times through the school year. It is always helpful when parents talk to their children about these safety routines. Please assure your child that if he/she takes these practices seriously, we can maintain the safety of each person in the building.
The Parkview staff values our partnership with parents and want to be sure that we are providing valuable information about your child’s safety and learning with you.
Yours in Parkview PRIDE,
Melissa Olson
Principal
Notes From The Office
If your child is going to be absent or tardy for any reason, please call the office by 8:30 a.m. School starts at 7:45 am. Any student who arrives after 7:50 am is considered tardy.
If you need to change your child's transportation for the end of the day, please send a note to your child's teacher. Phone calls are discouraged but if a change needs to be called in, PLEASE call the office by 1:30 pm to insure that the message gets delivered to the classroom.
If you need to pick your child up early or for an appointment, parents should use our sign out sheet located in the main office vestibule. We will then call your child down to the office. Students will not be waiting in the office so make sure to give yourself enough time prior to appointment.
MEDICAL NOTES FROM DOCTORS RECOMMENDED:
If your child(ren) miss school for a medical appointment, please ask for a doctor's note to excuse the absence. This way, it can be marked medical and will not go against attendance policies.
A fax from the doctor's office can be sent to (715)720-3755.
BUS TRANSPORTATION CHANGES:
All student rerouting requests will originate at Chippewa Yellow Bus Company. Student rerouting requests require a 24 hour notice and approval by the bus company. This includes one time and/or occasional rerouting requests. Please call 715-726-2454 if you have any questions or concerns. Please click here for more information regarding rerouting requests.
If a student's afternoon transportation plans vary week to week, please provide the teacher and the office with a monthly calendar to insure that your child gets to their intended location.
ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER OR CONTACT CHANGE:
Has your address, phone number or emergency contacts changed? If so, log into the Infinite Campus Parent Portal and make changes. Having this updated is important should an emergency arise.
Planning Ahead for the 24-25 School Year
Have you or will you be moving?
This is a reminder to update changes in your parent portal (phone numbers and address if there has been any changes). Please alert the school to any changes in your child's attendance area for next school year as soon as you are aware of changes (up-coming moves, parochial school, etc). We will be creating class lists for the 2024-25 school year soon and need to know of changes that will affect our school count.
Classroom Requests
Occasionally parents request a specific teacher for their child or to not have their child in a class with another student. We will try to honor parent requests only when there is a specific exceptional educational reason for their request. Parents should note that we may not be able to honor every request we receive due to equity issues that we must comply with. If a request must be made, please do so by April 22, 2024.
Attendance Review
The principal reviews school attendance monthly and contacts families if there are issues.
Elementary school families will be contacted in the following ways (phone calls may also occur): If there are 3 unexcused absences in a semester, a 3 Day Truancy Letter may be sent. An unexcused absence is if the parent has not called in with a reason for the absence within 24 hours, or the reason for the absence does not meet the guidelines for acceptable absences as outlined by the district (see attendance policy). If a student receives 5 unexcused absences, tardies or left early marks in a semester, then a 5 Day Truancy Letter may be sent. If a student is absent more than part or all of 5+ days, a Habitual Truancy Notification Letter may be sent via certified mail. The school team will complete an assessment with the student and/or parent and develop a plan with all parties involved at a meeting. A truancy referral may be initiated by the team. If a student receives 8 excused absences, a Medical Concern Letter may be sent. Principal may meet with students after 5 days of absences (excused and/or unexcused) to better support the student and family with school attendance. . *THE STATE OF WISCONSIN ALLOWS ONLY 10 DAYS OF EXCUSED ABSENCES.* For more information about the attendance policy, please refer to the student handbook online or request a hard copy from our office. These procedures may be used differently on a case by case basis (as determined by the principal, school counselor and school social worker).
School Start/End Times
START OF DAY:
- Bus Drop Off 7:20
- Car Drop Off 7:20-7:30
Tardy Bell: 7:50
Students will go to their designated playground in the morning.
END OF DAY:
- Walkers/Car riders: 2:35
- Bus Riders: 2:40
Important Dates
April
- 1st - No School (staff work day)
- 2nd - 5th - 5th Grade Forward Exam Testing
- 3rd - RCU
- 8th - 12th - 4th Grade Forward Exam Testing
- 9th - PTO Meeting 6-7:30/Library
- 10th - RCU
- 15th - 19th - 3rd Grade Forward Exam Testing
- 17th - RCU
- 24th - RCU
- 24th - PTO Flower Fundraiser Begins
- 25th - PTO Bingo, Raffle & Book Fair
May
- 1st - RCU (Last Day)
- 1st - 4th Grade Field Trip
- 6th - 10th - Teacher Appreciation Week
- 7th - PTO Meeting 6-7:30/Library
- 8th - PTO Flower sale fundraiser orders due
- 9th - Kindergarten Round Up 4:30-6
- 17th - 5th Grade Music Concert
- 21st - 5th Grade Track & Field Day
- 22nd - PTO Flower Fundraiser pick up 3:30-5:30
- 23rd - Safety Patrol Field Trip
- 27th - No School
- 29th - **Last Day of School for Elementary (this is a change)
June
- PTO Meeting 6-7:30
Change in Last Day of School for Elementary Students
Dear Families,
We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to inform you of a change in the last day of school for elementary students. The new last day will be on May 29, 2024, instead of the previously scheduled May 30, 2024. Please note that this change is only for our K-5 students. 4K, MS, and HS students will still have school on May 30th.
This adjustment is necessary to provide teachers with dedicated time to begin training as mandated by the state under Act 20 for all public schools. Act 20 initiates a statewide adherence to science-based early literacy instruction to address low reading proficiency across the state.
Your partnership and support in allowing this time for our educators to focus on enhancing their skills in the area of literacy are highly appreciated. We know that the benefits of this training will contribute positively to the learning experience of our students.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.
PARKVIEW KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP FOR 2024-2025
Parkview will be hosting an open house for incoming Kindergarten students registered for Parkview on Thursday May 9 from 4:30-6.
More information will be sent to families.
If you have any questions, please call the Parkview office at 715-720-3750.
News From Nurse Caitlin
Wisconsin Immunization Requirements for the 2024-2025 School Year
FOR INCOMING KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS:
Wisconsin state law requires all students to show that they have received the following required immunizations or have a signed waiver within 30 days from the start of school:
4 doses of DTaP, DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis/whooping cough) or DT(diphtheria, tetanus) vaccine. A dose may be needed for children entering kindergarten if one of the DTaP doses was not given after the fourth birthday.
4 doses polio vaccine
3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine - at least one dose must be after 6 months old
2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine
2 doses of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
FOR INCOMING 7TH GRADERS:
The Wisconsin Student Immunization law requires a Tdap, the adolescent combination vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough), within 30 days from the start of the 7th grade school year.
If your child still needs any of these vaccines, we encourage you to have your child immunized well before school starts to avoid the late summer rush at the Health Department or at your doctor’s office. Please bring your updated immunization records with you at registration. Please contact your school nurse with any questions.
CFAUSD Sick Procedure:
Keep your student home if any of the following apply:
Temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher in the last 24 hours before medication (Tylenol/Ibuprofen)
Vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours
They have been diagnosed with a contagious illness (e.g.; strep throat) and have been on medication for less than 24 hours if medication is required
They have an unexplained rash
Music News
3rd Grade Family Folk Dancing Night
Library News
PTO News
RCU
Title 1
Potential School Closure Days
The District will be moving to a remote model of learning for students when inclement weather or other emergencies force school closures. This means that students will be able to continue their learning from home on days when school buildings are closed.
We believe that in-person instruction is the best way to deliver education, but we also know that there will be times when school closures are necessary and appropriate. By implementing a remote learning model, we should be able to avoid having to make up days for these school-day closures and the focus will be on continuing learning and connecting with teachers through modern means in these modern times.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
The elementary schools will develop consistent independent study packets for each grade level to send home when potential school closures occur, except on the two designated inclement weather/emergency closure days. Packets will include reading, math practice, writing prompts, and activities from our specialists.
Teachers will be remotely available those days to aid students with their assignments during the regular school day hours; however, school electronic devices will not be sent home with the independent study packets.
Winter Weather
Weather can change quickly in the Chippewa Valley. When inclement weather strikes, there are three options for adjusting our days:
Cancellation: If the weather is too severe, school and other activities may be canceled altogether.
Two-hour delay: If the weather is bad but not severe enough to cancel school for the day, classes may be delayed by two hours.
Early release: If the weather worsens during the school day, school may be dismissed early.
Cancellation -- If we cancel school due to inclement weather, we will make the decision by 6:00 AM. All schools, Head Start, Early Childhood, 4K Cardinal programs, after-school programs, and public use of buildings will be closed.
Two Hour Delay -- If we delay school due to inclement weather, the school day will start two hours later than normal. Buses will also run two hours behind schedule. Breakfast will not be served, but lunch will be served near normal time. 4K Cardinal, Early Childhood, and Head Start will be canceled for the day. After-school programs and public use of buildings may still occur. If the delay is later changed to a cancellation, the decision will be made by 8:00 AM.
Early Release -- If we dismiss school early due to inclement weather, the decision will be made by 10:00 AM. Elementary schools will dismiss at 12:00 PM, and secondary schools will dismiss at 1:00 PM. Lunch will be served at the normal time. High school students with open campus lunch may leave at 12:00 PM. Afternoon 4K Cardinal, Head Start, and Early Childhood are canceled. After-school programming and public use of buildings are canceled.
When there is inclement weather in the Chippewa Valley, we may have to change the school schedule. We will let you know by 6 AM if we are canceling school or starting school two hours late; by 10 AM for letting students out early.
We will tell you via radio, TV, our website, social media, and by email or text message. We want to keep our students safe, so we may have to make last-minute changes. We will try to make the best decision we can based upon the weather and/or other information available to us.
School Meals
Lunch Accounts
Please add money to your student's lunch account or complete a free and reduced meal application prior to the start of the school year.
Money can be
1. Deposited through the IC parent portal, under the food service tab (preferred method)
2. Dropped off or mailed to 1130 Miles St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.
3. Dropped off at each school.
You can also set up automatic payments under my accounts, recurring payments. This will automatically deposit money when the balance gets low or on a set basis (monthly, weekly).
Apply for meal benefits online through IC parent portal or complete a paper application. If you have already received a letter indicating you qualify for free or reduced price meals no further steps are needed.
Menus, meal prices, links to the application and other information about our food service program can be found here.
NOTE: AN ADDITIONAL MILK (MORE THAN ONE) WILL CHARGE EACH ACCOUNT, REGARDLESS OF MEAL/PAY STATUS, WHICH IS 35 CENTS.
On Site Chiropractic
Hello & Happy Spring from On-Site Chiropractic!
One of the students we see at school said that Wednesday is her favorite day of the week. When asked why she said, “Because that’s the day I go to the chiropractor!”
What does chiropractic care do? Chiropractic helps the brain and body have a strong signal with each other so the body can function just as it was intended to. Each chiropractic adjustment helps the nervous system by removing any interferences the nervous system may have. An adjustment optimizes the communication between the brain and every cell in the body!
A teacher told us that “as a teacher she has seen great results from the chiropractic care provided by Dr. Amanda. In the past two years my two students that have received this care have benefited greatly. The true results were in their change of attitude and behavior upon returning to the classroom.”
If you’re interested in at school chiropractic care for your child, contact us at onsitechiroinfo@gmail.com. We accept Forward Health/Medicaid insurance and would be happy to check into coverage for any other insurance you may have.
Mentor Chippewa
Mentor Chippewa is a local non-profit, founded right here in Chippewa Falls, 35 years ago! We work closely with local school systems to bring our school-based mentoring programs to their students and offer the opportunity for adults to connect with youth in a safe setting.
We value all kids, right where they are, while recognizing that school can be tough, and mentors can help tough days go better! Everyone can benefit from having a caring adult in their lives to help them realize that when days go better, years go better.
If your student could benefit from a mentoring relationship, please contact us and we will make the connection between the student, the school, and one of our amazing volunteer mentors.
Chi Hi Spectator Policy
The Chippewa Falls High School would like to remind you of our game attendance rule.
In order to enter any high school game/event, all middle school and elementary students must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
Thank you for helping all of our fans stay safe at our home sporting events!
Classroom Treats
The health office requests that any treats brought in to school for birthdays, parties, or any other special occasions should be store bought with a clear nutrition label. There are certain students and staff with health conditions that may require dietary accommodations and it's important that they are able to review a food's nutrition label before choosing to omit or consume certain foods.
Please also be mindful about choosing treats that may contain tree nuts and/or peanuts for your student's classroom. There may be other students in your child's classroom who may have a severe nut allergy. If you are wondering whether your child is in a nut free classroom, please inquire with your student's classroom teacher or the health office.
Board of Education
Cardinal Care Mental Health Supports
Cardinal Learning Center
Cardinal Community Learning Center has programming opportunities to meet the needs of our students, families, and community!
Family Connections Winter Newsletter: This contains school and community event links.
Free/Reduced Meal Application
The Free and Reduced Meal Application is now available online! To apply for meal benefits for the 2023-2024 school year, log into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account and click on the More option in the left hand menu and then Meal Benefits.
If you received a letter this school year saying that your children are already approved for free meals, then you do not need to complete an application.
All families are encouraged to complete the online application if possible. Paper applications are available and may be picked up at your child's school or at the Central Board Office at 1130 Miles Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729. If none of these options work for you please contact Kirsten Nesja to have one mailed to you at (715) 726-2581 or email nesjakj@chipfalls.org.
ATTENTION 4TH GRADERS
4K Enrollment Information
Kindergarten Registration
The public elementary schools in Chippewa Falls are beginning to plan for kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year.
Students who presently attend one of the Chippewa Falls School District’s 4-year-old Kindergarten programs do not need to re-enroll. Students are automatically enrolled in Kindergarten. More information will be provided from your child’s elementary school about Kindergarten registration and how to update information into Infinite Campus.
Children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2024, and who will be entering Kindergarten in the Chippewa Falls School District for the 2024-2025 school year, and are not enrolled in the Chippewa Falls 4-year old Kindergarten program, need to enroll. Those students who attended a 4K program in the 2022-23 school year, but were not in school this past year will need to enroll as well.
To enroll your child, please visit the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District website. If you do not have internet access, please contact Tami at (715) 720-1850 or visit the Administration Office located at 1130 Miles Street, Chippewa Falls, WI. You may also visit your child’s elementary school for assistance in registering.
Attention 5th Grade Families
Hello!
We are excited to hold two orientation nights in April for families of incoming 6th grade students to come to CFMS. On these evenings we will give a general overview of the school and provide time for a self-guided tour. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a great learning environment, and we want you to have a chance to explore it!
These orientation evenings are optional and are scheduled for April 22 & 23 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM at the Chippewa Falls Middle School. Please enter through door 2 or 3 and head to the auditorium. There will be a 20 minute presentation in the auditorium at 6:00 PM.
In order to accommodate the number of families joining us on these evenings, we ask families to consider the following schedule. However, we understand if the night that aligns with your elementary school does not work and you need to attend the other night instead.
Monday, April 22 - Parkview, Halmstad, Jim Falls
Tuesday, April 23 - Southview, Hillcrest, Stillson
Open House - August 28, 2024
In August, the middle school will host an Open House on Wednesday, August 28, from 1:00 - 7:00 PM.
The first day (Tuesday, September 3, 2024) of school will be WEB Day! WEB Day is a specially designed day just for incoming 6th graders and their 8th grade mentors.
See attached Middle School Newsletter for upcoming registration.
School Report Card
The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is required by state statute (Wis. Stat. 115.385) to generate a school report card and district report card for every publicly funded school and district in the state. The report cards are intended to help schools and districts use performance data to celebrate successes and improve their efforts to prepare students for their futures.
Please click here for more information.
SCHOOL AND SCHOOL DISTRICT PERFORMANCE REPORT
Pursuant to Wisconsin State Statute 115.38(2) You may request a school and school district performance report by contacting the Office of the Superintendent at (715) 726-2417.
Parkview Elementary
Website: https://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/parkview/
Location: 501 Jefferson Ave, Chippewa Falls, WI, USA
Phone: 715-720-3750