North Star News - Family Edition

As we approach the final stretch of the 2023-2024 school year, I want to take a moment to share some important updates and upcoming events with you.

Firstly, I want to remind you that SOL (Standards of Learning) testing for grades 3-5 is just around the corner. These assessments are an essential part of our students' academic journey, and we appreciate your continued support in preparing them for success.

In addition to SOL testing, we have several exciting events planned for the month of May. Our award ceremonies will recognize the hard work and achievements of our students throughout the year. It's a time to celebrate their growth and accomplishments together as a school community.

One of the highlights of the school year, Field Day, is also on the horizon. It's a day filled with fun, teamwork, and friendly competition, and we can't wait to see our students participate and enjoy themselves.

As we wrap up the end of the school year, I want to express my gratitude to each of you for your ongoing support and partnership. It's been a year filled with challenges and successes, and I'm incredibly proud of our students, staff, and parents for their resilience and dedication.

Please stay tuned for more details about these events and other end-of-year activities in our upcoming newsletters and communications.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. Together, let's make the remainder of the school year memorable and fulfilling for our students.

Most sincerely,

Candy Llewellyn, Ed.D.

Principal

Wednesday, May 1 --> Gr. 3 Reading SOL test

Thursday, May 2 --> Gr. 4 & 5 Reading SOL test

Tuesday, May 7 --> Gr. 3 Math SOL test

Wednesday, May 8 --> Gr. 4 & 5 Math SOL test

Friday, May 17 --> House Meetings

Monday, May 20 --> Parade of Graduates (CHHS) - 8:40 a.m.

--> Gr. 1 & 2 Award Ceremony - 9:00 a.m.

--> Gr. 3 & 4 Award Ceremony - 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 21 --> Field Day for PK - 5

Wednesday, May 22 --> PreK Celebration - 8:45 a.m.

--> Kindergarten Celebration - 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, May 23 --> 5th Grade Celebration - 9:00 a.m.

Friday, May 24 --> Colonial Pride Tour - 9:00 a.m.

Monday, May 27 --> Memorial Day Holiday

Wednesday, May 29 -- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Thursday, May 30 --> CHHS Graduation

--> Nukumori Unity Day - 2:20 p.m.

Summer Academy will be held at North for invited students in grades K-5. The hours will be 9:30 am- 12:30 pm. from June 17 - July 18. Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day. Invitations to attend will be sent home on May 6.

Please make sure that you have your car tag if you are picking your child up in the afternoon. We ask that you stay inside of your vehicle. Children should enter the vehicle on the passenger side (closest to the sidewalk) to avoid them being in the way of oncoming cars. If you need to get out of your vehicle to assist your child, we ask that you park and do so in order to keep the lines moving.

We ask that if you must pick your child up early that you do so BEFORE 2:30 p.m. After 2:30 p.m. it is challenging to get the children up early with all of the other dismissal things going on. If you arrive after 2:30 p.m. you may be asked to wait until normal dismissal.

Please make every effort to have your child at school on time every day. Obviously, if they are not well, we encourage you to keep them home. Being at school on time and not leaving early is just as important as coming to school every day!

As an added incentive we will have special days for those who are here every day! Stay tuned for more information!!

We are thrilled to announce our attendance incentives designed to celebrate and encourage regular school attendance among our amazing students! At North, we believe that every day counts, and we're committed to making attendance fun and rewarding.

1. Principal for the Day: Imagine the thrill of being in charge for a day! Students who achieve perfect attendance for a week will have their names entered into a drawing at the end of each month for the chance to become "Principal for the Day." This special opportunity includes leading morning announcements, assisting with lunch duty, meeting with the superintendent, visiting classrooms, and more. It's a fantastic way for students to experience leadership and responsibility firsthand!

2. Monthly Prize Drawings: We're turning attendance into an adventure with our monthly prize drawings! Students who maintain perfect attendance throughout the month will be entered into a drawing to win exciting prizes. Last month, one lucky student rode away with a light-up scooter, and who knows what fabulous surprises await in the coming months! We want every student to have the chance to win big and experience the joy of consistent attendance.

But wait, there's more! We believe in sprinkling extra fun throughout the year, so keep an eye out for pop-up celebrations on random days. Students who are present on these special days will be treated to surprise treats and activities. Because at North, we know that every moment in the classroom is an opportunity for adventure and learning!

Thank you for partnering with us to emphasize the importance of attendance and encourage our students to be present and engaged every day. Together, let's make every day at North a day to remember!

We are delighted to spotlight Piper Downing as our Principal for the Day for the month of April! Piper embraced her role with enthusiasm and grace, leaving a positive impact on our school community.

Throughout the day, Piper took on various responsibilities, including assisting with arrival and dismissal procedures, participating in lunch duty, and engaging in classroom observations. Her active involvement allowed her to gain valuable insights into the daily operations of our school.

One of the highlights of Piper's day was her meeting with Mrs. Ratliff, CHPS Superintendent. This provided her with a unique opportunity to learn about the broader educational landscape and share her perspectives as a student leader.

In addition to her administrative duties, Piper enjoyed a delicious lunch from Chick-Fil-A, adding an extra touch of enjoyment to her special day.

Piper's exemplary attendance certainly paid off, and we commend her for her dedication and positive contribution to our school community. Great job, Piper! Your leadership and enthusiasm are truly appreciated.

As we bid farewell to April, we eagerly anticipate discovering who will be our Principal for the Day in May. Stay tuned for more updates!

NUKUMORI – House of Compassion

Nukumori, rooted in Japanese tradition, embodies the essence of kindness. Its members recognize that genuine kindness is the cornerstone of their character. Renowned for their inclusive camaraderie, the individuals of Nukumori extend friendship to all.

Prospective members possess an inherent kindness, often undiscovered within themselves at first. They discover that nurturing this kindness over time fosters a more complete and beautiful character. Inspired by the cherry blossom, they understand that kindness, like delicate petals, requires cultivation until it blooms into exquisite beauty.

Kindness, however, is not synonymous with passivity. It encompasses defending and caring for others, alongside pursuing the collective well-being. Hence, the dragon symbolizes Nukumori, embodying ancient power and wisdom, ready to assert itself when needed.

Language: Japanese Heritage: Japan Symbolic Animal: The Dragon First North Staff Leader: Addie Minns

The Peace Sign

The Samurai: We embody kindness, yet we are resolute and discerning.

The Sun: Symbolizing our perpetual and unwavering kindness, much like the ever-present sun.

The Dragon: Signifies equilibrium, liberation, and profound wisdom. Its fierceness emerges when warranted.

Purple: Reflecting benevolent royalty, purple underscores our regal essence as compassionate beings.

The Cherry Blossom (sakura): Symbolizing renewal, it underscores our belief that kindness is the catalyst for rejuvenation and success.

It is important for students to be in school every day. However, if your child is ill, please keep them home. We do require a doctor or parent note following any absence - even if you called the school office. We want all of our Stars to be successful and in order for that to happen we need them at school each and every day. If possible, please do not schedule vacations during the school year.

Remember if a child misses more than 2 days of school per month (even for excused absences) that equates to 18-20 days over the course of the school year - making them chronically absent.

Please be mindful that our school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and students who arrive after 8:30 a.m. are considered tardy.

If you drop your child off after 8:30 a.m. --> You must park and walk your child in to sign them in. This is a change from the way we have done this in the past.

Parents/guardians interested in attending Field Day are invited to participate by assisting with running games or activities. To do so, please reach out to Ms. Cherry, our school counselor, to obtain a Volunteer Form. To ensure participation, completed forms must be submitted to Ms. Cherry no later than Thursday, May 16.

Kindly be aware that if volunteer forms are not received by May 16, parents/guardians will be unable to participate in Field Day.

We look forward to your involvement in making Field Day a memorable event for our students on Tuesday, May 21!

1- Keep your hands and feet to yourself.

2 - Be honest.

3 - Be respectful to others.

Please review these rules with your child. We discuss these on a daily basis to make sure students understand what our expectations are.

Breakfast and lunch will be served daily to all students at no cost.

School menus can be found HERE.

If your child will be bringing his/her lunch to school, please help them so they are able to open juice boxes or other containers they bring in their lunch. We have adults on hand to help but if the students can open things themselves, it makes lunch go smoother!

Parents - PLEASE do not bring food to share with students at lunch. We have many students who have allergies and for the safety of ALL students it is imperative that you do not bring food to share when you visit for lunch.

If you bring cupcakes for a birthday, they must be store bought and the teacher should be the one to distribute them.

If you have any questions about this procedure, please do not hesitate to call the Nurse Kelly or Dr. Llewellyn.

Character Trait of the Month: What a Purposeful year it’s been! Let’s take a look at all we have learned this year. We have grown in Respect, Empathy, and Cooperation. We have learned strategies for resolving conflict. We have built stronger connections. We have grown in Responsibility, Perseverance, and Courage. We have learned focus strategies and goal-setting. We have tried new things! We have grown in Gratitude, Honesty, and Creativity. We have learned how to name our emotions. We have practiced emotion regulation strategies. Let’s keep growing over the summer! How can you keep showing Kindness while school is out? By showing kindness at home, kindness toward neighbors, and practicing kindness in action.

North House System: We have started our North House System where we are building a culture of excellence through authentic connection and a sense of belonging. The system provides a consistent and purposeful school-wide positive behavior support system designed to increase student achievement academically, socially, and emotionally for our 3rd -5th grade students. Our motto is, “We are stronger together.” North House System handbooks have been sent home and we ask that you sign the handbook agreement and return it to school as soon as possible.

Anti-Bullying Note: Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance where the behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. To help us prevent bullying here at North Elementary we would love it if you could talk to your student about what bullying is and how to stand up to it safely. Please let your student know bullying is unacceptable at North Elementary.

Encourage your student to speak to a trusted adult if they are being bullied or see others being bullied when it FIRST happens.