CHIPS Weekly Update

Hello CHIPS Families,

Here at CHIPS, one of the things we work on with all students is increasing independence in their daily routine. Teachers and staff provide support and scaffolding as needed, with the goal being able to fade adult support around things like arrival/dismissal routines, snack time, etc. Here are a few things things families can do to help with this:

• Make sure all of your child's belongings (coat, snack bag, etc) are labeled with their name. We encourage children to pack and unpack their own backpacks, and this helps when mix ups happen.
• Send child friendly snack containers. While we provide adult assistance, it sets children up for success if their snacks are packed in containers they can open and close independently.
• Practice at home! Encourage your children to do things like dress and undress by themselves whenever possible.

I've included a link below to an article on Building Independence in preschoolers.

• September 20- No School- Professional Development
• October 9- No School- Columbus Day
• October 10 & 11- School Pictures
• October 19- No School- Professional Development

Dear families,

We would like to address that there are many students with life threatening food allergies within our classrooms.

We are requesting that peanut/tree-nuts derived foods, shellfish and eggs (hard boiled/cooked) not be sent in with your child for snack. Keeping your children safe is our priority. We continue to practice hand washing daily, disinfect our surfaces and monitor closely as to not share food items.

Age-appropriate information for allergy awareness and a list of safe and healthy snacks are included below.

Thank you for your cooperation, understanding and being a 'PAL' with this very important issue.

Please use our absence line (978-251-5188 Option 0) or email address (chipsattendance@chelmsford.k12.ma.us) to report your child's absence from school and be sure to state the reason for the absence (illness, appointment, travel, etc).

Nurse Kristen can be reached by calling the CHIPS main number (978-251-5188) and selecting option 3.

Our CHIPS Little Free Library- such a fun way to help foster a love of reading in our preschoolers! Feel free to stop by with your child and borrow a book! Please remember to return the book when you are finished:) If you have books at home that you would like to donate, please put them in the Little Library or send them into CHIPS with your child. Thank you!!

The CHIPS PTO will hold its first meeting of the year on Monday, 9/18 at 6:30pm in the CHIPS cafeteria. Hope to see you there!

The PTO's first fundraiser is underway! The PTO is selling CHIPS Spirit Wear Shirts. Order forms have been sent home with students and a copy is below as well. Orders are due by Friday, September 29.

Email: mcguirkm@chelmsford.k12.ma.us
Website: https://chelmsfordschools.org
Location: 170 Dalton Road, Chelmsford, MA, USA
Phone: (978)251-5188