August 9, 2024

Hello, CHS Families.

Can you believe it? School is just around the corner. In less than two weeks, we'll open our doors to welcome students and staff for the 2024-25 school year. I hope everyone is enjoying these last days of summer break.

Something New This Year

Starting this week, I'll be sharing a "CHS Tip of the Week" in each newsletter. These tips are meant to help your student succeed throughout the year. They're simple ideas to spark conversations, get involved, and think about school in new ways.

Why Read These Tips?

They can help you talk with your student about school
They offer ways to support your student's learning
They give you ideas to stay connected with what's happening at CHS

Remember, our staff is always here to help. If you have questions or need support, don't hesitate to reach out.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young

Superintendent

CHS TIP OF THE WEEK: Setting Goals for a Successful Year

Setting clear goals is crucial for students of all ages, even in elementary school. Goals provide direction and focus, helping students channel their efforts effectively. They boost motivation and create a sense of achievement when reached, building confidence and encouraging further growth. Goal-setting promotes self-reflection, teaching children to recognize their strengths and areas for improvement. It also develops essential skills like time management and personal responsibility.

For younger students, goals should be age-appropriate and concrete, such as reading a certain number of books or mastering specific math facts. Children develop a growth mindset by engaging in goal-setting early on, understanding that their abilities can improve with effort. This process helps track and celebrate progress and prepares students for future academic and personal challenges. Ultimately, goal-setting is a valuable life skill that contributes to long-term success and personal development.

Here are some tips for effective goal-setting:

1. Academic Goals:

Preschool-5th: Read together for 20 minutes daily
6th-8th: Aim for consistent homework completion
9th-12th: Target specific GPA or course achievements

2. Personal Growth:

Encourage trying a new club or sport
Set a goal to make new friends or strengthen existing relationships

3. Study Habits:

Create a weekly study schedule
Identify and minimize distractions during homework time

4. Family Engagement:

Plan to attend school events (e.g., open houses, conferences, sporting events, etc.)
Commit to regular conversations about school life.

5. Resources:

Visit our district website for grade-level learning objectives
Use ProgressBook to track progress

6. Write It Down:

Help your child create a vision board, goal chart, or journal. Writing the goal down creates a sense of responsibility for yourself.
Review and adjust goals quarterly.

Last quick tip - goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

PARENT "How To's" of the week:

Parents use School Dismissal Manager to:

Make "exceptions" (changes) to student's transportation schedule

Report student absences and late arrivals

Schedule early releases from school

Schedule student attendance at after school activities

School Dismissal Manager Overview

Parents of Bus Riders use StopFinder to:

View your student's schedule & share your student's schedule with caregivers

Create GeoAlerts, configure ETA Alerts

StopFinder App Instructions

IMPORTANT NOTE: Parents cannot set up the app or login until you receive an activation email from our transportation department. This email, sent to the student's PRIMARY contact, is scheduled for August 14.

The Child Find process assists with:

Locating, evaluating, and identifying children with suspected disabilities who may be in need of special education and related services

Student Services Dept.

Our CHampion Staff

Get to know our CHampion Staff! Each week, we will feature our staff members in this section of our e-newsletter. Please refer to our district website for contact information.

Transportation Staff

As the new school year begins, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank the dedicated individuals who safely transport our students to and from school each day.

These professionals play a vital role in our school community, ensuring that our students arrive at school ready to learn and return home safely. They are more than just drivers - they are caring adults who build positive relationships with our students. Our mechanic, Bart Hahn, keeps our vehicles running safely. The transportation department is lead by AM Coordinator, Paula Hupcey, and PM Coordinator, Ed Friss, whose hard work and dedication facilitate smooth daily operations.

We encourage parents and guardians to partner with our drivers by having your child arrive at the bus stop or van pick-up location on time and ready to board. Together, we can create a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone. Thanks for your support and cooperation.

DISTRICT NEWS

Student Orientations

Wednesday, August 14

Click on the links for details

Kindergarten-5th: Only "NEW to the district" K-5th graders (students & parents)

6th Grade: ALL former CH 5th graders & "NEW to the district" 6th graders (students & parents)

7th & 8th Grade: Only "NEW to the district" 7th & 8th graders (students & parents)

9th-12th: ALL former CH 8th graders & "NEW to the district" 9th-12th graders (students and parents)

Wednesday, August 21

Pre-Kindergarten: ALL Pre-K (students and parents)

Back-to-School Fun for All!

Tuesday, August 20

Come join in the fun!

4:30: food trucks (until 8pm) ,games, activities, booster organizations, pre- season football practice (Ralph P. Adams Stadium & MS/HS Cafeteria)

5:45: fall sports team recognition (Ralph P. Adams Stadium)

6:00: MS/HS Open House & Meet the Teachers (Middle School-students may use this time to put supplies in lockers)

Kindergarten Parent Meeting Added

Kicking Off Kindergarten

Kindergarten parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend an informational meeting in the Kindergarten area on Thursday, August 15 at 5:30 pm. Parents and caregivers will learn about the kindergarten process.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

COMMUNITY

Backback Day at Valley Ford Truck

Saturday, August 10th is Backpack Day at Valley Ford Truck! We are offering free backpacks to our community, complete with school supplies, a fidget spinner and a pop-it inside. These backpacks are best suited for elementary school students. If you have children in your family needing a backpack or supplies, we welcome you to stop by our dealership before 1 pm this Saturday to collect this gift.