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September 5
Labor Day
No School, No Chums
September 7
Chance Chase
4:00 p.m.
September 12
Innisbrook orders due
September 14
Roots & Shoots International Day of Peace
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Waterfront
September 15
Parents' Council Wine & Cheese
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Parent Orientation Night
7:00 p.m.
September 20
Spiritwear orders due
September 20
School Pictures
Two-day 2's
Five-day 2's
Five-day 4's
September 21
School Pictures
Kindergarten & Primary 1
Primary 2 & 3
Intermediate 4 & 5
September 22
School Pictures
Three-day 2's
Three-day 3's
Five-day 3's
September 29 & 30Professional Development No School, No ChumsOctober 3
Fall Break
No School, No Chums |
Spiritwear Sale
If you would like to order Chance Logo Spiritwear, please click on the Spiritwear Order Form in the "Links" section below to print the order form, fill out, and send to the office with a check payable to Chance School. Order deadline is September 20. This is the only Spiritwear sale we will have this year - so get your Chance Logo merchandise now! Thank you.
Innisbrook Wrapping Sale
The Innisbrook Wrap annual sale is continuing through September 12. If you need an additional catalogue, please contact Debbie McCoy 425-6904. There are new gift items this year as well as the best wrapping paper we all love. Chance earns 50% of all sales, so stock up and share with family and friends. Instructions for ordering are included in your packet. For assistance, contact Bethany Jones @mytwomonkeys@insightbb.com.
Fall Festival
Save The Date!
The Chance Fall Festival will be Sunday, October 16 from 4pm to 7pm.
Please make sure to visit our table at Parents Orientation Night! If you are interested in volunteering for this old-fashioned, one-of-a-kind event please email celeste.espinoza@gmail.com. |
Retail Cash Back
Chance Kroger Cards:Want an easy way to raise money for Chance just by grocery shopping, or filling up the tank? Want to win an Apple iPad2? Get your Chance Kroger Card and load it every month to be eligible for an Apple Ipad2 drawing. See the link below for more details.
Questions?
Contact Debbie McCoy in the Development Office by calling 425-6904 or by emailing: deb@chanceschool.org. |
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We Are Off and Running at Chance School
By Gail Lotze, Head of School
An exciting school year is underway! As we are all practicing and learning new routines, smiles abound throughout the classrooms, hallways and playgrounds. Chance School is a great place for children and adults alike! Every day the arrival and dismissal process becomes easier and smoother for all involved! Thank you for your patience in the carpool lines - by the end of September, carpool will be humming like a well-oiled machine. Upcoming school events: Wednesday, September 7 - We are hosting our 4th annual Chance Chase. Come cheer on the Chance Cross Country team made up of many of our 2nd through 5th graders. Thursday, September 15 - Our annual Parents' Night. Join us for an adult evening with Wine and Cheese from 6 - 7 pm in the Funroom. Hear from past Board Chair, Sarah Steenrod and help us kick-off our annual Challenge for Chance campaign. After the short business meeting, you will adjourn to your child's classroom where you will meet other parents in your child's class, view you child's work and partake in all of the learning that happens here at school. |
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A Book Invitation
By Gail Lotze, Head of School
I invite you to join me in a discussion of the book The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. on Tuesday, October 11th from 9am-10am at Chance. If you have not read this book, I hope that our discussion will whet your appetite to add it to your reading list. Hallowells' book is about the roots of joy and the foundations that are laid during childhood. Couched among personal anecdotes from his own family, Hallowell's premise is that parents can increase the chances of their child(ren) finding happiness and fulfillment in childhood that will ultimately deepen and grow throughout adulthood. The book describes a five-step plan for parents to use in raising their children, citing the research on which it is based and provides suggestions for how to implement these steps in daily life. |
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From Parents' Council By Christine Baltas and Katy Collis, Co-Chairs
Our Parents' Council committee chairs are set and already preparing for our upcoming events this fall!
Parent's Orientation Night is Thursday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m., and we look forward to seeing lots of new and familiar faces there. Our appreciation goes to Ellen & Karl Strand for organizing the Wine & Cheese reception again for all the Chance parents and staff to enjoy. The reception will be from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Please be sure to mark your calendars now for Fall Festival which is set for Sunday, October 16, on the Chance School grounds. Celeste Verderosa is leading the effort to plan a FUN-filled day for all of our Chance families. Friends and relatives are welcome to attend also.
Special thanks to all of the parents who have volunteered to help out with the various Parents' Council committees. Please let us know if you would like to sign up to contribute some of your time. We can assist you in finding a good fit for whatever might interest you...even if it's just for a couple hours. Our strong parent involvement is one of the most important parts of making Chance the wonderful school that it is!! Christine Baltas cmbaltas@insightbbb.com 472-9288 Katy Collis kcollis@bellsouth.net 893-3799 |
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Getting to Know You
By Amanda Bass and Leslie Christian, Lead Teachers
We are enjoying teaching together in the four year old class this school year. Previously we taught the 3 & 4 year old multi-age class.
Our first theme focus is about self-esteem and getting to know each other. We are learning the names of our friends and celebrating individual differences.
In small group our friends have identified the letters in their first names and have arranged them i n the correct sequence. Another small group activity included counting and identifying numbers 1-10. We will also learn about number patterns. We are helping our friends learn their telephone numbers.
In art our friends have created self-portrait collages by first tracing their feet and hands on colored construction paper. Friends then attached their paper feet and hands and a personal photograph on a circular piece of paper.
Our first few weeks of the 2011-2012 school year have been fun, productive and educational. We look forward to getting to know our friends and their families as we continue our theme focus of "getting to know you". |
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Hello From the Annex!
By Jacob Fowler and Ariana Mehrotra, Fifth grade students
We have been having a GREAT first 2 weeks! Here's why...
In the morning, we all meet in the Cottage to return our homework, and hang up our backpacks. We have fun greeting teachers and friends. We love that we have double the space! We get to use the Cottage as well as the Annex. (The Annex is located to the right of the office in the lobby). Fifth graders enjoy a really fun math time in the Cottage, and 4th graders have an outstanding math time in the Annex. There is much more technology than last year because we have the computer lab with new laptops, located in the upper loft, and another Smart Board in the annex. On some days we can sign up to eat lunch in either the Annex or the Cottage. Fun! We also have smaller classes for more individual learning time. Both classes are studying Natural Disasters, which is very timely to the earthquakes recently and hurricane Irene. We have more organized storage space for more materials. At the end of the day, we do read aloud, and head to Florida Heights for carpool.
WE ALWAYS HAVE FUN I N THE ANNEX!
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By Kris Fenley, Head Cross Country Coach
Wow! Cross Country is off to a great start. Our runners have been working very hard to get ready for our meets. We are looking forward to our first one, The Chance Chase on September 7, 2011. This is an opportunity for everyone to come together and experience an event that is exciting and fun. Several schools from our community will be attending. I would like to thank all of our supporters and volunteers. Without your help our race would not be possible. We have 49 runners this year, and I know they are all thankful too. I hope you can make it to the event. Go Chance!
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Roots & Shoots News
By Sarah Cummins, Outdoor Classroom Specialist
The Chance Chapter of Roots & Shoots is off to a great start this school year! The children have come up with some great ideas about helping our community and we will keep you posted about all of our projects throughout the year. The first event of the year will be the Roots & Shoots International Day of Peace Celebration on Wednesday, September 14th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Waterfront Park. Our group will be constructing and "flying" giant peace doves in a special parade and selling reusable bags to raise money for their next project. There will also be great food, music and kids activities. This event is open to everyone, so please bring your families and come support our kids! For more information, visit our event pages:
www.facebook.com/PeaceDay.Kentucky
www.facebook.com/event.phpeid=241952735817301 |
It is time for your children to smile big for th e camera! The following is the schedule for school pictures. If it rains, pictures will either be taken inside or rescheduled. Please have your children wear bright colors but remember to dress them appropriately for normal daily activities. There will be a make-up date for those who are absent.
Tuesday, September 20
Two-day 2s
Five-day 2s
Five-day 4s
Wednesday, September 21
Kindergarten
Primary 1, 2 & 3
Intermediate 4 & 5
Thursday, September 22
Three-day 2s
Three-day 3s
Five-day 3s
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Mark your calendars now for the following upcoming events planned by the Social Committee:
Thursdays beginning September 8 - 11:30 a.m.
Playdate for Preschool friends at Thurman Hutchins Park on River Road
Friday, September 9 - 7:00 p.m.
Louisville Astrological Society: Star gazing at Tom Sawyer Park
Tuesday, September 13 - 3:30 p.m.
Tour at Louisville Glassworks
Saturday, September 24 - 6:00 p.m.
An evening at Bashford Manor Inn
Tuesday, September 27 - 4:00 p.m.
Blackacre Conservatory Tour |
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2011-2012 Parent Education
The school is extending an invitation to you, to continue learning as a Chance parent. A variety of parent education classes are being offered - from highlighting program components to recommending books for parents. Mark your calendar now and gain a greater understanding about early childhood development and the school's commitment to excellence in education. (Other classes will be forthcoming.)
Tuesday, September 20, 12 - 1:30pm
Middle School Discussion
For Intermediate 5 Parents
As the Class of 2012 nears completion of the Chance School program, the search for a middle school begins. This session helps parents of Intermediate 5 students explore various school choices in the community.
Location: The Cottage with Sue Musson, Program Coordinator
RSVP for adult attendance by Sept. 16. Feel free to bring a "brown bag" lunch. Child care is not available.
Friday, September 23, 9 - 10:00am
The Journey to Literacy
For Preschool and Kindergarten Parents
As your child continues the journey of learning to read, foster his/her love for literature by keeping experiences fun and meaningful. Lisa looks forward to guiding you in promoting a positive association with books and in advancing a child's connection with the world through the use of children's literature.
Location: Art Room, 2nd floor in the main building with Lisa Howie, Educator and Chance parent
RSVP for adult attendance by Sept. 21.
RSVP for child care Sept. 21.
Tuesday, October 11, 9 - 10:00am
Meet with the Head
For interested Chance Parents Take this opportunity to meet with Gail Lotze, Head of School. While this meeting is an informal gathering to talk shop and to share what is on your mind, she would like to share one of her favorite summer reads - The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness by Edward Hallowell. (You are encouraged to read this selection prior to this session!)
Location: Art Room, 2nd floor in the main building with Gail Lotze, Head of School
RSVP for adult attendance by Oct. 7.
RSVP for child care by Oct. 7. |
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Afterschool Chums
By Kim Tabler, Extended Program Coordinator
From 2 year olds to fifth grade, Chums has already gotten off to a fantastic start! Having new teachers, Ms. Jaimie and Ms. Ivy, as well as returning teachers, Ms. Maureen, Ms. Kathy and Ms. Jennifer , makes each day fun and interesting for all our Chums friends. I love to hear the children asking if they can stay at Chums longer, or more days! If you ever have questions or thoughts about any of our Extended Programs, please never hesitate to contact me at kim@chanceschool.org. Also, look for a new schedule of enrichment programs coming soon. The Fall will be filled with exciting things to do for everyone! |
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Challenge for Chance
By Debbie McCoy, Director of Development
The Challenge for Chance brochure and pledge envelope will be sent soon to all Chance families. The school is making its annual appeal to all parents, grandparents, staff and alumni, asking them to help "fill the gap" between tuition revenue and operating expenses. Our goal is to reach 100% participation by parents, faculty, and Board of Trustees. Please send your pledge envelope in to the office by October 31. Remember, you have until May, 2012 to complete your pledge payments. You may also use the link provided on the left side view for a pledge form.
Why should I give to the Annual Fund?
A: Your generous support helps Chance School focus on our mission of providing a challenging and joyful education to a diverse community of children. Most parents are surprised to find that tuition does not cover the cost of their child's education. At Chance, as well as many independent schools, tuition only covers about 85% of the cost to educate a student.
Does my gift make a difference?
A: Yes! Every gift is an affirmative vote for Chance School and helps provide an affordable education for our students. Your gift really does count! 100% participation is the ultimate goal and we have been fortunate to average nearly 90% parent participation for the last 7 years! Because foundations, corporations, and major donors care about the level of support that is shown for the school internally, it is just as important that more families, more alumni, more faculty and staff, and more friends contribute toward this goal. However you give, and whatever the amount, it truly does make a difference in what happens at Chance every day.
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In August, "Miss Maureen" O'Brien resigned from Chance School as the Extended Program Coordinator to take a teaching position with Jefferson County Public Schools. We will miss Maureen and wish her the very best in her new school setting.
Kim Tabler, who joined the staff this summer as Office Manager has moved into Maureen's position of Extended Program Coordinator. Among her varied responsibilities, Kim will be overseeing Chums (the before and afterschool care program) and the Enrichment programs offered at Chance. Welcome to your new position, Kim.
Ivy Smoley has joined the faculty in our afterschool care program. Ivy, a native of the Philippines, is a certified teacher and is thrilled to be working with the children at Chance School. Ivy's smile goes from ear-to-ear and she enjoys playing with the 2 year olds as well as the 5th graders. Welcome to Chance, Ivy. |
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Each summer presents the opportunity to make upgrades to our program and to the buildings and grounds. This summer was no exception. Work over the summer 2011 included:
* The creation of a new Parties and Celebrations Policy.
* Upgrades to the Math program - 2012 edition in Intermediate and the 4s.
* The Installation of a Library database.
* Refreshing the Cottage with paint, carpet, tile flooring, new SMARTboard, computer lab in loft area (w/ 8 computers/6 laptops).
* Creating Room 2 as the Intermediate Annex with paint, carpet & new SMARTboard.
* Installing new computer tables and 3 new computers each for a total of 6 computers/classroom in the Lodge classrooms.
* Completing our wireless networking - we are wireless everywhere.
* Rehabilitating the bunker into The Snack Shack.
* Readying Room 1 to be used for Preschool PE and Enrichment classes.
* On our beautiful grounds - fences were painted; new gates were installed for the field; a new sign now identifies the field; we have new signage on drives; the playgrounds were mulched; we have a gate across top-of-the-hill driveway; the stolen air conditioner condenser units were replaced; the sidewalk at bottom-of-the-hill now has border and fresh gravel; gravel has been added to parking in the field and at the top-of-the-hill; debris from trees and storms at the bend in the lower lot was cleaned up, 2 dead trees were removed AND, last but not least, the outside of the main building was painted and broken window panes were replaced with historic glass.
We are so proud of our unique school and the outstanding setting where Chance children are enveloped in the love of learning. See if you can find and identify these improvements!
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Last year, during the fall and spring teacher in-service day, all of the Faculty met and broke into committees to document the Chance program in terms of the developmental commitments: social, emotional, physical, cognitive and moral - the very essence of Chance School. Faculty members from the Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary and Intermediate levels spent the day working with each other. Each Committee was charged with briefly describing the current status of its specific topic including strengths, weaknesses and challenges; recent action taken within the last 18 months to support the current status and the identification of continuing needs and/or new priorities.
This year, our Board members, the administration and parents will meet to tackle the second portion of the self-study, the School Community. Using the same format of current status, recent action taken and future goals and priorities, those committees will consist of: School Community; Student Services; Personnel; and Governance and Administration.
All of this work will be compiled into the school's self-study and the accreditation visit will be scheduled in the fall 2012. |
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