No.8, November 25, 2013     

What better way to spend a winter evening than to play games with friends and family!

Please join us for a Chesterbrook PTA-sponsored GameWright Game Night in the school cafeteria from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. GameWright, an educational game company, has provided many demo games for all ages to play. Volunteer "game gurus" will circulate to help get the games started. The evening will be relaxing, fun, and you and your kids can practice your problem solving, reading, math, and critical thinking skills together.

Games will be available for purchase at 50% off their regular price, so it may also be an opportunity to purchase fun, educational gifts for the holidays. (Rather than run the event as a fund raiser, the PTA has elected to pass along the savings to Chesterbrook families.) Some of the GameWright titles you may already be familiar with are "Castle Keep," "Frog Juice," and "Slamwich." There are games for all ages, so younger and older kids will likely enjoy participating in this Family Fun Event.

Please remember that this is a not a drop off event. Parents must stay and supervise their children. 

Chesterbrook Elementary School is celebrating Inclusive Schools Week, December 2-6, 2013. The Week highlights the accomplishments of families, schools, and communities who promote inclusive education for all children across the world. The Week celebrates the progress that schools have made in implementing inclusive practices to ensure a quality education for an increasingly diverse student population, including students with disabilities, those from culturally, linguistically diverse backgrounds and those who are economically disadvantaged.

The Week is also a wonderful opportunity for educators, students, and parents to discuss what else needs to be done in order to ensure that their schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children. This year's theme is Authentic Inclusion, Increasing Our Comfort Zone! Students will learn about Inclusive Schools Week on the morning news and are encouraged to take part in a new theme for each day of the Week. Every morning on the news, a student will tell us where they are from and saying hello in their native language.

• Monday December 2nd - "Unity Day" and everyone is encouraged to wear their school spirit clothing or the school colors - yellow and blue. We are all Chesterbrook students and all like to be included in making friends, participating in school and having fun together. Chesterbrook is doing a great job including all students - and we can help too!
• Tuesday December 3rd - "Everyone is Special" - Everyone is encouraged to wear crazy socks to express their uniqueness. Every person is unique, special, one-of-a kind. Show off your individuality with your crazy socks!
• Wednesday December 4th - "Include Everyone" - Sometimes people make fun of other people who are different than they are. Remember it's not okay to make fun of another student, especially not because of that student's race, background or disability. Today, think about what you can do to include everyone.
• Thursday December 5th - "Family" - Families play an important role in making a school inclusive. Our families help us do better in school. Remember to thank your family for helping you.
• Friday, December 6th - "Make a New Friend" - Everybody can make new friends. Sit with a new friend at lunch, learn something about them and remember to smile at them the next time you see them in the hall, at recess or find another time to join them at lunch. Today, make a new friend. Have fun!

• You can donate online on our website: Family Friends or Business Friends.
• You can donate by check. Please make checks payable to "Chesterbrook PTA" and forward to school via backpack mail or mail it directly to Chesterbrook PTA, 1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101.