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January 29, 2016
Volume 4 / Issue 20
 
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Note from Dr. Beekley
- Third Grade Science
- Enjoying Winter at CES
- Region 4 Community Dinner
- Chester Enumeration
- January Fitness Calendar
- CES Lunch Accounts
- Social Development News
- PTO Bingo & Basket Raffle
- Grade 2 Cultural Arts Program
- Community News 


Wednesday, February 3rd
- Grade 2 Cultural Arts Program with T-Bone
(9:30 am)

Thursday, February 4th
- JW Musical Preview for Sixth Grade Students (JW Middle School)

Monday, February 8th
- Region 4 Community Dinner and Presentation
(6:00 pm - JW Middle School)

Tuesday, February 9th
- PTO Meeting
(7:00 pm - CES Library)

Wednesday, February 10th
- Grade 2C LEARN Field Trip to Eli Whitney Museum

Thursday, February 11th
- Grade 2M LEARN Field Trip to Eli Whitney Museum

Friday, February 12th
- Early Dismissal (Professional Development for Staff)

Monday, February 15th
- Presidents Day (No School)

Tuesday, February 16th
- Professional Development Day (No School for Students)

Wednesday, February 17th
- Possible Snow Make-up Day

Thursday, February 18th
- Possible Snow Make-up Day
- Student Banking & Box Tops Due

Friday, February 26th
- PTO Bingo & Basket Raffle Night

Monday, March 7th
- Grade 2C LEARN Field Trip to Bushy Hill Nature Center

Tuesday, March 8th
- PTO Meeting
(7:00 pm - CES Library)

Wednesday, March 16th
- Grade 2M LEARN Field Trip to Bushy Hill Nature Center

Thursday, March 17th
- Student Banking & Box Tops Due
- Grade 2 Field Trip to Charlotte's Web Play

Tuesday, March 22nd
- PTO Book Fair

Wednesday, March 23rd
- PTO Book Fair
- Early Dismissal (Parent/ Teacher Conferences)

Thursday, March 24th
- PTO Book Fair
- Early Dismissal (Parent/ Teacher Conferences)
- Chester Board of Education Meeting
(7:00 pm - CES Library)

Friday, March 25th
- Good Friday (No School)

Tuesday, March 29th
- S.T.E.A.M. Fair Open House

Wednesday, March 30th
- S.T.E.A.M. Fair Judging

Saturday, April 9th
- PTO Fun Run (Rain Date April 10th)

Tuesday, April 12th
- PTO Meeting
(7:00 pm - CES Library)

Thursday, April 14th
- Student Banking & Box Tops Due

Friday, April 15th
- Early Dismissal (Professional Development for Staff)

April 18th-April 22nd
- Spring Recess

Monday, April 25th
- Possible Snow Make-up Day

Tuesday, April 26th
- Possible Snow Make-up Day

Friday, April 29th
- Arbor Day

Friday, April 30th
- State Invention Convention

Tuesday, May 3rd
- PTO Teachers' Appreciation Lunch

Wednesday, May 4th
- ACES Day
- Spring Arts Festival

Tuesday, May 10th
- PTO Meeting
(7:00 pm - CES Library)

Tuesday, May 17th
- Grade 3 Field Trip to Trash Museum

Thursday, May 19th
- Student Banking & Box Tops Due

Thursday, May 26th
- Chester Board of Education Meeting
(7:00 pm - Location TBD)

Friday, May 27th
- Early Dismissal (Professional Development for Staff)
- Memorial Day Program

Monday, May 30th
- Memorial Day (No School)
- Memorial Day Parade

Tuesday, May 31st
- Possible Snow Make-up Day
- PTO Spring Clothing Drive

Wednesday, June 1st- Friday, June 3rd
- PTO Spring Clothing Drive

Thursday, June 2nd
- Grade 6 Unity Day (JWMS)

Wednesday, June 8th
- Grade 4 Field Trip to State Capitol

Monday, June 13th
- Field Day

Tuesday, June 14th
- PTO Meeting
(7:00 pm - CES Library)

Wednesday, June 15th
- Early Dismissal (Last Day of School - depending on number of weather/ emergency days used)
A NOTE FROM DR. BEEKLEY   

magic_stars_book.jpg  
Reading is a skill, and it gets better with practice. Research shows that children who read for 30 minutes a day are more likely to become good readers. Encourage your child to read every day. This can include books, magazines, and newspapers.

Read aloud to your child no matter what grade. Research shows that this is probably the most important thing you can do to encourage your children's success as readers. Try to set aside time each day for reading aloud. You can start with just 10 minutes a day. Vary the length and material you read.  Remember the art of listening is an acquired one. It must be taught and cultivated gradually.

During read-aloud time, stop before the end of the story and ask your child to predict what he or she thinks might happen next. If you are reading a poem, ask your child to guess what the next rhyming word may be. Ask how your child might change the story. Let your child retell the story in his or her own words.

Everyone has a busy schedule. You can squeeze reading into a busy day by reading to your children during breakfast and bath time, and utilize books on tape in the car. Your child can follow along as the tape reads the story. As an added treat, record the story yourself so that your child hears your voice.

Happy reading!

Joanne D. Beekley, Ed.D. 
Principal        
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
THIRD GRADE'S DR. SEUSS EXPERIMENT 
   
The students in Ms. Raymond's third grade class have begun studying about the Properties of Matter in Science. To support that curriculum, we read a book called Bartholomew and the Oobleck, written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss. Then, the students explored and played with a gooey substance to discuss whether it is actually a liquid or a solid. It would be a fun activity to do at home, as well. Despite what the book states, to make oobleck you will not need to "Burn an onion. Burn a chair. Burn a whisker from your chin and burn a long sour lizard skin." Although it might be fun to pretend, all you will really need is cornstarch and water. Happy exploring!

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ENJOYING WINTER AT CES!
  
 





 






     

 
















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COMMUNITY DINNER ON FEBRUARY 8TH  
 
On February 8, 2016, Regional School District 4 will hold a Community Dinner and Presentation, "Coherence in Strategic Planning," with guest speaker Jonathan Costa.

To view the event poster, and for information on how to RSVP, please click here. 

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CHILD ENUMERATION FOR CHESTER 
 
For an accurate kindergarten count this year and for predicting the future count, an enumeration of children is done every year. If you know of any families who have moved to Chester and who have children ages five and under (birth dates 2011-2016), please ask them to call Pam Graham at Chester Elementary School (860-526-5797). Thank you!

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JANUARY FITNESS CALENDAR  
 
At Chester Elementary School, we encourage our students to be physically active both inside and outside of the school setting.

Our January Fitness Calendar offers you and your child simple ideas for how to integrate physical activities throughout a busy day. Check it out for ways to get your whole family moving! 
Please click here for the January Fitness Calendars.

 
CES LUNCH ACCOUNTS
 
Many cafeteria accounts are not up-to-date, and we ask that all accounts be brought current. If you receive a letter with a lunch deficit, please be sure to include all of the information on the check or the front of the envelope if payment is sent to school. You may also pay on-line at any time. Your assistance with this is greatly appreciated by all of us.
 
 
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT NEWS 
 
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT THEMES

The Social Development Theme for the month of January is Diversity.  The Social Development Books of the Month are Only One You (K-2) and Martin's Big Words (3-6). Please enjoy a description of the books below.
                                              
There's only one you in this great big world. Make it a better place. Adri's mama and papa share some of the wisdom they have gained through the years with their eager son. Their words, simple and powerful, are meant to comfort and guide him as he goes about exploring the world. This exquisitely illustrated book explodes with color and honest insights. Kranz's uniquely painted rockfish, set against vibrant blue seas, make an unforgettable and truly special impression. Only One You will inspire parents and children of all ages as they swim through the sea of life.

In this elegant pictorial biography of Martin Luther King Jr., author Doreen Rappaport combines her spare, lyrical text with King's own words for an effective, age-appropriate portrayal of one of the world's greatest civil rights leaders. From King's youth, when he looked up to his preacher father and vowed one day to "get big words, too," to his death at a garbage workers' strike ("On his second day there, he was shot. He died."), Rappaport imbues the story with reverence.
Acclaimed artist Bryan Collier depicts his subject with stunning watercolor and collage illustrations, balancing glorious recreations of stained glass windows with some of the more somber images of peace marchers and the famous bus that pitched Rosa Parks into the civil rights movement. A brief chronology and bibliography provide additional resources for readers. Here is an exquisite tribute to a world hero. 

The goal of our Social Development Book-of-the-Month is to integrate literature and concomitant language arts objectives with themes and ideas that support our social development program. 
 
The Chester Public Library is graciously partnering with us on our social development Book-of-the-Month initiative.  Our Book-of-the-Month is displayed at the library and there are multiple copies available for families to borrow, so that the discussion begun at school can be shared and extended at home.

Teaching and talking to your children about diversity: 
1. Watch movies that introduce new places and diverse people.

2. Spend time volunteering with an organization that serves a group of people with different struggles than you.

3.  Discuss the importance of embracing differences and treating others with respect.

4.  Acknowledge differences - discuss the many ways that people are different.

5.  Reinforce that the way someone looks on the outside has nothing to do with what is on the inside.

6. Encourage open discussion of many different topics. 

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SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT BOOKS AVAILABLE FROM CES LIBRARY 
 
Our Social Development theme of the month for January is Diversity. There are many excellent books in our library about diversity. A few will be featured during January and any may be borrowed from the library to be shared with your family.  Just email Mrs. Moshier at bmoshier@reg4.k12.ct.us to request the book and she will send it home with your child.

King for a Day by Rukhsana Khan

Even though he is confined to a wheelchair, a Pakistani boy tries to capture the most kites during Basant, the annual spring kite festival, and become "king" for the day.

I Love My Hair by Natasha Tarpley

A young African American girl describes the different, wonderful ways she can wear her hair.

The Unforgotten Coat by Frank Cottrell Boyce
 
Julie's life becomes more complicated after the two Mongolian brothers in her Year Six class declare her to be their "Good Guide," which means she is responsible for welcoming the brothers to their new home, helping them with school uniforms, and explaining British slang; meanwhile, Julie tries to win the attention of a boy and gain an invitation to Mimi's house.  

Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper

Considered by many to be mentally retarded, a brilliant, impatient fifth-grader with cerebral palsy discovers a technological device that will allow her to speak for the first time.
 
 
PTO NEWS
 
BINGO & BASKET RAFFLE - 2016 CLASSROOM THEMES ANNOUNCED

DONATION KICK-OFF Monday Feb. 1, 2016 
 
We know everyone has been in suspense to find out what theme their class has this year for the 2016 Bingo & Basket Raffle. Wait no longer! 

Every class has now been assigned a theme, and we are asking families to donate new items to help fill the baskets according to their class theme. All donations are greatly appreciated. Every little bit helps. Collection boxes will be provided in each classroom. Items can be sent to school with your child up until Friday, February 19, 2016. If needed, a list of ideas for your class basket theme will be sent home with your child next week. 

Conashevick   Gr. K  Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe Basket

Mantie            Gr. K  Summer & Beach Fun Basket

MacKinnel     Gr. 1   Sports Basket

Sciuto             Gr. 1   Legos/Playmobile/MegaBlock/KRE-O

Cadley            Gr. 2   Arts & Crafts Basket

McKenna        Gr. 2   Family Game Night Basket 

Waz                Gr. 3    Rainy/Sick Day at Home Fun Basket

Raymond       Gr. 3    Minecraft Basket 

Clark              Gr. 4    Emoji Basket 

DeBlasio        Gr. 4    Music & Movies Basket

Lippincott      Gr. 5    Star Wars Basket 

O'Brien          Gr. 5    We Love Dogs Basket 

Kalkreuth       Gr. 6    Camping & Outdoor Adventure Basket

Evans             Gr. 6    Fun with Science Basket 

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SPECIAL WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT! UPCOMING CULTURAL ARTS PROGRAM AT CES

Wednesday, February 3: A Tropical Reading Adventure
(9:30-10:30am) Second Grade Classes

This special workshop focuses on how opening a book expands imagination and takes readers on an incredible journey. Local musician and performer, T-Bone, emphasizes to students that books paint a masterpiece in our minds and introduce new ideas! T-Bone illustrates how he has been inspired to explore the South Seas, its people, music and culture, by readings books like "Treasure Island," "Mutiny on the Bounty," "Moby Dick," and "Swiss Family Robinson" when he was young. Curriculum links: Reading, Music, Social Studies, Geography

The Cultural Arts Programs at Chester Elementary School are funded and organized by the Chester Elementary PTO, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It is because of the combined efforts of our community of parents, teachers and administration, that we are able to provide our students with bi-disciplinary programs that enhance the classroom curriculum, offering memorable, enriching experiences, as a student body and at different grade levels. Cultural arts programs may include, but are not limited to, music, dance, drama, theater, creative writing, literature, architecture, painting, sculpture, folk arts, photography, crafts, public media, history, as well as archaeological and natural science.

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COMMUNITY NEWS 
 
SAILING CAMP 
 
The Pettipaug Sailing Academy is offering a Junior Sailing Program in Essex, CT for ages 8-16. For more information, please see the Chalk Talk Digital Backpack, or click here.
 
CHESTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENT 
  Chester Historical
The Chester Historical Society is hosting a free family event on Sunday, January 31 in Chester Center. Please see the Chalk Talk Digital Backpack to view the event poster. 
 
GIRL SCOUTS FLYER  
 
Please see the Chalk Talk Digital Backpack for the Girl Scouts of Connecticut registration flyer.
 
 
Chester Elementary School
"It Takes a World of Differences to Make a Difference in this World"
23 Ridge Road / Chester, CT  06412 / 860-526-5797
www.ces.reg4.k12.ct.us