Cheetah Chat for 9/13 - Picnic, Bike Rodeo, Tye - Dye, Music, Updates and More!

Posted Date: 9/13/24 (6:02 PM)

Dear Chávez Families,

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, 9/20 - Picnic on the Playground - 5:30 - 7:00
Wednesday, 9/25 PACK (Parent Group) Mtg. 5:30
Wednesday, 10/2 Curriculum Night - More info soon
Friday, 10/11 - NO SCHOOL - Indigenous Peoples Day

What a week we have had. It was fantastic to have all our kiddos in this week. Thought the rainy weather was somewhat unexpected in September, it gave us a chance to prepare for indoor recesses later in the year. Thanks for sending kids dressed for the weather each day and labeling kids' clothes so that we can reunite kids with lost or misplaced items.

Above is a photo of many of our staff in our fabulous, new tie-dyed shirts! Each student will be making a shirt soon with our artist in residence, thanks to ArtSpark and Lane Arts Council!

Changes to Dismissal at Chávez
I want to inform you of some changes we are making to our dismissal procedures here at Chávez. With over 350 students departing at 2:25, it is critical that we have clear systems in place to get every kiddo to their bus, bike, after-school program or family pick-up (by car or on foot) safely each day.

Here are some important reminders and new information. Please refer to the map included.

Bus riders and students attending after-school care will be escorted to designated location for pick up.
Other students will remain with their teacher and other staff at the locations marked by grade awaiting pick up.
Families may park and walk to one of the two pick up areas (fire lane or playground) and have their student(s) sent to them by staff on radio
Families picking up curbside should park at the curb, stay in the vehicle and wait for staff to check in on who they are picking up. Students will be sent to the vehicle by staff on radio.
Please note that dogs are not allowed on campus during the day, including arrival and dismissal times

Thanks for your partnership for the safety and success of all our students.

With gratitude,

Principal Kevin

A Word from Coach Jay - Chávez PE Teacher

What will we in PE do this year?

This year we will participate in a range of foundational movement skills, such as:

Locomotor Movement (running, jumping, hopping, skipping, etc.)

Non Locomotor Movement (stretching, bending, balancing, turning etc.)

Manipulative skills with objects (throwing, catching, kicking, striking etc.)

I will also put a lot of emphasis on:

Sportsmanship

Teamwork and cooperation

Building confidence through acquired skills

Effort and attitude.

Shoes for PE

Appropriate shoes are essential for the activities your student will engage in in P.E. This will help ensure their safety and allow them to do their best. Please be sure your child comes in sneakers. If they have laces be sure they can tie them themselves. Crocs, sandals, and heels or boots are not appropriate for P.E. Once your child knows their P.E. days, please wear sneakers on those days, or send them in their backpack to change into. If you are in need of shoes, please reach out to me or Ms. Angie and we can help you get a pair that fits your child.

Strings Academy at Chavez Elementary School

Many of you expressed interest in the String Academy (SA1) class for 2024-25. We are pleased to announce that SA1 registration is now available!
Here are the basic details:

Monday 2:35-3:20 pm & Wednesday 1:20-2:05 pm in the music room
Teacher: Emma Simmons
Costs: $350 full-year program fee + $100 instrument rental
Scholarships for instrument rental and program fees available.

See our String Academy 1 website for more general info: https://www.esyorchestras.org/programs/string-academy-i/\
Registration and scholarship applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Assuming that we have 12-20 students sign up, we would like to begin classes the week of September 23rd.
Sign up today, and tell your friends by sharing the attached info sheet – 3rd, 4th and 5th graders are invited to learn and play with String Academy!
Warmly,
ESYO Teachers and Staff
--
Eugene-Springfield Youth Orchestras (ESYO)
541-484-0473 (office)
esyorchestras.org/
Registration is open for String Academy at many Eugene schools for the 2024-25 - spread the word! (and click here to sign up)

Bike Rodeo Coming to our School’s Playground! October 2nd!

Let's celebrate biking! 4J Safe Routes to School and BEST are coming together to provide a fun way for our students to improve their biking skills and get excited about riding! Kids of all ages are welcome to ride through a bike skills course, blend smoothies with pedal power and learn bike safety. Students not in the BEST program must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bring your own bike or ride ours. Free!

If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please click this signup link:

https://signup.com/go/WcoHxQp

From Ms. Shannon -

School Social Worker and Counselor

Welcome to the new school year! I wanted to take a moment to (re)introduce myself. I’m Shannon Sell, your School Social Worker (counselor), pictured here with my buddy Snailee who likes to accompany me on classroom visits.

As School Social Worker, I’m here to support your child’s growth and well-being. At Chávez, we celebrate each student’s unique background and believe in fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where all students can thrive academically and personally. My role is to advocate for and empower students, helping them explore their interests and strengths, and to support them with any social or emotional difficulties. Whether you need assistance with accessing resources or addressing any challenges your child may face, I’m here to support you as a parent/caregiver as well!

I’m at Chávez every school day from 7:30a-3:30p. Feel free to reach me by phone (541-790-5323 is my *new* direct office line with confidential voicemail), or by email sell_s@4j.lane.edu including if you’d like to set up a time to meet in person.

I look forward to partnering with you and supporting your student throughout the school year!

Wishing you well,

Ms. Shannon

PS: Will you kindly take a few moments to complete this brief Parent Collaboration Survey?

Information from our Parent Group - The Chávez Cheetah PACK

(Parent Advocates for Chávez Kids)

We are parents, guardians, and family members of Chávez students. We work together to fundraise for our school, create family activities, organize volunteers for the school, and advocate for our school community.

The current Cheetah PACK leaders are Andrea Stapleton, Camille Hewett, and Rio Annsa. You can email us at chavezcheetahpack@gmail.com for more info. We are powered by Chávez families, and we need your help!

Please complete a volunteer application at www.4j.lane.edu/volunteers today so

you can volunteer at the highlighted events below.

Important Dates

9/11/24 5:30-7PM – PACK Meeting
9/20/24 5:30-7PM – Picnic on the Playground
9/25/24 5:30-7PM – PACK
1st Week of October, time TBD – Curriculum Night
10/9/24 5:30-7PM – PACK Meeting
10/30/24 5:30-7PM – Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt
11/6/24 5:30-7PM – PACK Meeting
11/7/24 5:30-8PM – Family Movie Night
3rd Week of November, TBD – Papa’s Pizza Fundraiser
11/27/24 – Feed the Teachers Day
12/11/24 5:30-7PM – PACK Meeting & Parent Social
1/8/25 5:30-7PM – PACK Meeting
1/30/25 5:30-8PM – Family Movie Night
2/12/25 5:30-7PM – PACK Meeting & Family Craft Night
3/12/25 5:30-7PM – PACK Meeting
3/19/25 – School Carnival
4/9/25 5:30-7PM – PACK Meeting
4/18/25 – Feed the Teachers Day
5/7/25 5:30-7PM – PACK Meeting
5/9/25 – Picnic on the Playground
6/13/25 – 5th Grade Promotion