Read Across America Spirit Week at CAES

It's coming....it's coming!!!!

Read Across America Spirit Week
Dear Parents,

Grab your hat and get ready to Read with the Cat!

Feb.25th-March 1^st is our silly time

To celebrate reading and Dr. Seuss so let’s rhyme!

We will celebrate Dr. Seuss and Read Across America too,
It will one fantastic week of hullabaloo.

Monday we begin and it will be cool,

If you keep on your PJ’s and wear them to school

(featured book: I am Not Going to Get Up Today)

Tuesday is antonym day (opposites if you rather),

Wear opposite shoes or socks, but be appropriate( as I am sure you gather)

(featured book: The Foot Book)

Wednesday is Colorful, so check your clothes

Wear all of the colors or go monochrome

(featured book: My Many Colored Days)

Thursday we think about all we can be,

Dress as “your future self” so we can all see.

(featured book Maybe You Should Fly a Jet)

Finally Friday to end this whole crazy week,

Wear a hat on your head, be it wild or meek.

(featured book The Cat in the Hat and wear school colors, too)

Planning Commission Hearing Coming Up!!!

Just a Reminder!!!

Many of you are aware of the budget constraints currently facing the school system.  One of the issues has been the chronic underfunding of the school system's Capital Improvements Plan (CIP).  The CIP functions as the "road map" or list of upcoming projects for the next several years.

This hearing before the Planning Commission on Tuesday, February 26th at 6 PM will allow you the opportunity to voice your opinion. 

This hearing not only impacts our students as they rise up to attend Westside Elementary School, but the roof on Carrollton is quickly approached the end of it's lifespan.  Many projects (like a new roof for CAES) become part of the CIP.  

Mrs. Ellen Baker is organizing a team of parents to attend and share the CAES concerns with the Planning Commission.  Mrs. Baker can be reached via her email address- familybaker@verizon.net

100th Day of School and Valentines Day!

Today we celebrated Valentines Day and the 100th day of school! Time flies when you're having fun learning!

County Hearing for Capital Improvements- 2/26

Just a Reminder!!!

Many of you are aware of the budget constraints currently facing the school system.  One of the issues has been the chronic underfunding of the school system's Capital Improvements Plan (CIP).  The CIP functions as the "road map" or list of upcoming projects for the next several years.

This hearing before the Planning Commission on Tuesday, February 26th at 6 PM will allow you the opportunity to voice your opinion. 

This hearing not only impacts our students as they rise up to attend Westside Elementary School, but the roof on Carrollton is quickly approached the end of it's lifespan.  Many projects (like a new roof for CAES) become part of the CIP.  

Math Fest Fun!!!

Math Fest was a HUGE hit with the students and their families who came to CAES on Tuesday evening.  Students were grouped according to their grades and then made their way around to all of the 8 classrooms where engaging and fun math activities were set up.

Again, a BIG THANKS to the Smithfield High students who volunteered their time to come and work with our students.  This entire event was organized by Corrin George, a SHS Senior.  Sometimes it was hard to see who was having a better time- the Carrollton students or the Smithfield High students!!!

There were two computer labs used for interactive games.  Moms and Dads even jumped on the computer to show off their math skills too!

 Imagine being able to throw something at your SMART Board???  Well here a CAES student is ready to channel her inner Joe Flacco by hurling the bean bag at one of the circles.  Once the bag hits a circle, a math problem appears and the students need to solve the math problem in order to earn the points.  Two teams duel it out to see who knows their math facts better!

In this room, students attempted to replicate the Tangrams on the overhead projector.  It looks much easier than it actually is.

Perhaps the most popular room was where students made pattern bracelets using Fruit Loops.

Sometimes we had to "taste test" our patterns before putting them on our bracelets!!!

A sorting activity that helped students learn how to classify objects and shapes:

Another SMART Board activity

More Tangrams

Math Fest

We are very excited to be hosting a Math Fest on Tuesday, February 12th at 6 PM.  The games and activities will be scattered around the school.  You'll not only test your math skills, you'll have fun doing it!

A special "Thanks" to the Smithfield High School Math Honor Society and the SHS Beta Club for providing the activities and games for our Math Fest

Preschool Reading Opportunity

CAES Families,
I wanted to share this wonderful opportunity for our families who still have younger siblings who are not in school quite yet.  Mrs. Branch is one of our awesome Kindergarten teachers.

Preschool Parents:

A FREE workshop is being held on Monday, Feb. 11 from 6-8 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Smithfield. Isle of Wight County’s own, Julie Branch, will be presenting “Reading Developmental Stages and Phonemic Awareness”. There will be lots of hands-on activities and dinner will be provided. Call Smart Beginnings to register @ 562-8594. 

WWE Wrestling Reading Challenge

Back when I was in elementary school, the WWF was some of my favorite Saturday morning viewing. Hulk Hogan is no longer in the "squared circle" but the WWE is pushing reading today.  I'm in the cafeteria most every day and hear many of the conversations of our students.  Clearly wrestling is still big.

I've linked a website below that is announcing the program.  There is the opportunity for FREE books and even tickets to Wrestlemania 29.  Students can log the books that they are reading and even read virtually with one of their favorite WWE stars!  Take a look and consider this as a motivational tool for your WWE fan.

WWE Reading Link

Thanks to Mrs. Carrie Smith, one of our Reading Specialists, for highlighting this program to me!

School Counselor's Week

This is School Counselor's Week and CAES is very lucky to have Mrs. Rebecca Dale as our counselor.
She does so much throughout the building- everything from individual or group counseling to leading our 504 Team to classroom lessons.

National School Counseling Week

National School Counseling Week 2013 will be celebrated from February 4-8 to focus public attention on the unique contributions of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by The American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for college and careers. Every day, school counselors work with students, families, and staff to address the academic, personal, social, and college and career needs of all students.

A Proclamation from Governor McDonnell:

VIRGINIA SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK

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WHEREAS, school counselors are employed in public and private schools to help students reach their full potential; and

WHEREAS, school counselors are actively committed to helping students explore their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents as these traits relate to career awareness and development; and

WHEREAS, school counselors help parents focus on ways to further the educational, personal and social growth of their children; and

WHEREAS, school counselors work with teachers and other educators to help students explore their potential and set realistic goals for themselves; and

WHEREAS, school counselors seek to identify and utilize community resources that can enhance and complement comprehensive school counseling programs and help students become productive members of society; and

WHEREAS, comprehensive developmental school counseling programs are considered an integral part of the educational process that enables all students to achieve success in school; NOW THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize February 4-8, 2013 as VIRGINIA SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens; and

FURTHERMORE, National School Counseling Week will be recognized and celebrated throughout the United States from February 4-8, 2013.

Mrs. Dale's Website

A BIG THANK YOU to Mrs. Dale for all that she does at CAES!!!!!

Thanks to our School Board

February is School Board Appreciation Month so Carrollton Elementary wanted to take a moment to thank the 5 community members who serve on our Isle of Wight County School Board.

Mr. Kent Hildebrand  Newport District  current term expires 12/31/15   khildebrand@iwcs.k12.va.us

Mr. Hildebrand was elected to the board in November 2011. After graduating from United Township High School in East Moline, Illinois, he served nine years in the United States Navy. He also worked 17 years in support of the Royal Saudi Navy and their weapons overhaul program. For the last 14 years, Mr. Hildebrand has been the property manager at Red Oaks Mobile Community in Smithfield. During this time he started Titan, a mobile home parts supplier which is currently operated by his daughter. Mr. Hildebrand looks forward to working with his fellow board members, the superintendent, and her staff, in developing a budget that will provide the best classroom environment for the students in these tough economic times. He also considers promoting volunteerism in support of school sport programs among his top priorities.    Denise Tynes  Smithfield District  current term expires 12/31/15   dtynes@iwcs.k12.va.us Mrs. Denise Tynes was elected to the board in November 2011. A graduate of Smithfield High Schools, she earned her Bachelor's Degree from Norfolk State University and her Master's Degree from Hampton University. Ms. Tynes is also a member of the Smithfield Town Council and has served on numerous community boards and steering committees, including the Western Tidewater Community Service Board and Virginia Municipal League Legislative Committee. As a former special education educator in Isle of Wight County, Ms. Tynes is motivated to ensure all students have the best education possible. She believes a high school diploma is just the first phase in becoming a positive force in society. "Whether our students move forward to obtain a college degree, enter the workforce, enlist in the armed forces, or start a family; we need to instill in them how important it is to use their minds to obtain positive results," she stated. It is her desire that parents and educators will join hand in hand and stand side by side in unison when students look at us.  Mr. Herbert DeGroft  Hardy District  current term expires 12/31/13   hdegroft@iwcs.k12.va.us    Mr. Herb DeGroft was elected to the board in November 2005 after serving as an appointed memberfrom 1995-1999. A retired United States Marine, Mr. DeGroft was also employed as a Human Resources Executive before retiring. He received his college degree from Old Dominion University.An active member of his church and the community, his services: include the Isle of Wight Citizen Association, Community College Foundation Board, Carrollton Ruritans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Church Finance Chairperson and Red Cross Service to Military Families and Veterans Committee.  Mr. DeGroft lists several priorities for the coming year: to concentrate resources in the classroom, address teacher turnover rates, institute cost control principles, promote effective community relations, and initiate an energy conservation program. He also believes that school systems need to be run like profit-oriented businesses and that we should live and act by the motto, “Lead, follow or get out of the way”!  Mr. Robert Eley, Chair   Carrsville District  current term expires 12/31/13   reley@iwcs.k12.va.us Mr. Robert Eley was appointed to the Board in December 2010 and elected to complete his term in November 2011. Mr. Eley is a lifelong resident of Isle of Wight County, a Windsor High School graduate,  and former president of the Windsor Youth Foundation. He lists the economic future of the schools and the quality of education provided to students as his priorities.    Julia Perkins, Vice-Chair  Windsor District  current term expires 12/31/15   jperkins@iwcs.k12.va.us Mrs. Julia Perkins was elected to the board in November 2011.  Mrs. Perkins holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Radford University and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from UNC-Chapel Hill.  She retired in 2008 as Lead Teacher of Windsor High where she was previously a science teacher, bus driver, coach, and athletic director.  She is also a former Chair of the Paul D. Camp Community College Board and currently serves as a member of the Isle of Wight County Social Services Board. Mrs. Perkins’ priorities as a board member are based on her “students first” philosophy.  She believes that instruction--teaching and learning, must always be the Board’s top priority.  Her priorities are to promote policies and practices that put students first, specifically  those that: 1) target achievement gaps among student sub-groups and promote the achievement of all students,  2) concentrate on maintaining high standards and providing a rigorous curriculum, and 3) focus on hiring, growing, and retaining high quality teachers.

Black History Month event at NASA

NASA Event

Thanks to Mrs. Gibson for sharing!