Hi Patriot Parents,
As you have seen, we are on a 2-hour delay tomorrow morning. Gordon doors will open at 11:10. Breakfast will not be served and our lunch and resource schedule will be adjusted. We ask that parents do not attend lunch again tomorrow as times have shifted.
In addition, we have rescheduled our counselor coffee chat to the following Wednesday, January 17th.
Thank you for your continued support.
Natalie S. Bare, Principal
Good Morning Patriot Parents,
As you have heard, we will have a 2-hour early release today, students will be dismissed at 1:55. Since our lunch and resource schedule are changing, we are asking that no one visits for eating lunch with their child today. We will also reschedule our lock down drill originally schedule for today. Thank you for your understanding and support. Stay safe!
Natalie S. Bare, Principal
School connections - Just before the start of winter break, Gordon Elementary students enjoyed a holiday concert presented by Monacan High students.
Marching toward winter break - Superintendent Merv Daugherty’s winter break video may be the best thing you see today. Huge shoutout to Clover Hill High’s Marching Cavaliers and band director Brianna Gatch!
- Winter break for students and teachers will begin Dec. 22 and continue through Jan. 5.
- School offices and school system buildings will remain open to the public Dec. 22, Dec. 27-29 and Jan. 2-5.
Special education information for parents
- Survey due Dec. 15: Parents of school-age children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services are asked to complete the Virginia Department of Education annual parent involvement survey. The survey is open through Dec. 15. Please complete one survey for each of your children who received special education services in the 2022-23 school year. If you have questions, please email Chiquita Seaborne or call 804-225-3898.
- Updated guide to special education: Available now from the Virginia Department of Education is the Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education. The department developed this new guide to help those involved in special education, whether as families, teachers, school administrators, advocates or students. Meeting the needs of children with disabilities requires an understanding of rights and responsibilities, which include the child’s rights and the school’s responsibilities to meet their needs. This guide includes a description of the special education process and what is required during each step of that process. The guide is currently available in English; translations will soon be available in Spanish, Arabic, Amharic, Urdu and Vietnamese.
- Website: Lots of helpful information is available on the special education for families webpage of the Virginia Department of Education.
Families invited to free showing of “Screenagers Under the Influence” -
Chesterfield County Public Schools invites parents and teens to a free showing of "Screenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs and Alcohol in the Digital Age" at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at CTC@Hull (13900 Hull Street Road). A panel discussion with health specialists will follow the screening. Get more information and reserve your free tickets here.
"Screenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs and Alcohol in the Digital Age" examines the impact of technology on teens' decision-making about vaping, drugs and alcohol. Exploring the latest research and learning more about the personal experiences of teens and families, the film highlights the changing landscape of the substances, offering solutions for how to best empower teens as they face decisions about what they will and will not be influenced by.
The film debunks myths and depicts strategies parents and schools can use to encourage healthy decision-making, support teen mental health, set limits and create healthy home environments. The film also includes many ways young people are using their wisdom and strength to help each other and themselves through this complicated terrain around substance use.
https://tinyurl.com/ysgpmwv7
Register for upcoming Coffee & Conversations, scheduled through January. The next of these virtual gatherings is titled “Helping Your Child With Self-Regulation” and will take place 1-2 p.m. Dec. 6. Coffee & Conversation is hosted by the Chesterfield County Public Schools Office of Family and Community Engagement.
Coffee & Conversation set for Dec. 6 - Copy and past the link below to register for upcoming Coffee & Conversations, scheduled through January. The next of these virtual gatherings is titled “Helping Your Child With Self-Regulation” and will take place 1-2 p.m. Dec. 6. Coffee & Conversation is hosted by the Chesterfield County Public Schools Office of Family and Community Engagement.
https://tinyurl.com/yk8lorch
Congratulations patriots on meeting our fundraising goal of 38K! Yesterday the amazing Jess Menz donated her time and hair products to transform my hair. We spent almost 7 hours together and she did an incredible job! We are so grateful to her and her time and talent! You can see the big reveal on FB. This is the first year we've met our goal so this is the first year I have had to follow through with my promise! I'm a principal of my word who loves her patriots so I hope that they enjoy this beautiful mermaid hair. ❤️
With tomorrow being our last day this week and the rain, let’s make it a PJ day!
We are so thankful for each of you! I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday with your family. After tomorrow, we will see you all on Monday, November 27th.
Thank you,
Natalie S. Bare, Principal
Tonight, is our rescheduled PTA movie night at 6:30. As a reminder, this is a family event (parents have to attend with kids). We expect that our patriots will behave in the manner in which they do at school while enjoying the movie. Running, climbing, playing in the gym, etc. will not be tolerated. You are welcome to bring blankets, snacks, and drinks. Last time the cafeteria was left quite a mess so we do ask that students clean up after themselves. We look forward to a nice night enjoying the Mario movie! See you then!
Keep your eyes on the prize, class of 2024! Here is your graduation schedule:
May 20: Matoaca High at 9 a.m. at Virginia State University and Thomas Dale High at 3 p.m. at Virginia Commonwealth University
May 21 at Virginia Commonwealth University: Cosby High at 9:30 a.m. and Manchester High at 2 p.m.
May 22 at Virginia Commonwealth University: James River High at 9:30 a.m. and Midlothian High at 2 p.m.
May 23 at Virginia Commonwealth University: Clover Hill High at 9:30 a.m. and Monacan High at 2 p.m.
May 24 at Virginia Commonwealth University: Meadowbrook High at 9:30 a.m. and Bird High at 2 p.m.
May 28 at Career and Technical Center @ Hull: Carver College and Career Academy at 3 p.m.
Graduating seniors will receive tickets to share with family and friends. The ceremonies are not open to the public but will be livestreamed.