March 20, 2022 Volume I, Section 22
"Meeting learners where they are and growing them as much as we can!"
Spring Is Here!
The past couple of years, it seems this time of year brings a discussion of how to adapt to unexpected circumstances and limitations on education and our world. This year we are headed into a springtime that is full of potential and a return to former routines and plans.
It's important to remember that Spring can be a busy time for students. Academic studies continue to gain complexity as children approach the end of their current school year. They are being held accountable for more and more learning. They are being asked to apply that learning in a variety of ways. In grades 3-8, they will be facing state testing after Spring Break. Then take into account things like extra-curricular activities like Spring Sports and social events, and "busy" can become an understatement.
But this is not only manageable, it's a terrific time to be a child! To keep it as positive as possible takes some work. Maintaining schedules, ensuring rest, and watching nutrition can be the keys to keeping this busy time something we can all handle. At school, we reinforce routines and procedures to remind students that this is a stable place full of expectations and opportunities. In doing so, we are hoping to parallel those kinds of efforts at home so we can keep things moving forward confidently.
This year we can take a deep breath and look forward to a Spring full of learning and fun.
Spring Pictures will be taken this week. Tuesday, March 22 photos will be taken for grades EAK-3. Then on Wednesday, they will be taken for grades 4-8. Also, just a reminder that 8th Graders will take a different type of Spring Picture. They take a promotion portrait instead of a standard Spring Picture.
Our PTA Jog-a-Thon Fundraiser continues until our schoolwide Jog-a-Thon on March 29! Don't forget, money earned is earmarked to support the Arts at Chet. (That's the A in STEAM!)
Spring Break is the first full two weeks of April. School resumes April 18. For adults, this may seem immediate. For students this is two, long weeks away. It's important to maintain routines and expectations during this time. It allows everyone to stay focused until we get there.
Save the date! Eighth Grade Promotion is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7, at 8:30am at Big Rock Park. Details of the event will be available later this year.
At their last meeting, the Santee School Board approved school calendars for the next few years. If you are looking ahead for planning this summer and beyond, they are available here:
https://santeesd.net/resources/parent_resources/school_year_calendar
March 9-28 Jog-A-Thon Fundraiser (PTA)
March 22 Spring Pictures (EAK-Grade 3)
March 23 Spring Pictures (Grades 4-8)
March 29 Jog-A-Thon School Event (PTA)
April 4-15 Spring Break (No School)
Save the dates:
April 30 Kiwanis Junior Olympics (Grades 4-8)
May 15 PTA Sunday Afternoon Event (Details TBA)
June 7 8th Grade Promotion (8:30am)
Click for the Santee School District 2021-2022 School Year Calendar
Click for the Chet F. Harritt Website Calendar
March 6, 2022 Volume I, Section 21
PTA - WORKING TOGETHER FOR OUR KIDS
"Meeting learners where they are and growing them as much as we can!"
I think many people have a picture of what PTA is that doesn't really match reality. We have seen PTAs represented in TV, movies, and social media as a group who demands commitment and resources from members to support a school, and it's usually painted with a lot of comedy or drama.
The truth is, your local PTA Board is a dedicated band of parents, just like you, who carve out their personal time to create fun opportunities for our school while supporting us in a variety of ways. That's the Board, the leadership. If you have the interest in that type of service, reach out! We can always use the help.
However, the average PTA member has very little responsibility on their shoulders. It boils down to paying modest dues once a school year, attending a meeting once or twice a year if you can, supporting events when you can (no requirement), and knowing that you are supporting our Chet Community.
If you have ever avoided joining PTA because you are worried about being committed moving forward, that's not a reason! Just join. Then, if you'd like, you can sit back and watch all of the fun that PTA supports knowing that you did your small part.
If you already are a member, thank you! We count on every membership we have to expand our community connection a little more.
Read on below for a couple of upcoming PTA events.
Effective Monday, March 14, 2022, masks will be strongly recommended in Santee District schools. Read the letter to families from Superintendent Baranski here.
Last month's Kid's Heart Challenge was a success! We had 102 students registered and participating online who raised $4320.25 for the American Heart Association. Well done!
Speaking of PTA above, they will be kicking off their Jog-a-Thon Fundraiser this Wednesday, March 9. This annual event will culminate in a schoolwide Jog-a-Thon on March 29! Money earned is earmarked to support the Arts at Chet. (That's the A in STEAM!)
We can't wait to see our Cheetahs jogging for fun and maybe even a little "fun"draising for our dedicated PTA.
Look for paperwork coming home Wednesday afternoon. It will also post in PeachJar on Wednesday.
If you are a member of Chet F. Harritt's PTA, you are invited to an Association Meeting this Wednesday. You can attend from the comfort of your home via Zoom. This meeting will let you learn more about PTA's plans, finances and elections. We hope you can attend!
Here's the zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86140297052 or use ID# 861 4029 7052
March 9 Jog-A-Thon Fundraiser Kick-off (PTA)
March 9 PTA Association Meeting (via Zoom)
March 9-28 Jog-A-Thon Fundraiser (PTA)
March 29 Jog-A-Thon School Event (PTA)
April 4-15 Spring Break
Click for the Santee School District 2021-2022 School Year Calendar
Click for the Chet F. Harritt Website Calendar
Looking for past sections? Check out the past months' pages (links at the top of the page).