September 26, 2021 Volume I, Section 8
"Meeting learners where they are and growing them as much as we can!"
It is essential that as many families as possible complete the Annual Family Information Form for the Santee School District this year. It needs to be completed every year. Your answers affect Chet F. Harritt STEAM School in many ways. One very important of which is funding.
If you are unaware, recently information collected to show Chet's demographic make-up showed that we no longer are in need of (qualify for) Title I Federal Funding. This has meant a significant drop this year in the funds we receive and will affect our ability to continue certain programs and services as we have in the past. The information used was gathered through free/reduced lunch applications. Last year, there was a drop in those completing those applications since the school district was providing free meals to all students during the pandemic. This year, all meals are free for all students, and the applications are no longer needed. Therefore, we are moving to the Annual Family Information Form as a replacement to gather this kind of demographic information.
If Chet's statistics have truly changed so significantly, and we are no longer able to receive these kinds of funds, we will certainly make do. It will be different, but we have plans and supports to put into place to ensure our students receive what they need. However, if the only reason our demographics look that way is a lack of response, that would be a real disservice to our learning community.
Won't you please take a few moments to complete this form online? This will help our school to obtain additional funding from the State and may also qualify you for free or low cost services, such as Cox Internet. Please click this LINK to access the form.
We certainly wouldn't want our needs to be misrepresented.
Counselor Connection
Chet is lucky to have a talented school counselor, Courtney McLean-Simma, working with us 4 days each week. Ms. McLean is also part of of the district counseling team. That group has put out a newsletter that shares quality information. Take a look at this month's "Counselor Connection" at the link: September 2021
English Learner Support Spotlight
Students who have background in a second language receive specialized instruction by classroom teachers and at times, extra support from our wonderful Bilingual Assistant, Paula Ledesma. Ms. Ledesma provides different levels of support depending on the needs of the children with whom she works.
Children and staff agree that Ms. Ledesma's work makes a difference in their lives. We consider ourselves incredibly lucky to have her as a member of our Chet F. Harritt family.
She was recently thanked by the Board of Education for her work over the summer supporting the Technology Department (picture to the right). What can't she do? Thank you, Ms. Ledesma!
September 29 Make-Up School Picture Day
Read-A-Thon Schoolwide Fundraiser in October - more info to come.
October 29 PTA Drive-Thru Halloween Event
September 19, 2021 Volume I, Section 7
"Meeting learners where they are and growing them as much as we can!"
The power of outdoor learning is well documented. In the days of a pandemic it has become practically essential. Chet F. Harritt STEAM School is far ahead of the curve of many school with dedicated outdoor learning spaces around campus. From our Outdoor Learning Lab to Little Rock Park to The Garden, it is common when traveling campus to see children outdoors engaging in activities that are expanding their knowledge and skills.
We have more outdoors spaces to update. We are purchasing tables for outside our new Learning Resource Center and are finally breaking ground on Shadow Rock Park, an outdoor space adjacent to the lower playground. Thanks to our PTA for fundraising for this next addition to our outdoor learning spaces.
Every teacher takes advantage of our outdoor spaces with their class in their own way. As the weather hopefully shifts to milder temperatures, we hope to jump back outdoors even more than we are now.
Virtual Back to School Nights
This is dedicated to virtual Back to School Nights at Chet F. Harritt. Each class Grades 1-8 will offer a 30 minute virtual opportunity to learn more about the year ahead. Kindergarten will also be meeting to discuss the year ahead.
Classroom teachers will be reaching out with details. If you aren't able to attend live, there will be a version of the Back to School Night presentation available online to view by the end of the week.
We hope you will take advantage of these presentations to take a look at the upcoming year for your child(ren.)
Dates and times:
Monday, September 20 Kindergarten beginning at 5:00pm
Tuesday, September 21 First Grade 5:00-5:30pm
Second Grade 5:30-6:00pm
Wednesday, September 22 Third Grade 5:00-5:30pm
Fourth Grade 5:30-6:00pm
Thursday, September 23 Fifth Grade 5:00-5:30pm
Sixth Grade 5:30-6:00pm
Friday, September 24 Seventh Grade 5:00-5:30pm
Eighth Grade 5:30-6:00pm
Theft and Vandalism on Campus
You may have seen or heard recent reports that there is an online challenge taking place for students who are on the social media platform Tik Tok. It is called the "Devious Lick Challenge." If you are unaware, the challenge involves stealing school property and/or destroying/vandalizing school bathrooms, all for likes and follows on Tik Tok. Friday we had property damaged and stolen and recently we dealt with an attempted theft of school property that we believe was also part of this trend.
While we are not the only local school affected, it’s incredibly disappointing that this has come to Chet F. Harritt. In our case we are looking at damage to and theft from our brand-new Learning Resource Center building, as well as vandalism to restrooms across the campus. I know, especially after talking to many students last week, that these are the actions of a small number of children. I also know that the majority of our students aren’t happy about this and want it to stop. We will need to work together to make that happen. I am asking for all families to have open conversations about this. We ask that we work as a community to watch for items that seem out of place. We hope that by opening a dialogue, being aware of what’s happening, and then showing the integrity to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult, we can stop this in its tracks.
As you may imagine, especially in the middle of a pandemic, we are not staffed or funded to take on repeated damage and theft. Mrs. Benedetto and I are available to answer any questions as well as gather any information that will lead to the end of this vandalism and theft. Any information that is shared will be held in the strictest confidence.
REMINDER: PTA Association Meeting This Week
PTA members are invited to the Fall PTA Association Meeting online this week on Thursday, September 23 at 6:00pm. Click on the flyer to the left for a larger version.
Members are invited to attend the meeting.
The Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86724495547
September 20-24 BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT WEEK
September 20 Kindergarten
September 21 First Grade (5:00pm)/Second Grade (5:30pm)
September 22 Third Grade (5:00pm)/Fourth Grade (5:30pm)
September 23 Fifth Grade (5:00pm)/Sixth Grade (5:30pm)
September 23 PTA Association Meeting (6:00pm)
September 24 Fundraiser Items Delivered
September 24 Seventh Grade (5:00pm)/Eighth Grade (5:30pm)
September 29 Make-Up School Picture Day
September 12, 2021 Volume I, Section 6
"Meeting learners where they are and growing them as much as we can!"
As children enter the routines of their learning this year, a goal of the educators at Chet F. Harritt is to increase their senses of self-efficacy by meeting them where they are and teaching that next step.
The word efficacy has its roots in Latin and has a basic meaning of being "capable to fulfill a function." In this case, the function is learning. But being capable isn't the only thing we are striving toward. We want students to have high levels of self-efficacy. Simply put, we need them to know that they are capable of learning what they need to know to achieve. They need to believe in their ability to learn, even when it's hard.
I imagine nearly all of us have heard a child say, "I can't do that!" That's an example of low self-efficacy. We need to flip the script. "I can't," needs to shift to, "I can't, yet." We don't close the door on learning because it's difficult or we don't have a skill. We have to look beyond that and recognize we can do it. It just might take more steps, more time, more learning to get it. The great news? That's what learning is all about.
When children understand that they are capable and will learn something, even if it takes time and effort, achievement and attitude improve together. Self-efficacy rises.
Never forget the power of the word "yet."
Food Activities At School
The Santee School District has a comprehensive wellness plan that, among other things, outlines the role of food at school activities. A compromise built into the plan was an outline of how classrooms could incorporate food into classroom activities and celebrations. One part of that compromise was that celebratory activities with food were limited and pre-planned. That meant that, moving forward, the days of children bringing food to campus for a celebration or activity were very limited. Add to that safety concerns for food handling, students with food allergies, and a global pandemic, and we are currently not accepting outside food to share with students on campus. For example, if a child arrives with a treat for the class to celebrate a birthday or holiday, we are not able to distribute them.
There are other ways to celebrate a special day that aren't food related. Students who want to share a treat can bring small trinkets, pencils, crafts, and more to fill that spot. Some families donate a book to the class in the child's name that the teacher can read or put in the class library.
This doesn't mean we don't have some food-based activities on campus once in a while. However, these activities are carefully planned, follow strict guidelines, and are aligned to curriculum and teacher plans.
SSC Members Needed!
Each year, Chet F. Harritt STEAM School has a couple of advisory committees that meet to oversee our programs. The School Site Council, or SSC, is one of them.
The SSC is comprised of an equal membership of staff and parents
and/or community members. Members of this council serve a term of two years and commit to meeting the last Tuesday of the month at 2:30pm for a minimum of seven times each school year.
The primary oversight of the council is the schoolwide program and budget. The council provides input on both. Members of the council are informed of the budget regularly and given highlights of the school's various programs.
To become a member, first you apply to be on the ballot. Then elections are held. Candidates are voted onto the council by their peers. Today, the application to be on the ballot is open. If you are interested, please complete this form: SSC Ballot Application or email or call Mr. Hooks directly. Nominations for the ballot will remain open until September 27. Elections will follow, and the first meeting will be in October.
Contact Mr. Hooks with your interest and questions.
We hope you will consider serving!
Morning Run Club - Our First 10-Milers
Students in grades 3-5 can participate in our Morning Run Club while waiting for school to begin between 7:30 and 7:45am. This past week, we had our first two runners make the 10-mile mark! Congratulations Tyler and Mason, and great work to everyone out there moving each morning to get ready to learn!
PTA Association Meeting Next Week
PTA members are invited to the Fall PTA Association Meeting online next week on September 23 at 6:00pm. Click on the flyer to the left for a larger version.
The Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86724495547
The Santee School District is hiring to fill multiple positions both part time and full time. Not interested in an ongoing position, but want to help out? Consider becoming a substitute. They are needed in a wide variety of positions. Check it out online: www.edjoin.org/Santeesd or you can get more information by clicking this link to complete an online Job Interest Card.
September 20-24 BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT WEEK
September 20 Kindergarten
September 21 First Grade (5:00pm)/Second Grade (5:30pm)
September 22 Third Grade (5:00pm)/Fourth Grade (5:30pm)
September 23 Fifth Grade (5:00pm)/Sixth Grade (5:30pm)
September 23 PTA Association Meeting (6:00pm)
September 24 Fundraiser Items Delivered
September 24 Seventh Grade (5:00pm)/Eighth Grade (5:30pm)
September 5, 2021 Volume I, Section 5
"Meeting learners where they are and growing them as much as we can!"
Tomorrow is the holiday Labor Day. According to the US Department of Labor website (https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history), "The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being."
There is no doubt that those who labor for the good of our community are making a difference. Through the challenges of Covid, we are counting on each other even more for a variety of good and services to keep us going. I doubt you will be surprised that I would like to highlight the teachers and staff at Chet F. Harritt for their labor day in and day out.
Classroom teachers and specialist teachers continue to toil in an ever-changing time to prepare and deliver the lessons and experiences that children need to grow and thrive. They toil, and they succeed. As I visit classrooms and talk to children I clearly see the dedication of these individuals. There is another large group of workers at Chet that are also stepping up and laboring intensively for your children. The general label for these staff members is "Classified Employees." This term includes anyone who isn't a teacher and spans the front office, the kitchen, the custodial closets, and also the classrooms. These heroes often work behind the scenes to be sure kids have a seamless, safe experience at school. There are so many people who make up the threads of the Chet tapestry of learning.
As you celebrate the holiday, I hope you will join me in celebrating all of those who labor for our Chet F. Harritt students. (And I hope they are enjoying their day off as well!)
Picture Days This Week
Don't forget, Tuesday, September 7, is Picture Day for grades TK-3.
Wednesday, September 8 is Picture Day for grades 4-8.
Flyer here: Picture Days Flyer
Virtual Back to School Nights
The week of September 20-24 is dedicated to virtual Back to School Nights at Chet F. Harritt. Each class Grades 1-8 will offer a 30 minute virtual opportunity to learn more about the year ahead. Kindergarten will be reaching out with a slightly different plan, but their event is still that week.
Classroom teachers will be reaching out with details. If you aren't able to attend live, there will be a version of the Back to School Night presentation available online to view by the end of the week.
We hope you will take advantage of these presentations to take a look at the upcoming year for your child(ren.)
Dates and times:
Monday, September 20 Kindergarten Details coming
Tuesday, September 21 First Grade 5:00-5:30pm
Second Grade 5:30-6:00pm
Wednesday, September 22 Third Grade 5:00-5:30pm
Fourth Grade 5:30-6:00pm
Thursday, September 23 Fifth Grade 5:00-5:30pm
Sixth Grade 5:30-6:00pm
Friday, September 24 Seventh Grade 5:00-5:30pm
Eighth Grade 5:30-6:00pm
Team Spotlight: Middle School
It takes a special human to teach Middle School grades, and Chet is incredibly lucky to have built a team for 2021-2022 that is focused. dedicated, and student-centered. Our sixth grade team of Ms. Feightner, Mrs. Fields, and Mrs. Vick are watching over our newest Middle Schoolers and helping them learn the ropes. In seventh grade, Mr. Doane and Ms. Gunter are reminding our seventh graders of their potential and getting them ready for eight grade. Mr. Allen and Mrs. Ward are helming eighth grade. They are grooming our leaders at school and preparing them for high school. All of the teams are connected, coordinated, and excited to get to the business of learning. What a dream team!
Chet Still Needs Representation - Are You Interested?
DEADLINE EXTENDED - Please Apply By Wednesday, September 29, 2021.
Please consider joining a Santee School District Board Advisory Committee. There are several to choose from and most have relatively small time commitments. It's always best if we have someone with Chet's point of view on a committee. Let's allow our voice to be heard!
Information about each committee can be found here: Board Committee Information
Apply today at this link: District Advisory Committee Application
September 6 School Closed for Labor Day
September 7 Picture Day (Grades TK-3)
September 8 Picture Day (Grades 4-8)
September 10 Fundraiser Ends (orders due)
September 20-24 BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT WEEK
Looking for past sections? Check out the past months' pages (links at the top of the page).