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Charger Chatter October 13, 2020
Calendar
THIS WEEK
10/12-10/14 Early Release at 12:15pm
10/16 Principal Chat at 8:30am

NEXT WEEK
10/21 Unity Day

LOOKING AHEAD
10/26 Passport Club Checkpoint
Take Action!
Submit corporate matching requests
Renew your PTSA membership
Spotlight on General School Assistants
General School Assistants (formerly referred to as instructional aides) help across many classes. One teacher of 4th and 5th grade students reports on the support their class received from GSAs this week . . .

They set examples for students struggling with anxiety, nerves and shyness.
Sharing about themselves, their identity and their humanity in the virtual setting.
Cheering on and supporting learners and educators
Sharing information about student SEL and academic behaviors

Coaching students in digital conduct that supports their success
Building student and teacher capacity in technology
Creating schedules for virtual recess to support student well-being.
Scheduling meetings in support of general learning
Meeting w/educators to learn ways to streamline virtual routines in the class

Supporting students in completing assignments
Personal 1 on 1 and small group support to review learning
Posting announcements to keep students informed

From social/emotional learning to technology support to classroom management, GSAs keep classes running smoothly and all our learners supported.

Did you know our biggest investment as a PTSA is funding more General School Assistants to help our teachers and students? Funding comes from parents and community members, through direct donations, corporate matching, and opportunities like Amazon Smile and "Give with Bing".
PTSA News
Passport Club Begins with First CheckPoint on October 26th
Is your child interested in Geography and the countries of the world?

The Passport club at Cherry Crest offers a multi-year introduction to world Geography for all students.

Joining is easy! Just send an email with your child’s name, grade and teacher to: passportclub@cherrycrest-ptsa.org

We won't have in-person check ins this year. Instead we'll provide materials online for you to check your child's knowledge and earn their stamps.

Want to learn more? Visit passportclub.cherrycrest-ptsa.org.
Raise Money for Cherry Crest with Amazon Smile!
Virtual PTA Legislative Assembly Is October 24-25
Washington State Parent Teacher Association (WSPTA) is a non-profit organization that advocates for the well-being and education of all children.

This year, PTA members across Washington State will gather virtually to decide WSPTA's Top 5 Legislative Priorities to advocate for at the state level. During the two day assembly, attendees can also attend education sessions focused on current issues and resolutions. Listen, learn, and lend your voice to issues important to your family!

The PTA Legislative Assembly will be held virtually on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25. All PTA members are invited to register and attend online.The cost is $25.00. Not a PTA member yet? Join the Cherry Crest PTSA today and register to attend the Assembly.

Want a more active role? Contact president@cherrycrest-ptsa.org today, October 6 to become a voting delegate. We can have up to four voting delegates from Cherry Crest PTSA but the deadline to register voters is today!

Unleash Student Artistic Talent in Reflections 2020/21
Reflections is a nationally acclaimed PTSA student recognition program to encourage artistic creativity. Students of all grades and abilities may participate and explore the arts based on the 2020/21 theme β€œI matter because.”

Entries will be collected virtually on Monday, November 16, 2020.

Volunteer Opportunities
See the PTSA Website for the current list of volunteer opportunities!
Charger Chatter Newsletter Editor
Do you enjoy working with words? Like hearing news first? Looking for a flexible way to volunteer on your own schedule? Charger Chatter newsletter editors take turns condensing and formatting submissions to produce an informative weekly newsletter of interest to our families.

Please contact editor@cherrycrest-ptsa.org for more details about this role!
School News
Read the principal's monthly newsletter for more school news
Apply for Free or Reduced Lunch Fees by Friday, Oct 16th
Students may qualify for free or reduced priced meals as well as other benefits including a waiver for some school fees. Qualification is based on household income. You must reapply every year!

This year, the deadline is Friday, October 16th. Here are some crucial points completing the online form at www.bsd405.org/freeandreduced

In Part 4 of the form be sure to list all family members living with you .
In Part 5 of the form ("Sharing Information"), select "Fee Waiver Program" to receive other benefits
Principal Chat with Mr. Steere on Friday, Oct 16th at 8:30am
Cherry Crest families are invited to attend monthly virtual meetings hosted by Principal Dusty Steere and PTSA presidents Britt Heath & Deepa Panchapakesan. All chats will be hosted online via Microsoft Teams and will include information from the principal as well as ample time for questions and comments. Use this form to submit a question or topic for the next Principal Chat. Join Microsoft Teams Meeting.
District Notices
Advanced Learning Fall Family Forum
The BSD Advanced Learning Department will be hosting a live virtual event to answer questions about Advanced Learning Services. We look forward to hearing your feedback and providing more information for you in regard to K-1, Domain-Specific, Differentiation, and Self-Contained Services.

When: October 13, 2020 from 4 to 5 p.m.
Transition to Hybrid Learning Planning
Proposed dates for return to in-person learning will be presented this afternoon at the October 6 School Board Meeting, with our youngest learners (K-2nd grade) returning first . . .
Bellevue Schools Foundation
Bellevue Schools Foundation develops, promotes and funds the best possible learning opportunities for ALL students in the Bellevue School District.
Donor Relations Manager
The Bellevue Schools Foundation is looking for a Community Relations Manager to facilitate relationships with community donors and maintain relationships with donors in the 29 Bellevue Public Schools.

This is a paid position and a great way to be more involved in your community and work with some amazing people. If you want to know more, view our job posting.
Bellevue Schools Foundation Fall Campaign
You can make a difference for students in all 29 Bellevue Schools. Help us raise $350,000 to invest in distance learning technology, provide on-line mental health services to students feeling depressed and isolated, fund Family Connection Centers to provide food, rent assistance guidance and technology support needed for every child to thrive. Make YOUR gift today.
Other Cherry Crest Information
πŸ“‡ Family Directory
πŸ“£ Spirit Gear Store Currently Closed
About this newsletter
The Cherry Crest Charger Chatter is emailed to families and staff on Tuesday mornings. The deadline for submissions to the Chatter is the preceding Wednesday by 7pm. Read our submission guidelines.
Information contained in directories, Newsletters or membership lists published by Cherry Crest Elementary PTSA may not be used for purposes of solicitation either commercial, political or ideological or any other purpose not consistent with the Washington Congress of Parents and Teachers By-Laws.