Cedar School News and Updates 10/13/23

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We continue to keep the health and safety of our students at the forefront of our work. Next week, Cedar School students will be participating in a bus evacuation drill with the support of the Cedar School staff and the bus transportation company. This brief drill will happen during the school day. All students will participate in this drill regardless of whether they take the bus to and from school. 

Dr. Stoloski and I are excited about our first community meeting with students at the end of next week. We will have the opportunity to share important information with students, including discussing what it means to be a “Super Friend” at Cedar School. Students will hear messages that will include being safe, being kind, and following the plan. The Positive Behavior Supports framework is used at Cedar School to create an environment that further promotes positive relationships, effective communication, and social problem-solving. 

Halloween is right around the corner, with everyone excited about the annual Cedar School Halloween Parade. On Tuesday, October 31, 2023, students have the option of wearing a costume to school. Masks and toy weapons should not be brought to school and students will be asked to remove them and place them in their bags until the end of the school day. Students will walk through the building as a class before transitioning outside to the high school track if weather permits. Family members are invited to stand on the outside of the fence or sit on the bleachers and observe the parade. Students should arrive at the high school track at 9:15 am. If it’s raining on Tuesday morning, we will alert families of the canceled event through email. Parking can be challenging at Cedar School, so please ensure that you leave enough time to park and walk over to the track. If you decide to send your child to school with a costume, they should arrive at school wearing the costume.  

Shoutouts

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the parent(s)/guardian(s) who showed up to our first Cedar School PTA meeting. The meeting attendance was remarkable. I would also like to thank Michelle Hill and Eliza Kennedy for all of their help in planning for the meeting.   

Health Office Information

The Health Office staff will be conducting health screenings at Cedar School during the week of October 23rd. The screenings are conducted annually in the district by the school nurses and school personnel. If a child fails a screening, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified. If you would like to opt out of any or all screenings for your child, please notify the health office in writing by Thursday, October 19, 2023. Screenings at Cedar School will include the following:

  • Vision - Preschool, Kindergarten, and First Grade Students
  • Hearing - Kindergarten and First Grade Students  
  • Body Mass Index (Height/Weight) - First Grade Students

Please also know that the Health Office has reported a few recent cases of pediculosis (head lice). The staff recommends that you screen your child regularly even if your child is not exhibiting any symptoms of pediculosis. Please notify the Health Office staff if you detect pediculosis on your child. While we do take preventative measures here at school, including ensuring that students are not sharing hats and hair accessories, the best way to keep it from spreading is by monitoring your child at home. If you have any questions related to any of the above topics, please call the Cedar School Health Office. 

Additional Updates and Reminders

Spirit Day

The first Cedar School Spirit Day will be next Friday, October 20, 2023. The theme will be “Sports Theme Day!” We encourage students and staff to wear their favorite sports team apparel. This can include a professional team, town team, or even a club team!

Fall Book Fair

The Fall Book Fair will be held from October 24th to October 26th. Students will have the opportunity to preview the Book Fair during their weekly literacy block in the library. They will not purchase books during this time. The Book Fair will be open from 3:30 to 5:30 pm in the Cedar School Library each day, and will also be open for extended hours during the night of the Pumpkin Stroll (October 26th). If you are not able to attend one of the after-school options, please know that books can be purchased online. Visit the Fall 2023 Scholastic Book Fair.

Pumpkin Stroll

The Pumpkin Stroll is returning to Cedar School after popular demand! Last year, we had over 125 pumpkins and we are trying to break that number this year! The event will be held on Thursday, October 26th, and is open to all Cedar School families. Kindergarten and first grade students will have the opportunity to design their own Jack-O’-Lantern in art class on a piece of paper and bring that design home to share with their families. Preschool students will have the opportunity to create artwork with their classroom teacher. This design can be used on a real pumpkin, or the family can decide to create their own design for the event. Families who decide to bring a Jack-O’-Lantern to the event should drop it off behind the Cedar School building between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm on October 26th, in preparation for the evening event. The Cedar School PTA will provide candles in order to illuminate each pumpkin. This is not a drop-off event. We are also excited to share that “Mom On The Go” Food Company will be selling Grilled Cheese and Hot Dogs on site, and “Ellie’s Treats” will have ice cream available. We ask that families please adhere to these times in order to reduce the overall congestion in the school parking lot. Please consider bringing a flashlight for the event! The times for the Pumpkin Stroll are the following:

  • Sensory Friendly Block - 5:30-6:00 pm
  • Preschool/Kindergarten Block - 6:15-7:00 pm
  • First Grade Block - 7:15-8:00 pm

Veterans Day Assembly

We are looking forward to our Veterans Day Assembly which is scheduled for Thursday, November 9, 2023. Mrs. Thornton has been working hard with our Kindergarten and first grade students, preparing them for the performance. If you are a Veteran or have a Veteran in your family who would like to attend the assembly, please contact Mrs. Clasby in the main office, at pclasby@hanoverschools.org. Mrs. Clasby will be able to share more information with individuals during that time. Again, this event is open to Veterans and their families.

The Cedar School PTA is looking for volunteers to help during the upcoming Book Fair. The primary role of the volunteer will be managing student purchases and assisting with the cash register. If you’re interested in supporting the Book Fair, please know that a message related to volunteering will be shared out by the Cedar School PTA next week. 

Upcoming Dates at Cedar School

  • October 20, 2023 - Cedar School Spirit Day (Sports Theme Day!)
  • October 24, 2023 - October 26, 2023 - Cedar School Book Fair, 3:30-5:30 pm
  • October 26, 2023 - Cedar School Pumpkin Stroll (Jack-O’-Lantern drop-off between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm)
    • Sensory Friendly Block, 5:30-6:00 pm
    • Preschool/Kindergarten Block, 6:15-7:00 pm
    • First Grade Block, 7:15-8:00 pm
    • Book Fair Open Until 8:00 pm
  • October 31, 2023 - Cedar School Parade (Hanover High School Track, 9:15 am
  • November 2, 2023 - Picture Retakes for any student who missed the original date
  • November 7, 2023 - No School for All Students
  • November 9, 2023 - Veteran’s Day Performance
  • November 10, 2023 - No School for All Students and Staff
  • November 14, 2023 - Early Release Day, Kindergarten/First Grade Teacher Conferences (details to follow)
  • November 15, 2023 - Preschool Teacher Conferences
  • November 16, 2023 - Early Release Day, Preschool/Kindergarten/First Grade Teacher Conferences (details to follow)
  • November 22, 2023 - Early Release Day for Students
  • November 23, 2023 - No School for Students and Staff
  • November 24, 2023 - No School for Students and Staff

As we journey toward the end of October, please remember that "All are Welcome Here!" We invite you to share your stories about Cedar School with us and can’t wait to see you at one of our upcoming events.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Best, 

Jesse Craddock
Principal