December 9, 2022

BREAKFAST / LUNCH CLARIFICATION

Thank you for reaching out to us with questions you may be having about student meals and cost. As you know, the state provided SMART funds to all school districts, which allowed us to offer free meals to all students through November 30th. Effective December 1, 2022, our SMART FUNDS allotment was depleted and the cost for breakfast is now $ 1.80 and the cost of lunch is $3.00. Reduced breakfast and lunch costs are .30 and .40 respectively.

No child is ever denied a meal regardless of means or student account status.

  • Any family needing assistance with the cost of meals is urged to complete the application for free/reduced meals. Print, complete the form, and send it to any school Cafeteria Manager. 
  • Only one application is needed per household. 
  • If you received a letter from Leanne Ranheim, Food Service Manager in September informing you of your child(ren)'s free/reduced eligibility for the school year 2022-23, your eligibility is still in effect.
  • If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Leanne Ranheim, District Nutrition Program Coordinator at [email protected].
    HOW TO MAKE A PAYMENT TO YOUR STUDENT’S ACCOUNT:
  • Cash - please send in the amount to be placed on the account.
  • Check - please make the check out to Colchester Public Schools Food Service and include your student’s full name in the memo section of the check.
  • Online payment - credit card payments are accepted through MyPaymentsPlus.com. Please note, there is a transaction-fee charge, which is explained on their website.

 

COLD WEATHER REMINDER

We want to remind you to please send your children to school with warm coats, gloves, and a hat as it is cold outside. Our school nurse has a few winter jackets, but more is needed for the number of students who have been needing them. Children will go out for a minimum of 30 minutes each day for recess unless it is raining or below 22 degrees. They often tell us they are freezing and don't want to play. We encourage children to play, run, and enjoy the fresh air. Thank you in advance for helping us keep them warm!

YOUNG YOGIS AT CES

Each class will combine yoga and mindful practices in age-appropriate, playful and engaging ways. Children will participate in activities that will help stretch and strengthen their bodies, build social and emotional skills as well as learn strategies for self-regulation and relaxation while having fun! Instructor Susie Hawkins will greet and walk young yogis in their comfortable clothing to the class, mats provided. Register for Young Yogis through Parks and Rec. Classes will be held Tuesdays after school: 1/10, 17, 24, 31, and 2/7 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. $50

A MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE TEAM

When your child is absent or will be late please call the absence line to report this at 860 537 0717 and press 1. State your child's full name, teacher, and the reason why. To follow up, we require written communications to excuse tardiness and absences within (10) days. In the case of an emergency change, call the office at 860 537 0717. If you need to change your child's after-school transportation or need to pick them up early, please send A Note to the CES Office in the morning with your child. The notes are easily utilized and informative with several options. The information is then placed on a list by the homeroom teacher and dismissal data sheets are created for dismissal personnel. We understand that emergencies do happen and in that case, email may be utilized. Changes must be made before 2:30 p.m.
NEW SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

COLCHESTER – Thursday, December 1, 2022 – At a special meeting of the Colchester, CT Board of Education held on Thursday, November 17, 2022, the Board unanimously appointed Mr. Daniel P. Sullivan, III as Colchester’s new superintendent of schools. Read the press release to learn more!

WADSWORTH FESTIVAL OF TREES The Christmas ornaments Mrs. Elliot’s class made last year for the library flagpole planter were saved for a tree at the Wadsworth Festival of Trees. The tree title is Spreading Kindness - By Children for Children. See the photo of Melissa Deacon with Katherine Kosiba, President of the Colchester Garden Club..



SCHOOL PICTURES INFORMATION

When will we receive our Retake photos?  

Retake delivery is the same as regular photo delivery, about 10-15 business days (the same time frame as the first picture day delivery). Retake photos will be emailed to parents/guardians for the opportunity to purchase. If you returned your package, the same package choice would be sent to the school. Retake photos will be utilized in the yearbook.

How do I view and order photos?
Photos may take up to 3 weeks from the date taken to be active on the link. We recommend using Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome on a computer or tablet to place your purchase as some computer and phone browsers may not be compatible with our complete website functionality.

What if my student missed both dates due to absences?
We are only at the school on our confirmed Picture Day dates. Anyone is welcome to sit for us at our Legacy Studio in Chester, CT on a Saturday if they wish to do so. Retake/Absentee Day is scheduled about 35 days after the original Picture Day. If a parent would like to drive to our Cheshire Studio on a Saturday, they can schedule this appointment by emailing the Customer Care Team at [email protected]


C3 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM ENTERS FAMILIES INTO DRAWING MONTHLY

Sparkler sparks healthy early development for children (0-5) and families in Connecticut. Check on your child's growth and get a library of 1000+ play activities for your child's age, along with regular coaching and advice. English version  Spanish Version

YEARBOOK

If you wish to order your 2022 - 23 Yearbook, you may at this time through March 17, 2022! They are $20.50 each. School Yearbook ID: 13227023. If you’d like to send pictures in for our Yearbook Advisor, feel free at [email protected]


VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Please visit the Volunteers page @ www.colchesterct.org for more information about the application process for Colchester Public Schools.


BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION

The CES PTO wants your Box Tops! Scan using the Box Top App. See the Box Tops information.


AMAZON SMILE

Select Colchester Cooperative Parent-Teacher Organization as your charity on AmazonSmile, and 0.5% of eligible purchases are donated to the CES PTO.