Cheyenne Family Newsletter
Information for Cheyenne Parents and Families
March - 2024
CVS District Homepage
Cheyenne Homepage
Cheyenne PTO Homepage
Upcoming Events & Dates
Dates to Remember:
March - Days of No School:
During the month of March, we have one day of no school.
Please see below for specific dates:
- March 29
Spring Break:
- March 29 - April 7
March - Half Days of School:
During the month of March, we have three half days of school. Spring break will begin at the end of the school day on March 28.
Please see below for specific dates:
- March 13 - 1/2 day with dismissal at 11:50am
- March 15 - 1/2 day with dismissal at 11:50am
- March 28 - 1/2 day with dismissal at 11:50am
March - Celebrate Reading Month
March is Reading Month and Cheyenne has many exciting events planned. Please see the back of this note for the Reading Month Calendar for more details and special schoolwide Spirit Days.
On Mondays, students will bring a book from home to read in the lunchroom and Thursdays will be a schoolwide Spirit Day. We will wrap up Reading Month with a special visit from GRIZZ, the Oakland University mascot on Monday, March 25. GRIZZ always takes time to read, even with his busy schedule.
Each week in the library, kids will celebrate with a Lucky Book winner for those who bring back their library books on time. Remember to read and return all library books each week to participate. There will also be a Book Fair held in the library the week of March 11.
In the library, there will be a special bookmark contest. Bookmarks will be completed in class during the week of March 4. There will be one winner per class. Winners will receive a special prize!
Cheyenne is looking forward to an exciting Reading Month!
March - Positivity Project Topics:
Beginning in January 2024, Cheyenne will use a resource called The Positivity Project to teach students about character strengths, positive relationships, and positive behavior. This school-wide program will consist of classroom instruction, grade-level assemblies, and celebrations to teach and reinforce character strengths, positive relationships, and positive behavior. Please see section titled "The Positivity Project" within this newsletter for additional details and resources.
Week of March 4 - Integrity
Week of March 11 - Identifying & Appreciating the Good in Others
Week of March 18 - Perspective
Week of March 25 - Fairness
March 2 - Science Olympiad Competition
Our Cheyenne Science Olympiad Team will compete in the CVS District Tournament on Saturday, March 2 at Chippewa Valley High School. The tournament is from 8:30am - 2:00pm with an award ceremony at 2:30pm.
Good luck to all of our students competing in the tournament! Thank you to Mr. Peacock, Ms. Habedank, and all of the parent coaches for their time and help!
March 8 - PTO Donut Day
The PTO will be selling donuts using a preorder system. Donuts are $1 and will be delivered to the classroom. An informational flyer with preordering details will be sent home with each child.
If you have any questions or would be interested in volunteering, please contact the Cheyenne PTO at 45pto@cvs.k12.mi.us.
March 8 - LEGO Robotics Competition
Our Cheyenne LEGO Robotics Team will compete in the CVS District Competition Friday, March 8 at Chippewa Valley High School. The competition is from 6:00pm - 8:30pm.
Good luck to all of our students competing in the tournament! Thank you to Mr. Callaghan for coaching the team!
Week of March 11 - Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair is back! During the week of March 11, all students and families will have the opportunity to shop at the book fair. During the school day, each class will have a designated time to shop. The book fair will be open to parents/guardians during Parent-Teacher conferences. Please see below for dates/hours.
Family Shopping Times:
Monday, March 11 - Friday March 15
- Online Shopping: CLICK HERE
Wednesday, March 13 - Media Center
- 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Thursday, March 14 - Media Center
- 5:30pm - 8:00pm
An informational packet will be sent home with all students on March 1. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Belanger in the Media Center.
March 12 - PTO Meeting
The PTO would like to invite all parents/guardians to our PTO meeting on March 12. We hope you can join us as we begin to plan exciting activities and events for our families and kids!
During the meeting, Mr. Lewis will host a question and answer session for parents/guardians.
PTO meetings are held, at Cheyenne, in the MPR.
March 13 - Trimester 2 Report Card
Moving forward student report cards will be available in the Parent Portal. Printed copies of reports cards will no longer be sent home with students. However, IEP progress notes and Fastbridge assessment scores will still be sent home with students.
- The trimester 2 report card will be available in the Parent Portal beginning March 13, 2024.
- IEP progress notes and FastBridge assessment scores will still be sent home with students on March 13, 2024.
If you need assistance accessing report cards, please do not hesitate to contact the main office.
March 13 & 14 - Parent Teacher Conferences
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on March 13 (online) and March 14 (in-person). Spring conferences are by invitation only (teacher request). Individual teachers will send a letter to families with more information. Please see below for specific times.
Wednesday, March 13 (online)
- 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Thursday, March 14 (in-person)
- 5:30pm - 8:00pm
March 22 - Spring Picture Day
Spring Picture Day is on March 22. An informational packet will be sent home with all students. If you have any questions, please contact the main office. To order pictures, please use the button below.
Year books are on sale now! Please see the School Picture and Yearbook section within the newsletter for additional information or click on the button below. The deadline to order a yearbook is April 27, 2024.
March 22 - PTO Snack Cart
The PTO will be selling a variety of snacks (chips, candy, cookies, etc.) during all lunches. All snacks are $1. The snack cart will be a monthly activity.
If you have any questions or would be interested in volunteering, please contact the Cheyenne PTO at 45pto@cvs.k12.mi.us.
March 28 - School Spirit Day:
During the school day, students will participate in an assembly to promote positive behavior and celebrate classroom achievement.
Students are invited to wear their grade-level t-shirt on March 28.
Volunteer Opportunities
School Volunteers:
In order for potential volunteers to receive the digital form, a request must first be submitted by a staff member. Requests can only be submitted if there is an upcoming activity, event, or special reason a volunteer is needed. Please contact your child's classroom teacher for volunteer opportunities.
Note: volunteers must complete a CRC form every school year; ALL volunteers must have an approved CRC form on file
PAL Lunch/Recess Program:
Be a PAL at lunch and recess! At Cheyenne, we are beginning a new program to increase parent/guardian engagement and provide kids with more positive role models.
We are looking for parent/guardian volunteers to help in our lunchroom, eat lunch with children, and play/monitor at recess. Please consider signing up to be a PAL!
All volunteers must have an approved background check on file. If you would like to sign-up, but have not completed a background check form, please contact Ms. Deckert in the main office at ddeckert@cvs.k12.mi.us. Please allow for at least two weeks to process background checks.
Please consider signing up for one or more time slots! To sign-up, click the link below.
Thank you!
Cheyenne Art Room Donations:
Items will then be shipped to Cheyenne. Thank you! We appreciate your help!
Scan the QR code below to view/access the Amazon Wishlist.
Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
Pets @ Arrival and Dismissal:
We appreciate your understanding and help in creating a safe environment for our kids.
District Forms
Data Verifications & District Forms:
At Cheyenne we have worked to improve a number of our communication methods to be more efficient and effective with the delivery of information. Moving forward we will utilize Parent Portal to conduct data verifications and yearly district form collections. Below you will find directions to help you verify student information (emergency contacts, address, etc.) and acknowledge/agree/consent to yearly district forms.
We ask that you please take a few moments to complete these actions within Parent Portal. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the main office at Cheyenne.
Parent Portal & School Messenger
Parent Portal:
The CVS Parent Portal allows parents to access important information about their children. Parents of children grades K-12 may access grades, attendance, lunch balance and school messenger settings. Students in grades 6-12 may also access grade and attendance information through their own portal account.
School Messenger:
SchoolMessenger is also available for parents to receive updates from CVS schools via phone, email or text message. Parents can set the phones to receive messages and choose the type of messages received through the Parent Portal. Directions to log into the Parent Portal and set SchoolMessenger Notifications can be found using the link below.
Report Cards:
Moving forward student report cards will be available in the Parent Portal. Printed copies of reports cards will no longer be sent home with students. However, IEP Progress Notes will still be sent home with students.
Report cards will be available in the Parent Portal beginning December 6. 2023. IEP Progress Notes will still be sent home with students on December 6.
If you need assistance accessing report cards, please do not hesitate to contact the main office.
PaySchools Information
PaySchools Central:
PaySchools Central is a secure payment system which simplifies school payments in an easy-to-use online portal. This online service provides an easy and efficient method to collect fees and electronic payments for field trips, registrations, t-shirts, and any other school-related fees.
PaySchools Central accepts payments via e-check, debit card or credit card, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in a safe and secure environment.
Curriculum Resources & Information
Reading Acquisition:
At Cheyenne, we want every child to learn to read and apply those skills to other subjects and new learning opportunities. The research makes it clear that 95% of students can learn to read, and we are working toward that goal. We are committed to learning the latest research and reading best practices, so every child learns to read. This research is called the Science of Reading, and it clearly defines how the brain learns to read.
In our classrooms, teachers use practices supported by the Science of Reading. To learn more about the research, best practices, and our focus, please review the document below.
At-Home Activities:
There are a number of activities kids can do at home to practice various academic skills. These activities include both Dreambox (math) and Lexia (reading). The "Student Links" button includes math practice games and the Journey's (ELA) textbook.
Attendance Matters:
If your child is absent, please contact the attendance line at 586-723-5099 to report the absence.
The Positivity Project
Beginning in January 2024, Cheyenne will use a resource called The Positivity Project to teach students about character strengths, positive relationships, and positive behavior. This school-wide program will consist of classroom instruction, grade-level assemblies, and celebrations to teach and reinforce character strengths, positive relationships, and positive behavior. Please see below for additional details.
What is the Positivity Project?
The Positivity Project (P2) is an organization whose mission is to empower students to build positive relationships and become their best selves. Positive psychology’s 24 character strengths serve as its foundation. Ranging from bravery and perseverance to integrity and gratitude, the character strengths are classified and described in the 800-page book Character Strengths and Virtues. These strengths aren’t about ignoring the negative. Instead, they help us overcome life’s inevitable adversities.
To achieve its mission, P2 partners with Pre-K–12 schools and equips educators with the resources, training, and strategy to teach their students about character strengths and positive relationships. P2 is a school-wide endeavor grounded in the consistency of daily classroom instruction. P2 Partner Schools dedicate one week to each strength and students learn through daily 15-minute classroom lessons that are different for every grade level. These lessons help students understand character through definitions, examples, discussions, and exercises. P2’s model is holistic, incorporating students, educators, and parents through regular interaction with character strengths vocabulary and concepts.
What are the benefits of implementing the Positivity Project?
By consistently teaching students about the character strengths that people possess, they see themselves and other people based on the content of their character. This ability enhances their self-awareness and self-confidence, understanding and appreciation of others, and interpersonal relationships – which, in the long-term, will positively influence students across their lifespans. In the near team, it leads to more positive interactions and positive relationships within classrooms and schools — ultimately leading to a more positive school culture that supports teachers' ability to teach and students' ability to learn.
P2 evolves throughout a student’s entire school career. As students grow and understand character through instruction and experience, the strengths gain more meaning. They become a part of a student’s vocabulary and how they see themselves and the people around them — to include characters in books and movies.
P2 empowers students by acknowledging that the 24 character strengths are already part of who they are as people. It helps them realize that each and every one of them can tap into these strengths — and not just as students, but for the rest of their lives.
The Positivity Project for Families
Family involvement is an integral part of student success, and we would love for you to take an active role in your student’s character strength education.
P2 for Families is an easy and effective way for families to discuss the importance of character strengths and positive relationships. It is differentiated for grades K, 1-2, and 3-5. Each character strength follows a 1-1-3 model: 1 quote, 1 video, and 3 questions to drive conversations around character at home.
Please click on the link below to access the resources.
Food Service
Food & Nutrition Services:
Food & Nutrition Services is responsible for the preparation and service of Breakfast and/or Lunch to the students at Chippewa Valley Schools.
Michigan School Meals will be the policy for the 2023-2024 School Year. The Michigan government has funded the school meals for Michigan Public School students that are not covered by the Federal Reimbursements. This means all students will eat their breakfast and lunch at no cost. Michigan School Meals is a Michigan initiative however, all USDA guidelines and regulations are still in effect. This includes filling out a Free and Reduced School Meals application.
While the Free and Reduced forms help with student eligibility for school meals, they are more important for other school programs. If the number of Free and Reduced applications decline, funding for some programs can be lost since the overall funding for schools is based on the number of Free and Reduced forms turned back into Food Service.
To see if your family qualifies for additional benefits, please fill out a free/reduced application at chippewavalley.familyportal.cloud. Applications are good for one school year and should be completed each year unless you are notified that your child qualifies for free/reduced meal benefits for the current school year.
One thing that will be new this year is the Community Eligibility Provision. This is a Federal Program in which a school or a group of schools have met a certain percentage and are eligible for free meals based on the poverty level of the community.
Food Allergies:
If your student has a food allergy please be aware that CVS Breakfast and Lunch Program foods may contain or have come into contact with peanuts, nuts or other possible allergens.
We take food allergies and student safety very seriously. If your student has any food allergies, please have your physician fill out the Dietary Needs Form below and return it to the food service office. We are happy to work with parents and students to help accommodate your needs.
For questions about food allergies and menu selections please call our office at 586-723-2106.
School Breakfast & Lunch Preorder Form
Health Information & Forms
When to Keep a Child Home:
Many illnesses do not require a child to stay home from school. However, children may be excluded from school if the illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in school activities or if there is risk of spread of harmful disease to others.
This list represents the most common reasons why a child should remain home from school. Please work with your school’s health aide and/or our district nurse if you are uncertain or have questions.
We refer to the state and local health department for guidance on all health-related concerns.
CRITERIA INCLUDES:
- Abdominal Pain: A child with abdominal pain that continues for more than two hours, or intermittent pain associated with fever or other symptoms.
- Diarrhea: A child has two loose bowel movements, even if there are no other signs of illness. The child should have no loose stools for 24 hours prior to returning to school. Exception: A healthcare provider has determined it is not infectious. Diarrhea may occasionally be caused by antibiotics, new foods a child has eaten, or teething. Call the parent to find out if there is a non-medical reason for the loose bowel movements.
- Fever: A child who is feverish (chills, sweating) or has a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The child should not return until 24 hours of no fever without the use of fever reducing medications. A child with strep throat/scarlet fever should be treated with antibiotics for 12 hours (at least 2 doses) before returning to school.
- Ill appearance: This could include a child that is not himself or herself, lethargic, persistently crying, has difficulty breathing or has a rapidly spreading rash.
- Injury: Whenever an injury is serious enough to need a health care provider’s attention, a parent should be contacted to take the child home.
- Rash: A child with a rash AND a fever or a change in behavior. Any rash illness and fever should be checked by a healthcare provider. There are different rules for returning to school depending on the cause of the rash. Note: Rapidly spreading bruising or small blood spots under the skin need immediate medical attention.
- Skin Sores: A child with weeping sores on an exposed area that cannot be covered with waterproof dressing.
- Vomiting: A child that has vomited two or more times. The child should have no vomiting for 24 hours prior to returning to school. Exception: A healthcare provider has determined it is not infectious.
- Certain Communicable Diseases: Children and staff diagnosed with certain communicable diseases, including COVID-19, may have to be excluded for a certain period.
While not an emergency, children with the following diseases should remain at home until successfully treated: impetigo, lice, ringworm, and scabies. Michigan Head Lice Manual
COVID-19:
If your child has tested positive for COVID-19, or been exposed to a positive case, please fill out the following form. The questionnaire will help us determine quarantine time for your student. If you are reporting for multiple children, please complete a separate form for each child. After your responses are received our COVID Assistant will contact you as soon as possible.
Medication Dispensation Forms:
Specific forms are used district wide and must be properly filled out and returned before any medication can be dispersed to your child during the school day.
The forms can be accessed by using the button below or picked up in the main office at Cheyenne. Please turn in completed forms to the main office at Cheyenne.
Other Student Medical Forms:
Vaccination Requirements:
The State of Michigan requires students to be age-appropriately vaccinated to enroll in school programs, unless a valid exemption applies. Parents must provide the school with the below vaccinations and/or a valid exemption.
The following vaccinations are required for students entering KD or a young five program.
- 5 doses DTap
- 4 doses Polio
- 3 doses Hepatitis B, or laboratory evidence of immunity
- 2 doses MMR, or laboratory evidence of immunity
- 2 doses Varicella, laboratory evidence of immunity, or disease history from a parent/ physician.
In addition to the above vaccinations, 7th graders are required to have the following vaccinations:
- 1 dose ACWY Meningococcal Conjugate at the age of 11 years old or older
- 1 dose of Tdap at the age of 11 years old or older
Please see the documents below for more detailed information.
Student Birthday Treats
Your child’s birthday is important, and it deserves to be celebrated at school. On your child’s birthday, each child will receive a birthday card and birthday bag from the main office and will have their name read on the morning announcements. Some families like to celebrate their child’s birthday by sending a treat to school. All birthday treats should be non-edible. Food items will not be distributed to students and classrooms. If you choose to send in a treat for your child’s class, we ask that the treat be non-edible. Please see letter below for more details.
SACC Program
School Age Child Care Program:
The School Age Child Care Program strives to provide a safe environment where staff strive to meet the emotional, social, and physical needs of the children. A nurturing environment for all children, with respect for self and others. We are pleased to be part of your family’s childcare experience and look forward to a wonderful school year.
Parents, please note that Chippewa Valley Schools has been experiencing staff shortages in many of our programs. SACC registration is on a first come, first served basis and we enroll students based on our ability to maintain adequate staffing. As staffing levels increase, so will our ability to enroll more students. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Due to limited staff and capacity limits, some registrations may not be approved until adequate staff are available.
Existing families should use current username and password. Please do not create a new account.
Once your registration application is submitted through Eleyo, you must receive the registration approval email before your child may attend.
Registrations will remain pending in the system to be approved as openings become available.
SACC - Playground:
Those families and students that would still like to use a playground are welcome to use the small playground located near Heydenreich.
We appreciate your understanding and help in creating a safe environment for our kids.
School Pictures & Yearbook
Community & School Resources
Community Resources
Chippewa Valley Schools, in partnership with the community, will provide a safe, inviting and supportive environment that engages students and prepares them to be successful and to contribute in an ever-changing world.
We recognize that we have children and families in our school district that are in need of assistance. To help provide our families with available resources we have created the links below. If you are in need of help and don't know where to turn, please contact your school social worker for more information.
Student Life Advisor Well-Being Program:
Phone: 1-800-448-8326
Grief Support Groups:
Cougar Closet:
Employment Opportunities
We're Hiring @ Cheyenne:
Cheyenne Elementary School
Email: alewis01@cvs.k12.mi.us
Website: https://www.chippewavalleyschools.org
Location: 47600 Heydenreich Road, Macomb, MI 48044, USA
Phone: 586-723-5000