Ella B. Allen Elementary School

Hello Allen Families and Staff,

Enjoy your Spring Break, Allen Families! *** Please note that our staff will also be enjoying a much-deserved vacation too and so we will not be responding to phone calls, emails, or Class Dojo messages until we return on April 3rd.

Students return from Spring Break on Monday, April 3, 2023. Students in grades TK-6 will attend class from 8:50 am to 2 pm that day.

If you have questions for our staff or need assistance, please call at at (619) 479-3662. Office hours are 8 am to 3:30 pm, M-F.

Have you downloaded the Family Handbook for 2022-2023? Kindly review this periodically with your child.

https://allenelementary.org/family-handbook/

Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week

Please watch Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week for Spring Break at the YouTube link below:

Please download our Q3 Calendar of Events here:

Thank you to our parent and staff donors who have supported our partners at the YMCA meet their fundraising goal as our students benefit greatly from services at Allen and at our local branch! If you missed your opportunity to donate, you may still contribute here: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4298539

Do you receive School Messenger emails and communication from our district? Be sure to check www.cvesd.org and bookmark our district’s website and follow its social media:

• Facebook – @CVESDNews
• Instagram – @CVESDNews
• Twitter – @CVESDNews

Please see our updated 2022-2023 Family Handbook here: Link to Family Handbook

A reminder of our school’s Core Values and Common Courtesies:

The Core Value for this upcoming week of school is Responsibility. The Common Courtesy for this week is “Excuse me.“

Students may earn an Allen Eagle Ticket for demonstrating the Core Values and Common Courtesies each day. Students can redeem these tickets at the Eagle’s Nest Store at the end of each quarter of the school year. Our staff is always looking for ways to celebrate our students!

Kindness counts! Wondering how to support children if they experience a problem with another student? We suggest:

• Use “I feel…” statements to express yourself clearly.
• Set boundaries by saying “I don’t like that…” or “Please stop!”
• Move away from the student you have conflict with and…
• Seek help from an adult nearby.

Our staff prides itself in actively monitoring students at all times. What our staff has noticed is that students are learning how to interact with one another and having some problems or conflict. This is not bullying. It may be due to trauma and other sudden social-emotional issues with a child. What is bullying? See the helpful graphic below:

If you have a concern about another child’s behaviors impacting your child, we suggest you first contact your child’s teacher. Afterwards, please see this page here. It’s our District’s Anti-Bullying page.

If you need to conduct business with the school office, please contact the school office between the hours of 8 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at (619) 479-3662 and we will arrange an appointment with you.

A Look Ahead:

March 20 – 31, 2023: Spring Break – NO SCHOOL

Monday, April 3, 2023 – Classes resume (with a 2 pm dismissal for all students in grades TK-6)

Tuesday, April 4, 2023 – 9:30 am Second Grade Dental Presentations

Wednesday, April 5, 2023 – Q3 Awards for grades TK-2 from 9 am to 9:45 am in the courtyard

Thursday, April 6, 2023 – Q3 Awards for grades 3-6 and 800 building from 9 am to 9:45 am in the courtyard

Friday, April 7, 2023

• Good Friday
• Smarty Plants Assemblies for students during school hours

Monday, April 10, 2023 – Parent Meetings (in person in MPR and online)

• ELAC at 3 pm [ELAC LINK here]
• SSC at 3:30 pm [SSC LINK here]
• PTC at 6 pm PTC Link HERE]

New Science Curriculum Coming in 2023-2024

The Chula Vista Elementary School District is adopting a new science curriculum for kindergarten through sixth-grade students. Twig Science was approved for adoption at the February 2023 Board of Education meeting.

The new science curriculum is an interactive and hands-on science program that will immerse students in the exciting world of science and natural phenomena. The curriculum covers various scientific topics with a strong emphasis on interactive activities for students, digital resources for teachers, and real-world examples.

In December 2021, the District began the evaluation process for adopting a new science curriculum. A Science Curriculum Adoption Subcommittee was formed in early 2022, which consisted of teachers, Chula Vista Educators leadership, principals, and District leadership. During these meetings, non-negotiables were determined, materials were reviewed through a structured paper screening process, and two programs moved forward for the pilot process.

After teachers could pilot and review each program, schools came to a consensus about the program they agreed to be the best science curriculum. The curriculum was examined with a focus on student learning, teacher support, and assessment. The Twig Science curriculum was determined as the best fit for the District and students.

The new curriculum will be rolled out in a six year process. The District will work closely with Twig Science and District staff members as the curriculum is rolled out to students. Training and professional development will be available throughout the implementation process and beyond.

The District is excited about the new possibilities for staff and students as it embarks on an engaging and innovative approach to science instruction. The new curriculum adoption shows the District’s commitment to providing high-quality and innovative education for all students.

VAPA Newsletters for Q3

Please review the Visual Arts and Music Newsletters below for Q3. You may need to scroll through the documents to find your child’s grade level. If you have questions, please contact Ms. Godoy (Music) or Ms. Gilman (Visual Arts).

Spring Break Reminder

Students return on Monday, April 3rd for a 2 pm dismissal day.

Spring Break Activities

Looking for affordable Spring Break activities and/or child care? We recommend the YMCA Spring Break Camp at Tiffany Elementary. Space is limited so register now!

We also recommend that you take advantage of the great activities that are low-cost or free below:

• Go for a walk around Rohr Park (link)
• Hiking to Morrison Pond (link)
• Going to the beach (link)
• Enjoying one of the many museums in Balboa Park (link)
• The Bonita Museum (link)
• The Living Coast Discovery Center (link)

Here is a more comprehensive list of 25 free or low-cost things to do in San Diego County:

https://www.sandiego.org/articles/25-fun-free-things-to-do-in-san-diego.aspx

Rise Against Hunger

Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club and community volunteers will package over 12,000 meals to be distributed to children and families in countries worldwide. Each meal combines rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, and a flavoring mix including 21 essential vitamins and minerals into small meal packets. Each meal costs only 29 cents and has a shelf life of two years. Allen Elementary’s Student Council will be serving as volunteers for this, but we need more!

This big event will be held at Allen Elementary on Saturday, April 22 from 8 am to 12 noon and they need volunteers of all ages! Parents must attend with their children. Please download the flyer below for more information or scan the QR code to sign up!

YMCA Junior Academy and DASH

We are happy to announce that DASH enrollment for the school year 2023-2024 has now opened! Here are some key points to know before applying for DASH for 2023-2024:

–      Enrollment Dates: March 17-April 7

–      Results will be posted on April 19, 2023

–      Priority will be allotted to our Unduplicated Students who fall in any one of these categories:

• Foster Youth
• McKinney Vento (Homeless) Act
• English Language Learners
• Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Students

For further details on what our program entails this year, please visit our website: https://www.ymcasd.org/programs/child-care/before-and-after-school/dash-chula-vista-elementary-school-district

If you are interested in joining our DASH program for the 2023-2024 school year, please apply here: https://hipaa.jotform.com/230617115892153

Families with a 6th Grade Student

Do you have a current sixth grade student at Allen? This message is for you!

We wanted to share this important information from Bonita Vista Middle School.

Check out the flyer to learn the 3 steps to become a student at BVMS:

Please contact the Bonita Vista Middle School office at (619) 397-2200 for questions or for help with registering at another Sweetwater Union School District middle school.

Attendance Matters!

Attendance is important! Allen Elementary celebrates excellent attendance as it sets students up for success!

Students attending Allen on a Zone Transfer may be denied if a student has a poor attendance record or behavior concerns.

Did you know that if your child is out of school for five or more days, you can request an independent study contract? If an independent study contract is completed, your child receives attendance credit. For more information, you can contact Ms. Baptista in the front office at (619) 479-3662.

• LET’S CONTINUE TO IMPROVE OUR ATTENDANCE AT ALLEN!
• Students should only miss school if they are sick. Those with symptoms can return with a negative COVID-19 test, no fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, and symptoms improving. STUDENTS DO NOT NEED TO BE SYMPTOM-FREE to attend school. We have plenty of rapid tests at school: just ask in the office. If you have a special circumstance and need an independent study, please let us know.
• Please make sure your child is here by 8:45 am and lined up on the blacktop. If they arrive to campus after 8:50 am, they will be marked tardy.
• We begin a secure campus at 8:50 am. Parents/guardians must exit promptly at 8:50. Thank you.
• Students can arrive as early as 8:20 am when our school’s gates open. There is no supervision for students prior to 8:20 am.
• FREE breakfast is served from 8:20 am to 8:45 am. All meals are eaten at the lunch arbor outside, rain or shine.
• If your child is absent, it is very important to call the office to report the reason for the absence.
• Absences that are not reported will be considered UNEXCUSED. After 3 unexcused absences and/or tardies you will receive a truancy letter.
• If you pick up your child early and/or they are tardy for personal reasons, this is considered unexcused by the state of California.
• Remember to bring a doctor’s note. Vacations, dentist, and doctor visits should be scheduled during our breaks whenever possible.
• If your child misses school, they are missing out on important learning! 
• Our school staff will be scheduling SART (School Attendance Review Team) meetings with parents/guardians, calling home, and doing home visits for students who are chronically absent (missing 10% of school or excessive tardies).
• Thank you for helping to get your child to school every day and one time!

Parent Volunteers Still Needed

We need parent volunteers to help monitor student safety on the sidewalks around our school at drop off and dismissal time! Our Eagle Eye volunteers work with school staff to serve as an extra set of eyes to keep kids safe outside of our school gates. Any interested volunteers should contact Mr. Greenwell or Ms. Reza in the office or call (619) 479-3662.

All parent volunteers are allowed to volunteer inside the classroom and school buildings after having completed the required training with the school principal and meeting the District’s volunteer requirements. See below for these requirements:

REQUIRED ITEMS:

• Proof of TB
• RAPTOR I.D. Scan
• Fingerprint Clearance – DOJ & FBI

Note that COVID-19 testing requirements have been lifted by CDPH. Please contact the school office at (619) 479-3662 to be put on the volunteer list and to schedule a volunteer training with the school principal.

ThoughtExchange – We Need Your Voice!

Our annual ThoughtExchange for community input on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) is now open! We need to hear from every parent/legal guardian. This year, we are asking the question: What are some things we are doing well, and what could improve the educational experience we provide students through the LCAP? 

As you’re aware, the LCAP shapes our District’s goals and guides our budgeting priorities. Please join in on the conversation from Feb. 1 through April 1, 2023. Please note that any negative comments and comments with profanity directed at an individual will be deleted. Constructive criticism on how to improve our school and district (and better serve students) is always welcome!

Feel free to reach out to our office team if you have any questions at (619) 479-3662. Allen Elementary’s budget priorities are discussed at every ELAC, SSC, and PTC meeting as well.

Link to survey: https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/629912727

Zone Transfers & Registration Information

It’s that time again! Everyone attending Allen Elementary on a CVESD Zone Transfer should have received an email with a specific link to renew the Zone Transfer for their child for the 2023-2024 school year.  Please complete this Zone Transfer (or ZT) process ASAP to keep your child at our school, or families risk losing their child’s spot at our school if a new family moves into the neighborhood. Please also remember that a Zone Transfer or Intradistrict Transfer may be denied if a child’s behavior or attendance require improvement.

NEW STUDENT registration began on February 15 online for the following:

• Kindergartners who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023.
• NEW students in grades 1^st through 6^th 
• All registrations will take place online. There will be no paper packets. To register please visit our district website beginning on February 15: www.cvesd.org

Allen Elementary has plenty of space in our Preschool, TK, and Kindergarten classes for next year, but has limited openings in our upper grades. Please contact our office for questions about space availability at (619) 479-3662. More information is posted on our district’s website at www.cvesd.org.

• Please note:
  • TK students will not need a renewal zone transfer link as they will need to register at their neighborhood school for Kindergarten. Our district’s Early Childhood Education department supports Preschool and TK enrollment. Please contact them directly at (619) 425-9600 Ext.181725.
  • The Renewal Zone Transfer Form is independent of the “New Zone Transfer Form.”
  • Students who will be transitioning to Sweetwater Union High School District for seventh grade (middle school) do not need to notify CVESD about this, but will need to complete registration processes with that district via https://www.sweetwaterschools.org/.

Preschool Enrollment

Are you considering enrolling your child in preschool? Look no further! Allen Elementary offers a free preschool program for qualifying families that live in San Diego County. Learn more and enroll your child today at http://cvesd.org/preschool.

Free Campus Clinic Health Services

Families may come to the school office, Monday- Friday, between 8 am and 3:30 pm to receive a free COVID-19 home antigen test. The testing is not required. Please report all positive cases to our school office at (619) 479-3662.

Weekly, voluntary testing will continue on our school campus via Campus Clinic each week. Parents and legal guardians must opt-in to the program and no child will be tested without proper consent. If families would like to watch a video on the registration process, they can visit: https://campusclinic.org/how-to/. For community testing at the kiosks, individuals will need to register on-site. You only need to register one time for a test through the kiosk.

In alignment with our district’s commitment to keeping your children healthy and in school, we are excited to expand Campus Clinic’s health services by adding the flu combo test to our weekly COVID-19 testing program. This combo test is designed to provide results for symptomatic individuals for some of the most common illnesses, such as Flu A, Flu B, RSV, and COVID-19. This testing is provided at no-cost or free to families, but Campus Clinic is required by the state of California to collect insurance information. Campus Clinic will also be providing other essential public health services on our campus in the coming weeks.

MedLab2020 may call or email families to verify insurance information for individuals who have tested with Campus Clinic previously. MedLab2020 is the lab that Campus Clinic partners with to process COVID-19 PCR & flu combo tests administered through weekly in school testing, as well as at the four kiosks throughout the district. They are part of the letterhead on most of the results sent out. Please feel free to direct any questions or concerns you may have to the Campus Success Team.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information above, please call or email our Campus Success team.

Campus Success; 8:00am -4:00pm PST
855.286.2577
support@campusclinic.org
www.campusclinic.org

Again, for this free testing support, please email: support@campusclinic.org.

Health and Safety

Vaccines for children are now available. There is currently no mandate for vaccines, nor a mandate for masks. Please understand that the state of California may (in the future) require children to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to attend a public school, just as they already do for other diseases (polio, mumps, rubella, etc..). This decision is not a school-based or district-based decision, but rather a state government decision.

Masks, although not required at this time, are encouraged for all staff, students, parents, and visitors while indoors on campus.

• There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses in any public place where people are present. The school and district strive to reduce this impact to staff, students, and families.
• It is a current public health recommendation for all eligible people to get COVID-19 booster shots.

If your child has a chronic health condition, such as allergies or asthma, please contact the school office and download the form below to have your child’s doctor complete and send it back to the school’s nurse. We recommend doing this in advance of a child showing symptoms.

If your child experiences any symptoms of COVID-19, please keep your child home and contact the school office at (619) 479-3662. If any person (regardless of vaccination status) presents with symptoms of COVID-19 while at school, that person will be immediately sent home. All schools in CVESD must follow the latest County of San Diego COVID-19 Decision Tree (see below) for persons with symptoms associated with COVID-19.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.  People with these symptoms may have COVID-19 and should stay home:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

*** Please see the latest COVID-19 Decision Tree here: LINK to Newest Decision Tree

Parent-Teacher Club (PTC) Corner

Visit the PTC website at AllenPTC.org to become a member of the PTC and make a donation to support the latest initiative at the school. Allen’s PTC is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the school’s educational mission through funding programs and initiatives.

Please help support Allen’s PTC and our school by joining as a member of the Allen Elementary School Parents Teachers Club.

The standing PTC Meeting link is here: PTC MEETING LINK 2022-2023

Meetings for Families & Staff

Allen School needs parents and legal guardians to support our school through important parent groups, such as the PTC (Parent Teacher Club), the School Site Council (often referred to as SSC), and the English Language Advisory Committee (often referred to as ELAC). The site-based groups work with the Principal, staff, and other community members to ensure that community voice is part of the shared decision making process of a public school.

Family First Friday Meeting

The first Friday of every month is usually reserved for our Family First Friday, Allen’s version of Coffee with the Principal. Our next Family First Friday will be on Friday, April 7, 2023 from 8 am to 9 am. This meeting will be in person at school with a coffee cart available in front of the school. Our Allen PTC will also have their monthly Spirit Gear Booth with great items for sale!

We encourage parents and legal guardians to join this meeting with a free cup of hot coffee or a cold cup of cold brew on nitro and listen to Mr. Greenwell give an update on the school year and meet other amazing Allen families.

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

Ella B. Allen’s next ELAC Meeting will be on April 10, 2023 at 3 pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

The school encourages all legal parent/guardian of students designated as an English Learner to attend these meetings.

School Site Council (SSC)

Ella B. Allen’s next SSC Meeting will be on April 10, 2023 at 3:30 pm. Please note that if you join early, you’ll be attending the ELAC meeting already in progress. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

All SSC members are welcome to attend ELAC meetings for additional information.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC) is composed of five elected parent/community representatives and five elected staff/teacher representatives. The role of the SSC is to develop, approve, and monitor the School Plan for Student Achievement.

With a few exceptions, meetings are held the second Monday of every month. All parents and staff are welcome to attend. Council members serve for two year terms.

Parent Teacher Club (PTC) Meeting

Allen’s PTC usually meets the second Monday of every month at 6pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Link: via this link. The next PTC meeting is April 10 at 6 pm. Please also check out the new PTC website to become a member and make a donation: AllenPTC.org

CVESD Board of Education Meeting

The district’s Board of Education meetings are also being held online and generally occur the second Wednesday of each month. The next regularly scheduled CVESD Board of Education meeting is Wednesday, April 19 at 6 pm. Limited in-person access is permitted, but check the district’s website for more information on this.

To access these public meetings, please click the link here: https://www.cvesd.org/board_of_education/board_meetings

CVESD DAC/DELAC Meeting

District Advisory Council (DAC)

The DAC is composed of parent and staff representatives from each School Site Council. It meets regularly during the school year in open public forum to share information, study instructional issues, approve school planning schedules, and make recommendations to the Board of Education on specific items. District meetings take place once a month, mid-afternoon. Most meetings occur on Tuesdays from 12 – 2 pm, with a parent training beforehand. This is an elected position to serve a one-year term.

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

The district will continue to conduct all meetings online until further notice, including all DAC/DELAC meetings. DAC is the District Advisory Committee. DELAC is the District English Learner Advisory Committee. Both of these groups are designed to support and inform parents in a shared communication setting with the district. Parents learn with other parents and district leadership at the DAC/DELAC meetings.

The next DAC/DELAC Meeting will be on April 11, 2023 at 12 noon. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

The link below contains a schedule of all DAC/DELAC meetings for the upcoming school year. I recommend all parents download this schedule if they are interested in learning more about theses district meetings: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/dac-delac

CVESD B-LAC Meeting

District Black Learners Advisory Council (B-LAC)

The B-LAC is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The B-LAC provides and monitors the ongoing support for Black/African American students and families in the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) to ensure unbiased practices/policies, equitable educational outcomes, and equal access to a quality education. The group meets regularly during the school year, once a month. Most meetings occur on Thursdays from 6 – 7 pm. The next meeting is April 20 at 6 pm and will be in person at Fahari Jeffers Elementary (1145 Camino Prado, Chula Vista, CA 91913). For more information and to download the schedule of these meetings, clink the link: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/black-learners-advisory-council—b–lac

CVESD BAC Meeting

District Budget Advisory Council (CVESD BAC)

The District’s Budget Advisory Council (BAC) is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The BAC monitors the financial statements and fiduciary obligations of the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD). Although it usually only meets 5 – 6 times a year, the BAC’s meetings are useful in understanding how state and federal monies support student learning at a local level. April 26 at 6 pm is the next BAC meeting. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

Academic Calendar for the 2022-2023 School Year

The 2022-2023 School Calendar is available online! Click this link to download it. Please reference this when planning vacations or scheduling appointments with your children that may require them to miss school. Excellent attendance is important in student success!

Our Board of Education approved our 2023-2024 School Calendar as well and we are pleased to share that it aligns well with Sweetwater as well. Please also use this document to plan and schedule family outings, vacations, and other important appointments. Find that document in the file below…

Students in our district will end the current academic year on Friday, June 2, 2023.

Allen Elementary is proud to be a Kindness Certified School again in 2023!

Be well Eagles! As a California public school, we encourage everyone to stay healthy and get the COVID-19 vaccine (and/or booster shots), as well as to test regularly. The health and safety of our students, staff, and community is our number 1 concern!

🦅  Allen Eagles: Together, we SOAR!

Hello Allen Families and Staff,

This entire week continues our Parent-Teacher conferences (March 9 -16, 2023). Students in grades TK-6 will be dismissed at 2 pm every day this week until we dismiss for Spring Break on Friday, March 17, 2023. Our teachers will make every effort to meet with each parent/legal guardian: Out of respect for our staff and other families, please honor your scheduled conference time. Generally, spring conferences are student-led so that children can demonstrate their learning to their families!

Students return from Spring Break on Monday, April 3, 2023. Students in grades TK-6 will attend class from 8:50 am to 2 pm that day.

Allen Elementary and the Chula Vista Elementary School District celebrate and honor Women’s History Month!

If you have questions for our staff or need assistance, please call at at (619) 479-3662. Office hours are 8 am to 3:30 pm, M-F.

Have you downloaded the Family Handbook for 2022-2023? Kindly review this periodically with your child.

https://allenelementary.org/family-handbook/

Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week

Please watch Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week for this upcoming week at the YouTube link below:

Parents and legal guardians, please honor our commitment to provide educational field trips by respecting the guidelines and space limitations for parent chaperones. We also respectfully ask that students who leave on the school bus return to school to continue their learning for the day.

Please check the lost and found rack outside of the MPR at school! Any unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity at the end of each quarter. Be sure to write your child’s first and last name in permanent ink on all personal items (hoodies, jackets, lunch bags, water bottles, and backpacks).

Please download our Q3 Calendar of Events here:

This week is the final week of our YMCA annual campaign. Help our partners at the YMCA meet their fundraising goal as our students benefit greatly from services at Allen and at our local branch! Contribute here: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4298539

Do you receive School Messenger emails and communication from our district? Be sure to check www.cvesd.org and bookmark our district’s website and follow its social media:

• Facebook – @CVESDNews
• Instagram – @CVESDNews
• Twitter – @CVESDNews

Please see our updated 2022-2023 Family Handbook here: Link to Family Handbook

A reminder of our school’s Core Values and Common Courtesies:

The Core Value for this upcoming week of school is Respect. The Common Courtesy for this week is “I apologize for…“

Students may earn an Allen Eagle Ticket for demonstrating the Core Values and Common Courtesies each day. Students can redeem these tickets at the Eagle’s Nest Store at the end of each quarter of the school year. Our staff is always looking for ways to celebrate our students!

Kindness counts! Wondering how to support children if they experience a problem with another student? We suggest:

• Use “I feel…” statements to express yourself clearly.
• Set boundaries by saying “I don’t like that…” or “Please stop!”
• Move away from the student you have conflict with and…
• Seek help from an adult nearby.

Our staff prides itself in actively monitoring students at all times. What our staff has noticed is that students are learning how to interact with one another and having some problems or conflict. This is not bullying. It may be due to trauma and other sudden social-emotional issues with a child. What is bullying? See the helpful graphic below:

If you have a concern about another child’s behaviors impacting your child, we suggest you first contact your child’s teacher. Afterwards, please see this page here. It’s our District’s Anti-Bullying page.

If you need to conduct business with the school office, please contact the school office between the hours of 8 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at (619) 479-3662 and we will arrange an appointment with you.

A Look Ahead:

Now – March, 16, 2023: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences (dismissal at 2 pm for all students in grades TK-6)

Monday, March 13, 2023 – Parent Meetings (in person in MPR and online)

• ELAC at 3 pm [ELAC LINK here]
• SSC at 3:30 pm [SSC LINK here]
• PTC at 6 pm PTC Link HERE]

Tuesday, March 14, 2023 – Pi Day at Allen (3.14) – π

Friday, March 17, 2023 – Green Spirit Day (St. Patrick’s Day) and dismiss for Spring Break

March 20 – 31, 2023: Spring Break – NO SCHOOL

Monday, April 3, 2023 – Classes resume (with a 2 pm dismissal for all students in grades TK-6)

Tuesday, April 4, 2023 – 9:30 am Second Grade Dental Presentations

Wednesday, April 5, 2023 – Q3 Awards for grades TK-2 from 9 am to 9:45 am in the courtyard

Thursday, April 6, 2023 – Q3 Awards for grades 3-6 and 800 building from 9 am to 9:45 am in the courtyard

Friday, April 7, 2023

• Good Friday
• Smarty Plants Assemblies for students during school hours

Monday, April 10, 2023 – Parent Meetings (in person in MPR and online)

• ELAC at 3 pm [ELAC LINK here]
• SSC at 3:30 pm [SSC LINK here]
• PTC at 6 pm PTC Link HERE]

Celebrating Excellence

Allen Elementary has a staff that cares deeply for the safety, well-being, and education of its students. We have many talented staff. Recently, our staff selected employees of the year. Congratulations to our Certificated Employee of the Year, Ms. Gloria Davies, one of our amazing teachers in Kindergarten! Congratulations to our Classified Employee of the Year, Ms. Gina-Marie McConkey, our librarian!

PTC Golf Tournament

Our amazing Allen PTC hosted its first annual charity golf tournament on Friday, March 10, 2023. This adults-only event helped to raise essential funds for our school’s programs. Check out the photo gallery below:

Safety at Home and Online

At our March 2023, our ELAC and SSC will discuss online safety information to keep children safe.

Parents and legal guardians, please monitor your child’s activity on cell phones, online games, and computers. Online safety includes any computers, cell phone, gaming consoles, e-readers, tablets, and other devices. It is important to discuss with ALL CHILDREN (even at an early age) the following topics:

• Netiquette
• Looking at inappropriate content
• Pop-ups/Passwords
• Not trusting everyone and everything you see online

In addition, older children (tweens and teens) need to hear from trusted adults on:

• Cyberbullying
• Sexting
• Posting personal/inappropriate information (pornography, violence, hate speech, illegal activities)
• Meeting offline with others

We recommend that parents stay calm and level-headed when speaking to children about these topics. Often well-intentioned parents threaten to take away items and punish children when they are found exploring online and that just creates other problems that could be potentially more serious down the line.

Ask your child if they are aware of conflicts between students via social media, online gaming, and other apps. Build trust and answer questions they have in an age-appropriate way.

Online safety continues to be a hot topic in our community! We encourage parents to check out additional resources for online safety at https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/videos#elementary.

Other helpful resources are Common Sense Media and Internet Matters. Those links are below…

https://commonsensemedia.org

https://internetmatters.org/

Spring Break Reminder

Conferences are minimum days (with a 2 pm dismissal for all students in grades TK-6) from March 9 – March 16, 2023. Spring Break begins when we dismiss at 2 pm on Friday, March 17, 2023. Students return on Monday, April 3rd for a 2 pm dismissal day.

Allen Students – Special Edition of the Equity Podcast

A special edition of the CVESD Student Podcast is brought to you by the students of Allen Elementary!  The link is also on the CVESD Website Home page: www.cvesd.org

Be sure to listen to this special podcast now at https://www.cvesd.org/home.

Families with a 6th Grade Student

Do you have a current sixth grade student at Allen? This message is for you!

We wanted to share this important information from Bonita Vista Middle School.

Check out the flyer to learn the 3 steps to become a student at BVMS:

Please contact the Bonita Vista Middle School office at (619) 397-2200 for questions or for help with registering at another Sweetwater Union School District middle school.

Attendance Matters!

Attendance is important! Allen Elementary celebrates excellent attendance as it sets students up for success!

Students attending Allen on a Zone Transfer may be denied if a student has a poor attendance record or behavior concerns.

Did you know that if your child is out of school for five or more days, you can request an independent study contract? If an independent study contract is completed, your child receives attendance credit. For more information, you can contact Ms. Baptista in the front office at (619) 479-3662.

• LET’S CONTINUE TO IMPROVE OUR ATTENDANCE AT ALLEN!
• Students should only miss school if they are sick. Those with symptoms can return with a negative COVID-19 test, no fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, and symptoms improving. STUDENTS DO NOT NEED TO BE SYMPTOM-FREE to attend school. We have plenty of rapid tests at school: just ask in the office. If you have a special circumstance and need an independent study, please let us know.
• Please make sure your child is here by 8:45 am and lined up on the blacktop. If they arrive to campus after 8:50 am, they will be marked tardy.
• We begin a secure campus at 8:50 am. Parents/guardians must exit promptly at 8:50. Thank you.
• Students can arrive as early as 8:20 am when our school’s gates open. There is no supervision for students prior to 8:20 am.
• FREE breakfast is served from 8:20 am to 8:45 am. All meals are eaten at the lunch arbor outside, rain or shine.
• If your child is absent, it is very important to call the office to report the reason for the absence.
• Absences that are not reported will be considered UNEXCUSED. After 3 unexcused absences and/or tardies you will receive a truancy letter.
• If you pick up your child early and/or they are tardy for personal reasons, this is considered unexcused by the state of California.
• Remember to bring a doctor’s note. Vacations, dentist, and doctor visits should be scheduled during our breaks whenever possible.
• If your child misses school, they are missing out on important learning! 
• Our school staff will be scheduling SART (School Attendance Review Team) meetings with parents/guardians, calling home, and doing home visits for students who are chronically absent (missing 10% of school or excessive tardies).
• Thank you for helping to get your child to school every day and one time!

Parent Volunteers Still Needed

We need parent volunteers to help monitor student safety on the sidewalks around our school at drop off and dismissal time! Our Eagle Eye volunteers work with school staff to serve as an extra set of eyes to keep kids safe outside of our school gates. Any interested volunteers should contact Mr. Greenwell or Ms. Reza in the office or call (619) 479-3662.

All parent volunteers are allowed to volunteer inside the classroom and school buildings after having completed the required training with the school principal and meeting the District’s volunteer requirements. See below for these requirements:

REQUIRED ITEMS:

• Proof of TB
• RAPTOR I.D. Scan
• Fingerprint Clearance – DOJ & FBI

Note that COVID-19 testing requirements have been lifted by CDPH. Please contact the school office at (619) 479-3662 to be put on the volunteer list and to schedule a volunteer training with the school principal.

YMCA Spring Break Camp

Looking for affordable Spring Break activities and/or child care? We recommend the YMCA Spring Break Camp at Tiffany Elementary. Space is limited so register now!

ThoughtExchange – We Need Your Voice!

Our annual ThoughtExchange for community input on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) is now open! We need to hear from every parent/legal guardian. This year, we are asking the question: What are some things we are doing well, and what could improve the educational experience we provide students through the LCAP? 

As you’re aware, the LCAP shapes our District’s goals and guides our budgeting priorities. Please join in on the conversation from Feb. 1 through April 1, 2023. Please note that any negative comments and comments with profanity directed at an individual will be deleted. Constructive criticism on how to improve our school and district (and better serve students) is always welcome!

Feel free to reach out to our office team if you have any questions at (619) 479-3662. Allen Elementary’s budget priorities are discussed at every ELAC, SSC, and PTC meeting as well.

Link to survey: https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/629912727

YMCA Campaign

Students and families in our area benefit from free and reduced services from the YMCA of San Diego. Help give back by joining the YMCA Campaign for 2023! This year’s campaign theme is “Open Hearts, Open Doors.” 

You can make a tax-deductible donation securely here: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4298539

Zone Transfers & Registration Information

It’s that time again! Everyone attending Allen Elementary on a CVESD Zone Transfer should have received an email with a specific link to renew the Zone Transfer for their child for the 2023-2024 school year.  Please complete this Zone Transfer (or ZT) process ASAP to keep your child at our school, or families risk losing their child’s spot at our school if a new family moves into the neighborhood. Please also remember that a Zone Transfer or Intradistrict Transfer may be denied if a child’s behavior or attendance require improvement.

NEW STUDENT registration began on February 15 online for the following:

• Kindergartners who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023.
• NEW students in grades 1^st through 6^th 
• All registrations will take place online. There will be no paper packets. To register please visit our district website beginning on February 15: www.cvesd.org

Allen Elementary has plenty of space in our Preschool, TK, and Kindergarten classes for next year, but has limited openings in our upper grades. Please contact our office for questions about space availability at (619) 479-3662. More information is posted on our district’s website at www.cvesd.org.

• Please note:
  • TK students will not need a renewal zone transfer link as they will need to register at their neighborhood school for Kindergarten. Our district’s Early Childhood Education department supports Preschool and TK enrollment. Please contact them directly at (619) 425-9600 Ext.181725.
  • The Renewal Zone Transfer Form is independent of the “New Zone Transfer Form.”
  • Students who will be transitioning to Sweetwater Union High School District for seventh grade (middle school) do not need to notify CVESD about this, but will need to complete registration processes with that district via https://www.sweetwaterschools.org/.

Preschool Enrollment

Are you considering enrolling your child in preschool? Look no further! Allen Elementary offers a free preschool program for qualifying families that live in San Diego County. Learn more and enroll your child today at http://cvesd.org/preschool.

Free Campus Clinic Health Services

Families may come to the school office, Monday- Friday, between 8 am and 3:30 pm to receive a free COVID-19 home antigen test. The testing is not required. Please report all positive cases to our school office at (619) 479-3662.

Weekly, voluntary testing will continue on our school campus via Campus Clinic each week. Parents and legal guardians must opt-in to the program and no child will be tested without proper consent. If families would like to watch a video on the registration process, they can visit: https://campusclinic.org/how-to/. For community testing at the kiosks, individuals will need to register on-site. You only need to register one time for a test through the kiosk.

In alignment with our district’s commitment to keeping your children healthy and in school, we are excited to expand Campus Clinic’s health services by adding the flu combo test to our weekly COVID-19 testing program. This combo test is designed to provide results for symptomatic individuals for some of the most common illnesses, such as Flu A, Flu B, RSV, and COVID-19. This testing is provided at no-cost or free to families, but Campus Clinic is required by the state of California to collect insurance information. Campus Clinic will also be providing other essential public health services on our campus in the coming weeks.

MedLab2020 may call or email families to verify insurance information for individuals who have tested with Campus Clinic previously. MedLab2020 is the lab that Campus Clinic partners with to process COVID-19 PCR & flu combo tests administered through weekly in school testing, as well as at the four kiosks throughout the district. They are part of the letterhead on most of the results sent out. Please feel free to direct any questions or concerns you may have to the Campus Success Team.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information above, please call or email our Campus Success team.

Campus Success; 8:00am -4:00pm PST
855.286.2577
support@campusclinic.org
www.campusclinic.org

Again, for this free testing support, please email: support@campusclinic.org.

Health and Safety

Vaccines for children are now available. There is currently no mandate for vaccines, nor a mandate for masks. Please understand that the state of California may (in the future) require children to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to attend a public school, just as they already do for other diseases (polio, mumps, rubella, etc..). This decision is not a school-based or district-based decision, but rather a state government decision.

Masks, although not required at this time, are encouraged for all staff, students, parents, and visitors while indoors on campus.

• There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses in any public place where people are present. The school and district strive to reduce this impact to staff, students, and families.
• It is a current public health recommendation for all eligible people to get COVID-19 booster shots.

If your child has a chronic health condition, such as allergies or asthma, please contact the school office and download the form below to have your child’s doctor complete and send it back to the school’s nurse. We recommend doing this in advance of a child showing symptoms.

If your child experiences any symptoms of COVID-19, please keep your child home and contact the school office at (619) 479-3662. If any person (regardless of vaccination status) presents with symptoms of COVID-19 while at school, that person will be immediately sent home. All schools in CVESD must follow the latest County of San Diego COVID-19 Decision Tree (see below) for persons with symptoms associated with COVID-19.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.  People with these symptoms may have COVID-19 and should stay home:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

*** Please see the latest COVID-19 Decision Tree here: LINK to Newest Decision Tree

Parent-Teacher Club (PTC) Corner

Visit the PTC website at AllenPTC.org to become a member of the PTC and make a donation to support the latest initiative at the school. Allen’s PTC is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the school’s educational mission through funding programs and initiatives.

Please help support Allen’s PTC and our school by joining as a member of the Allen Elementary School Parents Teachers Club.

The standing PTC Meeting link is here: PTC MEETING LINK 2022-2023

Meetings for Families & Staff

Allen School needs parents and legal guardians to support our school through important parent groups, such as the PTC (Parent Teacher Club), the School Site Council (often referred to as SSC), and the English Language Advisory Committee (often referred to as ELAC). The site-based groups work with the Principal, staff, and other community members to ensure that community voice is part of the shared decision making process of a public school.

Family First Friday Meeting

The first Friday of every month is usually reserved for our Family First Friday, Allen’s version of Coffee with the Principal. Our next Family First Friday will be on Friday, April 7, 2023 from 8 am to 9 am. This meeting will be in person at school with a coffee cart available in front of the school. Our Allen PTC will also have their monthly Spirit Gear Booth with great items for sale!

We encourage parents and legal guardians to join this meeting with a free cup of hot coffee or a cold cup of cold brew on nitro and listen to Mr. Greenwell give an update on the school year and meet other amazing Allen families.

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

Ella B. Allen’s next ELAC Meeting will be on March 13, 2023 at 3 pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

The school encourages all legal parent/guardian of students designated as an English Learner to attend these meetings.

School Site Council (SSC)

Ella B. Allen’s next SSC Meeting will be on March 13, 2023 at 3:30 pm. Please note that if you join early, you’ll be attending the ELAC meeting already in progress. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

All SSC members are welcome to attend ELAC meetings for additional information.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC) is composed of five elected parent/community representatives and five elected staff/teacher representatives. The role of the SSC is to develop, approve, and monitor the School Plan for Student Achievement.

With a few exceptions, meetings are held the second Monday of every month. All parents and staff are welcome to attend. Council members serve for two year terms.

Parent Teacher Club (PTC) Meeting

Allen’s PTC usually meets the second Monday of every month at 6pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Link: via this link. The next PTC meeting is March 13 at 6 pm. Please also check out the new PTC website to become a member and make a donation: AllenPTC.org

CVESD Board of Education Meeting

The district’s Board of Education meetings are also being held online and generally occur the second Wednesday of each month. The next regularly scheduled CVESD Board of Education meeting is Wednesday, April 19 at 6 pm. Limited in-person access is permitted, but check the district’s website for more information on this.

To access these public meetings, please click the link here: https://www.cvesd.org/board_of_education/board_meetings

CVESD DAC/DELAC Meeting

District Advisory Council (DAC)

The DAC is composed of parent and staff representatives from each School Site Council. It meets regularly during the school year in open public forum to share information, study instructional issues, approve school planning schedules, and make recommendations to the Board of Education on specific items. District meetings take place once a month, mid-afternoon. Most meetings occur on Tuesdays from 12 – 2 pm, with a parent training beforehand. This is an elected position to serve a one-year term.

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

The district will continue to conduct all meetings online until further notice, including all DAC/DELAC meetings. DAC is the District Advisory Committee. DELAC is the District English Learner Advisory Committee. Both of these groups are designed to support and inform parents in a shared communication setting with the district. Parents learn with other parents and district leadership at the DAC/DELAC meetings.

The next DAC/DELAC Meeting will be on April 11, 2023 at 12 noon. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

The link below contains a schedule of all DAC/DELAC meetings for the upcoming school year. I recommend all parents download this schedule if they are interested in learning more about theses district meetings: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/dac-delac

CVESD B-LAC Meeting

District Black Learners Advisory Council (B-LAC)

The B-LAC is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The B-LAC provides and monitors the ongoing support for Black/African American students and families in the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) to ensure unbiased practices/policies, equitable educational outcomes, and equal access to a quality education. The group meets regularly during the school year, once a month. Most meetings occur on Thursdays from 6 – 7 pm. The next meeting is April 20 at 6 pm and will be in person at Fahari Jeffers Elementary (1145 Camino Prado, Chula Vista, CA 91913). For more information and to download the schedule of these meetings, clink the link: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/black-learners-advisory-council—b–lac

CVESD BAC Meeting

District Budget Advisory Council (CVESD BAC)

The District’s Budget Advisory Council (BAC) is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The BAC monitors the financial statements and fiduciary obligations of the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD). Although it usually only meets 5 – 6 times a year, the BAC’s meetings are useful in understanding how state and federal monies support student learning at a local level. March 15 at 6 pm is the next BAC meeting. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

Academic Calendar for the 2022-2023 School Year

The 2022-2023 School Calendar is available online! Click this link to download it. Please reference this when planning vacations or scheduling appointments with your children that may require them to miss school. Excellent attendance is important in student success!

Our Board of Education approved our 2023-2024 School Calendar as well and we are pleased to share that it aligns well with Sweetwater as well. Please also use this document to plan and schedule family outings, vacations, and other important appointments. Find that document in the file below…

Students in our district will end the current academic year on Friday, June 2, 2023.

Allen Elementary is proud to be a Kindness Certified School again in 2023!

Be well Eagles! Stay safe: As a California public school, we encourage everyone to stay healthy and get the COVID-19 vaccine (and/or booster shots), as well as to test regularly. The health and safety of our students, staff, and community is our number 1 concern!

🦅  Allen Eagles: Together, we SOAR!

Hello Allen Families and Staff,

It’s Scholastic Book Fair week and the start of our Parent-Teacher conferences (March 9 -16, 2023). Students will be dismissed at 2 pm starting on Thursday, March 9, 2023 until we dismiss for Spring Break on Friday, March 17, 2023.

Our teachers will make every effort to meet with each parent/legal guardian: Out of respect for our staff and other families, please honor your scheduled conference time. Generally, spring conferences are student-led so that children can demonstrate their learning to their families!

If you have questions for our staff or need assistance, please call at at (619) 479-3662. Office hours are 8 am to 3:30 pm, M-F.

Have you downloaded the Family Handbook for 2022-2023? Kindly review this periodically with your child.

https://allenelementary.org/family-handbook/

Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week

Please watch Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week for this upcoming week at the YouTube link below:

Parents and legal guardians, please honor our commitment to provide educational field trips by respecting the guidelines and space limitations for parent chaperones. We also respectfully ask that students who leave on the school bus return to school to continue their learning for the day.

Please check the lost and found rack outside of the MPR at school! Any unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity at the end of each quarter. Be sure to write your child’s first and last name in permanent ink on all personal items (hoodies, jackets, lunch bags, water bottles, and backpacks).

Please download our Q3 Calendar of Events here:

Help our partners at the YMCA meet their fundraising goal as our students benefit greatly from services at Allen and at our local branch! Contribute here: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4298539

Do you receive School Messenger emails and communication from our district? Be sure to check www.cvesd.org and bookmark our district’s website and follow its social media:

• Facebook – @CVESDNews
• Instagram – @CVESDNews
• Twitter – @CVESDNews

Please see our updated 2022-2023 Family Handbook here: Link to Family Handbook

A reminder of our school’s Core Values and Common Courtesies:

The Core Value for this upcoming week of school is Perseverance. The Common Courtesy for this week is “Good morning/Good afternoon…“

Students may earn an Allen Eagle Ticket for demonstrating the Core Values and Common Courtesies each day. Students can redeem these tickets at the Eagle’s Nest Store at the end of each quarter of the school year. Our staff is always looking for ways to celebrate our students!

Kindness counts! Wondering how to support children if they experience a problem with another student? We suggest:

• Use “I feel…” statements to express yourself clearly.
• Set boundaries by saying “I don’t like that…” or “Please stop!”
• Move away from the student you have conflict with and…
• Seek help from an adult nearby.

Our staff prides itself in actively monitoring students at all times. What our staff has noticed is that students are learning how to interact with one another and having some problems or conflict. This is not bullying. It may be due to trauma and other sudden social-emotional issues with a child. What is bullying? See the helpful graphic below:

If you have a concern about another child’s behaviors impacting your child, we suggest you first contact your child’s teacher. Afterwards, please see this page here. It’s our District’s Anti-Bullying page.

If you need to conduct business with the school office, please contact the school office between the hours of 8 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at (619) 479-3662 and we will arrange an appointment with you.

A Look Ahead:

March 6 – 10, 2023: Scholastic Spring Book Fair (BOGO) in MPR

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

• CVESD DAC/DELAC 12 noon to 2 pm at ESSC (84 East J Street, Chula Vista)

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

• Holi
• First grade students visit the Living Coast Discovery Center
• CVESD Board of Education meeting at 6 pm at ESSC (84 East J Street, Chula Vista)

March 9 – 16, 2023: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences (dismissal at 2 pm for all students in grades TK-6)

Thursday, March 9, 2023 – Allen Eagles basketball game at Montgomery Elementary (versus Cook) at 4:45 pm

Saturday, March 11, 2023 – Spring Forward! Daylight Saving’s Time begins.

Monday, March 13, 2023 – Parent Meetings (in person in MPR and online)

• ELAC at 3 pm [ELAC LINK here]
• SSC at 3:30 pm [SSC LINK here]
• PTC at 6 pm PTC Link HERE]

Tuesday, March 14, 2023 – Pi Day at Allen (3.14) – π

Friday, March 17, 2023 – Green Spirit Day (St. Patrick’s Day) and dismiss for Spring Break

March 20 – 31, 2023: Spring Break – NO SCHOOL

Monday, April 3, 2023 – Classes resume (with a 2 pm dismissal for all students in grades TK-6)

Tuesday, April 4, 2023 – 9:30 am Second Grade Dental Presentations

Wednesday, April 5, 2023 – Q3 Awards for grades TK-2 from 9 am to 9:45 am in the courtyard

Thursday, April 6, 2023 – Q3 Awards for grades 3-6 and 800 building from 9 am to 9:45 am in the courtyard

Friday, April 7, 2023

• Good Friday
• Smarty Plants Assemblies for students during school hours

Monday, April 10, 2023 – Parent Meetings (in person in MPR and online)

• ELAC at 3 pm [ELAC LINK here]
• SSC at 3:30 pm [SSC LINK here]
• PTC at 6 pm PTC Link HERE]

Spring Break Reminder

Conferences are minimum days (with a 2 pm dismissal for all students in grades TK-6) from March 9 – March 16, 2023. Spring Break begins when we dismiss at 2 pm on Friday, March 17, 2023. Students return on Monday, April 3rd for a 2 pm dismissal day.

Scholastic Book Fair

The Book Fair is this week! The Book Fair is being hosted by our PTC and will be in the MPR from March 6 – 10, 2023. While the book fair will be closed during all recess and lunch breaks, students will have opportunities during the school day and on select days after school to make purchases. Most books are BOGO this week! Check out our Allen Elementary Book Fair page today: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/allenelemschool1

We recommend setting up an e-Wallet account to create a secure way for your child to make purchases while at school. The video link below will help you set up the e-Wallet…

https://players.brightcove.net/1543299976/Eyj59PHsg_default/index.html?videoId=6234964928001

Sign up to create an eWallet account here: LINK for eWallet

This is an easy way to ensure that your child has the money they need to spend in the book fair, while reducing lines in the book fair and ensuring that no money is lost by a child. We highly encourage families to set up an eWallet account in advance of the book fair.

Allen Students Featured on a Special Edition of the Equity Podcast

A special edition of the CVESD Student Podcast is brought to you by the students of Allen Elementary!  The link is also on the CVESD Website Home page: www.cvesd.org

Be sure to listen to this special podcast now at https://www.cvesd.org/home.

Attendance Matters!

Attendance is important! Allen Elementary celebrates excellent attendance as it sets students up for success!

Students attending Allen on a Zone Transfer may be denied if a student has a poor attendance record or behavior concerns.

Did you know that if your child is out of school for five or more days, you can request an independent study contract? If an independent study contract is completed, your child receives attendance credit. For more information, you can contact Ms. Baptista in the front office at (619) 479-3662.

• LET’S CONTINUE TO IMPROVE OUR ATTENDANCE AT ALLEN!
• Students should only miss school if they are sick. Those with symptoms can return with a negative COVID-19 test, no fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, and symptoms improving. STUDENTS DO NOT NEED TO BE SYMPTOM-FREE to attend school. We have plenty of rapid tests at school: just ask in the office. If you have a special circumstance and need an independent study, please let us know.
• Please make sure your child is here by 8:45 am and lined up on the blacktop. If they arrive to campus after 8:50 am, they will be marked tardy.
• We begin a secure campus at 8:50 am. Parents/guardians must exit promptly at 8:50. Thank you.
• Students can arrive as early as 8:20 am when our school’s gates open. There is no supervision for students prior to 8:20 am.
• FREE breakfast is served from 8:20 am to 8:45 am. All meals are eaten at the lunch arbor outside, rain or shine.
• If your child is absent, it is very important to call the office to report the reason for the absence.
• Absences that are not reported will be considered UNEXCUSED. After 3 unexcused absences and/or tardies you will receive a truancy letter.
• If you pick up your child early and/or they are tardy for personal reasons, this is considered unexcused by the state of California.
• Remember to bring a doctor’s note. Vacations, dentist, and doctor visits should be scheduled during our breaks whenever possible.
• If your child misses school, they are missing out on important learning! 
• Our school staff will be scheduling SART (School Attendance Review Team) meetings with parents/guardians, calling home, and doing home visits for students who are chronically absent (missing 10% of school or excessive tardies).
• Thank you for helping to get your child to school every day and one time!

Parent Volunteers Still Needed

We need parent volunteers to help monitor student safety on the sidewalks around our school at drop off and dismissal time! Our Eagle Eye volunteers work with school staff to serve as an extra set of eyes to keep kids safe outside of our school gates. Any interested volunteers should contact Mr. Greenwell or Ms. Reza in the office or call (619) 479-3662.

All parent volunteers are allowed to volunteer inside the classroom and school buildings after having completed the required training with the school principal and meeting the District’s volunteer requirements. See below for these requirements:

REQUIRED ITEMS:

• Proof of TB
• RAPTOR I.D. Scan
• Fingerprint Clearance – DOJ & FBI

Note that COVID-19 testing requirements have been lifted by CDPH. Please contact the school office at (619) 479-3662 to be put on the volunteer list and to schedule a volunteer training with the school principal.

YMCA Spring Break Camp

Looking for affordable Spring Break activities and/or child care? We recommend the YMCA Spring Break Camp at Tiffany Elementary. Space is limited so register now!

PTC Charity Golf Tournament – March 10

Have you signed up yet for our adults-only charity golf tournament? PTC is hosting a charity golf event for adults only on Friday, March 10, 2023. Please download the information below for registration details.

ThoughtExchange – We Need Your Voice!

Our annual ThoughtExchange for community input on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) is now open! We need to hear from every parent/legal guardian. This year, we are asking the question: What are some things we are doing well, and what could improve the educational experience we provide students through the LCAP? 

As you’re aware, the LCAP shapes our District’s goals and guides our budgeting priorities. Please join in on the conversation from Feb. 1 through April 1, 2023. Please note that any negative comments and comments with profanity directed at an individual will be deleted. Constructive criticism on how to improve our school and district (and better serve students) is always welcome!

Feel free to reach out to our office team if you have any questions at (619) 479-3662. Allen Elementary’s budget priorities are discussed at every ELAC, SSC, and PTC meeting as well.

Link to survey: https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/629912727

YMCA Campaign

Students and families in our area benefit from free and reduced services from the YMCA of San Diego. Help give back by joining the YMCA Campaign for 2023! This year’s campaign theme is “Open Hearts, Open Doors.” 

You can make a tax-deductible donation securely here: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4298539

Zone Transfers & Registration Information

It’s that time again! Everyone attending Allen Elementary on a CVESD Zone Transfer should have received an email with a specific link to renew the Zone Transfer for their child for the 2023-2024 school year.  Please complete this Zone Transfer (or ZT) process ASAP to keep your child at our school, or families risk losing their child’s spot at our school if a new family moves into the neighborhood. Please also remember that a Zone Transfer or Intradistrict Transfer may be denied if a child’s behavior or attendance require improvement.

NEW STUDENT registration began on February 15 online for the following:

• Kindergartners who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023.
• NEW students in grades 1^st through 6^th 
• All registrations will take place online. There will be no paper packets. To register please visit our district website beginning on February 15: www.cvesd.org

Allen Elementary has plenty of space in our Preschool, TK, and Kindergarten classes for next year, but has limited openings in our upper grades. Please contact our office for questions about space availability at (619) 479-3662. More information is posted on our district’s website at www.cvesd.org.

• Please note:
  • TK students will not need a renewal zone transfer link as they will need to register at their neighborhood school for Kindergarten. Our district’s Early Childhood Education department supports Preschool and TK enrollment. Please contact them directly at (619) 425-9600 Ext.181725.
  • The Renewal Zone Transfer Form is independent of the “New Zone Transfer Form.”
  • Students who will be transitioning to Sweetwater Union High School District for seventh grade (middle school) do not need to notify CVESD about this, but will need to complete registration processes with that district via https://www.sweetwaterschools.org/.

Preschool Enrollment

Are you considering enrolling your child in preschool? Look no further! Allen Elementary offers a free preschool program for qualifying families that live in San Diego County. Learn more and enroll your child today at http://cvesd.org/preschool.

Free Campus Clinic Health Services

Families may come to the school office, Monday- Friday, between 8 am and 3:30 pm to receive a free COVID-19 home antigen test. The testing is not required. Please report all positive cases to our school office at (619) 479-3662.

Weekly, voluntary testing will continue on our school campus via Campus Clinic each week. Parents and legal guardians must opt-in to the program and no child will be tested without proper consent. If families would like to watch a video on the registration process, they can visit: https://campusclinic.org/how-to/. For community testing at the kiosks, individuals will need to register on-site. You only need to register one time for a test through the kiosk.

In alignment with our district’s commitment to keeping your children healthy and in school, we are excited to expand Campus Clinic’s health services by adding the flu combo test to our weekly COVID-19 testing program. This combo test is designed to provide results for symptomatic individuals for some of the most common illnesses, such as Flu A, Flu B, RSV, and COVID-19. This testing is provided at no-cost or free to families, but Campus Clinic is required by the state of California to collect insurance information. Campus Clinic will also be providing other essential public health services on our campus in the coming weeks.

MedLab2020 may call or email families to verify insurance information for individuals who have tested with Campus Clinic previously. MedLab2020 is the lab that Campus Clinic partners with to process COVID-19 PCR & flu combo tests administered through weekly in school testing, as well as at the four kiosks throughout the district. They are part of the letterhead on most of the results sent out. Please feel free to direct any questions or concerns you may have to the Campus Success Team.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information above, please call or email our Campus Success team.

Campus Success; 8:00am -4:00pm PST
855.286.2577
support@campusclinic.org
www.campusclinic.org

Again, for this free testing support, please email: support@campusclinic.org.

Health and Safety

Vaccines for children are now available. There is currently no mandate for vaccines, nor a mandate for masks. Please understand that the state of California may (in the future) require children to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to attend a public school, just as they already do for other diseases (polio, mumps, rubella, etc..). This decision is not a school-based or district-based decision, but rather a state government decision.

Masks, although not required at this time, are encouraged for all staff, students, parents, and visitors while indoors on campus.

• There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses in any public place where people are present. The school and district strive to reduce this impact to staff, students, and families.
• It is a current public health recommendation for all eligible people to get COVID-19 booster shots.

If your child has a chronic health condition, such as allergies or asthma, please contact the school office and download the form below to have your child’s doctor complete and send it back to the school’s nurse. We recommend doing this in advance of a child showing symptoms.

If your child experiences any symptoms of COVID-19, please keep your child home and contact the school office at (619) 479-3662. If any person (regardless of vaccination status) presents with symptoms of COVID-19 while at school, that person will be immediately sent home. All schools in CVESD must follow the latest County of San Diego COVID-19 Decision Tree (see below) for persons with symptoms associated with COVID-19.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.  People with these symptoms may have COVID-19 and should stay home:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

*** Please see the latest COVID-19 Decision Tree here: LINK to Newest Decision Tree

Parent-Teacher Club (PTC) Corner

Visit the PTC website at AllenPTC.org to become a member of the PTC and make a donation to support the latest initiative at the school. Allen’s PTC is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the school’s educational mission through funding programs and initiatives.

Please help support Allen’s PTC and our school by joining as a member of the Allen Elementary School Parents Teachers Club.

The standing PTC Meeting link is here: PTC MEETING LINK 2022-2023

Meetings for Families & Staff

Allen School needs parents and legal guardians to support our school through important parent groups, such as the PTC (Parent Teacher Club), the School Site Council (often referred to as SSC), and the English Language Advisory Committee (often referred to as ELAC). The site-based groups work with the Principal, staff, and other community members to ensure that community voice is part of the shared decision making process of a public school.

Family First Friday Meeting

The first Friday of every month is usually reserved for our Family First Friday, Allen’s version of Coffee with the Principal. Our next Family First Friday will be on Friday, April 7, 2023 from 8 am to 9 am. This meeting will be in person at school with a coffee cart available in front of the school. Our Allen PTC will also have their monthly Spirit Gear Booth with great items for sale!

We encourage parents and legal guardians to join this meeting with a free cup of hot coffee or a cold cup of cold brew on nitro and listen to Mr. Greenwell give an update on the school year and meet other amazing Allen families.

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

Ella B. Allen’s next ELAC Meeting will be on March 13, 2023 at 3 pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

The school encourages all legal parent/guardian of students designated as an English Learner to attend these meetings.

School Site Council (SSC)

Ella B. Allen’s next SSC Meeting will be on March 13, 2023 at 3:30 pm. Please note that if you join early, you’ll be attending the ELAC meeting already in progress. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

All SSC members are welcome to attend ELAC meetings for additional information.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC) is composed of five elected parent/community representatives and five elected staff/teacher representatives. The role of the SSC is to develop, approve, and monitor the School Plan for Student Achievement.

With a few exceptions, meetings are held the second Monday of every month. All parents and staff are welcome to attend. Council members serve for two year terms.

Parent Teacher Club (PTC) Meeting

Allen’s PTC usually meets the second Monday of every month at 6pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Link: via this link. The next PTC meeting is March 13 at 6 pm. Please also check out the new PTC website to become a member and make a donation: AllenPTC.org

CVESD Board of Education Meeting

The district’s Board of Education meetings are also being held online and generally occur the second Wednesday of each month. The next regularly scheduled CVESD Board of Education meeting is Wednesday, March 8 at 6 pm. Limited in-person access is permitted, but check the district’s website for more information on this.

To access these public meetings, please click the link here: https://www.cvesd.org/board_of_education/board_meetings

CVESD DAC/DELAC Meeting

District Advisory Council (DAC)

The DAC is composed of parent and staff representatives from each School Site Council. It meets regularly during the school year in open public forum to share information, study instructional issues, approve school planning schedules, and make recommendations to the Board of Education on specific items. District meetings take place once a month, mid-afternoon. Most meetings occur on Tuesdays from 12 – 2 pm, with a parent training beforehand. This is an elected position to serve a one-year term.

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

The district will continue to conduct all meetings online until further notice, including all DAC/DELAC meetings. DAC is the District Advisory Committee. DELAC is the District English Learner Advisory Committee. Both of these groups are designed to support and inform parents in a shared communication setting with the district. Parents learn with other parents and district leadership at the DAC/DELAC meetings.

The next DAC/DELAC Meeting will be on March 7, 2023 at 12 noon. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

The link below contains a schedule of all DAC/DELAC meetings for the upcoming school year. I recommend all parents download this schedule if they are interested in learning more about theses district meetings: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/dac-delac

CVESD B-LAC Meeting

District Black Learners Advisory Council (B-LAC)

The B-LAC is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The B-LAC provides and monitors the ongoing support for Black/African American students and families in the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) to ensure unbiased practices/policies, equitable educational outcomes, and equal access to a quality education. The group meets regularly during the school year, once a month. Most meetings occur on Thursdays from 6 – 7 pm. The next meeting is April 20 at 6 pm and will be in person at Fahari Jeffers Elementary (1145 Camino Prado, Chula Vista, CA 91913). For more information and to download the schedule of these meetings, clink the link: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/black-learners-advisory-council—b–lac

CVESD BAC Meeting

District Budget Advisory Council (CVESD BAC)

The District’s Budget Advisory Council (BAC) is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The BAC monitors the financial statements and fiduciary obligations of the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD). Although it usually only meets 5 – 6 times a year, the BAC’s meetings are useful in understanding how state and federal monies support student learning at a local level. March 15 at 6 pm is the next BAC meeting. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

Academic Calendar for the 2022-2023 School Year

The 2022-2023 School Calendar is available online! Click this link to download it. Please reference this when planning vacations or scheduling appointments with your children that may require them to miss school. Excellent attendance is important in student success!

Our Board of Education approved our 2023-2024 School Calendar as well and we are pleased to share that it aligns well with Sweetwater as well. Please also use this document to plan and schedule family outings, vacations, and other important appointments. Find that document in the file below…

Students in our district will end the current academic year on Friday, June 2, 2023.

Allen Elementary is proud to be a Kindness Certified School again in 2023!

Be well Eagles! Stay safe: As a California public school, we encourage everyone to stay healthy and get the COVID-19 vaccine (and/or booster shots), as well as to test regularly. The health and safety of our students, staff, and community is our number 1 concern!

🦅  Allen Eagles: Together, we SOAR!

Hello Allen Families,

Some quick updates and reminders for this week:

Read Across America Week

It’s Read Across America Week at Allen Elementary. Students around the world are celebrating this important week to share their love for reading. At Allen, we will also honor many great authors and illustrators, including San Diego’s own Dr. Seuss. Please help us celebrate by participating in the events below:

Panda Express Fundraiser

As a fundraiser for our end-of -the-year 6th grade activities, our PTC is hosting a fundraiser at Panda Express near our school this Friday, March 3rd! All you need to do is plan to have a meal (lunch, dinner, snack) at Panda Express and a percentage of the total sales will be donated to Allen’s sixth grade activities fund!

When: Friday, March 3, 2023 from 10 am to 9 pm.

Where: Panda Express in Bonita (intersection of Bonita Rd. and Otay Lakes Rd.)

• 4450 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902

You must show them this flyer below when ordering or mention the fundraising code 351695 to them (or enter in the app if ordering online).

Scholastic Book Fair

The Book Fair is being hosted by our PTC and will be in the MPR from March 6 – 10, 2023. While the book fair will be closed during all recess and lunch breaks, students will have opportunities during the school day and on select days after school to make purchases. Most books are BOGO this week! We recommend setting up an e-Wallet account to create a secure way for your child to make purchases while at school. The video link below will help you set up the e-Wallet…

Sign up to create an eWallet account here: LINK for eWallet

This is an easy way to ensure that your child has the money they need to spend in the book fair, while reducing lines in the book fair and ensuring that no money is lost by a child. We highly encourage families to set up an eWallet account in advance of the book fair.

Lost and Found Rack

Please check the lost and found rack outside of the MPR at school! Any unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity at the end of each quarter. Be sure to write your child’s first and last name in permanent ink on all personal items (hoodies, jackets, lunch bags, water bottles, and backpacks).

AGE Parent Information Night

Join district staff online to learn more about our district’s Adolescent Growth Education resources that will be shared with our 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. Teachers will be sending home information about this opt-out program in the coming weeks. Under CA state law, parents have the right to opt out of this program. However, our district encourages participation in AGE as this program provides scientifically and medically accurate information.

Please speak to your child’s teacher or contact the school office at (619) 479-3662 if you have questions about this program.

• Sixth Grade – February 27, 2023 from 6 to 7:30 pm
• Fifth Grade – March 2, 2023 from 6 to 7:30 pm
• Fourth Grade (girls only) – March 1, 2023 from 6 to 7:30 pm

Student Council Sock Drive

Allen Elementary collected over 330 pairs of socks in the Student Council Sock Drive. These socks were donated to local organizations that support families in our community. Thank you to all who donated!

Hello Allen Families and Staff,

We are excited to share our Read Across America Week this week and hope parents, staff, and students will choose to participate in a love for literacy!

March is upon us: You should be receiving information soon from your child’s teacher regarding our spring Parent-Teacher conferences (March 9 -16, 2023). Our teachers will make every effort to meet with each parent/legal guardian: Out of respect for our staff and other families, please honor your scheduled conference time. Generally, spring conferences are student-led so that children can demonstrate their learning to their families!

If you have questions for our staff or need assistance, please call at at (619) 479-3662. Office hours are 8 am to 3:30 pm, M-F.

Have you downloaded the Family Handbook for 2022-2023? Kindly review this with your child.

https://allenelementary.org/family-handbook/

Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week

Please watch Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week for this upcoming week at the YouTube link below:

Please check the lost and found rack outside of the MPR at school! Any unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity at the end of each quarter. Be sure to write your child’s first and last name in permanent ink on all personal items (hoodies, jackets, lunch bags, water bottles, and backpacks).

Please download our Q3 Calendar of Events here:

Help our partners at the YMCA meet their fundraising goal as our students benefit greatly from services at Allen and at our local branch! Contribute here: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4298539

Do you receive School Messenger emails and communication from our district? Be sure to check www.cvesd.org and bookmark our district’s website and follow its social media:

• Facebook – @CVESDNews
• Instagram – @CVESDNews
• Twitter – @CVESDNews

Please see our updated 2022-2023 Family Handbook here: Link to Family Handbook

A reminder of our school’s Core Values and Common Courtesies:

The Core Value for this upcoming week of school is Honesty. The Common Courtesy for this week is “Thank you…“

Students may earn an Allen Eagle Ticket for demonstrating the Core Values and Common Courtesies each day. Students can redeem these tickets at the Eagle’s Nest Store at the end of each quarter of the school year. Our staff is always looking for ways to celebrate our students!

Kindness counts! Wondering how to support children if they experience a problem with another student? We suggest:

• Use “I feel…” statements to express yourself clearly.
• Set boundaries by saying “I don’t like that…” or “Please stop!”
• Move away from the student you have conflict with and…
• Seek help from an adult nearby.

Our staff prides itself in actively monitoring students at all times. What our staff has noticed is that students are learning how to interact with one another and having some problems or conflict. This is not bullying. It may be due to trauma and other sudden social-emotional issues with a child. What is bullying? See the helpful graphic below:

If you have a concern about another child’s behaviors impacting your child, we suggest you first contact your child’s teacher. Afterwards, please see this page here. It’s our District’s Anti-Bullying page.

If you need to conduct business with the school office, please contact the school office between the hours of 8 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at (619) 479-3662 and we will arrange an appointment with you.

A Look Ahead:

February 27 – March 3, 2023: Read Across America Week and Spirit Week (see below)

Monday, February 27, 2023 – Sixth Grade Parent Resource Night online for AGE at 6 pm

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 – 4th grade students visit the Living Coast Discovery Center

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

• Women’s History Month begins
• Fourth Grade (girls only) Parent Resource Night online for AGE at 6 pm

Thursday, March 2, 2023 – Fifth Grade Parent Resource Night online for AGE at 6 pm

Friday, March 3, 2023 – Family First Friday from 8 am to 9 am (with free coffee for adults) and PTC Spirit Booth

March 6 – 10, 2023: Scholastic Spring Book Fair (BOGO) in MPR

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

• Second Grade dental presentations
• CVESD DAC/DELAC 12 noon to 2 pm at ESSC (84 East J Street, Chula Vista)

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

• Holi
• First grade students visit the Living Coast Discovery Center
• CVESD Board of Education meeting at 6 pm at ESSC (84 East J Street, Chula Vista)

March 9 – 16, 2023: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences (dismissal at 2 pm for all students in grades TK-6)

Thursday, March 9, 2023 – Allen Eagles basketball game at Cook Elementary at 4:45 pm

Monday, March 13, 2023 – Parent Meetings (in person in MPR and online)

• ELAC at 3 pm [ELAC LINK here]
• SSC at 3:30 pm [SSC LINK here]
• PTC at 6 pm PTC Link HERE]

Friday, March 17, 2023 – Green Spirit Day and dismiss for Spring Break

March 20 – 31, 2023: Spring Break – NO SCHOOL

Monday, April 3, 2023 – Classes resume (with a 2 pm dismissal for all students in grades TK-6)

Read Across America Week

This week, Allen Elementary will celebrate READ ACROSS AMERICA. Students around the world will be celebrating this important week to share their love for reading. We will also honor many great authors and illustrators, including San Diego’s own Dr. Seuss. Please help us celebrate by participating in the events below:

Allen Students Featured on a Special Edition of the Equity Podcast

This months’ CVESD Student Podcast is brought to you by the students of Allen Elementary!  The link is also on the CVESD Website Home page: www.cvesd.org

Be sure to listen to this special podcast now at https://www.cvesd.org/home.

Attendance Matters!

Attendance is important! Allen Elementary celebrates excellent attendance as it sets students up for success!

Students attending Allen on a Zone Transfer may be denied if a student has a poor attendance record or behavior concerns.

Did you know that if your child is out of school for five or more days, you can request an independent study contract? If an independent study contract is completed, your child receives attendance credit. For more information, you can contact Ms. Baptista in the front office at (619) 479-3662.

• LET’S CONTINUE TO IMPROVE OUR ATTENDANCE AT ALLEN!
• Students should only miss school if they are sick. Those with symptoms can return with a negative COVID-19 test, no fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, and symptoms improving. STUDENTS DO NOT NEED TO BE SYMPTOM-FREE to attend school. We have plenty of rapid tests at school: just ask in the office. If you have a special circumstance and need an independent study, please let us know.
• Please make sure your child is here by 8:45 am and lined up on the blacktop. If they arrive to campus after 8:50 am, they will be marked tardy.
• We begin a secure campus at 8:50 am. Parents/guardians must exit promptly at 8:50. Thank you.
• Students can arrive as early as 8:20 am when our school’s gates open. There is no supervision for students prior to 8:20 am.
• FREE breakfast is served from 8:20 am to 8:45 am. All meals are eaten at the lunch arbor outside, rain or shine.
• If your child is absent, it is very important to call the office to report the reason for the absence.
• Absences that are not reported will be considered UNEXCUSED. After 3 unexcused absences and/or tardies you will receive a truancy letter.
• If you pick up your child early and/or they are tardy for personal reasons, this is considered unexcused by the state of California.
• Remember to bring a doctor’s note. Vacations, dentist, and doctor visits should be scheduled during our breaks whenever possible.
• If your child misses school, they are missing out on important learning! 
• Our school staff will be scheduling SART (School Attendance Review Team) meetings with parents/guardians, calling home, and doing home visits for students who are chronically absent (missing 10% of school or excessive tardies).
• Thank you for helping to get your child to school every day and one time!

Scholastic Book Fair

The Book Fair is next week! The Book Fair is being hosted by our PTC and will be in the MPR from March 6 – 10, 2023. While the book fair will be closed during all recess and lunch breaks, students will have opportunities during the school day and on select days after school to make purchases. Most books are BOGO this week! We recommend setting up an e-Wallet account to create a secure way for your child to make purchases while at school. The video link below will help you set up the e-Wallet…

https://players.brightcove.net/1543299976/Eyj59PHsg_default/index.html?videoId=6234964928001

Sign up to create an eWallet account here: LINK for eWallet

This is an easy way to ensure that your child has the money they need to spend in the book fair, while reducing lines in the book fair and ensuring that no money is lost by a child. We highly encourage families to set up an eWallet account in advance of the book fair.

Parent Volunteers Still Needed

We need parent volunteers to help monitor student safety on the sidewalks around our school at drop off and dismissal time! Our Eagle Eye volunteers work with school staff to serve as an extra set of eyes to keep kids safe outside of our school gates. Any interested volunteers should contact Mr. Greenwell or Ms. Reza in the office or call (619) 479-3662.

All parent volunteers are allowed to volunteer inside the classroom and school buildings after having completed the required training with the school principal and meeting the District’s volunteer requirements. See below for these requirements:

REQUIRED ITEMS:

• Proof of TB
• RAPTOR I.D. Scan
• Fingerprint Clearance – DOJ & FBI

Note that COVID-19 testing requirements have been lifted by CDPH. Please contact the school office at (619) 479-3662 to be put on the volunteer list and to schedule a volunteer training with the school principal.

Online Safety

Parents, please monitor your child’s activity on cell phones and computers. There has been an increase in conflicts between students that is taking place at home home via social media, online gaming, and other apps. A helpful resource for many parents is the website Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/online-safety

Children thrive when they can safely speak to trusted adults. Please encourage safe social media and kindness online (as well as in person).

PTC Out of This World Family Dance

Thank you to our amazing PTC, as well as our parent and staff volunteers, for making this event a HUGE success. It really was “Out of this World”!

AGE Parent Information Nights

Join district staff online to learn more about our district’s Adolescent Growth Education resources that will be shared with our 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. Teachers will be sending home information about this opt-out program in the coming weeks. Under CA state law, parents have the right to opt out of this program. However, our district encourages participation in AGE as this program provides scientifically and medically accurate information.

Please speak to your child’s teacher or contact the school office at (619) 479-3662 if you have questions about this program.

• Sixth Grade – February 27, 2023 from 6 to 7:30 pm
• Fifth Grade – March 2, 2023 from 6 to 7:30 pm
• Fourth Grade (girls only) – March 1, 2023 from 6 to 7:30 pm

PTC Charity Golf Tournament – March 10

PTC is hosting a charity golf event for adults only on Friday, March 10, 2023. Please download the information below for registration details.

ThoughtExchange – We Need Your Voice!

Our annual ThoughtExchange for community input on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) is now open! We need to hear from every parent/legal guardian. This year, we are asking the question: What are some things we are doing well, and what could improve the educational experience we provide students through the LCAP? 

As you’re aware, the LCAP shapes our District’s goals and guides our budgeting priorities. Please join in on the conversation from Feb. 1 through April 1, 2023. Please note that any negative comments and comments with profanity directed at an individual will be deleted. Constructive criticism on how to improve our school and district (and better serve students) is always welcome!

Feel free to reach out to our office team if you have any questions at (619) 479-3662. Allen Elementary’s budget priorities are discussed at every ELAC, SSC, and PTC meeting as well.

Link to survey: https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/629912727

YMCA Campaign

Students and families in our area benefit from free and reduced services from the YMCA of San Diego. Help give back by joining the YMCA Campaign for 2023! This year’s campaign theme is “Open Hearts, Open Doors.” 

You can make a tax-deductible donation securely here: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4298539

Zone Transfers and Registration Information

It’s that time again! Everyone attending Allen Elementary on a CVESD Zone Transfer should have received an email with a specific link to renew the Zone Transfer for their child for the 2023-2024 school year.  Please complete this Zone Transfer (or ZT) process ASAP to keep your child at our school, or families risk losing their child’s spot at our school if a new family moves into the neighborhood. Please also remember that a Zone Transfer or Intradistrict Transfer may be denied if a child’s behavior or attendance require improvement.

NEW STUDENT registration began on February 15 online for the following:

• Kindergartners who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023.
• NEW students in grades 1^st through 6^th 
• All registrations will take place online. There will be no paper packets. To register please visit our district website beginning on February 15: www.cvesd.org

Allen Elementary has plenty of space in our Preschool, TK, and Kindergarten classes for next year, but has limited openings in our upper grades. Please contact our office for questions about space availability at (619) 479-3662. More information is posted on our district’s website at www.cvesd.org.

• Please note:
  • TK students will not need a renewal zone transfer link as they will need to register at their neighborhood school for Kindergarten. Our district’s Early Childhood Education department supports Preschool and TK enrollment. Please contact them directly at (619) 425-9600 Ext.181725.
  • The Renewal Zone Transfer Form is independent of the “New Zone Transfer Form.”
  • Students who will be transitioning to Sweetwater Union High School District for seventh grade (middle school) do not need to notify CVESD about this, but will need to complete registration processes with that district via https://www.sweetwaterschools.org/.

Preschool Enrollment

Are you considering enrolling your child in preschool? Look no further! Allen Elementary offers a free preschool program for qualifying families that live in San Diego County. Learn more and enroll your child today at http://cvesd.org/preschool.

Free Campus Clinic Health Services

Families may come to the school office, Monday- Friday, between 8 am and 3:30 pm to receive a free COVID-19 home antigen test. The testing is not required. Please report all positive cases to our school office at (619) 479-3662.

Weekly, voluntary testing will continue on our school campus via Campus Clinic each week. Parents and legal guardians must opt-in to the program and no child will be tested without proper consent. If families would like to watch a video on the registration process, they can visit: https://campusclinic.org/how-to/. For community testing at the kiosks, individuals will need to register on-site. You only need to register one time for a test through the kiosk.

In alignment with our district’s commitment to keeping your children healthy and in school, we are excited to expand Campus Clinic’s health services by adding the flu combo test to our weekly COVID-19 testing program. This combo test is designed to provide results for symptomatic individuals for some of the most common illnesses, such as Flu A, Flu B, RSV, and COVID-19. This testing is provided at no-cost or free to families, but Campus Clinic is required by the state of California to collect insurance information. Campus Clinic will also be providing other essential public health services on our campus in the coming weeks.

MedLab2020 may call or email families to verify insurance information for individuals who have tested with Campus Clinic previously. MedLab2020 is the lab that Campus Clinic partners with to process COVID-19 PCR & flu combo tests administered through weekly in school testing, as well as at the four kiosks throughout the district. They are part of the letterhead on most of the results sent out. Please feel free to direct any questions or concerns you may have to the Campus Success Team.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information above, please call or email our Campus Success team.

Campus Success; 8:00am -4:00pm PST
855.286.2577
support@campusclinic.org
www.campusclinic.org

Again, for this free testing support, please email: support@campusclinic.org.

Health and Safety

Vaccines for children are now available. There is currently no mandate for vaccines, nor a mandate for masks. Please understand that the state of California may (in the future) require children to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to attend a public school, just as they already do for other diseases (polio, mumps, rubella, etc..). This decision is not a school-based or district-based decision, but rather a state government decision.

Masks, although not required at this time, are encouraged for all staff, students, parents, and visitors while indoors on campus.

• There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses in any public place where people are present. The school and district strive to reduce this impact to staff, students, and families.
• It is a current public health recommendation for all eligible people to get COVID-19 booster shots.

If your child has a chronic health condition, such as allergies or asthma, please contact the school office and download the form below to have your child’s doctor complete and send it back to the school’s nurse. We recommend doing this in advance of a child showing symptoms.

If your child experiences any symptoms of COVID-19, please keep your child home and contact the school office at (619) 479-3662. If any person (regardless of vaccination status) presents with symptoms of COVID-19 while at school, that person will be immediately sent home. All schools in CVESD must follow the latest County of San Diego COVID-19 Decision Tree (see below) for persons with symptoms associated with COVID-19.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.  People with these symptoms may have COVID-19 and should stay home:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

*** Please see the latest COVID-19 Decision Tree here: LINK to Newest Decision Tree

Parent-Teacher Club (PTC) Corner

Visit the PTC website at AllenPTC.org to become a member of the PTC and make a donation to support the latest initiative at the school. Allen’s PTC is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the school’s educational mission through funding programs and initiatives.

Please help support Allen’s PTC and our school by joining as a member of the Allen Elementary School Parents Teachers Club.

The standing PTC Meeting link is here: PTC MEETING LINK 2022-2023

Meetings for Families & Staff

Allen School needs parents and legal guardians to support our school through important parent groups, such as the PTC (Parent Teacher Club), the School Site Council (often referred to as SSC), and the English Language Advisory Committee (often referred to as ELAC). The site-based groups work with the Principal, staff, and other community members to ensure that community voice is part of the shared decision making process of a public school.

Family First Friday Meeting

The first Friday of every month is usually reserved for our Family First Friday, Allen’s version of Coffee with the Principal. Our next Family First Friday will be on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 8 am to 9 am. This meeting will be in person at school with a coffee cart available in front of the school. Our Allen PTC will also have their monthly Spirit Gear Booth with great items for sale!

We encourage parents and legal guardians to join this meeting with a free cup of hot coffee or a cold cup of cold brew on nitro and listen to Mr. Greenwell give an update on the school year and meet other amazing Allen families.

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

Ella B. Allen’s next ELAC Meeting will be on March 13, 2023 at 3 pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

The school encourages all legal parent/guardian of students designated as an English Learner to attend these meetings.

School Site Council (SSC)

Ella B. Allen’s next SSC Meeting will be on March 13, 2023 at 3:30 pm. Please note that if you join early, you’ll be attending the ELAC meeting already in progress. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

All SSC members are welcome to attend ELAC meetings for additional information.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC) is composed of five elected parent/community representatives and five elected staff/teacher representatives. The role of the SSC is to develop, approve, and monitor the School Plan for Student Achievement.

With a few exceptions, meetings are held the second Monday of every month. All parents and staff are welcome to attend. Council members serve for two year terms.

Parent Teacher Club (PTC) Meeting

Allen’s PTC usually meets the second Monday of every month at 6pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Link: via this link. The next PTC meeting is March 13 at 6 pm. Please also check out the new PTC website to become a member and make a donation: AllenPTC.org

CVESD Board of Education Meeting

The district’s Board of Education meetings are also being held online and generally occur the second Wednesday of each month. The next regularly scheduled CVESD Board of Education meeting is Wednesday, March 8 at 6 pm. Limited in-person access is permitted, but check the district’s website for more information on this.

To access these public meetings, please click the link here: https://www.cvesd.org/board_of_education/board_meetings

CVESD DAC/DELAC Meeting

District Advisory Council (DAC)

The DAC is composed of parent and staff representatives from each School Site Council. It meets regularly during the school year in open public forum to share information, study instructional issues, approve school planning schedules, and make recommendations to the Board of Education on specific items. District meetings take place once a month, mid-afternoon. Most meetings occur on Tuesdays from 12 – 2 pm, with a parent training beforehand. This is an elected position to serve a one-year term.

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

The district will continue to conduct all meetings online until further notice, including all DAC/DELAC meetings. DAC is the District Advisory Committee. DELAC is the District English Learner Advisory Committee. Both of these groups are designed to support and inform parents in a shared communication setting with the district. Parents learn with other parents and district leadership at the DAC/DELAC meetings.

The next DAC/DELAC Meeting will be on March 7, 2023 at 12 noon. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

The link below contains a schedule of all DAC/DELAC meetings for the upcoming school year. I recommend all parents download this schedule if they are interested in learning more about theses district meetings: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/dac-delac

CVESD B-LAC Meeting

District Black Learners Advisory Council (B-LAC)

The B-LAC is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The B-LAC provides and monitors the ongoing support for Black/African American students and families in the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) to ensure unbiased practices/policies, equitable educational outcomes, and equal access to a quality education. The group meets regularly during the school year, once a month. Most meetings occur on Thursdays from 6 – 7 pm. The next meeting is February 23 at 6 pm and will be in person at Fahari Jeffers Elementary (1145 Camino Prado, Chula Vista, CA 91913). For more information and to download the schedule of these meetings, clink the link: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/black-learners-advisory-council—b–lac

CVESD BAC Meeting

District Budget Advisory Council (CVESD BAC)

The District’s Budget Advisory Council (BAC) is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The BAC monitors the financial statements and fiduciary obligations of the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD). Although it usually only meets 5 – 6 times a year, the BAC’s meetings are useful in understanding how state and federal monies support student learning at a local level. March 15 at 6 pm is the next BAC meeting. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

Academic Calendar for the 2022-2023 School Year

The 2022-2023 School Calendar is available online! Click this link to download it. Please reference this when planning vacations or scheduling appointments with your children that may require them to miss school. Excellent attendance is important in student success!

Our Board of Education approved our 2023-2024 School Calendar as well and we are pleased to share that it aligns well with Sweetwater as well. Please also use this document to plan and schedule family outings, vacations, and other important appointments. Find that document in the file below…

Students in our district will end the current academic year on Friday, June 2, 2023.

Allen Elementary is proud to be a Kindness Certified School again in 2023!

Be well Eagles! Stay safe: As a California public school, we encourage everyone to stay healthy and get the COVID-19 vaccine (and/or booster shots), as well as to test regularly. The health and safety of our students, staff, and community is our number 1 concern!

🦅  Allen Eagles: Together, we SOAR!

Hello Allen Families and Staff,

We hope you are enjoying your 4 day weekend! Students in grades TK-6 return to school at 8:50 am on Tuesday, Feb. 21st and dismiss at regular time, 3:10 pm.

Have you purchased tickets for our PTC Out of this World Family Dance yet? Space is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/allen-family-dance

Our school and district continue the celebration of Black History Month throughout the month of February.

Allen Elementary also celebrates Heart Health Month in the month of February. Exercise, good nutrition, a full night of sleep, and lots of water will be emphasized with our students all month long!

If you have questions for our staff or need assistance, please call at at (619) 479-3662. Office hours are 8 am to 3:30 pm, M-F.

Have you downloaded the Family Handbook for 2022-2023? Kindly review this with your child.

https://allenelementary.org/family-handbook/

Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week

Read the section below if you would like to volunteer for the PTC’s Out of This World Dance on Friday, Feb. 24th!

Please watch Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week for this upcoming week at the YouTube link below:

Please download our Q3 Calendar of Events here:

Help our partners at the YMCA meet their fundraising goal as our students benefit greatly from services at Allen and at our local branch! Contribute here: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4298539

Do you receive School Messenger emails and communication from our district? Be sure to check www.cvesd.org and bookmark our district’s website and follow its social media:

• Facebook – @CVESDNews
• Instagram – @CVESDNews
• Twitter – @CVESDNews

Please see our updated 2022-2023 Family Handbook here: Link to Family Handbook

A reminder of our school’s Core Values and Common Courtesies:

The Core Value for this upcoming week of school is Caring. The Common Courtesy for this week is “Please…“

Students may earn an Allen Eagle Ticket for demonstrating the Core Values and Common Courtesies each day. Students can redeem these tickets at the Eagle’s Nest Store at the end of each quarter of the school year. Our staff is always looking for ways to celebrate our students!

Kindness counts! Wondering how to support children if they experience a problem with another student? We suggest:

• Use “I feel…” statements to express yourself clearly.
• Set boundaries by saying “I don’t like that…” or “Please stop!”
• Move away from the student you have conflict with and…
• Seek help from an adult nearby.

Our staff prides itself in actively monitoring students at all times. What our staff has noticed is that students are learning how to interact with one another and having some problems or conflict. This is not bullying. It may be due to trauma and other sudden social-emotional issues with a child. What is bullying? See the helpful graphic below:

If you have a concern about another child’s behaviors impacting your child, we suggest you first contact your child’s teacher. Afterwards, please see this page here. It’s our District’s Anti-Bullying page.

If you need to conduct business with the school office, please contact the school office between the hours of 8 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at (619) 479-3662 and we will arrange an appointment with you.

A Look Ahead:

Monday, February 20, 2023 – NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day Weekend

Tuesday, February 21, 2023 – Mardi Gras

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

• Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent
• CVESD Budget Advisory Meeting at 6 pm at ESSC (84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910)

Thursday, February, 23, 2023

• Spring Photography Day
• Bus Evacuation Drill at Allen
• CVESD B-LAC Meeting at Fahari Jeffers Elementary (1145 Camino Prado, Chula Vista, CA 91913) at 6 pm

Friday, February 24, 2023 – PTC’s Out of this World Family Dance (5 – 7 pm) at Allen

February 27 – March 3, 2023: Read Across America Week and Spirit Week (see below)

Monday, February 27, 2023 – Sixth Grade Parent Resource Night online for AGE at 6 pm

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 – 4th grade students visit the Living Coast Discovery Center

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

• Women’s History Month begins
• Fourth Grade (girls only) Parent Resource Night online for AGE at 6 pm

Thursday, March 2, 2023 – Fifth Grade Parent Resource Night online for AGE at 6 pm

Friday, March 3, 2023 – Family First Friday from 8 am to 9 am (with free coffee for adults) and PTC Spirit Booth

March 6 – 10, 2023: Scholastic Spring Book Fair (BOGO)

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

• Second Grade dental presentations
• CVESD DAC/DELAC 12 noon to 2 pm at ESSC (84 East J Street, Chula Vista)

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

• Holi
• First grade students visit the Living Coast Discovery Center
• CVESD Board of Education meeting at 6 pm at ESSC (84 East J Street, Chula Vista)

March 9 – 16, 2023: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences (dismissal at 2 pm for all students in grades TK-6)

Monday, March 13, 2023 – Parent Meetings (in person in MPR and online)

• ELAC at 3 pm [ELAC LINK here]
• SSC at 3:30 pm [SSC LINK here]
• PTC at 6 pm PTC Link HERE]

Friday, March 17, 2023 – Green Spirit Day and dismiss for Spring Break

March 20 – 31, 2023: Spring Break – NO SCHOOL

Monday, April 3, 2023 – Classes resume (with a 2 pm dismissal for all students in grades TK-6)

Read Across America Week

Next week, Allen Elementary will celebrate READ ACROSS AMERICA. Students around the world will be celebrating this important week to celebrate reading. We will also celebrate an amazing author and illustrator, Dr. Seuss. Please help us celebrate by participating in the events below:

Online Safety

Parents, please monitor your child’s activity on cell phones and computers. There has been an increase in conflicts between students that is taking place at home home via social media, online gaming, and other apps. A helpful resource for many parents is the website Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/online-safety

Children thrive when they can safe speaking to trusted adults. Please encourage safe social media and kindness online (as well as in person).

Spring Photography Day

Our Spring Photography Day is the morning of Thursday, February 23, 2023.

PTC Out of This World Family Dance

Allen families, be sure to purchase your tickets in advance to the PTC Family Dance (themed to “Out of This World” and outer space). Tickets must be purchased in advance and an adult family member must attend with children as this is a family dance: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/allen-family-dance

All attendees should purchase a ticket.

This family dance will be this Friday, February 24, 2023 from 5 to 7 pm at Allen Elementary. Space will be limited (pun intended). If you would like to volunteer to help set up, run, and clean up this dance, please contact our PTC President, Gina Bennett by email at galbertinibennett@gmail.com.

AGE Parent Information Nights

Join district staff online to learn more about our district’s Adolescent Growth Education resources that will be shared with our 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. Teachers will be sending home information about this opt-out program in the coming weeks. Under CA state law, parents have the right to opt out of this program. However, our district encourages participation in AGE as this program provides scientifically and medically accurate information.

Please speak to your child’s teacher or contact the school office at (619) 479-3662 if you have questions about this program.

• Sixth Grade – February 27, 2023 from 6 to 7:30 pm
• Fifth Grade – March 2, 2023 from 6 to 7:30 pm
• Fourth Grade (girls only) – March 1, 2023 from 6 to 7:30 pm

PTC Charity Golf Tournament – March 10

PTC is hosting a charity golf event for adults on Friday, March 10, 2023. Please download the information below for registration details.

ThoughtExchange – We Need Your Voice!

Our annual ThoughtExchange for community input on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) is now open! We need to hear from every parent/legal guardian. This year, we are asking the question: What are some things we are doing well, and what could improve the educational experience we provide students through the LCAP? 

As you’re aware, the LCAP shapes our District’s goals and guides our budgeting priorities. Please join in on the conversation from Feb. 1 through April 1, 2023. Please note that any negative comments and comments with profanity directed at an individual will be deleted. Constructive criticism on how to improve our school and district (and better serve students) is always welcome!

Feel free to reach out to our office team if you have any questions at (619) 479-3662. Allen Elementary’s budget priorities are discussed at every ELAC, SSC, and PTC meeting as well.

Link to survey: https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/629912727

February is Museum Month

Explore the fun during San Diego Museum Month with 50% off admission to more than 60 San Diego County museums, historic sites, gardens, zoo/aquariums and more.  There’s so much to see at San Diego County museums, and during the month of February the San Diego Museum Council is making it easy to visit your favorites by offering half-price admission. Simply pick up a 50% off pass at any public library in San Diego County and bring it to a participating museum from February 1-28. For more information, visit: https://sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/museum-month/

In addition, the entire month of February (February 1- 28, 2023) seniors age 65 and older receive free admission to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (located in the San Pasqual Valley) with a valid photo ID at the turnstile. For more information, visit: https://sdzsafaripark.org/tickets

YMCA Campaign

Students and families in our area benefit from free and reduced services from the YMCA of San Diego. Help give back by joining the YMCA Campaign for 2023! This year’s campaign theme is “Open Hearts, Open Doors.” 

You can make a tax-deductible donation securely here: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4298539

Zone Transfers and Registration Information

It’s that time again! Everyone attending Allen Elementary on a CVESD Zone Transfer should have received an email with a specific link to renew the Zone Transfer for their child for the 2023-2024 school year.  Please complete this Zone Transfer (or ZT) process ASAP to keep your child at our school, or families risk losing their child’s spot at our school if a new family moves into the neighborhood. Please also remember that a Zone Transfer or Intradistrict Transfer may be denied if a child’s behavior or attendance require improvement.

NEW STUDENT registration began on February 15 online for the following:

• Kindergartners who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023.
• NEW students in grades 1^st through 6^th 
• All registrations will take place online. There will be no paper packets. To register please visit our district website beginning on February 15: www.cvesd.org

Allen Elementary has plenty of space in our Preschool, TK, and Kindergarten classes for next year, but has limited openings in our upper grades. Please contact our office for questions about space availability at (619) 479-3662. More information is posted on our district’s website at www.cvesd.org.

• Please note:
  • TK students will not need a renewal zone transfer link as they will need to register at their neighborhood school for Kindergarten. Our district’s Early Childhood Education department supports Preschool and TK enrollment. Please contact them directly at (619) 425-9600 Ext.181725.
  • The Renewal Zone Transfer Form is independent of the “New Zone Transfer Form.”
  • Students who will be transitioning to Sweetwater Union High School District for seventh grade (middle school) do not need to notify CVESD about this, but will need to complete registration processes with that district via https://www.sweetwaterschools.org/.

Preschool Enrollment

Are you considering enrolling your child in preschool? Look no further! Allen Elementary offers a free preschool program for qualifying families that live in San Diego County. Learn more and enroll your child today at http://cvesd.org/preschool.

Colds, Flu, RSV, COVID – Oh My!

A friendly reminder that if your child is sick, please contact the school office and keep your child home.

With millions of people returning to their daily activities and traveling once again, it’s important to recognize that COVID-19 and the flu aren’t the only currently spreading diseases that can cause severe illness in infants. In San Diego, there’s been a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases and it’s crucial you keep sick people away from children.

Talk to your child’s doctor if they are showing signs of illness. Always consult your child’s care provider before giving them medicine or medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. Please contact our school office if your child must stay home due to illness at (619) 479-3662.

Free Campus Clinic Health Services

Families may come to the school office, Monday- Friday, between 8 am and 3:30 pm to receive a free COVID-19 home antigen test. The testing is not required. Please report all positive cases to our school office at (619) 479-3662.

Weekly, voluntary testing will continue on our school campus via Campus Clinic each week. Parents and legal guardians must opt-in to the program and no child will be tested without proper consent. If families would like to watch a video on the registration process, they can visit: https://campusclinic.org/how-to/. For community testing at the kiosks, individuals will need to register on-site. You only need to register one time for a test through the kiosk.

In alignment with our district’s commitment to keeping your children healthy and in school, we are excited to expand Campus Clinic’s health services by adding the flu combo test to our weekly COVID-19 testing program. This combo test is designed to provide results for symptomatic individuals for some of the most common illnesses, such as Flu A, Flu B, RSV, and COVID-19. This testing is provided at no-cost or free to families, but Campus Clinic is required by the state of California to collect insurance information. Campus Clinic will also be providing other essential public health services on our campus in the coming weeks.

MedLab2020 may call or email families to verify insurance information for individuals who have tested with Campus Clinic previously. MedLab2020 is the lab that Campus Clinic partners with to process COVID-19 PCR & flu combo tests administered through weekly in school testing, as well as at the four kiosks throughout the district. They are part of the letterhead on most of the results sent out. Please feel free to direct any questions or concerns you may have to the Campus Success Team.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information above, please call or email our Campus Success team.

Campus Success; 8:00am -4:00pm PST
855.286.2577
support@campusclinic.org
www.campusclinic.org

Again, for this free testing support, please email: support@campusclinic.org.

Health and Safety

Vaccines for children are now available. There is currently no mandate for vaccines, nor a mandate for masks. Please understand that the state of California may (in the future) require children to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to attend a public school, just as they already do for other diseases (polio, mumps, rubella, etc..). This decision is not a school-based or district-based decision, but rather a state government decision.

Masks, although not required at this time, are encouraged for all staff, students, parents, and visitors while indoors on campus.

• There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses in any public place where people are present. The school and district strive to reduce this impact to staff, students, and families.
• It is a current public health recommendation for all eligible people to get COVID-19 booster shots.

If your child has a chronic health condition, such as allergies or asthma, please contact the school office and download the form below to have your child’s doctor complete and send it back to the school’s nurse. We recommend doing this in advance of a child showing symptoms.

If your child experiences any symptoms of COVID-19, please keep your child home and contact the school office at (619) 479-3662. If any person (regardless of vaccination status) presents with symptoms of COVID-19 while at school, that person will be immediately sent home. All schools in CVESD must follow the latest County of San Diego COVID-19 Decision Tree (see below) for persons with symptoms associated with COVID-19.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.  People with these symptoms may have COVID-19 and should stay home:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

*** Please see the latest COVID-19 Decision Tree here: LINK to Newest Decision Tree

Parent-Teacher Club (PTC) Corner

Visit the PTC website at AllenPTC.org to become a member of the PTC and make a donation to support the latest initiative at the school. Allen’s PTC is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the school’s educational mission through funding programs and initiatives.

Please help support Allen’s PTC and our school by joining as a member of the Allen Elementary School Parents Teachers Club.

The standing PTC Meeting link is here: PTC MEETING LINK 2022-2023

Meetings for Families & Staff

Allen School needs parents and legal guardians to support our school through important parent groups, such as the PTC (Parent Teacher Club), the School Site Council (often referred to as SSC), and the English Language Advisory Committee (often referred to as ELAC). The site-based groups work with the Principal, staff, and other community members to ensure that community voice is part of the shared decision making process of a public school.

Family First Friday Meeting

The first Friday of every month is usually reserved for our Family First Friday, Allen’s version of Coffee with the Principal. Our next Family First Friday will be on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 8 am to 9 am. This meeting will be in person at school with a coffee cart available in front of the school. Our Allen PTC will also have their monthly Spirit Gear Booth with great items for sale!

We encourage parents and legal guardians to join this meeting with a free cup of hot coffee or a cold cup of cold brew on nitro and listen to Mr. Greenwell give an update on the school year and meet other amazing Allen families.

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

Ella B. Allen’s next ELAC Meeting will be on March 13, 2023 at 3 pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

The school encourages all legal parent/guardian of students designated as an English Learner to attend these meetings.

School Site Council (SSC)

Ella B. Allen’s next SSC Meeting will be on March 13, 2023 at 3:30 pm. Please note that if you join early, you’ll be attending the ELAC meeting already in progress. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

All SSC members are welcome to attend ELAC meetings for additional information.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC) is composed of five elected parent/community representatives and five elected staff/teacher representatives. The role of the SSC is to develop, approve, and monitor the School Plan for Student Achievement.

With a few exceptions, meetings are held the second Monday of every month. All parents and staff are welcome to attend. Council members serve for two year terms.

Parent Teacher Club (PTC) Meeting

Allen’s PTC usually meets the second Monday of every month at 6pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Link: via this link. The next PTC meeting is March 13 at 6 pm. Please also check out the new PTC website to become a member and make a donation: AllenPTC.org

CVESD Board of Education Meeting

The district’s Board of Education meetings are also being held online and generally occur the second Wednesday of each month. The next regularly scheduled CVESD Board of Education meeting is Wednesday, March 8 at 6 pm. Limited in-person access is permitted, but check the district’s website for more information on this.

To access these public meetings, please click the link here: https://www.cvesd.org/board_of_education/board_meetings

CVESD DAC/DELAC Meeting

District Advisory Council (DAC)

The DAC is composed of parent and staff representatives from each School Site Council. It meets regularly during the school year in open public forum to share information, study instructional issues, approve school planning schedules, and make recommendations to the Board of Education on specific items. District meetings take place once a month, mid-afternoon. Most meetings occur on Tuesdays from 12 – 2 pm, with a parent training beforehand. This is an elected position to serve a one-year term.

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

The district will continue to conduct all meetings online until further notice, including all DAC/DELAC meetings. DAC is the District Advisory Committee. DELAC is the District English Learner Advisory Committee. Both of these groups are designed to support and inform parents in a shared communication setting with the district. Parents learn with other parents and district leadership at the DAC/DELAC meetings.

The next DAC/DELAC Meeting will be on March 7, 2023 at 12 noon. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

The link below contains a schedule of all DAC/DELAC meetings for the upcoming school year. I recommend all parents download this schedule if they are interested in learning more about theses district meetings: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/dac-delac

CVESD B-LAC Meeting

District Black Learners Advisory Council (B-LAC)

The B-LAC is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The B-LAC provides and monitors the ongoing support for Black/African American students and families in the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) to ensure unbiased practices/policies, equitable educational outcomes, and equal access to a quality education. The group meets regularly during the school year, once a month. Most meetings occur on Thursdays from 6 – 7 pm. The next meeting is February 23 at 6 pm and will be in person at Fahari Jeffers Elementary (1145 Camino Prado, Chula Vista, CA 91913). For more information and to download the schedule of these meetings, clink the link: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/black-learners-advisory-council—b–lac

CVESD BAC Meeting

District Budget Advisory Council (CVESD BAC)

The District’s Budget Advisory Council (BAC) is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The BAC monitors the financial statements and fiduciary obligations of the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD). Although it usually only meets 5 – 6 times a year, the BAC’s meetings are useful in understanding how state and federal monies support student learning at a local level. March 15 at 6 pm is the next BAC meeting. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

Academic Calendar for the 2022-2023 School Year

The 2022-2023 School Calendar is available online! Click this link to download it. Please reference this when planning vacations or scheduling appointments with your children that may require them to miss school. Excellent attendance is important in student success!

Our Board of Education approved our 2023-2024 School Calendar as well and we are pleased to share that it aligns well with Sweetwater as well. Please also use this document to plan and schedule family outings, vacations, and other important appointments. Find that document in the file below…

Students in our district will end the current academic year on Friday, June 2, 2023.

Allen Elementary is proud to be a Kindness Certified School again in 2023!

Be well Eagles! Stay safe: As a California public school, we encourage everyone to stay healthy and get the COVID-19 vaccine (and/or booster shots), as well as to test regularly. The health and safety of our students, staff, and community is our number 1 concern!

🦅  Allen Eagles: Together, we SOAR!

Hello Allen Families and Staff,

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

In the spirit of Heart Health Month, we ask that families follow the district’s Wellness Policy. If you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, we ask that every person in the classroom receive a valentine note and that there is NO candy, sweets, or junk food with the Valentine’s Day note. Stickers, pencils, erasers, and other items make great, healthy substitutions for Valentine’s sweets. Please also be respectful of families that choose to not celebrate this day.

Our school and district continue the celebration of Black History Month throughout the month of February.

Allen Elementary also celebrates Heart Health Month in the month of February. Exercise, good nutrition, a full night of sleep, and lots of water will be emphasized with our students all month long!

If you have questions for our staff or need assistance, please call at at (619) 479-3662. Office hours are 8 am to 3:30 pm, M-F.

Have you downloaded the Family Handbook for 2022-2023? Kindly review this with your child.

https://allenelementary.org/family-handbook/

Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week

Read the section below if you would like to volunteer for the PTC’s Out of This World Dance on Friday, Feb. 24th!

Please watch Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week for this upcoming week at the YouTube link below:

Please download our Q3 Calendar of Events here:

Help our partners at the YMCA meet their fundraising goal as our students benefit greatly from services at Allen and at our local branch! Contribute here: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4298539

Do you receive School Messenger emails and communication from our district? Be sure to check www.cvesd.org and bookmark our district’s website and follow its social media:

• Facebook – @CVESDNews
• Instagram – @CVESDNews
• Twitter – @CVESDNews

Please see our updated 2022-2023 Family Handbook here: Link to Family Handbook

A reminder of our school’s Core Values and Common Courtesies:

The Core Value for this upcoming week of school is Responsibility. The Common Courtesy for this week is “Excuse me…“

Students may earn an Allen Eagle Ticket for demonstrating the Core Values and Common Courtesies each day. Students can redeem these tickets at the Eagle’s Nest Store at the end of each quarter of the school year. Our staff is always looking for ways to celebrate our students!

Kindness counts! Wondering how to support children if they experience a problem with another student? We suggest:

• Use “I feel…” statements to express yourself clearly.
• Set boundaries by saying “I don’t like that…” or “Please stop!”
• Move away from the student you have conflict with and…
• Seek help from an adult nearby.

Our staff prides itself in actively monitoring students at all times. What our staff has noticed is that students are learning how to interact with one another and having some problems or conflict. This is not bullying. It may be due to trauma and other sudden social-emotional issues with a child. What is bullying? See the helpful graphic below:

If you have a concern about another child’s behaviors impacting your child, we suggest you first contact your child’s teacher. Afterwards, please see this page here. It’s our District’s Anti-Bullying page.

If you need to conduct business with the school office, please contact the school office between the hours of 8 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at (619) 479-3662 and we will arrange an appointment with you.

A Look Ahead:

Monday, February 13, 2023 – Parent Meetings (in person in MPR and online)

• Student Council Sock Drive continues until Feb. 16th
• ELAC at 3 pm [ELAC LINK here]
• SSC at 3:30 pm [SSC LINK here]
• PTC at 6 pm [PTC Link HERE]

Tuesday, February 14, 2023 – 3rd grade students visit the San Diego Zoo

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

• Registration for the 2023-2024 school year begins (see below for details)
• 5th grade students visit the USS Midway Museum

Thursday, February 16, 2023

• Kids Heart Challenge during the school day
• Student Council Sock Drive ends
• Family Focus Series: “10 Things Parents Need to Know About Fentanyl” at 6 pm at 84 East J Street in Chula Vista

Friday, February 17, 2023 – NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day Weekend

Monday, February 20, 2023 – NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day Weekend

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

• Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent
• CVESD Budget Advisory Meeting at 6 pm at ESSC (84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910)

Thursday, February, 23, 2023

• Spring Photography Day
• Bus Evacuation Drill at Allen
• CVESD B-LAC Meeting at Fahari Jeffers Elementary (1145 Camino Prado, Chula Vista, CA 91913) at 6 pm

Friday, February 24, 2023 – PTC’s Out of this World Family Dance (5 – 7 pm) at Allen

February 27 – March 3, 2023: Read Across America Week and Spirit Week

Monday, February 27, 2023 – Sixth Grade Parent Resource Night online for AGE at 6 pm

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 – 4th grade students visit the Living Coast Discovery Center

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

• Women’s History Month begins
• Fourth Grade (girls only) Parent Resource Night online for AGE at 6 pm

Thursday, March 2, 2023 – Fifth Grade Parent Resource Night online for AGE at 6 pm

Friday, March 3, 2023 – Family First Friday from 8 am to 9 am (with free coffee for adults) and PTC Spirit Booth

March 6 – 10, 2023: Scholastic Spring Book Fair (BOGO)

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

• Second Grade dental presentations
• CVESD DAC/DELAC 12 noon to 2 pm at ESSC (84 East J Street, Chula Vista)

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

• Holi
• First grade students visit the Living Coast Discovery Center
• CVESD Board of Education meeting at 6 pm at ESSC (84 East J Street, Chula Vista)

March 9 – 16, 2023: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences (dismissal at 2 pm for all students in grades TK-6)

Monday, March 13, 2023 – Parent Meetings (in person in MPR and online)

• ELAC at 3 pm [ELAC LINK here]
• SSC at 3:30 pm [SSC LINK here]
• PTC at 6 pm PTC Link HERE]

Friday, March 17, 2023 – Green Spirit Day and dismiss for Spring Break

March 20 – 31, 2023: Spring Break – NO SCHOOL

Monday, April 3, 2023 – Classes resume (with a 2 pm dismissal for all students in grades TK-6)

Online Safety

Parents, please monitor your child’s activity on cell phones and computers. There has been an increase in conflicts between students that is taking place at home home via social media, online gaming, and other apps. A helpful resource for many parents is the website Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/online-safety

Spring Photography Day

Information will be sent to parents and legal guardians directly from our school photographer, Chalkboard Photography, about our Spring Photography Day on Thursday, February 23, 2023.

PTC Out of This World Family Dance

Save the date! All Allen families are invited to join our PTC Family Dance (themed to “Out of This World” and outer space). This family dance will be on Friday, February 24, 2023 from 5 to 7 pm at Allen Elementary. Space will be limited (pun intended). More information will be shared by our amazing PTC soon. If you would like to volunteer to help set up, run, and clean up this dance, please contact our PTC President, Gina Bennett by email at galbertinibennett@gmail.com to learn how you can support this event.

AGE Parent Information Nights

Join district staff online to learn more about our district’s Adolescent Growth Education resources that will be shared with our 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. Teachers will be sending home information about this opt-out program in the coming weeks. Under CA state law, parents have the right to opt out of this program. However, our district encourages participation in AGE as this program provides scientifically and medically accurate information. Please speak to your child’s teacher or contact the school office at (619) 479-3662 if you have questions about this program.

• Sixth Grade – February 27, 2023 from 6 to 7:30 pm
• Fifth Grade – March 2, 2023 from 6 to 7:30 pm
• Fourth Grade (girls only) – March 1, 2023 from 6 to 7:30 pm

PTC Charity Golf Tournament – March 10

PTC is hosting a charity golf event for adults on Friday, March 10, 2023. Please download the information below for registration details.

ThoughtExchange – We Need Your Voice!

Our annual ThoughtExchange for community input on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) is now open! We need to hear from every parent/legal guardian. This year, we are asking the question: What are some things we are doing well, and what could improve the educational experience we provide students through the LCAP? 

As you’re aware, the LCAP shapes our District’s goals and guides our budgeting priorities. Please join in on the conversation from Feb. 1 through April 1, 2023. Feel free to reach out to our office team if you have any questions at (619) 479-3662. Allen Elementary’s budget priorities are discussed at every ELAC, SSC, and PTC meeting as well.

Link to survey: https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/629912727

Kids Heart Challenge

We are excited to promote heart health this month and continue partnering with the American Heart Association on this year’s Kids Heart Challenge (formerly known as Jump Rope for Heart). Our school can earn extra recess and PE equipment by increasing our participation. Be a Heart Hero and register your family now! The day students will participate in the Kids Heart Challenge at Allen is February 16, 2023.

Help us reach our goal to have 100% of school families completing Finn’s Mission!  

1. Register/Log In at http://www2.heart.org/goto/Allen or download the FREE Kids Heart Challenge App for Apple or Android 
2. Complete Finn’s Mission: Watch a 2-minute video to learn Hands-Only CPR, learn how to spot the warning signs of a stroke, and so much more! 
3. Share with friends and family through social media, text and/or email.

Thank you for supporting our school and joining Finn in his mission to have 1.8 million families across the country learn Hands-Only CPR this year!  

Sock Drive

Now through February 16th, Allen’s Student Council is hosting a Sock Drive. Please bring new socks (never before worn) to the bins in the front office or in the MPR. Help warm the feet of those in our community! We welcome socks of all sizes and colors as long as they are brand new socks!

February is Museum Month

Explore the fun during San Diego Museum Month with 50% off admission to more than 60 San Diego County museums, historic sites, gardens, zoo/aquariums and more.  There’s so much to see at San Diego County museums, and during the month of February the San Diego Museum Council is making it easy to visit your favorites by offering half-price admission. Simply pick up a 50% off pass at any public library in San Diego County and bring it to a participating museum from February 1-28. For more information, visit: https://sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/museum-month/

In addition, the entire month of February (February 1- 28, 2023) seniors age 65 and older receive free admission to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (located in the San Pasqual Valley) with a valid photo ID at the turnstile. For more information, visit: https://sdzsafaripark.org/tickets

YMCA Campaign

Students and families in our area benefit from free and reduced services from the YMCA of San Diego. Help give back by joining the YMCA Campaign for 2023! This year’s campaign theme is “Open Hearts, Open Doors.” 

You can make a tax-deductible donation securely here: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4298539

Zone Transfers and Registration Information

It’s that time again! Everyone attending Allen Elementary on a CVESD Zone Transfer should have received an email with a specific link to renew the Zone Transfer for their child for the 2023-2024 school year.  Please complete this Zone Transfer (or ZT) process ASAP to keep your child at our school, or families risk losing their child’s spot at our school if a new family moves into the neighborhood. Please also remember that a Zone Transfer or Intradistrict Transfer may be denied if a child’s behavior or attendance require improvement.

NEW STUDENT registration will begin on February 15 online for the following:

• Kindergartners who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023.
• NEW students in grades 1^st through 6^th 
• All registrations will take place online. There will be no paper packets. To register please visit our district website beginning on February 15: www.cvesd.org

Allen Elementary has plenty of space in our Preschool, TK, and Kindergarten classes for next year, but has limited openings in our upper grades. Please contact our office for questions about space availability at (619) 479-3662. More information will be posted on our district’s website at www.cvesd.org in February 2023.

• Please note:
  • TK students will not need a renewal zone transfer link as they will need to register at their neighborhood school for Kindergarten. Our district’s Early Childhood Education department supports Preschool and TK enrollment. Please contact them directly at (619) 425-9600 Ext.181725.
  • The Renewal Zone Transfer Form is independent of the “New Zone Transfer Form.”
  • Students who will be transitioning to Sweetwater Union High School District for seventh grade (middle school) do not need to notify CVESD about this, but will need to complete registration processes with that district via https://www.sweetwaterschools.org/.

Preschool Enrollment

Are you considering enrolling your child in preschool? Look no further! Allen Elementary offers a free preschool program for qualifying families that live in San Diego County. Learn more and enroll your child today at http://cvesd.org/preschool.

Family Focus Series

The next event in our Family Focus Series will help families to learn more about pressing topics such as bullying, social and emotional well-being, and more! Free childcare and dinner are provided for all attendees.

The next workshop is on Feb. 16th at 6 pm and titled “10 Things Parents Need to Know About Fentanyl.”

Questions? Email Angelica.maldonado@cvesd.org.

• In person, 6:00 pm, dinner served, at 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910
• Free childcare provided.

Colds, Flu, RSV, COVID – Oh My!

A friendly reminder that if your child is sick, please contact the school office and keep your child home.

With millions of people returning to their daily activities and traveling once again, it’s important to recognize that COVID-19 and the flu aren’t the only currently spreading diseases that can cause severe illness in infants. In San Diego, there’s been a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases and it’s crucial you keep sick people away from children.

Talk to your child’s doctor if they are showing signs of illness. Always consult your child’s care provider before giving them medicine or medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. Please contact our school office if your child must stay home due to illness at (619) 479-3662.

Free Campus Clinic Health Services

Families may come to the school office, Monday- Friday, between 8 am and 3:30 pm to receive a free COVID-19 home antigen test. The testing is not required. Please report all positive cases to our school office at (619) 479-3662.

Weekly, voluntary testing will continue on our school campus via Campus Clinic each week. Parents and legal guardians must opt-in to the program and no child will be tested without proper consent. If families would like to watch a video on the registration process, they can visit: https://campusclinic.org/how-to/. For community testing at the kiosks, individuals will need to register on-site. You only need to register one time for a test through the kiosk.

In alignment with our district’s commitment to keeping your children healthy and in school, we are excited to expand Campus Clinic’s health services by adding the flu combo test to our weekly COVID-19 testing program. This combo test is designed to provide results for symptomatic individuals for some of the most common illnesses, such as Flu A, Flu B, RSV, and COVID-19. This testing is provided at no-cost or free to families, but Campus Clinic is required by the state of California to collect insurance information. Campus Clinic will also be providing other essential public health services on our campus in the coming weeks.

MedLab2020 may call or email families to verify insurance information for individuals who have tested with Campus Clinic previously. MedLab2020 is the lab that Campus Clinic partners with to process COVID-19 PCR & flu combo tests administered through weekly in school testing, as well as at the four kiosks throughout the district. They are part of the letterhead on most of the results sent out. Please feel free to direct any questions or concerns you may have to the Campus Success Team.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information above, please call or email our Campus Success team.

Campus Success; 8:00am -4:00pm PST
855.286.2577
support@campusclinic.org
www.campusclinic.org

Again, for this free testing support, please email: support@campusclinic.org.

Health and Safety

Vaccines for children are now available. There is currently no mandate for vaccines, nor a mandate for masks. Please understand that the state of California may (in the future) require children to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to attend a public school, just as they already do for other diseases (polio, mumps, rubella, etc..). This decision is not a school-based or district-based decision, but rather a state government decision.

Masks, although not required at this time, are encouraged for all staff, students, parents, and visitors while indoors on campus.

• There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses in any public place where people are present. The school and district strive to reduce this impact to staff, students, and families.
• It is a current public health recommendation for all eligible people to get COVID-19 booster shots.

If your child has a chronic health condition, such as allergies or asthma, please contact the school office and download the form below to have your child’s doctor complete and send it back to the school’s nurse. We recommend doing this in advance of a child showing symptoms.

If your child experiences any symptoms of COVID-19, please keep your child home and contact the school office at (619) 479-3662. If any person (regardless of vaccination status) presents with symptoms of COVID-19 while at school, that person will be immediately sent home. All schools in CVESD must follow the latest County of San Diego COVID-19 Decision Tree (see below) for persons with symptoms associated with COVID-19.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.  People with these symptoms may have COVID-19 and should stay home:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

*** Please see the latest COVID-19 Decision Tree here: LINK to Newest Decision Tree

Parent-Teacher Club (PTC) Corner

Visit the PTC website at AllenPTC.org to become a member of the PTC and make a donation to support the latest initiative at the school. Allen’s PTC is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the school’s educational mission through funding programs and initiatives.

Please help support Allen’s PTC and our school by joining as a member of the Allen Elementary School Parents Teachers Club.

The standing PTC Meeting link is here: PTC MEETING LINK 2022-2023

Meetings for Families & Staff

Allen School needs parents and legal guardians to support our school through important parent groups, such as the PTC (Parent Teacher Club), the School Site Council (often referred to as SSC), and the English Language Advisory Committee (often referred to as ELAC). The site-based groups work with the Principal, staff, and other community members to ensure that community voice is part of the shared decision making process of a public school.

Family First Friday Meeting

The first Friday of every month is usually reserved for our Family First Friday, Allen’s version of Coffee with the Principal. Our next Family First Friday will be on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 8 am to 9 am. This meeting will be in person at school with a coffee cart available in front of the school. Our Allen PTC will also have their monthly Spirit Gear Booth with great items for sale!

We encourage parents and legal guardians to join this meeting with a free cup of hot coffee or a cold cup of cold brew on nitro and listen to Mr. Greenwell give an update on the school year and meet other amazing Allen families.

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

Ella B. Allen’s next ELAC Meeting will be on February 13, 2023 at 3 pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

The school encourages all legal parent/guardian of students designated as an English Learner to attend these meetings.

School Site Council (SSC)

Ella B. Allen’s next SSC Meeting will be on February 13, 2023 at 3:30 pm. Please note that if you join early, you’ll be attending the ELAC meeting already in progress. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

All SSC members are welcome to attend ELAC meetings for additional information.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC) is composed of five elected parent/community representatives and five elected staff/teacher representatives. The role of the SSC is to develop, approve, and monitor the School Plan for Student Achievement.

With a few exceptions, meetings are held the second Monday of every month. All parents and staff are welcome to attend. Council members serve for two year terms.

Parent Teacher Club (PTC) Meeting

Allen’s PTC usually meets the second Monday of every month at 6pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Link: via this link. The next PTC meeting is February 13 at 6 pm. Please also check out the new PTC website to become a member and make a donation: AllenPTC.org

CVESD Board of Education Meeting

The district’s Board of Education meetings are also being held online and generally occur the second Wednesday of each month. The next regularly scheduled CVESD Board of Education meeting is Wednesday, February 15 at 6 pm. Limited in-person access is permitted, but check the district’s website for more information on this.

To access these public meetings, please click the link here: https://www.cvesd.org/board_of_education/board_meetings

CVESD DAC/DELAC Meeting

District Advisory Council (DAC)

The DAC is composed of parent and staff representatives from each School Site Council. It meets regularly during the school year in open public forum to share information, study instructional issues, approve school planning schedules, and make recommendations to the Board of Education on specific items. District meetings take place once a month, mid-afternoon. Most meetings occur on Tuesdays from 12 – 2 pm, with a parent training beforehand. This is an elected position to serve a one-year term.

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

The district will continue to conduct all meetings online until further notice, including all DAC/DELAC meetings. DAC is the District Advisory Committee. DELAC is the District English Learner Advisory Committee. Both of these groups are designed to support and inform parents in a shared communication setting with the district. Parents learn with other parents and district leadership at the DAC/DELAC meetings.

The next DAC/DELAC Meeting will be on March 7, 2023 at 12 noon. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

The link below contains a schedule of all DAC/DELAC meetings for the upcoming school year. I recommend all parents download this schedule if they are interested in learning more about theses district meetings: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/dac-delac

CVESD B-LAC Meeting

District Black Learners Advisory Council (B-LAC)

The B-LAC is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The B-LAC provides and monitors the ongoing support for Black/African American students and families in the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) to ensure unbiased practices/policies, equitable educational outcomes, and equal access to a quality education. The group meets regularly during the school year, once a month. Most meetings occur on Thursdays from 6 – 7 pm. The next meeting is February 23 at 6 pm and will be in person at Fahari Jeffers Elementary (1145 Camino Prado, Chula Vista, CA 91913). For more information and to download the schedule of these meetings, clink the link: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/black-learners-advisory-council—b–lac

CVESD BAC Meeting

District Budget Advisory Council (CVESD BAC)

The District’s Budget Advisory Council (BAC) is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The BAC monitors the financial statements and fiduciary obligations of the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD). Although it usually only meets 5 – 6 times a year, the BAC’s meetings are useful in understanding how state and federal monies support student learning at a local level. February 22 at 6 pm is the next BAC meeting. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

Calendar for the 2022-2023 School Year

The 2022-2023 School Calendar is available online! Click this link to download it. Please reference this when planning vacations or scheduling appointments with your children that may require them to miss school. Excellent attendance is important in student success!

Our Board of Education approved our 2023-2024 School Calendar as well and we are pleased to share that it aligns well with Sweetwater as well. Please also use this document to plan and schedule family outings, vacations, and other important appointments. Find that document in the file below…

Students in our district will end the current academic year on Friday, June 2, 2023.

Allen Elementary is proud to be a Kindness Certified School again in 2023!

Be well Eagles! Stay safe: As a California public school, we encourage everyone to stay healthy and get the COVID-19 vaccine (and/or booster shots), as well as to test regularly. The health and safety of our students, staff, and community is our number 1 concern!

🦅  Allen Eagles: Together, we SOAR!

Hello Allen Families and Staff,

Happy February! Did you know that this month is both Black History Month and Heart Health Month?

We would like to acknowledge our celebration of Black History Month throughout the month of February.

Allen Elementary also celebrates Heart Health Month in the month of February. Exercise, good nutrition, a full night of sleep, and lots of water will be emphasized with our students all month long!

If you have questions for our staff or need assistance, please call at at (619) 479-3662. Office hours are 8 am to 3:30 pm, M-F.

Have you downloaded the Family Handbook for 2022-2023? Kindly review this with your child.

https://allenelementary.org/family-handbook/

Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week

Thank you to our families and school community for supporting the PTC and its Sees Candy Fundraiser! Please contact our front office to volunteer for the PTC’s Out of This World Dance on Friday, Feb. 24th!

Please watch Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week for this upcoming week at the YouTube link below:

Please download our Q3 Calendar of Events here:

Help our partners at the YMCA meet their fundraising goal as our students benefit greatly from services at Allen and at our local branch! Contribute here: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4298539

Do you receive School Messenger emails and communication from our district? Be sure to check www.cvesd.org and bookmark our district’s website and follow its social media:

• Facebook – @CVESDNews
• Instagram – @CVESDNews
• Twitter – @CVESDNews

Please see our updated 2022-2023 Family Handbook here: Link to Family Handbook

A reminder of our school’s Core Values and Common Courtesies:

The Core Value for this upcoming week of school is Respect. The Common Courtesy for this week is “I apologize for…“

Students may earn an Allen Eagle Ticket for demonstrating the Core Values and Common Courtesies each day. Students can redeem these tickets at the Eagle’s Nest Store at the end of each quarter of the school year. Our staff is always looking for ways to celebrate our students!

Kindness counts! Wondering how to support children if they experience a problem with another student? We suggest:

• Use “I feel…” statements to express yourself clearly.
• Set boundaries by saying “I don’t like that…” or “Please stop!”
• Move away from the student you have conflict with and…
• Seek help from an adult nearby.

Our staff prides itself in actively monitoring students at all times. What our staff has noticed is that students are learning how to interact with one another and having some problems or conflict. This is not bullying. It may be due to trauma and other sudden social-emotional issues with a child. What is bullying? See the helpful graphic below:

If you have a concern about another child’s behaviors impacting your child, we suggest you first contact your child’s teacher. Afterwards, please see this page here. It’s our District’s Anti-Bullying page.

If you need to conduct business with the school office, please contact the school office between the hours of 8 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at (619) 479-3662 and we will arrange an appointment with you.

A Look Ahead:

Monday, February 6, 2023

• Student Council Sock Drive continues until Feb. 16th
• Summative ELPAC Testing begins for students identified as MELs (Multilingual English Learners)

Tuesday, February, 7, 2023

• BVMS Presentation to Sixth Grade students during the school day
• CVESD DAC/DELAC at 12 noon at 84 East J Street in Chula Vista

Monday, February 13, 2023 – Parent Meetings (in person in MPR and online)

• ELAC at 3 pm [ELAC LINK here]
• SSC at 3:30 pm [SSC LINK here]
• PTC at 6 pm [PTC Link HERE]

Tuesday, February 14, 2023 – 3rd grade students visit the San Diego Zoo

Wednesday, February 15, 2023 – 5th grade students visit the USS Midway Museum

Thursday, February 16, 2023

• Kids Heart Challenge during the school day
• Student Council Sock Drive ends
• Family Focus Series: “10 Things Parents Need to Know About Fentanyl” at 6 pm at 84 East J Street in Chula Vista

Friday, February 17, 2023 – NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day Weekend

Monday, February 20, 2023 – NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day Weekend

Thursday, February, 23, 2023 – Spring Photography Day and Bus Evacuation Drill at Allen

Friday, February 24, 2023 – PTC’s Out of this World Family Dance (5 – 7 pm) at Allen

February 27 – March 3, 2023: Read Across America Week and Spirit Week

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 – 4th grade students visit the Living Coast Discovery Center

Wednesday, March 1, 2023 – Women’s History Month begins

Friday, March 3, 2023 – Family First Friday from 8 am to 9 am (with free coffee for adults) and PTC Spirit Booth

March 6 – 10, 2023: Scholastic Spring Book Fair (BOGO)

March 9 – 16, 2023: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences (dismissal at 2 pm for all students in grades TK-6)

Monday, March 13, 2023 – Parent Meetings (in person in MPR and online)

• ELAC at 3 pm [ELAC LINK here]
• SSC at 3:30 pm [SSC LINK here]
• PTC at 6 pm PTC Link HERE]

Friday, March 17, 2023 – Green Spirit Day and dismiss for Spring Break

March 20 – 31, 2023: Spring Break – NO SCHOOL

Monday, April 3, 2023 – Classes resume (with a 2 pm dismissal for all students in grades TK-6)

ThoughtExchange – We Need Your Voice!

Our annual ThoughtExchange for community input on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) is now open! We need to hear from every parent/legal guardian. This year, we are asking the question: What are some things we are doing well, and what could improve the educational experience we provide students through the LCAP? 

As you’re aware, the LCAP shapes our District’s goals and guides our budgeting priorities. Please join in on the conversation from Feb. 1 through April 1, 2023. Feel free to reach out to our office team if you have any questions at (619) 479-3662. Allen Elementary’s budget priorities are discussed at every ELAC, SSC, and PTC meeting as well.

Link to survey: https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/629912727

Kids Heart Challenge

We are excited to promote heart health this month and continue partnering with the American Heart Association on this year’s Kids Heart Challenge (formerly known as Jump Rope for Heart). Our school can earn extra recess and PE equipment by increasing our participation. Be a Heart Hero and register your family now!

Help us reach our goal to have 100% of school families completing Finn’s Mission!  

1. Register/Log In at http://www2.heart.org/goto/Allen or download the FREE Kids Heart Challenge App for Apple or Android 
2. Complete Finn’s Mission: Watch a 2-minute video to learn Hands-Only CPR, learn how to spot the warning signs of a stroke, and so much more! 
3. Share with friends and family through social media, text and/or email.

Thank you for supporting our school and joining Finn in his mission to have 1.8 million families across the country learn Hands-Only CPR this year!  

Sock Drive

February 1st through February 16th, Allen’s Student Council will be hosting a Sock Drive. Please bring new socks (never before worn) to the bins in the front office or in the MPR. Help warm the feet of those in our community! We welcome socks of all sizes and colors as long as they are brand new socks!

February is Museum Month

Explore the fun during San Diego Museum Month with 50% off admission to more than 60 San Diego County museums, historic sites, gardens, zoo/aquariums and more.  There’s so much to see at San Diego County museums, and during the month of February the San Diego Museum Council is making it easy to visit your favorites by offering half-price admission. Simply pick up a 50% off pass at any public library in San Diego County and bring it to a participating museum from February 1-28. For more information, visit: https://sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/museum-month/

In addition, the entire month of February (February 1- 28, 2023) seniors age 65 and older receive free admission to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (located in the San Pasqual Valley) with a valid photo ID at the turnstile. For more information, visit: https://sdzsafaripark.org/tickets

YMCA Campaign

Students and families in our area benefit from free and reduced services from the YMCA of San Diego. Help give back by joining the YMCA Campaign for 2023! This year’s campaign theme is “Open Hearts, Open Doors.” 

You can make a tax-deductible donation securely here: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4298539

Zone Transfers and Registration Information

It’s almost that time again! Everyone attending Allen Elementary on a CVESD Zone Transfer will receive an email in this last week of January with a specific link to renew the Zone Transfer for their child for the 2023-2024 school year.  Please complete this Zone Transfer (or ZT) process ASAP to keep your child at our school, or families risk losing their child’s spot at our school if a new family moves into the neighborhood. Please also remember that a Zone Transfer or Intradistrict Transfer may be denied if a child’s behavior or attendance require improvement.

NEW STUDENT registration will begin on February 15 online for the following:

• Kindergartners who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023.
• NEW students in grades 1^st through 6^th 
• All registrations will take place online. There will be no paper packets. To register please visit our district website beginning on February 15: www.cvesd.org

Allen Elementary has plenty of space in our Preschool, TK, and Kindergarten classes for next year, but has limited openings in our upper grades. Please contact our office for questions about space availability at (619) 479-3662. More information will be posted on our district’s website at www.cvesd.org in February 2023.

• Please note:
  • TK students will not need a renewal zone transfer link as they will need to register at their neighborhood school for Kindergarten. Our district’s Early Childhood Education department supports Preschool and TK enrollment. Please contact them directly at (619) 425-9600 Ext.181725.
  • The Renewal Zone Transfer Form is independent of the “New Zone Transfer Form.”
  • Students who will be transitioning to Sweetwater Union High School District for seventh grade (middle school) do not need to notify CVESD about this, but will need to complete registration processes with that district via https://www.sweetwaterschools.org/.

Preschool Enrollment

Are you considering enrolling your child in preschool? Look no further! Allen Elementary offers a free preschool program for qualifying families that live in San Diego County. Learn more and enroll your child today at http://cvesd.org/preschool.

Family Focus Series

The next event in our Family Focus Series will help families to learn more about pressing topics such as bullying, social and emotional well-being, and more! Free childcare and dinner are provided for all attendees.

The next workshop is on Feb. 16th at 6 pm and titled “10 Things Parents Need to Know About Fentanyl.”

Questions? Email Angelica.maldonado@cvesd.org.

• In person, 6:00 pm, dinner served, at 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910
• Free childcare provided.

Colds, Flu, RSV, COVID, & other illness

A friendly reminder that if your child is sick, please contact the school office and keep your child home.

With millions of people returning to their daily activities and traveling once again, it’s important to recognize that COVID-19 and the flu aren’t the only currently spreading diseases that can cause severe illness in infants. In San Diego, there’s been a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases and it’s crucial you keep sick people away from children.

Talk to your child’s doctor if they are showing signs of illness. Always consult your child’s care provider before giving them medicine or medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. Please contact our school office if your child must stay home due to illness at (619) 479-3662.

Free Campus Clinic Testing

Families may come to the school office, Monday- Friday, between 8 am and 3:30 pm to receive a free COVID-19 home antigen test. The testing is not required. Please report all positive cases to our school office at (619) 479-3662.

Weekly, voluntary testing will continue on our school campus via Campus Clinic each week. Parents and legal guardians must opt-in to the program and no child will be tested without proper consent. If families would like to watch a video on the registration process, they can visit: https://campusclinic.org/how-to/. For community testing at the kiosks, individuals will need to register on-site. You only need to register one time for a test through the kiosk.

MedLab2020 may call or email families to verify insurance information for individuals who have tested with Campus Clinic previously. MedLab2020 is the lab that Campus Clinic partners with to process COVID-19 PCR & flu combo tests administered through weekly in school testing, as well as at the four kiosks throughout the district. They are part of the letterhead on most of the results sent out. Please feel free to direct any questions or concerns you may have to our Campus Success Team.

As we all know, the winter months are often accompanied by cold & flu season. In alignment with our district’s commitment to keeping your children healthy and in school, we are excited to expand Campus Clinic’s testing services by adding the flu combo test to our weekly COVID-19 testing program. This combo test is designed to provide results for symptomatic individuals for some of the most common fall and winter illnesses, such as Flu A, Flu B, RSV, and COVID-19. This testing is provided at no-cost or free to families, but Campus Clinic is required by the state of California to collect insurance information.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information above, please call or email our Campus Success team.

Campus Success; 8:00am -4:00pm PST
855.286.2577
support@campusclinic.org
www.campusclinic.org

Again, for this free testing support, please email: support@campusclinic.org.

Health and Safety

Vaccines for children are now available. Please understand that the state of California may in the future be requiring children to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to attend a public school, just as they already do for other diseases (polio, mumps, rubella, etc..). This decision is not a school-based or district-based decision, but rather a state government decision.

Masks, although not required at this time, are encouraged for all staff, students, parents, and visitors while indoors on campus.

• There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses in any public place where people are present. The school and district strive to reduce this impact to staff, students, and families.
• It is a current public health recommendation for all eligible people to get COVID-19 booster shots.

If your child has a chronic health condition, such as allergies or asthma, please contact the school office and download the form below to have your child’s doctor complete and send it back to the school’s nurse. We recommend doing this in advance of a child showing symptoms.

If your child experiences any symptoms of COVID-19, please keep your child home and contact the school office at (619) 479-3662. If any person (regardless of vaccination status) presents with symptoms of COVID-19 while at school, that person will be immediately sent home. All schools in CVESD must follow the latest County of San Diego COVID-19 Decision Tree (see below) for persons with symptoms associated with COVID-19.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.  People with these symptoms may have COVID-19 and should stay home:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

*** Please see the latest COVID-19 Decision Tree here: LINK to Newest Decision Tree

Parent-Teacher Club (PTC) Corner

Visit the PTC website at AllenPTC.org to become a member of the PTC and make a donation to support the latest initiative at the school. Allen’s PTC is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the school’s educational mission through funding programs and initiatives.

Please help support Allen’s PTC and our school by joining as a member of the Allen Elementary School Parents Teachers Club.

The standing PTC Meeting link is here: PTC MEETING LINK 2022-2023

Meetings for Families & Staff

Allen School needs parents and legal guardians to support our school through important parent groups, such as the PTC (Parent Teacher Club), the School Site Council (often referred to as SSC), and the English Language Advisory Committee (often referred to as ELAC). The site-based groups work with the Principal, staff, and other community members to ensure that community voice is part of the shared decision making process of a public school.

Family First Friday Meeting

The first Friday of every month is usually reserved for our Family First Friday, Allen’s version of Coffee with the Principal. Our next Family First Friday will be on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 8 am to 9 am. This meeting will be in person at school with a coffee cart available in front of the school. Our Allen PTC will also have their monthly Spirit Gear Booth with great items for sale!

We encourage parents and legal guardians to join this meeting with a free cup of hot coffee or a cold cup of cold brew on nitro and listen to Mr. Greenwell give an update on the school year and meet other amazing Allen families.

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

Ella B. Allen’s next ELAC Meeting will be on February 13, 2023 at 3 pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

The school encourages all legal parent/guardian of students designated as an English Learner to attend these meetings.

School Site Council (SSC)

Ella B. Allen’s next SSC Meeting will be on February 13, 2023 at 3:30 pm. Please note that if you join early, you’ll be attending the ELAC meeting already in progress. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

All SSC members are welcome to attend ELAC meetings for additional information.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC) is composed of five elected parent/community representatives and five elected staff/teacher representatives. The role of the SSC is to develop, approve, and monitor the School Plan for Student Achievement.

With a few exceptions, meetings are held the second Monday of every month. All parents and staff are welcome to attend. Council members serve for two year terms.

Parent Teacher Club (PTC) Meeting

Allen’s PTC usually meets the second Monday of every month at 6pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Link: via this link. The next PTC meeting is February 13 at 6 pm. Please also check out the new PTC website to become a member and make a donation: AllenPTC.org

CVESD Board of Education Meeting

The district’s Board of Education meetings are also being held online and generally occur the second Wednesday of each month. The next regularly scheduled CVESD Board of Education meeting is Wednesday, February 15 at 6 pm. Limited in-person access is permitted, but check the district’s website for more information on this.

To access these public meetings, please click the link here: https://www.cvesd.org/board_of_education/board_meetings

CVESD DAC/DELAC Meeting

District Advisory Council (DAC)

The DAC is composed of parent and staff representatives from each School Site Council. It meets regularly during the school year in open public forum to share information, study instructional issues, approve school planning schedules, and make recommendations to the Board of Education on specific items. District meetings take place once a month, mid-afternoon. Most meetings occur on Tuesdays from 12 – 2 pm, with a parent training beforehand. This is an elected position to serve a one-year term.

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

The district will continue to conduct all meetings online until further notice, including all DAC/DELAC meetings. DAC is the District Advisory Committee. DELAC is the District English Learner Advisory Committee. Both of these groups are designed to support and inform parents in a shared communication setting with the district. Parents learn with other parents and district leadership at the DAC/DELAC meetings.

The next DAC/DELAC Meeting will be on February 7, 2023 at 12 noon. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

The link below contains a schedule of all DAC/DELAC meetings for the upcoming school year. I recommend all parents download this schedule if they are interested in learning more about theses district meetings: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/dac-delac

CVESD B-LAC Meeting

District Black Learners Advisory Council (B-LAC)

The B-LAC is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The B-LAC provides and monitors the ongoing support for Black/African American students and families in the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) to ensure unbiased practices/policies, equitable educational outcomes, and equal access to a quality education. The group meets regularly during the school year, once a month. Most meetings occur on Thursdays from 6 – 7 pm. The next meeting is February 23 at 6 pm and will be in person at Fahari Jeffers Elementary (1145 Camino Prado, Chula Vista, CA 91913). For more information and to download the schedule of these meetings, clink the link: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/black-learners-advisory-council—b–lac

CVESD BAC Meeting

District Budget Advisory Council (CVESD BAC)

The District’s Budget Advisory Council (BAC) is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The BAC monitors the financial statements and fiduciary obligations of the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD). Although it usually only meets 5 – 6 times a year, the BAC’s meetings are useful in understanding how state and federal monies support student learning at a local level. February 22 at 6 pm is the next BAC meeting. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

Calendar for the 2022-2023 School Year

The 2022-2023 School Calendar is available online! Click this link to download it. Please reference this when planning vacations or scheduling appointments with your children that may require them to miss school. Excellent attendance is important in student success!

Our Board of Education approved our 2023-2024 School Calendar as well and we are pleased to share that it aligns well with Sweetwater as well. Please also use this document to plan and schedule family outings, vacations, and other important appointments. Find that document in the file below…

Students in our district will end the current academic year on Friday, June 2, 2023.

Allen Elementary is proud to be a Kindness Certified School again in 2023!

Be well Eagles! Stay safe: As a California public school, we encourage everyone to stay healthy and get the COVID-19 vaccine (and/or booster shots), as well as to test regularly. The health and safety of our students, staff, and community is our number 1 concern!

🦅  Allen Eagles: Together, we SOAR!

Hello Allen Families and Staff,

We wish all those who celebrate, a happy Lunar New Year!

We would also like to acknowledge our celebration of Black History Month that will continue throughout the month of February.

Allen Elementary also celebrates Heart Health Month in the month of February. Exercise, good nutrition, a full night of sleep, and lots of water will be emphasized with our students all month long!

If you have questions for our staff or need assistance, please call at at (619) 479-3662. Office hours are 8 am to 3:30 pm, M-F.

Have you downloaded the Family Handbook for 2022-2023? Kindly review this with your child.

https://allenelementary.org/family-handbook/

Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week

Thank you to our families and school community for supporting the PTC and its Sees Candy Fundraiser! Please contact our front office to volunteer for the PTC’s Out of This World Dance on Friday, Feb. 24th!

Please watch Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week for this upcoming week at the YouTube link below:

Please download our Q3 Calendar of Events here:

Help our partners at the YMCA meet their fundraising goal as our students benefit greatly from services at Allen and at our local branch! Contribute here: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4298539

Do you receive School Messenger emails and communication from our district? Be sure to check www.cvesd.org and bookmark our district’s website and follow its social media:

• Facebook – @CVESDNews
• Instagram – @CVESDNews
• Twitter – @CVESDNews

Please see our updated 2022-2023 Family Handbook here: Link to Family Handbook

A reminder of our school’s Core Values and Common Courtesies:

The Core Value for this upcoming week of school is Perseverance. The Common Courtesy for this week is “Good morning and Good afternoon.“

Students may earn an Allen Eagle Ticket for demonstrating the Core Values and Common Courtesies each day. Students can redeem these tickets at the Eagle’s Nest Store at the end of each quarter of the school year. Our staff is always looking for ways to celebrate our students!

Kindness counts! Wondering how to support children if they experience a problem with another student? We suggest:

• Use “I feel…” statements to express yourself clearly.
• Set boundaries by saying “I don’t like that…” or “Please stop!”
• Move away from the student you have conflict with and…
• Seek help from an adult nearby.

Our staff prides itself in actively monitoring students at all times. What our staff has noticed is that students are learning how to interact with one another and having some problems or conflict. This is not bullying. It may be due to trauma and other sudden social-emotional issues with a child. What is bullying? See the helpful graphic below:

If you have a concern about another child’s behaviors impacting your child, we suggest you first contact your child’s teacher. Afterwards, please see this page here. It’s our District’s Anti-Bullying page.

If you need to conduct business with the school office, please contact the school office between the hours of 8 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at (619) 479-3662 and we will arrange an appointment with you.

A Look Ahead:

Tuesday, January 31, 2023 – Allen Speech Contest (during school hours)

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

• Black History Month begins
• Student Council Sock Drive begins
• Virtual TK/Kinder Registration Townhall Meeting 6-8 pm [link at www.cvesd.org]

Thursday, February 2, 2023 – Groundhog Day

Friday, February 3, 2023

• Family First Friday from 8 am to 9 am (with free coffee for adults) and PTC Spirit Booth
• National Wear Red Day for Heart Health

Tuesday, February, 7, 2023

• Summative ELPAC Testing begins for students identified as MELs (Multilingual English Learners)
• BVMS Presentation to Sixth Grade students
• CVESD DAC/DELAC at 12 noon at 84 East J Street in Chula Vista

Monday, February 13, 2023 – Parent Meetings (in person in MPR and online)

• ELAC at 3 pm [ELAC LINK here]
• SSC at 3:30 pm [SSC LINK here]
• PTC at 6 pm [PTC Link HERE]

Tuesday, February 14, 2023 – 3rd grade students visit the San Diego Zoo

Wednesday, February 15, 2023 – 5th grade students visit the USS Midway Museum

Thursday, February 16, 2023

• Kids Heart Challenge during the school day
• Student Council Sock Drive ends
• Family Focus Series: “10 Things Parents Need to Know About Fentanyl” at 6 pm at 84 East J Street in Chula Vista

Friday, February 17, 2023 – NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day Weekend

Monday, February 20, 2023 – NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day Weekend

Thursday, February, 23, 2023 – Spring Photography Day and Bus Evacuation Drill at Allen

Friday, February 24, 2023 – PTC’s Out of this World Family Dance (5 – 7 pm) at Allen

February 27 – March 3, 2023: Read Across America Week and Spirit Week

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 – 4th grade students visit the Living Coast Discovery Center

Wednesday, March 1, 2023 – Women’s History Month begins

Friday, March 3, 2023 – Family First Friday from 8 am to 9 am (with free coffee for adults) and PTC Spirit Booth

March 6 – 10, 2023: Scholastic Spring Book Fair (BOGO)

March 9 – 16, 2023: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences (dismissal at 2 pm for all students in grades TK-6)

Monday, March 13, 2023 – Parent Meetings (in person in MPR and online)

• ELAC at 3 pm [ELAC LINK here]
• SSC at 3:30 pm [SSC LINK here]
• PTC at 6 pm PTC Link HERE]

Friday, March 17, 2023 – Green Spirit Day and dismiss for Spring Break

March 20 – 31, 2023: Spring Break – NO SCHOOL

Monday, April 3, 2023 – Classes resume (with a 2 pm dismissal for all students in grades TK-6)

Sock Drive

February 1st through February 16th, Allen’s Student Council will be hosting a Sock Drive. Please bring new socks (never before worn) to the bins in the front office or in the MPR. Help warm the feet of those in our community! We welcome socks of all sizes and colors as long as they are brand new socks!

Friday, Feb. 3

Friday, February 3rd is our next Family First Friday in person, in front of the school from 8 am to 9 am. Adults can get a free cup of coffee, courtesy of Allen Elementary, the PTC, and Nitro Monkey Coffee. Our PTC Spiritgear Booth will sell items as well!

That day is also National Wear Red Day. The American Heart Association (AHA) launched Go Red For Women™ due to the fact that close to 500,000 women per year were dying of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease continues to kill more women than the next four causes of death combined, including cancer. Many women are still unaware of this fact, and few believe that heart disease is their greatest health threat. Therefore, to raise awareness, the AHA encourages everyone in the nation to “go red” on February 3, 2023. Join us wearing red that morning!

February is Museum Month

Explore the fun during San Diego Museum Month with 50% off admission to more than 60 San Diego County museums, historic sites, gardens, zoo/aquariums and more.  There’s so much to see at San Diego County museums, and during the month of February the San Diego Museum Council is making it easy to visit your favorites by offering half-price admission. Simply pick up a 50% off pass at any public library in San Diego County and bring it to a participating museum from February 1-28. For more information, visit: https://sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/museum-month/

In addition, the entire month of February (February 1- 28, 2023) seniors age 65 and older receive free admission to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (located in the San Pasqual Valley) with a valid photo ID at the turnstile. For more information, visit: https://sdzsafaripark.org/tickets

Kindness Spirit Week

As part of our celebration of The Great Kindness Challenge, Allen Elementary also hosted a Kindness Spirit Week. Students had special spirit days that included some activities to promote a culture of kindness, diversity, inclusion, and respect.

Check out some photos from our Spirit Days below!

Allen Elementary is proud to renew its certification with Kids for Peace as a Kindness Certified School in 2023!

TK/Kinder Registration Meeting

The CVESD Student Placement department, in collaboration with the Early Education Department, will host an online, virtual TK/Kinder Registration Townhall Meeting on Wednesday, February 1^st from 6-8 pm. The link for the meeting can be found on www.cvesd.org and in the flyer below, via a scanned QR code.

YMCA Campaign

Students and families in our area benefit from free and reduced services from the YMCA of San Diego. Help give back by joining the YMCA Campaign for 2023! This year’s campaign theme is “Open Hearts, Open Doors.” 

You can make a tax-deductible donation securely here: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4298539

Zone Transfers and Registration Information

It’s almost that time again! Everyone attending Allen Elementary on a CVESD Zone Transfer will receive an email in this last week of January with a specific link to renew the Zone Transfer for their child for the 2023-2024 school year.  Please complete this Zone Transfer (or ZT) process ASAP to keep your child at our school, or families risk losing their child’s spot at our school if a new family moves into the neighborhood. Please also remember that a Zone Transfer or Intradistrict Transfer may be denied if a child’s behavior or attendance require improvement.

NEW STUDENT registration will begin on February 15 online for the following:

• Kindergartners who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023.
• NEW students in grades 1^st through 6^th 
• All registrations will take place online. There will be no paper packets. To register please visit our district website beginning on February 15: www.cvesd.org

Allen Elementary has plenty of space in our Preschool, TK, and Kindergarten classes for next year, but has limited openings in our upper grades. Please contact our office for questions about space availability at (619) 479-3662. More information will be posted on our district’s website at www.cvesd.org in February 2023.

• Please note:
  • TK students will not need a renewal zone transfer link as they will need to register at their neighborhood school for Kindergarten. Our district’s Early Childhood Education department supports Preschool and TK enrollment. Please contact them directly at (619) 425-9600 Ext.181725.
  • The Renewal Zone Transfer Form is independent of the “New Zone Transfer Form.”
  • Students who will be transitioning to Sweetwater Union High School District for seventh grade (middle school) do not need to notify CVESD about this, but will need to complete registration processes with that district via https://www.sweetwaterschools.org/.

Preschool Enrollment

Are you considering enrolling your child in preschool? Look no further! Allen Elementary offers a free preschool program for qualifying families that live in San Diego County. Learn more and enroll your child today at http://cvesd.org/preschool.

Family Focus Series

The next event in our Family Focus Series will help families to learn more about pressing topics such as bullying, social and emotional well-being, and more! Free childcare and dinner are provided for all attendees.

The next workshop is on Feb. 16th at 6 pm and titled “10 Things Parents Need to Know About Fentanyl.”

Questions? Email Angelica.maldonado@cvesd.org.

• In person, 6:00 pm, dinner served, at 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910
• Free childcare provided.

Colds, Flu, RSV, COVID, & other illness

A friendly reminder that if your child is sick, please contact the school office and keep your child home.

With millions of people returning to their daily activities and traveling once again, it’s important to recognize that COVID-19 and the flu aren’t the only currently spreading diseases that can cause severe illness in infants. In San Diego, there’s been a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases and it’s crucial you keep sick people away from children.

Talk to your child’s doctor if they are showing signs of illness. Always consult your child’s care provider before giving them medicine or medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. Please contact our school office if your child must stay home due to illness at (619) 479-3662.

Free Campus Clinic Testing

Families may come to the school office, Monday- Friday, between 8 am and 3:30 pm to receive a free COVID-19 home antigen test. The testing is not required. Please report all positive cases to our school office at (619) 479-3662.

Weekly, voluntary testing will continue on our school campus via Campus Clinic each week. Parents and legal guardians must opt-in to the program and no child will be tested without proper consent. If families would like to watch a video on the registration process, they can visit: https://campusclinic.org/how-to/. For community testing at the kiosks, individuals will need to register on-site. You only need to register one time for a test through the kiosk.

As we all know, the winter months are often accompanied by cold & flu season. In alignment with our district’s commitment to keeping your children healthy and in school, we are excited to expand Campus Clinic’s testing services by adding the flu combo test to our weekly COVID-19 testing program. This combo test is designed to provide results for symptomatic individuals for some of the most common fall and winter illnesses, such as Flu A, Flu B, RSV, and COVID-19. This testing is provided at no-cost or free to families, but Campus Clinic is required by the state of California to collect insurance information.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information above, please call or email our Campus Success team.

Campus Success; 8:00am -4:00pm PST
855.286.2577
support@campusclinic.org
www.campusclinic.org

Again, for this free testing support, please email: support@campusclinic.org.

Health and Safety

Vaccines for children are now available. Please understand that the state of California may in the future be requiring children to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to attend a public school, just as they already do for other diseases (polio, mumps, rubella, etc..). This decision is not a school-based or district-based decision, but rather a state government decision.

Masks, although not required at this time, are encouraged for all staff, students, parents, and visitors while indoors on campus.

• There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses in any public place where people are present. The school and district strive to reduce this impact to staff, students, and families.
• It is a current public health recommendation for all eligible people to get COVID-19 booster shots.

If your child has a chronic health condition, such as allergies or asthma, please contact the school office and download the form below to have your child’s doctor complete and send it back to the school’s nurse. We recommend doing this in advance of a child showing symptoms.

If your child experiences any symptoms of COVID-19, please keep your child home and contact the school office at (619) 479-3662. If any person (regardless of vaccination status) presents with symptoms of COVID-19 while at school, that person will be immediately sent home. All schools in CVESD must follow the latest County of San Diego COVID-19 Decision Tree (see below) for persons with symptoms associated with COVID-19.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.  People with these symptoms may have COVID-19 and should stay home:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

*** Please see the latest COVID-19 Decision Tree here: LINK to Newest Decision Tree

Parent-Teacher Club (PTC) Corner

Visit the PTC website at AllenPTC.org to become a member of the PTC and make a donation to support the latest initiative at the school. Allen’s PTC is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the school’s educational mission through funding programs and initiatives.

Please help support Allen’s PTC and our school by joining as a member of the Allen Elementary School Parents Teachers Club.

The standing PTC Meeting link is here: PTC MEETING LINK 2022-2023

Meetings for Families & Staff

Allen School needs parents and legal guardians to support our school through important parent groups, such as the PTC (Parent Teacher Club), the School Site Council (often referred to as SSC), and the English Language Advisory Committee (often referred to as ELAC). The site-based groups work with the Principal, staff, and other community members to ensure that community voice is part of the shared decision making process of a public school.

Family First Friday Meeting

The first Friday of every month is usually reserved for our Family First Friday, Allen’s version of Coffee with the Principal. Our next Family First Friday will be on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023 from 8 am to 9 am. This meeting will be in person at school with a coffee cart available in front of the school. Our Allen PTC will also have their monthly Spirit Gear Booth with great items for sale!

We encourage parents and legal guardians to join this meeting with a free cup of hot coffee or a cold cup of cold brew on nitro and listen to Mr. Greenwell give an update on the school year and meet other amazing Allen families.

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

Ella B. Allen’s next ELAC Meeting will be on February 13, 2023 at 3 pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

The school encourages all legal parent/guardian of students designated as an English Learner to attend these meetings.

School Site Council (SSC)

Ella B. Allen’s next SSC Meeting will be on February 13, 2023 at 3:30 pm. Please note that if you join early, you’ll be attending the ELAC meeting already in progress. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

All SSC members are welcome to attend ELAC meetings for additional information.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC) is composed of five elected parent/community representatives and five elected staff/teacher representatives. The role of the SSC is to develop, approve, and monitor the School Plan for Student Achievement.

With a few exceptions, meetings are held the second Monday of every month. All parents and staff are welcome to attend. Council members serve for two year terms.

Parent Teacher Club (PTC) Meeting

Allen’s PTC usually meets the second Monday of every month at 6pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Link: via this link. The next PTC meeting is February 13 at 6 pm. Please also check out the new PTC website to become a member and make a donation: AllenPTC.org

CVESD Board of Education Meeting

The district’s Board of Education meetings are also being held online and generally occur the second Wednesday of each month. The next regularly scheduled CVESD Board of Education meeting is Wednesday, February 15 at 6 pm. Limited in-person access is permitted, but check the district’s website for more information on this.

To access these public meetings, please click the link here: https://www.cvesd.org/board_of_education/board_meetings

CVESD DAC/DELAC Meeting

District Advisory Council (DAC)

The DAC is composed of parent and staff representatives from each School Site Council. It meets regularly during the school year in open public forum to share information, study instructional issues, approve school planning schedules, and make recommendations to the Board of Education on specific items. District meetings take place once a month, mid-afternoon. Most meetings occur on Tuesdays from 12 – 2 pm, with a parent training beforehand. This is an elected position to serve a one-year term.

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

The district will continue to conduct all meetings online until further notice, including all DAC/DELAC meetings. DAC is the District Advisory Committee. DELAC is the District English Learner Advisory Committee. Both of these groups are designed to support and inform parents in a shared communication setting with the district. Parents learn with other parents and district leadership at the DAC/DELAC meetings.

The next DAC/DELAC Meeting will be on February 7, 2023 at 12 noon. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

The link below contains a schedule of all DAC/DELAC meetings for the upcoming school year. I recommend all parents download this schedule if they are interested in learning more about theses district meetings: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/dac-delac

CVESD B-LAC Meeting

District Black Learners Advisory Council (B-LAC)

The B-LAC is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The B-LAC provides and monitors the ongoing support for Black/African American students and families in the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) to ensure unbiased practices/policies, equitable educational outcomes, and equal access to a quality education. The group meets regularly during the school year, once a month. Most meetings occur on Thursdays from 6 – 7 pm. The next meeting is February 23 at 6 pm and will be in person at Fahari Jeffers Elementary (1145 Camino Prado, Chula Vista, CA 91913). For more information and to download the schedule of these meetings, clink the link: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/black-learners-advisory-council—b–lac

CVESD BAC Meeting

District Budget Advisory Council (CVESD BAC)

The District’s Budget Advisory Council (BAC) is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The BAC monitors the financial statements and fiduciary obligations of the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD). Although it usually only meets 5 – 6 times a year, the BAC’s meetings are useful in understanding how state and federal monies support student learning at a local level. February 22 at 6 pm is the next BAC meeting. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

Calendar for the 2022-2023 School Year

The 2022-2023 School Calendar is available online! Click this link to download it. Please reference this when planning vacations or scheduling appointments with your children that may require them to miss school. Excellent attendance is important in student success!

Our Board of Education recently approved our 2023-2024 School Calendar as well and we are pleased to share that it aligns well with Sweetwater as well. Find that document in the file below…

Students in our district will end the current academic year on Friday, June 2, 2023.

Allen Elementary is proud to be a Kindness Certified School again in 2023!

Be well Eagles! Stay safe: As a California public school, we encourage everyone to stay healthy and get the COVID-19 vaccine (and/or booster shots), as well as to test regularly. The health and safety of our students, staff, and community is our number 1 concern!

🦅  Allen Eagles: Together, we SOAR!

Hello Allen Families and Staff,

We are excited to participate in the Great Kindness Challenge this week and celebrate a culture of kindness, diversity, inclusion, and respect via our Kindness Spirit Week. We also wish everyone who celebrates a Happy Lunar New Year!

If you have questions for our staff or need assistance, please call at at (619) 479-3662. Office hours are 8 am to 3:30 pm, M-F.

Have you downloaded the Family Handbook for 2022-2023? Kindly review this with your child.

https://allenelementary.org/family-handbook/

Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week

Please watch Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week for this upcoming week at the YouTube link below:

Please download our Q3 Calendar of Events here:

Help our partners at the YMCA meet their fundraising goal as our students benefit greatly from services at Allen and at our local branch! Contribute here: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4298539

Do you receive School Messenger emails and communication from our district? Be sure to check www.cvesd.org and bookmark our district’s website and follow its social media:

• Facebook – @CVESDNews
• Instagram – @CVESDNews
• Twitter – @CVESDNews

Please see our updated 2022-2023 Family Handbook here: Link to Family Handbook

A reminder of our school’s Core Values and Common Courtesies:

The Core Value for this upcoming week of school is Honesty. The Common Courtesy for this week is “Thank you.“

Students may earn an Allen Eagle Ticket for demonstrating the Core Values and Common Courtesies each day. Students can redeem these tickets at the Eagle’s Nest Store at the end of each quarter of the school year. Our staff is always looking for ways to celebrate our students!

Kindness counts! Wondering how to support children if they experience a problem with another student? We suggest:

• Use “I feel…” statements to express yourself clearly.
• Set boundaries by saying “I don’t like that…” or “Please stop!”
• Move away from the student you have conflict with and…
• Seek help from an adult nearby.

Our staff prides itself in actively monitoring students at all times. What our staff has noticed is that students are learning how to interact with one another and having some problems or conflict. This is not bullying. It may be due to trauma and other sudden social-emotional issues with a child. What is bullying? See the helpful graphic below:

If you have a concern about another child’s behaviors impacting your child, we suggest you first contact your child’s teacher. Afterwards, please see this page here. It’s our District’s Anti-Bullying page.

If you need to conduct business with the school office, please contact the school office between the hours of 8 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at (619) 479-3662 and we will arrange an appointment with you.

A Look Ahead:

January 23 – 27, 2023: The Great Kindness Challenge and Spirit Week at Allen Elementary

Monday, January 23, 2023 – Parent Meetings (in person in MPR and online)

• Kids Heart Challenge kickoff at school
• ELAC at 3 pm
• SSC at 3:30 pm
• PTC at 6 pm
• YMCA DASH/Junior Academy Cooking Class begins after school (and ends on Friday, 1/27)

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 – CVESD Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) at 6 pm at 84 East J Street in Chula Vista

Thursday, January 26, 2023 – CVESD Black Learners Advisory Committee (B-LAC) at 6 pm at Hedenkamp Elementary

Friday, January 27, 2023 – Sees Candy Fundraiser ENDS

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

• Black History Month begins
• Virtual TK/Kinder Registration Townhall Meeting 6-8 pm [link at www.cvesd.org]

Thursday, February 2, 2023 – Groundhog Day

Friday, February 3, 2023 – Family First Friday from 8 am to 9 am (with free coffee for adults) and PTC Spirit Booth

Tuesday, February, 7, 2023 – CVESD DAC/DELAC at 12 noon at 84 East J Street in Chula Vista

Monday, February 13, 2023 – Parent Meetings (in person in MPR and online)

• ELAC at 3 pm
• SSC at 3:30 pm
• PTC at 6 pm

Tuesday, February 14, 2023 – 3rd grade students visit the San Diego Zoo

Wednesday, February 15, 2023 – 5th grade students visit the USS Midway Museum

Thursday, February 16, 2023

• Kids Heart Challenge during the school day
• Family Focus Series: “10 Things Parents Need to Know About Fentanyl” at 6 pm at 84 East J Street in Chula Vista

Friday, February 17, 2023 – NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day Weekend

Monday, February 20, 2023 – NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day Weekend

Thursday, February, 23, 2023 – Spring Photography Day and Bus Evacuation Drill at Allen

Friday, February 24, 2023 – PTC’s Out of this World Family Dance (5 – 7 pm) at Allen

February 27 – March 3, 2023: Read Across America Week and Spirit Week

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 – 4th grade students visit the Living Coast Discovery Center

Wednesday, March 1, 2023 – Women’s History Month begins

Friday, March 3, 2023 – Family First Friday from 8 am to 9 am (with free coffee for adults) and PTC Spirit Booth

March 6 – 10, 2023: Scholastic Spring Book Fair (BOGO)

March 9 – 16, 2023: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences (dismissal at 2 pm for all students in grades TK-6)

Monday, March 13, 2023 – Parent Meetings (in person in MPR and online)

• ELAC at 3 pm
• SSC at 3:30 pm
• PTC at 6 pm

Friday, March 17, 2023 – Green Spirit Day and dismiss for Spring Break

March 20 – 31, 2023: Spring Break – NO SCHOOL

Monday, April 3, 2023 – Classes resume (with a 2 pm dismissal for all students in grades TK-6)

Sees Candy Fundraiser

Allen’s PTC needs your sweet support! We’re selling yummy See’s Candies for our latest fundraiser.

Visit our shop to pick and choose your favorites and buy your candy online. This fundraiser ends this Friday, January 27th so get those orders in online or on the paper form.

Happy shopping, and thanks for your support!

The Great Kindness Challenge

Allen Elementary is participating again in the annual, worldwide Great Kindness Challenge! This is our third year as a school community. We invite all staff, students, and families at Allen to participate in the official Great Kindness Challenge week this January 23 – 27, 2023.

During the official Great Kindness Challenge week, all students in grades PreK-6 are challenged to complete as many acts of kindness as possible, using the school provided, age-appropriate kindness checklist. With the checklist in hand, students show the world that KINDNESS MATTERS! Ella B. Allen Elementary School is a proud Kindess Certified School!

Please download the appropriate checklist below. Students will receive one paper copy from their teacher.

Students in grades Preschool, TK, Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade are recommended to use the Junior Edition. Students in grades 3-6 are encouraged to use the School Edition.

Kindness Spirit Week

As part of our celebration of The Great Kindness Challenge, Allen Elementary is also hosting a Kindness Spirit Week. Students will have special spirit days that will include some special activities to promote a culture of kindness, diversity, inclusion, and respect.

Check out our Spirit Days below!

CVESD Co-Ed Sports Update

Basketball: Mrs. Farlow (a 3^rd grade teacher) invites all 4th – 6th grade students to try out for the Allen School CoEd Basketball Team. Students on this team play games against other schools within Chula Vista Elementary School District. The only requirement to tryout is to complete the CVESD Release to Participate Waiver. The season runs from February 15 – May 25, 2023 with games and practices on Mondays,Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Tryouts are 1/23 (Monday) & 1/24 (Tuesday) after school from 3:20-4:30 pm. Students must attend both days of tryouts to be eligible for the team. Students should wear athletic attire and athletic shoes for try outs. Please contact Mrs. Farlow by email at melissa.farlow@cvesd.org with questions.

Soccer: Ms. Millikin (a 5^th grade teacher) invites all 4th – 6th  grade students to try out for the Allen School CoEd Basketball Team. Students on this team play games against other schools within Chula Vista Elementary School District. The only requirement to tryout is to complete the CVESD Release to Participate Waiver. The season runs from February 15 – May 25, 2023 with games & practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tryouts are 1/25 (Wednesday) & 1/26 (Thursday) after school from 3:20-4:30 pm. Students must attend both days of tryouts to be eligible for the team. Students should wear athletic attire and cleats (if possible) or athletic shoe at tryouts.  Please contact Ms. Millikin at erin.millikin@cvesd.org with questions.

TK/Kinder Registration Meeting

The CVESD Student Placement department, in collaboration with the Early Education Department, will host an online, virtual TK/Kinder Registration Townhall Meeting on Wednesday, February 1^st from 6-8 pm. The link for the meeting can be found on www.cvesd.org and in the flyer below, via a scanned QR code.

YMCA Campaign

Students and families in our area benefit from free and reduced services from the YMCA of San Diego. Help give back by joining the YMCA Campaign for 2023! This year’s campaign theme is “Open Hearts, Open Doors.” 

You can make a tax-deductible donation securely here: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4298539

Zone Transfers and Registration Information

It’s almost that time again! Everyone attending Allen Elementary on a CVESD Zone Transfer will receive an email in the last week of January with a specific link to renew the Zone Transfer for their child for the 2023-2024 school year.  Please complete this Zone Transfer (or ZT) process ASAP to keep your child at our school, or families risk losing their child’s spot at our school if a new family moves into the neighborhood. Please also remember that a Zone Transfer or Intradistrict Transfer may be denied if a child’s behavior or attendance require improvement.

NEW STUDENT registration will begin on February 15 online for the following:

• Kindergartners who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023.
• NEW students in grades 1^st through 6^th 
• All registrations will take place online. There will be no paper packets. To register please visit our district website beginning on February 15: www.cvesd.org

Allen Elementary has plenty of space in our Preschool, TK, and Kindergarten classes for next year, but has limited openings in our upper grades. Please contact our office for questions about space availability at (619) 479-3662. More information will be posted on our district’s website at www.cvesd.org in February 2023.

• Please note:
  • TK students will not need a renewal zone transfer link as they will need to register at their neighborhood school for Kindergarten. Our district’s Early Childhood Education department supports Preschool and TK enrollment. Please contact them directly at (619) 425-9600 Ext.181725.
  • The Renewal Zone Transfer Form is independent of the “New Zone Transfer Form.”
  • Students who will be transitioning to Sweetwater Union High School District for seventh grade (middle school) do not need to notify CVESD about this, but will need to complete registration processes with that district via https://www.sweetwaterschools.org/.

Preschool Enrollment

Are you considering enrolling your child in preschool? Look no further! Allen Elementary offers a free preschool program for qualifying families that live in San Diego County. Learn more and enroll your child today at http://cvesd.org/preschool.

Family Focus Series

The next event in our Family Focus Series will help families to learn more about pressing topics such as bullying, social and emotional well-being, and more! Free childcare and dinner are provided for all attendees.

The next workshop is on Feb. 16th at 6 pm and titled “10 Things Parents Need to Know About Fentanyl.”

Questions? Email Angelica.maldonado@cvesd.org.

• In person, 6:00 pm, dinner served, at 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910
• Free childcare provided.

Colds, Flu, RSV, COVID, & other illness

A friendly reminder that if your child is sick, please contact the school office and keep your child home.

With millions of people returning to their daily activities and traveling once again, it’s important to recognize that COVID-19 and the flu aren’t the only currently spreading diseases that can cause severe illness in infants. In San Diego, there’s been a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases and it’s crucial you keep sick people away from children.

Talk to your child’s doctor if they are showing signs of illness. Always consult your child’s care provider before giving them medicine or medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. Please contact our school office if your child must stay home due to illness at (619) 479-3662.

Free Campus Clinic Testing

Families may come to the school office, Monday- Friday, between 8 am and 3:30 pm to receive a free COVID-19 home antigen test. The testing is not required. Please report all positive cases to our school office at (619) 479-3662.

Weekly, voluntary testing will continue on our school campus via Campus Clinic each week. Parents and legal guardians must opt-in to the program and no child will be tested without proper consent. If families would like to watch a video on the registration process, they can visit: https://campusclinic.org/how-to/. For community testing at the kiosks, individuals will need to register on-site. You only need to register one time for a test through the kiosk

As we all know, the winter months are often accompanied by cold & flu season. In alignment with our district’s commitment to keeping your children healthy and in school, we are excited to expand Campus Clinic’s testing services by adding the flu combo test to our weekly COVID-19 testing program. This combo test is designed to provide results for symptomatic individuals for some of the most common fall and winter illnesses, such as Flu A, Flu B, RSV, and COVID-19.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information above, please call or email our Campus Success team.

Campus Success; 8:00am -4:00pm PST
855.286.2577
support@campusclinic.org
www.campusclinic.org

Again, for this free testing support, please email: support@campusclinic.org.

Health and Safety

Vaccines for children are now available. Please understand that the state of California may in the future be requiring children to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to attend a public school, just as they already do for other diseases (polio, mumps, rubella, etc..). This decision is not a school-based or district-based decision, but rather a state government decision.

Masks, although not required at this time, are encouraged for all staff, students, parents, and visitors while indoors on campus. There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses in any public place where people are present. The school and district strive to reduce this impact to staff, students, and families. It is a current public health recommendation for all eligible people to get COVID-19 booster shots.

If your child has a chronic health condition, such as allergies or asthma, please contact the school office and download the form below to have your child’s doctor complete and send it back to the school’s nurse. We recommend doing this in advance of a child showing symptoms.

If your child experiences any symptoms of COVID-19, please keep your child home and contact the school office at (619) 479-3662. If any person (regardless of vaccination status) presents with symptoms of COVID-19 while at school, that person will be immediately sent home. All schools in CVESD must follow the latest County of San Diego COVID-19 Decision Tree (see below) for persons with symptoms associated with COVID-19.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.  People with these symptoms may have COVID-19 and should stay home:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

*** Please see the latest COVID-19 Decision Tree here: LINK to Newest Decision Tree

Parent-Teacher Club (PTC) Corner

Visit the PTC website at AllenPTC.org to become a member of the PTC and make a donation to support the latest initiative at the school. Allen’s PTC is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the school’s educational mission through funding programs and initiatives.

Please help support Allen’s PTC by shopping at smile.amazon.com! AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of all eligible purchases to the Allen Elementary PTC when you shop on smile.amazon.com and choose Allen Elementary School Parents Teachers Club Inc as your charity.

Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.

1. Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
2. Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into ‘Settings’
3. Tap ‘AmazonSmile’ and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process

Please choose Allen Elementary School Parents Teachers Club Inc by clicking this link for your Amazon purchases: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/95-4403426

The standing PTC Meeting link is here: PTC MEETING LINK 2022-2023

Meetings for Families & Staff

Allen School needs parents and legal guardians to support our school through important parent groups, such as the PTC (Parent Teacher Club), the School Site Council (often referred to as SSC), and the English Language Advisory Committee (often referred to as ELAC). The site-based groups work with the Principal, staff, and other community members to ensure that community voice is part of the shared decision making process of a public school.

Family First Friday Meeting

The first Friday of every month is usually reserved for our Family First Friday, Allen’s version of Coffee with the Principal. Our next Family First Friday will be on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023 from 8 am to 9 am. This meeting will be in person at school with a coffee cart available in front of the school. Our Allen PTC will also have their monthly Spirit Gear Booth with great items for sale!

We encourage parents and legal guardians to join this meeting with a free cup of hot coffee or a cold cup of cold brew on nitro and listen to Mr. Greenwell give an update on the school year and meet other amazing Allen families.

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

Ella B. Allen’s next ELAC Meeting will be on January 23, 2023 at 3 pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

The school encourages all legal parent/guardian of students designated as an English Learner to attend these meetings.

School Site Council (SSC)

Ella B. Allen’s next SSC Meeting will be on January 23, 2023 at 3:30 pm. Please note that if you join early, you’ll be attending the ELAC meeting already in progress. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Online link here.

All SSC members are welcome to attend ELAC meetings for additional information.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC) is composed of five elected parent/community representatives and five elected staff/teacher representatives. The role of the SSC is to develop, approve, and monitor the School Plan for Student Achievement.

With a few exceptions, meetings are held the second Monday of every month. All parents and staff are welcome to attend. Council members serve for two year terms.

Parent Teacher Club (PTC) Meeting

Allen’s PTC usually meets the second Monday of every month at 6pm. This meeting will be both online and in person at Allen in the MPR. Link: via this link. The next PTC meeting is January 23 at 6 pm. Please also check out the new PTC website to become a member and make a donation: AllenPTC.org

CVESD Board of Education Meeting

The district’s Board of Education meetings are also being held online and generally occur the second Wednesday of each month. The next regularly scheduled CVESD Board of Education meeting is Wednesday, February 15 at 6 pm. Limited in-person access is permitted, but check the district’s website for more information on this.

To access these public meetings, please click the link here: https://www.cvesd.org/board_of_education/board_meetings

CVESD DAC/DELAC Meeting

District Advisory Council (DAC)

The DAC is composed of parent and staff representatives from each School Site Council. It meets regularly during the school year in open public forum to share information, study instructional issues, approve school planning schedules, and make recommendations to the Board of Education on specific items. District meetings take place once a month, mid-afternoon. Most meetings occur on Tuesdays from 12 – 2 pm, with a parent training beforehand. This is an elected position to serve a one-year term.

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

The district will continue to conduct all meetings online until further notice, including all DAC/DELAC meetings. DAC is the District Advisory Committee. DELAC is the District English Learner Advisory Committee. Both of these groups are designed to support and inform parents in a shared communication setting with the district. Parents learn with other parents and district leadership at the DAC/DELAC meetings.

The next DAC/DELAC Meeting will be on February 7, 2023 at 12 noon. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

The link below contains a schedule of all DAC/DELAC meetings for the upcoming school year. I recommend all parents download this schedule if they are interested in learning more about theses district meetings: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/dac-delac

CVESD B-LAC Meeting

District Black Learners Advisory Council (B-LAC)

The B-LAC is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The B-LAC provides and monitors the ongoing support for Black/African American students and families in the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) to ensure unbiased practices/policies, equitable educational outcomes, and equal access to a quality education. The group meets regularly during the school year, once a month. Most meetings occur on Thursdays from 6 – 7 pm. The next meeting is February 23 at 6 pm and will be in person at Fahari Jeffers Elementary (1145 Camino Prado, Chula Vista, CA 91913). For more information and to download the schedule of these meetings, clink the link: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/getting-involved/black-learners-advisory-council—b–lac

CVESD BAC Meeting

District Budget Advisory Council (CVESD BAC)

The District’s Budget Advisory Council (BAC) is composed of parents, staff, and community representatives from around the district. The BAC monitors the financial statements and fiduciary obligations of the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD). Although it usually only meets 5 – 6 times a year, the BAC’s meetings are useful in understanding how state and federal monies support student learning at a local level. January 25th at 6 pm is the next BAC meeting. This meeting will be in person at the CVESD Education Services and Support Center (ESSC) in room C. The address is 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA. 91910.

Calendar for the 2022-2023 School Year

The 2022-2023 School Calendar is available online! Click this link to download it. Please reference this when planning vacations or scheduling appointments with your children that may require them to miss school. Excellent attendance is important in student success!

Our Board of Education recently approved our 2023-2024 School Calendar as well and we are pleased to share that it aligns well with Sweetwater as well. Find that document in the file below…

Students in our district will end the current academic year on Friday, June 2, 2023.

Be well Eagles! Stay safe: As a California public school, we encourage everyone to stay healthy and get the COVID-19 vaccine (and/or booster shots), as well as to test regularly. The health and safety of our students, staff, and community is our number 1 concern!

🦅  Allen Eagles: Together, we SOAR!