Happy Valentines Day, Allen Families! We hope you are enjoying the 4 day weekend safely. Class resumes on Tuesday, Feb. 16th at 8:50 am.
Please see the latest updates from Allen Elementary and the Chula Vista Elementary School District at https://allenelementary.org/.
Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week
Please watch Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week for Feb. 14th via the short YouTube video:
Join the Allen PTC and Make a Donation: Visit the PTC website at AllenPTC.org to become a member of the PTC and make a donation. 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 this Holiday season! AmazonSmile has the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping as the Amazon you know and already use. AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of all eligible purchases to the Allen Elementary PTC when you shop. Make sure to shop on smile.amazon.com and choose Allen Elementary School Parents Teachers Club Inc as your charity. Thank you!
AmazonSmile customers can now support Ella B. Allen Elementary School’s PTC in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.
- Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
- Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into ‘Settings’
- 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
A reminder of our school’s Core Values and Common Courtesies:
The Core Value this week is Caring. This week’s Common Courtesy is “Please.“
If you need to conduct business with the school office, please contact the school office between the hours of 8 am and 3 pm, Monday through Friday. Anyone coming to the school must follow all safety protocols, including wearing a facial covering. We will ask you to remain outside. Please contact the office directly at (619) 479-3662 and we will arrange an appointment with you.
A friendly reminder that school starts online for all students at 8:50 am. Attendance and student engagement continue to be tracked and monitored, according to state law and AB 77 and SB 98. Please contact the school office at (619) 479-3662 if your child is having trouble accessing class online.
A Look Ahead:
Monday, February 15, 2021 – NO SCHOOL: Presidents Day Weekend (Washington Day)
Tuesday, February 16, 2021 – CVESD Town Hall Meeting for Re-Opening Schools at 6 pm [Go to www.cvesd.org for the link to join this virtual meeting]
Wednesday, February 17, 2021 – CVESD BAC Meeting at 6 pm [Go to www.cvesd.org for the link to join this virtual meeting]
Thursday, February 18, 2021 – CVESD and Eastlake Educational Foundation present Strategies for Promoting Social Emotional Wellness online event for parents/guardians.
Friday, February 19, 2021 – CVESD’s Live Event at 1 pm: Fantastic Fish! Click the link: http://bit.ly/fantasticfishcep
Monday, March 1, 2021 – First Day of Women’s History Day
Wednesday, March 3, 2021 – CVESD Board of Education Meeting at 6 pm
Friday, March 5, 2021 – Virtual Family First Friday at 8 am
Monday, March 8, 2021 – Allen Parent Meetings
- English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) at 3 pm [Link to virtual meeting]
- School Site Council (SSC) at 3:30 pm [Link to virtual meeting] * Note that if you join early, you’ll be joining the ELAC meeting.
- Parent Teacher Club (PTC) at 6 pm [Link to virtual meeting]
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 – CVESD DAC/DELAC from 12 noon to 2 pm
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 – CVESD BAC Meeting at 6 pm (St. Patrick’s Day)
Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 26th – Parent & Teacher Conferences (Minimum Days)
Monday, March 29 – Friday, April 2, 2021 – Spring Break
Monday, April 5, 2021 – Students resume class (Minimum Day)
Middle School Information for Sixth Grade Students
Attention parents/guardians of current sixth grade students! We will be sharing information regarding options for middle school. There are middle schools in Sweetwater Union High School District, public charter middle schools (such as those operated by CVESD – Arroyo Vista and Discovery), and private middle schools. Please check your email and speak to the school office or Mr. Manaig and Ms. Linderman for next steps.
This information is for families interested in Bonita Vista Middle School [Click here].
Zone Transfers
Zone Transfer forms (ZTs) must be completed each year in order to have your child continue at Ella B. Allen Elementary School. Families who live in the Chula Vista Elementary School District, but whose neighborhood school isn’t Allen must complete the form and email it to: allenschool@cvesd.org. Families who live outside of the Chula Vista Elementary School District must follow the Interdistrict Transfer process instead here. If you have any questions or need assistance completing the form, please feel free to contact the school office at (619) 479-3662. If your child will not be returning to Allen, please let us know that as well. Parents of current sixth grade students on a zone transfer do not need to do this step.
Curbside Library Book Service
Ella B. Allen Elementary School students are now able to check out library books online by Thursdays and pick them up curbside on Tuesdays! Students can access the library catalog online and place up to two books on HOLD.
Students must have a signed library agreement, found in the Family Handbook online at allen.cvesd.org or https://allenelementary.org/, and must turn in any overdue books to be eligible to check out books.
Instructions for reserving books online:
- Go online to https://allenelementary.org/
- Go to the “Students” tab at the top and click on “Library” in the drop-down menu.
- Click on the Destiny Library Catalog link.
- Select ALLEN ELEMENTARY.
- Click LOGIN at the link in the top right corner.
- Click on Chula Vista Elem SSO (the big blue bar on the left side of the page) to log in.
Username: studentID@live.cvesd.org
Example: 654321@live.cvesd.org
Password for K-1 students: lowercase letter of first name, lowercase letter of last name, student ID, equal symbol
Example for Jane Dominguez is: jd654321=
Password for other students (grades 2-6): Uppercase letter of first name, lowercase letter of last name, full birthdate
Example for Jane Dominguez, born on September 5, 2011 is: Jd09052011
- Search for books by title, author, genre and click DETAILS next to the book when you find the book you want. Select “Hold It” in the top right corner next to the book title. You will be notified via your student’s district email address that the book is available for you to pick up. Please note that some copies of books may not be available as multiple students may have placed a hold on the book. We will check out selections to student accounts that are reserved by Thursdays.
Note: Each Tuesday you may drop off books you’ve already enjoyed and pick up new books that were reserved by the previous Thursday night. Any holds placed after Thursday night will be ready the following Tuesday.
Safety Reminders
- Anyone coming to the school must follow all safety protocols, including wearing a facial covering.
- For the comfort and safety of students, all books are sanitized before distribution at curbside pick up.
Curbside Library Check Out is Tuesdays, 12 noon to 2 pm
- Books must be reserved by Thursday evenings online.
- Please ensure confirmation that your book is ready before driving to school to pick it up on Tuesdays.
CVESD Honors Black History Month
The Chula Vista Elementary School District honors Black History Month for the month of February. We invite you to learn more about the origins of Black History Month and how to advance racial harmony and respect among all Americans by clicking this link: https://www.cvesd.org/news/what_s_new/c_v_e_s_d_honors_black_history_month
No School Presidents’ Day Weekend
A friendly reminder that there will be NO SCHOOL (no online classes and no DLSP/YMCA program at Allen) on Friday, Feb. 12th and Monday, Feb. 15th due to the Presidents’ Day Weekend holiday. Online learning and the DLSP resume on Tuesday, Feb. 16th at 8:50 am.
We also wish all those celebrating the Lunar New Year a happy Year of the Ox!
South Bay Family YMCA Scholarship Campaign
The South Bay Family YMCA offers many supports and programs to the families and community in the South Bay. This campaign raises money for the YMCA’s scholarship program to help kids, families, and seniors during this most difficult year. Please click the link below to support the YMCA’s Scholarship Program. The money raised stays in our community and all funds go to fund scholarships for children, adults, and seniors in South Bay. Kindly note that the link will list “Veronica Valdivia” at the top of the page, but this is indeed the correct link to support Ella B. Allen Elementary School’s efforts and partnership with the YMCA.
Link to donate: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/3117250
Licensed Childcare through the YMCA
The Chula Vista Elementary School District is proud to partner with the South Bay Family YMCA to offer licensed childcare at select school sites! The Y’s Character Builders childcare program is designed to support distance learning curriculum and provide grade-appropriate activities throughout the day. Students will meet in a classroom-like environment for their school-required live sessions and assignments. Afternoon enrichment activities will allow kids to engage safely in imaginative play and physical activities that stretch both mind and body. This program will likely not occur on Allen’s campus, but will happen at a nearby school.
Program runs 7:30 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday. Weekly Cost $238 for Y Members / $280 for Non-Members. Click here to view updated flyer. Scholarships available for qualifying families (see flyer here for information). Please email Program Director Miriam Martinez at mmartinez@ymcasd.org for availability.
Spring Break Camp through the YMCA
A friendly reminder that school will be closed for Spring Break, Monday March 29th through April 4th. Classes restart online on Monday April 5th at 8:50 am and this will be a minimum day. Click the link below for more information.
CVESD Safe! Free COVID-19 Testing
We are happy to announce that the next round of Antibody and Viral Testing for COVID-19 will take place before and after the Presidents’ Day weekend. In addition to students and their families, all staff members are invited to participate. Testing is voluntary and is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (no appointments scheduled during 12-1 lunch break). The following schools/locations are hosting the program:
- Wednesday, February 17 @ Lauderbach Elementary, 390 Palomar Street, Chula Vista, 91911.
- Thursday, February 18 @ Finney Elementary, 3950 Byrd Street, Chula Vista, 92154.
The antibody test consists of a light fingerprick; results as quickly as 15 minutes for those who stay around for their results. The viral test is the shallow nose swab test, not the deep into the brain type; results available within three-to-four business days.
Participants have the option of only doing one of the tests or both, and they are offered at no cost (covered through health insurance or reimbursable to testing provider Kahala Biosciences under the CARES Act for those who do not have insurance).
Per employee requests, immediate family/household members are also eligible to participate in these testing opportunities. To schedule an appointment, please click here or cut and paste the following into your web browser: https://kahalabiosciences.com/cvesd-safe/ Thanks again for your support of CVESD Safe!, our voluntary testing and tracing program.
COVID-19 Corner: Health and Safety Updates
The COVID-19 virus continues to impact our community. Please wear a mask, wash your hands, sanitize frequently used surfaces, and do not congregate with people living outside of your immediate household.
Please see the latest updates regarding public health and safety from the County of San Diego, including information about COVID-19 testing and vaccination, here. With the arrival of the vaccine designed to prevent COVID-19, our District is happy to share a fact sheet that details why the vaccines are safe and effective.
Visit covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/ for more information.
Please also stay home, leaving only to get tested or seek medical attention, if you experience any symptoms of 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
There are a number of testing sites in the South County, thanks to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency. It is highly encouraged for families to make an appointment for COVID-19 testing in advance. You may wish to reference 211sandiego.org or the County’s website here.
Meal Distribution Program
- Meal distribution occurs every Tuesday from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm for all students. Pick up the 5 days worth of meals at the front of the school. Please follow all safety directives, such as wearing a mask or facial covering that covers the mouth and nose. This free service is available for all families that attend a school in the Chula Vista Elementary School District..
Would you like your child to eat school meals this year? The school encourages all families who may need assistance to apply for free and reduced meals via the district website. These forms must be completed again every year, so please do not wait to fill them out! Find the forms and information at the district link here.
Parent and Youth Emotional Support Hotline
A group called Parents Anonymous recently launched the California Parent & Youth Helpline and Online Parents Anonymous® Support Groups in response to COVID-19 to provide free emotional support to parents and youth in any language, 7 days a week 8 am to 8 pm at 1-855-4A PARENT (or 1-855-427-2736).
Meetings for Parents and Legal Guardians
Allen School needs parents and 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.
Virtual Family First Friday Meeting
The first Friday of every month is reserved for our Family First Friday, Allen’s version of Coffee with the Principal. Our next Virtual Family First Friday will be on March 5, 2021 at 8 am. Click here to access this meeting. We encourage parents and legal guardians to join an online meeting with a cup of hot coffee or tea and listen to Mr. Greenwell give an update on the school year. The link will be in an email shared with parents. You may also email michelle.reza@cvesd.org for the meeting link at least one day prior to access this online meeting.
English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)
Ella B. Allen’s next ELAC Meeting will be held on Monday, March 8th at 3 pm and will be held online. The school encourages all legal parent/guardian of students designated as an English Learner to attend these meetings. Click here or please email michelle.reza@cvesd.org for the meeting link at least one day prior to access this online meeting.
School Site Council (SSC)
Allen School’s next SSC Meeting is Monday, March 8th at 3:30 pm and will be held online. Click here or please email michelle.reza@cvesd.org for the meeting link at least one day prior to access this online meeting.
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. Until further notice, meetings will be held online. All parents and staff are welcome to attend. Council members serve for two year terms.
Parent Teacher Club (PTC) Meeting
Allen’s PTC meets the second Monday of every month at 6pm. Until further notice, all meetings will be held online via this link. The next PTC meeting is Monday, March 8th 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 CVESD Board of Education meeting is Wednesday, March 3 at 6:00 pm.
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 9, 2021 from 12 noon to 2 pm. You can access the meeting here at the district’s website.
Below is 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.
Did you know that next year’s School Calendar (2021-2022) was already approved by the CVESD Board of Education? Click this link to download it.
Be well Eagles! Stay safe: we miss you.
Ella B. Allen Elementary School 