November is National Gratitude Month, and we want to share some thanks! Research states that people who practice gratitude every day are not only happier but healthier.

We are thankful for the teachers and staff at Chenery who are here for our students, our families, and our community. We are grateful for volunteers who help to make the Chenery PTO a successful organization that supports our school and community.

What can you do to show gratitude? How about making a donation to our Annual Fundraising Appeal! With a one-time or monthly tax-deductible donation you can support our community. Your donation will help fund curriculum enrichment programs and author presentations, field trips, special grade-level activities, all-school events, classroom supplies, our science fair, and more!

Already this year we have purchased classroom supplies, supported trash bashers, stocked the PTO closet with cleaning wipes, tissues, and paper towels for teachers to use in their learning spaces, and hosted the School Superintendent at our first PTO meeting of the year. We’re about to begin hosting our coffees with the Principal and teachers are eagerly planning enrichment and potential field trip activities!

No donation is too small—or too big! Please donate whatever you are comfortable giving.

During this month of gratitude, we are thankful for you!

Laura Castelli

PTO President

ANNUAL FUNDRAISING APPEAL

The Annual Fundraising Appeal has begun! The Chenery PTO is a 501(c)(3) organization and you can make a tax-deductible donation by either writing a check made out to Chenery Upper Elementary School PTO and returning the donation to your homeroom teacher or donating online.

Double your impact! If your employer offers a matching gift program, please contact us at CheneryPTO@gmail.com. Our tax ID is 93-2968045 and registered with the IRS under Chenery Upper Elementary School PTO.

This is our one major fundraiser of the year. Money raised will go toward in-school enrichment, field trips, classroom supplies, recess equipment, social events, and much more! We are grateful for every donation.

PRINCIPAL COFFEES & LUNCHES

Please join the PTO and Principal Laura Smith for coffee and conversation. Over the next several months the PTO will host several opportunities to meet with Dr. Smith to hear the latest about what’s happening around Chenery and ask your questions. The next coffee will be December 13 at 9:15 am. 

We will be hosting monthly coffees on the second Friday of each month. Stay tuned for more opportunities!

TEACHER/STAFF APPRECIATION

We show our appreciation to the Chenery teachers and staff monthly on the last Thursday of the month! There are some spots open for the next teacher appreciation event. Please sign up here to bring a treat or snack for our teachers and staff. Sign ups are available through the end of the school year.

BOOK FAIR

Keep your eye out! The school is getting ready to host their annual book fair from December 16-20 in the school library. Our librarian, Ms. Sorensen will be promoting teacher wish lists and gift buying opportunities very soon. The book fair is open to parents at times throughout the day. 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Chenery PTO is a volunteer-run organization and we would love for families to join our efforts. There is a job available for everyone! Email us at CheneryPTO@gmail.com. 

Some immediate needs include:   

Clubs Coordinator (2 positions): Recruit and hire CUE staff to lead after-school clubs, coordinate logistics, and manage budget for after school clubs.

Co-President: Help us organize our volunteers and work with the CUE teachers and administrators to make sure everyone’s needs are met. The only qualification is that you are a 4th or 5th grade parent (or 6th grade parent with a current 3rd grader).

Important note to all volunteers: If you can support the PTO and would like to volunteer, CORI forms are required for every parent volunteer. You can find the Belmont Public School CORI form here. (This form is also available in the school office.) You must bring the completed form and a form of ID to the Chenery office to complete the process. CORIs are valid for three years. We highly recommend you get these completed early in the school year.

FACEBOOK PAGE

Be sure to follow the Chenery PTO Facebook page for the latest news and updates. (https://www.facebook.com/CheneryPTO)