The Chatfield Cheetah Chat
Chatfield Elementary
3188 D ½ Road GJ CO 81504
Phone: 970-254-4930 Fax: 970-434-1856
Principal: Jennifer Smyth
Our School Mission: We, the Chatfield Community, will build relationships that inspire each child to develop
a quality work ethic and to know they are capable of greatness as they become life-long learners!
Si usted necesita una traduccion en Espanol favor de llamar al 254-5484. Estamos para servirles.
CHATFIELD’S HOURS
Kindergarten and Pre-School 8:30-11:30
1st-5th 8:40-3:50
EARLY RELEASE WEDNESDAY
No Pre-School
Kindergarten 8:30-11:00
1st-5th 8:40-1:50
Mark your calendar with the following dates:
11-3 PTO 6:00 in the Library---Please join us!!
11-6 No School Elementary Planning Day
11-13 Free PTO Family Fun Night 6:00-7:30 p.m.
11-23-27 No School-Thanksgiving Break
Health Office News
As the weather changes please make sure your
children are dressed appropriately for school. Fall and
winter wear should fit kids properly, but gear should
not be so tight that it restricts movement. When sizing
shoes, allow room for an extra pair of socks. Keep
them snug like a bug — but not too snug! Make sure
PTO NEWS!
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR OUR FAMILY FUN
NIGHT!
Hi Families,
to put their name on the inside of jackets as we have
lots of lost and found in our container as of now!
In October we had the pleasure of having the Rotary
Club at Chatfield to celebrate learning with our Third
Grade Students. The Rotarians came to our school
and donated brand new dictionaries to every child.
Our students are using these books on a daily basis
learning many new skills. We are very grateful and
appreciative of the support we have from our
community!
A Message From The Kitchen
Students are welcome to purchase milk each
day. The cost is 80 cents for a carton. Also,
please remember to keep your account up to
date. You are welcome to call if you have
any questions. Thanks! The Kitchen Staff
By now you have received our note about our Fancy Nancy and The
Dangerous Book For Boys night. We need help running booths and
donating
unfrosted
cupcakes.
Please
contact
us
at
[email protected] or call the office and leave your name and
phone number and we will contact you to help!
The free event will be on Friday, November 13th at 6:00-7:30 in the
cafeteria and gym. Please plan to join the fun!
Our next meeting is on Tuseday, December 1st at 6:00 in the Library--remember you are a big part of our school!!
Calling all 4th and 5th Graders---Look at
these exciting adventures for you!
4th Graders can receive a free parks pass by going to the
website everykidinapark.gov
5th Graders can snowboard or ski free three times this
year! Call 1-303-866-9707 or visit the website at
www.ColoradoSki.com/Passport
MRS. SMYTH’S CHEETAH CHATTER
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Dr. Carol Dweck in her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, (2006) looks at the belief that intelligence is
malleable and can be developed throughout one’s life. Dweck presents a belief system about intelligence; the difference
between a “growth mindset” and a “fixed mindset.” She defines a “growth mindset” as the “belief system that suggests
one’s intelligence can be grown or developed with persistence, effort, and a focus on learning.” A “fixed mindset,” is
defined as the “belief system that suggests a person has a predetermined amount of intelligence, skills, or talents.” Those
with a “growth mindset” believe they can learn just about anything. It might take time, it might be a struggle, and it might
include some failure, but they understand that with effort and perseverance they can succeed. This focus of a “growth
mindset” is upon the learning that occurs.
As a staff, we are focusing on each student’s effort and the growth they attain throughout the year, and their ability to
problem-solve, stick with it, and persevere until a task is accomplished. We are encouraging your student to look for
alternative ways to reach their goals when they get stuck and not ever give up.
One way parents can help reinforce this “growth mindset” is by carefully choosing the words that are used when praising
your child. As adults, we must remember that every word and every action performed sends a message to children. These
words and actions tell children how to think about themselves. As adults, it is important to praise a child’s effort instead
of praising their accomplishments.
The following table includes some examples:
Do Not Say
You are really athletic!
You are so smart!
Your drawing is wonderful; you are my little artist.
You are a great athlete. You could be the next
Pele!
You always get good grades; that makes me
happy.
Do Say
You really work hard and pay attention when you
are on that field!
You work hard in school and it shows!
I can see you have been practicing your drawing;
what a great improvement!
Keep practicing and you will see great results!
When you put forth effort it really shows in your
grades. You should be proud of yourself. We are
proud of you!
So the next time you are ready to praise your child, please remember the “growth mindset” philosophy and think about
how to praise your child’s efforts instead of their accomplishments.
We too, will continue to encourage your child (ren) to persevere and never give up! Together, we can encourage every
student to become a life-long learner!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Smyth, Principal
SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING
Please plan to attend Chatfield’s School Accountability Committee meeting on
December 7th, 6:00-7:30 p.m. in our Library. This committee focuses on instruction,
academic improvement, and refining our current policies and procedures to create a
better learning environment.
This meeting will be with our District Accountability Committee to review our Unified
Improvement Plan (UIP). This is required for every school and every district in the State
of Colorado. The UIP reviews past academic performance and includes an action plan
for the next two years for improvement. This is an open meeting and all are welcome to
attend.