Dear Chautauqua Parents and Families,    

As we enter December, we’re excited for three meaningful weeks of learning, growth, and connection before winter break. This month, our Belonging focus is Present—a very fitting theme for this time of year. We are centering our work on helping every student be physically present at school, emotionally grounded in their day, and actively engaged in classroom life.

We’ll enjoy seasonal activities that foster community and celebration while staying dedicated to strong instruction and consistent routines. Your support in reinforcing regular attendance, steady habits at home, and your child’s best effort each day helps us make the most of this special time together. Thank you for being an essential part of our school community—we’re looking forward to a strong finish to 2025!

Important Dates and Information: 

• Thursday, December 4th - 6:30-7:30 PM CES Science Night

  • See below for more information 

• Saturday, December 6th - 3rd Graders singing for the Vashon Tree Lighting

• Thursday, December 11th - 1:30-2:30 PM PTO Meeting

• Thursday, December 11th - 5:30-7:30 PM  PTO Holiday Shop CES Gym

• Friday, December 19th - 2:45 PM Winter Sing-Along CES Gym

CES Science Night Returns!
 Bring the whole family for an evening of discovery and hands-on fun at CES Science Night 2025: Investigate!  Students and parents can explore five interactive science stations, dive into a Lego build challenge, and even check out one of our robots—all free of charge!

This engaging event is hosted by the Vashon High School Robotics Club, and we can’t wait to see our young scientists in action. Come investigate, explore, and celebrate the wonder of science with us!

Get Ready for the 3rd Annual Chautauqua Holiday Shop!

We are thrilled to gear up for the 4th Annual Chautauqua Holiday Shop! This beloved event gives kids the chance to shop for gifts for members of their immediate households for just $0.25 each. No child will be turned away without quarters—though it’s always fun for kids to feel the independence of “buying” their own gifts!

Donation Requests:
To ensure we have enough inventory for every student to participate, we’re asking for donations of new or like-new items. Consider contributing items from your pre-holiday cleanout—your unused treasures could become a lovingly selected gift for another family! Donations can be dropped off at Chautauqua in the large box near the Orca Pod (just inside the front doors) through December 9th.

Thank you for helping make this event a magical experience for our students! Keep an eye out for more details in the coming weeks. 

List of accepted donations for the Holiday Shop (all items MUST be in new or like new condition)

• Artwork

• Bath salts, lotions, soaps, etc., - Unopened

• Bags, purses, backpacks

• Books (adult and children's) in like new condition

• DVD movies (for kids or adults)

• Candles

• Collectibles

• Dog and cat toys, dishes etc.

• Games new or used all pieces accounted for

• Gardening gloves and supplies

• Hand tools

• Jewelry

• Journals/ 2026 calendars

• Keychains

• Kitchen items

• Luggage

• Plants/ Planters

• Picture frames

• Puzzles

• Scarves

• Sporting goods

• Stickers

• Ties new or like new condition

• Toys and stuffed animals in like new condition

Volunteers in the Classroom

We are so grateful for the time and care our volunteers give to our students and staff. Your presence makes a real difference! As a quick reminder:

• No photos or videos may be taken while at school, even of your own child. Some families have requested that their children not be photographed at school, and we are committed to honoring those privacy agreements.

• Teachers may take photos when appropriate and in accordance with school guidelines.

• Many classrooms have a designated room parent who works with the teacher to coordinate volunteers in an equitable and supportive way. Please note that the teacher may need to make adjustments, as they are the ultimate decision-maker for what the classroom needs.

• Volunteer time is a time to be present with all students. Please follow the teacher’s lead, support the whole class, and help us create a calm, safe learning environment for everyone.

• Please maintain student confidentiality. As a volunteer, you may see or hear things about students’ learning, behavior, or personal lives. We ask that you keep this information private and do not discuss it with others outside of school.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our classrooms safe, respectful, and student-centered.

Attendance

As we prepare to take time off from school again, we are grateful for everyone who has helped to restore a routine for showing up to school while supporting students and families. Daily routines are essential for reducing stress and creating a sense of security, and they help to support positive attendance. We appreciate everyone’s efforts to avoid taking extra time off around the winter break. 

As long as your child is healthy, please encourage showing up to class when school is in session. Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as connect to peers and their teachers. 

•  If your family or your child needs support, please reach out to Kristina Miller, our school Social Worker, or Karen James, our VP, or your child’s teacher. 

• If your student will be absent from school, please contact the school office asap. 

• For any non-medical absence more than one day, please fill out a pre-arranged absence form. 

•  Extending the holiday break is not considered an excused absence.  

December 21 marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, known as the Winter Solstice. On this day, we experience the least amount of daylight as the sun appears at its lowest point in the sky. While the sunlight and warmth outside may be minimal, inside Chautauqua the presence of your children brings such light and warmth every day through their energy, curiosity, and joy.

May this season bring your family peace, love, and that same joyful light.

Best,

Julie Kangas

Principal