Dear Chautauqua Parents and Families,    

February may be a short month, but it is filled with meaningful moments at Chautauqua. From Black Lives Matter in Schools Week of Action and our all-school assembly, to community events like Bingo Night and opportunities to engage in civic life on Election Day, this month reflects the heart of who we are as a school community.

Our February Belonging focus is Loved, and throughout the month we will be centering learning and experiences that help every child feel cared for, valued, and affirmed. We are proud of the academic growth students are demonstrating in winter assessments and report cards, and we are grateful for the strong partnership with families that supports both learning and connection. Thank you for continuing to prioritize regular attendance, especially around mid-winter break, as being present matters deeply for students’ growth and sense of belonging.

Important Dates and Information: 

• Monday-Friday, February 2-6 Black Lives Matter in Schools

  • Food Drive ends Friday, February 6th!  Peanut butter and tuna needed! 

• Thursday, February 5 6:15-7:15 BINGO Night in the cafeteria

• Friday, February 6 10:45-11:10 Black Lives Matter Assembly

• Tuesday, February 10 Election Day!  Please Vote!

• Thursday, February 12 2:25-3:35 PTO Board Meeting in #302

• Friday, February 13 - Valentine’s Day Recognized

  • Please check with your child’s teacher regarding specific plans

• Monday, February 16 - Presidents Day - No School

• Tuesday-Friday, February 17-20 - No School for Mid Winter Break

• Thursday, February 26  4:30-5:30 Preschool Open House

  • Open to all students

• Thursday, March 5 5:30-7:00 PM Kindergarten Information Night

  • For potential new 2026-2027 kindergarten families

  • Please register your new ORCA on our  website. 

Reminder to Vote

Ballots are out, and we encourage all families to take a moment to vote in the upcoming levy election. Levy funding directly supports our schools, students, and community. For the most up-to-date and accurate information about the levy, please visit the district website.  Thank you for staying informed and for participating in this important civic process.

Black History Month and BLM Week of Action

The month of February we honor the rich, robust contribution of Black Americans to our nation’s history and culture.  One of the ways we do that is highlight Black Lives Matter Week in Schools.  This week, we will highlight in particular 5 of the principles that characterize BLM week.  These principles are those that support our Chautauqua beliefs, values and practices:  collective value, restorative and transformative justice, intergenerational, diversity and loving engagement.  Teachers will be engaging in classes throughout the week, culminating in an all school assembly on Friday, February 6th.  

For further information, go to the VISD BLM is School Week of Action document.  

Kindergarten Registration is Open! Come to Information Night! 

Do you have an incoming kindergartner, or know a family who does? Now is the time to register for kindergarten at Chautauqua! Information night is a great time to learn about our program, which provides a balance of whole group, small group, and independent learning in math, reading, science, and writing. Students enjoy daily playtime filled with crafts, art, dramatic play, building, collaboration, and sensory learning. With three recesses a day in our designated kindergarten playground and forest, children have plenty of opportunities to explore and move. In addition to core academics, our students receive instruction from specialist teachers in library, physical education, and the arts.  Social-emotional learning is supported through the Second Step curriculum and Positive Behavior Support Team. Thematic studies throughout the year keep learning engaging and meaningful. Families can also take advantage of healthy meal options through our cafeteria, as well as free bus transportation. Help us spread the word and encourage families to register their new ORCA on our website (be sure to choose 2026-27 registration :0) TODAY!

Report Cards and Progress Reports

On Friday, February 6th families will be able to access first semester report cards for all students, and families of students receiving special education services will receive progress reports by email.  

Our Chautauqua report cards are based on priority standards for each grade level.  On the report cards, you will see mostly numbers from 1-4.  On a few occasions you might see an ‘N’ or a place left blank.  Here is what those symbols mean:  

• "3" is when the student consistently can do that skill and at the level expected by the end of the grade-level year.

• "2" is when they are making progress, and can achieve that standard some of the time but not yet all of the time. 

• "1" is when they are starting out, or still need more practice or support. 

• “N” is not yet approaching the year-end standard.

• "4" is when they have gone well beyond year-end expectations and can even teach and lead others in that area.

At the end of the first semester, most students will earn 1's (starting out)  and 2's (making progress.) Many skills will be taught during the 2nd semester, so some of those lines may be blank.  The goal for each student is to achieve 3's by the end of the year.  

Please take time to review the report card with your student. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher first.  They will be able to give you the most accurate information.  

Thank you for entrusting your child to our care. 

Best,

Julie Kangas

Principal