PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Dear Parents and Students:

We would like to welcome you to Christopher Farms School, home of the Colts.  The 2007-2008 school year should be very exciting.  Our staff is committed to providing your child with the skills necessary for success in the future and for providing the best instructional program possible.

In our efforts to make the school's program effective, we understand and support the importance of a working partnership between home and school.  This cooperative attitude will enhance your child's educational experience.

Please read and discuss the information contained in our handbook with your child.  You will find this handbook to be an excellent resource throughout the school year.

We look forward to working with you this year.  We know it will be exciting and together we can continue the tradition of making Christopher Farms the best school in Virginia Beach.

Sincerely,

D.N. Clement

Principal

CHRISTOPHER FARMS MISSION STATEMENT AND GOALS

The mission of Christopher Farms Elementary School, in partnership with the community, is to maximize student learning in a safe and nurturing environment using innovative instructional strategies to prepare our students for the challenges of the future.

Our goals are to:

• Ensure success for all children at Christopher Farms Elementary School,
• Ensure that all school community members are provided a safe environment to learn and work,
• Provide opportunities for parents in the community to become actively involved with Christopher Farms Elementary School, and
• Utilize the technology available to the fullest extent.

SCHOOL HOURS

7:30 a.m.          Administrative office opens

7:40 a.m.          Teachers arrive

7:45 a.m.          Students begin to arrive.

8:00 a.m.          Instructional day begins

11:10 a.m.        A.M. kindergarten dismissed

11:20 a.m.        P.M. kindergarten begins

2:30 p.m.          Student dismissal

3:00 p.m.          Teacher day ends

3:30 p.m.          Administrative office closes

8:20 - 2:50 pm   Old Donation Center for the Gifted and Talented

WALKING ZONE

The Christopher Farms walking zone encompasses Pleasant Acres Drive and all adjoining courts including Fresh Meadow Court, Taylor Farms Court, Farmingdale Circle, Morningwood Court, Wheathusk Court, Fence Court, Pleasant Acres Court and Saw Mill Court.  The walking zone also extends from the intersection of Pleasant Acres Drive and Redbarn Drive to Christopher Farms Drive and includes Broad Acres Way and Broad Acres Court.  Buses will serve all other areas.

• A school crossing guard is assigned to Christopher Farms Elementary for student safety.
• The student drop-off area is designated as the circle by the front door.  A single-file line of cars only should progress into the loop in a slow, safe manner as directed by CFES staff.
• Students may be dropped off beginning at 7:45 a.m. Supervision is not available before that time. Please adhere to the 7:45 a.m. time.

PTA OPEN HOUSE MEETINGS

PTA Meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of the month.  The PTA board meets at 6:00 PM and the general meeting begins at 7:00 PM.

Open House for the 07/08 school year is scheduled as follows:

Please note:  Effective this school year, no birthday party invitations will be distributed at CFES.  Please consider adding your name to the PTA School Address Directory that is compiled by our PTA.  Information on how to have your name and address included in the directory will be distributed in early September.  Once the directory is completed, you may pick up a copy at the school.  This directory will provide access to the addresses of all the Colt Families who submitted their names.   We encourage your participation in this wonderful resource. 

Alternative formats of this publication, which may include taped, braille, or large print materials are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.  Call (757) 427-1123 or write Christopher Farms Elementary School, 2828 Pleasant Acres Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23453.