1. New Parent Coffee: Cardinal Nation
New Parent Coffee Program
September 2017

2. New Student Statistics
New Students= (in Grades 1-5)
Kindergarten= 89
Grade 1= 20
Grade 2= 16
Grade 3= 16
Grade 4= 7
Grade 5= 10
Other states include Arizona, Alabama, California,
Vermont, Massachusetts. New York, New Jersey
Other countries : Korea, Spain

3. Support Team for New Families
Dr. Stacey Austin, Principal
Mrs. Crystal Metzger, Associate Principal
Mrs. Laila Marshall, General Resource Teacher
Mrs. Shannon Askins, Counselor
Mrs. Flora Shala, Counselor
Classroom Teacher

4. New Student Orientation Activities
New student mentors assigned to each new student in Grades 2-5
New students in grades 2-5 recognized with the counseling bulletin board.
New student “check-in” (Mid September)
New Student celebration for students and mentors in October
Counselors available to meet individually with new students as needed.

5. Promoting Social-Emotional Well-Being
Class Meeting Program
Student Council Community Service Projects
School-wide Citizenship Program
Monthly themes/Morning Announcements
Quarterly Pep Rallies
Cardinal Cash/Prize Drawings
Citizens of the Month
Classroom lessons and small group counseling

6. Promoting Social-Emotional Well-Being
Our Goal: A “Bully-Free” Zone
October is Bully Prevention Month!
Teaching vocabulary terms
Types of bullying behavior
Definition of bullying
How to combat bullying
Program continuity through classroom counseling lessons, class meetings
Parent brochure to enlist support

7. Promoting Physical Well-Being
“BE A PAL” Allergy Program
First Week videos to introduce concept
Signs and labels in the cafeteria
Peanut-free cafeteria seats in classes as needed
Teacher/parent collaboration regarding any foods distributed to students in the classroom.
Annual teacher training on all health issues.

8. Governor’s Scorecard Program for Health/Fitness
Promoting physical activity in PE classes, at recess, and after school (PTA playground support).
Focus on promoting healthy eating by following scorecard guidelines
Avoiding the use of food as the “go-to” reward system.

9. Promoting Academic Success
Differentiated Reading Program
Assessment of Student Readiness Levels
Word Study Spelling Program
Differentiated reading materials including fiction and non-fiction selections
K-5 Vertically aligned writing program

10. Promoting Academic Success
Focus on incorporation of project-based learning, particularly in science and social studies.
-PTA STEM Initiative
-Lego Robotics Pilot Program
STEM lab with ipads, SMART Board, hands-on materials and volunteer support.

11. Support for Exceptional Students
Gifted Program
Grades Referral Window Opens October 9 and runs through October 27
Grades K-2 – Referral Window Opens January 2 and runs through January 19
Gifted Informational Meeting :
West End meeting: Monday, October 9th 6:30 PM – 8 PM at
Short Pump Elementary
Response to Intervention for students struggling in Reading, Math, or Behavior.
Exceptional Education Resource Program for eligible students.
Autism Program for Pre-K through Gr. 5

12. Communicating with Our Parent Partners
schools.henrico.k12.va.us/shadygrove (contains Google Calendar)
Monthly Principal’s Message (on website)
Parent/Student Handbook (on website.)
School Messenger notices
Parent Portal (Gr. 2-5)- NEW
PTA Blasts/PTA websites
Teacher newsletters/blogs

13. How Parents Can Help
Prevent traffic problems by encouraging your child to ride the bus
When you drive, follow the “Cardinal Rules”
Drive all the way around the loop to the stop sign
Stay in your car
Have your child disembark on the passenger side.
Arrive at 7:20 AM or later when adult supervision is available. Allow sufficient time to negotiate back-ups.

14. How Parents Can Help Support the Governor’s Scorecard/Allergy Program
Encourage your child to be patient with the “journey of transition”
Stay informed through school communications.

15. How Parents Can Help
Be confident that we are here for you and focused on helping your child become a happy, healthy, and enthusiastic Cardinal!

16. What are your questions?
Your Turn
What are your questions?