CAES Weekly Updates 2025-2026

2025-2026 CAES Family FAQ Guide

If you have questions, the link above has answers.

While I hope you’ll familiarize yourself with all of the information in the FAQ’s of Carrollton Life guide, the following pages are especially important as we move into our first day of school this Tuesday, September 2.

• Morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up – pages 4 &5
• Chaperoning a field trip (There's a trip to the county fair in two weeks!) – page 6
• New for us: Per IWCS School Board policy, no smart watches may be worn during the instructional day. – page 7
• Updated bus routes – pages 13 – 16

It was wonderful seeing so many of you and your children at our Open House Thursday! Thank you for being flexible as we had to adjust our schedule and for being patient with the post-construction zone dust. I will also be grateful for your patience next week as we get our 600 Cardinals back into the routine of school – there’s a good chances a bus or two will be running late...

Here we go again!

Mr. B.

R. D. Brennan, CAES Principal 

the Carillon

car·il·lon /ˈkerəlän,ˈkerələn/ (noun) a set of bells in a tower played using a keyboard 

your weekly update from Carrollton Elementary

 September 6, 2025

From the Desk of Mr. Brennan…

This year’s theme is LOOK UP, and full disclosure: It’s unabashedly due to my fandom of Superman.

Elementary children are still at the age that they think we adults know everything. I am encouraging our staff to LOOK IT UP if they don’t know the answer. The adults should be the lead learners in each classroom, and they should let the students observe how they think to arrive at an answer or how to arrive at an informed opinion. I want our Cardinals to be surrounded by educators who capitalize on the chance to hone their craft, expand their repertoire, broaden their horizons, and I want that for your kids, too. 

Because I know that our little Cardinals LOOK UP to our staff, I want my staff to also LOOK UP to a mentor. It’s important to one who is flourishing to find someone with admirable traits to be emulated. This takes vulnerability and a willingness to consider another perspective, which are the very qualities that we expect from our children.

This generation of kids can easily feel secondary to the technology that consumes their adults’ attention, therefore, it’s vital that we LOOK UP AT THEM. Pausing from the task at hand to focus on the person in front of us tells her that she is worth our time and communicates that he is valuable. Good, old-fashioned eye-contact speaks volumes but is in short supply when we allow devices to command our attention.

When I was a middle school assistant principal years ago, a very wise and thoughtful custodian once advised, “Mr. Brennan, look up.” This was less about my propensity to squint furrow-browed at the floor as I navigated the halls full of early adolescents and more about the need to see the people and the activity and the good that was going on around me. This is how I encouraged the Carrollton staff on our first day together for the 2025-2026 school year and how I plan to continue to encourage them all the way through to our last day together: LOOK UP. It’s my encouragement to all of you Cardinal caregivers, too. This year will be as great as you make it. You will value your children as much as you want to. You will be annoyed as much as you let circumstances and others annoy you. You are in charge of your attitude, so don’t give that superpower away. This will be an important life lesson that I challenge you and your children’s educators to impart through words and actions.

When the staff walked into our building August 25 they were greeted by disarray: hanging wires, missing ceiling tiles, construction equipment, and debris. They could’ve stared at the mess or choose to fix their sights above, see the new HVAC system in the ceiling, and get to work. I’m glad they chose to focus above the mess with a vision of how to make our students’ Carrollton experience a super one.

LOOK UP,

Mr. B.

Mr. Brennan

Cardinal Kudos

• We are grateful to Nathan Webb, pastor of Coastal Church in Battery Park, for his congregation’s generous donation of school supplies.
• Our Cardinals did a fantastic job with our first of four September fire drills yesterday!

Good to Know                           

• If you would like to receive whole-school text messages via Remind, the code is @f9273cg.
• Caregivers of 1^st graders: The annual fieldtrip to the Isle of Wight County Fair is next Friday, Sept. 12.
  • Please return permission slips.
  • If you are hoping to chaperone, be sure to complete the division’s Volunteer Application at IWCS Volunteer Application
  • If you plan to sign-out your child at the fairgrounds, be sure to communicate with the teacher in advance and have your photo ID with you.
• From Mrs. Ellen Couch, Director of Child Nutrition: As we prepare for the new school year, we want to remind you about the Free & Reduced Meal Application. If you think your child may qualify, please complete an application online at www.schoolcafe.com or request a paper copy. Paper applications are available at Carrollton Elementary School, Westside Elementary School, Smithfield High School, and Smithfield Middle School. In addition, all students were given a paper application during the first week of school.

Please also remember: any meal debt from last school year has carried over into this year. If your child had a balance, it will continue to grow if new meal charges are added. If you need help with a payment plan, please contact Melissa Barbee at (757) 365-1631 or [email protected]—she will be happy to assist you.

Thank you for helping us ensure every child has access to healthy school meals.

Loads of Links

• Our school’s handbook: 2025-2026 CAES Family FAQ Guide

• Literacy: Information about the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and the division’s language arts curriculum, myView, is linked here: Virginia Literacy Act and here: IWCS Language Arts Info

• School Counselors: Here is our school counselors’ referral form.

• Food:

o  All students enrolled in Isle of Wight County Schools are given an opportunity to apply for free and reduced-price meals. Applications may be completed privately and securely online at www.schoolcafe.com, and forms can be obtained at any school's cafeteria or main office. 

o  Cafeteria menus are posted monthly on the IWCS website at IWCS Cafeteria Menus ('25-'26)

• Attendance:

o   An “online note” that you can use to report your children’s absences: CAES Absence Note

o   Information about IWCS All Things Attendance

• School division calendar: 2025-2026 IWCS Calendar​​​​

• Bus info: IWCS Transportation Information

​Reminders

• If you would like to eat lunch with your child, please reach out to the teacher at least 24 hours in advance to schedule the visit; this will allow the teacher to communicate if there are any changes to the lunch schedule and to notify the office of your upcoming visit.

• Early pick-up ends at 3:15 daily. From 3:15 to 3:35, students are receiving valuable instruction, at recess, or transitioning between classes, so your support is appreciated.

• Morning drop-off info: 

o   Please do not leave your vehicle unattended in the line.

o   All drop-off students are expected to come through the car line. 

o   Please do not pass another vehicle in the line.

o   Students will not be permitted to exit vehicles from the passenger’s side.

o   If you trust your student to get out without staff assistance, this is fine.

• Afternoon pick-up info: 

o   Please don’t arrive before 3:00 as this may block staff in their parking spots.

o   Please do not leave your car unattended in the line.

o   Be sure to come through the line by turning right from New Towne Haven Lane.

o   Please do not pass another vehicle or switch lanes.

o   Move up to a safely close distance to the vehicle in front of you.

o   Turn off your engine once parked and leave it off until vehicles are directed to move.

o   Here’s a link with more information: CAES Afternoon Pick-up Procedure

Mark Your Calendar

9/11     Patriots Day – We will show our spirit by wearing red, white, and blue.

9/12     Isle of Wight County Fair fieldtrip for 1^st grade and VPI

9/19     Aloha to Summer spirit day – Tropical prints, leis, and sunglasses to wish summer goodbye

9/22     Asynchronous day for students – Teachers will be sharing the work packets soon.

9/26     Smile Virginia mobile dentistry will be with us

9/30     PTA’s annual Boosterthon kicks off

10/7     Quarter one progress reports come home

10/7     School pictures day 1 (Ms. Norton, Ms. T. Nagy, Ms. Micciche, grades 2 & 3)

10/8     School picture day 2 (Mrs. Nemetz-Gardner, Mrs. Rowland, Pre-K, grades K & 1)

10/8     Boosterthon Glow Run event

10/10   Packer Backer spirit day – We’ll wear blue and gold to support our Smithfield High Packers!

10/10   1:00 dismissal

10/10   Smithfield High’s homecoming parade and game

10/13   No school

the Carillon

car·il·lon /ˈkerəlän,ˈkerələn/ (noun) a set of bells in a tower played using a keyboard 

your weekly update from Carrollton Elementary

 September 13, 2025

From the Desk of Mr. Brennan…

Traditionally I will make the effort to personally acknowledge the anniversary of September 11 by watching the solemn ceremonies from Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and Shanksville. Or I’ll watch a documentary about that day. Or I’ll at least post something profound and patriotic on social media. Not this year, though. There was already so much heaviness in the news this past week that couldn’t be ignored and I didn't need to tip the scales any further.  •  On that second Tuesday in September of 2001, I was shepherding my class of sophomores into the library at Menchville High School in Newport News; they were lining up for yearbook pictures and I glanced up at the television mounted in the corner. I saw the smoke billowing out of the first Tower and wondered how the fire started. Then a plane entered the screen. My reaction was visceral and the surroundings surreal: here I was with a bunch of tenth graders primping for their pictures, making each other laugh, oblivious to the tragedy playing out over their heads.  •  This was 2001 and I don’t remember any of the students having smart phones, so back in the classroom we remained relatively oblivious; however, with each squawk of the loudspeaker and another student called to go home early, we were keenly aware that something was very, very wrong.  •  It wasn’t until I got home that I learned the magnitude of the day’s destruction. It was my wife who told me that the Towers were gone and my wife who sat next to me for the hours we stared at the news and my wife who tried to console me when the weight of it all became too much.  • Wednesday, September 12, I asked those same sophomores to reflect in their journals about what they had seen and felt the day before, to record history in their words, to capture that piece of their 16-year-old selves. I told them that there will come a day when people won’t remember because they will have no firsthand 9/11 experience. That day is here. I don’t know where those tenth graders are with whom I shared that horrible day but I know they are in their 40’s now, many no doubt married, with children, with mortgages and careers, older today than I was then. I hope they kept their journals. I hope they paused Thursday to remember however they deemed best. And I hope they told the Gen Z’s and Gen Alphas around them about what those young people missed and what should never be forgotten.

Remember,

Mr. B.

Mr. Brennan

Cardinal Kudos

• The William M. Cage Library Trust made lots of Cardinal readers very happy with its generous donation that supports our library.
• A big thanks to all of the caregivers who helped chaperone our annual field trip to the county fair!
• And thank you to our art teacher Mrs. Gasparini, our computer science teacher Mrs. Waibel, and school counselor Mrs. Bryant for constructed our beautiful haybale entry for the annual contest at the fair!

Good to Know                           

• If you would like to receive whole-school text messages via Remind, the code is @f9273cg.
• For those who pick up their children in the afternoon, please help your kids memorize their pick-up numbers and encourage them to move quickly from their classrooms to the front of the building. 

• We will have our first lock-down drill next week; please speak with your children about how their job is to be as still and quiet as possible so Mrs. Toth and Mr. Brennan don’t hear or see anyone when they’re checking all of the doors
• Reminder: From Mrs. Ellen Couch, Director of Child Nutrition: As we prepare for the new school year, we want to remind you about the Free & Reduced Meal Application. If you think your child may qualify, please complete an application online at www.schoolcafe.com or request a paper copy. Paper applications are available at Carrollton Elementary School, Westside Elementary School, Smithfield High School, and Smithfield Middle School. In addition, all students were given a paper application during the first week of school.

Please also remember: any meal debt from last school year has carried over into this year. If your child had a balance, it will continue to grow if new meal charges are added. If you need help with a payment plan, please contact Melissa Barbee at (757) 365-1631 or [email protected]—she will be happy to assist you. Thank you for helping us ensure every child has access to healthy school meals.

Loads of Links

• Our school’s handbook: 2025-2026 CAES Family FAQ Guide

•  Literacy: Information about the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and the division’s language arts curriculum, myView, is linked here: Virginia Literacy Act and here: IWCS Language Arts Info.    

• School Counselor: Here is the link for Ms. Berkeley and Ms. Bryant, our school counselors: referral form.

• Food:
  • All students enrolled in Isle of Wight County Schools are given an opportunity to apply for free and reduced-price meals. Applications may be completed privately and securely online at www.schoolcafe.com, and forms can be obtained at any school's cafeteria or main office.
  • Cafeteria menus are posted monthly on the IWCS website at IWCS Cafeteria Menus ('25-'26)  

• ​Attendance:
  • An “online note” that you can use to report your children’s absences: CAES Absence Note 
  • ​Information about IWCS All Things Attendance    

• School division calendar: 2025-2026 IWCS Calendar​​​​    

• Bus info: IWCS Transportation Information

​Reminders

• If you would like to eat lunch with your child, please reach out to the teacher at least 24 hours in advance to schedule the visit; this will allow the teacher to communicate if there are any changes to the lunch schedule and to notify the office of your upcoming visit.
• Early pick-up ends at 3:15 daily. From 3:15 to 3:35, students are receiving valuable instruction, away from their rooms at recess, or transitioning between classes, so your support is appreciated.
• Morning drop-off info: 
  • Please do not leave your vehicle unattended in the line.
  • All drop-off students are expected to come through the car line. 
  • Please do not pass another vehicle in the line.
  • Students will not be permitted to exit vehicles from the passenger’s side.
  • If you trust your student to get out without staff assistance, this is fine.
• Afternoon pick-up info: 
  • Please don’t arrive before 3:00 as this may block staff in their parking spots.  
  • Please do not leave your car unattended in the line.
  • Be sure to come through the line by turning right from New Towne Haven Lane.
  • Please do not pass another vehicle or switch lanes.
  • Move up to a safely close distance to the vehicle in front of you.       
  • Turn off your engine once parked and leave it off until vehicles are directed to move.

o Here’s a link with more information: CAES Afternoon Pick-up Procedure

Mark Your Calendar

9/19     Aloha to Summer spirit day – Tropical prints, leis, and sunglasses to wish summer goodbye

9/22     Asynchronous day for students – Teachers will be sharing the work packets soon.

9/26     Smile Virginia mobile dentistry will be with us

9/30     PTA’s annual Boosterthon kicks off

10/7     Quarter one progress reports come home

10/7     School pictures day 1 (Ms. Norton, Ms. T. Nagy, Ms. Micciche, grades 2 & 3)

10/8     School picture day 2 (Mrs. Nemetz-Gardner, Mrs. Rowland, Pre-K, grades K & 1)

10/8     Boosterthon Glow Run event

10/10   Packer Backer spirit day – We’ll wear blue and gold to support our Smithfield High Packers!

10/10   1:00 dismissal

10/10   Smithfield High’s homecoming parade and game

10/13   No school

10/16   The Great SouthEast ShakeOut earthquake drill

the Carillon

car·il·lon /ˈkerəlän,ˈkerələn/ (noun) a set of bells in a tower played using a keyboard 

your weekly update from Carrollton Elementary

 September 20, 2025

From the Desk of Mr. Brennan…

Monday was a difficult one for students. Beyond the typical Mondayness, we had several Cardinals really struggle with showing up happy. Maybe it was the heaviness of the previous week with its barrage of news that undoubtedly had a sobering effect on us adults. Maybe it was just too much county fair. Maybe after two weeks back, the shininess of a new school year had dimmed. Whatever it was, we had lots of students who arrived in tears. •  Now, in an elementary school, crying is as common as skipping in the hall and teeth falling out, but Monday’s cry count seemed unusually high. As I was greeting students in the car loop, one of our young men who has always been cheerful and conversant was neither that morning: he was downcast, and when I asked if he was okay, he looked up with tears trickling down his usually-smiling cheeks. Before I could ask what was going on, he offered almost apologetically, “I’m not sure why I’m doing this, Mr. Brennan.” That about broke my heart! I assured my little friend that it was perfectly alright to be upset and it’s okay to not know why sometimes. I also complimented him on his tenacity because as he was emotionally conflicted, he was also determinedly walking toward the front doors. That second-grader demonstrated a solid example of steadfastness (most likely attributable to parents who model and expect it). At the end of day when he came bounding out for dismissal with his usual big grin, we high-fived and I confirmed “I knew you could do it!” to which he replied, “Yeah, I did, too.” •  May we have the emotional maturity and fortitude of that young seven-year-old, aware of our feelings but not controlled by them. And may we train up our children by practicing what we preach to not let how we feel adversely impact what we do. It’s okay to not be okay -- and it’s essential to keep moving forward.

LOOK UP,

Mr. B.

Mr. Brennan

Cardinal Kudos

The students did a fantastic job with our lockdown drill Thursday -- their hide-and-seek skills are epic!

A grateful shout-out to our clinic team of Ms. Lee and Ms. Kosteczko who have triaged and treated an exceptionally high number of boo-boo’s so far this school year. The gravity seems especially strong lately.

One of our parents happily reported about our administrative associate Mrs. Karie Douglas, “I just wanted to let you know how amazing Karie Douglas has been today. I called her about 3 times trying to figure out where the bus release form was since my son said he turned it in but office did not have it. Karie was so helpful and patient and was able to get everything situated and resolved. She is amazing!” 

Good to Know                           

• Employment Opportunity: Cafeteria and Recess Monitors: The School Board approved our hiring two people to serve as monitors of our cafeteria and playground. This is a 4-hour daily position that will pay $15.60 and hour, and could be a perfect fit for grandparents, retirees, stay-at-home caregivers, late-shift workers, etc. Please think about joining our team and reach out to me if you are interested. 
• Dr. Cramer is looking for caregivers to serve as part of his Superintendent's Advisory Committee. We have one more spot available for CAES and information is attached. If you are interested in representing our school, please let me know.
• If you would like to receive whole-school text messages via Remind, the code is @f9273cg.
• For those who pick up their children in the afternoon, please help your kids memorize their pick-up numbers and encourage them to move quickly from their classrooms to the front of the building. 

• Reminder: From Mrs. Ellen Couch, Director of Child Nutrition: I want to remind you about the Free & Reduced Meal Application. If you think your child may qualify, please complete an application online at www.schoolcafe.com or request a paper copy. Paper applications are available at Carrollton Elementary School, Westside Elementary School, Smithfield High School, and Smithfield Middle School. In addition, all students were given a paper application during the first week of school.
• Please also remember: any meal debt from last school year has carried over into this year. If your child had a balance, it will continue to grow if new meal charges are added. If you need help with a payment plan, please contact Melissa Barbee at (757) 365-1631 or [email protected]—she will be happy to assist you. Thank you for helping us ensure every child has access to healthy school meals.

From Our PTA

Participate in our upcoming Glow Run!

It’s time! You can register your student for our Carrollton Elementary Glow Run! Our goal is to raise $15,000 for school improvements that benefit educational growth and provide family engagement events. Signing up is easy and comes with a fun prize for your student!

Sign Up on MyBooster.com  ️

Thank you for being a part of our Carrollton Elementary community and helping us make a difference for our students. We are grateful for your support!

Follow our social pages for fun progress updates in the coming weeks!

Key dates to remember:

·   Fundraiser Kickoff in school – Tuesday, Sept. 30

·   Event Day – Wednesday, Oct. 8

We are excited to share that we have a special partnership activation with Chuck E. Cheese! When you sign-up your student(s) on MyBooster.com, and get a $1 per minute donation they earn a 30 Game Play Wristband. Once signed up, they will be entered into a schoolwide sweepstakes for a Birthday Party! Students can earn additional entries by completing sharing tasks on their student dashboards. Plus the top donating class in each grade earns a pizza party at Chuck E. Cheese! Registration is open right now!

We thank you all for your support!

Join the CAES PTA today! When you become a PTA member, you’re not just supporting your child’s school, you’re helping to create fun events, fund programs, and strengthen our community. Plus, if you join before our October meeting, you’ll be automatically entered into a special drawing to win a Ninja Creami! Don’t miss out on making a difference and a chance to bring home some sweet treats.

You can purchase your $5 membership here: https://carrollton.givebacks.com/shop/items/7a62744245

Loads of Links

• Our school’s handbook: 2025-2026 CAES Family FAQ Guide
• Literacy: Information about the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and the division’s language arts curriculum, myView, is linked here: Virginia Literacy Act and here: IWCS Language Arts Info
• School Counselor: Here is the link for Ms. Berkeley and Mrs. Bryant, our school counselors: referral form.
• Food:

o   All students enrolled in Isle of Wight County Schools are given an opportunity to apply for free and reduced-price meals. Applications may be completed privately and securely online at www.schoolcafe.com, and forms can be obtained at any school's cafeteria or main office. 

o   Cafeteria menus are posted monthly on the IWCS website at IWCS Cafeteria Menus ('25-'26)

• Attendance:

o   An “online note” that you can use to report your children’s absences: CAES Absence Note

o   Information about IWCS All Things Attendance

• School division calendar: 2025-2026 IWCS Calendar​​​​
• Bus info: IWCS Transportation Information

​Reminders

• If you would like to eat lunch with your child, please reach out to the teacher at least 24 hours in advance to schedule the visit; this will allow the teacher to communicate if there are any changes to the lunch schedule and to notify the office of your upcoming visit.
• Early pick-up ends at 3:15 daily. From 3:15 to 3:35, students are receiving valuable instruction, at  recess, or transitioning between classes, so your support is appreciated.
• Morning drop-off info: 

o   Please do not leave your vehicle unattended in the line.

o   All drop-off students are expected to come through the car line. 

o   Please do not pass another vehicle in the line.

o   Students will not be permitted to exit vehicles from the passenger’s side.

o   If you trust your student to get out without staff assistance, this is fine.

• Afternoon pick-up info: 

o   Please don’t arrive before 3:00 as this may block staff in their parking spots.

o   Please do not leave your car unattended in the line.

o   Be sure to come through the line by turning right from New Towne Haven Lane.

o   Please do not pass another vehicle or switch lanes.

o   Move up to a safely close distance to the vehicle in front of you.

o   Turn off your engine once parked and leave it off until vehicles are directed to move.

o   Here’s a link with more information: CAES Afternoon Pick-up Procedure

Mark Your Calendar

9/22     Asynchronous day for students – Teachers will be sharing the work packets soon.

9/26     Smile Virginia mobile dentistry will be with us

9/30     PTA’s annual Boosterthon kicks off

10/7     Quarter one progress reports come home

10/7     School pictures day 1 (Ms. Norton, Ms. T. Nagy, Ms. Micciche, grades 2 & 3)

10/8     School picture day 2 (Mrs. Nemetz-Gardner, Mrs. Rowland, Pre-K, grades K & 1)

10/8     Boosterthon Glow Run event

10/10   Packer Backer spirit day – We’ll wear blue and gold to support our Smithfield High Packers!

10/10   1:00 dismissal

10/10   Smithfield High’s homecoming parade and game

10/13   No school

10/16   The Great SouthEast ShakeOut earthquake drill

the Carillon

car·il·lon /ˈkerəlän,ˈkerələn/ (noun) a set of bells in a tower played using a keyboard 

your weekly update from Carrollton Elementary

 September 27, 2025

From the Desk of Mr. Brennan…

School barely let out last June when my admin team and I began to formulate a focus of improvement for this year. After looking at the SOL data for the past several years, we noticed a pattern: while our third graders have been passing the state assessments in math and reading at acceptable rates, we haven’t observed an increase in pass-advance status. In other words, we felt that more of our Cardinals should be demonstrating higher-than-average understanding of the standards of learning established by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). While we could be satisfied with what our students have achieved, we are confident that many can do even more. •  So, this is our problem of practice on which we will focus, hopeful to see the percentage of pass-advanced scores increase next spring. I’m expecting our teachers to pay attention to the questions that they pose, asking them to move beyond simple recall (listing, defining, identifying) and incorporating more strategic thinking (analyzing, justifying, hypothesizing). You can actively support this at home as you ask more “Why?” and “How do you know?” questions. •  In addition to the quality of questions we ask, I’m also encouraging our staff to provide higher quality feedback. Telling a child “Good job” sounds encouraging but it doesn’t actually communicate much. What part was good? What made it good? How can it be even better? If feedback is meant to help someone improve, then it needs to be specific, it needs to be authentic, and it needs to be timely; we adults in the building will be working on that and I hope you’ll partner with us at home. As we challenge all of our Cardinals from pre-K to third grade to think deeper and prove their learning, and as we provide them explicit, actionable feedback, we are paving the way for them to soar as critical thinkers which may benefit them on the SOL test and can definitely benefit them in life.

LOOK UP,

Mr. B.

Mr. Brennan

Cardinal Kudos

A big thanks to the following caregivers for volunteering to serve as your representatives to the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee: Ms. V. Dietz, Ms. J. DiStephano, and Mr. M. Roche.

Good to Know                           

Smile Virginia re-scheduled and expanded their visit with us; the mobile dentist will be at school next Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 1 and 2.

Here’s your link to buy tickets to the Isle of Wight County Education Foundation Gala 2025. The big annual event is November 8 and tickets go quickly so be sure to get yours soon. Money raised at the gala is used for awarding grants to teachers who have creative ideas to further your children’s learning.

Employment Opportunity: Cafeteria and Recess Monitors -- The School Board approved the hiring of two people to serve as monitors of our cafeteria and playground. This is a 4-hour daily position that will pay $15.60 and hour, and could be a perfect fit for grandparents, retirees, stay-at-home caregivers, late-shift workers, etc. Please think about joining our team and reach out to me if you are interested. 

If you would like to receive whole-school text messages via Remind, the code is @f9273cg.

For those who come early for afternoon pick-up and park in a line, please turn off your engines when you see students and staff exiting prior to 3:40. This means we are conducting an evacuation drill and people must walk between vehicles, so engines need to be turned off for safety.

From our new neighbors at Riverside Smithfield Hospital:

• Volunteer Program – Smithfield Hospital is actively recruiting volunteers! The first orientation will be held November 17. Signing up is easy—simply follow this link: Smithfield Hospital Volunteer Application. We look forward to welcoming you to our team.
• Free Community Flu Clinic – Join us for a drive-thru flu clinic on Wednesday, October 22, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the hospital campus. Please see the attached flyer for details.
• Drug Take Back Day – In partnership with the IOWC Sheriff’s Office and Smithfield Police Department, we will host a drive-by collection of unused or expired prescription drugs on October 25, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in front of the main entrance of the hospital.  

Reminder: From Mrs. Ellen Couch, Director of Child Nutrition: If you think your child may qualify, please complete an application online at www.schoolcafe.com or request a paper copy. Paper applications are available at Carrollton Elementary School, Westside Elementary School, Smithfield High School, and Smithfield Middle School. In addition, all students were given a paper application during the first week of school. Please also remember: any meal debt from last school year has carried over into this year. If your child had a balance, it will continue to grow if new meal charges are added. If you need help with a payment plan, please contact Melissa Barbee at (757) 365-1631 or [email protected]—she will be happy to assist you. Thank you for helping us ensure every child has access to healthy school meals.

From Blue Dominion, Our School Photographer

Fall Photos
Tuesday, Oct. 7 - Grades 2 & 3, Ms. Norton, Ms. T. Nagy, and Ms. Micciche

Wednesday, Oct. 8 - Grades K & 1, Mrs. Nemetz-Gardner, Mrs. Rowland, and Pre-K
Tuesday, Nov. 4 - Makeup and retake day

Photo Website and Ordering: All photo information and upcoming photo dates are listed on the photo website: https://www.bluedominionstudios.com/caes. Ordering will be 100% online and photos will ship to the address you provide. You will need to know your child's five-digit student ID number to login. Photos will be available to order about two weeks after picture day. More info will follow. 

From Our PTA

Participate in our upcoming Glow Run!

It’s time! You can register your student for our Carrollton Elementary Glow Run! Our goal is to raise $15,000 for school improvements that benefit educational growth and provide family engagement events. Signing up is easy and comes with a fun prize for your student!

Sign Up on MyBooster.com  ️

Thank you for being a part of our Carrollton Elementary community and helping us make a difference for our students. We are grateful for your support!

Follow our social pages for fun progress updates in the coming weeks!

Key dates to remember:

·   Fundraiser Kickoff in school – Tuesday, Sept. 30

·   Event Day – Wednesday, Oct. 8

We are excited to share that we have a special partnership activation with Chuck E. Cheese! When you sign-up your student(s) on MyBooster.com, and get a $1 per minute donation they earn a 30 Game Play Wristband. Once signed up, they will be entered into a schoolwide sweepstakes for a Birthday Party! Students can earn additional entries by completing sharing tasks on their student dashboards. Plus the top donating class in each grade earns a pizza party at Chuck E. Cheese! Registration is open right now!

We thank you all for your support!

Join the CAES PTA today! When you become a PTA member, you’re not just supporting your child’s school, you’re helping to create fun events, fund programs, and strengthen our community. Plus, if you join before our October meeting, you’ll be automatically entered into a special drawing to win a Ninja Creami! Don’t miss out on making a difference and a chance to bring home some sweet treats.

You can purchase your $5 membership here: https://carrollton.givebacks.com/shop/items/7a62744245

Loads of Links

• Our school’s handbook: 2025-2026 CAES Family FAQ Guide​​
• Literacy: Information about the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and the division’s language arts curriculum, myView, is linked here: Virginia Literacy Act and here: IWCS Language Arts Info
• School Counselor: Here is the link for Ms. Berkeley and Mrs. Bryant, our school counselors: referral form.
• Food:

o   All students enrolled in Isle of Wight County Schools are given an opportunity to apply for free and reduced-price meals. Applications may be completed privately and securely online at www.schoolcafe.com, and forms can be obtained at any school's cafeteria or main office. 

o   Cafeteria menus are posted monthly on the IWCS website at IWCS Cafeteria Menus ('25-'26)

• Attendance:

o   An “online note” that you can use to report your children’s absences: CAES Absence Note

o   Information about IWCS All Things Attendance

• School division calendar: 2025-2026 IWCS Calendar​​​​
• Bus info: IWCS Transportation Information

​Reminders

If you would like to eat lunch with your child, please reach out to the teacher at least 24 hours in advance to schedule the visit; this will allow the teacher to communicate if there are any changes to the lunch schedule and to notify the office of your upcoming visit.

Early pick-up ends at 3:15 daily. From 3:15 to 3:35, students are receiving valuable instruction, at  recess, or transitioning between classes, so your support is appreciated.

Morning drop-off info: 

o   Please do not leave your vehicle unattended in the line.

o   All drop-off students are expected to come through the car line. 

o   Please do not pass another vehicle in the line.

o   Students will not be permitted to exit vehicles from the passenger’s side.

o   If you trust your student to get out without staff assistance, this is fine.

Afternoon pick-up info: 

o   Please don’t arrive before 3:00 as this may block staff in their parking spots.

o   Please do not leave your car unattended in the line.

o   Be sure to come through the line by turning right from New Towne Haven Lane.

o   Please do not pass another vehicle or switch lanes.

o   Move up to a safely close distance to the vehicle in front of you.

o   Turn off your engine once parked and leave it off until vehicles are directed to move.

o   Here’s a link with more information: CAES Afternoon Pick-up Procedure

Mark Your Calendar

9/30     PTA’s annual Boosterthon kicks off

10/1     Smile Virginia mobile dentistry will be with us.

10/2     Smile Virginia mobile dentistry will be back with us.

10/2     BayPort Savings Day

10/6     Annual Pinky Promise Day

10/7     Quarter one progress reports come home

10/7     School pictures day 1 (Ms. Norton, Ms. T. Nagy, Ms. Micciche, grades 2 & 3)

10/8     School picture day 2 (Mrs. Nemetz-Gardner, Mrs. Rowland, Pre-K, grades K & 1)

10/8     Boosterthon Glow Run event

10/10   Packer Backer spirit day – We’ll wear blue and gold to support our Smithfield High Packers!

10/10   1:00 dismissal

10/10   Smithfield High’s homecoming parade and game

10/13   No school

10/16   The Great SouthEast ShakeOut earthquake drill

the Carillon

car·il·lon /ˈkerəlän,ˈkerələn/ (noun) a set of bells in a tower played using a keyboard 

your weekly update from Carrollton Elementary

 October 4, 2025

From the Desk of Mr. Brennan…

Reading Revolution Week: One way to celebrate VA250, is to have Reading Revolution Week! October 13-17, leading up to Yorktown Victory Day (October 19), will be the week designated for the Reading Revolution, and volunteers are encouraged to read to our students about the people, places, and events of the Revolutionary era; freedom and democracy; the Constitution, and civic principles that founded this great nation. • Our new librarian Mrs. C. Hicks and the IWCS Elementary Language Arts Supervisor Mrs. H. Cooprider have been working on a plan! Community members, families, and volunteers are invited to participate by reading aloud to our 2nd graders. By sharing stories of the people, places, and events of the Revolutionary period, volunteers will help connect young readers to the values of courage, independence, and civic responsibility. • “Reading Revolution Week is about more than history — it’s about inspiring a love of reading and strengthening students’ understanding of the principles that define our country," said Mrs. Cooprider. "We hope to see classrooms filled with voices from across the community sharing these powerful stories." How can you be one of those voices?  Join us as a guest reader by clicking this Volunteer Reader Link.

The Smithfield High homecoming is next week and since our Cardinals will be Packers someday, we want to let them get in on the fun -- but we don’t want to add more stress to your lives, so we are mirroring the spirit days offered at Westside. Participation is totally optional and here are the themes:

• Monday, Oct. 6 – Fancy PJ Day: Pajamas and tiaras, neckties, dressy shoes, etc.
• Tuesday, Oct. 7 – Opposite Day: The kids will dress like adults, the adults will dress like kids.
• Wednesday, Oct. 8 – Monochrome Mayhem Day: Pick one color to dress totally in.
• Thursday, Oct. 9 – Dynamic Duo/Trio Day: Dress as a famous pair/groups or twins/triplets.
• Friday, Oct. 10: Packer Backer Day: Blue! Gold! Smithfield High spirit wear!  

LOOK UP,

Mr. B.

Mr. Brennan

Good to Know                           

Here’s your link to buy tickets to the Isle of Wight County Education Foundation Gala 2025. The big annual event is November 8 and tickets go quickly so be sure to get yours soon. Money raised at the gala is used for awarding grants to teachers who have creative ideas to further your children’s learning.

Employment Opportunity: Cafeteria and Recess Monitors

The School Board approved our hiring two people to serve as monitors of our cafeteria and playground. This is a 4-hour daily position that will pay $15.60 and hour, and could be a perfect fit for grandparents, retirees, stay-at-home caregivers, late-shift workers, etc. Please think about joining our team and reach out to me if you are interested. Interviews will begin next week.

If you would like to receive whole-school text messages via Remind, the code is @f9273cg.

For those who come early for afternoon pick-up and park in a line, please turn off your engines when you see students and staff exiting prior to 3:40. This means we are conducting an evacuation drill and people must walk between vehicles, so engines need to be turned off for safety.

From our new neighbors at Riverside Smithfield Hospital:

Volunteer Program – Now Recruiting

Smithfield Hospital is actively recruiting volunteers! The first orientation will be held November 17. Signing up is easy—simply follow this link: Smithfield Hospital Volunteer Application. We look forward to welcoming you to our team.

Free Community Flu Clinic

Join us for a drive-thru flu clinic on Wednesday, October 22, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the hospital campus. Please see the attached flyer for details.

Drug Take Back Day

In partnership with the IOWC Sheriff’s Office and Smithfield Police Department, we will host a drive-by collection of unused or expired prescription drugs on October 25, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in front of the main entrance of the hospital. 

Reminder: From Mrs. Ellen Couch, Director of Child Nutrition: If you think your child may qualify, please complete an application online at www.schoolcafe.com or request a paper copy. Paper applications are available at Carrollton Elementary School, Westside Elementary School, Smithfield High School, and Smithfield Middle School. In addition, all students were given a paper application during the first week of school. Please also remember: any meal debt from last school year has carried over into this year. If your child had a balance, it will continue to grow if new meal charges are added. If you need help with a payment plan, please contact Melissa Barbee at (757) 365-1631 or [email protected]—she will be happy to assist you. Thank you for helping us ensure every child has access to healthy school meals.

From Blue Dominion, Our School Photographer

Fall Photos will be rescheduled until a time after next week since we have homecoming spirit days and our Boosterthon Glow Run that will make the kids less-than-Christmas-card looking!

Photo Website and Ordering: All photo information and upcoming photo dates are listed on the photo website: https://www.bluedominionstudios.com/caes. Ordering will be 100% online and photos will ship to the address you provide. You will need to know your child's five-digit student ID number to login. Photos will be available to order about two weeks after picture day. More info will follow. 

From Our PTA

Dear Carrollton Elementary Families,

Who’s ready for a weekend challenge?! Enter a $60 flat donation or $2 per minute donation before this Monday to snag a GLOW-IN-THE-DARK EDITION keychain!  Good luck!

To help us reach our $15,000 goal, follow these three easy steps:  

1. SIGN UP your student(s) on MyBooster.com.

2. SHARE with your family/friends using the SHARE tools on MyBooster.com.

3. GIVE a donation.

We’re currently so close to reaching our goal, and we have just FOUR days left! Every donation counts and brings us closer to the ability to provide school improvements that benefit educational growth and family engagement events for our students!

Reminder: The big CAES Glow Run is coming up Wednesday, Oct. 8! We can’t wait to celebrate with you. 

Thank you, again, for supporting our school!

Join the CAES PTA today! When you become a PTA member, you’re not just supporting your child’s school, you’re helping to create fun events, fund programs, and strengthen our community. Plus, if you join before our October meeting, you’ll be automatically entered into a special drawing to win a Ninja Creami! Don’t miss out on making a difference and a chance to bring home some sweet treats.

You can purchase your $5 membership here: https://carrollton.givebacks.com/shop/items/7a62744245

Loads of Links

Our school’s handbook: 2025-2026 CAES Family FAQ Guide

Literacy: Information about the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and the division’s language arts curriculum, myView, is linked here: Virginia Literacy Act and here: IWCS Language Arts Info

School Counselor: Here is the link for Ms. Berkeley and Mrs. Bryant, our school counselors: referral form.

Food:

o   All students enrolled in Isle of Wight County Schools are given an opportunity to apply for free and reduced-price meals. Applications may be completed privately and securely online at www.schoolcafe.com, and forms can be obtained at any school's cafeteria or main office. 

o   Cafeteria menus are posted monthly on the IWCS website at IWCS Cafeteria Menus ('25-'26)

Attendance:

o   An “online note” that you can use to report your children’s absences: CAES Absence Note

o   Information about IWCS All Things Attendance

School division calendar: 2025-2026 IWCS Calendar​​​​

Bus info: IWCS Transportation Information

​Reminders

If you would like to eat lunch with your child, please reach out to the teacher at least 24 hours in advance to schedule the visit; this will allow the teacher to communicate if there are any changes to the lunch schedule and to notify the office of your upcoming visit.

Early pick-up ends at 3:15 daily. From 3:15 to 3:35, students are receiving valuable instruction, at  recess, or transitioning between classes, so your support is appreciated.

Morning drop-off info: 

o   Please do not leave your vehicle unattended in the line.

o   All drop-off students are expected to come through the car line. 

o   Please do not pass another vehicle in the line.

o   Students will not be permitted to exit vehicles from the passenger’s side.

o   If you trust your student to get out without staff assistance, this is fine.

Afternoon pick-up info: 

o   Please don’t arrive before 3:00 as this may block staff in their parking spots.

o   Please do not leave your car unattended in the line.

o   Be sure to come through the line by turning right from New Towne Haven Lane.

o   Please do not pass another vehicle or switch lanes.

o   Move up to a safely close distance to the vehicle in front of you.

o   Turn off your engine once parked and leave it off until vehicles are directed to move.

o   Here’s a link with more information: CAES Afternoon Pick-up Procedure

Mark Your Calendar

9/30     PTA’s annual Boosterthon kicks off

10/1     Smile Virginia mobile dentistry will be with us.

10/2     Smile Virginia mobile dentistry will be back with us.

10/2     BayPort Savings Day

10/6     Annual Pinky Promise Day

10/7     Quarter one progress reports come home

10/7     School pictures day 1 (Ms. Norton, Ms. T. Nagy, Ms. Micciche, grades 2 & 3)

10/8     School picture day 2 (Mrs. Nemetz-Gardner, Mrs. Rowland, Pre-K, grades K & 1)

I’m working on rescheduling our picture days

so kids are dressed in spirit wear or sweaty from the glow dance party.

10/8     Boosterthon Glow Run event

10/10   Packer Backer spirit day – We’ll wear blue and gold to support our Smithfield High Packers!

10/10   1:00 dismissal

10/10   Smithfield High’s homecoming parade and game

10/13   No school

10/16   The Great SouthEast ShakeOut earthquake drill

the Carillon

car·il·lon /ˈkerəlän,ˈkerələn/ (noun) a set of bells in a tower played using a keyboard 

your weekly update from Carrollton Elementary

 October 11, 2025

NO SCHOOL THIS MONDAY, OCTOBER13

From the Desk of Mr. Brennan…

You know that saying, “Be careful what you wish for”? That maxim was on repeat in my mind starting Thursday afternoon when I watched from my office window as a crew of men with some pretty serious equipment obliterated half of our front sidewalk and carted away the big chunks of smashed concrete. That cement path is a major thoroughfare for our Cardinals at arrival and dismissal, so folks were thrown off Friday morning when they discovered the sidewalk missing (and, yes, I told several kids to check our Lost & Found for it). I had been asking for years for repairs to the sidewalk and those finally came at this end of this week. • Quite some time ago I articulated how I wished my girls would park their bikes better in our garage and not leave their shoes all over the floor, and I vividly recall the admonition I received from a friend whose little boy was all grown up: She told me that there will come a day that I will miss those bicycles that block my car and those shoes spread throughout the house. Now, that day hasn’t arrived quite yet, but I think of her cautionary comment each time I (try to) pull into the garage or trip over a Converse hightop. Knowing it’s true that someday I’ll miss those minor annoyances, ever-present reminders of my kids, I try hard to be less annoyed. • I share this advice with you, too, since your children are still small and maybe as messy as mine were when younger: Definitely expect them to clean up after themselves but don’t wish for Pinterest-perfection. A home should look and feel lived in and when the kids are still around they’ll definitely help with that. I’m sure the day will come when I’ll miss laying on my horn until someone runs out to move her bike and I’ll fondly remember the Schwinn-scratches on my fenders. •  Being an education major, I had no idea that the best time to pour a new sidewalk was during the early dismissal of elementary students on a Friday afternoon, so when kids and caregivers were trepidatiously navigating around the freshly laid concrete, I stood there and gratefully shook my head. I wished for a new sidewalk, I got a new sidewalk, and I was thankful that no students were trying to walk on it. Another reminder to be careful what I ask for! (and, of course, I put my initials in a special spot while the concrete was still wet!)

LOOK UP,

Mr. B.

Mr. Brennan

Cardinal Kudos

The office staff thanks our buddy Micah and his gracious parents for bringing us cupcakes and Down syndrome awareness bracelets, which we will wear proudly this month!

Good to Know                           

There are many people, events, organizations, etc. recognized nationally each month and we certainly can't acknowledge them all, but we have a special community at CAES with Down syndrome and October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. I have a cousin with Down syndrome, so this is a matter near to my heart. Take some time to better understand our friends and family with this condition by checking out the information at National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.​

Here’s your link to buy tickets to the Isle of Wight County Education Foundation Gala 2025. The big annual event is November 8 and tickets go quickly so be sure to get yours soon. Money raised at the gala is used for awarding grants to teachers who have creative ideas to further your children’s learning.

If you would like to receive whole-school text messages via Remind, the code is @f9273cg.

Next Thursday, Oct. 16, is our division’s annual PINK OUT! for breast cancer awareness; the Cardinals are encouraged to wear as much pink as possible.

Reading Revolution Week: One way to celebrate VA250, is to have Reading Revolution Week! October 13-17, leading up to Yorktown Victory Day (October 19), will be the week designated for the Reading Revolution to encourage volunteers to read to our students about the people, places, and events of the Revolutionary era, freedom and democracy, the Constitution, and civic principles that founded this great nation. Our new librarian Mrs. C. Hicks and the IWCS Elementary Language Arts Supervisor Mrs. H. Cooprider have been working on a plan! Community members, families, and volunteers are invited to participate by reading aloud to our 2nd graders. By sharing stories of the people, places, and events of the Revolutionary period, volunteers will help connect young readers to the values of courage, independence, and civic responsibility. “Reading Revolution Week is about more than history — it’s about inspiring a love of reading and strengthening students’ understanding of the principles that define our country," said Mrs. Cooprider. "We hope to see classrooms filled with voices from across the community sharing these powerful stories." How can you be one of those voices?  Join us as a guest reader by clicking this Volunteer Reader Link.

From our new neighbors at Riverside Smithfield Hospital:

Volunteer Program – Now Recruiting
Smithfield Hospital is actively recruiting volunteers! The first orientation will be held November 17. Signing up is easy—simply follow this link: Smithfield Hospital Volunteer Application. We look forward to welcoming you to our team.

Free Community Flu Clinic
Join us for a drive-thru flu clinic on Wednesday, October 22, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the hospital campus. Please see the attached flyer for details.

Drug Take Back Day
In partnership with the IOWC Sheriff’s Office and Smithfield Police Department, we will host a drive-by collection of unused or expired prescription drugs on October 25, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in front of the main entrance of the hospital. 

PEATC Early Childhood Academy: The Early Childhood Academy is a free, online, self-paced course presented by the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) in collaboration with the VDOE. Families of young children with disabilities will learn about supporting their child’s early learning and development. The course will also share tips and frequently asked questions, including information on making the transition from early intervention to school services easier.   

• Online course: Early Childhood Academy (Fall 2025)     

• Dates: November 7 – December 12

Reminder: From Mrs. Ellen Couch, Director of Child Nutrition: If you think your child may qualify, please complete an application online at www.schoolcafe.com or request a paper copy. Paper applications are available at Carrollton Elementary School, Westside Elementary School, Smithfield High School, and Smithfield Middle School. In addition, all students were given a paper application during the first week of school. Please also remember: any meal debt from last school year has carried over into this year. If your child had a balance, it will continue to grow if new meal charges are added. If you need help with a payment plan, please contact Melissa Barbee at (757) 365-1631 or [email protected]—she will be happy to assist you. Thank you for helping us ensure every child has access to healthy school meals.

From Blue Dominion, Our School Photographer

Fall Photos
Tuesday, Oct. 29 - Grades 2 & 3, Ms. Norton, Ms. T. Nagy, and Ms. Micciche

Wednesday, Oct. 30 - Grades K & 1, Mrs. Nemetz-Gardner, Mrs. Rowland, and Pre-K
Tuesday, Dec. 2 - Makeup and retake day

Photo Website and Ordering: All photo information and upcoming photo dates are listed on the photo website: https://www.bluedominionstudios.com/caes. Ordering will be 100% online and photos will ship to the address you provide. You will need to know your child's five-digit student ID number to login. Photos will be available to order about two weeks after picture day. More info will follow. 

From Our PTA

We have exceeded our Glow Run fundraiser goal!  We have raised $18,137. AMAZING!

The highest earning classes are...

1st Place Class (Pizza Party) - Ms. Joslin
2nd Place Class (Popcorn Party) - Mr. Sciarrotta
3rd Place Class (Pajama Day) - Ms. Brake

Join the CAES PTA today! When you become a PTA member, you’re not just supporting your child’s school, you’re helping to create fun events, fund programs, and strengthen our community. Plus, if you join before our October meeting, you’ll be automatically entered into a special drawing to win a Ninja Creami! Don’t miss out on making a difference and a chance to bring home some sweet treats.

You can purchase your $5 membership here: https://carrollton.givebacks.com/shop/items/7a62744245

Loads of Links

Our school’s handbook: 2025-2026 CAES Family FAQ Guide

Literacy: Information about the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and the division’s language arts curriculum, myView, is linked here: Virginia Literacy Act and here: IWCS Language Arts Info

School Counselor: Here is the link for Ms. Berkeley and Mrs. Bryant, our school counselors: referral form.

Food:

o  All students enrolled in Isle of Wight County Schools are given an opportunity to apply for free and reduced-price meals. Applications may be completed privately and securely online at www.schoolcafe.com, and forms can be obtained at any school's cafeteria or main office. 

o  Cafeteria menus are posted monthly on the IWCS website at IWCS Cafeteria Menus ('25-'26)

Attendance:

o  An “online note” that you can use to report your children’s absences: CAES Absence Note

o  Information about IWCS All Things Attendance

School division calendar: 2025-2026 IWCS Calendar​​​​

Bus info: IWCS Transportation Information

​Reminders

If you would like to eat lunch with your child, please reach out to the teacher at least 24 hours in advance to schedule the visit; this will allow the teacher to communicate if there are any changes to the lunch schedule and to notify the office of your upcoming visit.

Early pick-up ends at 3:15 daily. From 3:15 to 3:35, students are receiving valuable instruction, at  recess, or transitioning between classes, so your support is appreciated.

Morning drop-off info: 

o   Please do not leave your vehicle unattended in the line.

o   All drop-off students are expected to come through the car line. 

o   Please do not pass another vehicle in the line.

o   Students will not be permitted to exit vehicles from the passenger’s side.

o   If you trust your student to get out without staff assistance, this is fine.

Afternoon pick-up info: 

o   Please don’t arrive before 3:00 as this may block staff in their parking spots.

o   Please do not leave your car unattended in the line.

o   Be sure to come through the line by turning right from New Towne Haven Lane.

o   Please do not pass another vehicle or switch lanes.

o   Move up to a safely close distance to the vehicle in front of you.

o   Turn off your engine once parked and leave it off until vehicles are directed to move.

o   Here’s a link with more information: CAES Afternoon Pick-up Procedure

Mark Your Calendar

10/13   No school

10/16   The Great SouthEast ShakeOut earthquake drill (shakeout.org/southeast)

10/16   IWCS Pink Out to raise breast cancer awareness

10/17   “OmegaMan” assembly (omegamanschools.com)                

10/20   Dwali begins (Festival of Lights)

10/21   Lion’s Club conducting vision screenings

10/24   PTA’s Trunk-or-Treat (6:00)

10/29   School pictures day 1 (Ms. Norton, Ms. T. Nagy, Ms. Micciche, grades 2 & 3)

10/30   School picture day 2 (Mrs. Nemetz-Gardner, Mrs. Rowland, Pre-K, grades K & 1)

the Carillon

car·il·lon /ˈkerəlän,ˈkerələn/ (noun) a set of bells in a tower played using a keyboard 

your weekly update from Carrollton Elementary

 October 18, 2025

From the Desk of Mr. Brennan…

In keeping with last week’s theme of being careful what you wish for, I discovered that the sense of power that comes with wearing a cape has a less-than-super flipside. •  Yesterday was our Upstanders Day, the part of our bullying awareness activities when Cardinals can come to school dressed as heroes of all sorts, both civil and super. We had little police officers and firefighters, astronauts and aviators, and scores of Spidermen, Wonder Women, and Batmen. And let’s not forget all of the many, many Supermen. I, too, chose to pose as the Man of Steel with one of the best gifts my kids ever gave me: a long, flowing, bright red cape emblazoned with the big yellow S. Have you ever worn a cape and seen your shadow? It’s downright inspiring! Just walking through the halls and having that wide swath of silkiness flutter behind me was pretty stirring – I can’t imagine how Superman feels when he’s flying faster than a speeding bullet with his cape whipping behind him. But for all the cool points that a cape can earn you, there are also some annoying negatives: having the hem get wrapped up in the casters of your rolling desk chair; knocking items off flat surfaces when swooping by; generating heat on your upper back; getting caught in closing doors. It’s no wonder Edna Mode refused to make outfits with this particular super accessory. • So, what’s my point? Sometimes what makes someone look important is really just for show; when kids asked me during dismissal if my cape could actually make me fly, I hated to disappoint them (but between you and me, I really can’t fly.) • I’m guilty of seeing others with “the thing”—whatever the thing is that makes the owner seem cooler, seem richer, seem happier – and I wishing I had it, too, not thinking about the potential downsides. Downsides like the stress, the upkeep, the cost, the debt. It’s a dangerous trap to view the flashy, flowy, shiny possessions of others’ and be disheartened for not having the same. • Sure, a cape is fun for a dress-up day, but I don’t think I could stand being a superhero full-time. I’ll just stick with my less impressive bowties – at least those never get snagged in doors.  

LOOK UP,

Mr. B.

Mr. Brennan

Cardinal Kudos

Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Becky Nagy was selected by the CAES staff as our 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year and a more-deserving educator couldn’t have been chosen to represent the Cardinal community!

Congratulations to our very first inductees into the Squad of Super Cardinals!

William B. (pre-K)

Kade F. (K)

Hazel C. (1st)

Carson A. (2nd)

Madison T. (3rd)

Each of these junior heroes was nominated by a teacher based upon the student’s demonstration of striving to learn from mistakes, adapting to routines, and demonstrating a growth mindset.

We had a whole-school assembly Friday with OmegaMan and your children were so well behaved! You should be proud of how they filed in, paid respectful attention to the presentation, and headed back to class in an orderly fashion. 

Help Wanted

If you have candy that you would be willing to donate to a good cause, our teachers love chocolate! We keep a stash on hand for our weekly professional development meetings. Feel free to drop bags off in the office or with Mrs. Toth or Mr. Brennan if you see one of them during arrival/dismissal.

Good to Know                           

Here’s your link to buy tickets to the Isle of Wight County Education Foundation Gala 2025. The big annual event is November 8 and tickets go quickly so be sure to get yours soon. Money raised at the gala is used for awarding grants to teachers who have creative ideas to further your children’s learning.

There are many people, events, organizations, etc. recognized nationally each month and we certainly can't acknowledge them all, but we have a special community at CAES with Down syndrome and October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. I have a cousin with Down syndrome, so this is a matter near to my heart. Take some time to better understand our friends and family with this condition by checking out the information at National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

If you would like to receive whole-school text messages via Remind, the code is @f9273cg.

In an attempt to actively identify, locate and evaluate children 2 through 21 who need special education services and/or protection under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Isle of Wight County Schools will be holding Child Find Screenings on the dates listed below. If you suspect that your preschool child or private schooled/homeschooled student may have a disability, please join us for a brief screening of your child’s fine and gross motor skills, speech language development, and cognitive abilities. Parents of enrolled students who are suspected of having a disability may request a Child Study meeting at their zoned/attending school. 

• October 27 (12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.) at Carrollton Elementary School  
• October 29 (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) at Windsor Elementary School 

From our new neighbors at Riverside Smithfield Hospital:

Volunteer Program – Now Recruiting
Smithfield Hospital is actively recruiting volunteers! The first orientation will be held November 17. Signing up is easy—simply follow this link: Smithfield Hospital Volunteer Application. We look forward to welcoming you to our team.

Free Community Flu Clinic
Join us for a drive-thru flu clinic on Wednesday, October 22, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the hospital campus. Please see the attached flyer for details.

Drug Take Back Day
In partnership with the IOWC Sheriff’s Office and Smithfield Police Department, we will host a drive-by collection of unused or expired prescription drugs on October 25, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in front of the main entrance of the hospital. 

PEATC Early Childhood Academy: The Early Childhood Academy is a free online self-paced course presented by the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) in collaboration with the VDOE. Families of young children with disabilities will learn about supporting their child’s early learning and development. The course will also share tips and frequently asked questions, including information on making the transition from early intervention to school services easier.   

· Online course: Early Childhood Academy (Fall 2025)     

· Dates: November 7 – December 12

Reminder: From Mrs. Ellen Couch, Director of Child Nutrition: If you think your child may qualify, please complete an application online at www.schoolcafe.com or request a paper copy. Paper applications are available at Carrollton Elementary School, Westside Elementary School, Smithfield High School, and Smithfield Middle School. In addition, all students were given a paper application during the first week of school. Please also remember: any meal debt from last school year has carried over into this year. If your child had a balance, it will continue to grow if new meal charges are added. If you need help with a payment plan, please contact Melissa Barbee at (757) 365-1631 or [email protected]—she will be happy to assist you. Thank you for helping us ensure every child has access to healthy school meals.

From Blue Dominion, Our School Photographer

Fall Photos
Tuesday, Oct. 29 - Grades 2 & 3, Ms. Norton, Ms. T. Nagy, and Ms. Micciche

Wednesday, Oct. 30 - Grades K & 1, Mrs. Nemetz-Gardner, Mrs. Rowland, and Pre-K
Tuesday, Dec. 2 - Makeup and retake day

Photo Website and Ordering: All photo information and upcoming photo dates are listed on the photo website: https://www.bluedominionstudios.com/caes. Ordering will be 100% online and photos will ship to the address you provide. You will need to know your child's five-digit student ID number to login. Photos will be available to order about two weeks after picture day. More info will follow. 

From Our PTA

Join the CAES PTA today! When you become a PTA member, you’re not just supporting your child’s school, you’re helping to create fun events, fund programs, and strengthen our community. Don’t miss out on making a difference.

You can purchase your $5 membership here: https://carrollton.givebacks.com/shop/items/7a62744245

Loads of Links

Our school’s handbook: 2025-2026 CAES Family FAQ Guide

Literacy: Information about the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and the division’s language arts curriculum, myView, is linked here: Virginia Literacy Act and here: IWCS Language Arts Info

School Counselor: Here is the link for Ms. Berkeley and Mrs. Bryant, our school counselors: referral form.

Food:

o   All students enrolled in Isle of Wight County Schools are given an opportunity to apply for free and reduced-price meals. Applications may be completed privately and securely online at www.schoolcafe.com, and forms can be obtained at any school's cafeteria or main office. 

o   Cafeteria menus are posted monthly on the IWCS website at IWCS Cafeteria Menus ('25-'26)

Attendance:

o   An “online note” that you can use to report your children’s absences: CAES Absence Note

o   Information about IWCS All Things Attendance

School division calendar: 2025-2026 IWCS Calendar​​​​

Bus info: IWCS Transportation Information

​Reminders

If you would like to eat lunch with your child, please reach out to the teacher at least 24 hours in advance to schedule the visit; this will allow the teacher to communicate if there are any changes to the lunch schedule and to notify the office of your upcoming visit.

Early pick-up ends at 3:15 daily. From 3:15 to 3:35, students are receiving valuable instruction, at  recess, or transitioning between classes, so your support is appreciated.

Morning drop-off info: 

o   Please do not leave your vehicle unattended in the line.

o   All drop-off students are expected to come through the car line. 

o   Please do not pass another vehicle in the line.

o   Students will not be permitted to exit vehicles from the passenger’s side.

o   If you trust your student to get out without staff assistance, this is fine.

Afternoon pick-up info: 

o   Please don’t arrive before 3:00 as this may block staff in their parking spots.

o   Please do not leave your car unattended in the line.

o   Be sure to come through the line by turning right from New Towne Haven Lane.

o   Please do not pass another vehicle or switch lanes.

o   Move up to a safely close distance to the vehicle in front of you.

o   Turn off your engine once parked and leave it off until vehicles are directed to move.

o   Here’s a link with more information: CAES Afternoon Pick-up Procedure

Mark Your Calendar          

10/20   Dwali begins (Festival of Lights)

10/21   Lion’s Club conducting vision screenings

10/24   PTA’s Trunk-or-Treat (6:00)

10/27   Child Find screenings at CAES (noon to 3:00)

10/29   School pictures day 1 (Ms. Norton, Ms. T. Nagy, Ms. Micciche, grades 2 & 3)

10/30   School picture day 2 (Mrs. Nemetz-Gardner, Mrs. Rowland, Pre-K, grades K & 1)

the Carillon

car·il·lon /ˈkerəlän,ˈkerələn/ (noun) a set of bells in a tower played using a keyboard 

your weekly update from Carrollton Elementary

 October 25, 2025

(psst: 2 months until Christmas…!)

From the Desk of Mr. Brennan…

Two words: 

Six

Seven

I figured it was time to address this latest lingual fad before it goes the way of the fidget spinner and the Floss (the dance move, not the dental hygiene tool). Yes, it’s weird when kids say it, stretching out that second syllable and gesturing as if weighing with both hands. And, yes, it’s confusing because it actually doesn’t mean anything – I overheard a third grader in the hallway yesterday ask a peer, “What are we really saying when we say this?” And, yes, fellow adults, “6-7” is downright annoying. But before we get too judgey and tsk-tsk disapprovingly at the silliness, let’s remember that we were once kids who probably said (and did) some pretty silly things. • There’s a whole lexicon of confusing terms that stretch back across our growing up – “tubular,” “gnarly,” and “no doy” were some of my faves just to name a few. While I can’t believe any of the adults who heard me utter these gems would’ve shaken their heads at my bad-to-the-bone and funky fresh phraseology, there’s a chance I may have sounded strange to the older ear. • So, what do we do with “6-7”? We laugh it off and we let it fizzle out. Yes, the term is cringe but when we big people react, we give it power. Let’s fight verbal fire with verbal fire: The fastest way to make something that's hip lose its coolness is to appropriate it, so I suggest that all of us over 10 years old commit to saying “6-7.” In front of our kids. And their friends. Often. Talk about cringe! Will we look cool? Absolutely not; we will appear bogus, heinous, and lame (more slang from my childhood). But will we prove a point? Cheeuh!

Here's a rad article you should read before “6-7” bounces.  cnn.com/slang-explained

LIKE, COWABUNGA!

Mr. B.

Mr. Brennan

School Pictures

• Wednesday, 10/29 -- Grades 2 & 3, Ms. Norton’s, Ms. T. Nagy’s, and Ms. Micciche’s classes
• Thursday, 10/30 -- Grades K & 1, Pre-K, Mrs. Nemetz-Gardner’s, and Mrs. Rowland’s classes
• Tuesday, 12/2 – Make-up and re-take photos

Ordering: All photo information and upcoming photo dates are listed on the photo website: https://www.bluedominionstudios.com/caes. Ordering will be 100% online and photos will ship to the address you provide. You will need to know your child's five-digit student ID number to login. Photos will be available to order about two weeks after picture day. More info will follow. 

Cardinal Kudos

Thank you, Ms. C. Hughes, for your kind donation of teaching supplies -- they will definitely be put to good use!

As a result of the effort of our PTA, the participation of our students, and the generosity of family and friends, our 2025 Boosterthon fundraiser netted a profit of $19,673! We had 582 donors from 35 states and 73% of those were non-parents.

Help Wanted

If you have candy that you would be willing to donate to a good cause, our teachers love treats! We keep a stash on hand for our weekly professional development meetings. Feel free to drop bags off in the office or with Mrs. Toth or Mr. Brennan if you see one of them during arrival/dismissal.

Please encourage your children to stop by our Lost & Found if they are missing hoodies, coats, water bottles, etc. All of these misplaced items will be taken away Friday, November 21.

Good to Know                           

Here’s your link to buy tickets to the Isle of Wight County Education Foundation Gala 2025. The big annual event is November 8 and tickets go quickly so be sure to get yours soon. Money raised at the gala is used for awarding grants to teachers who have creative ideas to further your children’s learning.

During dismissal, students will not be permitted to return to their classrooms; if something needs to be retrieved, that will have to wait until the teacher is back to the room.

The CAES military families and veterans are invited to a Veterans Day Coffee and Donuts on Thursday, November 6, from 7:45 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by Friday, October 31, at CAES_VeteransDay_2025

Attention all 2nd Grade Parents: 

Beginning the last week of October and extending through to November 22, all IWCS second-graders will participate in division-wide screening for the Gifted Education Program through the use of a standardized test (Cognitive Abilities Test--CogAT).  The screening assessment will only be given in person.     

Once students have completed the assessment, we will reach out to parents of students scoring in the 89th percentile or above with a letter requesting permission for your child to continue in the identification process.  More information on the gifted program for Isle of Wight County Schools can be found on the division’s website under Departments:  Instruction.

Here are a few suggestions for ensuring your child’s best performance:

• Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep each night during testing. 
• Have your child eat a healthy breakfast at home or at school in the morning.
• Encourage them to do their best.

Please contact our gifted resource teacher Mrs. C. Delong if you have questions about the administration of the test, the identification process, or the gifted program for Isle of Wight County Schools.

Attention 3rd graders! Applications for The Ecology Club were due last Friday, so if you missed the deadline or lost your application don't worry: the deadline has been extended to next Friday, October 31. Please see Mrs. Waibel for another application! 

There are many people, events, organizations, etc. recognized nationally each month and we certainly can't acknowledge them all, but we have a special community at CAES with Down syndrome and October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. I have a cousin with Down syndrome, so this is a matter near to my heart. Take some time to better understand our friends and family with this condition by checking out the information at National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Our annual School Store fundraiser will start on Monday, Nov. 3 and you will receive details next Monday, Oct. 27. This is a huge source of income for us and goes straight back to supporting our staff. Let your kids know that this year’s Book Buddies are wildlife animals from the Far East -- A sun bear! A panda! A snub-nosed monkey! A flying squirrel and more!

If you would like to receive whole-school text messages via Remind, the code is @f9273cg.

In an attempt to actively identify, locate and evaluate children 2 through 21 who need special education services and/or protection under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Isle of Wight County Schools will be holding Child Find Screenings on the dates listed below. If you suspect that your preschool child or private schooled/homeschooled student may have a disability, please join us for a brief screening of your child’s fine and gross motor skills, speech language development, and cognitive abilities. Parents of enrolled students who are suspected of having a disability may request a Child Study meeting at their zoned/attending school. 

• October 27 (12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.) at Carrollton Elementary School  
• October 29 (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) at Windsor Elementary School 

From our new neighbors at Riverside Smithfield Hospital: Volunteer Program -- Smithfield Hospital is actively recruiting volunteers! The first orientation will be held November 17. Signing up is easy—simply follow this link: Smithfield Hospital Volunteer Application. We look forward to welcoming you to our team.

PEATC Early Childhood Academy: The Early Childhood Academy is a free online self-paced course presented by the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) in collaboration with the VDOE. Families of young children with disabilities will learn about supporting their child’s early learning and development. The course will also share tips and frequently asked questions, including information on making the transition from early intervention to school services easier.   

· Online course: Early Childhood Academy (Fall 2025)     

· Dates: November 7 – December 12

Reminder: From Mrs. Ellen Couch, Director of Child Nutrition: If you think your child may qualify, please complete an application online at www.schoolcafe.com or request a paper copy. Paper applications are available at Carrollton Elementary School, Westside Elementary School, Smithfield High School, and Smithfield Middle School. In addition, all students were given a paper application during the first week of school. Please also remember: any meal debt from last school year has carried over into this year. If your child had a balance, it will continue to grow if new meal charges are added. If you need help with a payment plan, please contact Melissa Barbee at (757) 365-1631 or [email protected]—she will be happy to assist you. Thank you for helping us ensure every child has access to healthy school meals.

From Blue Dominion, Our School Photographer

Fall Photos
Tuesday, Oct. 29 - Grades 2 & 3, Ms. Norton, Ms. T. Nagy, and Ms. Micciche

Wednesday, Oct. 30 - Grades K & 1, Mrs. Nemetz-Gardner, Mrs. Rowland, and Pre-K
Tuesday, Dec. 2 - Makeup and retake day

Photo Website and Ordering: All photo information and upcoming photo dates are listed on the photo website: https://www.bluedominionstudios.com/caes. Ordering will be 100% online and photos will ship to the address you provide. You will need to know your child's five-digit student ID number to login. Photos will be available to order about two weeks after picture day. More info will follow. 

From Our PTA

Join the CAES PTA today! When you become a PTA member, you’re not just supporting your child’s school, you’re helping to create fun events, fund programs, and strengthen our community. Don’t miss out on making a difference.

You can purchase your $5 membership here: https://carrollton.givebacks.com/shop/items/7a62744245

Loads of Links

Our school’s handbook: 2025-2026 CAES Family FAQ Guide

Literacy: Information about the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and the division’s language arts curriculum, myView, is linked here: Virginia Literacy Act and here: IWCS Language Arts Info

School Counselor: Here is the link for Ms. Berkeley and Mrs. Bryant, our school counselors: referral form.

Food:

o   All students enrolled in Isle of Wight County Schools are given an opportunity to apply for free and reduced-price meals. Applications may be completed privately and securely online at www.schoolcafe.com, and forms can be obtained at any school's cafeteria or main office. 

o   Cafeteria menus are posted monthly on the IWCS website at IWCS Cafeteria Menus ('25-'26)

Attendance:

o   An “online note” that you can use to report your children’s absences: CAES Absence Note

o   Information about IWCS All Things Attendance

School division calendar: 2025-2026 IWCS Calendar​​​​

Bus info: IWCS Transportation Information

​Reminders

If you would like to eat lunch with your child, please reach out to the teacher at least 24 hours in advance to schedule the visit; this will allow the teacher to communicate if there are any changes to the lunch schedule and to notify the office of your upcoming visit.

Early pick-up ends at 3:15 daily. From 3:15 to 3:35, students are receiving valuable instruction, at  recess, or transitioning between classes, so your support is appreciated.

Morning drop-off info: 

o   Please do not leave your vehicle unattended in the line.

o   All drop-off students are expected to come through the car line. 

o   Please do not pass another vehicle in the line.

o   Students will not be permitted to exit vehicles from the passenger’s side.

o   If you trust your student to get out without staff assistance, this is fine.

Afternoon pick-up info: 

o   Please don’t arrive before 3:00 as this may block staff in their parking spots.

o   Please do not leave your car unattended in the line.

o   Be sure to come through the line by turning right from New Towne Haven Lane.

o   Please do not pass another vehicle or switch lanes.

o   Move up to a safely close distance to the vehicle in front of you.

o   Turn off your engine once parked and leave it off until vehicles are directed to move.

o   Here’s a link with more information: CAES Afternoon Pick-up Procedure

Mark Your Calendar          

10/27   Child Find screenings at CAES (noon to 3:00)

10/29   School pictures day 1 (Ms. Norton, Ms. T. Nagy, Ms. Micciche, grades 2 & 3)

10/30   School picture day 2 (Mrs. Nemetz-Gardner, Mrs. Rowland, Pre-K, grades K & 1)