March 2025
The Carillon 3/1/25
the Carillon
car·il·lon /ˈkerəlän,ˈkerələn/
your weekly update from Carrollton Elementary
March 1, 2025
From the desk of Mr. Brennan…
Among the news of wars and rumors of wars and the most consequential presidential election in the history of humanity (according to political prognosticators on both ends of the spectrum), you may not have noticed that the Campbell’s Soup Company ceased to exist. Yes, the Campbell’s Soup Company of the red-and-white label, that classic company is no longer. Last November, CEO Mark Clouse announced that the 155-year-old company’s shareholders decided to dump soup – from the company’s name. Don't freak out: Chicken noodle production will proceed as normal, but now under the new, improved banner of (drumroll, please) “The Campbell’s Company.” Interesting how much deliberation went into the big decision to simply remove the word “soup” from the beloved soup-maker’s moniker. • The company name-conversion isn’t unprecedented: When the restaurant chain wanted consumers to not focus on the fact that they were consuming fried food, they didn’t revise their recipe, they just abbreviated “Kentucky Fried Chicken” to KFC. Remember Oil of Olay? I’m guessing the company big wigs realized that the thought of smearing oil all over their faces wasn’t appealing to women so they shortened their name to simply “Olay” – which sounds kinda fancy but still sorta greasy to me. While America may be fueled by donuts, those donuts probably aren’t getting America to run, so the folks at Dunkin’ dropped the second half of their previous name in order to focus attention on their non-donut menu items. (My college-aged daughter runs on their coffee.) In 2009, Radio Shack launched a massive advertising campaign, re-branding itself as "The Shack" in an attempt to seem hip. It didn’t last. And neither did the company. When Kraft wanted to re-brand Vegemite in 2009, it held a contest to let consumers suggest the new name, and the winner: “iSnack 2.0.” Five days later the product was back to being Vegemite. Pizza Hut considered changing its name to "The Hut" for a brief moment in 2009 but only a few stores were changed before they dropped that idea. • So, what’s the point? Well, besides the fact that 2009 was a really bad year for company name-changes, I think it’s instructive that making a big adjustment should be done (1) for a solid reason, (2) with ample insight, and (3) plenty of planning. It worked for Prince, formerly known as “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince,” and it can work for you if you’re on the cusp of making a change.
Let’s Grow!
Mr. B.
Mr. Brennan
Kudos
Thank you very much to those of you who donated elementary-aged girls’ clothes and/or shoes to our clinic. Whenever one of our young ladies has a spill or falls in mud at recess, it’s always nice for them to have a quick change to feel comfortable.
Our Encore teachers invested a lot of time and energy in sponsoring Thursday evening’s book-fair-STEM-Kids-Heart-
Help Wanted
To prep the building for the HVAC overhaul this summer, our staff need to pack up and remove their belongings from the classrooms. If you have any interest in helping us with portable storage units, please let me or our bookkeeper Mrs. Bogard know. ([email protected])
Caregivers often ask how they can support the school staff and one way would to provide items for staff incentives; here’s an Amazon link for such items: Ways to Encourage the CAES Staff
Good to Know
Our “One School, One Book” title this year is The Lemonade War and our kick-off will be March 10. We want you to be aware of the title in order to make an informed decision about whether or not your family wants to participate, but please help us keep this a secret from the children. Here is a link to the author’s website www.jacquelinedavies.
eduClimber is the program that we are using to help write the student reading plans required by the state. As they are being written, the program will e-mail caregivers a copy of the plan – this is legit! If you have questions, please direct those to your child’s reading interventionist (Mrs. Baker at [email protected] or Mrs. Carr at [email protected]) or to our Reading Coach, Mrs. C. Smith at [email protected].
Please stress to your children the importance of not sharing food with others at school due to safety concerns. Remember, you can set daily spending limits on your children’s cafeteria account(s) to limit their snack-buying (and snack generosity!).
For those of you who drive your children to school, thank you very much for adjusting as necessary to make drop-off much smoother. As a reminder, here are the expectations for use of the front parking lots:
1. The only driver who may enter the front parking lot between 8:00 a.m. and 8:55 a.m. is one who…
· is dropping off a student for the YMCA before-care or for safety patrol duty;
· is employed by IWCS;
· has an official handicap placard displayed;
· has a school-issued CAES Parking Pas displayed;
· has a previously scheduled appointment with a CAES staff member;
· has business to be addressed in the office or clinic.
2. The only driver who should park in a “Reserved Parking Only” spot is one employed by IWCS.
3. The only driver who should park in a spot designated for handicap parking is one who…
· has an official handicap placard displayed;
· has a student who receives hand-off transition with a staff member.
4. No student will be permitted to walk through the parking lot without an adult.
Click here for the Isle Grow Preschool website!
Continue reading if you have a typically-developing 3- or 4-year-old child who could participate as a peer model in a full-day inclusive early childhood special education classroom for the 2025-2026 school year.
Isle of Wight County Schools applications opened February 14 for typically developing three- and four-year-olds to serve as role models in the division’s tuition-based, full-day Reverse Inclusion Program for the 2025-2026 school year.
Applications will be accepted through March 13. With limited space, this program is offered for children who meet screening requirements to be peer models for children with disabilities. IWCS employees' students meeting screening requirements will receive priority admission. Complete your 2025-2026 application to begin the enrollment process and review the program contract.
Here’s a link to a collection of resources to help you keep your children engaged with reading over the winter break and beyond: VLP literacy opportunities
From Our Library.
Curious about what’s going on in our library? Click this link for the latest Library Info from Mrs. O'Byrne
Overdue notices will begin to come home with students. Use this as an excuse to have your little one clean out backpacks and bedrooms. Tell them it's on Mrs. O'Byrne's orders. These notices are NOT a fine. Fines will not be assessed until June.
The bookfair continues to March 6. Check out what it will have to offer and start shopping now at literati.com/carrollton-
We are looking for volunteers to help with the fair. Volunteers receive 20% off purchases. Sign up to volunteer here signupgenius/bookfair_
If you have any library questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. O'Byrne at [email protected].
Lots o’ Links
Our school’s handbook: CAES Family FAQ ('24-'25)
Information about the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and the division’s new language arts curriculum, myView, is linked here: Virginia Literacy Act and here: IWCS Language Arts Info
Here is our school counselors’ referral form.
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 ('24-'25)
Here’s the link to an “online note” that you can use to report your children’s absences: CAES Absence Noteand information about IWCS All Things Attendance
A copy of the school division’s calendar: 2024-2025 School 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.
Here’s a link with more information: CAES Afternoon Pick-up Procedure
From Blue Dominion (www.
Spring photos info:
· When: Wednesday, March 5 (makeup day is April 2).
· Instructions: Spring photos are optional. If you would like your child to participate in spring photos, please email your child's teacher and let him/her know. If you do not notify your child's teacher, then your child will not be photographed.
· Background: The photo will have a spring nature background.
· Ordering: Photos will be ready to order about two weeks after picture day (more info to follow)
Class Photos are ready to be ordered! The link above is your one-stop-shop.
2024-2025 yearbooks can be ordered at the link above until April 15.
Fall school photos can still be ordered and 20% of the net profit will go directly back to support the school. (Use link above.)
Mark Your Calendar
3/3 The 100th Day of School!
3/4 New date: Annual Read-Across-America Vocab Day (We dress up to represent words!)
3/5 Optional spring pictures (more info to come)
3/6 3rd graders to see the Virginia Symphony Orchestra at Smithfield High
3/10 Start of our annual family reading event, “One School, One Book”
3/10 Mellow Yellow Day (We’re wearing all shades of yellow!)
3/13 Go Green! spirit day
3/14 Asynchronous (at-home) learning for students; conferences with teachers for caregivers
3/17 No school: Staff clerical day
3/24 IWCS Child Find team at school (9:00 – 12:00)
3/27 IWCS Parent Resource Center rep at school
3/28 Packer Backer Friday!
3/28 PTA Book Bingo family event
3/29 Eid al-Fitr (britannica/Eid-al-Fitr)
File attachments:
Kidcreate Spring 2025.jpg
Community Helpers Poster (2).png
The Carillon 3/8/25
the Carillon
car·il·lon /ˈkerəlän,ˈkerələn/
your weekly update from Carrollton Elementary
March 8, 2025
From the desk of Mr. Brennan…
I visited Smithfield Middle Thursday to offer support as that school community was reeling from the news of the sudden and heartbreaking loss of their PE teacher Mrs. Felts, a member of the SMS staff for twenty-seven years. It’s in hard times like this that trying to help feels awkward for me because nothing I say sounds profound enough and nothing I do seems meaningful enough. As I talked to adults and students who were trying to make sense of this senseless tragedy, I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes of acclaimed writer and activist Maya Angelou who observed, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." When I asked colleagues of Mrs. Felts to tell me about her, no one mentioned accomplishments or achievements; when I asked her students to tell me about her, no one cited a lesson she taught or quoted something she said. What these people did reflect upon, though, and what they held onto Thursday was how Mrs. Felts made them feel. • “She made me laugh.” • “It was obvious that she cared about me.” • “She took time to check on me.” • “I knew she had my back.” • In twenty-seven years as a teacher, Mrs. Felts said a lot and did a lot, but it’s how she made people feel – seen, heard, happy, important – that will last as her legacy. And the same is true about you and about me, so let’s glean from this horrible happening the timely reminder that how we resolve to relate to others ripples in eternity. Long live kindness. Long live empathy. Long live Mrs. Felts.
Let’s Grow!
Mr. B.
Mr. Brennan
Kudos
A standing ovation to our classy third graders for representing our school, their families, and themselves so well at the Virginia Symphony Orchestra field trip Thursday. Not only were they the best dressed group, they also received compliments for being so well behaved!
Our book fair was big: We had just over $10,000 in total sales! How much we get is obviously less but it was a very successful sale. Some of our proceeds were donated to the PTA for their upcoming Book Bingo Night and there are plans to create more lit kits to be able to expand to 1st grade. We’re grateful to all who volunteered and shopped and helped make this book fair fantastic!
Thank you very much to those of you who donated elementary-aged girls’ clothes and/or shoes to our clinic. Whenever one of our young ladies has a spill or falls in mud at recess, it’s always nice for them to have a quick change to feel comfortable.
Help Wanted
To prep the building for the HVAC overhaul this summer, our staff need to pack up and remove their belongings from the classrooms. If you have any interest in helping us with portable storage units, please let me or our bookkeeper Mrs. Bogard know. ([email protected])
Caregivers often ask how they can support the school staff and one way would to provide items for staff incentives; here’s an Amazon link for such items: Ways to Encourage the CAES Staff
Good to Know
Our “One School, One Book” title this year is The Lemonade War and our kick-off will be Monday. There was an intense “battle of the (lemonade) stands” Friday in the cafeteria, and I’m pretty sure that Mrs. Toth may have been exchanging candy for votes – ask your kids about it! We want you to be aware of the title in order to make an informed decision about whether or not your family wants to participate, but please help us keep this a secret from the children. Here is a link to the author’s website www.jacquelinedavies.
eduClimber is the program that we are using to help write the student reading plans required by the state. As they are being written, the program will e-mail caregivers a copy of the plan – this is legit! If you have questions, please direct those to your child’s reading interventionist (Mrs. Baker at [email protected] or Mrs. Carr at [email protected]) or to our Reading Coach, Mrs. C. Smith at [email protected].
Please stress to your children the importance of not sharing food with others at school due to safety concerns. Remember, you can set daily spending limits on your children’s cafeteria account(s) to limit their snack-buying (and snack generosity!).
For those of you who drive your children to school, thank you very much for adjusting as necessary to make drop-off much smoother. As a reminder, here are the expectations for use of the front parking lots:
1. The only driver who may enter the front parking lot between 8:00 a.m. and 8:55 a.m. is one who…
· is dropping off a student for the YMCA before-care or for safety patrol duty;
· is employed by IWCS;
· has an official handicap placard displayed;
· has a school-issued CAES Parking Pas displayed;
· has a previously scheduled appointment with a CAES staff member;
· has business to be addressed in the office or clinic.
2. The only driver who should park in a “Reserved Parking Only” spot is one employed by IWCS.
3. The only driver who should park in a spot designated for handicap parking is one who…
· has an official handicap placard displayed;
· has a student who receives hand-off transition with a staff member.
4. No student will be permitted to walk through the parking lot without an adult.
Click here for the Isle Grow Preschool website!
Continue reading if you have a typically-developing 3- or 4-year-old child who could participate as a peer model in a full-day inclusive early childhood special education classroom for the 2025-2026 school year.
Isle of Wight County Schools applications opened February 14 for typically developing three- and four-year-olds to serve as role models in the division’s tuition-based, full-day Reverse Inclusion Program for the 2025-2026 school year.
Applications will be accepted through March 13. With limited space, this program is offered for children who meet screening requirements to be peer models for children with disabilities. IWCS employees' students meeting screening requirements will receive priority admission. Complete your 2025-2026 application to begin the enrollment process and review the program contract.
Here’s a link to a collection of resources to help you keep your children engaged with reading over the winter break and beyond: VLP literacy opportunities
From Our Library
Moving into March, the students will be voting on some of our favorite books read in the library so far this year. If you would like to participate in our March Madness book bracket please vote for our sweet 16 matchups here Sweet 16 Book Bracket 2025!
Overdue notices will begin to come home with students. Use this as an excuse to have your little one clean out backpacks and bedrooms. Tell them it's on Mrs. O'Byrne's orders. These notices are NOT a fine. Fines will not be assessed until June.
If you have any library questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. O'Byrne at [email protected].
Lots o’ Links
Our school’s handbook: CAES Family FAQ ('24-'25)
Information about the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and the division’s new language arts curriculum, myView, is linked here: Virginia Literacy Act and here: IWCS Language Arts Info
Here is our school counselors’ referral form.
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 ('24-'25)
Here’s the link to an “online note” that you can use to report your children’s absences: CAES Absence Noteand information about IWCS All Things Attendance
A copy of the school division’s calendar: 2024-2025 School 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.
Here’s a link with more information: CAES Afternoon Pick-up Procedure
From our PTA
Back by popular demand: BOOK BINGO!
Friday, March 28
Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and the first game begins at 6:30 p.m.
The PTA is offering Domino’s pizza pre-orders for $9 each. Large 14" (choice of cheese or pepperoni).
- All orders must be placed NO LATER THAN Tuesday, March 18.
- There will be NO pizzas available to purchase the night of the event and all sales are final after March 18.
Outside food and drinks ARE welcome.
Snacks and soda will be available to purchase at the event.
Also, $2 raffle tickets will be available to purchase before and during the event for a chance to win a gift card for family fun.
Order Link: https://tinyurl.com/
From Blue Dominion (www.
Spring photos info:
-
When: Makeup day is April 2.
-
Instructions: Spring photos
are optional. If you would like your child to participate in spring photos, please email your child's teacher and let him/her know. If you do not notify your child's teacher, then your child will not be photographed. -
Background: The photo will have a spring nature background.
-
Ordering: Photos will be ready to order about two weeks after picture day (more info to follow)
Class Photos are ready to be ordered! The link above is your one-stop-shop.
2024-2025 yearbooks can be ordered at the link above until April 15.
Fall school photos can still be ordered and 20% of the net profit will go directly back to support the school. (Use link above.)
Mark Your Calendar
3/10 Start of our annual family reading event, “One School, One Book”
3/10 Mellow Yellow Day (We’re wearing all shades of yellow!)
3/13 Go Green! spirit day
3/14 Asynchronous (at-home) learning for students; conferences with teachers for caregivers
3/17 No school: Staff clerical day
3/21 World Down Syndrome Day (more info to come)
3/24 IWCS Child Find team at school (9:00 – 12:00)
3/26 Wear-a-Hat Day
3/27 IWCS Parent Resource Center rep at school
3/28 Packer Backer Friday!
3/28 PTA Book Bingo family event
3/29 Eid al-Fitr (britannica/Eid-al-
3/31 Mock SOL: 3rd grade reading, part 1
4/1 Mock SOL: 3rd grade reading, part 2
4/2 End of third quarter
4/4 Cardinal of the Month popcorn party
4/8 Mock SOL: Math 3
File attachments:
Bingo Night Event Flyer - Made with PosterMyWall (2).jpg
Career Day 2025.pdf
The Carillon 3/15/25
the Carillon
car·il·lon /ˈkerəlän,ˈkerələn/
your weekly update from Carrollton Elementary
March 15, 2025
From the desk of Mr. Brennan…
Next Friday, March 21, we will be celebrating World Down Syndrome Day. This special day is recognized globally to raise awareness, to promote inclusivity, and to celebrate the unique abilities of individuals with Down syndrome. • Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21, and this extra chromosome affects how the brain and body develop. The additional chromosome, however, doesn't define the person. My cousin Allan has Down syndrome so I speak from experience when I say that people with Down syndrome lead fulfilling lives, can contribute positively to their communities, and have unique talents and abilities that make them special. • So, why is World Down Syndrome Day recognized on March 21? The date 3/21 represents the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome that people with Down syndrome have. • This day set aside to recognize the importance of inclusivity, equality, and understanding for individuals with Down syndrome, a fun way that we will celebrate is to encourage Cardinals to wear bright socks next Friday to show support for our friends and loved ones with Down syndrome. Colorful socks are a symbol of diversity and individuality, reminding us that everyone is unique and everyone deserves respect. • I invite you to encourage your children to join us in celebrating this important day and these special Cardinals. As we adults embrace normalizing the acknowledgment of people with Downs syndrome, we help our children create a world where everyone, no matter his or her abilities, has the opportunity to thrive!
Let’s Grow!
Mr. B.
Mr. Brennan
Kudos
Congratulations to our Lemonade Stand Queen, Assistant Principal Toth – Mrs. Toth received more votes from the students, proving the power of handing out candy!
We appreciate our reading coach, Mrs. C. Smith, for all the organizing that goes into a successful “One School, One Book” kick-off.
Help Wanted
To prep the building for the HVAC overhaul this summer, our staff need to pack up and remove their belongings from the classrooms. If you have any interest in helping us with portable storage units, please let me or our bookkeeper Mrs. Bogard know. ([email protected])
Caregivers often ask how they can support the school staff and one way would to provide items for staff incentives; here’s an Amazon link for such items: Ways to Encourage the CAES Staff
Good to Know
Please do not leave your vehicle in the front loop to conduct business in the office or clinic.
SchoolStore Fundraiser Update: As of March 12, CAES has earned $2,700+ and there have been $13,000+ gift cards donated!! Also, $8,610 in “Gift of Reading” gift cards have been donated directly to our students to purchase books. So exciting! We currently have 59% participation. The first batch of extra prizes was already distributed. Additional prizes will be given to students as they are shipped to the school. The fundraiser is still open so every student can earn a book buddy. Questions? Feel free to reach out to our bookkeeper, Mrs. Bogard at [email protected].
eduClimber is the program that we are using to help write the student reading plans required by the state. As they are being written, the program will e-mail caregivers a copy of the plan – this is legit! If you have questions, please direct those to your child’s reading interventionist (Mrs. Baker at [email protected] or Mrs. Carr at [email protected]) or to our Reading Coach, Mrs. C. Smith at [email protected].
Please stress to your children the importance of not sharing food with others at school due to safety concerns. Remember, you can set daily spending limits on your children’s cafeteria account(s) to limit their snack-buying (and snack generosity!).
Here’s a link to a collection of resources to help you keep your children engaged with reading over the winter break and beyond: VLP literacy opportunities
From Our Library
Overdue notices will begin to come home with students. Use this as an excuse to have your little one clean out backpacks and bedrooms. Tell them it's on Mrs. O'Byrne's orders. These notices are NOT a fine. Fines will not be assessed until June.
Moving into March, the students will be voting on some of our favorite books read in the library so far this year. If you would like to participate in our March Madness book bracket please vote for our sweet 16 matchups here Sweet 16 Book Bracket 2025!
If you have any library questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. O'Byrne at [email protected].
Lots o’ Links
Our school’s handbook: CAES Family FAQ ('24-'25)
Information about the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and the division’s new language arts curriculum, myView, is linked here: Virginia Literacy Act and here: IWCS Language Arts Info
Here is our school counselors’ referral form.
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 ('24-'25)
Here’s the link to an “online note” that you can use to report your children’s absences: CAES Absence Noteand information about IWCS All Things Attendance
A copy of the school division’s calendar: 2024-2025 School 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.
Here’s a link with more information: CAES Afternoon Pick-up Procedure
From our PTA
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: Book Bingo!
Friday, March 28
Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and the first game begins at 6:30 p.m.
The PTA is offering Domino’s pizza pre-orders for $9 each. Large 14" (choice of cheese or pepperoni).
All orders must be placed NO LATER THAN Tuesday, March 18.
There will be NO pizzas available to purchase the night of the event and all sales are final after March 18.
Outside food and drinks ARE welcome.
Snacks and soda will be available to purchase at the event.
Also, $2 raffle tickets will be available to purchase before and during the event for a chance to win a gift card for family fun.
Order Link: https://tinyurl.com/
From Blue Dominion (www.
Spring photos info:
· When: Makeup day is April 2.
· Instructions: Spring photos are optional. If you would like your child to participate in spring photos, please email your child's teacher and let him/her know. If you do not notify your child's teacher, then your child will not be photographed.
· Background: The photo will have a spring nature background.
· Ordering: Photos will be ready to order about two weeks after picture day (more info to follow)
Class Photos are ready to be ordered! The link above is your one-stop-shop.
2024-2025 yearbooks can be ordered at the link above until April 15.
Fall school photos can still be ordered and 20% of the net profit will go directly back to support the school. (Use link above.)
Mark Your Calendar
3/17 No school: Staff clerical day
3/21 World Down Syndrome Day (more info to come)
3/24 IWCS Child Find team at school (9:00 – 12:00)
3/26 Wear-a-Hat Day
3/27 IWCS Parent Resource Center rep at school
3/28 Packer Backer Friday!
3/28 PTA Book Bingo family event
3/29 Eid al-Fitr (britannica/Eid-al-
3/31 National Crayon Day
3/31 Mock SOL: 3rd grade reading, part 1
4/1 Mock SOL: 3rd grade reading, part 2
4/2 End of third quarter
4/4 RED Friday -- Each Friday in April we’ll wear red to Remember Everyone Deployed!
4/4 Cardinal of the Month popcorn party
4/8 Mock SOL: Math 3
4/9 March Madness Attendance championship game (9:15 - 10:15)
4/10 3rd grade field trip to the Mariners’ Museum
4/11 Career Day
4/11 Pre-K field trip to Virginia Living Museum
4/11 Spring Break begins at 4:05 p.m.!
File attachments:
Let's Move!.jpg
Kindergarten Information Night (1) (1).png
The Carillon 3/22/25
the Carillon
car·il·lon /ˈkerəlän,ˈkerələn/
your weekly update from Carrollton Elementary
March 22, 2025
From the desk of Mr. Brennan…
Five years – I’ve been thinking a lot about that particular unit of time lately. Five years ago. Five years from now. My five-year plan (everyone is supposed to have one of those, right?). I find it hard to believe that it was five whole years ago that we were half-way through a “two-week pause” to help flatten the corona virus curve, and then that pause became a lifestyle. I remember early on during the quarantine that officials said it could be years, not months, before we go back to normal and I thought, “There’s no way I’ll make it!” The officials were pretty much right about the timeframe and fortunately I was wrong about my frame of mind. To think that all that was so hard about 2020 is now five-year history still doesn’t quite compute for me. • Realizing how quickly those last five years flew by has impacted my perspective on the next five. According to my calculations, I can retire in 2030, and although that date sounds so sci-fi, it’s not that long from now. There was a time some time ago when I never gave retirement any thought because I was too young to think seriously about the future; then last year I thought about retirement way too often because I was so overwhelmed thinking about the present. Being now near the twilight of my career and seeing the faint glimmer at the end of the tunnel is a strange, freeing, exciting feeling as I wonder what the shelf-life is for an elementary school principal and how I’ll cap off this phase of my professional life. In 2030, my daughters will be 26, 23, 22, and 19 so the Brennan nest may be empty – a far cry from 2020 when we were all under one roof 24/7 – and the chance that I’ll be content to stay put in that nest all day is slim considering how I’m not very good at puttering around but I’m really good at driving my sweet wife crazy. • As I sit here in the middle space both reflecting on 2020 and projecting to 2030, I realize that anyone's five-year plan depends upon what he or she does today, for, like Ernest Hemingway said, “Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today.”
Let’s Grow!
Mr. B.
Mr. Brennan
Kudos
Thank you to all that made my birthday very happy. I still can’t believe so many of our Cardinals were able to keep a secret and surprise me by dressing as mini-me’s Thursday! You made the anniversary of my 39th birthday lots of fun!
Help Wanted
To prep the building for the HVAC overhaul this summer, our staff need to pack up and remove their belongings from the classrooms. If you have any interest in helping us with portable storage units, please let me or our bookkeeper Mrs. Bogard know. ([email protected])
If you happen to have any colorful felt (especially brown, tan, or beige) that you are looking to get rid of, please feel free to donate it to our art teacher, Mrs. Gasparini. She is attempting to get enough for all of 3rd grade to complete their sculpture lesson coming up!
Caregivers often ask how they can support the school staff and one way would to provide items for staff incentives; here’s an Amazon link for such items: Ways to Encourage the CAES Staff
Good to Know
A copy of the 2025-2026 school calendar is attached -- yep, we're already planning for next year!
IWCS is researching some new math programs and Carrollton is one of the schools piloting Zearn Math; you may hear your children talk about it at home.
The Education Foundation of Isle of Wight County is asking each school if they can appoint a representative to attend the Foundation’s meetings. The representatives will help with fundraisers including the gala, get information out to the community, assist with finding community partners to be sponsors, and anything they are willing to help with. (The next Foundation meeting is Sunday, 3/30.) I need to share the representative’s contact info with Janette Jeffrey by Monday, 3/24, so please let me know if you would be interested in serving in this capacity.
Please stress to your children the importance of not sharing food with others at school due to safety concerns. Remember, you can set daily spending limits on your children’s cafeteria account(s) to limit their snack-buying (and snack generosity!).
Here’s a link to a collection of resources to help you keep your children engaged with reading over the winter break and beyond: VLP literacy opportunities
From Our Library
In March, the students will be voting on some of our favorite books read in the library so far this year. If you would like to participate in our March Madness book bracket please vote for our Elite 8 matchups here Elite 8 Book Bracket 2025!
Overdue notices have been coming home with students. Use this as an excuse to have your little one clean out backpacks and bedrooms. These notices are NOT a fine. Fines will not be assessed until June.
If you have any library questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. O'Byrne at [email protected].
Lots o’ Links
Our school’s handbook: CAES Family FAQ ('24-'25)
Information about the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and the division’s new language arts curriculum, myView, is linked here: Virginia Literacy Act and here: IWCS Language Arts Info
Here is our school counselors’ referral form.
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 ('24-'25)
Here’s the link to an “online note” that you can use to report your children’s absences: CAES Absence Noteand information about IWCS All Things Attendance
A copy of the school division’s calendar: 2024-2025 School 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.
Here’s a link with more information: CAES Afternoon Pick-up Procedure
From our PTA
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: Book Bingo!
Friday, March 28
Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and the first game begins at 6:30 p.m.
Outside food and drinks ARE welcome.
Snacks and soda will be available to purchase at the event.
Also, $2 raffle tickets will be available to purchase before and during the event for a chance to win a gift card for family fun.
Order Link: https://tinyurl.com/
From Blue Dominion (www.
Spring photos info:
· When: Makeup day is April 2.
· Instructions: Spring photos are optional. If you would like your child to participate in spring photos, please email your child's teacher and let him/her know. If you do not notify your child's teacher, then your child will not be photographed.
· Background: The photo will have a spring nature background.
· Ordering: Photos will be ready to order about two weeks after picture day (more info to follow)
Class Photos are ready to be ordered! The link above is your one-stop-shop.
2024-2025 yearbooks can be ordered at the link above until April 15.
Fall school photos can still be ordered and 20% of the net profit will go directly back to support the school. (Use link above.)
Mark Your Calendar
3/24 IWCS Child Find team at school (9:00 – 12:00)
3/26 Wear-a-Hat Day
3/27 IWCS Parent Resource Center rep at school
3/28 Packer Backer Friday!
3/28 PTA Book Bingo family event
3/29 Eid al-Fitr (britannica/Eid-al-
3/31 National Crayon Day
3/31 Mock SOL: 3rd grade reading, part 1
4/1 Mock SOL: 3rd grade reading, part 2
4/2 End of third quarter
4/4 RED Friday -- Each Friday in April we’ll wear red to Remember Everyone Deployed!
4/4 Cardinal of the Month popcorn party
4/8 Mock SOL: Math 3
4/9 March Madness Attendance championship game (9:15 - 10:15)
4/10 3rd grade field trip to the Mariners’ Museum
4/11 Career Day (See attached flyer)
4/11 Pre-K field trip to Virginia Living Museum
4/11 Spring Break begins at 3:55 p.m.!
4/21 No students: Staff virtual clerical day
4/22 Report cards come home
File attachments:
Career Day 2025.pdf
2025_2026 calendar approved 031325 (1).pdf
Spring Break Tennis Camp schools.jpg
The Carillon 3/29/25
the Carillon
car·il·lon /ˈkerəlän,ˈkerələn/
your weekly update from Carrollton Elementary
March 29, 2025
From the desk of Mr. Brennan…
I stumbled across a statistic: 75% of the time that a parent spends with his or her child will happen by the time the child is 12 years old. Now, just because the source was the Internet and just because I found the statistic repeated by several sources doesn’t make it correct; however, my experience as a father of kids all over 13 seems to support the math. I’ve discovered that my day-to-day time with my own kids has decreased as their ages have increased. • Falling victim to the norovirus this week, I lost about three days with my girls while quarantined. Wednesday, I spent a lot of time sitting cross-legged on the cool bathroom tiles with my head leaning against the wall, questioning my existence and frightened by the angry personality that my stomach had taken on. Thursday, I busied myself with the task of finishing a piece of toast; I was basically incapacitated the entire day. By the time I began to re-enter humanity yesterday, two daughters were off to Busch Gardens and the other two out with friends. I won’t get those days back, which adds insult to the virus-induced injury. • When my girls were younger, I was intentional about being present: I spent time with them reading, playing, pretending. Trips to Toys R Us, dates to Dairy Queen, walking hand-in-hand, hunkering down in the children’s section of Barnes & Noble – these seemingly simple activities deepened our relationships and made memories. Then the girls started to need me less – unless it was as a chauffeur to gymnastics or ballet, horseback lessons or play rehearsals – and the time they spent away from home and with others increased. Now, this is all well and good and the way that it’s supposed to be, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. And I’m pretty sure I don't like it. • I encourage you parents of pre-tweens to take advantage of the time you have with your children, maximizing that 75%. Even when you’re tired (but not when you’re quarantined). Even if it’s just listening – especially, if it’s just listening. Even if they want to play the same game, read the same book, or watch the same show for the upteenth time. It’s been said that you will spend the majority of your life knowing your children as adults, but for a brief moment you will get the chance to know them as kids. They won’t ask for or need your attention the same way when they hit adolescence, so be sure to relish as much of these brief, sweet, shining kid years as you can while you can. The yard work and hobbies and me-time and adult socializing can wait; childhood won’t.
Let’s Grow!
Mr. B.
Mr. Brennan
I realize that you are busy people and that this newsletter is full of information, therefore, moving forward, anything that is highlighted is new or very important info; the content not highlighted is still important but is a repeated item. (Saving you some time to spend with your kids!)
Help Wanted
The Ecology Club is collecting the following items to use to create green spaces, grow vegetables, and recycle for a good cause: 2-liter bottles, plastic
To prep the building for the HVAC overhaul this summer, our staff need to pack up and remove their belongings from the classrooms. If you have any interest in helping us with portable storage units, please let me or our bookkeeper Mrs. Bogard know. ([email protected])
If you happen to have any colorful felt (especially brown, tan, or beige) that you are looking to get rid of, please feel free to donate it to our art teacher, Mrs. Gasparini. She is attempting to get enough for all of 3rd grade to complete their sculpture lesson coming up!
Caregivers often ask how they can support the school staff and one way would to provide items for staff incentives; here’s an Amazon link for such items: Ways to Encourage the CAES Staff
Please do not leave your vehicle in the front loop to conduct business in the office or clinic.
If you have someone picking up your child as part of afternoon dismissal, please make sure that person knows to have the correct pick-up number displayed and to remain with the vehicle.
Good to Know
Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed legislation March 21 that bans seven color additives in foods served at public schools. Carrollton parent and State Sen. Emily Jordan, R-Isle of Wight, sponsored Senate Bill 1289, which passed both legislative chambers unanimously in February. Read more at Smithfield Times.com.
Lost & Found items will enjoy spring break outside our building, so if your Cardinal is missing a coat or water bottle or lunchbox, please encourage him/her to check Lost & Found by Friday, April 11. The week of April 14 – 18 the Lost & Found cart will be outside our main entrance for your convenience, and by April 21, all remaining items will be removed.
News from Mrs. Couch, IWCS Director of Child Nutrition: Your meal debt has gone down by $800! You still have over $3,000 in debt, but this is great progress! Not sure if a group might take on the meal debt. Great job to your families! (If you child has a balance due to charges in the cafeteria, please make it a priority to pay off that debt as soon as possible. Direct questions to our cafeteria manager at [email protected].)
IWCS is researching some new math programs and Carrollton is one of the schools piloting Zearn Math ; you may hear your children talk about it at home.
Please stress to your children the importance of not sharing food with others at school due to safety concerns. Remember, you can set daily spending limits on your children’s cafeteria account(s) to limit their snack-buying (and snack generosity!).
IWCS Gifted & Talented Night (April 24) -- This division-wide event will showcase student work from grades K–12, celebrating the talents of both our gifted students and those enrolled in fine and performing arts programs. Each elementary school will present a musical performance, artwork from all schools will be on display, and a variety of gifted projects will be featured. The theme of the evening is “A Legacy of Talent and Creativity,” with selected student projects aligned to our division’s recognition of Virginia 250 — a multi-year initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and Virginia’s role in American independence.
From Our Reading Coach, Mrs. C. Smith
Dear Families,
Thank you so much for your participation in our One School, One Book event with our community reading of The Lemonade War, written by Jacqueline Davies. Friday marked the reading of the last chapter and we have heard from many excited students that they can't wait to read the next one. I want to thank Towne Bank and our own PTA for helping fund this program so that all families could get a copy of the book to keep.
In years past, I have asked for the books to be returned so another school could have a similar experience but this year I am letting everyone keep them. Instead, I am asking that each family fill out a survey for us so we can gauge how you feel about the event. Each family that completes a survey -- either digital or physical -- will have their child entered into a drawing for the next two books in the series or a lemon- themed surprise! Please return surveys no later than Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
I hoped you enjoyed spending time as a family reading about Jessie and Evan's lemonade stand drama. Paper copies of the survey will come home next week and you can access the digital survey here.
From Our Library
In March, the students will be voting on some of our favorite books read in the library so far this year. If you would like to participate in our March Madness book bracket please vote for our Elite 8 matchups here Elite 8 Book Bracket 2025!
Overdue notices have been coming home with students. Use this as an excuse to have your little one clean out backpacks and bedrooms. These notices are NOT a fine. Fines will not be assessed until June.
If you have any library questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. O'Byrne at [email protected].
Lots o’ Links
Our school’s handbook: CAES Family FAQ ('24-'25)
Information about the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and the division’s new language arts curriculum, myView, is linked here: Virginia Literacy Act and here: IWCS Language Arts Info
Here’s a link to a collection of resources to help you keep your children engaged with reading over the winter break and beyond: VLP literacy opportunities
Here is our school counselors’ referral form.
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 ('24-'25)
Here’s the link to an “online note” that you can use to report your children’s absences: CAES Absence Noteand information about IWCS All Things Attendance
A copy of the school division’s calendar: 2024-2025 School 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.
Here’s a link with more information: CAES Afternoon Pick-up Procedure
From Blue Dominion (www.
Spring photos info:
-
When: Makeup day is April 2.
-
Instructions: Spring photos
are optional. If you would like your child to participate in spring photos, please email your child's teacher and let him/her know. If you do not notify your child's teacher, then your child will not be photographed. -
Background: The photo will have a spring nature background.
-
Ordering: Photos will be ready to order about two weeks after picture day (more info to follow)
Class Photos are ready to be ordered! The link above is your one-stop-shop.
2024-2025 yearbooks can be ordered at the link above until April 15.
Fall school photos can still be ordered and 20% of the net profit will go directly back to support the school. (Use link above.)
Mark Your Calendar
3/29 Eid al-Fitr (britannica/Eid-al-
3/31 National Crayon Day
3/31 Mock SOL: 3rd grade reading, part 1
4/1 Mock SOL: 3rd grade reading, part 2
4/2 End of third quarter
4/4 RED Friday -- Each Friday in April we’ll wear red to Remember Everyone Deployed!
4/4 Cardinal of the Month popcorn party
4/8 Mock SOL: Math 3
4/9 March Madness Attendance championship game (9:15 - 10:15)
4/10 3rd grade field trip to the Mariners’ Museum
4/11 RED Friday -- Each Friday in April we’ll wear red to Remember Everyone Deployed!
4/11 Career Day
4/11 Pre-K field trip to Virginia Living Museum
4/11 Spring Break begins at 3:55 p.m.!
4/21 No school: Staff virtual clerical day
4/22 Report cards come home
4/22 Kindergarten Information Night (6:00)
4/23 Purple Up for military-connected kids and Military Kids Parade (3:00)
4/24 Gifted & Talented Night at SHS/SMS
4/25 RED Friday -- Each Friday in April we’ll wear red to Remember Everyone Deployed!
File attachments:
Spring Break Tennis Camp schools.jpg
Kidcreate Spring 2025.jpg
Kindergarten Information Night (1) (1).png