Cherokee Association of Parents & Teachers
Support * Cooperation * Communication * Educational Enrichment

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Cherokee's 
Spookfest will be the evening of October 28th!!
K-1 party: 5:00-6:00 pm
2-4 party: 6:30-7:30 pm
Tickets on sale soon!!


 
PictureThe Sakicis with cousin Zach (wearing cap).
From the APT President
Back to school season is a special time of year. As parents, we may have mixed feelings - the relaxed days of summer are coming to a close but the exciting possibilities of a new school year...it is impossible not to get caught up in the magic! I hope everyone had a great first week back and we look forward to welcoming our newest Cheetahs, the kindergarteners, next week. 
 
Cherokee School is a special place, full of dynamic learning and fun - all driven by our dedicated and enthusiastic staff. I feel blessed to have my children be part of such a special school. I am excited to come on board as the new APT president and look forward to working with staff and parents to continue our traditions of sharing information, building relationships, supporting staff, and providing outstanding enrichment experiences for the most important people of all…our awesome children! My husband Kamil and I have two kids - this is the last year they will both be at Cherokee! Dilara is in 4th grade and James is in 2nd. 
 
Eager to get involved? Great! Our Cherokee APT board has two open positions. Let me know if you're interested in learning more. Also, parent volunteer sign-ups will be sent out by room parents in September  - you have not missed the boat! We have an active and vibrant parent-teacher association and there are many opportunities to help out. 

Attending monthly APT meetings is a great way to meet new people and be “in the know”. All parents are welcome! Please check out the APT Info & Forms section of the website for a list of board members’ contact info and the year’s meeting schedule.
 
Be sure to make note of upcoming back to school events here at Cherokee, including:
Curriculum Night: Sept 1
Picture Day: Sept 8
Back to School Family Picnic: Sept 14
Spirit wear order deadline: Sept 15
1st APT board meeting & parent coffee: Sept 21, 9:30-11:30

​Let's have a wonderful school year!  
 
Julie Sakici
Cherokee APT President 2016-18
aptsakici@gmail.com

Final note: Parents, if you can’t find the information you are looking for here, please send me an email at aptsakici@gmail.com and I will try to help you find what you need. 
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APT Thanks

Nicole Korczak for coordinating all of the parent socials
Monica Yaun and Kelly Pasquesi for coordinating the Picture day helpers: Tara Eggers, Lisa FlorJanic, Michelle Marx, Jenna Zilka, Roberta Neuwirth, Kristen Lee, Carolyn Hutchinson
Kristen Lee for coordinating the K-1 Lunchroom helpers: Alissa McNicholas, Carolyn Hutchinson, Kim Walters, Shana Ward, Colleen Berto, Jenny Mulliken, Katy Manley, Lisa Franklin, Lisa Lersch, Jenna Long, Carolyn Hutchinson, Annie Kavanagh, Kate Hanson, Cyncy Schacher
Tara Eggers and Amy Pasquesi for coordinating the Kindergarten bus greeters: Colleen Berto, Jen Waterman, Amy Pasquesi, Kristen Lee
Amy Pasquesi and Tara Eggers for coordinating our kindergarten welcome activities & bus greeters.
Kate Hanson and Annie Kavanagh for welcoming our new families.
Annie Kavanagh for updating the APT bulletin board in the school lobby.
Lindsey Anderson for replacing our outdoor planters.
Tara Janos for organizing the new room parents.
Tara Eggers for managing distribution of school supply packs.
Danielle Knighton and Natasha Schnack for coordinating the Fall Family Picnic.
Lisa Morrison and Natasha Scnhack for already making plans for Spookfest.
Betsy Skarecky and Amy Taylor for organizing a Welcome Back luncheon for staff. Also for organizing dinner for staff on curriculum night.
Kristen Lee for coordinating our Cheetahwear sportswear sale, decorating bulletin boards in the food service hallway, coordinating K-1 lunchroom volunteers, AND for creating our new CH APT Facebook page. Wow! 
Our APT Cabinet, Kim Walters (VP), Ann Kiesling (Treasurer), Kristin Vallaly (Communications Coordinator) for meeting this summer to make plans for the year & preparing the car magnets to go out to families.
Kim Walters for helping decorate the Exploration Zone bulletin boards. 
Jocelyn Liu and Kristen Lee for greeting kids off the buses the first few days of school. 
Finally, special thanks goes to outgoing President Mary Kay Hanlon for all her dedication and efforts the past two years. She has paved the way for a smooth leadership transition – her guidance, support, and encouragement are very appreciated! 
Enjoy some pictures from the walk through, spirit wear sales, first day of school and some of our BRAND NEW CHEETAHS!!  Welcome Back Cheetahs, it's going to be another great year! 

New CH APT Facebook Page! 
We have started a new Facebook page to get the word out on school happenings. This is a closed group - not public- created for Cherokee parents. If you are on Facebook, search for "Cherokee School APT" and ask to join the group. This will not be a discussion forum, just another means of making announcements and sending helpful reminders. 
Ask Kristen Lee if you have questions. Many thanks to Kristen for getting this started and for acting as admin!

Picture Day!
Mark your calendars! Tuesday October 18th make up/retake day.
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Welcome New Families
​We hope you are enjoying the welcome yard signs! New Family Orientation was held last week - thank you to all who attended! Still have questions? Please contact our APT New Family Coordinators: Annie Kavanagh or Kate Hanson. 
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Gifts!
Everyone likes receiving gifts! All Cherokee families should have received a new Cheetah paw print car magnet at the Walk-Throughs. This is a new design!  We hope you are all enjoying this gift!
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In addition to the car magnets, a gift for our teachers and staff was purchased.  New dishes, flatware and other kitchen items were provided for the teachers' lounge.  Just another way to thank all of those that lead our children everyday.
Student Directory Log-in
Access links were emailed to APT Members from MySchoolAnywhere.com with a temporary password on 9/15/15.  If you did not receive yours, please email LFapt67@gmail.com to request a new one.

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Visiting Author Candace Fleming
​is coming to Cherokee!
Book Orders DUE September 7th

Visiting Author Time Is Already Here!
The Spirit of 67 has funded a grant for author Candace Fleming (http://www.candacefleming.com/) to visit our three District 67 elementary schools Sept. 27th - 29th.  Ms. Fleming is an acclaimed author of more than twenty books for children and young adults.  She will be hosting various presentations and writers workshops at each of the schools.

Of special interest, Candace has a new book that's "book release date" is while she is with us on 9/27...the book is a non-fiction picture book entitled "Giant Squid"...it's pretty exciting to have her with us on one of her book release dates!

The APT arranged for students to purchase autographed copies of Ms. Fleming’s books and LF Bookstore has generously provided a discount.  Students will receive a copy of the book order in their backpacks and you can also download a copy below.  Forms are due back to your school by Sept. 7th in order for the books to be ordered and signed in time for Ms. Fleming visit with our students. One form per student as the books will be personalized with the child’s name. Be sure to ask your child about Ms. Fleming's visit!