Monthly Archives: August 2026

8/30/26

CES Pirate Family,

Monday, September 7 – No School – Labor Day

Tuesday, September 8 – Teacher Only Day (No School for students)

PTO News

• Our next PTO Meeting will be Wednesday, September 9th at 6pm. 
• Please join our CES PTO Volunteer GroupMe to stay up to date on PTO news, events, and volunteer opportunities. https://groupme.com/join_group/109443162/tnOZD6c2

CHS Football Homecoming Week: Sept. 9-11

Our community will participate in Homecoming week with schoolwide spirit days:

Wednesday, September 9th- Sideline Style: Dress like a BBQ Dad, Soccer Mom, coach, athlete, or sports fan!

Thursday, September 10th- Once Upon a Time: Dress as a fairytale or storybook character.

Friday, September 11th- Pirate Pride: Wear your Pirate gear or black and blue!

Try to check out the Homecoming Parade on Thursday, Sept. 10th and the Football Homecoming Game on Friday, September 11th.

Game Day Cheer Tryouts: Grades 3-5

Cheerleading tryouts for grades 3-5 will be held on September 16-18  in the CES Gym. Day 1 and 2 will be to learn tryout cheer, chant, and jumps. Tryouts will be on Day 3. Students will be notified via BAND if they make the team.  We will dismiss through the gym doors at 5. Please come in the side car rider entrance.   Game Day Cheer Tryout Form

On My Way Pre-K Weekly Attendance Reminder

As part of the On My Way Pre-K program requirements, families must review and confirm their child’s attendance each week.

Starting Monday Aug; 24th, and then every Monday, your child’s teacher will send home a paper copy of your child’s OMWPK attendance record.

Parents/guardians must:

1. Review the attendance information.
2. Confirm that you agree with the attendance submitted.
3. Sign the form.
4. RETURN the signed form to school the following day (Tuesday).

Your signature is required each week to verify your child’s attendance. Failure to complete and return the attendance verification may affect your child’s continued eligibility for the On My Way Pre-K voucher.

Thank you for helping us meet this important state requirement and for returning the form promptly each week!

Calls to Notify about Attendance

Please utilize the attendance line when calling in with an absence by pressing #2 or dial extension 16141.  You can also email Lea Ann Clemons at lclemons@gccschools.com.   

Statewide Cell Phone Policy in Schools

To support a distraction-free learning environment, the Indiana General Assembly has passed Senate Bill 78, which requires all K-12 schools to implement a “bell to bell” ban on personal wireless communication devices during the school day. A “wireless communication device” includes any personal device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two (2) or more parties, include including computers, laptops, tablets, e-readers, cellular or mobile phones, smartphones, smartwatches (portable, wearable computer that resembles a wristwatch), smartglasses (eyewear equipped with computer technology), gaming devices, and/or any device capable of connecting to a cellular network or the Internet.

Powerschool 

It is extremely important to utilize Powerschool to keep up to date on your child’s academic progress and attendance.  If you do not have access to Powerschool, please email Carolyn Barton at cbarton@gccschools.com for  Parent Login Information Paper.  Powerschool helps parents stay informed!

CES Student Handbook 

Please read the student handbook carefully. Attendance, Birthday Recognition Guidelines, Immunizations, Transportation, and Dress Code Information are just a few examples of the topics in the handbook.

Your Principals, 

Sara Porter, Principal  (PreK – Grade 2) sporter@gccschools.com 

Jamie Spear, Assistant Principal (PreK – Grade 2) jspear@gccschools.com 

Aimee Doherty, Principal (Grades 3-5) aidoherty@gccschools.com

Jillian Richardson, Assistant Principal (Grades 3-5) jrichardson@gccschools.com

Charlestown Elementary School Student Handbook

Student Rights and Responsibilities

CES Calendar of Dates

August

31 Mobile Dentist

September

1 Cross Country Regional Meet: TBA

3-4 Mobile Dentist

7 No School

7-11 Homecoming Spirit Week 

8 Teacher Only Day

9 Cross Country Corporation Meet TBA

14 1st Grade Field Trip: Cornucopia

14 Student Ambassadors Training 

16-18 Game Day Cheer Tryouts

21-23 Girls Basketball Tryouts

October 

5-9 Fall Break

5-9 Fall Break

8/23/2026

CES Pirate Family,

PTO News

• Our next PTO Meeting will be Wednesday, September 9th at 6pm. 
• Our September restaurant give back will be Chick-fil-A in Jeffersonville on September 17th from 8am-8pm. More details to come!!
• Please join our CES PTO Volunteer GroupMe to stay up to date on PTO news, events, and volunteer opportunities. https://groupme.com/join_group/109443162/tnOZD6c2

Game Day Cheer Tryouts: Grades 3-5

Cheerleading tryouts for grades 3-5 will be held on September 16-18  in the CES Gym. Day 1 and 2 will be to learn tryout cheer, chant, and jumps. Tryouts will be on Day 3. Students will be notified via BAND if they make the team.  We will dismiss through the gym doors at 5. Please come in the side car rider entrance.   Game Day Cheer Tryout Form

On My Way Pre-K Weekly Attendance Reminder

As part of the On My Way Pre-K program requirements, families must review and confirm their child’s attendance each week.

Starting Monday Aug; 24th, and then every Monday, your child’s teacher will send home a paper copy of your child’s OMWPK attendance record.

Parents/guardians must:

1. Review the attendance information.
2. Confirm that you agree with the attendance submitted.
3. Sign the form.
4. RETURN the signed form to school the following day (Tuesday).

Your signature is required each week to verify your child’s attendance. Failure to complete and return the attendance verification may affect your child’s continued eligibility for the On My Way Pre-K voucher.

Thank you for helping us meet this important state requirement and for returning the form promptly each week!

Calls to Notify about Attendance

Please utilize the attendance line when calling in with an absence by pressing #2 or dial extension 16141.  You can also email Lea Ann Clemons at lclemons@gccschools.com.   

Vision Screenings: Grades 1, 3, 5

The Health Department will be at CES on Thursday, August 27th to help coordinate and facilitate Vision Screenings with students in grades 1, 3, and 5.  If you would like for your child to opt out, please contact the school’s health office or your child’s teacher. 

CHS Back to School Basketball Camp- Dismissal Information

Grades 3-5 This Week and Camp ends at 5:00 pm

Parents will enter the CES parking lot through Halcyon Road and park in the parking lot.  Please walk to the gym door and wait for coaches and players to walk campers outside to you.

School Picture Days- August 25th and 26th

LDS Photography: Order forms will be sent home soon if you prefer to pay cash and to order online, text: 90738 and use Access Code: CESFall26.  You will receive a text when images are ready to view and order.  Now is the time to purchase a $25 advance pay credit and receive $5 off.  

• Grades K-2: Tuesday, August 25th
• Grades 3-5: Wednesday, August 26th

Statewide Cell Phone Policy in Schools

To support a distraction-free learning environment, the Indiana General Assembly has passed Senate Bill 78, which requires all K-12 schools to implement a “bell to bell” ban on personal wireless communication devices during the school day. A “wireless communication device” includes any personal device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two (2) or more parties, include including computers, laptops, tablets, e-readers, cellular or mobile phones, smartphones, smartwatches (portable, wearable computer that resembles a wristwatch), smartglasses (eyewear equipped with computer technology), gaming devices, and/or any device capable of connecting to a cellular network or the Internet.

Powerschool 

It is extremely important to utilize Powerschool to keep up to date on your child’s academic progress and attendance.  If you do not have access to Powerschool, please email Carolyn Barton at cbarton@gccschools.com for  Parent Login Information Paper.  Powerschool helps parents stay informed!

CES Student Handbook 

Please read the student handbook carefully. Attendance, Birthday Recognition Guidelines, Immunizations, Transportation, and Dress Code Information are just a few examples of the topics in the handbook.

Your Principals, 

Sara Porter, Principal  (PreK – Grade 2) sporter@gccschools.com 

Jamie Spear, Assistant Principal (PreK – Grade 2) jspear@gccschools.com 

Aimee Doherty, Principal (Grades 3-5) aidoherty@gccschools.com

Jillian Richardson, Assistant Principal (Grades 3-5) jrichardson@gccschools.com

Charlestown Elementary School Student Handbook

Student Rights and Responsibilities

CES Calendar of Dates

August

24-27 CHS Boys Basketball Camp Grades 3-5

25 School Pictures: Grades K-2

26 School Pictures: Grades 3-5

27 Vision Screening

27 Cross Country Meet at NWES, 5:00

31 Mobile Dentist

September

1 Cross Country Regional Meet: TBA

3-4 Mobile Dentist

7 No School

7-11 Homecoming Spirit Week 

8 Teacher Only Day

9 Cross Country Corporation Meet TBA

14 1st Grade Field Trip: Cornucopia

14 Student Ambassadors Training 

16-18 Game Day Cheer Tryouts

21-23 Girls Basketball Tryouts

October 

5-9 Fall Break

8.16.26

CES Pirate Family,

Calls to Notify about Attendance

Please utilize the attendance line when calling in with an absence by pressing #2 or dial extension 16141.  You can also email Lea Ann Clemons at lclemons@gccschools.com.   

Creek Week at CES

This is a fun week for our community as our CHS Football team will play Silver Creek on Friday night at home for the Battle of 403.  This game also kicks off the high school football season!  The high school will celebrate a week of spirit days.  At CES will will participate in the Friday spirit day for Creek Week.  We ask that students and staff wear black to school to “Black Out 403”.

PTO News

• Our first PTO meeting for the 26/27 school year will be Wednesday, August 19th at 6pm in the cafeteria. Please use the side door, by the preschool playground, for entrance.
• Reminder for Spirit Wear, orders need to be placed by August 23rd. 

Vision Screenings: Grades 1, 3, 5

The Health Department will be at CES on Thursday, August 27th to help coordinate and facilitate Vision Screenings with students in grades 1, 3, and 5.  If you would like for your child to opt out, please contact the school’s health office or your child’s teacher. 

CHS Back to School Basketball Camp- Dismissal Information

Grades K-2 This Week and Camp ends at 5:00 pm

Parents will enter the CES parking lot through Halcyon Road and park in the parking lot.  Please walk to the gym door and wait for coaches and players to walk campers outside to you.

School Picture Days- August 25th and 26th

LDS Photography: Order forms will be sent home soon if you prefer to pay cash and to order online, text: 90738 and use Access Code: CESFall26.  You will receive a text when images are ready to view and order.  Now is the time to purchase a $25 advance pay credit and receive $5 off.  

• Grades K-2: Tuesday, August 25th
• Grades 3-5: Wednesday, August 26th

Statewide Cell Phone Policy in Schools

To support a distraction-free learning environment, the Indiana General Assembly has passed Senate Bill 78, which requires all K-12 schools to implement a “bell to bell” ban on personal wireless communication devices during the school day. A “wireless communication device” includes any personal device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two (2) or more parties, include including computers, laptops, tablets, e-readers, cellular or mobile phones, smartphones, smartwatches (portable, wearable computer that resembles a wristwatch), smartglasses (eyewear equipped with computer technology), gaming devices, and/or any device capable of connecting to a cellular network or the Internet.

Athletics- Final Forms

Any student wishing to participate in an athletic extracurricular activity, will be required to complete Final Forms and pay the $5 fee.  A physical is not needed for elementary sports.  It is often more convenient for families to go ahead and complete this at the beginning of the school year. https://greaterclark-in.finalforms.com/

School Lunch 

Please visit the GCCS Food Services website throughout the school year for up to date information about Menus and Pricing. We encourage families to apply for Free/Reduced Lunch. 

Breakfast: $2.00      Lunch $3.10    

Free and Reduced Lunch Sign Up

It’s not too late to apply!  Applications for free and reduced meals must be completed each school year.  Please log on to https://www.nlappscloud.com/

Powerschool 

It is extremely important to utilize Powerschool to keep up to date on your child’s academic progress and attendance.  If you do not have access to Powerschool, please email Carolyn Barton at cbarton@gccschools.com for  Parent Login Information Paper.  Powerschool helps parents stay informed!

CES Student Handbook 

Please read the student handbook carefully. Attendance, Birthday Recognition Guidelines, Immunizations, Transportation, and Dress Code Information are just a few examples of the topics in the handbook. 

Kroger Community Rewards Program

We are so excited for Charlestown Elementary school to be signed up for the Kroger Community Rewards.  Kroger Community Rewards is a program that allows customers to support local non-profit organizations through their everyday grocery shopping at Kroger. By linking a Kroger Plus Card to a chosen organization, a percentage of the customer’s purchases are donated to that organization at no additional cost to the customer. 

To Use the Kroger Community Rewards Program

Visit http://www.kroger.com. Once logged into your Kroger account you can search for CHARLESTOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL either by name or JJ782 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card.

Customers must have a registered Kroger rewards card account to link to your organization.

If a member does not yet have a Kroger rewards card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger.  REMEMBER, purchases will not count for your organization until after your participants register their rewards card.Participants must swipe their registered Kroger rewards card or use the phone number that is related to their registered Kroger rewards card when shopping for each purchase to count.

Your Principals, 

Sara Porter, Principal  (PreK – Grade 2) sporter@gccschools.com 

Jamie Spear, Assistant Principal (PreK – Grade 2) jspear@gccschools.com 

Aimee Doherty, Principal (Grades 3-5) aidoherty@gccschools.com

Jillian Richardson, Assistant Principal (Grades 3-5) jrichardson@gccschools.com

Charlestown Elementary School Student Handbook

Student Rights and Responsibilities

CES Calendar of Dates

August

13-14 Grade Level Power Up Pep Rallies

17-20 CHS Boys Basketball Camp Grade K-2

24-27 CHS Boys Basketball Camp Grades 3-5

25 School Pictures: Grades K-2

26 School Pictures: Grades 3-5

27 Vision Screening

27 Cross Country Meet at NWES, 5:00

31 Mobile Dentist

September

1 Cross Country Regional Meet: TBA

3-4 Mobile Dentist

7 No School

7-11 Homecoming Spirit Week 

8 Teacher Only Day

9 Cross Country Corporation Meet TBA

14 Student Ambassadors Training 

21-23 Girls Basketball Tryouts

October 

5-9 Fall Break

8/9/2026

CES Pirate Family,

Announcement from the Office

Families will not be able to sign out their children after 2:30 pm.  After this time the office and classrooms are working hard to prepare for a safe dismissal.  If your child has an appointment in the afternoon, you must pick them up prior to 2:30 pm. 

Arrival/Dismissal Information

In order to try to make the car rider line run as efficiently as possible, we ask that families do the following:

• Stay in your vehicle while your child exits or enters  the car.
• Your child should utilize the passenger side door of your vehicle.
• Practice teaching your child how to buckle and unbuckle so that they get better at this skill.  There is a buckle station to the right of the loading zone.
• Stay behind the car in front of you unless directed by a staff member to pass.

School Picture Days- August 25th and 26th

LDS Photography: Order forms will be sent home soon if you prefer to pay cash and to order online, text: 90738 and use Access Code: CESFall26.  You will receive a text when images are ready to view and order.  Now is the time to purchase a $25 advance pay credit and receive $5 off.  

• Grades K-2: Tuesday, August 25th
• Grades 3-5: Wednesday, August 26th

Statewide Cell Phone Policy in Schools

To support a distraction-free learning environment, the Indiana General Assembly has passed Senate Bill 78, which requires all K-12 schools to implement a “bell to bell” ban on personal wireless communication devices during the school day. A “wireless communication device” includes any personal device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two (2) or more parties, include including computers, laptops, tablets, e-readers, cellular or mobile phones, smartphones, smartwatches (portable, wearable computer that resembles a wristwatch), smartglasses (eyewear equipped with computer technology), gaming devices, and/or any device capable of connecting to a cellular network or the Internet.

Student Ambassador Applications (Grade 5 Only)

Fifth grade students are welcome to apply to become a Student Ambassador for the school year.  Student Ambassadors represent CES in many ways by exploring and utilizing their leadership skills through training, facilitating new student tours, and helping in a variety of ways during the school year.   CES Student Ambassador Application 

PTO News

• Our first PTO meeting for the 26/27 school year will be Wednesday, August 19th at 6pm in the cafeteria. Please use the side door, by the preschool playground, for entrance.

CHS Back to School Basketball Camp

Our CHS Boys Basketball team is hosting a week long back to school basketball camp after school at CES.  Please click the link for more information.

*2026 Back to School Camp* – Google Docs

Athletics- Final Forms

Any student wishing to participate in an athletic extracurricular activity, will be required to complete Final Forms and pay the $5 fee.  A physical is not needed for elementary sports.  It is often more convenient for families to go ahead and complete this at the beginning of the school year. https://greaterclark-in.finalforms.com/

School Lunch 

Please visit the GCCS Food Services website throughout the school year for up to date information about Menus and Pricing. We encourage families to apply for Free/Reduced Lunch. 

Breakfast: $2.00      Lunch $3.10    

Free and Reduced Lunch Sign Up

Its not too late to apply!  Applications for free and reduced meals must completed each school year.  Please log on to https://www.nlappscloud.com/

Powerschool 

It is extremely important to utilize Powerschool to keep up to date on your child’s academic progress and attendance.  If you do not have access to Powerschool, please email your teacher so they can get you the Parent Login Information Paper.  Powerschool helps parents stay informed!

CES Student Handbook 

Please read the student handbook carefully. Attendance, Birthday Recognition Guidelines, Immunizations, Transportation, and Dress Code Information are just a few examples of the topics in the handbook.

Kroger Community Rewards Program

We are so excited for Charlestown Elementary school to be signed up for the Kroger Community Rewards.  Kroger Community Rewards is a program that allows customers to support local non-profit organizations through their everyday grocery shopping at Kroger. By linking a Kroger Plus Card to a chosen organization, a percentage of the customer’s purchases are donated to that organization at no additional cost to the customer. 

To Use the Kroger Community Rewards Program

Visit http://www.kroger.com. Once logged into your Kroger account you can search for CHARLESTOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL either by name or JJ782 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card.

Customers must have a registered Kroger rewards card account to link to your organization.

If a member does not yet have a Kroger rewards card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger.  REMEMBER, purchases will not count for your organization until after your participants register their rewards card.Participants must swipe their registered Kroger rewards card or use the phone number that is related to their registered Kroger rewards card when shopping for each purchase to count.

Your Principals, 

Sara Porter, Principal  (PreK – Grade 2) sporter@gccschools.com 

Jamie Spear, Assistant Principal (PreK – Grade 2) jspear@gccschools.com 

Aimee Doherty, Principal (Grades 3-5) aidoherty@gccschools.com

Jillian Richardson, Assistant Principal (Grades 3-5) jrichardson@gccschools.com

Charlestown Elementary School Student Handbook

Student Rights and Responsibilities

CES Calendar of Dates

August

13-14 Grade Level Power Up Pep Rallies

17-20 CHS Boys Basketball Camp Grade K-2

24-27 CHS Boys Basketball Camp Grades 3-5

25 School Pictures: Grades K-2

26 School Pictures: Grades 3-5

27 Cross Country Meet at NWES, 5:00

31 Mobile Dentist

September

1 Cross Country Regional Meet: TBA

3-4 Mobile Dentist

7 No School

7-11 Homecoming Spirit Week 

8 Teacher Only Day

9 Cross Country Corporation Meet TBA

14 Student Ambassadors Training 

21-23 Girls Basketball Tryouts

October 

5-9 Fall Break

8/2/2026

CES Pirate Family,

Announcement from the Office

Families will not be able to sign out their children after 2:30 pm.  After this time the office and classrooms are working hard to prepare for a safe dismissal.  If your child has an appointment in the afternoon, you must pick them up prior to 2:30 pm. 

Student Lanyards

Please make sure your child wears their student lanyard to school next week. 

Arrival/Dismissal Information

In order to try to make the car rider line run as efficiently as possible, we ask that families do the following:

• Stay in your vehicle while your child exits the car.
• Your child should utilize the passenger side door of your vehicle.
• Practice teaching your child how to buckle and unbuckle so that they get better at this skill.  There is a buckle station to the right of the loading zone.
• Stay behind the car in front of you unless directed by a staff member to pass.

PTO News

• Our first PTO meeting for the 26/27 school year will be Wednesday, August 19th at 6pm in the cafeteria. Please use the side door, by the preschool playground, for entrance.
• This year we will be featuring a different restaurant each month that will give back to CES, just by grabbing dinner. This month is QDOBA in Jeffersonville on August 7th from 4pm-8pm.   Please visit  https://qdoba.force4good.com/event/081c4a40-8e04-4464-8d28-9a5eccfe8032 for more information.
• If you are interested in becoming a room parent, please complete this link by August 6th. https://forms.gle/ywXGMkgf4ho7F8PY8

CHS Tennis Clinic for Grades K-5: August 3-5

CHS Tennis will host a tennis camp for elementary students August 3-5 in the evening.  You do not need to sign up in advance.   For more information, click on the link.  Permission Slip (bring to day 1 of camp)

CHS Back to School Basketball Camp

Our CHS Boys Basketball team is hosting a week long back to school basketball camp after school at CES.  Please click the link for more information.

*2026 Back to School Camp* – Google Docs

GCCS Athletics- Final Forms

Any student wishing to participate in an athletic extracurricular activity, will be required to complete Final Forms and pay the $5 fee.  A physical is not needed for elementary sports.  It is often more convenient for families to go ahead and complete this at the beginning of the school year. https://greaterclark-in.finalforms.com/

School Lunch 

Please visit the GCCS Food Services website throughout the school year for up to date information about Menus and Pricing. We encourage families to apply for Free/Reduced Lunch. 

Breakfast: $2.00      Lunch $3.10    

Powerschool 

It is extremely important to utilize Powerschool to keep up to date on your child’s academic progress and attendance.  If you do not have access to Powerschool, please email your teacher so they can get you the Parent Login Information Paper.  Powerschool helps parents stay informed!

CES Student Handbook 

Please read the student handbook carefully. Attendance, Birthday Recognition Guidelines, Immunizations, Transportation, and Dress Code Information are just a few examples of the topics in the handbook.

Kroger Community Rewards Program

We are so excited for Charlestown Elementary school to be signed up for the Kroger Community Rewards.  Kroger Community Rewards is a program that allows customers to support local non-profit organizations through their everyday grocery shopping at Kroger. By linking a Kroger Plus Card to a chosen organization, a percentage of the customer’s purchases are donated to that organization at no additional cost to the customer. 

To Use the Kroger Community Rewards Program

Visit http://www.kroger.com. Once logged into your Kroger account you can search for CHARLESTOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL either by name or JJ782 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card.

Customers must have a registered Kroger rewards card account to link to your organization.

If a member does not yet have a Kroger rewards card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger.  REMEMBER, purchases will not count for your organization until after your participants register their rewards card.Participants must swipe their registered Kroger rewards card or use the phone number that is related to their registered Kroger rewards card when shopping for each purchase to count.

Your Principals, 

Sara Porter, Principal  (PreK – Grade 2) sporter@gccschools.com 

Jamie Spear, Assistant Principal (PreK – Grade 2) jspear@gccschools.com 

Aimee Doherty, Principal (Grades 3-5) aidoherty@gccschools.com

Jillian Richardson, Assistant Principal (Grades 3-5) jrichardson@gccschools.com

Charlestown Elementary School Student Handbook

Student Rights and Responsibilities

CES Calendar of Dates

August

13-14 Grade Level Power Up Pep Rallies

17-20 CHS Boys Basketball Camp Grade K-2

24-27 CHS Boys Basketball Camp Grades 3-5

25-26 School Pictures

27 Cross Country Meet at NWES, 5:00

31 Mobile Dentist

September

1 Cross Country Regional Meet: TBA

3-4 Mobile Dentist

7 No School

7-11 Homecoming Spirit Week 

8 Teacher Only Day

9 Cross Country Corporation Meet TBA

14 Student Ambassadors Training 

21-23 Girls Basketball Tryouts

October 

5-9 Fall Break