Posts in category: 2026-2027

10/18/2026

CES Pirate Family,

Grades 3-5: ILEARN Math Checkpoint 1 – Tuesday, October 20

Through the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) students in grades 3-8 will be given three ILEARN checkpoints throughout the 2026-2027 school year and an end of year Summative assessment. The checkpoints will take place in Fall, Winter, and Spring. Each checkpoint has 20-25 questions in English Language Arts and Mathematics and will show how your child is doing in key skills and concepts from the Indiana Academic Standards. This helps guide teaching and supports your child’s learning.  

Please make sure your child’s chromebook is FULLY CHARGED for these important assessments! Students will need earbuds or headphones.  

PTO News

• Our next PTO Meeting will be Wednesday, November 11th at 6pm. 
• CES PTO is doing a Trunk or Treat during literacy night on October 22nd. To help offset candy costs for our gracious teachers who will be setting up trunks, we are doing a candy drive in each class. The winning classroom will receive a popcorn and pickles treat. Candy can be donated between 10/12-10/21. The winning class will be announced 10/22.

CES Caroling Club

One of our music teachers, Mrs. Flynn, is hosting a caroling club to spread some Christmas cheer around the Charlestown community. The club is open to 2nd and 3rd grade students. Students must exhibit excellent PRIDE behavior to participate. If interested, students can pick up a permission slip from their music teacher or the office. Mrs. Flynn is only accepting 20 students from 2nd grade and 20 3rd grade students into the club. Permission slips will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.   Permission Slip

All Pro Dad- October 26

All Pro Dad invites you to the new school year launch at Charlestown Elementary School. APD is all about connecting Dads and their kids together through fun, creative, and interactive morning programs. Come enjoy breakfast, a character building lesson, and grow together with your child. This is for all dads (or father figures) and their kids in grades Preschool-Fifth Grade. If your child does not have a father figure available, a female adult is welcome to attend! Our next meeting will be October 26th from 7:45am-8:45am.  Please enter door 15 and you will exit door 14. For more questions or information contact Donnie Roark, donnieroark@fca.org. 

Sign-up here to attend: https://allprodadchapters.com/chapters/16241

CES Family Night and PTO Trunk or Treat-  Oct. 22nd 5:00-6:30

We welcome families to attend our Level Up Family Literacy Night where families can play games centered around reading and afterwards attend our PTO sponsored Trunk or Treat.  We welcome students to dress in costume for this event and encourage families to then attend the CHS Track or Treat event from 7:00-8:30 at the high school!

Track or Treat at CHS- Thursday, October 22nd 7:00 – 8:30

Through SAIL (Scholar Athlete Innovative Leaders), the CHS athletic teams will be sponsoring a track or treat event starting at 7:00 PM  Kids can dress in costume, walk the track, get candy, and check out their local CHS athletic teams dressed in costume too!  The cost is $5 and proceeds benefit the SAIL scholarship and North Clark Outreach Center’s Elf Tree.  

National Anthem Auditions

Have you ever been told that you have a beautiful singing voice?  Do you play a musical instrument?  If so, we’d love to highlight your talents before our Home Basketball games this school year.  Please pick up an audition form from your Music Teacher.  Once the form is turned in, you will be given an audition day and time that will take place during the school day.  

Scholastic Book Fair- October 19-30

We need volunteers to work our school book fair.   Volunteer Book Fair Sign Up   Volunteers will receive a $30 gift certificate to use at the bookfair. 

eWallet Enrollment Now Open!  eWallet is the safest, most secure way to shop the Scholastic Book Fair on October 20-24. We encourage all families to take advantage of this cashless option for their student shoppers. Please use the following link to create you eWallet account for a more efficient shopping experience!  https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/charlestownelementaryschl 

Charlestown Youth Wrestling League 

The Charlestown Wrestling League is an opportunity for the youth in our community to explore the sport of wrestling.  It will be open to children grades K-5th grade.  The clinic will focus on footwork, balance, coordination, flexibility, and basic fundamentals of wrestling.  Wrestlers will learn takedowns, turns, escapes, and scoring/rules.  The clinic will last 8 weeks and wrestlers will receive two practices a week at the high school from 6:00-7:00. The first practice will be Tuesday October 20th.  A schedule for the rest of the season will be given out the first week.   There will be two scheduled inter squad meets where each wrestler will get at least two matches.  This year we are capping the league to the first 60 wrestlers to sign up.  If you sign up after the cap you will be notified.  The cost of the league is $100 and money is due at the time of registration.  Includes T-Shirt.  Practices and registration will be held in the high school wrestling room.  The parking lot is off Basham Dr.   Sign Up Form

CHS Elementary Boys Basketball League

Boys Basketball Youth League registration is open until Monday, October 26th.  Practices will be October 29th, November 5th, November 12th, November 19th.  Games will be November 1st, November 8th, November 15th, November 22nd.  Cost is $80.  If you have any questions please contact Coach Matt Lynch.  CHS Elementary Basketball League

Charlestown Lady Pirate Basketball Youth League- Grades k-6 

This is a youth league sponsored by the CHS girls basketball team and coach. Registration Link  The cost is $60.  Please direct questions to Coach Matthews at 812-704-6944.

CMS Spooktacular Event: Spook Flyer 2026

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

Charlestown Elementary School Student Handbook (Spanish)

Student Rights and Responsibilities

CES Calendar of Dates

-October 

19-30 Scholastic Book Fair

19 Basketball: CES at NWES

20-22 Math ILEARN Checkpoint 1

22 Fall Family Night 5:00-6:30

27-29 ELA ILEARN Checkpoint 1

28 Basketball: RES at CES

30 Fall PTO Party

-November

2 Basketball: NES at CES

3 Teacher Day Only

7 Robotics Competition

9 Basketball: CES at Pike

12 Basketball: Utica at CES

18 Picture Retakes

18 Basketball: PES at CES

21 Basketball: First Round of Tourney

23-24 CES Family Thanksgiving Dinner

25-27 Thanksgiving Break

-December

1 Basketball:Semi-finals

3 Basketball: Championship 

4 CMS Shipwreck Singer Visits CES

7 Red Cross Blood Drive Grade 3-5 Presentations

8 Red Cross Blood Drive 3-7

15-17 Boys Basketball Tryouts

21-1/1 Winter Break

10/11/2026

CES Pirate Family,

Quarter 2: October 12-December 18

Parent Portal Letters Grades 3-5

Families should have received the Parent Portal letter in the mail that families will be using to access state testing: ILEARN Checkpoints, I AM, WIDA, and IREAD results.  This is an important document that you will want to keep.  You will use this to access all of your child’s state assessment scores throughout their school years.  This will give you immediate access to your child’s results!

A Note from the Treasurer

Parents, when sending money to school for sports camps, final forms, or other activities, please place the money in an envelope clearly labeled with: Your child’s name, the amount enclosed, and what the money is for. This small step helps our teachers and office staff make sure your money gets safely and accurately to where it needs to go. Thank you for helping us keep everything organized.  

CES Family Night and PTO Trunk or Treat-  Oct. 22nd 5:00-6:30

We welcome families to attend our Level Up Family Literacy Night where families can play games centered around reading and afterwards attend our PTO sponsored Trunk or Treat.  We welcome students to dress in costume for this event and encourage families to then attend the CHS Track or Treat event from 7:00-8:30 at the high school!

Track or Treat at CHS- Thursday, October 22nd 7:00 – 8:30

Through SAIL (Scholar Athlete Innovative Leaders) and the CHS athletic teams will be sponsoring a track or treat event starting at 7:00 PM  Kids can dress in costume, walk the track, get candy, and check out their local CHS athletic teams dressed in costume too!  The cost is $5 and proceeds benefit the SAIL scholarship and North Clark Outreach Center’s Elf Tree.  

National Anthem Auditions

Have you ever been told that you have a beautiful singing voice?  Do you play a musical instrument?  If so, we’d love to highlight your talents before our Home Basketball games this school year.  Please pick up an audition form from your Music Teacher.  Once the form is turned in, you will be given an audition day and time that will take place during the school day.  

Media Squad-4th or 5th Grade

Mrs. Shanks is hosting an after school club of student library helpers.  This club will meet daily until 4:30 PM.  Students will shelve books, clean the library, prep library stations, and do a weekly Book Club.  Please see Mrs. Shanks for a permission slip, due Oct. 16th.

PTO News

• Our next PTO Meeting will be Wednesday, October 14th at 6pm. 
• Our October restaurant give back will be Jaggers in Jeffersonville on October 12, and it will be all day. I will send the graphics once we get them in. 
• Thank you to everyone who donated for our Pirate Quest to help us reach our goal! Our PTO appreciates it and the teachers and students do too!

Scholastic Book Fair- October 19-30

We need volunteers to work our school book fair.   Volunteer Book Fair Sign Up   Volunteers will receive a $30 gift certificate to use at the bookfair. 

eWallet Enrollment Now Open!  eWallet is the safest, most secure way to shop the Scholastic Book Fair on October 20-24. We encourage all families to take advantage of this cashless option for their student shoppers. Please use the following link to create you eWallet account for a more efficient shopping experience!  https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/charlestownelementaryschl 

Charlestown Youth Wrestling League 

The Charlestown Wrestling League is an opportunity for the youth in our community to explore the sport of wrestling.  It will be open to children grades K-5th grade.  The clinic will focus on footwork, balance, coordination, flexibility, and basic fundamentals of wrestling.  Wrestlers will learn takedowns, turns, escapes, and scoring/rules.  The clinic will last 8 weeks and wrestlers will receive two practices a week at the high school from 6:00-7:00. The first practice will be Tuesday October 20th, and Thursday October 22nd.  A schedule for the rest of the season will be given out the first week.   There will be two scheduled inter squad meets where each wrestler will get at least two matches.  This year we are capping the league to the first 60 wrestlers to sign up.  If you sign up after the cap you will be notified.  The cost of the league is $100 and money is due at the time of registration.  Includes T-Shirt.  Practices and registration will be held in the high school wrestling room.  The parking lot is off Basham Dr.   Sign Up Form

Charlestown Lady Pirate Basketball Youth League- Grades k-6 

This is a youth league sponsored by the CHS girls basketball team and coach. Registration Link  The cost is $60.  Please direct questions to Coach Matthews at 812-704-6944.

CMS Spooktacular Event: Spook Flyer 2026

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

Charlestown Elementary School Student Handbook (Spanish)

Student Rights and Responsibilities

CES Calendar of Dates

October 

5-9 Fall Break

15 Basketball: FSES at CES

19-30 Scholastic Book Fair

19 Basketball: CES at NWES

20-22 Math ILEARN Checkpoint 1

22 Fall Family Night 5:00-6:30

27-29 ELA ILEARN Checkpoint 1

28 Basketball: RES at CES

30 Fall PTO Party

November

2 Basketball: NES at CES

3 Teacher Day Only

7 Robotics Competition

9 Basketball: CES at Pike

12 Basketball: Utica at CES

18 Picture Retakes

18 Basketball: PES at CES

21 Basketball: First Round of Tourney

23-24 CES Family Thanksgiving Dinner

25-27 Thanksgiving Break

December

1 Basketball:Semi-finals

3 Basketball: Championship 

4 CMS Shipwreck Singer Visits CES

7 Red Cross Blood Drive Grade 3-5 Presentations

8 Red Cross Blood Drive 3-7

15-17 Boys Basketball Tryouts

21-1/1 Winter Break

10/4/2026

CES Pirate Family,

Fall Break: October 3-11

Quarter 2: October 12-December 18

Parent Portal Letters Grades 3-5

Families will also receive the Parent Portal letter that families will be using to access state testing: ILEARN Checkpoints, I AM, WIDA, and IREAD results.  This is an important document that you will want to keep.  You will use this to access all of your child’s state assessment scores throughout their school years.  This will give you immediate access to your child’s results!

A Note from the Treasurer

Parents, when sending money to school for sports camps, final forms, or other activities, please place the money in an envelope clearly labeled with: Your child’s name, the amount enclosed, and what the money is for. This small step helps our teachers and office staff make sure your money gets safely and accurately to where it needs to go. Thank you for helping us keep everything organized.  

CES Family Night and PTO Trunk or Treat-  Oct. 22nd 5:00-6:30

We welcome families to attend our Level Up Family Literacy Night where families can play games centered around reading and afterwards attend our PTO sponsored Trunk or Treat.  We welcome students to dress in costume for this event and encourage families to then attend the CHS Track or Treat event from 7:00-8:30 at the high school!

2026 CES Level Up Family Literacy Night Flyer (2).pdf

Spanish Family Literacy Night (1).pdf  Swahili Flyer.pdf Chinese Flyer (2).pdf Kinyarwandan Flyer (1).pdf Arabic Flyer (1).pdf 

National Anthem Auditions

Have you ever been told that you have a beautiful singing voice?  Do you play a musical instrument?  If so, we’d love to highlight your talents before our Home Basketball games this school year.  Please pick up an audition form from your Music Teacher.  Once the form is turned in, you will be given an audition day and time that will take place during the school day.  

Media Squad-4th or 5th Grade

Mrs. Shanks is hosting an after school club of student library helpers.  This club will meet daily until 4:30 PM.  Students will shelve books, clean the library, prep library stations, and do a weekly Book Club.  Please see Mrs. Shanks for a permission slip, due Oct. 16th.

PTO News

• Our next PTO Meeting will be Wednesday, October 14th at 6pm. 
• Our October restaurant give back will be Jaggers in Jeffersonville on October 12, and it will be all day. I will send the graphics once we get them in. 
• Thank you to everyone who donated for our Pirate Quest to help us reach our goal! Our PTO appreciates it and the teachers and students do too!

Scholastic Book Fair- October 19-30

We need volunteers to work our school book fair.   Volunteer Book Fair Sign Up   Volunteers will receive a $30 gift certificate to use at the bookfair. 

eWallet Enrollment Now Open!  eWallet is the safest, most secure way to shop the Scholastic Book Fair on October 20-24. We encourage all families to take advantage of this cashless option for their student shoppers. Please use the following link to create you eWallet account for a more efficient shopping experience!  https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/charlestownelementaryschl 

Charlestown Lady Pirate Basketball Youth League- Grades k-6 

This is a youth league sponsored by the CHS girls basketball team and coach. Registration Link  The cost is $60.  Please direct questions to Coach Matthews at 812-704-6944.

CMS Spooktacular Event: Spook Flyer 2026

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

Charlestown Elementary School Student Handbook (Spanish)

Student Rights and Responsibilities

CES Calendar of Dates

October 

5-9 Fall Break

15 Basketball: FSES at CES

19-30 Scholastic Book Fair

19 Basketball: CES at NWES

20-22 Math ILEARN Checkpoint 1

22 Fall Family Night 5:00-6:30

27-29 ELA ILEARN Checkpoint 1

28 Basketball: RES at CES

30 Fall PTO Party

November

2 Basketball: NES at CES

3 Teacher Day Only

7 Robotics Competition

9 Basketball: CES at Pike

12 Basketball: Utica at CES

18 Picture Retakes

18 Basketball: PES at CES

21 Basketball: First Round of Tourney

23-24 CES Family Thanksgiving Dinner

25-27 Thanksgiving Break

December

1 Basketball:Semi-finals

3 Basketball: Championship 

4 CMS Shipwreck Singer Visits CES

7 Red Cross Blood Drive Grade 3-5 Presentations

8 Red Cross Blood Drive 3-7

15-17 Boys Basketball Tryouts

21-1/1 Winter Break

9/27/2026

CES Pirate Family,

Fall Break: October 3-11

Quarter 2 Begins on Monday, October 12th

ILEARN 2025-2026 Individual Student Reports: Grades 4-5

Individual Student Reports from the 2025-2026 school year will be mailed home to families this week.  Families will also receive the Parent Portal letter that families will use moving forward to access state testing: ILEARN Checkpoints, I AM, WIDA, and IREAD results.

Parent Portal Letters Grades 3-5

Families will also receive the Parent Portal letter that families will be using to access state testing: ILEARN Checkpoints, I AM, WIDA, and IREAD results.  This is an important document that you will want to keep.  You will use this to access all of your child’s state assessment scores throughout their school years.  This will give you immediate access to your child’s results!

All Pro Dad: Begins on Sept. 28th

All Pro Dad invites you to the new school year launch at Charlestown Elementary School. APD is all about connecting Dads and their kids together through fun, creative, and interactive morning programs. Come enjoy breakfast, a character building lesson, and grow together with your child. This is for all dads (or father figures) and their kids in grades Preschool-Fifth Grade. If your child does not have a father figure available, a female adult is welcome to attend! Our Launch Party will be Monday, September 28th from 7:45am-8:45am.  Please enter door 15 and you will exit door 14. For more questions or information contact Donnie Roark, donnieroark@fca.org. 

Sign-up here to attend: https://allprodadchapters.com/chapters/16241

PTO News

• Our next PTO Meeting will be Wednesday, October 14th at 6pm. 
• Our October restaurant give back will be Jaggers in Jeffersonville on October 12, and it will be all day. I will send the graphics once we get them in. 
• Pirate Quest, PTOs only student led fundraiser, kicked off earlier this week.  If you haven’t signed your student up yet, please go to app.99pledges.com/fund/piratequest26
  If CES meets our goal of $30,000 all students will get to join an inflatable party on Friday 10/2.

CMS Spooktacular Event: Spook Flyer 2026

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

Charlestown Elementary School Student Handbook (Spanish)

Student Rights and Responsibilities

CES Calendar of Dates

October 

2 PTO Pirate Quest Event

5-9 Fall Break

19-30 Scholastic Book Fair

19 Basketball: CES at NWES

20-22 Math ILEARN Checkpoint 1

22 Fall Family Night 5:00-6:30

27-29 ELA ILEARN Checkpoint 1

28 Basketball: RES at CES

30 Fall PTO Party

November

2 Basketball: NES at CES

3 Teacher Day Only

7 Robotics Competition

9 Basketball: CES at Pike

12 Basketball: Utica at CES

18 Picture Retakes

18 Basketball: PES at CES

21 Basketball: First Round of Tourney

23-24 CES Family Thanksgiving Dinner

25-27 Thanksgiving Break

December

1 Basketball:Semi-finals

3 Basketball: Championship 

4 CMS Shipwreck Singer Visits CES

7 Red Cross Blood Drive Grade 3-5 Presentations

8 Red Cross Blood Drive 3-7

15-17 Boys Basketball Tryouts

21-1/1 Winter Break

9/20/2026

CES Pirate Family, 

Bus Safety & Behavior Update

As we continue through the school year, student safety on our buses remains our top priority. Over the past two weeks, we’ve seen an increase in unsafe behavior during bus rides.

Riding the bus is a helpful privilege for our students, and we need your support to keep it safe for everyone. Please take a moment to review these key bus expectations with your child:

• Sit properly: Keep “seat to seat, back to back” at all times.
• No video recording: Recording on mobile devices is strictly prohibited.
• Voice levels: Use respectful, inside speaking voices.
• Respect others: Treat the driver and fellow students with kindness and respect.
• Students who struggle to follow these rules will be referred to their school principal and may risk losing their transportation privileges.

For a full list of rules and regulations, please visit the Transportation page on the GCCS website. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our buses safe!

PTO News:

• Our next PTO Meeting will be Wednesday, October 14th at 6pm. 
• Our October restaurant give back will be Jaggers in Jeffersonville on October 12, and it will be all day. I will send the graphics once we get them in. 
• Pirate Quest, PTOs biggest fundraiser of the year, starts THIS WEDNESDAY! Please be on the lookout for a flyer to come home on Wednesday to create your child’s fundraising page. 

Attendance/Transportation Communication:

One of our top priorities is ensuring your child gets home safely and smoothly every single day! To help us do that, please remember to always notify the main office directly regarding changes to your child’s usual dismissal routine.While our teachers do their best to check messages, they are busy with students all day and may not see a last-minute note. More importantly, if a teacher happens to be absent, a substitute teacher will not have access to their email or personal messages. Thank you for your support!   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.  

CES Girls Basketball Intramurals:

Girls Basketball team tryouts will be held on Sept. 21-23 after school until 4:45 for any 3rd-5th grade girl. All players must complete Final Forms and pay $5 in order to attend. Players will need to bring tennis shoes to the tryout. https://greaterclark-in.finalforms.com/

All Pro Dad: Begins on Sept. 28th

All Pro Dad invites you to the new school year launch at Charlestown Elementary School. APD is all about connecting Dads and their kids together through fun, creative, and interactive morning programs. Come enjoy breakfast, a character building lesson, and grow together with your child. This is for all dads (or father figures) and their kids in grades Preschool-Fifth Grade. If your child does not have a father figure available, a female adult is welcome to attend! Our Launch Party will be Monday, September 28th from 7:45am-8:45am.  Please enter door 15 and you will exit door 14. For more questions or information contact Donnie Roark, donnieroark@fca.org. 

Sign-up here to attend: https://allprodadchapters.com/chapters/16241

CMS Spooktacular Event: Spook Flyer 2026

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

Charlestown Elementary School Student Handbook (Spanish)

Student Rights and Responsibilities

CES Calendar of Dates:

September

21-23 Girls Basketball Tryouts

23 PTO Pirate Quest Fundraiser Kickoff

October 

5-9 Fall Break

9/13/2026

IREAD Parent Letters

Students in grades K-2 will be receiving parent letters informing them of the important information about IREAD.  Students in grades 3-5 that have not received a passing score on an IREAD assessment will be receiving important information.  Students in grades 4-5 that have not taken the IREAD assessment or do not have a passing score will also receive this letter.  Below is the electronic version of each letter sent. These will be sent home this week with students. 

• IREAD Parent Letters 2026-2027
• DTK_HelpingRead-atHome-Handout FINAL.pdf

ILEARN Checkpoint Family Guidance Grades 3-5

Throughout the school year, students in grades 3-5 will take 3 ILEARN Checkpoints in English and Math.  These checkpoints will assess students mastery on specific grade level standards which will provide students, teachers, and families educational feedback.  At the end of the school year, students in grades 3-5 will take ILEARN Summative which is a cumulative assessment of grade level standards.  The state of Indiana has created a resource to help families have a better understanding of what will be assessed on each Checkpoint.

ILEARN Checkpoint Family Guidance (English)

ILEARN Checkpoint Family Guidance (Spanish)

Attendance/Transportation Communication

One of our top priorities is ensuring your child gets home safely and smoothly every single day! To help us do that, please remember to always notify the main office directly regarding changes to your child’s usual dismissal routine.While our teachers do their best to check messages, they are busy with students all day and may not see a last-minute note. More importantly, if a teacher happens to be absent, a substitute teacher will not have access to their email or personal messages. Thank you for your support!   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.   

PTO News

• Our next PTO Meeting will be Wednesday, October 14th at 6pm. 
• Our September restaurant give back will be Chick-fil-A in Jeffersonville on September 17th from 8am-8pm through a mobile order. I have attached the fliers.
• The Pirate Quest Boosterthon Kickoff is September 23rd. Information will be sent home with students on that day.

CES Girls Basketball Intramurals 

Girls Basketball team tryouts will be held on Sept. 21-23 after school until 4:45 for any 3rd-5th grade girl. All players must complete Final Forms and pay $5 in order to attend. Players will need to bring tennis shoes to the tryout. https://greaterclark-in.finalforms.com/

All Pro Dad: Begins on Sept. 28th

All Pro Dad invites you to the new school year launch at Charlestown Elementary School. APD is all about connecting Dads and their kids together through fun, creative, and interactive morning programs. Come enjoy breakfast, a character building lesson, and grow together with your child. This is for all dads (or father figures) and their kids in grades Preschool-Fifth Grade. If your child does not have a father figure available, a female adult is welcome to attend! Our Launch Party will be Monday, September 28th from 7:45am-8:45am.  Please enter door 15 and you will exit door 14. For more questions or information contact Donnie Roark, donnieroark@fca.org. 

Sign-up here to attend: https://allprodadchapters.com/chapters/16241

CMS Spooktacular Event: Spook Flyer 2026

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

Charlestown Elementary School Student Handbook (Spanish)

Student Rights and Responsibilities

CES Calendar of Dates

September

14 1st Grade Field Trip: Cornucopia

14 Student Ambassadors Training 

16-18 Game Day Cheer Tryouts

21-23 Girls Basketball Tryouts

23 PTO Pirate Quest Fundraiser Kickoff

October 

5-9 Fall Break

9/7/2026

Monday, September 7 – No School – Labor Day

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

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

PTO News

• Our next PTO Meeting will be Wednesday, September 9th at 6pm. 
• Our next restaurant Give Back will be Thursday, September 17 at Chick-fil-a. You must order via the mobile app and select “Support Community Cares”. CES PTO will receive 15% of these sales from 8am-8pm.  
• Be on the lookout for our upcoming fundraiser – Pirate Quest. This will start September 23rd and an exciting day will be in store for our CES Pirates if we hit our goal. 
• 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

All Pro Dad: Begins on Sept. 28th

All Pro Dad invites you to the new school year launch at Charlestown Elementary School. APD is all about connecting Dads and their kids together through fun, creative, and interactive morning programs. Come enjoy breakfast, a character building lesson, and grow together with your child. This is for all dads (or father figures) and their kids in grades Preschool-Fifth Grade. If your child does not have a father figure available, a female adult is welcome to attend! Our Launch Party will be Monday, September 28th from 7:45am-8:45am.  Please enter door 15 and you will exit door 14. For more questions or information contact Donnie Roark, donnieroark@fca.org. 

Sign-up here to attend: https://allprodadchapters.com/chapters/16241

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

Charlestown Elementary School Student Handbook (Spanish)

Student Rights and Responsibilities

CES Calendar of Dates
 

September

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

8/30/26

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