FEBRUARY 2018
VALERIE TRAVIS - RECOGNIZING AN OUTSTANDING CAREER
I am both thrilled and a bit saddened to announce the retirement of our Pre-Kindergarten teacher, Valerie Travis. I'm thrilled that after an amazing 45-year career in teaching, Valerie will be taking some time for herself, yet selfishly saddened to see her leave, as she has been a vital contributor to Cape Charles Christian School (CCCS). Valerie has been a part of our team from the time when CCCS was merely an idea. Valerie's first role was that of volunteer school office manager. This was an allencompassing position. Not only did she answer phones and perform clerical duties, but she also took on the responsibility of school nurse. While not a traditional nurse, she brought outstanding qualifications having raised three rambunctious boys. There wasn't an upset stomach her ginger ale couldn't cure. In our second year, CCCS added a Pre-Kindergarten class and Valerie took the helm, holding her first class in one of the Sunday School rooms of Cape Charles Baptist Church. With extreme patience and a no-nonsense approach to teaching young learners, Valerie has educated so many and guided them on their journeys to becoming great students. Valerie is a friend, confidant, and adviser to all of our staff. We are ever so grateful for all she has done for all of us at CCCS and we will miss her terribly. We wish her the best as she embarks on the next chapter of life. Fair warning, though, we won't let Valerie be a
stranger, as we intend to call upon her as an adviser for years to come. Best wishes in your retirement, Valerie! ~ Holly Hubbard, Head of School
CCCC TEACHER SPOTLIGHT Valerie T rav is - Pre K T eacher - "It has been a wonderful ride!"
What do you like best about teaching at CCCS? The freedom to do what I think is best for each child. I love the children and the staff. How long have you been a teacher? My first year of teaching was 1974-75 in Kindergarten at Cape Charles High School. Did you want to be a teacher as a child? Why or why not? Funny you should ask! I decided at the end of first grade that I wanted to be a teacher. The teacher I had in first grade made me want to be a teacher. What inspired you to be a teacher? I have always loved children. I enjoy helping others. I believe a strong foundation in education is so important. And I have always loved learning. What is the best part of teaching? All the hearts that I have gotten to touch. Do you have a hero? I guess my family has always been my hero through the years. At this point in time, the teachers at CCCS are my educational heroes because they teach with so much compassion, creativity, and eagerness. They are constantly looking for the solution to each child's weakness and building on each child's strengths. Do you feel that you have had an impact on the students that you've taught? If so in what way? I sure hope so. I hope I have set a good example. I hope they know that I cared. I have tried to encourage them to do things for themselves and believe in themselves. I'm still in touch with so many of the students that I have taught through the years. It's hard to believe, but the students that made life difficult are the ones that seem to be the happiest to see me. Of all the years that you have been a teacher, which do you think was your most successful? Why? That is impossible for me to answer. I have had great successes each year. There might just be one child or several each year. I measure my successes in baby steps. My successes are when I see the light go on in a child's eyes knowing he/she gets it, when a child can come into school feeling confident, or when a child corrects himself/herself because they have learned. It has been a wonderful ride!
PTO UPDATE PT O Meeting / Eastern Shore & CCCS T riv ia Night - February 13, 6:30-7 :30PM (tonight)
CCCS Community get ready for the First Annual Eastern Shore & CCCS Trivia Family Game Night. All families and students are welcome to play following the PTO meeting. Please bring your cell phone or any internet-ready device to participate.
Box Tops - Families and students, please continue to collect and cut Box Tops and please send them in no later than February 23.
FEBRUARY MISSION Collecting Box ed and Canned Goods for the Foodbank
During the month of February, we are collecting donations for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and The Eastern Shore. Donations may be dropped off in the large box in our front office. Thanks very much to everyone for your support of the Food Bank! For more information and a list of suggested items, please click here.
DR. SEUSS SPIRIT WEEK!!!! February 26 - March 2 - Looking for Reading Volunteers
"Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!" Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Crazy Hair/Hat Day Favorite Character Day Career Day Monochromatic Day Pajama Day
Important Dates February February February February
13: 14: 15: 19:
PTO Meeting - Eastern Shore Trivia Night 6:30-7:30PM Valentine's Day T-shirt Orders Due President's Day - NO SCHOOL
February 20:
Captain's Day - Math Olympics - 100th Day of School
February 23:
Box Tops Due
February 26:
Dr Seuss Spirit Week - Crazy Hair/ Hat Day
February 27:
Dr Seuss Spirit Week - Favorite Character
February 28:
Dr Seuss Spirit Week - Career Day
March 1:
Dr Seuss Spirit Week - Monochromatic Day
March 2:
Dr Seuss Spirit Week - Pajama Day - Hot Lunch
March 21:
Prospective Family Open House 5:30-6PM Information Session 6-7PM Classroom Visits
Save the Date: May 19th 7th Annual Crabby Blues Festival in Central Park To View our Complete School Calendar, please click here.