CES December Newsletter

Posted Date: 11/30/25 (06:00 PM)

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Cardinal Chat

Colwich Elementary-Middle School

December 1, 2025

Upcoming Events:

Dec 2 - 5th-8th Grade Band Concert 6:00 AHS Auditorium
Dec 3 - School Spelling Bee 9:30 south gym
Dec 7 - Colwich Christmas Festival 5:00 - 6:30 north gym
Dec 8 - Winter Benchmark Testing Week
Dec 11 - Class composite photo orders due - information below
Dec 11 - Bake Sale by Art Class
Dec 11 -12 - Stucco Christmas Candy Cart
Dec 12 - 5th Grade DARE Graduation 2:00 cafeteria
Dec 13 - Santa Candy Cruise 6:00
Dec 16 - K-1st-2nd Music Program 6:00 south gym
Dec 17 - 19 - 5th-8th Grade House Competitions
Dec 17 - HSO Spirit Day Fundraiser at Gambino's 11:00 - 8:00
Dec 17 - CES Site Council Meeting 6:00 CES Nest
Dec 19 - Holiday Shirt & Jeans Day
Dec 19 - K-1st-2nd Christmas Activities
Dec 19 - 5th-8th Grade Green Card Party
Dec 19 - School Assembly 2:30 south gym
Dec 22 - Jan 5 - Winter Break NO SCHOOL

December Student of the Month sponsored by Colwich Lion's Club

Ava deserves to be Student of the Month because she is honest and hardworking. Ava is always prepared for class, and her work is always her best effort. She is a good friend to all of her classmates. She is helpful to her classmates when they are struggling on their assignment, or if they drop something, she is always there to pick it up! Ava is a true example of someone who has heart, gives effort, and shows grit.

Ava is in 5th grade and was nominated by Mrs. Melanie Kraus.

Virtue of the Month

December's Virtue of the Month is FRIENDSHIP.

Definition of Friendship: the condition of being friends; a feeling of warmth towards another; giving comfort or support to another

Below is the link to the Parent Guide.

FRIENDSHIP Parent Guide

Please support our 7th and 8th grade basketball teams!

Below is the master schedule link to find locations and start times for all middle school activities.

7th-8th Basketball Schedule Link

Music Notes

Tuesday, December 2 is the 5th-8th Grade Band Concert at the Andale High School Auditorium - 5th & 6th band starts at 6:00 pm. The 7th & 8th band starts at 7:30 pm.
Tuesday, December 16 is the Kindergarten, 1st, & 2nd Grade Music Program in the CES south gym at 6:00 pm. See below for details!

Dec 3 - School Spelling Bee

Two students from each class will represent in the school spelling bee on December 3. Single elimination will narrow down students to one top speller. Our champion will move on to the county bee.

Colwich Christmas Festival

December 7

5:00-6:30 pm

Veterans Park (across from church) & CES north gym

7-8 Cardinal Singers will sing carols at 5:00 in the park before the Candy Cane Hunt begins.
Afterwards, head over to the school for crafts, treats, and fun!
Santa Arrives at 5:30

Winter Benchmark Assessments

Benchmark Assessments will take place the week of December 8-12.

Assessments include: iReady, Fastbridge, & IXL
PreK through 8th grade students will be assessed.
Attendance is important!
Getting good sleep and eating a nutritious breakfast can set up your student for success on test days.

Dec 11 Bake Sale

The Middle School Art Class will be hosting a Bake Sale on December 11th to help raise funds for future art projects! We’ll have all kinds of delicious treats, so be sure to stop by and support our artists by purchasing something sweet.

Dec 11 and 12 Christmas Candy Cart

Student Council's Christmas Candy Cart will visit classrooms on December 11th or 12th.

Half of the proceeds will be donated to The Ronald McDonald House.

DARE Graduation

Our 5th grade class will culminate the DARE program on December 12th at 2:00 in the school cafeteria. We thank Officer Troughton and Chief Hinkle for educating our students on how to live drug and alcohol free!

Dec 13 Santa Candy Cruise 6:00

Hosted by the Colwich Community Foundation

Santa is cruising through the streets of Colwich spreading cheer, candy, and Christmas joy!
Gather your family, bundle up, and wave to Santa as he drives by with his helpers tossing sweet treats and holiday smiles.
Follow the Colwich Community Foundation on Facebook for route updates and more event details.

HSO News

Thank you to everyone who supported our holiday gift card fundraiser! Our teachers and staff will get their gift cards very soon.

December 17 is CES Spirit Day Fundraiser at Gambino's. You need to mention Colwich Elementary School when placing your order. Proceeds will be used to fund student activities and field trips!

Open 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

December 19 Holiday Tops and Jeans Day

Students may wear a holiday shirt or sweater with jeans to school. Students not participating need to be in school uniforms.

Our month end assembly will begin at 2:30. Stick by stick awards for the virtue of friendship will be given.

Winter Break ~ Dec 22 - Jan 5

December 19 is the last day of our 1st semester. Grade cards will be available to view in January. We wish you the most wonderful winter break filled with festive activities. School will resume on Tuesday, January 6.

Health News

Dear Families,

As we wrap up 2025 and head into the winter months, here are a few important health reminders and updates to help keep our students healthy and ready to learn!

Winter Wellness Tips

Stay Warm: Dress in layers, wear hats and gloves, and make sure coats are zipped before heading out.
Hydrate: Even in cold weather, children still need plenty of water.
Rest: Shorter days and busy schedules can mean tired kids—aim for 9–11 hours of sleep each night.

Healthy Holidays

The holidays can be busy and stressful. Try to include some quiet family time, balanced meals, and outdoor activity when possible.

Hearing and Vision Screenings

Our annual screenings are underway. If your child did not pass an initial test, you will receive follow-up information and resources for further evaluation.

Wishing you and your family a safe, healthy, and joyful holiday season!

Warmly,

Nurse Ashleigh

Order 8x10 Class Composite Prints

Inter-State Studio is offering class composite prints.

Please return the order envelope with $9.68 per print.
Deadline to order is Thursday, December 11.
We have more envelopes if your student did not bring one home.
Late orders will not be accepted.
Online ordering is available at https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/0146JJ. The website will say "holiday picture day" but it's actually for the class composite prints. Click Yes and proceed with your order.

Monthly Breakfast & Lunch Menus

Contact info

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links:

send us a direct message with ParentSquare to Jayni Reinhard or Christine Aschenbrenner
316-796-1331
colwichoffice@gmail.com
ces.usd267.com

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