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Dear Families,
It was a splendid day on February 5, 2007 when Dr.
Sharber called and informed me that I had the privilege of being named
the principal of Chapman’s Retreat Elementary School. I have been the
assistant principal here since October 2004 and I am so blessed to be a
part of such a terrific school, community, and district. I am humbled
to know I have been entrusted with the awesome responsibility of serving
as Principal to your children. I am also energized when I reflect on
the wonderful administrative team, highly qualified faculty, and dynamic
staff who are also part of the Chapman’s Retreat team. Together we say,
Welcome Back!
I began my education career as a second grade
teacher in 1990 in Georgia. I was a classroom teacher for fourteen
years and taught kindergarten, second, and third grade in Cobb County,
GA and Williamson County, TN. I became an Assistant Principal in 2004
at Chapman’s Retreat and Kenrose Elementary Schools; from 2005-2007 I
was the full-time Assistant Principal at Chapman’s Retreat.
I married my best friend, Waldon, in July 2000 and
moved to Nashville, TN. I absolutely love living in middle Tennessee
and the people that make up this wonderful community. I am currently
working on my doctorate degree at Trevecca Nazarene University and plan
on graduating in May 2008. What a grand and glorious day that will be
for me!
We are all looking forward to a very exciting and
rewarding school year. Classes begin on Monday, August 13th
for all first – fifth grade students at 8:35 A.M., we will dismiss on
that day at 12:05. Our first full day of school (8:35 – 3:35) will be
on Tuesday, August 14th. Our kindergarten students will join
us for their first full day of school on August 27th.
In order to create a “great” school, the school’s
vision and mission must be the result of the collaboration of all the
stakeholders within the school community. It will take all of us – you,
me, and our faculty and staff – to focus our collective energies on the
work that needs to be done with every student to ensure success. Below
are the mission, vision, and beliefs we all hold dear at Chapman’s
Retreat Elementary School:
The
Mission
A
Community United
Creating
a safe and caring school environment
Respecting
all individuals
Engaging
all students through real life connections
Striving
to reach all students through the collaborative efforts of home, school,
and community
The
Vision
Learners
Today...Leaders Tomorrow
Beliefs
We believe:
- All students can learn when they are actively
engaged in the learning process.
- Student learning is our top priority and will
be the primary focus of all educational decisions.
- Students, parents, and faculty are informed of
academic progress through valid, ongoing assessment measures which
provide valuable data for improvement in curriculum, instruction,
and modification.
- Varied research-based teaching methods and
strategies, as well as technology enriched curriculum, are the basis
for effective instruction that supports multiple learning styles.
- Education is the cooperative responsibility of
parents, students, educators, and the community. Involvement of all
stakeholders in shared decision making is critical for educational
success.
- A culturally diverse student body increases
awareness and respect for all people and cultures, as well as
appreciation for diversity in thinking.
We welcome your involvement in what we do and will
continue to communicate ways for you to be involved. Together we make a
positive difference in the lives of our children! I look forward to
seeing each and every one of you in the upcoming days.
Below you will find a poem that represents my
philosophy of home and school relations as well as a brief outline of
some important events happening at Chapman’s Retreat. I know that we
will soar to great heights this school year.

I dreamed I stood in a studio
And watched two sculptors there.
The clay they used was a young child’s
mind
And they fashioned it with care.
One was a teacher –
The tools he used were book, music, and
art.
The other, a parent, worked with a
guiding hand
And a gentle, loving heart.
Day after day, the teacher toiled with
touch
That was careful, deft, and sure.
While the parent labored by his side
And polished and smoothed it o’er.
And when at last their work was done
They were proud of what they had
wrought.
For the things they had molded into the
child
Could neither be sold nor bought.
And each agreed they would have failed
If each had worked alone.
For behind the parent stood the school
And behind the teacher, the home.
Unknown
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DATE |
EVENT |
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July 26 |
Last day for prepaid supply pack sale |
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August 7 – 10 |
DRA Testing – to be scheduled w/ your
child’s teacher |
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August 13 |
First half day of school 8:35 – 12:05 |
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August 14 |
First full day of school 8:35 – 3:35 |
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August 20 |
Kindergarten Open House 6:00 – 7:00 |
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August 21 |
1st and 2nd Grade
Open House 5:30 – 7:00 |
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August 23 |
3rd – 5th Grade Open
House 5:30- 7:00 |
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September 3 |
Labor Day – NO SCHOOL |
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September 14 |
Fall Pictures – Individuals only |
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September 17 – 21 |
Spirit Week |
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September 21 |
Cheetah Fest 5:00 – 9:00 |
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September 26 |
Parent Teacher Conferences – NO SCHOOL for
students |
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October 12 – 16 |
Fall Break – NO SCHOOL |
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October 25 |
Make-up Picture Day |
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November 6 |
Site Based Professional Development Day –
NO SCHOOL for students |
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November 21 – 23 |
Thanksgiving Holidays |
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December 21 |
½ day for Students – Dismissal at 12:05 |
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December 24 – January 4 |
Winter Holidays |
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January 21 |
MLK Day – NO SCHOOL |
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February 18 |
Site Based Professional Development Day –
NO SCHOOL for students |
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March 11 |
Spring Picture Day – Individual and Class
Photos |
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March 17 – 21 |
Spring Break |
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March 26 |
Site Based Professional Development Day and
Parent-Teacher Conferences – NO SCHOOL for students |
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April 7 – 18 |
TCAP for 2nd – 5th
grade students |
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May 13 |
Field Day for K, 3rd, and 5th |
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May 14 |
Field Day for 1st, 2nd,
and 4th |
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May 22 |
Last Day for Students – Dismissal at 12:05 |
If you have any questions, please feel free to
contact me at
reneeg@wcs.edu or at 615-472-4300.
Most sincerely,
Renee I. Garriss
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