New Parent FAQ
Welcome to Cherry Chase!
We're so glad you're here!
Starting at a new school is exciting - and sometimes a little overwhelming. Whether your family is joining us in Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, or another grade, we hope you'll quickly discover what makes Cherry Chase such a special community.
Cherry Chase is more than a school - it's a partnership between families, teachers, staff, and our PTA. Together, we create an environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.
To help you get started, we've put together answers to some of the questions new families ask most often.
Getting Ready for the First Day
Help your child become familiar with campus.
Before school starts, take a walk around campus together. Visit the playground, peek through the hallways, find the office, library, and multipurpose room, or enjoy a picnic on the lawn. A little familiarity goes a long way toward easing first-day jitters.
For Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten families, the PTA hosts a playdate at the school typically the Saturday before the first day. Look out for an email about two weeks beforehand with more details.
When will we find out who our teacher is?
The school will email families before the start of the school year with information about class assignments typically only a few days before school starts. Class placements are carefully balanced to support all students, so requests for changes generally cannot be accommodated.
Morning Drop-Off
The busiest time of the day is morning arrival, so planning ahead makes everyone's morning smoother.
Students may arrive beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Whenever possible, walk, bike, scooter, or roll to school.
If you need to drive, arriving between 8:00–8:05 a.m. helps avoid the heaviest traffic.
The front driveway is reserved for school vehicles during the school year.
Please be considerate of our neighbors by never blocking driveways.
Before you arrive
Consider packing backpacks and lunches the night before school, instead of in the morning before school.
Help your child(ren) lay out their school clothes the night before. This helps take the stress out of decision making.
School Meals
Breakfast, morning snack, and lunch are available to all students at no cost (subject to district and state funding).
Families are encouraged to complete the annual school meal eligibility form, even if they don't believe they'll qualify. The information helps secure important funding that benefits Cherry Chase students.
You can see school menus here.
After-School Care
Cherry Chase partners with on-site providers like Catalyst Kids (eligibility may apply).
Several neighborhood childcare programs also provide transportation from Cherry Chase. The school office can help point families toward available options.
Stay Connected
There are lots of ways to keep up with what's happening at Cherry Chase!
Read the weekly PTA Charger eBlast
Read the Principal's newsletter and school communications
Follow the Cherry Chase PTA on social media
Attend PTA meetings and school events
Subscribe to the PTA calendar so events automatically appear on your personal calendar
Join the PTA
One of the easiest ways to support your child's school is by joining the PTA.
Membership is open to everyone - parents, grandparents, caregivers, and community members - and no volunteering is required.
Your membership helps support programs like:
Art enrichment
Teacher grants
Family events
Community-building activities
Student enrichment programs
Better yet, PTA members have a voice in decisions that help shape our school community.
How Does the PTA Raise Money?
Good news—you won't be selling cookie dough or wrapping paper!
Instead, Cherry Chase PTA relies primarily on two annual fundraisers:
Direct Appeal (Fall)
Walk-A-Thon & Auction (Spring)
These fundraisers support many of the programs and experiences that make Cherry Chase such a wonderful place to learn.
We'd Love Your Help!
Cherry Chase thrives because of our incredible volunteers.
Whether you have an hour once a year or a little time each month, there's a volunteer opportunity that's right for you. Attend our Volunteer Fair, watch for opportunities in the Charger eBlast, or simply ask - we'd love to help you find a great fit.
Especially for TK & Kindergarten Families
Shortened Schedule
TK and Kindergarten students begin the school year with a modified schedule. Watch for communications from the school with specific dates and times.
Lunch Time
Lunch is supervised by campus staff.
Students are encouraged to practice independence by carrying their own lunch, opening containers, and eating on their own. Food brought from home cannot be heated, so please pack lunches accordingly.
For additional information, please refer to the Kindergarten Orientation materials.
What does my child need to bring to school?
The school provides all school supplies like crayons, paper, pencils, folders etc. Teachers will typically send out information about exactly what to bring a few days before school starts but that list will generally include:
A snack and lunch for your child (if you don't plan to have them eat the school provided food)
Use containers that your child can open independently. Opening snacks is great fine motor practice! We suggest practicing with your child before the first day of school.
For morning snack, students have about 15 minutes of eating time, so please plan appropriate portions.
For TK only: students will not be eating lunch at school until we begin full-day TK. No need to send lunch until then.
A water bottle. Suggested criteria include:
Inexpensive (water bottles are often lost)
Relatively spill-proof
Able to be easily opened and closed by your child
Not too big
Bottoms/pants that can be easily undone/done when going to the potty, especially for TK students
Changes of clothes (shirt, underwear, shorts/pants, socks) in a labeled ziplock bag
Even if your child is fully potty trained, accidents happen! Or kids could get messy from playing with paint or outside in the dirt.
Teachers will likely have labeled bins in the bathroom to store students clothes, but your teacher will confirm
Close-toed shoes for running and playing outside.
No backpacks are needed!
If your child attends Catalyst or another after-school program, they are welcome to keep their things in a personal bag/small backpack if needed.
Please label all items that belong to your child!
Are you eager to hear if your child has been enrolled at Cherry Chase and haven't heard back?
Enrollment notifications are often not sent until late May, so try not to worry if you haven't heard back yet!
✅ First Week Checklist
Welcome to Cherry Chase! Here are a few easy things you can do during your first week to help your family get connected.
☐ Join the PTA
Become a member and support the programs and events that make Cherry Chase such a special place. Membership is open to everyone - no volunteering required!
☐ Subscribe to the Charger eBlast
Our weekly newsletter is the best way to stay informed about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and important school news.
☐ Add the PTA Calendar to Your Phone
Never miss a spirit day, family event, or school activity by subscribing to the Cherry Chase PTA calendar.
☐ Follow Cherry Chase PTA
Stay connected through our social media channels for reminders, photos, and event updates.
☐ Explore the School Website
Bookmark the Cherry Chase School and PTA websites so important information is always just a click away.
☐ Meet Another Cherry Chase Family
Say hello at drop-off, attend a school event, or introduce yourself at a PTA meeting. Our community is friendly, and new friendships often start with a simple conversation.
☐ Attend Your First PTA Event
Whether it's Cherry Chase PTA Community Picnic & Resource Fair, a family event, or a PTA meeting, we'd love to see you there!
☐ Ask Questions
No question is too small! Reach out to your teacher, the school office, or the PTA—we're always happy to help.