August 11, 2025

Dear CRES Families,

Welcome to the second installment of updates from CRES! In this message, we’re delighted to share a few highlights of what’s happening around campus.

The most visible change is the renovation of our playground - if you’re a fan of heavy machinery, this is the place to be! Extensive drainage improvements are nearly complete, and the next phase focuses on making the space more engaging with the addition of a large tunnel, rolling hills, sturdy logs, and garden plots. This project, funded through our capital reserve, has been in the planning stages for years, so it's rewarding to see it finally take shape. If you're familiar with the district’s middle school playground, you’ll notice some design similarities. We’re hopeful the space will be ready for the start of school.

Another major effort underway is our pilot of EL Education’s new 2025 literacy program. Each grade level is piloting two modules and implementing the phonics-based literacy skills component. Founded in 1991, EL Education has a strong track record of boosting both student achievement and enthusiasm for learning. We’re excited to explore the updated curriculum and benefit from in-person coaching throughout the year. Parents will be invited to attend Celebrations of Learning and we look forward to sharing your child’s growth and accomplishments with you.

As in past years, we remain committed to being student centered every day. We will continue to honor the Responsive Classroom model, which the majority of staff are trained in, and we will keep integrating outdoor learning into our curriculum. Most importantly, we’ll always work to create a school community that values connection, kindness, and support for one another. Please take a look at the fresh new look of the CRES website and know that we’re actively updating links and information. Please use it as your first stop when you have questions.

Each year we welcome a large cohort of new students, from those entering PreK and Kindergarten to students in Grades 1-4 who have moved to our community. On September 2nd, we will hold four events to ensure smooth transitions to a new year at CRES.

New Families to CRES

Pre-K and Kindergarten Orientation from 7:30-9:00 a.m.
- Pre-K and Kindergarten parents/guardians and students will meet your child’s teacher, bus driver and classmates at the morning Orientation.
New Parent Orientation (ALL new parents/guardians) from 7:45–8:45 a.m.
- We hold a new parent orientation in the cafeteria at CRES for PreK, Kindergarten, and any other new parents to CRES.

Multiage Families

Multiage Homeroom Visits between 7:30-9:00 a.m.
- A chance for students and families to stop in and see the classroom, classmates and teachers. Multiage families should feel free to drop by anytime during that time.

ALL CRES Families

15-minute Introduction & Information meetings (all students/families)
- Teachers will hold 1:1 meetings with all families throughout the day.
- The office will send you a sign up link through Reach My Teach later in the month.

If you are a new CRES parent, a specific orientation schedule will be sent to you in a separate mailing. Please be on the look out for it. If you have any questions, contact the office and we are glad to help.

Enjoy the remaining days of summer and we look forward to meeting you and your child in September.

With warm regards,

Katie & Adam

Camden Rockport Elementary School

From the Playground to the Classroom: What’s New at CRES