Telra Telegram October 24, 2025
- sharilynstrain
- Oct 24
- 15 min read
Updated: Oct 27
Our first week back from fall break was a great one! We are enjoying the crisp fall weather and launching some new activities and social events. Read on for details about our Trunk or Treat (tomorrow), the long-awaited Science Olympiad, our upcoming D.C. Trip for 8th grade, and a Nov 10 evening event and reception just for our high school students and families.
What's New this Week
New Tardy Guidelines - effective 11/3/25
Science Olympiad, recommendations due next Wednesday!
Maximizing the CPCC Experience - Panel Discussion and Reception on 11/10/25
8th grade Washington, D.C. Field trip - Information session on 11/10/25
Helping Hands, we need your help!
Girls on the Run - volunteer coaches needed for the Spring
DECA Competition 11/18 - volunteer judges needed!
Writing Club - sign up now!
Martial Arts - free session on 10/27
Winter Cross Country - begins 11/1
Drivers Ed Training in January
Upcoming dates
October 25 - Trunk or Treat, 4-6pm, Please attend!
November 4 - Election day, plan ahead - St. Francis is a polling location
November 10 - Maximizing the CPCC Experience Event, 6-8pm
November 10 - 8th grade Washington, D.C. Field trip Information session, 5-5:30pm
November 10 - Employee Planning (no school for students)
November 11 - Veteran's Day (no school)
November 12 - Spirit Night - Shake Shack, Blakeney
November 14 - 2nd and 4th Grade Movie Nights
November 16 - Telra Day at the Renaissance Festival
Reminders and references
What's New This Week
News from the Principals
Good afternoon, families!
We are so excited to have all of our students back with us after fall break! We hope you had a restful and rejuvenating time and were able to enjoy the cooler weather. This weekend is supposed to be beautiful, especially on Saturday when we have our Trunk or Treat. Come on out in your best costumes! We hope to see many of you there.
As we head into the cooler months filled with many holidays, we want to remind you of the importance of regular attendance for students, both in terms of being present daily and arriving on time. Our academics move quickly, and missing instructional time can have a large impact on student learning and can even impact promotion due to missed concepts and the impact on grades. Because of this, we are asking for your help! Please ensure that your children are here in school as often as possible and that they arrive in time to be seated in their classroom by 8:15 AM when our bell rings. We understand that illnesses and other emergencies may happen, but outside of those circumstances, we ask that you help us ensure that your children are not missing school. We love seeing their faces every day, and we do not want them to miss out on all of the learning going on in their classes. Below, you will be able to read more about our new tardy procedures which we are putting in place to help ensure that students are here for the instruction they need. We thank you in advance for you help with this!
As you know, our high school students represent Telra Institute while attending classes at CPCC Levine Campus. We’re proud of the example they set, and we ask that all students continue to follow the Telra student dress code at all times. Doing so helps reflect the professionalism and respect that define our school community and strengthens the positive impression our students make on the college campus.
Sincerely,
Principals Rearick and Ozer
New Tardy Guidelines Effective 11/3/25
We continue to have high volume of morning car line arrivals at the same time, causing a backlog of traffic and preventing a steady flow for dropping off the students. As a result, we are having a significant amount of unexcused late arrivals, or “tardies”. As has always been the expectation, students are required to be in their seats in their first block classroom at 8:15am, regardless of whether their car door was opened by a staff member, when they arrived on campus, or if there was traffic in the area. Families should arrive early and plan their mornings to arrive well in time for the students to be seated in their class at 8:15am. Morning drop-off starts at 7:40am and our staff are here ready to welcome you.
To help minimize tardies and their impact on our academic day, we are implementing a new procedure for tardies to encourage on-time arrivals beginning Monday, November 3rd.
If a student has:
5 morning tardies - parents will receive a warning via email explaining the tardy guidelines and potential impacts if further tardies occur.
10 morning tardies - parents are required to attend an in-person meeting with school administration. Students will be ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities, special events (movie nights, culture fair, etc.), or field trips until the meeting occurs.
15 morning tardies - Students will be ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities, special events (movie nights, culture fair, etc.), or field trips for the remainder of the semester.
Excessive tardies could impact student success and impact retention, so please change your morning routine as needed, to ensure your students are in their seat by 8:15am.
Science Olympiad
📢 Calling All Young Scientists!
We are excited to open registration for the North Carolina Science Olympiad Club at our school! We’re recruiting students in:
Division A (Elementary: K-5)
Division B (Middle School: Grades 6-8)
This is your chance to compete in fun, hands-on science events at the regional, state, and potentially national level.
🔬 Competition Timeline: The NC Science Olympiad regional & state competitions are scheduled for March – April 2026.
📝 How to Join: If you’re interested, you must submit a recommendation letter from your science teacher, highlighting your achievements or passion in science. This recommendation must reach either the Principal Rearick (Elisha.Rearick@telra.org) or Mr. Singh (divyanshu.singh@telra.org) by end of day Wednesday, October 29th.
⚠️ Team Limits & Selection: We will accept a maximum of 15 students for Division A and 15 students for Division B. Selection will be first-come, first-served based on the submitted recommendations.
📆 Kickoff & Training: Training and club sessions will begin Monday, 11/3, from 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM. We’ll start learning about the events and preparing together.
🌟 Are You Ready? If you love science, want a challenge, and are willing to commit — this is your moment! Let’s come together as a team, explore, experiment, and compete.
For more details, event schedules, and registration info, visit the NC Science Olympiad website: https://ncscienceolympiad.ncsu.edu/tournaments/ NC Science Olympiad
Can’t wait to see our future science stars shine! ✨
— Mr. Singh & the Science Olympiad Club Team
High School construction update
If you haven't been driving by our campus lately, you're missing all the construction progress! Find more photos here. The contractor is telling us to expect occupancy in the 1st half of January, so we should be in our own building for nearly all of the spring semester.
Maximizing the CPCC Experience - Event on 11/10/25
High School families are invited to join us for a special evening at Telra on Monday, November 10th, from 6-8 pm for a panel discussion followed by a social reception with live music and refreshments. We will welcome several outside guests on the topic of making the most of your time at CPCC with an eye towards preparing you for transfer to a 4-year institution. Then afterward, stay and mingle!
The evening's guests:
Dr. Stacy Moore - AVP of Academic Affairs - Arts & Sciences, CPCC
Louise Fletcher - Program Coordinator for CCP & Dual Enrollment, CPCC
Dr. James Edge - Founder of Edgeucation & experienced college advisor
Save the date!
Location: Telra Institute K-8 campus - 4150 McKee Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270
Date: Monday, November 10
Time:
6-7pm Panel discussion (with Q&A)
7-8pm Reception with live music and refreshments
Please pencil the date into your calendar and look for a link to RSVP next week!
8th grade Washington, D.C. Field trip
We have begun planning our 8th grade field trip to Washington, D.C. for the end of the year (6/15-19).
This is our second year going to Washington, and our goal is to make this experience an unforgettable capstone tradition for our students. We are planning 4 days and 3 nights in D.C. with included transportation, lodging, meals, sightseeing, and guided tours. Last year's students had an amazing time.
Join us for an information session at 5pm on November 10.
Location: Telra Institute K-8 campus - 4150 McKee Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270
Date: Monday, November 10
Time: 5:00-5:30pm
We invite all 8th grade families to join us. You won't want to miss this trip! And if you're ready to sign up, fill out the interest form here.
Helping Hands - We Need Your Help!
Parents, we need your help! Please sign up to volunteer for "Helping Hands" - these helpers assist Telra staff in two ways:
On Fridays from 9-11am - completing tasks left for them in the "Helping Hands" box in the teacher workroom. These tasks may include copying papers, cutting out items, organizing the Lost and Found area, or re-shelving books in the neighborhood libraries - these are just a few examples of how you can help!
On Mondays from 7:30-8:15am - helping the art teacher get projects ready for the day. Feel free to bring your children and they can go to BASE childcare until the school day begins.
The Front Desk staff will assist you on where to go and what needs to be done. Please review the available slots in the link below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you for supporting our awesome staff!
Sign up here!
Girls on the Run (GOTR)
Registration for teams for the spring Girls on the Run season is open. We are looking for parent volunteers to coach in the Spring, with the season beginning on February 23rd. If you are interested or have any questions, please email us on frontdesk@telra.org.
What is Girls on the Run?
Girls on the Run is an afterschool youth development program for girls in 3rd–8th grade that helps them build confidence, connect with others, and recognize their power to make a difference — all while having fun and moving their bodies. Through games, discussions, and running activities, girls learn skills like standing up for themselves and others, managing emotions, and being part of a team. At the end of the season, the team completes a Community Impact Project and a 5K together, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and sets a confident mindset into motion.
DECA Competition Needs Volunteers!
We’re excited to announce our first DECA competition, taking place on Thursday, November 18th at 3:00 PM at Myers Park!
We are currently looking for several volunteers to serve as judges for this event. Your participation is essential — without enough judges, our school’s ability to participate may be at risk.
Below is a document with additional details about the competition and the judging process. Please take a moment to review it and send an email to Mr. Causse (JD.Causse@telra.org) if you’re available and planning to register as a judge.
Thank you so much for your continued support! Opportunities like this truly make a difference for our students as they build confidence, communication skills, and real-world business experience.
Writing Club
Do you enjoy reading and writing books? Do you have a creative mind and imagination? Do you want to improve your creative writing skills and make your writing more compelling to read?
Two Telra students are creating a Writing Club at Telra, where kids can improve their writing techniques and write more interesting passages and books. This is a good way for kids to learn more about themselves and the world of literature and amazing authors! Kids will be given fun prompts to write about based on their ELA level, and the teachers will judge the writing based on lenient criteria. There will be mini competitions between students in the club, which are designed to be fun and encourage students to express their thoughts on paper! A form will be sent out for those who want to register. This club is open to students enrolled in Primary ELA 5 through Intermediate ELA 4 and will meet every other Monday from 3:45 to 4:45 starting October 27.
Space is limited. You can show your interest by filling out the following form: Join the Writing Club! Filling out the form does not guarantee a spot.
Martial Arts - Free session on 10/27
We’re thrilled to welcome Queen City ATA to Telra, offering dynamic martial arts classes every Monday from 3:45 – 4:45 PM! If your student would like to participate in the free session on 10/27, please change their dismissal to "Martial Arts" and make sure they know they are to attend the session.
Queen City ATA’s philosophy centers on nurturing the whole child — mind, body, and spirit — helping them grow into confident, respectful, and capable individuals. Whether your child is new to martial arts or continuing their journey, this class is a powerful way to support their personal growth in a fun, structured, and encouraging environment.
Find more information about Queen City ATA via the link below or see additional details on our Extracurriculars page, under Martial Arts.
🏃♀️✨ Winter 5K Cross Country Club for Middle Schoolers
Calling all aspiring young runners! This seven-week cross-country club is designed to help middle school students train for the Run Run Rudolph 5K in Charlotte on December 20th — all while building endurance, confidence, and a sense of community.
Program Highlights:
💲 Cost: $100 per participant
🗓 Practice Schedule: Saturdays, Nov 1 – Dec 13, 8:30–9:30 AM
📍 Location: Brace Y Track
🏁 Race Day: December 20th – Run Run Rudolph 5K in Charlotte (included in club registration)
✅ Group race registration will be organized to streamline logistics and ensure a smooth experience for families
Cross Country Club Registration Link: https://www.aspenviewleadership.com/cross-country-club
This program offers more than just running — it's a chance for students to grow as athletes and individuals in a supportive, high-quality environment.
About Your Coach: I'm Carolyn McGrath — a lifelong runner, certified leadership and wellness coach, and proud Telra parent. I’ve served as an assistant coach for cross-country clubs at Randolph Middle School and Telra, and I’ve completed five marathons and over 20 half-marathons. Professionally, I lead strategy at Eaton and run Aspen View Leadership, focused on coaching and holistic wellness.
“Running has always been my reset — a way to build strength, clarity, and connection. I love helping students discover that for themselves.”
Let’s lace up, learn, and lead — one stride at a time!
Driver's Ed training in January (9-10th)
Calling young 9th and 10th drivers-to-be! Telra is offering a Driver's Education session in January, during the week before CPCC courses start.
North Carolina students who are at least 14.5 years of age can enroll in a 30-hour Driver Education class. This in-classroom training is the first step towards qualifying for a learner's permit or driver's license.
Telra Institute will be offering this course at no cost for our high school students from January 5 - 9, 2026, but you must sign up on this form to reserve your slot.
Note that there are no CPCC classes during this week. We will plan other activities for students who are not participating in this course.
After a student completes this Driver Education class, they can sign up for a 6 hour behind-the-wheel training. Only after completing both trainings may they apply for a learner's permit.
Ready? Speak to your parents first and then sign up here. (You need to sign into Microsoft with your telra.org credentials)
School Housekeeping
Attendance
Please double-check your child's attendance records in Alma and email frontdesk@telra.org if you notice any mistakes.
Arrival
Please ensure your children are in their seats at 8:15am. They are required to be in their seats in their first block classroom at 8:15am, regardless of whether their car door was opened by a staff member, when they arrived on campus, or if there was traffic in the area. Families should arrive early and plan their mornings to arrive well in time for the students to be seated in their class at 8:15am. Morning drop-off starts at 7:40am and our staff are here ready to welcome you.
Lost and Found
Please have your students check the lost and found for missing items. Parents are welcome to come in outside of arrival and dismissal times. We will donate any unclaimed items the last day of each month.
How to Access Your Student's IReady Report
Find instructions here.
Dismissal, Absence and Early Dismissal
Easy link => QUICK LINKS | Telra Institute
Program Updates
Academic Lab
When a student misses an assessment, they will need to complete it in Academic Lab. Academic Lab meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 to 4:45 pm. Academic Lab is for students in Grades 4-8. All K-3 students will make up assignments during Flex Time.
If a student misses an assessment, parents must sign their child up for a session and update dismissal plans for that day. To sign up for Academic Lab, your child’s teacher will send a link for Academic Lab when they miss an assignment. Please remember:
Once a session is full, students will need to choose another available date.
Even if students finish early, the remaining time will be used as a quiet study hall until 4:45 pm.
Students must be picked up promptly at 4:45 pm. Those remaining after 5:00 pm will be sent to after-school care, and fees will apply.
Assignments must be completed within one week of the original date of the assignment to avoid a zero in the gradebook.
Academic Lab is designed specifically for students to make up assessments only, ensuring they don’t fall behind on graded coursework.
Telra Athletics
We are excited to share that Telra is in discussions with the Greater Charlotte School Athletic Conference (GCSAC) about joining their league for middle school sports. The GCSAC is made up of 12 schools and currently offers boys’ soccer (fall), girls’ soccer (spring), volleyball (fall), basketball (winter), competitive cheer (winter), co-ed flag football (spring), and track & field (spring). Our long-term goal is to participate in all of these sports as our program grows.
For now, we are actively working to field basketball teams through the Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association (MARA) this winter season. We have two 12 U teams that will begin practicing next week.
If your child wants to play with MARA, registration for basketball closes on October 31st. Families interested should sign up directly with MARA. We'll also be sharing more information about Telra’s soccer opportunities in the coming months.
Extracurriculars
We have a large variety of offerings for our students. This week, we have begun our Martial Arts, Financial Literacy, and Junior Math teams. Next week we have new clubs starting: Newspaper Club and Writing Club. Science Olympiad and 12U Mara basketball will begin the first week of November.
For our full Extracurriculars list, please go to this page=> 25-26 Extracurriculars
BASE - Before and After School Enrichment Program
Looking for engaging activities for your child before or after school?
Telra's BASE Play Club provides enrichment opportunities that support student growth and creativity in a safe, supervised environment.
The process for signing up for BASE Play Club is twofold:
Order the dates childcare is needed by clicking here https://www.telra.org/base-signup
Log in to your student's Teams account and update their Dismissal Portal: https://www.telra.org/quick-links
Signing up at least 24 hours in advance ensures we have adequate staffing.
Students not pre-registered will incur a late fee of $15 per 15 minutes.
Operations Updates
Arrival and Dismissal
Carpool Safety & Efficiency Tips
To ensure a smooth and safe carpool experience for all families:
Mornings
📢Student instruction begins at 8:15 am. Parents must drop off students promptly so they can transition from their car seats to their classroom seats by 8:15 am. Arriving in the carpool line after 8:05 am does not guarantee that your students will reach their seats in class by 8:15 am.
🚗 Arrive early in the mornings!
🎒 Prepare your child for a quick exit—bags packed, seatbelt unbuckled, ready to exit from the left-hand side.
Afternoons
🅿️ Pull forward to the designated drop-off/pick-up zone before stopping, and mind the gaps.
🔄 Do not switch lanes once your car tag has been scanned in lanes 1, 2, or 3. Lane changes disrupt dismissal logistics for all car riders.
🪪 Display your carpool tag clearly on your dashboard or rearview mirror during afternoon pick-up.
Always
🚗 Stay in your vehicle during drop-off and pick-up. Staff will assist students.
📵 Avoid phone use while in the carpool lane. Stay alert and drive slowly.
Transportation
Important Guidelines for Bus Riders and Parents
To help ensure safe and respectful bus transportation:
🚌 Review bus rules with your child regularly.
⏰ Arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes early to avoid delays.
🤝 Model respectful behavior toward bus drivers and staff.
🚫 Do not board the bus unless authorized by school personnel.
📣 Report concerns to the school administration, not directly to the driver.
⚠️ Help your child understand the consequences of misconduct on the bus.
📞 Keep your contact information updated for timely alerts.
✅ Support disciplinary actions taken by the school when necessary.
⛔ Avoid obstructing or delaying the bus during pick-up or drop-off.
📜 Respect legal boundaries outlined in NC General Statute 115C-399, which prohibits trespassing or interfering with school transportation.
Family Council
What is the Family Council?
We are Telra’s parent volunteer organization, comprising parents, caregivers, and school staff who collaborate to foster an inclusive and connected school community. By having an enrolled student/s at Telra, you are automatically a member.
How can you support the Family Council?
Research has shown a connection between parental engagement and higher grades, better classroom test scores, and stronger school attendance. Participating in the Family Council is a natural extension of this commitment to our school. Here’s how to get involved:
Sign up for our email newsletter to receive important updates about events and volunteer opportunities. While you are automatically a member of Family Council when you enroll at Telra, you are not automatically signed up for our newsletter. Please ensure we have your contact information on file.
Join our Facebook group: Telra Institute Family Council.
Volunteer on a committee or at school events, whether it’s one hour a month or once a year. We are still seeking volunteers for our Family Engagement and Volunteer Coordination committees.
Help treat the teachers to some breakroom snacks: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2QDC8J9O7258H%3Fref_=wl_dp_view_your_list
Attend family events. Your presence alone helps build community.
Supporting Telra
Please check out our Supporting Telra page for updates:
Ways families can support our school:
Spirit Nights
Mark these dates in your calendar and take a load off! Let our partners provide dinner and a portion of the proceeds come back to Telra!
November 12 - Shake Shack, Blakeney
December 11 - Chick-fil-A, Waverly
December 18 - Papa Johns
January 15 - Mellow Mushroom, Ballantyne
February 4 - Chick-fil-A, Waverly
February 19 - Papa Johns
April 16 - Papa Johns
May 28 - Chick-fil-A, Waverly
Telra Events Calendar
Check out our Events Calendar to see what is going on at Telra! New feature: You can now add the Telra events feed to your personal calendar by copying and pasting the iCal path (available at the link above) into the "add shared calendar" function in your favorite calendar program.