Memorial News
October 2017
From Mr. Collier: Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians:
It is hard to imagine that we have completed our first month of school. Mr. Pellegrino and I are very impressed with the smooth start of the school year. It appears that our students are happy to be back in school and are actively engaged in the learning process. We can't wait to see how the rest of the school year goes.
October is a busy month with numerous scheduled curriculum-based activities and events. Looking ahead, we have a district-wide professional development day for staff, assemblies on fire safety and bullying, and theme-based activities (Week of Respect, picture day, and Red Ribbon Week). At the end of the month, students will have their Halloween celebration.
A special thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Roche and the members of the PTO for another successful ice cream social event. I also would like to thank our Memorial School teachers who volunteered their time to assist with this event. It was a great night for all of us to spend time as a Memorial School family.
The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights has designated the week, beginning the first Monday in October of each year, as a “Week of Respect” in New Jersey. School districts are directed to observe the week by providing age-appropriate instruction focusing on preventing harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Mr. Pellegrino and our Character Education Team distributed information to everyone pertaining to specific activities held during this week. My sincere thanks to the committee for volunteering their time to work with Mr. Pellegrino to develop some stimulating activities.
In the beginning of September, I read an article entitled "Your child is a bully — now what?". This is a good article for you to read if your child appears aggressive or seems to be controlling other children. Please click HERE to read the full article from NorthJersey.com.
As we move ahead during this school year, it is vital that we continue our partnership to support our students academically, socially, and emotionally. Please remember to view our teacher’s webpages and communicate with your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns. Our teachers have a valued interest in your child’s development and should be the first person you contact. The administration will also be available after you have contacted the teacher or for non-classroom related items.
Thank you for your continued support and assistance. Please view the important October dates and events in this newsletter.
Have a great month!
Mr. Collier
Photo Days
Picture Day for Memorial School will be on Thursday, October 5th and Friday, October 6th. If your child did not bring home a form, please contact the main office, and we will make sure that you get one. Listed below is the schedule of when each grade/class will have their pictures taken:
Thursday, October 5th:
Kindergarten (Burkel, Neville, & Iida)
Grade 1
Grade 2
Friday, October 6th:
Pre-K
Kindergarten (McLaughlin, Diore, & Wynkoop)
Grade 3
Grade 4
National Fire Prevention Week
Next week is designated as National Fire Prevention Week. On Wednesday, October 11th, the Montvale Fire Department will visit Memorial School and present on fire safety for our students. Our kindergarten students will get a chance to climb through and sit in the fire truck. During this week, please take a few moments to test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. This also is a good opportunity to replace the batteries in these devices.
Family Night
School Violence Awareness Week
The week of October 16th is declared School Violence Awareness Week. The New Jersey Department of Education has mandated that all schools educate and participate in activities that will reduce school violence. As a community, we understand that the root to most school violence situations has been bullying or teasing. At Memorial Elementary School, we want to take a positive/proactive approach and educate our students. Our Character Education Committee, along with Mr. Pellegrino, will develop activities that will encourage positive choices, fair play and respect for one another. They will notify everyone of the planned activities next week.
Halloween Parade
Our Halloween Parade will be on Tuesday, October 31st starting at 2:15 pm. The entire school will dress up in their costumes and march in the traditional Halloween Parade. The parade route will begin at the Community Entrance and continue around the fields, ending back at the Community Entrance. Parents and guests are invited to watch our students anywhere along the parade route. Additional information will be distributed in the next couple of weeks.
Upcoming Events
- November 9 & 10 - School Closed for NJEA Convention
- November 17 - PTO Meeting 9:00 a.m. at MES
- November 17 - MEF Casino Night
- November 20 - Family Night
- November 22 - One Session Day 12:55 Dismissal
- November 23 & 24 - School Closed for Thanksgiving Recess