The Puma Pride
February 10, 2020
February 13th Marks the 100th Day of School for Grades 1-5 & February 18th for Kindergarten!
Willow Dale Elementary Celebrates World Kindness Week!
Random Acts of Kindness Week takes place for one week each year, always taking place in mid-February. It is a week dedicated to kindness and taking that extra, conscious step to brighten somebody’s day. The Willow Dale School community has made this a priority throughout the year. This week, we celebrate with others across the globe in highlighting the kind gestures that contribute to a positive school and community. Participation reinforces the power of kindness in making others, as well as the giver, feel valued. Kindness makes us happier, makes our hearts healthier, slows aging, and improves relationships. Kindness is CONTAGIOUS!
Help us spread kindness this week and every week!
American Heart Association Kid's Heart Challenge
American Heart Association Kid's Heart Challenge
Did you know that heart disease is the #1 Killer if all Americans, and that 80% of it may be preventable through lifestyle changes?
It's that time of year again for a service project through the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge, formerly Jump Rope For Heart. Last year Willow Dale students were able to raise almost $2500. On February 14, there will be a special event for all the students who took part to be a Heart Hero.
Please make sure to have all permission slips and money turned in No later than February 13, in order to make sure that your child is invited to attend the Heart Hero event. Please be on the lookout for paperwork coming soon in the Wednesday Express.
Questions, please email either Ms. Jenkins or Mr. Krasna. jenktr@centennialsd.org, krasje@centennialsd.org
Puma Cafe Winners
These Pawsome students enjoyed lunch with three friends at the Puma Cafe on January 30, 2020
Bryden Hudock (K) Capriotti
Henry Casey (1) Soncini
Aaron Thomson-Hohl (2) Hopkin
Nataly Flores (3) Ricci
Gabby Palladino (4)
Erin Gorcz (5) Andres
Winter Fun & Motivation--Door Decorating Contest
All classrooms at Willow Dale were invited to participate in a door decorating contest for the month of January. We had 44 rooms participate. The first-place winners and the winners for being the most creative, most student-created project, and best aligned with our theme "We can do great things" are...
- For most creative, the upper-level winner is room 23, Mrs. Laatsch’s and Mrs. Kremer’s room; the lower level winner is room 49, Mrs. Crawford’s room.
- For most student-created, the upper-level winner is room 21, Mrs. LaRose’s room; the lower level winner is room 43, Mrs. DeFortuna’s room.
- For most focused on our theme, “We Can Do Great Things,” the upper-level winner is room 30, Mrs. Totans’ room; the lower level winner is room 49, Mrs. Crawford’s room.
- Overall winners for the most votes:
- for the upper-level is room 23, Mrs. Laatsch’s and Mrs. Kremer’s room;
- the lower-level winner is Mrs. Crawford’s classroom!
Congratulations to all who participated in this fun activity! All of the doors look amazing!!!!!!!!!
WINNERS
ENTRIES
Did you know that Willow Dale is designated a No Place for Hate school?
For 10 years Willow Dale has completed the requirements of the Anti-defamation League’s No Place for Hate program
(3 school-wide bullying prevention activities completed per year)!
Our second project for the year will take place the week of 2/10 (World Kindness Week).
Our classrooms will be viewing the book I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoet. It is a beautiful wordless picture book that powerfully illustrates bullying and the positive effects of being an ally/upstander and how it just takes one person to lead others to join in and help the target. The classes will follow the ADL lesson plan for discussion and appropriate grade level extension activities. The goal of the project would be to follow up from our first project about being an ally/upstander (Teammates by Peter Golenbock) and give students the tools for noticing when a classmate is in need of help and ways to be supportive and be an upstander for the classmate.
Willow Dale Counselors
Kara LaRose (K, 2, 4)
215-441-6093 ext 17031
Leanne Zemitis (1, 3, 5)
215-441-6093 ext 17030
Check out the Book!
Vanessa is the new girl in school and becomes bullied by a boy at the school. The pictures depict another girl who is a bystander who is empathetic and decides she must stand up for Vanessa. By a simple act of walking to school with Vanessa the next day and also introducing her to her friends, she shows support to Vanessa. The book teaches that no matter how small it may seem to you, it makes a big difference to the person who is being hurt.
Mrs. Lapsley's Class of Future Engineers
As engineers, students were challenged to use what they learned about the properties of solids to help them build a stable tower.
AAUW Stem Program for Girls Grades 5 - 8
March 7, 2020 AAUW Lansdale Branch in conjunction with Montgomery County Community College is conducting a STEM event for girls only.
“Discover Your Future” strives to overturn the stereotype that girls are less capable, or not interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. This is a day of interactive workshops is lead by outstanding women leaders and role models in industry and academia.
The program geared to girls grades 5 to 8th creates a fun environment to excite girls with opportunities in STEM. The program on March 7, 2020 will run from 8:30 in the morning to 3:30 in the afternoon at MCCC’s Blue Bell Campus for a nominal charge. Scholarships available.
Registration Closes February 29th.
Register Online at: https://dyf2020.eventbrite.com
(eventbrite charges a processing fee)
OR Complete the form and mail $10. to the address listed.
Additional forms and information: https://aauwlansdale.org/dyf
We hope to attract not only girls who have an interest in STEM, and those girls who have little opportunity or interest now.
Nominate A Teacher!
Prior to the 7:05 p.m. Phillies game on May 1, the top 10 All-Stars will be honored on-field during a pregame ceremony. The 10 All-Stars and 10 Honorable Mentions will also be acknowledged that night during a pregame Tent Party.
In order to nominate a teacher, please click on the link below to fill out the form. Essays should be 500 words or less. Please direct any questions via e-mail to community@phillies.com. See Official Rules for complete details. Enter by 4:59 p.m. ET on March 13, 2020.
Website: https://www.mlb.com/phillies/community/all-star-teachers-contest
February Rotation Calendar
Attendance Reminders
While coming to school each and every day is important, it is equally important to monitor our children’s health. If a child is sick, please keep him/her home. Our teachers will work with students who have fallen ill to make sure they do not fall behind in the classroom.
If your child is absent from school and your child's attendance has not been updated in the system prior to 11:00 a.m. on the day of the absence, you will be notified via a voice message that will come to the primary phone number listed in Skyward. In addition, an email will be sent to the first email address listed in Skyward. Please be sure that your phone number and email address is updated in Skyward. If an automated call is made, and you believe it to be in error, please call the main office of the school. Automated calls and emails may still occur even if you’ve contacted the school regarding the absence. Absence notes will still be required within 3 days of the absence. According to policy, if a note is not received by the third day, the absence is deemed an unexcused/illegal absence. You can send a written note in with your child on the day that he or she returns to school. You can also email the excuse note.
E-Mailing Attendance Notes
- Parents with children in Willow Dale may e-mail attendance notifications/notes to the following address: WDAttendance@centennialsd.org
- E-mail notifications are encouraged on the morning of the absence day. However, e-mailed absence notes may be sent on the day following the absence.
2020 PSSA Dates (Grades 3-5)
All elementary schools will administer the PSSA on the following schedule. More information will be forthcoming.
· English and Language Arts--April 20,21, & 22
· Math--April 23 & April 24
· Science (Grade 4 Only)--April 27
Make-up Testing Windows
· ELA, Math, Science-Through April 30, 2020
Soft Pretzel Sale (forms will be sent home on Wednesday, February 12th)
Soft Pretzel Sale
$1.00 each
Pre-order by Friday, February 21st.
Pretzels will be delivered on Friday, February 28th.
Name:____________________________ Grade: ________
Teacher____________________________ RM #__________
*Pretzels will be eaten as a classroom snack on the delivery day.
**Exact amount only! No change will be given. Cash only please.
Proceeds benefit Willow Dale’s Home and School Association. Thank you for your support!
Wednesday, Feb 12, 2020, 08:45 PM
Willow Dale Elementary School, North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Valentine's Classroom Event
Friday, Feb 14, 2020, 02:30 PM
Willow Dale Elementary School, North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Chuck E. Cheese's School Fundraiser
Monday, Feb 17, 2020, 09:00 PM
1661 Easton Road, Warrington, PA, USA
Chick Fil-A Night
Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020, 04:00 PM
160 Easton Rd, Warrington, PA 18976, USA
Read Across America Week
Friday, Feb 28, 2020, 09:00 AM
Willow Dale Elementary School, North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Early Dismissal
Friday, Mar 13, 2020, 08:45 AM
Willow Dale Elementary School, North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Early Dismissal
Friday, Mar 20, 2020, 08:45 AM
Willow Dale Elementary School, North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Parent/Teacher Conferences (optional)
Friday, Mar 20, 2020, 12:30 PM
Willow Dale Elementary School, North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
After School Sports Club
Cold Weather Guidelines for Recess
Cold Weather Guidelines for Recess
Below 60 degrees—Jacket or long sleeves
Below 50 degrees—Coat and long pants
Below 32 degrees—Gloves and hats to go outside
Below 20 degrees—Shortened recess (5-10 minutes)
Below 10 degrees—Indoor recess
All temperatures represent the “feels like” number. Sometimes the windchill or windspeed may necessitate an indoor recess.
*If you are in need of coats, hats, gloves- Contact the School Counselors:
Ms. Zemitis: zemile@centennialsd.org
Ms. LaRose: laroka@centennialsd.org
From the Nurse's Office
The cold weather and the start of the flu season are upon us! Please consider having your child receive the flu vaccine. Check with his or her pediatrician regarding receiving a flu shot or flu mist. Your child’s physician will be able to guide you in making the best decision. Also, you may always contact the Bucks County Department of Health for more information on flu shot clinics throughout the year at (215) 345-3318.
Remember, GOOD HANDWASHING is key to preventing the spread of germs. Remind your children to wash their hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, washing the front and back of their hands, between their fingers, and under their fingernails, with a good amount of friction. Make it fun for them and sing songs to make sure they are doing a good job! Encourage them to try not to touch their faces, especially their eyes, nose, and mouth unless their hands are clean. Stress the importance of this to your children in order to keep them healthy and able to learn!
The Willow Dale Nurse’s office does not keep cold and cough medicine in stock. If your child requires over the counter medicine, we advise they take it prior to the school day. Please be careful when administering any medication that may make your child drowsy.
If your child is having any fever or vomiting, they should stay home until fever/symptom-free for 24 hours. We are trying to keep all of our students happy and healthy during this time of year!
Health screenings started in the nurse’s office last month. For elementary schools, this includes a vision exam assessing near and distance vision and height and weight checks for all grades, kindergarten through 5. Also, under the Pennsylvania state mandates, hearing screenings are performed for kindergarten through grade 3. Yearly hearing screenings are only performed for grades 4 and 5 under special circumstances or concerns regarding a child’s hearing expressed by a parent and/or teacher. If there is a concern with your child’s vision, hearing, or growth during the school health screening, a letter will be sent home to notify a parent of the concerns and to recommend follow-up with a doctor. If necessary, notification of a parent via a phone call will be made. More information about health screenings can be found at the PA Department of Health website.
Please do not hesitate to call the nurse’s office for questions or concerns.
Mrs. Salita, RN, BSN, CSN
Mrs. Kleinschmidt, RN, BSN
Reporting Absences
SUBMITTING ABSENCE NOTES
Attendance Notes can be Submitted Electronically via email at WDAttendance@centennialsd.org. Please know you will still receive automated phone calls (to the primary phone listed in Skyward) if you have not submitted an absence note via email on the days your child is absent from school.
**Absence notes must be submitted within 3 days of the student's absence, otherwise, the absence will be recorded as unexcused.
E-Mailing Attendance Notes
- Parents with children in Willow Dale may e-mail attendance notifications/notes to the following address: WDAttendance@centennialsd.org
- E-mail notifications are encouraged on the morning of the absence day. However, e-mailed absence notes may be sent on the day following the absence.
- When sending an absence notification please include the following information:
- Child's Name
- Child's Grade
- Child's Homeroom Teacher
- Date(s) of Absence
- Reason for Absence
- Contact Phone # for Parent/Guardian
- Other Pertinent Information
- While you may still continue to call the school on the day of absence, a follow-up e-mail or a written note is still required for the absence to be excused.
Email: WDAttendance@centennialsd.org
Phone: 215-441-6093
Bus Change Request Procedures
If on a single occasion, your child must ride a different bus at dismissal due to an emergency/childcare purposes, the following must be done to facilitate the change:
- Requesting parent must send written notice (email or note) to the student’s teacher with the following information:
- Identify the bus (by number) in which the student will need to ride that day
- The reason for the request
- Name and address of the childcare provider
The childcare provider/parent must also send written notice to the student’s teacher advising of the childcare arrangement for that day.
The notes will be reviewed and signed by the principal and forwarded to Transportation to put the temporary bus change in effect.
Childcare Arrangements forms are only required for the following needs:
Any ongoing childcare needs that follow a specific schedule
Late arrival and early dismissal arrangements
Thank you for your continued support in following these procedures!
Family Trips Scheduled During the School Year
Dear Centennial Families;
The Centennial School District Board of School Directors approved Policy 204.1, Family Trips Scheduled During School Year.
Although the scheduling of family trips during the instructional year is not encouraged, the Centennial School Board recognizes that students may benefit educationally by accompanying their parent(s)/guardian(s) on trips. The revision to the policy will allow the schools to approve up to five (5) days instead of three (3). Any trip beyond five (5) days will need the approval of the Superintendent.
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) who are requesting approval for a family trip need to complete and submit the attached form to their building principal at least two (2) weeks before the trip.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Perkins or Mr. Julius.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Visitors to the school must enter the school’s front foyer (white doors) and ring the bell, located next to the door that leads to the main office. Once buzzed in, our fantastic staff will be happy to serve you!
- Visitors must obtain a visitor’s pass from the main office.
- All visitors to the building will have his/her photo identification card scanned through the Raptor system to ensure everyone’s safety. Please make sure you have your driver's license or state photo ID card available upon entrance. The system was upgraded this year, therefore ALL visitors must present their driver's license when they enter the building.
- Visitors or parents may be escorted to their room where their business or volunteer work is being conducted.
- Students are requested not to bring guests to school unless permission is granted in advance by the principal.
- Forgotten books, lunch money, lunches, etc. should be left in the office. We will see that they are delivered to the student.
- If a parent or designated adult is picking a student up from school early, photo identification is required to release the student.
Thank you very much for helping us maintain a safe school for our students and staff!
Attendance
Children who attend school regularly make the best academic progress, graduate, and go on to successful post-secondary education and/or careers.
Students, who arrive late (after 8:45 am), must report to the office for a late slip. Parents should accompany tardy students to the office to sign in the student.
If your child is going to be absent, please notify the school to let us know.
SCHOOL SAFETY DRILLS
We will practice fire, lock-in, lock-out, and weather emergency drills. These drills may or may not be announced. Unannounced drills more accurately indicate the preparedness of the school and the effectiveness of safety procedures. Your child's teacher will review the exercises and procedures with their classes. Please make the teacher aware of any concerns regarding your child's participation in the safety drills.
The Warminster Director of Emergency Management Services and the Warminster Police Department will be invited to observe our drills and provided feedback for improvement.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Perkins or Mr. Julius.
Willow Dale Elementary School
Email: perkca@centennialsd.org
Website: www.centennialsd.org/Domain/692
Location: 720 North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Phone: 215-441-6093
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Education/Willow-Dale-Elementary-School-331460017756772/
Twitter: @Willow_Dale_ES