• "Souper" Bowl Collection: 571 canned and boxed goods were donated to the Montgomery Food Pantry!
• Pennies for Puppies: Villagers collected nearly $2000 for The Seeing Eye organization.
• Read Across America Cereal Box Donation: 3 classes donated 79 cereal boxes covered with book reviews to the Montgomery Food Pantry!
• Villagers are keeping the people of Turkey and Syria in their hearts with a collection. See below for details.

• Villagers can bring donations to their classroom teachers in support of Lions Clubs International to provide assistance to the people impacted by the earthquakes.

• Villagers can also create cards that will be sent to Turkish families through a contact at the Turkish embassy.

UPDATE: Thank you for helping us raise $315.43!

The holy month of Ramadan is observed by Muslims throughout the world on or about March 22 through April 21. Ramadan is a time for devotion, reflection, self-improvement, charity and celebration. The month concludes with the holiday celebration, Eid al Fitr, April 21-22.

For families celebrating this special month, we would like to be aware of any students that are fasting so that we can properly accommodate them during the school day. Your child's teacher is prepared to share options so that we can ensure that students feel supported during this important time for your families.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Please note that March 27 -30 are early dismissal days. Lunch is served on these days. Parent pickup will begin at 1:20, followed by bus dismissal which begins at 1:30.

This is a reminder that Policy #5512 was updated at the February 28th Board of Education meeting. If you have not done so already, please be sure to acknowledge your review of the revised policy via Forms in the Genesis Parent Portal as soon as possible.

Thank you.

Presale special price: $30 till April 5th ONLY!

Prices after April 5th will increase to $35 and supplies will be very limited -- don't miss it!

*VES students do participate in yearbook signing as part of their Fun Day in June**

Questions? Email YEARBOOKS@MESPTA.ORG

ORDER HERE

Third graders are encouraged to take pictures with their trees in the coming year so we can feature them on the VES morning news next year.

If your child is a current fourth grader, who planted the Elm tree from last year, take a picture and email it with your child's first name to Mrs. Lauryn Gregory at lgregory@mtsd.us. We would love to share it on the VES news so everyone can see how your tree is growing. If your child is in the picture, please give us permission to post it on the morning news/website/Twitter.

A Family Shopping Night take place on May 1, 5:30 - 8:00 pm. in the VES Media Center.

Parent Orientation: April 27th at 6:30 Parents will be invited to an evening presentation to meet the school leaders, learn about the fifth grade program, your child's elective choices and more. Stay tuned for details.

April 27th is Take Your Child to Work Day. Please notify the school if your child will be absent due to his or her participation. Thank you!

IT IS TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT SPRING ALLERGIES….APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS ALONG WITH SNEEZES, A RUNNY NOSE AND ITCHY, RED EYES….

Unfortunately, this is no real cure for season allergies; however it is possible to relieve your child’s symptoms. Reducing or eliminating exposure to allergens is the first step. During the months your child suffers from seasonal allergies keep windows closed, use air conditioning if possible, and stay indoors when pollen counts are high. Children should wash their hands and face if possible or shower after playing outside. At times reducing exposure is not possible or is ineffective; there are medications which will ease their symptoms.

During the next several months we will see an influx of students suffering from seasonal allergies. The classic triggers of seasonal allergies this time of year are trees (early spring) and grasses (late spring and early summer). The classic allergy symptoms and signs associated with allergic rhinitis can include:

• Runny nose with clear discharge

• Stuffy nose (congestion)

• Sneezing

• Itchy nose

• Red eyes with tearing and itchy

• Dark circles under the eyes (allergic shiners)

• A crease near the bottom of the nose (allergic crease)

• Frequent nose rubbing (allergic salute)

The trend in the Health Office this time of year is numerous students with swollen, red, itchy eyes! When we see a child for this we have them wash their hands with soap and water, then rinse their face with cool water. We gently wash the eyelids and lashes with a “no more tears baby bath”. This washing helps remove the pollen from the lashes and eye area. They rest with a cool compress to their eyes for several minutes.

If you know or suspect that your child suffers from seasonal allergies please be proactive and contact the doctor to begin a regime to minimize their discomfort before the season is in full bloom. You may bring in an allergy relief eye drop to be kept in the Health Office; this must be accompanied with your written permission for the medication to be administered in school. A Medication Administration form can be found on the web site. If the medication is an over the counter product it must be new and in the original packaging.

NJSLA Schedule

• 3rd Grade: May 8-12
• 4th Grade May 15-19
• Make Up Tests: May 22-25

Each student needs a set of 3.5 mm earbuds or headphones. If your child does not have headphones in school, please send them in. They should be sent in a zipper bag with your child's name written on it.