Mercersburg Elementary
News from the Nest
School Day Hours
7:20: Doors open
7:35: Announcements and Breakfast is done being served
7:40: School day starts
2:10: Dismissal starts
Attendance Policy
Notes to school!
- If your child is absent from school, a note stating the reason for absence must be turned in to the office within 3 days or the absence will be counted as an unexcused absence.
- Include child's first AND LAST NAME on any notes sent from home.
- Notes should be sent anytime you are planning to pick up your child for an early dismissal.
- Notes for sending your child home on a different bus should be limited to emergency requests.
Volunteer Policy
If you are planning to volunteer for any school day event, which includes the Race for Ed event, Fun Day and field trips, you must complete and return the following clearances:
Volunteer Registration Form
Child Abuse History Clearance
PA Criminal Record Check
Act 24 – Arrest/Conviction Form
Federal Criminal History Record Check
Tuberculin Test Results Form
Mandated Reporter Training (instructions provided in Volunteer Letter)
Volunteer clearance packets, are available in the school office and on the district’s website at www.tus.k12.pa.us (select Mercersburg under “TSD Schools” tab, then listed under “Volunteer Clearances” tab). Some reports may take several weeks to complete.
From the Principal
I wanted to remind each of you that some of our students will soon be participating in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) testing. The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is given in all 501 Pennsylvania school districts. Currently, grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 11 are assessed in math and language arts. Grades 5, 8 and 11 are assessed in writing. Grades 4, 8, and 11 are assessed in science. The purpose of the assessment is to determine if students are meeting state standards that define what students must know and be able to do. I cannot overstate how critical these assessments are to our school, our students, and our district. Many decisions at both the State and Federal level regarding school performance, funding, and achievement are made as a result of these assessments.
As a result of their importance, we are asking you to please help your child succeed by doing the following:
- DON’T MISS SCHOOL! If your child has the sniffles or a belly pain, please think twice before having them miss school. Most of the assessment occurs in the morning.
- Get a good night’s sleep each night! Your child needs to be well-rested to perform well. Please enforce an early bed time or at least “quiet time”.
- Eat breakfast! An empty stomach is linked to poor student performance. Make sure they eat something, even if it has to be quick.
- Encourage your child to do his or her best! The value of our kids is not predicted upon one test; however, these tests are important and challenging. Encourage your child to try hard because it’s important not only to school but to you as well. A child who knows he or she is supported from home will do far better than one who feels that nobody cares.
The faculty and staff at Mercersburg thank you for helping us, especially during this assessment period. We have worked very hard to ensure we are delivering a quality instructional program to your child but without your help, this effort might not be fairly reflected in the results. Following the guidelines above will go a long way to supporting each child’s efforts during the testing week.
I know the students may show signs of concern and this is normal. Please reassure them just do their best and give their best effort.
School Day
Kindergarten Registration
Online pre-registration is required prior to your appointment. Please visit the district website at www.tus.k12.pa.us and follow the links to create an account, then submit the requested information. If you do not have access to a computer, you are welcome to complete the online registration here at the school. Please call ahead so we are able to accommodate your request.
Jump Rope for Heart!
Academic Help
National Walking Day
NATIONAL WALKING DAY
The first Wednesday in April is National Walking Day. The American Heart Association sponsors this day to remind people about the health benefits of taking a walk. So, put on your sneakers, grab your family and take a 30-minute walk.
It’s ok, leave that phone at home! Reconnect with your family without any interruptions. Here are some ways to make those 30-minutes lots of fun, and memorable.
- Play “Simon Says”
- Ask about your child’s day
- Play I-Spy
- Take the dog with you
- Sing a song
- Ask about their “favorite” things. Example: friend, vacation memory, school subject, etc.
- Take turns telling part of a story
Who knows, maybe you and your family will enjoy it
so much you’ll do it every day,
or several times a week.