Dragon Blast
Mary C. Howse Elementary School
From the Principal
Dear MCH Parents:
With parent/teacher conferences coming up (some have occurred already), there is not too much for me to say other than we all enjoy having your children here every day! We mean that! When they are absent, we miss them aside from knowing we need to cover material missed. We are so thankful that you send your most precious treasure to us and trust that we will provide a safe environment for them to learn, take risks, and be their best each and every day!
Feel free to stop and say hi next week as you walk our building - I wish you and your family the very best this Thanksgiving. Enjoy some restful moments and relaxing, fun times with your kids!
Dr. Cat
Announcements and Reminders
Date - Event
November 25th & 26th - Half Days K-5 Parent teacher conferences
November 27th - NO SCHOOL - AM Conferences
November 27th - December 2nd - Thanksgiving Break
December 5th - Holiday Concert
VETERAN'S DAY COLLECTION AT MCH UNTIL DECEMBER 3RD
Veteran’s Day 2019
The VA Hospital Collection will start October 29th until December 3rd . There will be boxes in the front hallway for all donations.
Snacks and Treats
Coffee & Tea (K-cups or Ground)
Snack packs - cookies, chips, crackers
Hard candies (no chocolate please!)
A Few Words from the Gym
Students have been working hard in physical education classes. Our third, fourth and fifth grade classes have been busy learning how to apply game strategies in team games, how to support the ball carrier in passing and catching games, and how to solve disagreements when they arise in game play. Kindergarten, first grade, and second grade have been learning how to wait patiently and take turns, the mechanics of a good overhand throw and how to aim at a target, resiliency by building obstacles that must balance freestanding, and how to pay attention to the activity while waiting in line.
With the weather starting to get colder, more students are arriving to physical education class wearing boots. When days are cold, rainy or snowy and you child must wear boots to school, please place a pair of sneakers in their backpack so they can change for PE class. Boots are a tripping hazard and do not give the proper ankle support while moving. Any student without sneakers will not actively participate in physical education class.
Thank you,
Becki Monte
Health and Physical Education
Mary C. Howse Elementary School
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS
After School Sports are in full swing for the 2019-2020 school year. This program is open to any interested 4th and 5th grade student. Sports meet every Tuesday for girls, Thursday for boys, and ends at 5:00. We have just finished the soccer session. We will be moving on to field hockey for girls and flag football for boys. It is not too late to sign up. If interested please have your child stop by the gym and pick up an information packet and permission form. Any questions please contact rmonte@wcasd.net
FROM THE NURSES OFFICE
Outdoor Recess in Cold Weather:
The WCASD follows recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses for outdoor recess during the cold weather. Barring extreme temperatures, children will play outside for at least part of their recess time. Please plan for this and make sure that your child is dressed appropriately. Check out the benefits of outdoor recess. (attached).
FROM THE LIBRARY!!
POSTIVE PRAISE
In response to Dr. Cat's email about our safety drill:
Dr. Cat,
Thank you and your team for both the diligence and sensitivity you take to these drills, as well as the clear communications. Much appreciated.
I just wanted to take a second and tell you what awesome energy the drop off ladies had this morning! My boys got outta my car to music and super excited people to see them! The ladies are always wonderful but these two brought huge smiles to my boys faces first thing in the morning. So thank you! Have a great day.
Anytime you feel like sending us some good news, please do so! With the world so full of negativity in the news, we cannot get enough of the good stuff!!!
SCIENCE EXPLORERS
Parent Portal
Use the link below to access the parent portal page:
http://home.wcasd.net/pages/West_Chester_Area_SD/ForParents/Parent_Portal
On the page, there is written documentation (English and Spanish,) as well as videos (English only) that walk parents through how to set up your parent portal account, how to access grades and set alerts, how to view the online report card, how to check attendance, etc. There is even an app for your phone if you prefer.
Please call the office for your child’s user name and password if you do not have the information that was provided to you at the beginning of the school year.
Keeping in Touch
· Please bookmark our school website. This is where we post many updates, school newsletter, supply list, pictures and our parent/student handbook. It can be found at: https://www.wcasd.net/Domain/661
·
· Mary C. Howse Webpage - https://www.wcasd.net/Domain/661
o See MCH School Tour link in upper right hand corner
· Twitter – Follow - @MCH_Elem - you’ll receive updates once you are a follower.
· Youtube – Mary C. Howse – found here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCveR39XTwn8AgmiOVqA6GZA
· MCH PTO Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mchpto/ - be sure to become a follower to receive updates when changes occur.
Parent Resources
Community Bulletin Board:
For activities offered around West Chester, see:
http://home.wcasd.net/pages/West_Chester_Area_SD/Community_Bulletin_Board/Other
Articles to consider:
Children and Anxiety - what to look for and not everyone has it
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/anxiety-disorders.html?WT.ac
Standards Based Reporting v Grades?
Our Mary C. Howse School Pledge
I pledge
To be the best that I can be
Respect myself and others
Make safe choices
And take responsibility
For my learning and behavior
Contact and Additional Information
Email: scatrambone@wcasd.net
Website: http://www.edline.net/pages/mary_c__howse_elementary_schoo
Location: 641 West Boot Road, West Chester, PA, United States
Phone: 484-266-1302
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mchpto/
Twitter: @SteveCat19