The Puma Pride
Week of February 11, 2019
Message from the Principal
Hello Willow Dale Families!
I hope everyone is staying warm! The weather predictions for the upcoming week indicate that there may be some snowy weather coming. I'm crossing my fingers that the unfavorable weather passes so that our teachers and students don't have interruptions in their planned learning activities. Please enjoy reading about the classroom learning highlighted in this week's newsletter.
It is hard to believe that this week we will be celebrating the 100th day of school! Many of our classrooms are preparing to celebrate their accomplishments during this time period. Pictures and classroom learning will be shared in the next newsletter.
Classroom Valentine's Day parties will be held at the end of the day on Thursday, February 14. Please refer to the messages sent home from the teachers and parent homeroom captains regarding snacks and activities.
Friday, February 15 is an Early DIsmissal day for students. Parent/teacher conferences will be held on the afternoon of February 15, 2019. This year at Willow Dale, Mr. Corey, our Math Specialist would like to conference with parents who are interested in boosting their child's math achievement. Please see the information below if you are interested.
In the coming weeks, we will host several family events. Not only does your support provide opportunities for our students, but it also fosters positive relationships with other families in the community. Check out the upcoming events highlighted in the newsletter.
This time of year, illness is prevalent. Many of our students and staff have been recuperating from a variety of viruses and flu bugs. Our custodial staff has been vigilant in ensuring that our classrooms are sanitized every day. If your child is ill with a fever, please remember to keep them home until they remain fever free for twenty-four hours. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school nurses.
On February 18, 2019, schools and offices will be closed to honor of President's day.
Have a safe, wonderful week and Happy Valentine's Day!
Cathy Perkins
Conference with the Math Specialist on February 15
Parents:
Do you want to learn more about your child's math progress, PSSA and MAP results?
Parents are welcome to sign up for a 10-minute conference with Mr. Corey, Math Specialist on Friday, February 15 from 12:30-3:30 PM. The conference can include:
- One on one conferences to help parents better understand PSSA and MAP.
- Review of prior PSSA (if applicable)
- Explanation of Map RIT scores and projections for PSSA
- Setting a plan to assist parents at home to prepare for successful growth in mathematics
If you are interested in a conference with Mr. Corey, Please sign up for a 10-minute time slot using the following link by February 14, 2019:
Website: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090848ACAF22A4F85-gain
Fourth Grade Science Club Starts Monday!
Fourth Grade Science Club
4th grade Science Club begins tomorrow, February 11 for those students who returned signed permission forms. As a reminder, the club begins after school at 3:45 PM and will run until 4:40 PM.
Students will report directly to room 37. Since we are after school, your child IS permitted to bring a small snack. Please refrain from any products that contain nuts.
Parents are expected to pick up their child no later than 4:45 PM. Children will be escorted to the front entrance of the building at 4:40 PM for pick up. Please remain in your cars and we will send the students out to you in a similar fashion as the end of day parent pick up.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Mr. Scancella or Ms. Topley.
Email: scanmi@centennialsd.org
What's Happening in Willow Dale Classrooms?
Mrs. Lapsley's Second Grade News
Mrs. McMaster's Class Discovers the Northeast Region of Pennsylvania
One of their favorite stops was Hershey, PA. In addition to discovering the area, the students learned about mass production and simulated a factory production line making "Hershey Kisses". Each student had a chance to hold all three production jobs: Candy Wrapper, Cutter, and Placer. Mrs. McMaster was the quality control supervisor. The best part of the activity was that each student was paid for their work in real Hershey Kisses!
STEM Writing in Mrs. Goral's Class
Congratulations January Silver Spoon Winners !
Ms. McGarrey's Second Grade Class
Ms. Bishop/Ms. Strenger's Fourth Grade Class
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!
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.
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 $1200. 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
2019 PSSA Dates
All elementary schools will administer the PSSA on the following schedule. More information will be forthcoming.
- English and Language Arts--April 23 to April 25, 2019
- Math--April 29 & April 30, 2019
- Science (Grade 4 Only)--May 1, 2019
Make-up Testing Windows
- ELA, Math, Science-Through May 3, 2019
Chuck E Cheese Fundraiser- February 18
Dunkin' Dales versus the Harlem Wizards
Save the date! On Thursday, March 28th, at 6:30 PM Willow Dale staff members will be facing off against the Harlem Wizards. Come to William Tennent and watch our "Dunkin' Dales" play an epic game of basketball. Tickets will be sold prior to the event for $8.00 a person. Night-of-event tickets will be $10.00 a person. Refreshments and merchandise will be available for purchase at the game.
https://harlemwizards.thundertix.com/orders/new?performance_id=2171585
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
*If you you are in need of coats, hats, gloves- Contact the School Counselors:
Ms. Hopkins: hopkle@centennialsd.org
Ms. O'Brien: obride@centennialsd.org
Valentine's Classroom Event
Thursday, Feb 14, 2019, 02:30 PM
720 North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Early Dismissal for Elementary Schools 11:45 AM- Parent Conferences
Friday, Feb 15, 2019, 11:45 AM
720 North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
All Schools and Offices Closed
Monday, Feb 18, 2019, 08:45 AM
720 North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Chuck E. Cheese's School Fundraiser
Monday, Feb 18, 2019, 10:00 AM
1661 Easton Road, Warrington, PA, USA
Read Across America Week
Monday, Feb 25, 2019, 09:00 PM
720 North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
February Rotation Calendar
Willow Dale Elementary School
#Puma Pride
Email: perkca@centennialsd.org
Website: https://www.centennialsd.org/Domain/692
Location: 720 North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Phone: 215-441-6093
Twitter: @Willow_Dale_ES