Dorn Dispatch
November, 2019
Principal's Message-Dr. Eileen McCaffrey
Principal’s Message: Dr. McCaffrey
I hope you like the new format we are using for our newsletter. It will replace the paper copy newsletter you are used to receiving every month. We will still send home a paper copy of the monthly calendar that you can post on your refrigerator, but a paper newsletter will no longer be available. With this format, you can also TRANSLATE this newsletter with the push of a button. Scroll down and find the "translate" button, click on your language and it will translate it for you! Please feel free to provide feedback about this new format for our newsletter. I am interested in what you think about it.
If you are reading this, you most likely have a pre-kindergarten, kindergarten or first grade student that attends Dorn. Because of that, I know that each of you has at least ONE blessing to count on this upcoming Thanksgiving. Each and every child at Dorn is a blessing in my life so they must be in yours also.
If you are like me, your “to do” list never ends. In fact, on my “to do” list right now is to get this typed and to Letty so it makes it into the November Newsletter. But just as you cross things off, more things are added. I will bet that emptying the dishwasher and folding/putting away the clean laundry is on your list. But what about the more important things, such as reading to your child? How about playing with your child? When you are 50, emptying the dishwasher and folding clean laundry will STILL be on your list, but you won’t be able to put on your list READ to your child, or PLAY with your child. My youngest, an 19 year-old, certainly does not want me to read to her or play with her. It will soon be too late for you and your child also. Please take the chance to do it now. Down below is information about a Math App you can put on your phone. Maybe you can do that each day with your child. Just do something with your child, and have fun doing it. Try not to pretend! They know!
I hope that you can forget about the “official” Thanksgiving Day to give thanks, and do so every day of your life. Out of everything in your life, remember that your most important blessing is your pre-kindergarten, kindergarten or first grade student.
I can’t believe that the first quarter is over. Students have completed their quarterly assessments in reading and/or math and have taken their I-Ready assessments. Report cards for kindergarten and first grade students will be available on 11/1 on the computer if you have created an account! NO HARD COPIES OF THE REPORT CARDS WILL GO HOME. Report card and other academic information will be reviewed with you at conferences, which are being held on 11/25 and 11/26. Conferences will now be scheduled by you on the computer. Directions on how to do this will be coming home soon. If you schedule a conference, please make sure you attend.
Remember, effective schools have involved parents. Your input, cooperation and support will go a long way in helping us provide the best education possible for your child.
Math App for your Phone
Mommy? Daddy? Read me a word problem. That is probably not a request many parents hear. A new study shows that if a school child’s parents replace a bedtime story with a math discussion even one night a week, the child’s math skills may improve markedly compared with peers who listen to non-mathematical stories.
Bedtime Math (http://bedtimemath.org/) is a free Math App for your phone. It comes highly recommended! Each day they post a fun new math problem that the entire family will have fun solving/discussing. I suggest you download it and do the one problem each night with your child. You even have your choice between Spanish or English (no Arabic or Polish-sorryL)
Here is the description they give of it on their website:
Every day, we serve up a quick bite of wacky math just for fun. It’s nothing like school. Parents can sign up by email, on our website, and on our free app. Whether it’s flamingos, ninjas or pillow forts, kids can see the math in their favorite topics. No logins. No drilling. No scores. It takes only 5 minutes a day, and kids clamor for it.
I think that you and your child will enjoy it. I had fun exploring the App on my phone, and I don’t even have a young child at home anymore!
Pre-K Corner
Parents,
Thank you for your participation for the month of October, which included Popcorn Day, Parent Workshop, Field Trip, class visits, Lending Library, and our visit to The Little Red Schoolhouse. Each month there are many opportunities for you to participate and your child really does enjoy seeing you at school. Keep it up!
Please let us know if you will be attending the Pre-K Fun Night on November 6th at Sorrick School, which will have Jim Gill entertaining us with a fun concert you and your child are sure to enjoy. Flyers went out last week.
The November Parent Workshop topic will be on the impact technology has on our children, and will help parents take practical steps than can be taken in response. Free babysitting is available for workshops for children out of strollers. If you have one still in a stroller you may bring along to the workshop. Pre-K students attending in the afternoon classes are welcome to stay with the babysitters. Games, coloring, and a variety of fun activities are available for them, so please, use this free babysitting for your Pre-K students too! Doors to workshop are closed at 9:40 a.m. so be sure to give yourself extra time to drop off children at babysitting. New this year there will be coffee and light snacks served for parent workshops!
Be sure to check out the Parent Library! Hours are Wednesday 9-3:30 and Thursday 9-12:30. This counts as participation and there are many new items to choose from. You can return library materials at the office, or send it back with your child if it fits in their backpack.
Keep in mind that all handouts sent home can be found on the Pre-K web page, including Fun Night and Workshop flyers.
Looking ahead, November’s parent participation dates and times are as follows. November is a short month for participation with Veterans Day, Parent/Teacher conferences and Thanksgiving break, so get that participation in early!
November 6 Pre-K Fun Night at Sorrick School
November 13 Parent Workshop
November 15 Popcorn Day
All month Parent Library and (new!) Home-School Connections
As always, please remember to find the sign in sheet at whatever event you participate at so I know you
were there!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at crehr@npd117.net
Thank you!
Mrs. Cathleen Rehr
Pre-K Parent Coordinator
Crazy Hair Day
Crazy Hair Day
Crazy Hair Day
Rainbows at Dorn
Rainbows provides support to children grieving a divorce, separation or death in the family. Participants meet for ½ hour twice a week for 4 weeks. Each week a topic is discussed and the children keep a journal exploring his or her feelings. For more information, please see the pink form that was sent home with your child. Please contact Cathy Lewis (708-233-5606), Dorn Social Worker if you have any questions.
Dress for the Weather
PTA News
Happy November!
Here’s a recap of our October:
- We TRIED very hard to sell the discount cards. Unfortunately this was not successful… A flyer went out selling them for half the amount of $5 so we can just break even. Please help!
- Our Midland Fundraising catalog came sooner then we thought but that will ensure delivery on Friday, December 15th at Dorn. Please contact me if you have any questions.
- Thank you to all that ordered Spirit Wear. The orders have been processed and they went home with your children mid October.
- During Red Ribbon Week, the PTA purchased red apples for Friday’s theme - Red Healthy Snack Day. We hope the children enjoyed their healthy and delicious snack.
Upcoming events in November:
- Friday, November 15th:
o Popcorn Day / Birthday Books
- Monday, November 25th: First Grade Feast
FYI:
Heads Up: Our annual Holiday Shop will be happening December 9th thru 13th . Please look for more information and volunteer forms to be sent very soon.
Also, please like DORN PTA on Facebook for weekly updates.
Have a great month!
Lauren Potokar
VOLUNTEERS
Thank you for your cooperation
Parent Teacher Conferences
American Education Week
Please make sure that your license and volunteer forms are turned into the office by Wednesday November 13th.