The Puma Pride
February 3, 2020
Reminder: 2-Hour Delay Schedule- February 3
2 Hour Delay
Monday, February 3 will be a two-hour delay for students. Students should report to their bus stops two hours later than their usual time. The school will open at 10:25 AM
Monday, Feb 3, 2020, 10:45 AM
Willow Dale Elementary School, North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
School Counselors Celebrate During National School Counseling Week, Feb. 3–7, 2020
National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 3–7, 2020, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
“School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, postsecondary options and social/emotional skills,” said Kwok-Sze Wong, Ed.D., ASCA executive director. “School counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.” General information can be found on ASCA’s website, www.schoolcounselor.org.
As part of its celebration for National School Counseling Week, Willow Dale will have daily morning announcements to share information with students and staff. The school counselors at Willow Dale are Kara LaRose (K, 2, 4) and Leanne Zemitis (1, 3, 5). We collaborate to provide a comprehensive school counseling program to all students, K-5. We provide individual and small group counseling as it pertains to school-based areas of success. We also teach classroom lessons to teach students skills in the areas of personal/social, academic, and career. Please reach out to us directly with any questions about our school counseling program at Willow Dale. You can also view our web pages on the Willow Dale website for more information.
Kara LaRose (K, 2, 4)
215-441-6093 ext 17031
Leanne Zemitis (1, 3, 5)
215-441-6093 ext 17030
Lunch Bunch Groups with Mrs. LaRose and Mrs. Zemitis
Congratulations to the Willow Dale PAWS 200 Club Winners!
The following students were a small group of over a hundred students recognized for their PAWSome behavior and were lucky enough to be in the row that filled up to win a prize.
Congratulations to...
#8- Henry Casey
#28- Omari Figaro
#48- Kylee Spadea (Row filler)
#68- Gabriel Rochlin
#88- Nicholas Bruzesse
#108- Tatum Gefter
#128- Ella Gardner
#148- Nataly Flores
#168- Matthew Chou
#188- Desmond Jamison
What are Willow Dale Students Learning in Health Class?
Health in Grades K, 1 and 3
In Ms. Jenkins' health classes, students are learning about nutrition, the importance of healthy food choices and the benefits of exercise on the body.
Health in Grades 2, 4 and 5
This cycle in Mr. Krasna's health class, second grade is learning about bullying, fourth grade is studying the Respiratory System and fifth grade is exploring the topic of energy balance.
In the upcoming K-5 Health cycle, we will be learning about choking - how to prevent choking from happening, how to recognize the signs of choking and what to do when someone is choking.
Physical Education Classes are on the Move!
This cycle Ms. Jenkins and Mr. Krasna are teaching basketball skills. Students are participating in various stations to learn the fundamentals of dribbling, passing and shooting.
Ms. Stecklein's Readers!
Mrs. Demarco's 5th Grade Social Studies Class
Mr. McKenna's 5th Grade Classroom
Mrs. Kohler's 4th Grade Science Class Studies Electricity
Fourth-grade students can...
- Investigate and describe conductors and insulators.
- Construct serial and parallel circuits and describe the path of electrons in the circuit.
- Demonstrate and explain open and closed circuits utilizing switches.
- Carry out investigations to provide evidence that energy is transferred from place to place by electric currents.
- Use grade-appropriate information from research about a given problem, including the causes and effects of the problem and relevant scientific information.
- Specify how a design solution solves a problem.
- Collect categorical and numerical data for presentation in forms that facilitate interpretation (tables and graphs).
- Approach science as a reliable and tentative way of knowing and explaining the natural world and apply this understanding to a variety of situations.
- Weigh evidence and use scientific approaches to ask questions, investigate, make informed decisions about how they live their daily lives, and engage in their vocations and communities.
- Make and use observations to identify and analyze relationships and patterns in order to explain phenomena, develop models, and make predictions.
- Evaluate systems, including their components and subsystems, in order to connect how form determines function and how any change to one component affects the entire system.
AAUW Stem Program for Girls Grades 5 - 8
March 7, 2020 AAUW Lansdale Branch in conjunction with Montgomery County Community College is conducting a STEM event for girls only.
“Discover Your Future” strives to overturn the stereotype that girls are less capable, or not interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. This is a day of interactive workshops is lead by outstanding women leaders and role models in industry and academia.
The program geared to girls grades 5 to 8th creates a fun environment to excite girls with opportunities in STEM. The program on March 7, 2020 will run from 8:30 in the morning to 3:30 in the afternoon at MCCC’s Blue Bell Campus for a nominal charge. Scholarships available.
Registration Closes February 29th.
Register Online at: https://dyf2020.eventbrite.com
(eventbrite charges a processing fee)
OR Complete the form and mail $10. to the address listed.
Additional forms and information: https://aauwlansdale.org/dyf
We hope to attract not only girls who have an interest in STEM, and those girls who have little opportunity or interest now.
American Heart Association Kid's Heart Challenge
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 $2500. 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
Nominate A Teacher!
Prior to the 7:05 p.m. Phillies game on May 1, the top 10 All-Stars will be honored on-field during a pregame ceremony. The 10 All-Stars and 10 Honorable Mentions will also be acknowledged that night during a pregame Tent Party.
In order to nominate a teacher, please click on the link below to fill out the form. Essays should be 500 words or less. Please direct any questions via e-mail to community@phillies.com. See Official Rules for complete details. Enter by 4:59 p.m. ET on March 13, 2020.
Website: https://www.mlb.com/phillies/community/all-star-teachers-contest
February Rotation Calendar
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.
Home and School Meeting
Monday, Feb 3, 2020, 06:15 PM
Willow Dale Elementary School, North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Valentine's Classroom Event
Friday, Feb 14, 2020, 02:30 PM
Willow Dale Elementary School, North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Chuck E. Cheese's School Fundraiser
Monday, Feb 17, 2020, 09:00 PM
1661 Easton Road, Warrington, PA, USA
Read Across America Week
Friday, Feb 28, 2020, 09:00 AM
Willow Dale Elementary School, North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
After School Sports Club
Cold Weather Guidelines for Recess
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. Sometimes the windchill or windspeed may necessitate an indoor recess.
*If you are in need of coats, hats, gloves- Contact the School Counselors:
Ms. Zemitis: zemile@centennialsd.org
Ms. LaRose: laroka@centennialsd.org
From the Nurse's Office
The cold weather and the start of the flu season are upon us! Please consider having your child receive the flu vaccine. Check with his or her pediatrician regarding receiving a flu shot or flu mist. Your child’s physician will be able to guide you in making the best decision. Also, you may always contact the Bucks County Department of Health for more information on flu shot clinics throughout the year at (215) 345-3318.
Remember, GOOD HANDWASHING is key to preventing the spread of germs. Remind your children to wash their hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, washing the front and back of their hands, between their fingers, and under their fingernails, with a good amount of friction. Make it fun for them and sing songs to make sure they are doing a good job! Encourage them to try not to touch their faces, especially their eyes, nose, and mouth unless their hands are clean. Stress the importance of this to your children in order to keep them healthy and able to learn!
The Willow Dale Nurse’s office does not keep cold and cough medicine in stock. If your child requires over the counter medicine, we advise they take it prior to the school day. Please be careful when administering any medication that may make your child drowsy.
If your child is having any fever or vomiting, they should stay home until fever/symptom-free for 24 hours. We are trying to keep all of our students happy and healthy during this time of year!
Health screenings started in the nurse’s office last month. For elementary schools, this includes a vision exam assessing near and distance vision and height and weight checks for all grades, kindergarten through 5. Also, under the Pennsylvania state mandates, hearing screenings are performed for kindergarten through grade 3. Yearly hearing screenings are only performed for grades 4 and 5 under special circumstances or concerns regarding a child’s hearing expressed by a parent and/or teacher. If there is a concern with your child’s vision, hearing, or growth during the school health screening, a letter will be sent home to notify a parent of the concerns and to recommend follow-up with a doctor. If necessary, notification of a parent via a phone call will be made. More information about health screenings can be found at the PA Department of Health website.
Please do not hesitate to call the nurse’s office for questions or concerns.
Mrs. Salita, RN, BSN, CSN
Mrs. Kleinschmidt, RN, BSN
Reporting Absences
SUBMITTING ABSENCE NOTES
Attendance Notes can be Submitted Electronically via email at WDAttendance@centennialsd.org. Please know you will still receive automated phone calls (to the primary phone listed in Skyward) if you have not submitted an absence note via email on the days your child is absent from school.
**Absence notes must be submitted within 3 days of the student's absence, otherwise, the absence will be recorded as unexcused.
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.
- When sending an absence notification please include the following information:
- Child's Name
- Child's Grade
- Child's Homeroom Teacher
- Date(s) of Absence
- Reason for Absence
- Contact Phone # for Parent/Guardian
- Other Pertinent Information
- While you may still continue to call the school on the day of absence, a follow-up e-mail or a written note is still required for the absence to be excused.
Email: WDAttendance@centennialsd.org
Phone: 215-441-6093
Family Trips Scheduled During the School Year
Dear Centennial Families;
The Centennial School District Board of School Directors approved Policy 204.1, Family Trips Scheduled During School Year.
Although the scheduling of family trips during the instructional year is not encouraged, the Centennial School Board recognizes that students may benefit educationally by accompanying their parent(s)/guardian(s) on trips. The revision to the policy will allow the schools to approve up to five (5) days instead of three (3). Any trip beyond five (5) days will need the approval of the Superintendent.
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) who are requesting approval for a family trip need to complete and submit the attached form to their building principal at least two (2) weeks before the trip.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Perkins or Mr. Julius.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Visitors to the school must enter the school’s front foyer (white doors) and ring the bell, located next to the door that leads to the main office. Once buzzed in, our fantastic staff will be happy to serve you!
- Visitors must obtain a visitor’s pass from the main office.
- All visitors to the building will have his/her photo identification card scanned through the Raptor system to ensure everyone’s safety. Please make sure you have your driver's license or state photo ID card available upon entrance. The system was upgraded this year, therefore ALL visitors must present their driver's license when they enter the building.
- Visitors or parents may be escorted to their room where their business or volunteer work is being conducted.
- Students are requested not to bring guests to school unless permission is granted in advance by the principal.
- Forgotten books, lunch money, lunches, etc. should be left in the office. We will see that they are delivered to the student.
- If a parent or designated adult is picking a student up from school early, photo identification is required to release the student.
Thank you very much for helping us maintain a safe school for our students and staff!
Attendance
Children who attend school regularly make the best academic progress, graduate, and go on to successful post-secondary education and/or careers.
Students, who arrive late (after 8:45 am), must report to the office for a late slip. Parents should accompany tardy students to the office to sign in the student.
If your child is going to be absent, please notify the school to let us know.
SCHOOL SAFETY DRILLS
We will practice fire, lock-in, lock-out, and weather emergency drills. These drills may or may not be announced. Unannounced drills more accurately indicate the preparedness of the school and the effectiveness of safety procedures. Your child's teacher will review the exercises and procedures with their classes. Please make the teacher aware of any concerns regarding your child's participation in the safety drills.
The Warminster Director of Emergency Management Services and the Warminster Police Department will be invited to observe our drills and provided feedback for improvement.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Perkins or Mr. Julius.
Willow Dale Elementary School
Email: perkca@centennialsd.org
Website: www.centennialsd.org/Domain/692
Location: 720 North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Phone: 215-441-6093
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Education/Willow-Dale-Elementary-School-331460017756772/
Twitter: @Willow_Dale_ES