Davis Elementary School
March 2018 Newsletter
From The Principal
Dear Families,
Congratulations to our Philadelphia Eagles! Eagles pride was alive and well at Davis. The boys and girls enjoyed our Eagles spirit week. We must mention Mr. Rothman’s class was 8 for 8 singing the Eagles Fight Song on WIP. Thank you for helping to make our week memorable.
A delegation of teachers from China visited Davis and it was incredible. Our guests felt welcomed and at home. They were impressed with the many educational opportunities available at Davis. They were pleasantly surprised with how happy the boys and girls are at Davis. A special thank you to our student ambassadors, our teacher tour guides, Home and School and to Dr. Devitt. Our guests were greeted by students and were presented with gifts from our Home and School, and our students used the 3D printer to make Dolphins. Additionally, our Mandarin teacher, Ms. Ya taught our student ambassadors a song in which we shared with our visitors prior to the tour.
Now that the 2nd marking period has ended we would like to thank all of our parents who participated in parent-teacher conferences. Your continued support and partnership helps to ensure we are providing your children with a great education.
Davis is gearing up for the start of a busy March that includes Read Across America, March Madness, and administrative preparations for our annual state testing (PSSA). March 2nd is the official birthday of Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel, affectionately known as Dr. Seuss. Across the country, thousands participate by bringing together children and books. We are hosting a weeklong celebration with Read Across America events.
Lastly, our students in grades 3-5 will be taking the PSSA next month. As you are aware, the PSSA is but one academic performance measure among many assessments that happen at Davis. The faculty and staff prepare our students for all meaningful academic measures from September thru June by relying on our high-quality curriculum while using superior instructional practices. We will provide additional PSSA details in next month’s edition.
Our best to you and your families,
Mrs. Coles & Dr. Devitt
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn,
the more places you’ll go. ~Dr. Seuss
From The Nurse
March is National Nutrition Month
National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
"Go Further with Food" is the theme for 2018, and its importance is timely for many reasons. Whether it's starting the day off right with a healthy breakfast or fueling before an athletic event, the foods you choose can make a real difference. Preparing your foods to go further, by planning meals and snacks in advance can also help to reduce food loss and waste. This year's theme for National Nutrition Month® encourages us to achieve the numerous benefits healthy eating habits offer, but it also urges us to find ways to cut back on food waste. Learning how to manage food resources at home will help you "Go Further with Food", while saving both nutrients and money.
Key Messages:
Include a variety of healthful foods from all of the food groups on a regular basis.
Consider the foods you have on hand before buying more at the store.
Buy only the amount that can be eaten or frozen within a few days and plan ways to use leftovers later in the week.
Be mindful of portion sizes. Eat and drink the amount that’s right for you, as MyPlate encourages us to do.
Continue to use good food safety practices.
Find activities that you enjoy and be physically active most days of the week.
http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/resources/national-nutrition-month/toolkit
MyPlate is a reminder to find your healthy eating style and build it throughout your lifetime. Everything you eat and drink matters. The right mix can help you be healthier now and in the future. This means:
Focus on variety, amount, and nutrition.
Choose foods and beverages with less saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
Start with small changes to build healthier eating styles.
Support healthy eating for everyone.
Eating healthy is a journey shaped by many factors, including our stage of life, situations, preferences, access to food, culture, traditions, and the personal decisions we make over time. All your food and beverage choices count. MyPlate offers ideas and tips to help you create a healthier eating style that meets your individual needs and improves your health. For a colorful visual of MyPlate and the 5 food groups, download What's MyPlate All About?.
Build a Healthy Eating Style
All food and beverage choices matter – focus on variety, amount, and nutrition.
Focus on making healthy food and beverage choices from all five food groups including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy to get the nutrients you need.
Eat the right amount of calories for you based on your age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity level.
Building a healthier eating style can help you avoid overweight and obesity and reduce your risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Choose an eating style low in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
Use Nutrition Facts labels and ingredient lists to find amounts of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars in the foods and beverages you choose.
Look for food and drink choices that are lower in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar.
Eating fewer calories from foods high in saturated fat and added sugars can help you manage your calories and prevent overweight and obesity. Most of us eat too many foods that are high in saturated fat and added sugar.
Eating foods with less sodium can reduce your risk of high blood pressure.
Make small changes to create a healthier eating style.
Think of each change as a personal “win” on your path to living healthier. Each MyWin is a change you make to build your healthy eating style. Find little victories that fit into your lifestyle and celebrate as a MyWin!
Happy Spring!
Valerie Breiner, RN, BSN, M.Ed, Certified School Nurse
The Counselor's Corner
Parenting Classes are off to a great start! We meet from 9-10 am on Thursday mornings and we are using the Systematic Training for Effective Parenting Program. If you are interested, please refer to the e-alerts to print and return the interest form!
The Community Service group meets on Wednesday mornings and is open to all 4th and 5th grade students. Please reach out to Mr. Immerman if your child is interesting in joining! We are looking forward to our next Project-Operation Helping Hand! The students will be collecting non perishable items for the food pantries in Bucks County. The collection will be held the week of March 5th-12th Please check your child’s Wednesday Express for information.
The focus for our Guidance Classes are as follows:
Kindergarten- Respecting differences and finding commonalities
First Grade- The difference between tattling and telling
Second Grader- What to do when you are a bystander in a bullying situation
Third Grade-Teamwork projects continue
Fourth Grade-What to do when a friend is excluded
Fifth Grade-Cliques and peer pressure
As always if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to either of our counselors.
Bob Immerman - Grades 3, 4, 5
(215) 364-5970 x 15031
Christi Ward - Grades K, 1, 2
(215) 364-5970 x15030
The Reading Corner
Preparing Your Child for Testing
Testing is used in schools for two main purposes. One is to find out how well an individual student is learning in the classroom. For instance, teachers can test how well a child is responding to reading instruction by using assessments that measure specific skills necessary for fluent reading. The other purpose is to find out how well the school is meeting local and national benchmarks for student achievement. For this purpose schools use standardized tests, usually administered in the spring.
How to Help Your Child
Take a deep breath. Step away from the flashcards. As a parent, the most important way you can help your child do well on tests is to read with your child regularly, talk with her about her experiences, and provide a quiet work space at home.
When well-meaning parents focus too much on test results, they put undue pressure on young children. For kids who struggle with attention or memorization tasks, testing can be extremely stressful because it requires students to draw entirely on these skills.
To help prepare for routine classroom assessments:
Provide a variety of books, children's magazines, and enriching experiences to spark your child's curiosity and build vocabulary.
Make sure your child gets time and space for homework.
Make sure your child gets enough rest and a well-balanced diet.
Consult with your child's teacher to find out if there are specific skills you can practice at home.
To help prepare for standardized tests:
Ask the teacher for the testing schedule and a practice test so that you can familiarize your child with the format ahead of time so he knows what to expect.
Respond to any concerns your child has with encouragement and support. Emphasize that there are lots of ways to express what you know, and that these tests are just one measure.
For more information about testing, visit: www.readingrockets.org/article/c68
Helpful information about learning brought to you by Reading Rockets, Colorin Colorado, and LD OnLine
Spelling Bee
Reminder-Absences
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, 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. 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 to DAAttendance@centennialsd.org . This email address is dedicated to receiving these notes. If you have any questions regarding this change, please call the main office at (215) 441-6000 x 15010
Outstanding Cafeteria Balances
The Food Service Department has a procedure that states that students owing more than an established obligation ($6.00) will be offered an alternate meal of one (1) cheese sandwich or one (1) ham and cheese sandwich or one (1) ham sandwich, one (1) fruit or vegetable and the student’s choice of one (1) milk. The student’s account will be charged one dollar and 50 cents ($1.50) Food allergies will be considered. Negative or low balance letters are sent home in the Wednesday Express. We request that you provide payments in a timely manner. Please contact the school Principal, Ms. Coles, or Cafeteria Manager, Mrs. McElroy if you have any questions concerning this procedure.
If you are eligible, free or reduced price lunches are available by filling an application through the Food Service Office of the Centennial School District. You can also pre-pay for lunch through the “E-Fund” system and credit can be immediately applied to the account. If you need assistance with placing money on your child’s account or applying for free/reduced lunch programs, please contact the Food Service Office at 215-441-6000 ext. 11013. Thank you for your cooperation
Davis Dolphins
Each week names are drawn from our Davis Dolphins container as a way to recognize and celebrate our students for demonstrating trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Congratulations to Bryce P, Colton G, Elizabeth V, Zaid Q, Maren J, Katlyn M, Dillan S, Angeleah L, Makayla C, Mackenzie D, AJ C, Giovanni C, James V, Ava J, Trevor B, Zoe G, Jordan C, Donna F, Cassidy B, Kasiana C, Adriana G, Michelle K, Dayne P, Madison M, Angelina B, Rylee B, James M, Madigan S-L, Julianna M, Regekah Z, Aubrey l, Madison S, Luke M, Trevor G, Devon L. Way to go, boys and girls!
Wednesday Express
Each Wednesday, your child’s teacher will send home the Wednesday Express envelope. Please take a moment to remove, read, review the contents, and return the envelope to school the next day. Your signature on the outside of the envelope lets us know that you received it. We also recommend that everyone continue to check the eFolder on a regular basis.
Inclement Weather
PSSA Testing
English Language Arts PSSA Testing Window
Grades 3,4,5
April 9-13
Math PSSA Testing Window
Grades 3,4,5
April 16-20
PSSA Science Testing Window
Grade 4
April 23-27
STEAM Saturdays
STEAM Saturdays is an out-of-school program designed to engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, andMath. The goal is to inspire and encourage interest within our future generations in STEAM related skills and occupations by developing their 21 st century skills such as advanced problem solving, collaboration and teamwork, creativity and imagination, and critical thinking.
Each Saturday session will engage students in a different STEAM topic: engineering and design thinking, robotics and computer coding, and making (creativity, invention, production). Students will be fully engaged in hands-on, interactive learning with the classrooms facilitated by Pennsylvania-certified teachers.
The sessions are for students currently enrolled in grades 1 through 8 (program groups will be organized into classrooms by grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8)
DATES:
Saturday, March 3, 2018: Engineering and Design Challenges
Saturday, March 10, 2018: Robotics and Coding Activities
Saturday, March 17, 2018 : Maker Kids (Invention, Making, and Sparking Creativity)
TIME:
8:30am to 11:30am
PLACE:
Bucks County Intermediate Unit
705 N. Shady Retreat Rd, Doylestown, PA 18901
COST:
$47 per Saturday (fee includes all Eventbrite processing fees, instruction, materials, snack, and take-home information for families)
NOTE: Each Saturday will need to be registered for individually
*Click on the embedded link below to register if you are interested!
Help Davis every time you shop at Amazonsmile or Shoprite Warminster
By selecting Centennial Education Foundation as your charity when shopping at Amazonsmile 0.5% of eligible purchases go to the Centennial Education Foundation. Centennial Education Foundation (CEF) provides enriching educational opportunities, programs, and projects to expand and enhance the basic, well-rounded education offered by the district.
By shopping at ShopRite of Warminster through the Shop From Home Fundraiser. 15% of your bill is donated to the Centennial Education Foundation. CEF donates 20% of our school's proceeds to our Home & School Association.
Birthday Club
Each month Mrs. Coles recognizes students who have birthdays that month by giving them a special pencil and posing for a photo with them. This month March birthdays were recognized.
Calendar
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Aq0BXtzCndCsv73Mc6BXSRQ8K1X_JAKdKYOBIzZHgKs/edit?usp=sharing
Davis Elementary School
Website: centennialsd.org
Phone: 215-364-5970