Memorial News
February 2017
From Mr. Collier
Dear Parents/Guardians:
It is hard to believe that we are at the halfway point of the 2016-2017 school year. This year continues to move at such a rapid pace and before we know it, summer vacation will arrive once again. Please continue to take time every day to ask your children how their day was, inquire about what they learned, and take a look at some of their work that they produced while at school. It is so vital that parents stay involved and connected in their child’s education.
At this point in the school year, our students in grades three and four continue to increase their knowledge and test taking strategies in preparation for the PARCC assessment. The assessment is scheduled to be administered during the second of April and the first week of May. Our teachers are utilizing the data received from the various assessments and carefully examining each student’s performance. This valuable information guides our teachers to enhance the instruction in their classrooms and prepares our students to achieve success on the state-wide assessment.
I would like to congratulate Mrs. Laura Simpson for being selected as Memorial School’s Teacher Recognition Award recipient for the 2016-2017 school year. We are very fortunate to have many talented and dedicated staff members. Every day they continue to give our students their very best. It is wonderful that Mrs. Simpson is recognized for her hard work and all that she does for her students. A special thank you to those parents who took the time out of their busy schedules to write such kind and thoughtful words about our staff. Thank you.
During the month of January, Mrs. Fasano and Mrs. Hickey have been handling parent and student conflicts dealing with politics and the presidential election. Here is a suggestion on a short article about the importance of how to talk to your child(ren) when discussing politics. Talking Politics: What to Say To Your Kids. Happy Reading!!
Lately, many families have been dropping off early and picking up their child(ren) late from school and clubs. Our teachers and staff, including our secretaries, are not responsible for watching your child before and after school hours. Please make sure that you arrange for your child to be dropped off and picked up on time. An alternative option is to register for the Montvale Child Care program and buy a drop-in coupon book. For more information please visit our district website at www.montvalek8.org.
All my best.
Jump Rope for Heart
Memorial School’s Jump Rope for Heart will be held on Friday, February 17th. Since the start of the Jump Rope for Heart in 1993, the students have raised over $200,000 for the American Heart Association. Students in grades one through four will participate in this fundraising event during the following times:
- Third Grade: 9:00-10:00
- Second Grade 10:10-11:00
- First Grade 11:10-11:50
- Fourth Grade 1:30-2:50
Valentine's Day Celebrations
Our students will be celebrating Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, February 14th. When purchasing Valentine cards, please make sure they do not include candy. Students will not be allowed to hand out any type of candy on this particular day. If your child is planning on handing out Valentine’s Day cards, please make sure that every student in the class receives one. Thank you for your cooperation.
100th Day of School
Providing there are no school closures due to inclement weather, Monday, February 13th marks the 100th day of school. Students and teachers in several grades are working on some special activities that relate to this monumental occasion. Please look for additional information that will be disseminated by your child’s teacher.
Kindergarten 2017-2018
Our kindergarten registration will conclude on Friday. We registered 81 students for kindergarten at Memorial School starting in September 2017. I do anticipate that there will be several new residents that will be registering their child for kindergarten before September.
From Mrs. Dugan: A reminder about illness guidelines and when to keep your child at home.
Children who are ill have a very difficult time focusing and learning in the classroom. Our goal is to keep our students healthy and engaged in the learning process. Sick students who are sent to school spread illness to their classmates and teachers as well.
If your child has a temperature of 100.0 degrees or more please keep them at home until they are fever free without medication (Tylenol or Motrin) for 24 hours. If your child goes to bed with a fever they should not come to school the next day. If they are sent home from school with a temperature, they should remain home the following day.
Children with vomiting and/or active diarrhea should remain home until they are symptom free for 24 hours. Please consider keeping your child home if they have frequent to constant coughing or excessive nasal drainage, as these symptoms not only contribute to the spread of illness but are a distraction in the classroom. Thank you in advance for your help keeping our school healthy.
February is Dental Health Month
Take some time this month to work with your children on their dental health. Practice brushing for a whole two minutes. Practice flossing every night before bed. Introduce new dental care products such as a fluoride rinse. Talk to your kids about healthy foods for their teeth. The following dental offices in the area offer free dental screenings and care as part of National Give Kids A Smile Day on Friday Feb. 3rd:
Bergen Community College, Paramus - 201-447-7937
DentaCare, Hackensack - 201-343-3232
East Hill Dental, Englewood - 201-568-2532
Englewood Dental, Englewood - 201-871-3555
Lori M. Nasif D.M.D, Fort Lee - 201-224-6430
North Jersey Dental Group, Fort Lee - 201-461-4800
Ramsey Family Dental, Ramsey - 201-327-3060
Ridge Family Dental, Lyndhurst - 201-939-5757
West Ridgewood Dental Professionals, Ridgewood - 201-652-8875
If you would like to take advantage of this service please contact the office directly. HAPPY BRUSHING!!!!
Family Night - PTO Winter Carnival
Montvale PTO will be hosting a Winter Carnival at Memorial School on Wednesday February 8th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The cost is $5.00 per person at the door. This will be Memorial School's Family Night activity. Hope to see you there!!
Upcoming Events
February 8 —Family Night at Memorial School (Winter Carnival)
February 17—Jump Rope for Heart
February 20 & 21—School Closed for President's Weekend