Dragon Blast
Mary C. Howse Elementary School
From the Principal
Dear MCH Families:
We are finally here!! I cannot wait, and I mean cannot wait, to see your children on Monday. It has been way too long since we have had an August opening!
For students (and parents) - see a short, 3 minute video, below for kids!!
Here is what I want to say to you parents - DO NOT fear that you have forgotten anything!!!! All you need to do is get your happy, loving and excited child to us on Monday - "before 8:55 if driving them" (and their IPAD :-)). We will take care of the rest. We will remind you and them if there is anything we need from you. Even if they forget the IPAD (or charger), all will be well. Just enjoy this weekend with them - engage in their excitement and help them with any nervous feelings or anxiety - help them understand that these feelings are normal and that you support and love them and that everything will be alright. Then, when we return them to you on Monday afternoon, they (and you) will see how awesome of a day it was!
Back to School Nights - for PARENTS only. This is a great time for you to hear from your child's teacher and learn about the curriculum, classroom procedures, and all about the teacher!
All sessions will start promptly at 7:00 PM - and end at approximately 7:40. We'll ask all parents to be out of the building by 8:00 PM.
Tuesday, 8/31 - Kindergarten and First Grade
Wednesday, 9/1 - Second Grade and Third Grade
Thursday, 9/2 - Fourth and Fifth Grade
Specialists (special area, reading, special ed., etc.) will be here on ONE of the 3 evenings - if they are not here the night you attend, feel free to call or email any of them.
Lastly, many of you have reached out wishing my family the very best regarding my daughter's wedding last Saturday - I have to admit that it was even more than I could have imagined - a beautiful day to celebrate two beautiful people. One of the pics is my 3 children right before I started here at MCH in 2010 - just to give you an idea - it goes fast so treasure every moment you can, but also realize you will make mistakes and that is ok. If interested, scroll WAY down! :-)
Dr. Cat
2021-2022 SCHOOL HOURS
9:10 - 3:40
Carline starts at 8:30 and runs until 8:55. If you arrive after that time you must walk your child up to the front door and sign them in.
Afternoon carline is called at 3:35. It lasts until 3:50.
Summer Information - Get Ready - August 30th will be here before you know it!
WCASD Calendars - See our district calendar
Parent Portal - You can begin to access this starting next week.
New Registration - know someone who needs to register a new student or Kindergartener?
Child's Place - Need Child Care? Click to see more info.
Volunteer and Clearance Info. - Interested in helping in our schools? or, chaperoning a field trip?
Payforit - If you do not have an account, create one here to pay activity fees (3-5 grade) and for field trips.
Mary C Howse Webpage - Get the latest here
MCH YouTube Channel - See some past videos - some as old as 8 years!!!
MCH PTO Facebook Page - Stay in tuned with our amazing PTO!
Kindergarten Parent Tips
A lot of parents want to know how to prepare their kids to start school for the first time. Some helpful tips are below. These are great things to work on before the start of school.
Self-Help
- How to open and close containers. Specifically, the kind you’ll put in their lunch boxes.
- How to pinch and tear packaging. (Pre-packaged snacks, ketchup packets, etc)
- How to put a straw into a Capri sun pouch.
It will take your child’s teacher a long time to circulate around the lunch table to assist. That means less time your child has to eat. Most importantly, it provides your child a sense of independence and makes them feel so proud! 🙂
- How to take off a jacket so that the sleeves don’t get pulled through. How to fix the jacket if the sleeves do get pulled through. How to zip it up.
- How to zip and snap or button pants.
- Your child will be the holy grail of their class if they can tie their shoes.
Personal Care:
- TO GO TO THE BATHROOM WITH THE DOOR CLOSED. Please teach them this. It may be no big deal at home, but it will be at school if they expose themselves to an entire classroom full of their friends.
- How to pump soap. How to properly wash their hands. To turn the sink off and dry their hands.
Social:
- How to wait and take turns.
- How to share. How to compromise.
- How to listen and follow 2 step directions. (First, take your jacket off. Then put it on the hanger) If you want to get crazy - try 3 steps!
Language:
- Build vocabulary with them. Talk to them. Use big words. Explain what they mean. When they start to learn to read, it’ll be much easier for them to identify a word that is already in their vocabulary.
- Help them build their own language and memory by reflecting. Tell them what you need at the grocery store. When you get there, ask “What did we come to the store for?”
- Make them ask a question! Don’t let them say “I’m thirsty” and hand them a glass of water. You are being their problem solver, rather than having them find their own solutions. Teach them to ask for what they need. “Can I please have a glass of water?”
Coping Skills:
- Talk very intentionally about strategies to deal with emotions.
- “When you’re feeling scared, let’s try doing box breaths.”
- “If you’re feeling sad, what’s something happy that you could think about to cheer you up?”
Your child will be ready to learn if you can just work on these things. All the academic stuff will come! You don’t need to pound their tiny brains full of memorized facts. Just work with them developing as a tiny human 🙂
Parents of upcoming kindergarteners - starting school can be scary, but we can do hard things! ♥️
Summer iPad Information
All elementary students had the opportunity to take their devices home over the summer. Please remember:
- Use the charger that was already issued during first iPad distribution.
- District Tech Support is available over the summer. If you have any questions, please click this link https://www.wcasd.net/Page/13033 to locate the correct support email address.
- You will be required to bring your iPad and charger back on the first day school for the 2021-2022 school year.
- If you are transferring to another district, please call the office (484) 266-1302 to set up a time to return your iPad and charger. Thank you!!
SEESAW INFORMATION and SCHOOLOGY INFORMATION
For those not fully aware, SeeSaw and Schoology are the primary learning management systems used at the elementary level - K, 1st and 2nd grades use SeeSaw wile grade 3rd, 4th and 5th use Schoology.
Since these platforms will be new to our K students and our incoming 3rd grade students, please look for information coming soon for you and your children to become familiar with these platforms. There will activities (not school related) for them to do so they can feel more comfortable (and you Moms and Dads!!) with what to expect.
KINDERGARTEN AND NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION - link above as well!
Please encourage your friends/neighbors to register ASAP, we use these #s to determine our staffing (number of teachers).
If you or someone you know has a child who is turning 5 before September 1, 2021, it is time to enroll them in kindergarten. Simply go to our district site, www.wcasd.net, and click on the New Student Registration icon. Please scan all necessary documents if possible: birth certificate, immunizations, health records, dental records and 2 proofs of residency. We will reach out to you to set up an appointment to complete the registration.
NURSE'S NOTES
Dates to Keep in Mind
August 30th First Day of School
August 31st Kindergarten and First Grade Open House (7-8:00pm)
September 1st 2nd and 3rd grade Open House (7-8:00pm)
September 2nd 4th and 5th grade Open House (7-8:00pm)
September 6th AND 7th No school
September 16th No school
October 14th Picture Day
POSITIVE PRAISE
Dr. Cat,
Hope your summer is going well!! Hang onto these last few weeks!!!
Just a note that whatever the Fall brings for school, I know MCH will create an uplifting, positive and exciting environment for the kids to return to school! I thought we would be moving forward, but now who knows?!?! Your connections to parents (and kids!) are very much appreciated - you never seem to lose sight of “the parent view” - and always try to balance all that is going on with multiple perspectives.
Despite all that last year brought, our son grew by leaps and bounds…a credit to Mrs. Gorrie and Mr. Jacobus. He had a fantastic year! Mr. Jacobus was phenomenal - always supportive - always encouraging - despite the many frustrations I am sure came with a year spent on Zoom. I have no doubt he will do well “restarting” in third grade.
Each year, I am always so grateful for the warmth which MCH surrounds our kids. I can’t believe my little guy who was born the year our daughter started Kinder is moving from “primary” to “intermediate”. Bittersweet.
Dr. Cat,
Thank you for another great year despite all the challenges we all had to work together, Dr. Cat! My daughter is just so proud to be a MCH student and can’t wait till August to start her 2nd grade. She will miss the school dearly during the summer. Thank you again for leading this school full of small kids to continue to grow big in their hearts. You are awesome, and I deeply thank you and all the teachers for everything you do. Enjoy the summer!
Ms. Dougherty,
I can't thank you enough for making this year so amazing for our daughter. She had a few rough years, and she totally came out of her shell this year. This is a year she will remember forever (not because of COVID & homeschooling)...but because you're such an amazing teacher and really helped her open up, make new friends in such a short time, and really made her feel comfortable.
I hope you have the most amazing summer ever and I hope you'll be able to teach one of her younger siblings one day!!!
Tech Support for Parents and FAQs
See: https://www.wcasd.net/site/Default.aspx?PageID=13027
Technology News:
Please remember to Charge your child’s iPad every night.
Use this link if you are having technical difficultly at home, and your child’s teacher is unable to assist you.
https://www.iorad.com/help-center/75865?roleId=419
or email: MCHtech_support@wcasd.net
Tech Tip from our very own 4th grader, Nova A. How to split your screen on an ipad.
Teachers for 21-22
1st grade - Mrs. Kane, Mrs. Conner and Mrs. Seese
2nd grade - Ms. Forbes, Ms. Dougherty, Mrs. Sochacki and Mrs. McAllister
3rd grade - Ms. Cotellese, Mrs. Ross, Mr. Jacobus and Mrs. Cheney
4th grade - Mrs. Pohlig, Ms. Verrichia, and Ms. Flynn
5th grade - Mrs. Powers, Mrs. Grecco, Mr. Fabian and Mr. Raws
Guidance - Mr. Mike McGonagle (LTS until January) - Jessica Salley (new) is scheduled to return from leave.
Gifted Resource Teacher/Math Intervention - Amanda Hoban
Psychologist - Dr. Yolanda Stanton
LS Teachers - Heidi Watson, Kim Fallon
Reading Specialists - Carolyn Gorrie and Alison Sweeney
ELL Teacher - Jackie Pascale
Special Area - Mary Litzenberg, Cheryl Chaborek, Becki Monte, Sarah Clum
Band & Orchestra - Lauren Letherland, Mary Belczyk.
Instructional Coach - Rosemary McGeehin
SP/L - Mandy McClure
Tech Support - Betsy McDonald
OT - Tina Karpinski
Custodians - Terrence Wright, Mike Murray, Frank Correa
Paraprofessionals - Linda DiMatteo, Kimberly Wood
Cafe Staff - Tracy Dwyer, Norma Rivera, Ruth Malvez
OFFICE NOTES - just to give you an idea of what to expect
Reminders from the office - please note as we get questions about the information listed:
ABSENTEE HOTLINE - Please call 484-266-1310 and leave a message or go into PUP (Pickup Patrol) to report it when you know your child will be late or absent from school. You can call the phone number at any time.
To all parents, guardians, and guests: You must come into the office to be checked in via the RAPTOR system with your driver’s license and receive a Visitor’s Badge prior to going anywhere in the building. Your license will be scanned in September and again in January. We appreciate your cooperation and assistance in helping to make and keep our school safe. Thank you for your cooperation.
ACTIVITY FEE - There is an activity fee if your student will be participating in Chorus, Band, Orchestra (Honors as well), and After School Sports. It is $25 per student.
LUNCHES/LUNCH ACCOUNTS - Just a reminder that all students are entitled to a free lunch. If a student forgets a lunch, it is not necessary to bring lunch to school if you are not able to.
VACATION REQUESTS - When needing family vacation time, email Dr. Catrambone: Scatrambone@wcasd.net and cc: lpolito@wcasd.net with your request. Five days are allowed as excused absences for family vacation.
STUDENT CAR LINE - Drop off and pick up begins behind the school building. Please do not drop students off in the morning before 8:30 as supervision is not available. We ask that you do not exit your car during drop off or pick up. Also, please do not drive around the line unless directed to do so. Remember to be patient and courteous to one another in the car line. Please DO NOT ENTER the bus lane.
EARLY PICK UP - When needing an early dismissal, for any reason, please email Mrs. Duffy (Aduffy@wcasd.net), Mrs. Polito (Lpolito@wcasd.net) and your student's teacher or go into PUP (Pickup Patrol). If someone other than yourself is picking up your student, include that in your email (name, relationship). They will be asked to show identification. Any afternoon pick-ups must be before 2:45.
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITES - NOT RUN BY MCH
Parent Resources
Community Bulletin Board:
For activities offered around West Chester, see:
http://home.wcasd.net/pages/West_Chester_Area_SD/Community_Bulletin_Board/Other
Keeping in Touch
· Please bookmark our school website. This is where we post many updates, school newsletter, supply list, pictures and our parent/student handbook. It can be found at: https://www.wcasd.net/Domain/661
·
· Mary C. Howse Webpage - https://www.wcasd.net/Domain/661
o See MCH School Tour link in upper right hand corner
· Twitter – Follow - @MCH_Elem - you’ll receive updates once you are a follower.
· Youtube – Mary C. Howse – found here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCveR39XTwn8AgmiOVqA6GZA
· MCH PTO Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mchpto/ - be sure to become a follower to receive updates when changes occur.
Our Mary C. Howse School Pledge
I pledge
To be the best that I can be
Respect myself and others
Make safe choices
And take responsibility
For my learning and behavior
Parent Portal
Use the link below to access the parent portal page:
http://home.wcasd.net/pages/West_Chester_Area_SD/ForParents/Parent_Portal
On the page, there is written documentation (English and Spanish,) as well as videos (English only) that walk parents through how to set up your parent portal account, how to access grades and set alerts, how to view the online report card, how to check attendance, etc. There is even an app for your phone if you prefer.
Please call the office for your child’s user name and password if you do not have the information that was provided to you at the beginning of the school year.
Contact and Additional Information
Email: scatrambone@wcasd.net
Website: http://www.edline.net/pages/mary_c__howse_elementary_schoo
Location: 641 West Boot Road, West Chester, PA, United States
Phone: 484-266-1302
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mchpto/
Twitter: @SteveCat19