Mercersburg Elementary
October Newsletter
From the Principal
I am pleased with all of the progress that our students are making. They are working hard and getting back into the routine of school. Each day I see them they are excited to share some of the great things that they are learning. My staff and I are thrilled at the opportunity to work together with you to help our students not only reach but exceed their educational goals. Our goal at Mercersburg each day is to be better than we were yesterday. I encourage you all to stay involved in your child's education throughout the year! Each day please ask your child what they did to make a positive difference at school, and we encourage you to keep the lines of communication between home and school open!
Thank you,
Ryan Kaczmark
Cyber Wednesday
Student Meals
***Please note: Because this program has only been approved through December 2020, please continue to fill out and send in free/reduced applications. This will ensure your student(s) will be qualified to receive free or reduced meals at the start of the new calendar year.
Upcoming important dates
October 12th - school closed
October 14th - Cyber Wednesday for all students. No in-person instruction
October 20th - Picture Retake Day
October 21st - Cyber Wednesday for all students. No in-person instruction
October 28th -Cyber Wednesday for all students. No in-person instruction
Notes to the office
- Include the child's FIRST AND LAST NAME on any notes sent from home.
- When your child is absent from school, a note stating the reason for the absence must be submitted within 3 days upon their return to school. PLEASE CONSIDER EMAILING ABSENT NOTES TO THE SECRETARY AT brooke.mccardell@tus.k12.pa.us
- Notes should be sent anytime you are planning to pick up your child for an early dismissal.
- No bus passes will be given for a change in transportation unless prearranged through the transportation department.
- Please remember if you are going on an educational trip, please see the state quarantine list linked in this newsletter. Please complete your educational trip request two weeks prior.
FACE COVERINGS IN SCHOOL ARE MANDATORY
FACE COVERINGS MANDATORY IN SCHOOL
All students will be required to wear a face-covering during the school day. We will do our best to provide mask breaks to students, but at this time ALL STUDENTS will be required to wear face-coverings on the bus and once they enter school. Please see the State Department of Education's Frequently Asked Questions link below for more information.
Last week, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released an update to their guidance in regards to face coverings being worn at all times to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Prior guidance we released in collaboration with The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) stated students in schools could remove their face coverings as long as six feet of social distancing could be maintained. Given this recent change from the AAP, and consistent with the Secretary of Health’s Face Covering Order issued on July 1, 2020, DOH is requiring students to wear face coverings at all times while in school, even when six feet of social distancing can be achieved. There are limited exceptions.
All students will be required to wear a face-covering during the school day. We will make every attempt possible to provide the students with multiple mask breaks during the day, but at this time it is required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Department of Health that all students wear a face covering.
WATER BOTTLE ARE PERMITTED IN SCHOOL
DONT FORGET! ALL STUDENTS ARE PERMITTED TO BRING WATER BOTTLES TO SCHOOL THIS YEAR!!!!! DRINKING FOUTAINS WILL NOT BE USED.
Student Self Screening
USE OF PLAYGROUNDS, STADIUM TRACK AND OTHER ON CAMPUS AREAS.
Car Riders
Parents are to stay in their cars when dropping off and picking up their children. Students will be required to enter the building wearing a face-covering.
WHEN PICKING UP YOUR CHILD PLEASE HAVE YOUR CHILD'S FIRST AND LAST NAME ON A SHEET OF PAPER VISABLE IN THE CARE. THIS WILL ALLOW FOR AN EASIER PROCESS. THIS WOULD BE HELPFUL ON A DAILY BASIS.