Dragon Blast
Mary C. Howse Elementary School
From the Principal
Dear MCH Parents:
Typically, I would start off this portion with something about the weather, or thanking you for your patience, flexibility and positive attitude....all that aside, as well as we are all trying to make this work, it just "Stinks"! I miss your kids, our staff misses your kids, your kids miss us, their friends, the actual school building, etc. This may be a new normal one day for some, but just not now!
With that said, keep in mind that your children will learn as long as we stick together. I tell the staff here once we start getting frustrated because of things like "a student isn't doing xxx, or, a parent hasn't responded to xxxx", which is not productive like when a parent or student blame the school/teacher. I am not suggesting someone may not be responsible (or to blame, per se), but it is those moments when we have to buckle down and do what we can in this moment for our children. Right now, we are virtual.
If you, your child, or your family is struggling in any way, please reach out to the teacher, myself, our guidance counselor (Anoone@wcasd.net). I have even offered to drive out for a short visit - in the driveway - might be what a child needs!
See the newsletter video below (for those who just want to listen)
Stay safe, healthy and happy (sane) - we got this! Have a great weekend!
Dr. Cat
Tech Support for Parents and FAQs
What is Working at Home?
A Video from Ms. Noone - our guidance counselor
Current Classroom Teachers
1st grade - Mrs. Kane, Mrs. Conner and Mrs. Skalski
2nd grade - Ms. Forbes, Ms. Dougherty, Mrs. Seese and Mr. Jacobus
3rd grade - Ms. Cotellese, Ms. Leary, and Dr. Alba
4th grade - Mrs. DeCicco, Ms. Verrichia, and Ms. Flynn
5th grade - Mrs. Powers, Mrs. Keefe and Mr. Raws
Cyber Kindergarten - Mrs. Hower, Mrs. Greaves
Cyber 1st grade - Mrs. McAllister
Cyber 2nd grade - Mrs. Sochacki, Mrs. Hoban
Cyber 3rd grade - Mrs. Cheney
Cyber 5th grade - Mr. Fabian
Cyber Reading Specialist - Mrs. Donoghue
Positive Praise
I would like to give a
SHOUT OUT TO ALL THE SPECIAL AREA TEACHERS!
My students and my own children LOVE specials and I can hear my boys laughing and having fun in the background : )
Mrs. DoughertyOur sincerest thank you for making this a great back to school week for our children! They have been engaged, happy, and responsible for their own schedules. It's been amazing to see the thought and work you have put into making this successful. I know it has been a lot more work for teachers to pull this off and it is truly appreciated.
Enjoy your labor day weekend.. you surely deserve it!
Hi Dr. Catrambone,
I just wanted to send you a quick note of thanks. Dr. Alba and Ms. Forbes have been very supportive and helpful with technology issues this week. The kids are really enjoying the lessons and I truly appreciate both of the teachers walking me through technology issues. Thank you! We love Mary C. Howse.
Hope you have a great weekend! Thank you for everything everyone at MCH is doing to help the kids!
Dr. Catrambone,
If we could give your whole team a standing ovation, we would! The positivity and patience just beams from MCH despite this first ever virtual start. We felt that same vibe in the spring, and it definitely hasn’t wavered. It’s certainly not easy nor preferred, but we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for making it the best it can be! I’ll be honest we all got a bit teary eyed walking to the “bus stop” yesterday especially as we caught a glimpse of the packed parking lot. But deep inside we realized those cars represented a family of teachers and staff just waiting to help. In time, we’ll get back to the way school should be. Until then, stay safe and send our gratitude to your entire faculty and staff.
Good morning Dr. Cat,
I have attached a photo of our son in 4th grade. Ms. Verrichia has been wonderful so far and he has been enjoying the first few days!
Good morning Dr. Cat!
I wanted to first reach out and say how thankful we are that you are all working so hard to make this a smooth transition for students and families. We appreciate all the dedication & work that is being put into school this year.
we so appreciate all the hard work his teachers and you are doing! We will be the first to volunteer to sign up for in school learning once it opens back up! Haha!
Good evening Mrs. Baer,
A BIG thanks to you for a wonderful start to our daughter's kindergarten journey at Mary C Howse!
We didn’t experience any network issues and she was able to enjoy the sessions.. Thanks to your efforts in creating one document with zoom links and other relevant information.. It definitely helped us navigate through everything with great ease! Also, appreciate your efforts in responding to kids assignments so quickly! It really makes them feel happy and special 😊😊 Thanks from a parent of 2 girls who are doing their K and 1st grade remotely.. My daughter and I are looking forward to meet with you on Wednesday afternoon!
Hope you have a smooth first week of school.. Take care!
A shout out to all the “HOWSE” KEEPERS out there working everyday -Terrance and Frank you guys are awesome! And to the “HOWSE” KEEPERS who worked this past weekend in the lobby and decorated the sidewalk to make Mary C Howse look so nice and welcoming- thank you!
And to the snack cart ladies yum...will you be making rounds again tomorrow?
Dear MCH Teachers and Staff,
I wanted to just take a moment to say THANK YOU for everything you have done for our children and will continue to do for all children at MCH!!!! Most of you had either our daughter or our son. Others of you may not have supported and interacted with them directly but you certainly helped to make MCH the incredible school that it is!! Our daughter is doing great at Peirce and a large part of that is due to all of you!! Most of you will also continue to support our son along with all of the students at MCH this year.
I cannot thank each of you enough for all of your hard work, dedication, time, energy, and love that you are giving and will give for the students. I know you can do this. You accomplish AMAZING things every year and this year I know you will too!
I am wishing you lots of positive energy and am so grateful that we have been blessed to have you as a part of our children’s lives!!
Dr. Cat,
You guys really knocked this first week of Remote 2.0 out of the park! I cannot thank you enough for everyone’s hard work at MCH these last few months to make that happen, I know it wasn’t easy, our kids are lucky to have you all!! Mrs. Pohlig was simply phenomenal with her students all week long and just wanted to share that with you!
Enjoy the long weekend!
Hey Mrs. Pholig,
I wanted to talk to you more the other day when you and our son were having your Zoom but I didn't want to take away from your time together. I just wanted to say you were absolutely amazing with the kiddos this week! You were so upbeat and engaging and your patience and calmness with them was beyond impressive! Our son was immediately at ease after just a few minutes with you and he worked very independently this week which really surprised me being only the first few days. Kudos to you for kicking off a challenging and unconventional school year in such an awesome way! He and I both are so happy to have you this year for this virtual learning adventure! Congrats also to you on getting married!
Dear Dr. Cat,
We hope all is well for you and your family. I just wanted to say that we appreciate all that you and everyone at MCH are working on. I can imagine it has been challenging and an a large adjustment. Thank you for all your hard work.
Awesome first week. Totally smooth sailing. Thank you to you and your whole staff!! Have a great, long weekend!
Hi Dr. Cat,
I wanted to send a email regarding our daughter. She is having a hard time with this virtual learning environment like many others but my real intent for this email is to say what a unbelievable job her teacher is doing!! I mean UNBELIEVABLE! The directions are clearly stated but that is not enough. She comes on with a little bubble and talks the directions as if she was right in front of her. She is patient and her voice is calming and absolutely wonderful!
Next step is to get the opportunity to have her teach in person and I hope that can happen asap but I feel lucky even to have her virtually. Enjoy the long weekend.
Hi Dr. Cat,
It's okay! Thank you so much for your reply. I know everything has to be crazy hectic. You and all of the other WCASD staff have been incredible through all of this. My family and I really appreciate all the work you all do.
NURSE'S NOTES
Here are some tips to staying safe and healthy at home and school. Please click on the link below and share with your children:
Let’s Stay Safe and Healthy at School:
https://sites.google.com/wcasd.net/nursing-office-news/health-update
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.
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.
Parent Resources
How to Help Kids Deal with School Closings and Cancelled Plans
Community Bulletin Board:
For activities offered around West Chester, see:
http://home.wcasd.net/pages/West_Chester_Area_SD/Community_Bulletin_Board/Other
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
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