Buckingham Elementary School
The Mighty Knight Connection - Issue 1 - September 2016
Wonder Buck Knights - Activate!
Principal's Publication
Report to Parents: So Many Activities, So Little Time
This month's Report to Parents, "So Many Activities, So Little Time," suggests an appropriate approach for families to consider when "scheduling activities" for their children.
Students who are involved in extra curricular activities - from chess club to cheerleading to chorus - tend to have higher self-esteem and stronger connections to school. But an overloaded schedule with too many activities can have the opposite effect, leaving your child - and you - stressed. Keep these tips in mind for managing your child's activity load.
To read the entire article from the National Association of Elementary School Principals, please CLICK HERE.
Important Announcements
Online Student Census Verification Form - Please Complete
At the start of each school year, the Central Bucks School District asks our families to fill out a Census Verification Form. This form ensures that student information is accurate.
This year, CB is asking that you complete your family’s Census Verification Form online by September 16, 2016.
The online form will ask you to confirm and/or update the following:
- Demographic Information
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Information, including permission for emergency care and analgesic administration
- Media Release Preferences
Click here to be directed to your Parent Portal account to complete the Census Verification form. The link can be found on the lower left side of the screen.
Thank you for taking the time to update this important information.
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For detailed information about this process, including a User Guide, please click here.
If you do not have a Parent Portal account, please follow this link to request one.
If you need support, please email parentportal@cbsd.org.
Buckingham Student/Parent Handbook - 2016-2017
Schools are more effective when parents and the school are partners. The purpose of the Student Handbook is to give Buckingham students and their parents/guardians an understanding of the general rules and guidelines for attending and receiving an education in our school.
Together, with the INFORMATION section, District Printed Calendar and the on-line resources at www.cbsd.org/Domain/10, we feel confident you will have readily accessible information for your questions about the School District’s/Buckingham’s policies and procedures. In case of any conflict between a CB Board Policy and the provisions in this handbook, the Board Policy most recently adopted by the Board will prevail.
New CBSD Mobile App (FREE)!
The CBSD mobile app provides a convenient new way to connect with your school and access all the information you need – right on your mobile device!
Users can customize the app to receive news and information from their children’s schools - including easy access to lunch menus, a staff directory and school calendar. Notifications are pushed directly to the app to alert you of important messages from the district or school.
View the video to learn about our new CBSD app and the great features that will help keep you up-to-date on the latest school activities, announcements, events and more!
The NEW app is now available in both the Apple Store and Google Play and can be downloaded to mobile devices such as iPhones, iPads, Android Phones, etc.
To download the New App:
- Go to the App Store or Google Play
- Search "Central Bucks School District"
- Select "Free" and then "Install"
Before & After-School Care
Dismissal Changes
If it is necessary to change your normal pick-up routine at the end of the day, (i.e., a different adult, bus rather than car, car rather than bus, a change in child care arrangements, etc.), a written-note must be presented to the classroom teacher, who will share the information with the office.
Any phone calls regarding a change in end-of-day plans must be directed to the office before 3:00 PM by phone (267 893-4200, dial zero for the office) or via e-mail (buckingham@cbsd.org or jepetrie@cbsd.org) and not directly to the classroom teacher, as they do not pick up phone calls or messages during the instructional day.
Parent Pick-Up
District Wellness at Buckingham - Updated "Food as Reward/Birthday Treat" Policy
Buckingham Elementary enjoys recognizing our students' birthdays by providing some time with classmates to celebrate during the school week. We know that our students appreciate sharing these special moments with their friends and it helps build a strong and supportive classroom community.
We also know there are many ways to celebrate school birthdays. For a variety of reasons we do not accept FOOD-RELATED treats. An important reason being to coordinate and align our school practices with the mission of our district's wellness policy. In addition, we have some children with severe health restrictions that do not allow them to eat what other children bring from home. Nor do we expect every parent to fully understand, grasp and adhere to the specific dietary restrictions for each of our students with severe allergy profiles.
There are many fine alternatives to food-related treats that can be used - and several websites are available that share excellent/practical ideas to use in class. Please work with your child's teacher when planning for a birthday and they may be of help in guiding your decision if you choose to bring a non-food treat.
Please Note: This policy does not change the "balanced menu" approach for our 3-planned school parties (Halloween, Winter, End-of-Year) coordinated by our PTO/Homeroom Parents.
Thanks in advance for your support of this policy change.
Peanut/Tree Nut (and other food-related) Safe Classrooms
Aramark Food Services
Our lunch program will begin on Tuesday, September 2nd. The prices for 2016-2017:
- Breakfast Meal-$1.65 - Reduced price $0.30
- Lunch Meal-$2.60 - Reduced price $0.40
- Milk $0.80
For more information regarding Aramark Food Services, including menus, please visit their web page.
Volunteering at Buckingham
All Central Bucks School District Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the staff, students and programs of our schools in the Central Bucks School District. Thank you for your interest in volunteering at CBSD! As of July 2016, Pennsylvania law requires all persons having direct contact with school children obtain background checks and clearances.
For a link to the required forms and background checks, please visit the CBSD Human Resources Volunteer Page by clicking here.
Please note - In most cases, any parent who wishes to support the school through volunteering - (Classroom, Field Trip, Homeroom Parent, PTO Events, etc.) - will be required to obtain PA Clearances - good for 5-years by PA State Law.
Please click the Volunteer Letter for general information about this new law. Click Frequently Asked Questions to read detailed information provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Please contact Buckingham Offices for any other questions.
News & Upcoming Events
School Calendar
August
Aug. 31 - First Day of School for Students 2016-2017
Aug. 31 - Buckingham PTO's "New Family/Student" Ice Cream Social
September
Sept. 5 - No School - Holiday (Labor Day)
Sept. 6 - Back to School Primary Night: Gr. 1&3 - 6:00PM; Gr. 2 - 7:15PM
Sept. 7 - Back to School Intermediate Night: Gr. 4&6 - 6:00PM; Gr. 5 - 7:15PM
Sept. 12 - Back to School Kindergarten Night - 6:30PM
Sept. 13 - Central Bucks School Board Meeting - Educational Services Center - 7:30PM
Sept. 21 - PTO General Meeting - 6:30 Reception; 7:00PM Meeting - Cafeteria - Meet Superintendent, Mr. Kopicki
Sept. 25 - 9/11 Heroes Run 5K - Doylestown
Sept. 27 - Central Bucks School Board Meeting - Educational Services Center - 7:30 PM
Sept.26-Sept. 30 - PTO Fall Book Fair (Evening Events - TBD)
Buckingham Back to School Nights 2016-2017
With the start of school comes our Parents: Back to School Nights as they are an important opportunity for all parents to meet with their children's teachers.
BTS Nights will be held during the first three weeks of school according to the following schedule:
Tuesday, September 6th - Grades 1 & 3 - 6:00PM-6:45PM; Grade 2 - 7:15PM-8:00PM
Wednesday, September 7th - Grades 4 & 6 - 6:00PM-6:45PM; Grade 4 - 7:15PM-8:00PM
Monday, September 12th - Kindergarten - 6:00PM-6:45PM;
PEN - TBD (Mrs. Yanny will share details once finalized)
Young Rembrandts After-School Drawing Classes
Now enrolling - Young Rembrandts drawing classes. Classes begin Friday, September 23 and run 6 weeks until Friday, October 28, 2016. New exciting lessons every week! Enroll online at www.youngrembrandts.com/buxmont-pa or print the enrollment form here and put it in the mail. See more at: http://cbsd.org/Domain/10#sthash.pramyJ4Y.dpuf
Central Bucks Supports - 9/11 Heroes Run
CB Cares Boomerang Nominations
Students/Parents/Teachers, please nominate a Buckingham student by clicking here! In your paragraph, include how your nominee exemplifies this month’s asset. Nominations are due to Mr. Rosica by Friday, September 23rd.
School Happenings
First Day of School
Kindergarten Orientation and Bus Safety
On Thursday, August 25th, Buckingham's newest Mighty Knights entered the halls of their school and participated in Kindergarten Orientation! While there, they met many friendly, new faces - including their teachers - and enjoyed learning about bus safety. After getting a bus ride, the children went on a school-tour with Mr. Funseth, Principal, and Mr. Rosica, Student Support Counselor, and read a few stories in our School Library. Parents received information and documents about the upcoing year in Kindergarten. Welcome again to our new students and families!
Student Council Gift 15-16 - School Banners!
Landscaping Preparations - Thanks to the Buckingham PTO
Consider These Easy Ways to Help Buckingham!
Giant A+ Rewards: ID#25924
All you have to do is:
- Log on to www.giantfoodstores.com/aplus to designate our school online
NOTE: If you registered your card last year, you do not need to re-register again. Just make sure you have designated Buckingham as your school in order for Buckingham to receive credit. Registration is easy and it helps to make a positive impact in our school.
We appreciate your continued support. Please be sure to register your card to benefit Buckingham Elementary School using ID #25924.
Amazon Smile
Did you know you can help earn Buckingham Elementary School money just by shopping on Amazon? All you have to do is click on the link below and book mark it!
You'll notice on the front page in the left corner - Amazon Smile - with the below: "Supporting Buckingham Elementary Parent Teacher Organization."
You still log into Amazon through your existing email/password. After you set this up, just be sure to bookmark https://smile.amazon.com/ when you shop to make sure our school get the rewards!
It's a no-brainer way to help earn your school money just by making purchases you might normally make!
To link to our Amazon Smile account, click here: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/45-1648617
Box Tops 4 Education
Warminster Shop Rite - Street Road
SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS and EARN MONEY FOR:
BUCKINGHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
- Write the school name on the back of the receipt.
- Any family, family member and friend can turn their receipts into the store (there is box on the front wall near the Manager's office ....past check out).
- Or, Return to Buckingham and a point person will deliver instead.
IT’S THAT EASY!!
Shop RIte in Warminster located at:
942 W. Street Road
Warminster, PA
215.328.4700
For additional details, visit the SHOPRITE in Warminster
New Student/Family Ice Cream Social - Tonight! - 8/31
Is your family new to our school or do you have a child starting at Buckingham? If so, Come to Buckingham PTO's Ice Cream Social this evening! Meet other families and members of our PTO and Buckingham staff!
What: Buckingham PTO New Family Ice Cream Social
Who: New Students/Families K-6 from Buckingham Elementary
When: TONIGHT! - Wednesday, August 31st from 6:30PM-8:00PM
Where: Buckingham Cafeteria - Enter through the Gym Lobby doors
**If anyone in your family has an allergy, please notify Lori Tinari at loritinari@yahoo.com - We will do our best to accommodate any allergy needs.
General Meeting - Spetember 21, 2016 - Superintendent, Mr. John Kopicki
Kids Stuff - Coming Home the Week of 9/5
Buckingham Fall Fest - Save the Date
Fall Scholastic "Book-aneer" Book Fair - 9/26-9/30
Arrr! Ahoy Mateys! Thee Book-aneer Book Fair be comin' on September 26th - Be thar or pay thee price, ye scurvy land lubbers! A couple a-fine evenings to spend yer gold during Family Nights will be announced in thee near future. Miss out - and ye will walk the plank!
Buckingham PTO Facebook Page - LIKE US!
What is Coming up at Buckingham?
School Mission
Central Bucks School District
Central Office - Administrative Services Center
20 Welden Drive
Doylestown, PA 18901
Superintendent, Mr. John Kopicki
Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools, Dr. Scott Davidheiser
Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools, Dr. David Bolton
Website: http://www.cbsd.org/
Phone: 267-893-2000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbschools
Twitter: @cbsdinfo
Buckingham Elementary School
PO Box 158, 2414 Durham Road
Buckingham, PA 18912-0158
Principal, Karl Funseth
Principal's Secretary, Janice Petrie
Email: buckingham@cbsd.org
Website: http://cbsd.org/Domain/10
Location: Buckingham Elementary School, Durham Road, Furlong, PA, United States
Phone: 267-893-4200
The Buckingham PTO
Buckingham PTO Board
Website: http://cbsd.org/domain/443
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuckinghamPTO