The Maple Glen Gazette
Friday, February 9, 2024
Principal's Perspective
Dear Families,
Today was a truly amazing experience! We were able to learn through hands-on play. We saw creativity, problems and solutions, explored new games and some old favorites. Below are some reasons why we decided to play today. Ask your child(ren) how they planned, problem-solved and thought creatively all day! They had a blast - and they are exhausted! Playing is hard work!!
Why do we play? Because PLAY…..
Boosts Creativity — When children create make-believe games, they use their imaginations and develop abstract thinking.
Teaches Social Skills — Playing together, children learn how to get along with others. They develop empathy while learning to negotiate and compromise.
Develops Critical Thinking Skills — During unstructured play, children take risks, make mistakes, and learn important problem-solving skills.
Promotes Emotional Health — Free play reduces anxiety and stress in children, allows them to sleep better, and improves overall emotional health.
Fosters Independence — Children learn to make decisions, follow their own interests, and gain self-confidence.
Improves Physical Fitness — Playing actively helps children improve gross motor skills and build healthy bodies.
Some follow up questions you may ask your child(ren) tonight:
What was your favorite activity?
What was something that was difficult? How did you persevere and solve the problem? (We saw so many students helping others and working through small problems together!)
How can we continue our play at home?!
We enjoyed our Circle Up moments today that allowed students to share their thoughts. We will have additional reflection time on Thursday and Friday to gather their valuable input on this day.
Thank you so much for your support at home! We appreciate how much you value the importance of PLAY!
MGES Staff
Dear Parents,
Valentine’s Day is approaching so I just wanted to give you a friendly reminder about our Food and Wellness Program. All of our parties at Maple Glen are Food Free due to the increase of students with severe food allergies. Please do not send any candy attached to your student’s Valentine’s Day cards. Also do not send any food or treats to school to be passed out for Valentine’s Day with your student.
Remember there are many fun non-edible items that your child can pass out or attach to their Valentine’s Day Cards. (Pencils, stickers, erasers etc.) Many of these items can be purchased at Target, Walmart, Dollar Tree, Party Tree and Michael’s. Thanks for all of your help and cooperation. Our main objective is to keep our students healthy and safe; and still have fun!
Jeannie Langenkamp RN
School Nurse Maple Glen
3rd & 4th Grade Art Club
Greetings Families,
The selection process was extremely difficult and I was able to take less than half the applicants. Please do not be discouraged if you were not picked as we have so many AMAZING artists here at MGES. I look forward to seeing what you create. Families selected please look for a talking points messages about the dates for art club.
Thank you for your understanding,
Jessica Coleman
Registration for the 2024-25 school year opens on Thursday, February 15th at 9am!
https://mge.wws.k12.in.us/parents/future-kindergarten-information
PTO Information
- Feb 15 - Valentine's Parties
- Feb 16-19 - No School - President's Day
- Feb 28 - End of Trimester
- Feb 29-March 1 - No School, Teacher Work Days
Week of 2/12 - B week
Week of 2/20 - C Week
Week of 2/26 - D Week
K- 10:35 AM - 11:05AM
1st - 11:10 AM - 11:40 AM
2nd - 11:20 AM - 11:50 AM
3rd - 11:55 AM - 12:25 PM
4th - 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Our office hours are:
Monday - Friday
7:00am- 3:15pm
Students may enter the building at 7:40am.
Late Start Wednesday students may enter at 8:10am
Lunch Sign-Ups
For student safety and to accommodate our limited cafeteria seating, we are allowing our families to visit once a trimester. To be prepared for our guests and to check the Safe Visitor Registration of incoming visitors (this is required for every visitor) please make sure you register 24 hours in advance.
We allow 5 visitors per grade level lunch. Please use one slot per person signing up. Due to limited space, visitors will be sitting with their child(ren) at their classroom tables. You have the option of bringing in a home packed lunch or purchasing a lunch at school. No fast food will be allowed at this time. Lunch menus can be found here. The price of an adult lunch is $4.80.
Attendance and Dismissal
Attendance
Please do this even if you let your child's classroom teacher know about the absence. This will ensure that our attendance secretary receives the information.
Dismissal Changes
If you have a dismissal change, please let the front office know by 1:00pm. This gives the office enough time to notify your child is where they’re supposed to be at the end of the day! Please DO NOT leave dismissal changes on the attendance line.
To notify the front office of a dismissal change, call (317) 896-4711, or email:
2023-24 Breakfast & Lunch Menus
District News
Safe Visitor
Background checks are good for four years at any school in the district. These background checks will cost $12.95 and can be acquired via the link below.
Community News
Maple Glen Elementary
Website: mge.wws.k12.in.us
Location: 17171 Ditch Road, Westfield, IN, USA
Phone: 317-896-4711
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Maple-Glen-Elementary-153896671714866/
Twitter: @shakeleaves