Dragon Blast
Mary C. Howse Elementary School
From the Principal
Dear MCH Parents:
I do hope you and your families are remaining as healthy, safe and sane - as we near the end of the school year, I could go on and on about quite a bit of stuff - instead, how about we keep this short - :-)
1. Grades 3-5 PSSAs start next week - if you have opted your child out, they are welcome to come to school as normal. We will have something for them to do. Parents are also welcome to keep them home and bring them by 12:00 that day (the AM will be excused).
2. Students will keep their IPADS over the summer.
3. If you have a senior in your house (would have been 5th grade at MCH in 2014), please make sure they check their Schoology Page before the end of the school year. We are inviting to come back and visit on June 10th at 2:30.
4. If you have a 21-22 Kindergarten ready child, or know someone who does, please register and encourage them to do the same. We would rather "overplan" - even if a child is registered and does not ultimately attend, that is perfectly fine!
5. We realize that the guidance from DOH and CDC has shifted, yet again. While we are permitted volunteers for outdoor events, as long as they are vaccinated, we just may not require any. For example, we planned Fun Day using internal staff since the restrictions were not lifted just yet. On the flip side, we may have an event where teachers ask for volunteers, as long as the event is outdoors. Remember, we only ask for volunteers if we need them. Some situations may call for them, some may not.
Remember, we are all in this together - with that said, continue to keep us informed of anything you feel we need to know - it is not our place to judge, rather we will work WITH you because our ultimate goal is to help our children grow because of us, not in spite of us.
Dr. Cat
KINDERGARTEN AND NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION
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 enrollment 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.
PSSA TESTING INFORMATION
As you know, the PSSA is given in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. All grade levels will take the Math and English/Language Arts. Fourth grade also participates in the Science exam.
Testing Dates:
ELA (grades 3-5)- May 25-27
Math (grades 3-5) - June 1-2
Science (4th only) - June 3 & 4
OPT OUT: As Dr. Scanlon communicated, participation rates will not count toward the overall score on the state report card. Assessment results will not be utilized in any teacher or administration evaluations. Additionally, parents do not have to plan to review the test before opting out for religious reasons this year - if you would like to opt your child out of the PSSAs this year for any reason, please email Dr. Catrambone - you can do this right up to the day of the tests.
Please know that we use local assessment data to create instructional plans for students and guide our instruction. If you decide to opt your child out of the PSSA assessment, this will not be used against your child in any way.
NO ONLINE TEST VERSION: The assessment will only be offered in person, at school. There is no online version. Cyber and remote students will be able to come to school to take the assessment. More information will come soon about this process.
NURSE'S NOTES
COVID-Related Student Absence
If your child has to isolate or quarantine due to COVID symptoms and/or testing in your household, s/he may be eligible to learn remotely for that time. Please contact the principal or nurse, if your child is absent for this reason. If your child is unable to attend school due to other illness or is absent for other reasons, please contact your child's teacher to arrange for make-up of missed work. Please always contact attendance when your child is absent from school.
Kindergarten News
Kindergarten students had a butterfly release ceremony with poems, music, and dancing when our caterpillars change into butterflies!
Celebrating butterfly release!
Dr. Cat joins the celebration!
Ms G.'s class!
Mary C. Howse Equity Team - UPDATE
Update - our team is reading "A Guide to Gender". Please never hesitate to reach out with questions, comments, feeling, stories or just wanting to chat!
WCASD Equity Mission:
Eradicate institutional racism and inequities through social justice, promoting the emotional development of staff and students, and embracing diverse perspectives.
WCASD Equity Goals:
- Teach an inclusive curriculum that teaches anti-racism, celebrates differences, promotes understanding, and seeks multiple perspectives.
- Promote a positive school climate in which students feel safe, respected, and appreciated.
- Provide on-going professional development to all staff in all aspects of equity.
- Engage staff, students, parents, and community members in our work.
- Provide equitable access to district programming.
At Mary C. Howse - we meet at least monthly and our members include - Rebecca McAllister, Jason Benfield, Jackie Pascale, Terrence Wright, Mike Murray, Shabree White, Danielle Donoghue, Kim Fallon, Rosemary McGeehin, Chelsey Hurd, Mary Tanue, Anne Noone, Yolanda Stanton, Steve Catrambone, Alyssa Cotellese and Tara Jackson.
Events such as our Black History Museum and Hearts for Heritage Night have evolved from this group. We have formed smaller subcommittees for parent outreach, beautification, professional development and our School Wide behavior program.
We will use these sections to keep everyone abreast of what is going on - we want to branch out for more parent involvement but this pandemic has slowed that down a bit so stay tuned! Of course, NEVER hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns - you can contact ANYONE from the above list - just use their "first initial" "last name" @wcasd.net - for example - rmcallister@wcasd.net
FROM YOUR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
FOOD PANTRY THANKS!!!
Thank you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!
To all of the MCH parents who contributed to make our first Food Pantry a success..
As the school year winds down the food that is still at school will be donated to local food pantries.
MCH is such a wonderful and caring community!
We will try to re-visit holding a food pantry net school year in the fall.
Thank you for all of your support!!!!
Anne Noone
Counselor
Mary C. Howse Elementary School
484-266-1311
Positive Praise
Good Morning and Thank you, Mr. Jacobus!
I just wanted to reach out with a quick email to share how grateful I am to you. My granddaughter LOVES school! Because of your efforts, she has grown so very much! Her love of reading makes my heart sing! We are sad to being redistricted to EBE, but I know that she is prepared due to your guidance this year.
Thank you again for your dedication and kindness,
Dear Teachers and Staff,
On behalf of the board, we wanted to send all of you a quick but very important thank you as we wrap up Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week. It has been great to see the outpouring of well-deserved recognition and support from our students and community throughout the district. This year has been like no other and forced each of you to dig deeper than you could have ever possibly imagined. Your dedication and ongoing efforts have made a huge difference for the kids of our district!
With deepest appreciation and unrivaled respect,
Chris McCune,
School Board President
Positive praise for a student:
One student is the quarterback at third grade football… almost every day…
He consistently throws the ball to kids that would not usually get the ball or be included in the game..
He then praises the kids that catch the ball and has something positive to say to everyone who is playing.
He threw the ball to others who really are not the “star” athletes…
Mom says she talks to him about including everyone all the time…
Dear Mrs. Belczyk,
To say this has been a difficult academic year would be an understatement. But you’ve been so understanding and wonderful—helping us in so many ways than you might realize. After missing many of her violin classes during remote, our daughter was so worried about going back, but your warm and kind gesture made it so much easier for her to continue her string lessons. Thank you so much for being such a wonderful teacher!
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
Ms Forbes-
I wanted to submit this for teachers appreciation week and I missed the deadline. But that's ok - because we appreciate you every day. I can't thank you enough for always going the extra mile in everything you do to make the kids love coming to school - even during a pandemic!!! Your creative, positive approach and passion for teaching leaves a lasting impression - for a lifetime!! You are such a blessing to many. Thank you, thank you for all that you do - it makes all the difference.
Dr. Cat,
First, I wanted to reach out to thank you for making every effort in your power to make this year and last engaging and positive for all of the MCH families. Despite staying remote, my girls and I have always felt part of the MCH family and 100% supported. You are responsible for setting the tone that echoes through the halls and into the homes of the students and you deserve all the thanks in the world for setting that tone. Thank you so much. It is an emotional time for our family as we will be saying goodbye to MCH with one child headed to Peirce and one redistricted to Greystone next year. Please know that MCH will always be in our hearts and we will miss you and the school so much. The girls will be in for Fun Day and will be in for any and all 5th grade activities if you have time to say hello.
Hello Ms.G and Mrs.Jackie,
Hope you both are well. I just wanted to share our child's butterfly art on the patio floor with you. Nowadays we see him as a more energetic, passionate, and funny learning kid. Without your support, it's not possible at all. Thanks for all your dedication and teaching !! Please find attached his butterfly drawing for your reference.
Helping your 3rd, 4th or 5th grader
Helping your K, 1st or 2nd grade child.
Of course....sometimes they just need a really big HUG!
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.
Classroom Teachers for 21-22
1st grade - Mrs. Kane, Mrs. Conner and Mrs. Seese
2nd grade - Ms. Forbes, Ms. Dougherty, Mrs. Hoban 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
What is Working at Home? Feel free to email Dr. Cat and share!!!
> Take the time to research your Internet Providers parental controls!!! It is worth it!!!!
> Back to the old board games! My kids love them!!!
> Let them be more responsible and accountable - we met with our child's teacher and it was suggested to us to help/remind them to get on their zooms, but that was it! It was up to them to follow the directions and complete the assignments - just like as if they were in school!
OFFICE NOTES
Reminders from the office - please note as we get questions about the information listed:
SUPPLY PICKUP - If a teacher has requested that you pick up supplies at school, please stop by and get it as soon as you can. The supplies are in bins and boxes outside the building with the teachers names on each one. The office staff does not have anything to do with what is placed in the bins and if you have questions on what you received please email the teacher.
ABSENTEE HOTLINE - Please call 484-266-1310 and leave a message when you know your child will be absent from school or late. You can call the 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 - Just a reminder, there are no activity fees this year if your student will be participating in Chorus, Band, Orchestra (Honors as well), and After School Sports.
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. 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.
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
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