PRINCIPAL NEWSLETTER
April 2020
PERSONAL NOTE
MLK DAY OF SERVICE
Many thanks to all of our families who sent donations for our MLK Day of Service project. Your generosity and giving enabled us to donate 12 bags and 24 boxes of supplies to the Friends Association of West Chester. They were appreciative of the amount of supplies donated.
Thanks to our Student Council members and Exton Boy Scouts who came in on their day off to sort, organize and pack the donations. The day could not have been planned and carried out without our committee: Ms. Pavlo, Mrs. Pezone, Mr. Brown, Mrs. McMahon, Mrs. Yoegel, Mrs. Spranger, Mrs. Finch, Mrs. Gaudioso and yours truly.
I already have thoughts for next year. Stay tuned!
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES ARE COMING!
Parent teacher conferences are scheduled for next month. Mark your calendars with the dates: March 11, 12 & 13. Information for scheduling conferences will be forthcoming via school messenger.
BEYOND DIVERSITY AND COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS
In last month's newsletter, I shared information about the district's Beyond Diversity and Courageous Conversations initiative. The Exton Equity Team is hosting a presentation for parents on February 20th at 7PM. If you attended last year, come back and bring a friend or two. Be courageous, join the conversation.
The Exton Equity Team - We have tackled topics such as: understanding personal biases, white privilege, speaking up and out about prejudice and racism.
Our Mission Statement - In an effort to eliminate the achievement gap, Exton's Equity team will examine and confront institutional racism and its impact on the entire Exton School community.
Areas of Focus - This year, our goal is to provide resources and professional development to teachers to implement culturally relevant lessons through discussions which confront racism and bias.
WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
Thank you to all of those parents who spent time preparing handwritten notes to every student and staff member for the 100th day of school. It was a great gesture and everyone was glad to see the notes on student and teacher desks or office doors. #greatlyappreciated
JUMP ROPE FOR HEART
Our annual Kids Heart Challenge (Jump Rope for Heart) is scheduled for February14th. Grade times are as follows:
Here is the schedule:
Grade 5: 9:35-10:25 Grade 2: 1:25-2:15
Grade 4: 10:25-11:15 Grade 1: 2:15-3:05
Grade 3: 8:45-9:35 K: 12:35-1:25
FROM NURSE GRANT'S OFFICE
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
If you have a child who will be starting Kindergarten next school year, you may complete the on-line portion at https://www.wcasd.net/Page/12419. After completing the on-line portion, call Terry Spranger at 484-266-1402 or email at TSpranger@wcasd.net to schedule an appointment to complete the process. Have friends with Kindergarten aged children in our attendance area? Spread the word!
GENERAL REMINDERS FROM THE OFFICE
TO ALL PARENTS & GUARDIANS: 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. We appreciate your cooperation and assistance in helping to make and keep our school safe.
ABSENTEE HOTLINE - Please call 484-266-1410 and leave a message when you know your child will be absent from school or late. You can call the number at any time. Do not call 484 266-1400, 1401 or 1402 to report an absence.
FORGOTTEN LUNCHES - If a student forgets lunch, they are allowed to purchase/charge a full lunch three times. If payment is not made after the third charge, students will only be offered peanut butter and jelly or a cheese sandwich. Please be aware that this is the District’s policy.
LOST & FOUND - We are unable to store lost items. Please remind your student(s) to check the lost & found for any belongings. Anything unclaimed at the end of each month will be donated. Please consider labeling your student's belongings. If you notice your child has come home without an item they left with, remind him/her to check the lost and found.
LUNCH ACCOUNTS - When sending money (cash or checks) for lunch accounts, please make sure that the money is in an envelope with the student’s first and last names and teacher's name. PayForIt is also available for putting money on your child’s lunch account. Please check your balance periodically.
VACATION REQUESTS - When needing family vacation time, email Dr. Alston TAlston@wcasd.net and cc KNagorny@wcasd.net with your request. The vacation request form is on the school website. Five days are allowed as excused absences for family vacation.
STUDENT DROP OFF AND PICK UP - Please do not drop students off before 8 AM as supervision is not available. Please be aware that for PM pick-up, cars are released after the buses have departed. The gate for pick up will not be opened before 3:05. Please try not to arrive any sooner as we cannot have cars lined up on Hendricks Ave. or prohibit buses from pulling in. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
PLEASE BE SAFE - Please, please, please do not enter the parking lot (main entrance) where the DO NOT ENTER sign is posted. There have been several near accidents because people continue to ignore the sign. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. SLOW DOWN, you are carrying precious cargo.
FEBRUARY
14 - Kids Heart Challenge (Jump Rope for Heart)
17 - Presidents' Day - Schools and offices closed
25 - PTC site opens for conference sign up