Dragon Blast
Mary C. Howse Elementary School
From the Principal
Dear MCH Parents:
Hang in there! As we continue through these very unprecedented times, we find the strength to battle new occurrences almost daily. These times have certainly humbled me as I feel we realize that no matter how much we think we know, or how "in control" we think we are, a simple virus is not so simple and has everyone on edge. With that said, our kids continue to move forward - they have been awesome.
As we enter our typical flu season, we are all trying to be extra cautious and take ven better care of ourselves. We are beginning to see an increase in staff absences and, unfortunately, we have no sub availability most days.
When a teacher is absent for 1-2 days, we will start with the following:
Ø The teacher will send a message out that remote students will work asynchronously those days.
Ø The in-person students will be:
o With a sub (if we obtain one)
o With internal coverage (other non-HR teachers)
o Split into the other grade level homerooms
If a teacher has to be out 3 days or longer:
Ø We try desperately to find coverage for that length of time. That person will be shown how to access the teacher Schoology/See Saw Page as well as co-host for the Zoom link.
These are definitely different times – we are taking it one day at a time. Nothing is ideal – grade level teachers have been gracious in taking in other students – as long as space permits. Having other teachers help cover helps, but it can take away from instrumental lessons, small group reading, EL support, to name a few.
I am trying to balance all of this out each day, depending on who is out, how many students are affected, what other staff we may have available and of those staff, who can take on the technological aspect of each day.
With all of that said, we are hearing from teachers that students are making huge strides - while we certainly have some "catching up" to do, we are confident that we will get there!
As always, reach out to me anytime.
Dr. Cat
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!
Schedule for Upcoming Weeks
SCHEDULE FOR Week of 11/15
The student day continues to be the same - from 9:10AM - 3:10PM. Parent/Car drop off will be from 8:30am-8:55 am. Parent/Car Pick Up will be from 3:05 PM-3:15/20PM.
Week of November 22nd
Monday, November 23rd - Cohort A is in person 1/2 day AM (12:05 dismissal). Cohort B remote. Conferences in PM
Tuesday, November 24th - Cohort B is in person 1/2 day AM. (12:05 dismissal). Cohort A remote. Conferences in PM/evening
Wednesday November 25th - No school for students. Conferences in AM only
Wednesday November 25 - Friday November 27th - Thanksgiving Break!
NEWS FROM THE OFFICE
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES - Conferences are an opportunity for parents to meet with teachers to discuss student progress during the trimester. Conferences are scheduled for November 23-25. Conferences will be offered via Zoom or by phone. Please remember that conferences are scheduled electronically. You should have received an email from your child's teacher with the schedule.
FROM YOUR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
Tech Support for Parents and FAQs
PTO Book Fair
NEW STUDENT DISMISSAL CHANGE SOFTWARE PICKUP PATROL
NURSE'S NOTES
Learn more about Health Services in Our School. Visit the Nurse Office Website.
MCH Nurses Office Website: https://sites.google.com/wcasd.net/nursing-office-news/home
WTE Nurses Office Website: https://sites.google.com/wcasd.net/health-office-news/home
Positive Praise
Hi Dr. Cat,
I wanted to let you know how amazing of a job I think you and your staff are doing, the kids are so happy to be back even for two days. Hopefully will get them back full-time soon enough, having them home is definitely not the same as letting them get in there.
All the best and thank you again for everything you and your staff does, we are so grateful to have our kids there.
Hello Ms.Rothemich,
Hope you are doing great! You are doing an amazing job! Our child enjoys cyberlearning with you and you are making every kid involved in the session. You are always open to questions. Thanks for making it more live! Keep up this wonderful work!!!!
Thanks!
Hi,
Just wanted to say a quick thanks from our family! I think you and the teachers are doing a fantastic job communicating to us and educating our kids through this!
Keep encouraging the bus. Our children are sometimes the only kids on their bus so there is plenty of room to be distanced!
I just wanted to share this comment from one of my little boys…
“There is a super slim chance that we will get sick because Mr. Wright does a really good job! We’re so lucky!”
I agree, we are lucky. 😊
Denise Skalski
First Grade
Hi Ms Cheney,
Our family has moved to Malvern, and I have enrolled kids in the new school district.
Today will be the last day kids will be attending the class in West Chester Cyber.
Thank you for being an amazing and caring teacher for our kids through their 3rd grade.
Hello Mrs. Dougherty,
I am one of your students grandmother. I felt the need to compliment you on all the patience and guidance you have given your second graders the past few weeks.
I am a retired art teacher (K-6) and understand what you are doing "behind the scenes". I am with my grandson on Mondays and Tuesdays and have listened while you manage to get through each lesson with grace and understanding.
Thank you for showing your students that even though schedules, remote learning, and technology is unpredictable (Dear Lord!🙄) you can still maintain a friendly learning environment.
Keep up the good work and best wishes on this crazy school year.
I want to acknowledge all the work that I know is happening at MCH during these challenging times.
When our son had to go in for testing as the start for hybrid learning was initiating - I was so happy to see all the welcoming smizing (smiling from the eyes and behind the mask) that he was received with. As we waited our turn from Mrs. McAllister, Ms. Chelsea, and Mrs. Watson.
We immediately noticed the positive change. He is so happy to see his friends and 2nd-grade teacher, Mrs. Dougherty. He comes home with something to share from Science/SS or specials or the proud feeling of how he was able to complete an assignment. And most of all having recess again!
Thank you to all of the teachers at MCH!
Current Classroom Teachers
1st grade - Mrs. Kane (Ms. Braccia), Mrs. Conner and Mrs. Skalski
2nd grade - Ms. Forbes, Ms. Dougherty, Mrs. Seese and Mr. Jacobus
3rd grade - Ms. Cotellese, Mrs. Ross, and Dr. Alba
4th grade - Mrs. Pohlig, 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 (Ms. Rothemich)
Cyber 3rd grade - Mrs. Cheney
Cyber 5th grade - Mr. Fabian
Cyber Reading Specialist - Mrs. Donoghue
What is Working at Home?
> Take the time to research your Internet Providers parental controls!!! It is worth it!!!!
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
OFFICE NOTES
reminders from the office - please note as we get questions about the information listed
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. Please do not call 484 266-1300, 1301 or 1302 to report an absence.
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.
Request for Assistance
In an effort to provide additional support for students and parents during remote learning, the district has created a "Request for Academic Assistance" form. Students, parents and faculty may complete a form on behalf of a student who is struggling with attendance, work completion or social/emotional learning. This form will be reviewed by a member of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports Team (MTSS) to determine the available resources that can be provided. However, as we have always done, the best route is to contact your child's teacher.
MCH Request for Academic Assistance Form