THE LIONS DEN
December Newsletter
Albert Schweitzer Elementary School
Email: aorlando@neshaminy.org
Website: www.neshaminy.org
Location: 30 Harmony Road, Levittown, PA, USA
Phone: 215-809-6380
Facebook: facebook.com/Schweitzeres
Author & Scientist Erin Teagan Visits Schweitzer
Albert Schweitzer Elementary School hosted scientist and children’s author, Erin Teagan, on Thursday, December 6, 2018. Ms. Teagan is the author of The Friendship Experiment, American Girl: Luciana, Luciana Braves the Deep, Luciana: Out of this World. This visit was sponsored by our Albert Schweitzer PTO.
Ms. Teagan met with 4 different groups throughout the day and signed books during her lunch break. The day began with kindergarten and "The Truth about Being an Author." Erin Teagan talked about what it was like being an author, the writing process, and wrote mini stories with students to include characters, a setting, action, and an ending. Second graders then joined her in the library for "Microscopic Mysteries." Students explored her life as a writer and scientist and discovered unique objects under a microscope. First grade experimented with dry ice and bubbles and learned first-hand why science can be exciting and fun to explore! To end the day, third and fourth graders met in the gym where they got to "Go Behind the Scenes of Luciana" and learn about her book writing process, her experience at NASA's Space Camp, and why it's important to do research for your writing.
What an incredible day for our students and staff. Thank you to the Schweitzer PTO and Ms. Maurizi and Ms. D'Entremont for organizing!
Check out her website!
New Attendance Policy-Please REVIEW!
In keeping with changes to Pennsylvania law, the Neshaminy School Board has adopted an updated attendance policy which takes effect starting with the 2018-2019 school year. A letter describing this policy can be found by navigating to the link below:
https://www.neshaminy.org/Page/40180
Please be sure you have reviewed the letter and understand the new, more strict guidelines for student absences.
Attached to the Smore is a blank copy of Student Absence Excuse Notes. Please complete these when sending in your absence excuse for your child. There is also a blank copy being sent home with each student. If the absence excuse note is not received within 3 school days, the absence will be marked unexcused.
Artist Brings Schweitzer Library to Life!
Holiday Help at Albert Schweitzer
Schweitzer Elementary School has been collaborating with local organizations, the ASPTO, Queen of the Universe Church, Middletown Foundation and the staff and faculty of Schweitzer to provide holiday gifts for families in need this year. They are servicing 15 families with a total of 39 children ranging in age from 6 months to 15 years. Donations have begun to come in from other Schweitzer families that graciously offered to assist supporting our families in need. The Neshaminy Cheer Squad will be collecting donations to assist with supporting our families as well. Queen of the Universe has also added our families to their giving tree in their church and we will be receiving donations from their parishioners. Mrs. Pulak is also working with school safeties and student ambassadors to collect monetary donations to shop for items for Schweitzer families.
Students in Mrs. Dyas & Mrs. Bullick's Class Prepare Packages for Troops
Mrs. Dyas and Mrs. Bullick's class worked hard throughout the month of November learning about the five branches of the United States Military. Mrs. Dozier, a parent, came to their classroom to teach students about the United States Air Force. Mrs. Abromovitz, our hearing therapist, was recorded to share her personal and expert knowledge about the United States Navy. Specialist Collin Wilson, Mrs. Dyas's nephew, is currently stationed in Afghanistan with the United States Army. They were able to video chat with him via Facebook Messenger. Their unit ended with packaging the Halloween treats families donated to be sent to some of our troops far from home. It was a meaningful way for the class to thank all of those who serve to protect our freedoms!
Parent/Teacher Conferences at Schweitzer
Thank you for joining in conversations about your children with teachers during parent/teacher conferences. It is through our partnership and consistent communication that we are able to support our children. Attending a parent/teacher conference is one way to help your child succeed and a great way to share your child's strengths and needs. Thank you for working with teachers to help your child(ren) be successful at school!
Title 1 Update
What is Title 1?
Title 1, part A, provides supplemental federal funds to ensure all students have fair, equal, and significant opportunities to obtain a high-quality education and reach, at minimum, proficiency on challenging state academic achievement standards and state academic assessments.
The program is focused on improving the academic achievement of students in schools with high concentrations of children from low-income families and is governed by statuary and regulatory requirements of Title I, Part A (ESSA).
Albert Schweitzer Elementary School is a Schoolwide Title 1 school. As such, our Title 1 funds and services can provide comprehensive strategies for improving the entire school so that every student achieves high levels of academic proficiency.
Title 1 News
December 5th, Neshaminy School District (NSD) Title 1 sponsored a parent and family engagement event. On this evening, Schweitzer parents partnered with parents from both Miller and Hoover, reading specialists and Reading Horizons national trainer, Matt Crismon, to learn about decoding strategies to use with their youngsters. Parents learned about the Reading Horizons methodology and how to use this new learning to support developing readers at home
Research shows that the earlier in a child’s educational process parent involvement begins, the more powerful the effects. The most effective forms of parent involvement are those that engage parents in working directly with their children on learning activities at home. Take a look at our parents working hard at breaking the alphabetic code!
First Graders Dive into Science in Miss Garthe's Classroom!
Students in Miss Garthe’s class made ooblek with Mrs. Arnold during science. The first graders are learning about solids, liquids, and gases, and were able to see how ooblek is a solid AND a liquid!
Staff C.A.R.E.S. Craft Night
The staff C.A.R.E.S. committee hosted a free craft night for families on November 29th. Students and their families made a variety of crafts they were able to take home and enjoyed hot chocolate! So much fun!
Winter Concert-Monday, December 17th 7 PM at Sandburg MS
SCHOOLS CLOSED
December 24th Through January 1st - Winter Break
NO SCHOOL for STUDENTS
January 2nd-Schools Resume
January 21st-Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
~~ WE BUILD FUTURES ~~