The Panther Press
January 29, 2024
In This Issue of the Panther Press
Highlights & News
- Meat Raffle tickets available now. Space is limited, get yours today using this form.
- Joint CA Meeting for Meat Raffle is tonight, January 29, 2024 at 6 pm. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81004993421
- Next Hertel CA Meeting is January 31, 2024 at 7 pm. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81751491879 Find the meeting agenda here.
- Our Joint CA Fowler's Chocolate Spring Fundraiser has launched. Learn how to participate with a read of our Kickoff Letter.
- Days Park CA continues to collect cans and bottles this week.
- Updated Days Park and Hertel winter sports schedules for this week are available now. You can support our athletes throughout games this week.
- Hertel invites students to participate in the upcoming Black History Month program.
- Buffalo Athletics will host a fun filled day celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports. Learn more and register at ubbulls.com.
- Applications for the 2024-2025 Academic year are open. Share our application, available here.
- Do you know someone interested in learning more about EVCS? You can share the RSVP link and the dates for our upcoming Open Houses for prospective new families:
- March 2, 10 am to 12 pm at Days Park
- March 9, 10 am to 12 at Hertel
Continue reading for more details on all the above and more!
EVCS Calendar
Upcoming Events
February 19, Presidents' Day
February 20-23, Midwinter Break School Resumes 2/26
EVCS 2023-24
School Calendar (Updated 9/12)
School Lunch Menu
Joint CA Fundraising & Events
Joint CA Fowler's Chocolate Spring Fundraiser
We are launching our Fowler's Chocolate Spring Fundraiser! Find review our Kickoff Letter for more details on the ordering process and the Spring Fundraising Catalog for all the delicious chocolates available for purchase.
We want to thank you for their support of this joint Days Park and Hertel fundraiser! The pick up date will be Monday, March 4th.
Please direct questions to: erinmariemacvittie@gmail.com.
Your Meat Raffle Ticket Supports EVCS
All funds raised will help purchase bleachers for the Hertel gym. The bleachers will help accommodate more students, family, friends and staff at sporting and community events such as basketball games and our cultural night.
We ask that attendees do not bring outside alcohol to this event.
You can also help support EVCS CA by serving as a volunteer during the Meat Raffle! We have slots up for many positions, learn more about them here: Meat Raffle Volunteer Sign-up
Days Park Winter Sports Schedule - January/February 2024
Hertel Basketball and Cheer Schedule - January/February 2024
Hertel Winter Sports Weekly Briefing 1/22-1/26
All Hertel winter sports continued to roll on this week after last week’s storm.
After a lengthy layoff, our EVCS basketball teams were back in action this week. Our Lady panthers who are led by Coach Downs and Coach Shaeffer finished the week off by splitting their 2 games against Global Concepts and Westminster. The team is showing great strides and continues to improve each game. They look to improve on their 7-4 record as we embark on the final week of the season.
Our EVCS boys continued their great season with a lopsided victory over Global Concepts and a tough, hard-fought win over Westminster. The 2 wins from last week have them sitting at 11-0 on the season. Their ability to keep pressing and wanting more and more has been a very rewarding feeling for Coach Welch and Coach Ross.
The EVCS Cheer team was also back in action as they continued their season on Wednesday night. They continue to make incredible strides through the leadership of Coach Falzone and Coach Baldwin. During the game on Wednesday, the cheerleaders hit their first prep stunt of the season. Great Job by all!
Come out and cheer on our student athletes as we enter our final 3 games of the season!
Community Events
Register for National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Join Buffalo Athletics for a fun filled day celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports!
JUNIOR GAMEDAY HELPERS
Register your daughter grades 4 - 8 for a chance to be a part of the junior gameday helper experience!
NATIONAL GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS PREGAME CLINIC
Participate in the pregame clinic starting at 11 AM! All girls grades 4 – 8 are welcome to come meet their favorite BULLS women's sports team! Each team will lead its own station of fun and unique activities. It’s a chance to learn more about a variety of sports!
No Walk Ups. All clinic participants MUST pre-register via this ubbulls.com.
Days Park News
Collection Time at Days Park
Hertel News
Stay Tuned for Registration Link to Our Black History Month Program
EVCS Hertel is starting preparations for the Black History Month program. We want to extend the invitation to all of our students, regardless of racial or cultural background, to get a chance to participate.
We will have opportunities for students to speak, sing, and showcase their talents. LINK TO REGISTER COMING SOON!
Students will be able to register to participate on a continuing basis.
IMPORTANT - Please review EVCS Hertel's Dismissal Policy
Dismissal:
Office pickup: Starting on 12/1/2023 we will NOT allow any dismissal from the main office after 2:30 P.M. If you attempt to retrieve a student you will be directed to enter the dismissal line.
Pickup: All children who are dismissed to a guardian must be picked up by 3:30 p.m. Our dismissal begins at 3:05 p.m.
School Dismissal Manager All families must use this tool daily. Not entering the proper dismissal directions causes severe risk for your child. Without proper dismissal directions, it causes the possibility that your child will be dismissed incorrectly.
Bus loop: Do not park in this area after 2:00 p.m. This is used for our entire dismissal process. When a car is parked in this area it causes major safety issues.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Needed - Lunch Volunteers
EVCS Hertel is looking for volunteers to help during lunch.
Hello EVCS families,
Hope all is well. We would love to have our families support our school by volunteering to help during our lunch periods. This will include helping students open food containers, reminding students to clean their area, and allowing for an extra set of eyes to help students with any needs. Please view the information in the link and complete the form, if interested. We will follow-up with families after winter break.
Thank you,
Joseph Ciesielski, Principal
Kids Heart Challenge
What is the Kids Heart Challenge?
Kids Heart Challenge is celebrating healthy hearts and minds at our school now! Many students and families already completed Finn’s Mission but we need your help to reach 100% of families!
Here’s how you can help:
- Register: http://www2.heart.org/goto/ElmwoodVillageCharterSchoolHertelCampusBuffaloNY or download the free “AHA Schools” app.
- Complete Finn’s Mission: Watch the 2-minute Hands-Only CPR video featuring cardiac arrest survivor, Damar Hamlin, and watch a music video on the warning signs of a stroke (F.A.S.T.).
- Share with Family & Friends: Send messages via social media, text messages and/or email.
Help our class win the classroom challenge by registering and completing Finn’s Mission. We can create a community of lifesavers!
Questions? Please contact Coach Welch at twelch@elmwoodvillaeschool.org.
CA News, Meeting Minutes, & Meeting Links
Our Mission is to build a strong and vibrant EVCS community.
Our Goal is to strengthen connections among EVCS families and foster relationships between families, school staff, and administration.
The EVCS CA sponsors events and fundraisers to support school activities that enrich the experiences of our community and that align with the Mission of the Elmwood Village Charter Schools
Next Joint CA Meeting for Meat Raffle:
TONIGHT, January 29, 2024 at 6 pm
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81004993421
Next Hertel CA Meeting:
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 7 pm
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81751491879
Find meeting agenda here.
Next Days Park CA Meeting:
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 7 pm
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88200411153
Contact Information:
Days Park CA (Email Address)
Days Park Meeting Calendar (Meeting Links)
Hertel CA (Email Address)
Hertel Meeting Calendar (Meeting Links)
Hertel CA Meeting Minutes (January 10, 2024)
Be sure to check your email prior to meetings for Zoom links or updates on any schedule changes.
Applications for the 2024-25 School Year Are Open!
Help Us Grow the EVCS Community
Spread the word: Applications are open for the 2024-2025 school year!
- March 2, 10 am to 12 pm at Days Park
- March 9, 10 am to 12 at Hertel
Student Information Updates
Phone number/email change?
Contact the main office at your campus.
Meriah Millner (Days Park) at (716) 886-4581
NaShomi Shaffer (Hertel) at (716) 424-0555
Moving?
Adding/Deleting a person from your child's pick-up list?
School Dismissal Manager Assistance
It is important to update dismissal plans in the School Dismissal Manager (SDM) system.
- Students will be dismissed according to what is listed in SDM - any changes to dismissal should be entered prior to 2 pm.
- For assistance with School Dismissal Manager (SDM), contact your campus transportation coordinator, we are happy to help you learn to use the system. Reach out Meriah Millner (Days Park) or NaShomi Shaffer (Hertel).
- You can also watch this video for some instructions on using SDM: https://bit.ly/HowtoSDM
Sports and Activities
Contact Info for Sports and Activities
Have questions?
Hertel: Coach Tom Welch
mailto:twelch@elmwoodvillageschool.org
Days Park: Shannon Burke
Nurse's Notes
School Physicals
Yearly physicals need to be submitted as soon as possible. If your child does not have a physical on file, they may be excluded from sports and field trips. Please be sure to make a copy and give it to the school nurse.
When Should My Child Stay Home?
Please follow the guidelines below if your child is sick:
Children should stay home if:
* They have a fever above 100.0. Students can return when their temperature is normal for 24-hours, without the use of fever reducing meds.
* Constant cough
* Vomiting and/or diarrhea
* Eye discharge that is yellow or green in color
School Nurse Contact Information
Days Park:
Robin Borzellere
Phone: 716-886-4581 x405 (or press 3)
Confidential Fax: 716-884-0010
rborzellere@elmwoodvillageschool.org
Hertel:
Sue Budzinski
Phone: 716-424-0555
Confidential Fax: 716-464-3560
Cold Weather Reminders From Our School Nurses
Oh, The Weather Outside is Frightful..
With the cold weather here, it is important that children dress properly for the elements. Jackets, hats, gloves/mittens, and boots should be brought to school daily, as children have recess outside most days. Some of our field trips are outdoors as well and we want to be sure children are protected so they are able to enjoy the fresh air safely and comfortably.
Inclement Weather Reminders
The snow is here, Buffalo!
A few reminders regarding school cancellations due to weather:
* Families will be notified through a SwiftReach text alert so please make sure that our main offices have the most up-to-date phone information.
* Contact Meriah Millner (Days Park) at (716) 886-4581 or NaShomi Shaffer (Hertel) at (716) 424-0555 to update contact information.
* Administration will notify all of the major news outlets and closings will be announced on the local TV channel (2, 4, and 7) tickers.
EVCS Mission Statement
“The Elmwood Village Charter Schools will provide a stimulating and engaging learning environment that recognizes student capability, fosters their connectedness to their immediate and broader communities, and offers them ways to contribute to school life. EVCS believes that all students can and will learn at high levels when provided with the right learning conditions.”
We put students first. We act with urgency. We seek to be better. We work as a team.