Mercersburg Elementary
News from the Nest
Message from the Principal
I want to thank you all for a great first marking period! I am proud of the students for all of the growth that they have shown during the first marking period. As we move into November, our school year begins to become "choppy" with the holiday breaks. During this time it is important to keep a consistent routine at home. This allows for an easier transition back to school. Please remember to read twenty minutes with your child every night. Please check out the form below and provide us feedback on how we are doing.
Book Fair/ Art Fair
Also, that evening, Art Fair projects will be on display from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. All Art Fair projects are due by 2:00 pm on November 1st to be eligible for judging. Ribbons will be placed on projects prior to the art show.
Conversations about School
1."Let's see something that you brought home today. "
2. "Show me what you have for homework."
3. "Describe a book you enjoyed today."
4. "Tell me what you learned about that you would like to know more about?"
5. "What is the coolest thing that happened today?"
6. " Pretend you're the teacher. How would you describe your day?"
7. "How were you kind or helpful today? How did you make a positive difference in somebody's day?" How was someone kind or helpful to you?"
Mercersburg Elementary
Email: ryan.kaczmark@tus.k12.pa.us
Website: www.tus.k12.pa.us
Location: 30 South Park Avenue, Mercersburg, PA, USA
Phone: 717-328-5278
Notes to School
- Include child's first AND LAST NAME on any notes sent from home.
- When your child is absent from school, a note stating the reason for the absence must be submitted within 3 days upon their return to school.
- Notes should be sent anytime you are planning to pick up your child for an early dismissal.
- Notes for sending your child home on a different bus should be limited to emergency requests.
Attendance Policy
Starting 2019-20 school year, reminder slips will no longer be sent home for student absences. You will receive a call/text from the district's notification system, either on the day or week of your child's absence from school, as a reminder to send in a written excuse. Sending a note to the office by email is also an option at the following address - Brooke.McCardell@tus.k12.pa.us
More than three unlawful absences could lead to notification of the local magisterial district judge, as well as a referral to the County Children and Youth Agency. If you have any questions in regards to attendance or excuses received, please contact the school secretary at 328-2023 ext. 2500.
Cell Phone Policy
Board Policy: #237 (Electronic Devices)
Students are not permitted to have electronic devices in school, on school property or at school-sponsored events. School Board policy prohibits use of personally owned electronic devices any time where use of the device would cause a disruption of either in-school or extracurricular activities as determined by the administration. The district shall not be liable for the loss, damage or misuse of any electronic device brought to school by a student.
Electronic devices may be used for other reasons determined appropriate by the building principal.
Cellular phones that have the capability to take photographs or record audio or video are not permitted to be used during the school day in district buildings. Additionally, any device that provides for a wireless unfiltered connection to the internet is not permitted to be used during the school day in district buildings. The use of cellular phones is prohibited during school hours. In an effort to accommodate parents and students, possession of a cell phone will be permitted under the following stipulations:
The cell phone must be in the “off” mode and not visible during the school day.
The use of cell phones will be allowed after the close of the school academic day.
Violations of this school rule will be addressed by the building administrator. The Tuscarora School District is not responsible for lost or stolen phones.
DISTRICT POLICY ON FOOD ALLERGIES AND CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONS
Tuscarora School District is a food allergy aware school district. This letter is to inform you that there are several students at our schools who have potentially life-threatening food allergies. The most common allergens that can cause anaphylaxis are peanuts; tree nuts; milk; egg; fish; shellfish; soy and wheat. Eating these foods, even in trace amounts, may cause a severe reaction (anaphylaxis) that can lead to death. Sometimes even touching contaminated surfaces may cause a reaction. School staff have been trained to recognize such a reaction and to administer medication (epinephrine) in an emergency.
You can help staff and students by helping your child understand the foods they freely enjoy can be dangerous to others. Equally important, however, is to let them know they can support their classmates by eating and handling food responsibly.
Here are a few suggestions for you as parents:
· Never take food allergies lightly; they can be serious and life-threatening
· Tell your child, “Do not share your snack or lunch with classmates.”
· Please communicate with your child’s teacher BEFORE sending any food to school (other than their lunch)
· Tell your child to get help from an adult immediately if a schoolmate has a reaction
There is a policy that has been approved by the Tuscarora School Board which states birthday celebrations may be held ONCE per month per classroom. Please communicate with your child’s teacher about when this will happen. We will be enforcing this policy throughout the elementary schools.
We will also be enforcing the following:
· Only store-bought items will be served for birthday celebrations. We encourage healthy food items or non-food items to be shared for birthday celebrations.
· The school nurse WILL review all ingredients before food is served. PLEASE NOTE: even if the word “nuts” does not appear in the ingredients list, it may be noted on the item somewhere that the food was prepared in a facility where nuts are present. These items will not be allowed due to possible presence of nuts in the food.
· Food will be served in the café on a day at the teacher’s discretion (all birthdays for that month will be celebrated in one day)
If you have questions or concerns, please contact your building principal. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.
Elementary Meal Prices
Breakfast - $1.55, Reduced Breakfast - $.30
Lunch - $2.55, Reduced Lunch - $.40
Milk - $.45SCHOOL DAY HOURS
7:20: Doors open
7:35: Announcements and Breakfast is done being served
7:40: School day starts
2:10: Dismissal starts
Car Riders
Cold and Flu season
With the cooler temperatures and the crisp air, sickness is beginning to hit our families and school. As you give that last hug and kiss to your child before they leave for school, I encourage you to make sure they are dressed appropriately for the weather. Unless it is raining, most likely recess and gym class will be outside. Please, make sure they have a warm jacket, hat and gloves if necessary.
Cold and flu season are upon us so I want to remind you that germs are spread very easily by coughing and sneezing.
Always cough into your elbow or tissue and then wash your hands.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
Remember to wash your hands before you eat.
Eat a well-balanced diet.
Get plenty of sleep.
These are all VERY important to keep us, and our children, healthy.
As always, if your child has flu-like systems or diarrhea, vomiting or fever I ask that you keep your child home. Your child must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning to school.