Union Canal April Newsletter
"Knowledge is Power"
From The Principal's Desk
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate! The UC office is a bunch of Chocolatiers! We are shipping the 'World's Finest Chocolate' out everyday! What a great response to our fundraiser. The Union Canal PTT is very thankful for the support. Please be reminded that once a box of chocolate is opened it cannot be returned and full payment for the box is expected to be returned. All money for the fundraiser is due by Friday, April 19th.
We are through the 3rd marking period and the close of the year is coming rapidly. We have many tasks still to complete before the end of the year and the 4th marking period will be a busy one! Parents please keep your focus on any Information that is sent to you either electronically or through your child bringing information home. There are many moving pieces and events that will be happing throughout the end of the school year.
Pennsylvania State Assessment Testing or PSSA's will be administered to all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students within the below schedule. Please help your children have high achievement by encouraging them to put forth good effort, speaking positively about school, and being well rested. We discourage any unnecessary student absences during testing days, we are required to make up any missed testing sessions.
Spring 2024 PSSA Testing Schedule
English Language Arts Grades 3-5: April 23-25
Mathematics Grades 3-5: April 30-May 1
Science Grade 4: May 2-3
All students will be completing these assessments within their classrooms. PSSA assessments will be given and completed with paper and pencil this school year.
As always if you have any questions or concerns about our school or operations please do not hesitate to reach out to me via phone 717-270-7227 or email bmcginty@clsd.k12.pa.us .
Yours In Education,
Bernard J. McGinty, Ed.D.
Principal
Email: bmcginty@clsd.k12.pa.us
Website: https://www.clsd.k12.pa.us/Domain/13
Location: 400 Narrows Drive, Lebanon, PA 17046, USA
Phone: 717-270-7227
Twitter: @Union_Canal_El
Student of the Year - Gregory Harris
2024 Union Canal Student of the Year Gregory Harris
Gregory personifies the term Union Canal pride. He arrives at school each day with a smile on his face and a positive attitude that is contagious. He approaches each day with an open mind, constantly working to learn and be all that he can. Gregory does not see mistakes as failures, but rather as opportunities to grow. He not only has an excellent academic record, but he is extremely involved in activities within our school community and is an exceptional athlete. Most importantly, he feels it is important that his actions and character properly represent himself, his school, and our district to the community at large. Gregory is very active on Good Morning Union Canal, our morning announcements show. One of Gregory’s most admirable traits is his character. As principal of Union Canal, I have received several messages from teachers, staff, students, and even parents on how Gregory has been willing to be selfless and support another student in everything from being comforting, helpful, a good friend, and a tutor.
Teacher Appreciation Week 2024 Support by UCPTT
Teacher Appreciation Week
The Union Canal PTT would like to support the teachers and staff of Union Canal during Teacher appreciation week, May 13-17, by providing a lunch for staff as well as some heart felt wishes from our students and families. Part of this celebration we would like to offer our hardworking teachers and staff members to have the opportunity to win some fun prizes and gifts generously donated by Union Canal families and local businesses.
Here are several ways you can help us show our gratitude.
- Consider donating scratch off lottery tickets or gift cards to be raffled off to the teachers and staff. In the past these have included gift baskets or gift cards to local restaurants or businesses.
- Gifts may be dropped off in the school office and marked "Staff Appreciation" or contact UCPTT at ucptt@aol.com or to make other arrangements. Please place gift cards in a labeled envelope.
- Gift items should be brought in by May 3.
- During the week, students and families can get involved in expressing gratitude for staff members.
- Tuesday-give a teacher or staff member a high five to show appreciation
- Wednesday-stop a teacher or staff member, send in/email a card or note and give them a compliment or tell them something you're thankful for about their job
- Thursday/Friday-write and deliver a note to a teacher or staff member
Thank you for helping to make teacher and staff appreciation week 2024 a success!
Read Across American Activities in March
Students at Union Canal enjoyed celebrating "Read Across America" during the month of March. They read the book "Dragons in a Bag" by Zetta Elliott. The students enjoyed a Dr. Seuss themed lunch on March 1st. The additional activities included "How to Draw a Dragon" activity and they will wrote stories about, "My trip in a time machine".
Monthly Character Trait Awards
Every month an assembly is held to explain to students the meaning of a particular character trait and provide an example of how to carry out that trait in a positive manner. The "Character Trait" for February was "Acceptance/Diversity". At the end of the month of February students in each classroom that best represented that particular character trait will be recognized and given a certificate. Pictured above are the students who received the award for the month of February.
Grade K Mrs. Mays - Amaiyah Cruz Perez
Grade K Mrs. Fiebig AM- Alanna Firestine
Grade K Mrs. Fiebig PM- Avery McMinn
Grade K Mrs. Eberly - Daliangely Vazquez Garcia
Grade 1 Mrs. Schmidt - Brianny Lazala Encarnacion
Grade 1 Mrs. Derr - Arebella ElMaghrbi
Grade 1 Mrs. Raub- Greylynn Villanueva
Grade 2 Mr. Menser- Ceneca Moreno
Grade 2 Ms. Haag- Dallas Barnett
Grade 2 Mrs. Wenzke- Leighton Gruber
Grade 2 Mrs. Mrs. Campbell - Alexiel Oliveras
Grade 2 Mrs. Gerstner - Dylan Ovalles
Grade 3 Mrs. Mori- Aubrey Laucks
Grade 3 Mrs. Martinez- Marina Rodriguez
Grade 3 Mrs. Waranavage- Leah Gates
Grade 4 Mrs. Rest- Kayden McMinn
Grade 4 Mrs. Wagner - Alexander Koch
Grade 4 Miss Stamm - Jayden Sipple
Grade 5 Mrs. Pedrick- Jaspheth Padilla Mendez
Grade 5 Mrs. Marsh- Richard Hitzler
Grade 5 Mrs. Stellar- Azariah Rhette
Grade 5 Special’s Teachers- Remas Heikal
Spelling Bee
Congratulations to the 4th and 5th grade students pictured above. They participated in the Union Canal Spelling Bee on February 21st. Pictured above are Kayla Firestine, Dylan Fox, Ananya Deshpande, Madelyn Mishoe and Makenzie Mishoe, Jennevecia Myer, Maya Sallam, Kayle Wise, Alexander Koch, Kate Batdorf, , Jorlannys Pena and Riley Perini
Kids n Kops Lunches
February
During the months of January, February, March and April, students in grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 have the opportunity to attend lunch here at U.C. with Dr. McGinty, a Cornwall Lebanon School district Police Officer and a North Lebanon Police Officer. McDonalds in Myerstown provides the lunch. The students can ask the police officers questions about the job and their experiences.. The student is chosen (1 boy and 1 girl from each class room) based on “The 3 A’s” positive attitude, a satisfactory attendance record, and academic achievement during the school year. The photograph below shows the 2nd grade students who had lunch during the February luncheon with Officer Blake Innocent from North Lebanon Township, Officer Wendell Hannaford, Cornwall Lebanon School District, and Emma Lebo, Dean of Students. The students in the photo below are: Anniyah Swinson, Angel Rivera, Colten Rider, Olivia Becker, Niccolo Aungst and Layla Blouch.
March
Below are the students who had lunch with Officer Coyt from North Lebanon Police Department and Officer Clarr from Cornwall Lebanon Police Department, Marina Rodriguez, Brayden Davis, Daniella Hassan, Collin Reager, Renee Freed, Evangeline Blouch, Matthew Cevallos and Dontae Torres.
Recognition for Perfect Attendance
Donuts With Dr. McGinty
Students who achieved perfect attendance during each marking period will be rewarded with "Donuts with Dr. McGinty". Mrs. Madeleine McCurdy, Union Canal's Student Liaison, helped initiate the program to reward students for exemplary school attendance. When the students arrive at school on these designated days, they will head down to the cafeteria for fresh donuts and juice. The recognition for the 2nd marking period took place in February.
Pictured below are some of the students enjoying their donuts in celebration of their perfect attendance.
Kids Heart Challenge
The students at Union Canal climbed the rock wall, shot hoops, skipped, did the limbo pole and jumped their way around the gym to raise money for the American Heart Association. The students managed to raise over $12,000.00 with all of their combined efforts. Way to go kids!!!!!!
Visit From Meteorologist
Dr. Alex DeCaria Meteorologist/retired Professor from Millersville University along with Dr. Eleanor Casas, Millersville Professor held a presentation for the 2nd grade students here at Union Canal on March 22nd. Below are a few pictures from the presentation.
Music In Our Schools
Students from the Cedar Crest Chamber Orchestra came to Union Canal to perform for the students on March 18th.
Attention Parents/Guardians of Third Grade Students: It’s Time to Join the Band!
Enrollment in the Cornwall-Lebanon Elementary Band Program is available to current third grade students. Students who wish to enroll in the band will begin studying their instruments during the Summer Band Program! The program takes place from June 13 – July 17. (Mark your calendar!) Daily lessons for current third grade students last for 30 minutes and are typically available between 7:30am and 9:30am.
Students who wish to join the band may choose from the following instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, or orchestra bells.
Students will receive enrollment information at an assembly in April. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Thompson at sthompson@clsd.k12.pa.us.
We look forward to seeing your child in the band program this summer!
News From The District Office
From the District . . .
The online CLSD Community Bulletin Board has lots of information about local events, sports activities, summer camps, scouting opportunities, and many other activities for students and families! Visit <www.clsd.k12.pa.us> and look under the “Community” tab. Info is updated regularly! Summer opportunities continue to be added. Many of these would meet the guidelines for Falcon Foundation awards ->- The deadline for submitting applications for Falcon Foundation awards is April 15th!
Upcoming meetings of the CLSD Board of School Directors: Check website for info and a link to view the Livestream meeting or to register to attend in person.
- Regular meeting - Monday, April 15, 5:30 PM, CCHS Large Group Instruction (LGI) room.
- Public Work Session - Monday, April 8, 5:30 PM, in the same location.
Up-to-date Athletics information, directions, and game schedules are available online: www.arbiterlive.com. Enter “Cedar Crest High School” in the Search box.
April Dates in the District:
- April 3: 3rd Marking Period Ends
- April 8: No School for Students (Professional Learning Day)
- April 8-12, 2024: National Library Week
- April 11: Report cards will be available online; Distribution of printed cards for elementary students will be April 12.
- April 11: Spring Title I Parent & Family Engagement Event, held at Union Canal Elementary School
- April 14: CCHS Spring Chorus Concert, 2 PM, CCHS Aud.
- April 15: Deadline for submitting applications for Falcon Foundation Grants and Awards; visit the CLSD website for details and applications, click here: https://www.clsd.k12.pa.us/cornwall-lebanon-school-district/community/falcon-foundation/grants-awards/
- April 18: Elementary Band Concert, Cedar Crest High School Auditorium10 AM and 7 PM,
- April 24: Administrative Professionals Recognition Day
- April 25: Middle School Orientation for 5th Grade Parents, 6:30 PM, CCMS Aud.
- April 22-26: PSSA English & Language Arts Testing for grades 3-8
- April 22-229-May 3: PSSA Testing Window (Math & Science, grades 3-8)
Upcoming PTT Events at Union Canal
Breakfast With Someone Special April 17th, 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Falcons for Families
Falcons for Families (FFF) is open for business! FFF has free clothes, toiletries, and school supplies for Cornwall-Lebanon families.
Location: Cedar Crest High School
Hours: By appointment only
*Appointments are available Monday - Thursday from 8am-3:30pm
To make an appointment to shop, please email falcons4families@clsd.k12.pa.us.
Please include your name, preferred day and time, phone number, and your child’s name and school.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Halcones para familias
¡Falcons for Families (FFF) está abierto al público! FFF ofrece ropa, artículos de tocador y útiles escolares gratuitos para las familias de Cornwall-Líbano.
Ubicación: Escuela secundaria Cedar Crest
Horario: Sólo con cita previa
*Las citas están disponibles de lunes a jueves de 8 a. m. a 3:30 p. m.
Para programar una cita para comprar, envíe un correo electrónico a falcons4families@clsd.k12.pa.us.
Incluya su nombre, día y hora preferidos, número de teléfono y el nombre y la escuela de su hijo.
School Lunch
Parents can limit their child(ren)’s a la carte purchases? A la Carte purchases are items not included with a meal, such as ice cream, cookie, chips, gummy snacks, small bottled water, etc.
Log into Skyward Family Access
Click Food Service Tab
Click Set Purchase Limit
Choose to Set a limit or Do Not Allow Purchases
Click Save to save all changes
School Hours
- School opens and breakfast is available for students beginning at 8:50 AM each day
- Parent drop-off begins at 8:50 AM and ends at 9:00 AM
- The instructional day begins at 9:10 AM; Students arriving after 9:10 AM will be marked tardy
- AM Kindergarten hours are 9:10-11:45 AM
- PM Kindergarten hours are 1:05-3:40 PM
- The elementary school day ends at 3:40 PM