Dragon Blast
Mary C. Howse Elementary School
From the Principal
Dear MCH Parents:
At the 2/22 School Board meeting, the board approved a tentative plan to move back to full, 5 day per week in person learning for all students.
Rather than overwhelm you with any more in this section, please be on the lookout for another survey coming your way - this will specifically ask current full time remote families if they will plan to remain remote until the end of the school year. It will also be asking hybrid if they will choose to attend in person, 5 days per week. In addition, if you are currently a cyber family, you will receive a separate survey from Dr. Eberly asking if you plan to remain in cyber until the rest of the school year.
It is very important that everyone respond so we can calculate total number of students in each class and grade level - we will need to move furniture, add furniture, re-adjust our cafeteria where a 6 foot distance may remain.
Any questions about this, or anything else, do not hesitate to ask - today is also a day when I would send out a:
What's on your Mind?
Dr. Cat
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
READ ACROSS AMERICA!!!
Join us in celebrating Read Across America week, where we celebrate the joy of reading and its importance in our lives. Each day teachers will emphasize different books and we’ll celebrate those books with specific spirit day themes. All hybrid, remote, & cyber kids are encouraged to participate.
Monday: Read a silly story and wear a silly outfit.
Tuesday: Read a book about an inspiring American and dress like them. Think of inventors, scientists, educators, mathematicians, and more.
Wednesday: Read your favorite book and wear your favorite color.
Thursday: Read a book about families or a different culture. Wear something to represent your family and/or your culture.
Friday: Read about an influential athlete and wear something to represent your favorite sports team.
Link to Read Across America: https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/read-across-america
BLACK HISTORY MONTH EBONY CALENDAR 2021
MCH Families,
As part of MCH’s continuous journey to be more inclusive of our community and represent all races and cultures in our society, we, as a staff, have worked to show representation in our hallways and classrooms. One way in which we wanted to show more inclusivity and representation is by showcasing books we have in our classrooms that honor Black History Month. Click on the link below to access the virtual calendar that has a specific book for each day of the month, read aloud by a staff member of MCH. We hope that listening to these stories brings your family together and sparks a positive conversation about believing our school is a community for all people. Remember, “Words Have Power.”
Mary C. Howse - Black History Month Ebony Calendar 2021
Dr. Catrambone & the MCH Staff
PICTURE MAKEUP DAY
ARCHIVED PICTURES FROM MOTOPHOTO
Mary C. Howse Equity Team - UPDATE
Update - our team is reading "Stamped" - see book below. Please never hesitate to reach out with questions, comments, feeling, stories or just wanting to chat!
WCASD Equity Mission:
Eradicate institutional racism and inequities through social justice, promoting the emotional development of staff and students, and embracing diverse perspectives.
WCASD Equity Goals:
- Teach an inclusive curriculum that teaches anti-racism, celebrates differences, promotes understanding, and seeks multiple perspectives.
- Promote a positive school climate in which students feel safe, respected, and appreciated.
- Provide on-going professional development to all staff in all aspects of equity.
- Engage staff, students, parents, and community members in our work.
- Provide equitable access to district programming.
At Mary C. Howse - we meet at least monthly and our members include - Rebecca McAllister, Jason Benfield, Jackie Pascale, Terrence Wright, Mike Murray, Shabree White, Danielle Donoghue, Kim Fallon, Rosemary McGeehin, Chelsey Hurd, Mary Tanue, Anne Noone, Yolanda Stanton, Steve Catrambone, Alyssa Cotellese and Tara Jackson.
Events such as our Black History Museum and Hearts for Heritage Night have evolved from this group. We have formed smaller subcommittees for parent outreach, beautification, professional development and our School Wide behavior program.
We will use these sections to keep everyone abreast of what is going on - we want to branch out for more parent involvement but this pandemic has slowed that down a bit so stay tuned! Of course, NEVER hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns - you can contact ANYONE from the above list - just use their "first initial" "last name" @wcasd.net - for example - rmcallister@wcasd.net
FROM YOUR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
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!
Tech Support for Parents and FAQs
See: https://www.wcasd.net/site/Default.aspx?PageID=13027
Technology News:
Please remember to Charge your child’s iPad every night.
Use this link if you are having technical difficultly at home, and your child’s teacher is unable to assist you.
https://www.iorad.com/help-center/75865?roleId=419
or email: MCHtech_support@wcasd.net
Tech Tip from our very own 4th grader, Nova A. How to split your screen on an ipad.
NEW STUDENT DISMISSAL CHANGE SOFTWARE PICKUP PATROL
NURSE'S NOTES
GIRLS ON THE RUN!
Positive Praise
Hi Mrs. Hower,
I’ve been meaning to say thank you for all you’re doing! It’s amazing how much you’re able to still do online. I don’t know if my daughter told you yesterday but she’s been reading so much. She’s read Go Dogs Go and Ten Apples Up on Top and she just read 2 different new books last night. This was something she wanted to do so bad this year She can get about 80% of the words and probably more if she didn’t forget to sound them out. She’s been so proud!
So again, thank you for all that you’re doing and for putting so much extra time and effort into making this such a fantastic experience for these kids in such a difficult time. The extra time and effort is not unnoticed or unappreciated!
Thank you again!
Thank you to those of you who made cards for the front line workers! Your students can still make cards.
“I wish to extend my great appreciation for your efforts to get the cards made for the front line workers. My committee members LOVED them and delivered a few baskets yesterday and will do the rest today. The ones delivered yesterday were received with such joy from what my CCSPTF friend told me. The touch of handmade notes by kids was a wonderful way to lift their spirits! Please let MCH know how much their work was enjoyed.”
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? Feel free to email Dr. Cat and share!!!
> Take the time to research your Internet Providers parental controls!!! It is worth it!!!!
> Back to the old board games! My kids love them!!!
> Let them be more responsible and accountable - we met with our child's teacher and it was suggested to us to help/remind them to get on their zooms, but that was it! It was up to them to follow the directions and complete the assignments - just like as if they were in school!
OFFICE NOTES
Reminders from the office - please note as we get questions about the information listed:
SUPPLY PICKUP - If a teacher has requested that you pick up supplies at school, please stop by and get it as soon as you can. The supplies are in bins and boxes outside the building with the teachers names on each one. The office staff does not have anything to do with what is placed in the bins and if you have questions on what you received please email the teacher.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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