The Gayman Gazette
What's Happening in and Around Gayman Elementary School?
Important upcoming dates
- Tuesday, March 5th - 6th Grade Parent Orientation at Tohickon Middle School @ 7:00 PM
- Tuesday, March 12th – Friday, March 15th – PSSA Testing (Grade 5 Writing ONLY)
- Friday, March 22nd – Early Dismissal 11:55 AM (PM Kindergarten Reports for AM Session)
- Thursday, March 28th – Portfolio Conferences from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (No School)
- Friday, March 29th – No School (Good Friday Holiday)
- Monday, April 1st – Kindergarten Portfolio Conferences (No School for Kindergarten ONLY)
- Tuesday, April 2nd – Kindergarten Portfolio Conferences (No School for Kindergarten ONLY)
- Thursday, April 4th – Portfolio Conferences from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Message from the Principal
I recently read an article in the newspaper titled, “One Big Happy Family”. The caption read, as the saying goes, all happy families are alike, but what do they have in common? I found this article timely in light of the fact that Dr. Deborah Van Aken spoke about the overscheduled family at our Home & School meeting this past Wednesday. One take-away for me in the article and Dr. Van Aken’s presentation is that raising children to be good citizens is not just about student achievement. As an institution of learning, it is critical that we constantly strive to improve our instructional practice. However, I believe it is equally important to celebrate the qualities that make children unique and provide community responsibilities that represent the interdependent nature of a learning community. In other words, we do not stop teaching because math is over. We support, guide, and engage children in all aspects of the school day, including picking up recess toys, putting classroom materials away, tidying up our grounds, etc. Such activities also foster a sense of belonging, ownership, and a “can do” attitude.
Another component or element of the article which Dr. Van Aken reinforced is the influence of family. Here are a few facts I found interesting:
· The more children know about their family’s history, the stronger their sense of control over their lives and the higher their self-esteem. They are more resilient and better able to handle stress.
· Surveys show that what children want most from their parents is for them to be less tired and stressed. An effective way to cut down on stress is to hold a weekly meeting to review how your family is functioning.
· A 2000 national YMCA poll of teens found that 21% of teens rated “not having enough time together with parents” as their top concern.
· Eating dinner together as a family has been shown to benefit children, but at least a third of Americans rarely do so. One of the largest studies of American teens found a strong association between regular family meals and positive teen adjustment.
· There was a 12-hour per week decline in free time for children aged 3 to 12 between the years of 1987 and 1997.
PILLO-POLO LEAGUE IS IN DESPERATE NEED OF PARENT VOLUNTEERS
Parents,
We are having a great deal of difficulty finding parent volunteers to greet and check-in visitors arriving to watch the Pillo-Polo games on Thursday afternoons. The Pillo-Polo league's survival is dependent upon parent volunteers.
To view the sign up, to:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C084BACA923A02-pillo/1560681
Cyberbullying Parent Program
The Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) will be presenting a program promoting responsibility and respect using electronic devices on Thursday, March 7th at 7:00 PM. Please join us for an informational session at Cold Spring Elementary School in the cafeteria.
For complete details please click here.
school board briefs
At the February 26, 2013 School Board Meeting, the Central Bucks School District School Board:
1. Heard the Jazz West performance before the school board meeting.
2. Heard the Academic Spotlight about the Naviance Report from Michael Curtis, Counselor at CB West, and Taryn Barrett, Counselor at CB South.
3. Heard the Superintendent’s Report and Curriculum, Finance, Human Resources, and MBIT Committee Reports.
4. Approved School Board Minutes.
5. Approved Treasurer’s Report.
6. Approved contract with Public Financial Management (PFM) for Financial Advisor Services as the District looks to restructure its debt.
7. Tabled School Board Policy 806 – Child Student Abuse so that proposed policy can be posted on-line and discussed at appropriate committee meetings.
8. Approved various personnel items, student trips, and staff workshops.
9. Received the Semi-Annual Rating of Elementary and Secondary Temporary Professional Employees
National School Breakfast Week
March 4-8th is National School Breakfast week. ARAMARK and Central Bucks School District are offering a special hot or cold breakfast meal deal for $1.00 for the entire week.
For complete details click here.
Please Contact Mr. Testani with any Questions or Concerns.
"For you to be the very best, you cannot allow yourself
to become complacent in your comfort zone."
- David Cottrell
Email: mtestani@cbsd.org
Website: http://www.cbsd.org/schools/gayman/Pages/Default.aspx
Location: 4440 Point Pleasant Pike, Doylestown, PA
Phone: 267-893-4350