The Puma Pride
September 14, 2020
Principal's Message
Hello, Willow Dale Families,
As we move into week three of virtual learning, I want to thank you again for all your support at home. Typically, when we begin the year in a physical building, it takes time to learn the school day's regular routines for students and adults. Virtual learning is no exception and will require even more time for our students to adjust and learn to be virtual students. While these two weeks have been challenging for everyone, I am so proud of all our students' work at home in the virtual learning environment. The work of our teachers and staff has also been exceptional. I have never seen them work so hard to deliver engaging instruction.
If you have a technology issue, please submit a help desk ticket (link below) for the fastest response.
CSD Community Technology Support Desk Options for Support
Submit a Repair Ticket Online Through the CSD Community Technology Help Desk Portal
- CSD Community Technology Help Desk: http://helpdesk.centennialsd.org/support/login (this option allows you to create an account, create and submit new tickets, view the status of your ticket, and leave comments on the ticket).
In this newsletter, you will find parent tips to help students attain success in learning from home. Please know that our School Counselors, Mrs. LaRose and Mrs. Zemitis, are also available to help support you and your child with some of the difficulties that may arise with distance learning. Their information is also listed below.
Thank you to the parents who have reached out to provide feedback on the virtual schedule, specifically the length of the school day. As mentioned by Dr. Seidenberger at the last School Board meeting, we are revisiting the schedule and will communicate any changes.
Benchmark assessments are underway for students in grades K-2. Teachers will communicate the schedule to our families. Our Reading Specialists will be reaching out to schedule a five-minute one on one meeting to administer the Dibels Reading assessment. The Dibels Math assessment will be administered online by the classroom teacher and Mr. D’Andrea, our Math Coach. These assessments will provide teachers with information so that they can individualize learning for the students. More details on the Dibels assessment can be found at this link. Benchmark assessments for students in grades 3-5 will commence in October.
Lastly, Back to School Night will be held virtually on Wednesday, September 16. This evening is meant to highlight the classroom procedures, as well as an overview of the curriculum for the year. Classroom teachers will be communicating how to access the Google Meet link for the meetings. Grades K-2 will be held from 6:30-7:00 PM, and grades 3-5 will be held from 7:30-8:00 PM.
Upcoming Newsletters will include a Back to School message from our Specials and Specialist teachers with their contact information so that you can contact them with any questions. We look forward to seeing everyone virtually at Back to School Night.
We are in this together. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any feedback or suggestions.
Have a fantastic week!
Dr. Perkins & Mr. Julius
Phone: 215-441-6093
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Education/Willow-Dale-Elementary-School-331460017756772/
Twitter: @Willow_Dale_ES
Counselors' Corner
Mrs. Zemitis, Grades K, 2, 4
Mrs. LaRose, Grades 1, 3, 5
School Counselors will be a topic in each google classroom. Mrs. LaRose (grades 1, 3, 5) and Mrs. Zemitis (grades K, 2, 4) will be posting helpful information there for students. Your child can find that page under the "Classwork" section of their google classroom.
Here is the link to the School Counselor's virtual office. This link will be posted in each google classroom. There are many videos, activities, relaxation ideas, and fun brain breaks in our virtual office. Also, we have a way for students to contact us directly using our virtual "talking time" form via the "letters" mailbox on the door in the virtual office. Feel free to explore our office with your child/children.
BAND AND ORCHESTRA
Mr. Regosch has reached out to all fourth and fifth grade students about being part of our school band and orchestra program. If you missed information or need the link again, here is his letter:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zxG_UBT9odK2IoCCCso5zU3TdZoyTSGnMuklhfrGZI4
Check Out These Virtual Learning Tips for Parents
- Featured Videos -CSD Online Learning Resources - CSD STUDENT & FAMILY VIDEO TUTORIALS site.
- CSD Online Learning Resources
- Site contains videos and tutorials for students and families
No School on the following Days in September
- September 28- Holiday: Yom Kippur
Happy Holidays to our families celebrating!
Virtual Back to School Night Grades K-2
Parents will use the same Google Meet link that their child uses every day to enter their virtual classroom. More information will be provided by the classroom teacher.
Wednesday, Sep 16, 2020, 06:30 PM
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Virtual Back to School Night Grades 3-5
Parents will use the same Google Meet link that their child uses every day to enter their virtual classroom. More information will be provided by the classroom teacher.
Wednesday, Sep 16, 2020, 07:30 PM
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Back to School Night: Gifted Support Services
Tuesday, Sep 15, 2020, 08:00 PM
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Home and School Meeting
Contact the WD H&SA mailto:willowdalehsa@gmail.com
Monday, Sep 21, 2020, 06:15 PM
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Holiday - Yom Kippur - All Schools and Office Closed
Monday, Sep 28, 2020, 08:45 AM
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Picture Day - September 30th and October 1st - 8 AM- 6 PM
- Families will be able to sign up for a five-minute photo time slot.
- Two photographers will be available to take pictures in the cafeteria.
- Be prepared to wait outside until your scheduled time.
- Social Distancing protocols will be in place and communicated prior to the picture day.
- Masks are required except for the actual photoshoot.
- Sign-up Genius information will be posted in next week's newsletter and on the Willow Dale website.
- Appointments will be set up so that there is time to sanitize between pictures.
* Look for more information in the September 21 Puma Pride and on the Willow Dale website
Attendance in Virtual Learning
Children who attend school regularly make the best academic progress, graduate, and go on to successful post-secondary education and/or careers.
If your child is going to be absent, please notify the school to let us know.
Reporting Absences
SUBMITTING ABSENCE NOTES
Attendance Notes can be Submitted Electronically via email at WDAttendance@centennialsd.org. Please know you will still receive automated phone calls (to the primary phone listed in Skyward) if you have not submitted an absence note via email on the days your child is absent from school.
**Absence notes must be submitted within 3 days of the student's absence, otherwise, the absence will be recorded as unexcused.
E-Mailing Attendance Notes
- Parents with children in Willow Dale may e-mail attendance notifications/notes to the following address: WDAttendance@centennialsd.org
- E-mail notifications are encouraged on the morning of the absence day. However, e-mailed absence notes may be sent on the day following the absence.
- When sending an absence notification please include the following information:
- Child's Name
- Child's Grade
- Child's Homeroom Teacher
- Date(s) of Absence
- Reason for Absence
- Contact Phone # for Parent/Guardian
- Other Pertinent Information
Email: WDAttendance@centennialsd.org
Phone: 215-441-6093
Family Trips Scheduled During the School Year
Dear Centennial Families;
The Centennial School District Board of School Directors approved Policy 204.1, Family Trips Scheduled During School Year.
Although the scheduling of family trips during the instructional year is not encouraged, the Centennial School Board recognizes that students may benefit educationally by accompanying their parent(s)/guardian(s) on trips. The revision to the policy will allow the schools to approve up to five (5) days instead of three (3). Any trip beyond five (5) days will need the approval of the Superintendent.
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) who are requesting approval for a family trip need to complete and submit the attached form to their building principal at least two (2) weeks before the trip.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Perkins or Mr. Julius.
Willow Dale Elementary School
Email: perkca@centennialsd.org
Website: www.centennialsd.org/Domain/692
Location: 720 North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Phone: 215-441-6093
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Education/Willow-Dale-Elementary-School-331460017756772/
Twitter: @Willow_Dale_ES