North Wales School Bulletin
December 18, 2023
From The Principal's Desk
Greetings North Wales Families,
This is our last week of school for 2023! I know the students are enthusiastic this week, as we prepare for the holiday break. We have our winter concert this Tuesday and holiday parties scheduled all week. Donations are still being accepted for our American Legion Food Drive. We will accept non-perishable items until this Wednesday.
On behalf of the North Wales team, we would like to say thank you for our holiday lunch last week. We truly appreciate you and love our community.
First trimester report cards will be available on Infinite Campus this Wednesday, Dec. 20. If you requested a paper copy, your student will receive a copy in their backpack Wednesday afternoon.
Friday, Dec. 22 is an early dismissal. Students will be dismissed at 12:30pm.
Please take a look at our spirit days for this week.
As always, we thank you so much for being a part of the North Wales family!
Warmly,
Ms. Kenney
Principal
Important Dates To Remember
Dec. 4-20: American Legion Canned Food Drive ( We will collect non-perishable items)
Dec. 19: YA/NW Band Concert with Choral Groups @ NW 7pm
Dec. 20: Report Cards Issued
Dec. 22: Early Dismissal 12:30pm
Dec. 25-Jan 1: Winter Break
Jan. 2: First Day Back to School- Pajama Day
Weekly Schedule
Tuesday - Day 4
Wednesday - Day 1
Thursday - Day 2
Friday - Day 3
Report Card Instructions- Infinite Campus
In preparation of the release of elementary Progress Reports Cards this Wednesday, December 20th, we want to make sure that families are able to access Infinite Campus. We have developed Step-by-Step instructions for viewing progress reports.
In addition to the English version, we have also created videos in the following languages:
Click on the links above to access the videos.
What if parents and guardians do not remember their login information? Great Question!
If parents and guardians do not remember their login information, they should send an email to North Penn Family Tech at npfamilytech@npenn.org. Members of the tech support team will be able to provide guidance.
Literacy Update For The Week
Wit and Wisdom Tip of the Week
Verbal reasoning is another key component of reading comprehension. Verbal reasoning is the process by which our brains make sense of what we read and hear. Verbal refers to “words”. Another way to think about reasoning is problem-solving. Therefore, verbal reasoning is, in a sense, solving the “problem“ of comprehending words.
Verbal reasoning goes deeper than just recalling what one reads (or hears) in a text. It involves deeper understanding of what is being said implicitly as well. When we make inferences based on what text says and what we already know, we are using verbal reasoning skills. We can also use prior knowledge to make new connections between what we already knew and what the text says.
To learn more about verbal reasoning and how you can work on these skills at home, check out this article on Brain Trust Tutors.
Cultural Highlights Of The Week
December Holidays
Next week we celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa.
Created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates history, values, family, community and culture. The ideas and concepts of Kwanzaa are expressed in the Swahili language, one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa. The seven principles which form its core were drawn from communitarian values found throughout the African continent. These principles are: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Kwanzaa gets its name from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza” and is rooted in first fruit celebrations which are found in cultures throughout Africa both in ancient and modern times.
Christmas, an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, is celebrated in unique ways in different countries. Christmas in the United States brings together many customs from other countries and cultures. Around the world, family members help to decorate the tree and home with bright lights, wreaths, candles, holly, mistletoe, and ornaments.
Counselor's Corner
American Legion Canned Food Drive
Beginning Monday, Dec. 4th, North Wales Elementary will be participating in the American Legion Canned Food Drive to help families in need right here in our North Wales area.
Students are asked to bring in non-perishable food items until Wednesday, Dec. 20th and place them in the box in their classroom. Food will be collected and then distributed to families that are in need in North Wales.
Your generosity will be greatly appreciated!
Notes From Our Health Suite
From the Health Suite:
Flu Illness
What should you do if you get flu?
Cough? Fever? Body aches? You could have the flu. If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home except to get medical care. If you are very sick or at high risk of getting very sick from the flu, talk to your health care provider.
Learn more at https://www.cdc.gov/fightflu #FightFlu (CDC, 2022)
Home and School
Home and School Information
On behalf of Home & School - Welcome to the new school year!
Whether it's your first year here, or your last, you are a part of this strong community. And we want to help make sure you have all the latest info on our events planned for this year - Popsicles on the Playground, Sports Night, Trunk or Treat, School Store, Teacher Appreciation, Color Run, VIP Dance, Cereal Box Knock Down, Class Field Trips, Assemblies, and more!
Can you spare 5 minutes for Home & School?
Contact Form - keep in touch with H&S and Homeroom Grownups this year!
HundredX Fundraiser - help us raise funds at zero cost in just 2 minutes!
Volunteer Interest - let us know if you want to know more about how you can get involved!
Pre- K Counts
PreK Counts
Montgomery County Intermediate Unit just opened up two Pre-K Counts classrooms within the North Penn School District, in Bridle Path and Montgomery Elementary Schools. Each class will have 20 pre-school students between the ages of 3-5 years old whose families are income eligible (falling under the 300% poverty guidelines). The MCIU Pre-K Counts classes have a certified teacher and a teacher assistant. The program is a full-day program where breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack are provided at no cost to the families. While our philosophy is play-based, our goal is for each student to be academically, socially and emotionally prepared for success in North Penn School District kindergarten classrooms. Our MCIU Pre-K Counts teams not only consist of the teaching staff, but also Family Engagement Workers to help families navigate school requirements, attendance regulations, information about community resources available, and when the time comes, to register for North Penn Kindergarten. If you have any questions or would like to apply for your student (must have turned 3 before Aug 31), please reach out to prekcounts@mciu.org.
Friendly Reminders
Office Hours Reminder
We would like to remind you of our school office hours, which are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. During these hours, our dedicated staff members are available to assist you with any inquiries or concerns you may have.
For any inquiries or messages after 4:00 PM, we kindly ask that you leave a voicemail message on our school's main phone line. Alternatively, you can send an email to the appropriate staff member, and they will get back to you as soon as possible.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We appreciate your partnership in ensuring the success of our students.
SMARTWATCH/CELL PHONE REMINDER
Please note, cell phones should be in silent mode or turned off and stored in bookbags throughout the day. Smartwatches should not be used to make calls, send messages, or take photos/videos during the school day. Also, note the school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal electronic devices. Our school team will be reminding our students of these expectations regarding personal devices.
We thank all of our families for their continued support and cooperation in limiting disruptions to the classroom.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Sandy- Our Therapy Dog is Back!
I would like to introduce you to Sandy, our North Wales’ therapy dog!
Please click on the link to learn more about Sandy- Sandy Our Therapy Dog
If you would not like your child to interact with Sandy in any way, please complete this Google form or let your child’s teacher know.
Arrival/Dismissal Procedures
Parent Volunteers for the Library
We are looking for volunteers to assist in the library. If you are interested in helping out and you have your current clearances, please complete the google form below.
North Wales Elementary
Website: https://northwales.npenn.org/
Location: 201 Summit Street, North Wales, PA 19454
Phone: 215-699-4471
Twitter: @NWelementary