RICHLAND REFLECTIONS

Week of 3/28/22 at Richland Elementary School

Dear Richland Families,


Enjoy highlights from our 5 Year Leader in Me Anniversary Celebration! Richland's Spirit Squad made their debut at our assembly, we honored our March Leaders of the Month, and Richie the Richland Panther made an appearance. We are planning a Family Leadership Breakfast in May. Details to come!


This week is our Book Fair with a family night on Wednesday. Join us for math and reading games and raffles and visit the Book Fair together. Monday is the last day to register for April's Color Run. Check out a video of a special live announcement about the Color Run below!


The Richland Spirit Wear Store is open for Spring! Order online now through April 11.


Enjoy your week!


Nicole Zuerblis

Richland Principal

FAMILY NIGHT WEDNESDAY @ 4:30-6:30

WILD ABOUT BOOKS AND STEM!

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Students will visit the Book Fair during library classes Monday through Wednesday this week.


Come this Wednesday after school from 4:30-6:30 to visit the Book Fair as a family, participate in math and reading games, and check out our raffles!

Time is running out!


Don't forget to register for the Color Run and come see all the amazing raffle baskets!


Deadline to sign up is March 28th!


Register here: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/richland-color-fun-run-2022


Complete flyer details are here.


See a video of our live announcements below!

RICHLAND SPIRIT WEAR STORE IS OPEN!

INTRUDER DRILL ON MONDAY AFTERNOON

QCSD uses the most current procedures to prepare for a crisis that involves an intruder known as the A.L.I.C.E. plan. A.L.I.C.E is an acronym for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate.

The A.L.I.C.E plan adds components to our previous safety plan that involved locking doors, moving to a quiet and unseen place in the room and waiting for an all clear announcement. The A.L.I.C.E plan adds the components of Inform, Counter and Evacuate. These added steps are designed to help staff and students make decisions during a crisis situation and remove as many people as possible from the danger zone.

We ensure all staff and students feel supported and confident knowing what to do in the event of an active crisis. It is important to thoughtfully prepare students and staff without unduly alarming anyone, particularly younger students.


Our goal for elementary students is to look to their teachers for guidance and direction. Based on location, staff will guide students to evacuate or barricade. The drill's end is announced in a matter of minutes. Parents will always know prior to a drill. Information and resources can be found on our website.
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As part of our Leader in Me view of everything we do, students have opportunities to apply for jobs at Richland. One job is being a morning announcer. When students are "hired" they work for the entire week as a team to coordinate and read morning announcements.


Each week on Wednesday and Friday, morning announcements are live via Google Meet, and all classrooms watch live and even participate on Fit Fridays. Roles include news readers, weather reporters, special reporters, and producers who manage slides presented.


Now, parents and families can join the Google Meet too! It is the same link every Wednesday and Friday. Applying for jobs, creating clubs, and suggesting new ideas are ways that students share their voices and have ownership in their learning to support them academically, socially, and emotionally. We are happy to give you a window into our student leadership experiences.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM RICHLAND'S 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!

Five years ago, we began our Leader in Me journey at Richland. It has become the lens through which we view leadership, culture, and academics. Essentially all that we think and do! We celebrated in school with our monthly leadership assembly and recognized student leaders of the month. Our newly created Richland Spirit Squad made their debut at the assembly, and Richie the Richland Panther made an appearance! Check out the video below of students and staff reflecting on what it means to be a leader. We thank Richland families for being part of our journey.

FEDERAL PROGRAMS PARENT SURVEY

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Please join us to learn about Federal Programs in QCSD!

We’re holding a Google Meet Thursday, March 31 at noon. Here’s the link: meet.google.com/iwu-vupq-mej

Your input is important to us!


Families with students at Quakertown, Neidig, and Richland elementary schools, please complete this survey to evaluate our Title 1 programming.


All parents, staff, students, and community members: Please complete this survey to provide input on district spending of federal program funds.

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HABITS AT HOME

"LEAD TOGETHER"

THIS WEEK: HABIT 4 - THINK WIN-WIN

What does this habit look like?


I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. When conflicts arise, I look for a win-win solution.

Key Concepts:

  • Win - Win Agreements

  • Have an abundance mentality

  • Balance courage and consideration

How can I learn more about this habit?


Please watch these videos with your child to learn a little more about habit 4 and what it means to think win-win and how you can make deposits into others' emotional bank accounts.

Green and Clean


What's Our Win-Win?


Emotional Bank Account


How can we be leaders at home and practice this habit?


Discuss some ways that your child and family can practice thinking win-win. What are some ways that you can make deposits into each other’s emotional bank accounts?

SAVING FOR POST HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION PRESENTATION

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PRESENTATION HELD AT QCSD HIGH SCHOOL

FOR ALL ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENTS

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Parents and guardians are invited to this meeting to learn about the PA529 College Savings program from 7:00-7:30. Superintendent Dr. Harner will offer opening comments. QCHS School Counselor, Eric Gozzard, will discuss the current landscape of college expenses with Karen Carr, of the PA Treasury Department, covering saving options. Hope to see you and answer your questions at this special event! Email Eric Gozzard at egozzard@qcsd.org if you have questions prior to April 19th.

CREATE A PARENT PORTAL ACCOUNT AND ACCESS GRADES AND SCORES

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A MESSAGE FROM QCSD OFFICE OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

Currently, 2021-2022 benchmark and DIBELS data from the winter is now available, as well as PSSA scores, if that applies to your child/children. We would welcome you to view your child/children’s data.


For parents/guardians of previously enrolled students:

Please login to your Parent Portal account, using your email address and your self-selected password, assuming you previously set up an account.


If you know you previously set up an account but do not remember the password, please click the Parent Portal account link and under the login area select “lost password.” There you will enter your email address and will be sent a link to reset your password.


If you do not believe you have an account and your child(ren) are not newly registered in our district, or if you are missing students from your account once logged in, please submit a response to QCSD via this form.


For parents/guardians of new students/kindergarteners:

You will receive an email directly from LinkIt! to set up your account in the next 24 hours. The email address on file in Powerschool is the email address used to create the new parent portal account. Please check your SPAM/junk if you do not receive it.


QCSD will support initial setup, but password support is done directly through the LinkIt! website. Once you successfully login, you will be able to access your student’s data and scores. Information about the LinkIt! Parent Portal can be found on the QCSD website.


Once you successfully register for your account, you will use https://qcsd.linkit.com/parent to access your student(s) LinkIt! Reports.


To learn more about LinkIt!, please use a few of the resources found below.


Additional Supports in Exploring Your Child/Children’s Data:


Thank you for your continued partnership with our students!

The Office for Teaching and Learning and QCSD Technology Teams

PSSA TESTING DATES FOR GRADES 3-5

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ELA PSSA 4/25 - 4/27

MATH PSSA 5/3 - 5/4

SCIENCE PSSA 5/5 - 5/6 * 4TH GRADE ONLY


One section per day will take place each morning.

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THIS WEEK'S DAILY QUESTIONS

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Each day, we read a question of the day that stems from our work with Leader in Me. We encourage you to continue the conversations at home!


Below are this week's questions. We'd love you to participate!


MONDAY: How would your friends describe you?

TUESDAY: What are your unique gifts and talents?

WEDNESDAY: What is your favorite place to spend time in our community?

THURSDAY: Who is your hero?

FRIDAY: If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?

PRE-K COUNTS REGISTRATION

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Bucks County has seven Pre-K Counts grants from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The grants allow families, who meet the required criteria, with children (who are 3 or 4 years old by September 1st) to enroll in an approved high quality, preschool program at no cost to the family. There may be a few openings now, and they are taking applications now for 2022-2023!


Please see the Bucks County Pre-K Counts application for the 2022-2023 school year.

FAB LAB CENTER OPPORTUNITIES

FREE FARMERS MARKET

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On the first and third Tuesday each month, from 2-4 p.m., anyone may stop by the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center (21 N. Main Street in Quakertown) for free produce and other items. (Bring your own bags if possible!) Upcoming dates are March 1 and 15. If you don’t have transportation or have any other questions, contact Amy Stank of Quakertown Community Outreach at amystank@gmail.com.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE ALUMINUM TAB RECYLING PROGRAM

Little things can make a big difference. You can help support the Ronald McDonald House and others affected by childhood cancer or anyone else who needs the help from the Ronald McDonald House by collecting the little tabs you pull to open soda, soup or any other aluminum cans. The funds generated from recycling these aluminum tabs help offset The Ronald McDonald House expenses. Send in your tabs to Richland.


There is a drop off spot right in front of the office.


We are donating our tabs in honor of Rhiley who is a cancer survivor.

He is a 4th grader at Richland.

PRACTICING GRATITUDE

Would you like to express your gratitude to staff members? Click on the Shout Outs image to let us know! I will share messages with staff weekly.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR 2022-2023

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MINDFUL MARCH

Save the Date for our Spring Color Run! Aril 22nd (Raindate 5/6)


Our next PTO Meeting Date: 4/6 @ 6:30 at Richland's library and via Google Meet

Kids are welcome!


Contact us with any questions, ideas or concerns... richlandtpo@gmail.com


Future Meeting: 5/25


Co-Presidents- Alysha Day/Utpal Bhatt

Co-VPs- Kim Lynch and Danielle Schultz

Treasurer- Jackie Toro

Co-Secretaries- Brittany Eagan and Vicky Mullen

HS Student Volunteer Liaison- Hannah Hensel

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Let's pause, breathe and notice, so we can respond more mindfully.

OUR WORD FOR 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR

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Each school year, Richland staff adopts one word. We invite you to join us in supporting each other with what our children and we need to thrive this year.


TOGETHER WE THRIVE!

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ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

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USE "SAFE ARRIVAL" SYSTEM

With SafeArrival, families can report their child’s absence using any of these 3

convenient methods:


1.Using a mobile device; download and install the free SchoolMessenger app from the
Apple App Store or the Google Play Store (or from the links at https://go.schoolmessenger.com). Please note that the first time you use the app,
you will need to select Sign Up to create your account. To enter an absence, select Attendance, then Report an Absence.

  • In addition to attendance information, in the app you will also see all of the School Messenger messages the school has sent throughout the year.


2. Use the SafeArrival website; https://go.schoolmessenger.com. The first time you use
the website, you will need to select Sign Up to create your account. Then, select Attendance and finally, Report an Absence.


3. Call the toll-free number; 1-833-834-4911 and report an absence using the automated phone system. To use this system, you must use or enter the phone number you
provided as your district contact number. Using or entering that phone number will link you to your child(ren).


These options are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Future absences can be reported at any time.

FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FOR ALL QCSD STUDENTS

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CONSIDER COMPLETING AN APPLICATION

Currently, our district is providing ALL families with children up to the age of 18 with FREE breakfast and lunch for the remainder of the school year through funds from the US Department of Agriculture. There are no conditions to qualify. However, if you do not have a current application on file for the 2021-2022 school year, you could miss benefits from the State, should it decide to provide the Pandemic EBT Benefits again.


Please click here for the Free & Reduced Meal Program applications.


If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Stacy Reiss, Free & Reduced Lunch Program, at sreiss@qcsd.org or 215-529-2022.

UPCOMING EVENTS

3/28-3/30 BOOK FAIR

3/30 WILD ABOUT BOOKS NIGHT @ 4:30-6:30

4/6 PTO MEETING @ 6:30

4/7 MATH 24 COMPETITION

4/14 - 4/18 NO SCHOOL

4/21 READING OLYMPICS COMPETITION

3:45-4:30

4/22 COLOR FUN RUN @ 5:00

4/25-4/27 ELA PSSA TESTING

Grades 3-5

5/3-5/4 MATH PSSA TESTING

Grades 3-5

5/5-5/6 SCIENCE PSSA

Grade 4 only

5/17 NO SCHOOL

5/18 BAND, ORCHESTRA, CHORUS CONCERT @ STRAYER 6:30

5/20 FAMILY LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST

5/25 PTO MEETING @ 6:30

5/30 NO SCHOOL

6/1 SECOND GRADE CONCERT @6:30

6/2 FIELD DAY

6/9 FIFTH GRADE LUNCHEON EVENT

6/10 FIFTH GRADE PROMOTION @ 2:00

6/13 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL