PRINCIPAL NEWS & NOTES
OCTOBER, 2019
We had an awesome first month back! All grades participated in our Town Meetings that I conduct at the start of every school year to review school-wide expectations. Thank you for reviewing and signing the Behavior Contracts that came home. Classes were involved in a variety of activities getting to know one another and building a sense of community. You can already see, on display, classroom rules, student work, positive affirmations, daily schedules and most importantly, Essential Learning Targets for all subjects. Instruction in all subjects is well underway and students fully engaged. The new Writing Program has been launched and is well under way.
Thank you to all of our parents who were able to attend our Back-to-School Nights. We had GREAT attendance. Your attendance let's our students know you value their education and the Home-School relationship. Looking forward to seeing everyone for Parent-Teacher conferences next month.
Kudos to all of our new students who joined us and are fitting right in. And those Kinders, their transition was AWESOME!
We are looking forward to a phenomenal school year and I hope you are as well. Thank you for your continued support!
SUMMER POSTCARDS TO THE PRINCIPAL
POSITIVE OFFICE REFERRALS: They were a huge hit last year! Don't know what a POR is? Students are sent to the Principal's office with a Positive Office Referral! Yes, sent to me for something positive! When a student receives a POR, I call for them to come to the office to see the Principal. Students receive a certificate, SOAR medal and take a picture with me. Pictures are posted on the POR bulletin board (in the main hallway). Students are also recognized at our Red and White Pride assemblies. Quite a few students have already been sent to see the Principal!
TRIMESTERS: Please be reminded that elementary marking periods are on a trimester system. The end of the first trimester is November 25th. Parent-Teacher Conferences will be here before you know it! Conferences are scheduled on line. I will send information early next month with directions for scheduling conference(s). As well, report cards are accessed on-line. Make sure you are set up to access grades and report cards in December. You can access the portal page at: http://home.wcasd.net/pages/West_Chester_Area_SD/ForParents/Parent_Portal.
SCHOOL INSURANCE: West Chester Area School District provides parents with the opportunity to purchase voluntary Student Accident Insurance for their children who are enrolled in West Chester Area School District schools. This year, Student Accident Insurance coverage is offered by A-G Administrators, Inc.
This economical insurance is limited to accidental injuries. It is designed to help supplement your existing insurance or limit the possible financial impact of an injury if you have no other insurance For the 2018-19 school year, two plans are available for purchase: School Day Coverage - $28 per school year OR 24-hour Coverage (excludes all interscholastic sports) - $124 per school year. For more information and an application, please visit https://www.wcasd.net/Domain/1025.OCTOBER IS BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH
HOW WAS SCHOOL TODAY?
Ever start that conversation at dinner when you ask your student(s), "What did you do/learn at school today?" and the answer is sometimes, usually, always, "Nothing". Try asking these growth mindset questions and you are sure to get specific answers:
- What did you learn today?
- What mistake did you make that taught you something?
- What did you try hard at today?
FROM THE NURSE
ATTENTION PARENTS OF NEW STUDENTS AND 3RD GRADE STUDENTS - State mandated physical and dental reminders were sent out the week of September 16th. All dental and physicals are due in the nurse’s office by October 29th. Exams must be dated after September 1, 2018. Contact the nurses office at 484-266-1406 if you have any questions.
Flu Vaccine Clinic - Monday October 7, 2019 from 2:30 p.m.– 6:00 p.m, Fugett Middle School. Be sure to bring your insurance card. There will be no charge for those without insurance. Spanish interpreters will be on site.
DATES TO REMEMBER
- 10/4 - Walk-a-Thon sponsored by PTO
- 10/9 - No school
- 10/10 - PTO General Meeting, 7PM
- 10/25 -Trunk-or-Treat, 5:30-7
- 10/21-10/25 - AgLab
- 10/28 - No School, Teacher In-Service
GENERAL REMINDERS FROM THE OFFICE
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.
ACTIVITY FEE - Just a reminder, if your student is participating in Chorus, Band, Orchestra (Honors as well), and After School Sports, and you have not paid the $25 fee, it is past due. Two reminders for non-payment will be sent prior to a student being dropped from the activity.
ABSENTEE HOTLINE - Please call 484-266-1410 (Safe Schools line) and leave a message when you know your child will be absent from school or late. You can call the number at any time. Please do not call 484 266-1400, 1401 or 1402 to report an absence.
FORGOTTEN LUNCHES - If a student forgets lunch, they are allowed to purchase/charge a full lunch three times. If payment is not made after the third charge, students will only be offered peanut butter and jelly or a cheese sandwich. Please be aware that this is the District’s policy.
LUNCH ACCOUNTS - When sending money (cash or checks) for lunch accounts, please make sure that the money is in an envelope with the student’s name. PayForIt is also available for putting money on your child’s lunch account. Please check your balance periodically. *Kinders and first grade - Keep practicing those ID numbers!
VACATION REQUESTS - When needing family vacation time, email Dr. Alston (TAlston@wcasd.net) and cc KNagorny@wcasd.net with your request. The vacation request form is on the school website. Five days are allowed as excused absences for family vacation.
CONTACTING TEACHERS/STAFF - All staff email addresses are first initial, last name @wcasd.net. (BJones@wcasd.net.). District policy affords teachers twenty-four hours to respond.
STUDENT DROP OFF AND PICK UP - Drop off and pick up is on the playground . Please do not drop students off before 8 AM as supervision is not available. All students report to the gym. We ask that you do not exit your car during drop off or pick up or drive around the line. We also ask that you be courteous and patient with one another. Our students are watching and listening. Lastly, PLEASE SLOW DOWN ON HENDRICKS AVENUE WHEN DROPPING OFF in the morning. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
CHANGES IN TRANSPORTATION - If there is a change in after school arrangements or pick up, we must have it in writing. Please email your child's teacher and cc TSpranger@wcasd.net and KNagorny@wcasd.net. You can also send in a note. We will not change a student's arrangements if it is NOT in writing.
VOLUNTEERS/CHAPERONES - You must have current/up to date clearances on file if you would like to volunteer or chaperone on class trips.