PICKERINGTON ELEMENTARY NEWS
November 2018
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
P.R.O.U.D. Winners
During our October PTO meeting, seven students were our first of the year to be recognized for being chosen as school leaders for a month, September. Each of the students was nominated by a staff member for demonstrating one of the seven habits described in the book, The Leader in Me, by Steven R. Covey and in the series of books titled, The 7 Habits of Happy Kids, by Sean Covey. Each student demonstrated what a highly effective leader looks like. During the meeting, students were given a leadership T-shirt, a certificate, and a charm. Congratulations to Brodie A., Naomi T., Cayliz F., John W., Ayriannah P., Addy H-M., and Erica C.
Art Awards
Our first set of Outstanding Art Students was announced by Mrs. Amos. Their work is displayed in the hall, so take a look when you’re in our school. Those chosen, one from each grade, were Liam M., Kylie L., Amara J., Kayra J., and Leila P. Congratulations, students.
We also have an exciting announcement regarding another student. Fourth-grader, Anna P., was selected by The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) to have her artwork used on OSBA’s 2018 holiday card. There were hundreds of entries submitted by Pickerington students. In addition to being selected to be on this year’s holiday card, Anna’s work will also be featured in an upcoming edition of OSBA’s “Journal” magazine. Congratulations go out to our art teacher, Mrs. Amos, and to Anna!!!
Walkathon Top Earners
Five students won a pizza luncheon with me for being our top earners. They are Colton J., Chloe B., Bella D., Colin R., and Parker D. Thanks to all of you and your families for helping us raise money for our school. We don’t have a total yet since the online site is still open for contributions.
Parent Teacher Conference
We had a great response to our parent/teacher conferences that we held this past month. Thank you family members for partnering with us in your child’s education.
COUNSELING NEWS
Weekend Food Program
This program was created to help those families in need of meals for their children over the weekend. This is a wonderful program that helps those families in need within the PLSD.
What it is:
· Food provided per student for 3 meals a day over Saturday and Sunday.
· The food will be dropped off at the school office on Fridays.
· The appropriate student will be notified and will come to retrieve their food bag.
We follow the school calendar & inclement weather schedule. No deliveries on Friday if no school. If we do know of a long weekend, we can arrange to drop for 3 days worth of meals. We have been approached by Mid Ohio Food Bank and have partnered with them to grow this program. Violet Baptist Church has volunteered to host the program and recruit volunteers from the community to join at VBC weekly to pack the food and distribute to the appropriate schools. Again, HOPE does not know whom the recipients are in order to keep strict confidentiality. If there is a food allergy we do identify that up front.
We keep strict guidelines on safety at the elementary levels for food prep. No food that needs a can opener, heat or microwave for little hands and safety. This changes for the upper levels. Also, we keep records for food safety and handling according to the standards set by the FDA and have completed training for such at Mid Ohio.
Lastly, this is no strings attached. Absolutely FREE for the student. If a household has more than one student, each student would receive a bag of food.
Please contact Kendra Stewart, School Counselor at Pickerington Elementary School, if you are interested in this program or would like to learn more about it.
Phone: 614-548-1431 email: kendra_stewart@plsd.us
Holiday Assistance
Dear Families,
The holidays are quickly approaching along with all the wonderful memories made during this special time of the year. The holidays are an enjoyable time with family and friends, however, that does not mean that they are not stressful! I realize some families may need some extra assistance providing a more memorable holiday for their children. Pickerington Schools are teaming up, once again, with the Violet Township Fire Department to help provide some holiday assistance for families in need during this holiday season.
For those out and about during the holiday season, you may see big red boxes throughout the community and in the schools. If you would like to donate a new toy/gift for the holiday season it can be placed in the big red boxes. Gift cards are also appreciated. If you would prefer to donate in other ways, please let me know.
If you would like a request form for holiday assistance this year, please contact me at kendra_stewart@plsd.us or (614) 548-1431. The request form will then be provided to you, only one per household please. This form is handled in a confidential manner; however, the information will be shared with local agencies. More details will be shared with those families requesting holiday assistance. The forms must be turned into a Pickerington school counselor by Monday, November 19th.
Best Wishes,
Kendra Stewart
Pickerington Elementary School - PLSD
School Counselor
FROM THE OFFICE
Notes – Please remember, when possible, to send notes in with your children when they will be leaving early for appointments. This allows the teachers to be prepared and to have them ready to go at the designated time. Thank you!
Cold Weather Preparations – Students continue to go outside during the winter months when weather permits. Children should always come to school prepared for outside recess, wearing coats, hats, gloves, etc. Remember to listen to your radio or watch television weather-related school closings and delayed openings. You may also sign up for text alerts by going to the Pickerington Local School District website and following the directions. On a two (2) hour delay, morning kindergarten times are 11:15 am to 1:15 pm and afternoon kindergarten is from 1:55 pm to 4:05 pm.
School Fees
Dear Parents,
Please note that the final deadline for paying 2018-19 student fees is Nov. 16. For details regarding any outstanding students fees, go to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal at https://pickeringtonoh.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/pickerington.jsp
There are three available payment options:
1. Go to https://pickeringtonoh.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/pickerington.jsp and pay outstanding fees online with a credit card or e-check.
2. Mail payments to Pickerington Schools, Treasurer's Office, 90 N. East Street, Pickerington, OH 43147.
3. Stop by District Office during normal business hours at 90 N. East Street.
All checks or money orders should be made payable to Pickerington Local Schools. To ensure proper posting, please reference your student's name and student ID. Cash payments cannot be accepted by mail.
If you have questions regarding fees, please contact Pickerington Elementary at 614-548-1400 or call the Treasurer's Office at (614)-833-2110.
K.I.S.S. Luncheon
Our KISS Luncheons, Kids Invite Someone Special, are planned for families to enjoy a school lunch together. Please mark the date on your calendar from the schedule below. We hope you can join us.
November 9, 2018 – Ms. Gutzeit, Mrs. Bryan, Mrs. Schaar, Mrs. Hissom
November 16, 2018 – Mrs. Fisher, Mr. DiCerbo, Mrs. Wolfinger, Mrs. Brockwell
March 8, 2019 – Ms. Manalac, Ms. Klipa, Mrs. Way, Mrs. Stemm
March 15, 2019 – Mrs. Rogers, Mr. Friedrich, Mrs. Burre
NEWS FROM THE CLINIC
Clothing – We really appreciate the clothing that parents have donated to the clinic. Thank you for your generosity. We’re still low on boys’ pants, especially those with elastic waistbands. If you have any that your child has outgrown, feel free to send them our way. The clinic is also in need of boys’ underwear size XS-M. Please consider donating packs of NEW underwear to our students in need. Also, if your child has borrowed clothing from the clinic, please wash and return them.
Who Should be Vaccinated for Flu – The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the vaccination is given to those people who are at an increased risk of influenza complications. These include:
- People age 65 and older;
- Children ages six (6) months to 23 months;
- Anyone with a chronic medical condition, such as asthma, diabetes heart disease or lung disease;
- Anyone with an immune disorder. Also, the CDC recommends vaccination for people in close contact with those at increased risk of complication for medical personnel and for anyone else who wants to minimize the risk of getting the flu.
Taking Care of a Cold – Most people get several colds a year. You cannot completely avoid them, but you can reduce the changes by keeping your hands away from your face and washing your hands frequently. The common cold is caused by viruses and lasts 7-14 days. It usually starts with a sore throat, sneezing, and runny nose. You may have a mild fever or a headache, stuffy nose, and thicker yellowish mucous. Stuffy ears and sinus pressures around the eyes, forehead, and cheekbones may develop.
What can I do to feel better?
- Get enough sleep to feel rested;
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially hot ones;
- Gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat;
- Breathe the steam from a hot shower, or drink a hot beverage or soup;
- Avoid smoke and other irritants.
NEWS FROM THE MEDIA CENTER
The students who have participated in the Newbery Club and the number of books they have read are as follows:
Kaleigh P. 1; Alejandra R. 2; Portia M. 1; Addison F. 1; Payton H. 2; Breanne M. 2; Haylee K. 1; Sophie M. 3; Colin R. 2; Shelby M. 3; Denyla H. 1; Jocelyn K. 1; Emmanuel A. 1
COLLEGE & CAREER FAMILY NIGHT
It’s never too early to start thinking about your child’s college and career, and an event planned for Nov. 15 will start the planning process for Pickerington junior high and middle school students and their parents.
The third annual College and Career Family Night will be Thursday, November 15. While the event will be held at Lakeview Junior High, it is for all district junior high and middle school students and their families. The free event will begin at 5 p.m. with pizza, followed at 6 p.m. with our keynote presenter, and then a showcase of informational presentations from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Parents can register online to attend at https://www.pickerington.k12.oh.us/news/collegecareer2018/.
“The sessions at College and Career Family Night are designed to help build the foundation for families to start seriously thinking about their children’s college and careers,” said Kris Owen, school counselor at Ridgeview.
A highlight of the evening will be our keynote speaker, Professor Kelli Nowlin, with her presentation “College Success Skills 101: A Successful Journey Begins Years Before You Step On Campus.”
Informational sessions would cover a variety of relevant topics, including:
- What to Expect in Junior High: A Guide for Parents and Students
- Gifted Third to Eighth Grade
- High School Pathways
- NCAA
- College Preparedness and Preparation
- Military
- Preparing Yourself to Earn Scholarships
- Intro to Naviance
- College Credit Plus
- Digital Citizenship and Social Presence
- Grit and Growth Mindset
- College Panel
- Helping Our Kids Cope
- ACT
- 529 Plans
- Admissions 101
- The Career Center
- Battelle and STEM Careers
- Application Review Process
FREE ENGLISH CLASS FOR ADULTS!
Beginner English Classes
When: Thursday nights from 6-7:30 pm
Where: Fairfield Elementary
Instructor: Cara Brill
Email: cara_brill@plsd.us
Intermediate English Classes
When: Thursday nights from 7:30 -9 pm
Where: Fairfield Elementary
Instructor: Cara Brill
Email: cara_brill@plsd.us