Memorial News
May 2017
From Mr. Collier
Dear Parents/Guardians:
As Memorial Day approaches, let us not forget those men and woman who died in active military service to protect our country from those who wish to do us harm. We are grateful to those men and women who gave their lives to fight for our freedom and the values which make this country what it is today.
As the month of May begins, our students have begun their countdown to the start of summer vacation. However, our teachers continue to reinforce that learning never stops or takes a vacation. Our students are encouraged to give one hundred percent effort each and every day when they come to school. Please support us by encouraging your child(ren) to give us their very best each day.
May is the month when the staff and I will begin preparing for the 2017-2018 year. We will be ordering instructional supplies and equipment to enhance learning in the classrooms. Mrs. Hickey and I are working with Dr. Gravity Goldberg and Dr. Julie Walsh to transition our staff's professional development sessions. This will strengthen our teachers' performance with the workshop model.
Over the summer, our third grade hallway will undergo some renovations. The old plaster ceiling and lighting will be removed. It will be replaced with a new drop-down tile ceiling and LED hallway lighting. Also, there will be a roof replacement project over the third grade section of the building.
In addition to our facility updates, the Montvale School District will be purchasing additional Chromebooks for students in grades three and four. This final purchase will provide every student in those grades with a device to use in their classroom. The classrooms will have their own Chromebook cart. With the additional devices, Memorial School will be administering the PARCC assessment for both grades during the same week next year.
Our incoming kindergarten enrollment is strong for the next school year. We currently have 101 students registered for September. This means there will be six sections of kindergarten for September. However, we are decreasing a second grade section due to low student enrollment in our current grade one. The administration with be discussing some staffing changes to accommodate the enrollment changes.
Finally, on Sunday, May 14th, we thank our mothers, grandmothers, and godmothers who are very special to us. I would like extend my sincere appreciation to all our moms for everything that they do to support and care for our children. I wish you a happy and healthy Mother’s Day!
All my best,
Teacher's Appreciation Day
On Thursday, May 4th, we will be celebrating Teacher Appreciation Day here at Memorial School. This is a terrific time to have your child thank his/her teachers for their hard work and dedication. As a token of appreciation, our PTO will be coordinating a lunch for all the teachers and support staff on this special day.
Fidget Spinners - Not Allowed in School
Student Dress Attire for School
Please remember that there is a district dress code that students must follow. These rules apply to all students at Memorial Elementary School:
- All shirts and blouses must cover midriff, back, sides, and all undergarments, including bra straps, at all times;
- See-through or mesh fabrics, spaghetti straps, straps that untie, or halter-tops may not be worn unless they are layered with a top, which itself follows the dress code;
- All trousers, pants, and shorts are not to be rolled at the waist, and must totally cover undergarments, including boxer shorts;
- Dresses, shorts, and skirts must be no shorter than three inches above the knee. Skirts must comply with the dress code regardless of whether tights/leggings are underneath;
- Clothing and footwear traditionally designed as undergarments or sleepwear are not permissible;
- Tight-fitting, or overly-loose clothing may not be worn in school;
- Clothing with obscene or profane language that references drugs, alcohol, tobacco, racism, or violence is not permissible;
- All hats, caps, and hoods, may not be worn in school;
- Footwear must be appropriate for safe participation in all types of school activities and be conducive to a positive learning environment (i.e. no slippers). Flip-flops are not permitted. Backless footwear such as clogs, mules, and sandals are not permissible.
We appreciate your assistance to ensure that our students make the proper clothing choices for school.
Change in School Celebrations 2017-2018
Upcoming Events
May 1 to 5 - Grade 3 PARCC
May 4 - Teacher Appreciation Day
May 8 to 12 - Grade 4 PARCC
May 8 - Grade 3 Technology Expo
May 11 & 12 - Grade 1 Mother’s Day Tea
May 10 - Incoming Kindergarten Screening
May 15 - Family Night
May 17 - Kindergarten Class Trip
May 24 - Grade 2 Class Trip
May 29 —School Closed for Memorial Day
May 31 - Grade 4 NJASK Science Assessment