Davis Elementary School
February 2018 Newsletter
From the Principal
Despite the frigid temperatures, the end of January has arrived and with it comes the end to the first half of the school year. As we move forward into the second half of the school year, it is important that we bring the same excitement and enthusiasm that we brought with us at the start of school in the fall.
February will be a busy month here at Davis. In tandem with our instructional program, students in Grades 4 and 5 are gearing up for the annual Spelling Bee. If it is anything like our National Geographic Bee, it promises to be an exciting event. Second marking period report cards will be sent home on Wednesday, February 7th. If you have any questions regarding your child’s progress, please contact his or her teacher. As a reminder, Parent/Teacher Conferences are February 16th. This will be a great time to discuss your child’s progress with the school staff. The Davis Family is committed to academic excellence for all students. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you during parent/teacher conferences.
Lastly, we would like to send a special “Thank You” to everyone who participated in the 3rd Annual Davis Day of Service. We collected clothing for children in need and made over 200 hundred breakfast bags to feed families in need. There was great mix of parents, students, and Davis staff volunteering on this beautiful and sunny day. I know the families we have impacted are grateful. A special thank you to Karen O’Brien, Sharon Little, and Maryann Weidner for organizing our MLK Day of Service, our wonderful Davis Staff for donating the items for the breakfast bags, Davis Home & School for supplying coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts for the volunteers. In addition, we'd like to thank Mr. Chris Whitney for opening the building and helping out where needed.
Our best to you and your families,
Mrs. Coles & Dr. Devitt
From The Nurse
February has two important health themes! This month is American Heart Health Month and National Children’s Dental Health Month. During the cold, winter months it is difficult to get the kids outside to run around and play. Indoor sports and Wii games that require physical activities are great ways for the kids to get exercise. If your child does not mind the cold, having him or her help to shovel the snow is also a good activity.
Some Important Facts about Heart Health in Children
Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries, begins in childhood. It is important for children and adolescents to adopt a heart-healthy diet to help prevent the development of heart disease later in life. Children should eat foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. These foods include:
● Fruits and vegetables
● Whole grains
● Low-fat and nonfat dairy products
● Beans, fish, and lean meats
Increasing evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiencies in children and adolescents may be associated with high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and high blood sugar levels, which put patients at increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and adolescents get a daily intake of at least 400 IU of vitamin D daily from food or supplement sources. (2016 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).
The Counselor's Corner
Happy New Year! There are a lot of new things to look forward to for 2018! Fourth and fifth grade students, look out for a permission slip for our Community Service Group! We will meet at 8 AM on Wednesday mornings. This group will work to collect food for local food pantries and toiletries for the children that live in Christ’s Home, among other projects. The counselors will also begin another parenting class. It will be held on Thursday mornings at 9 AM, starting February 8th. Look for further details in upcoming E-Alerts!
In Guidance classes, the children will be learning the following:
Kindergarten: Coping with Anger
First Grade: Tattling vs Telling
Second Grade: Identifying the signs of a bully and practice assertiveness skills.
Third grade: Students are continuing their teamwork project.
Fourth Grade: Working on their conflict resolution skills.
Fifth Grade: Strategies for dealing with peer pressure
“Cabin fever” refers to how we feel when we don’t get outside enough due to winter weather. To combat the boredom and anxiety of “cabin fever” encourage your children to eat healthy foods, get plenty of rest and remain as physically active as possible with indoor exercises. On the occasional nice day, get out for a walk. If you can, try to plan fun trips to museums or indoor amusement areas. Spring will be here before we know it!
As always, we can help you with questions about the transition to the next school year for any grade level, so please feel free to reach out.
Bob Immerman - Grades 3, 4, 5
(215) 364-5970 x 15031
Christi Ward - Grades K, 1, 2
(215) 364-5970 x15030
The Reading Corner
Spotlight on programs for reading and language arts
Davis Elementary School continues on our “journey,” utilizing the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Journeys program for reading and language arts. Journeys is our school’s core reading program, and it is designed to meet the diverse needs of all students. Included in the program are the key elements of reading instruction, from decodable readers for those who are learning to read, to comprehension for those that are now reading to learn. The components of the program, and the activities and strategies presented throughout, are based on current research and best instructional practice.
The Journeys program will help to provide our students with the skills they need to succeed, preparing them ultimately for the high- literacy demands of college and the workplace. With the program, students develop reading comprehension skills as well as develop their skills as critical thinkers, writers, speakers, listeners, and communicators. Join us on the journey by talking frequently with your child about the authentic literature they are reading in school!
Our English as a second language students continue to “reach” for greatness with the assistance of the National Geographic Reach for Reading Program. Reach for Reading aligns with common core state standards and is built to meet the needs for all students K-6 in reading and language arts. Each unit in the program focuses on “big ideas” within a theme. The program utilizes complex content-based national geographic selections and provides teacher-guided strategies as well as meaningful practice. With Reach for Reading, students develop comprehension, fluency and knowledge through high-interest texts and visuals. Support your child in his reach for reading by talking about the big ideas and themes!
Lexia is available to your child any time from school or home! Lexia Reading Core5® is a dynamic and fun computer program that has helped millions of students develop reading skills through personalized learning. The activities and instruction in Core5 are aligned to the rigorous English Language Arts standards. Our school is using Lexia as part of our daily routines to build skills in reading and language arts – and we want you to share in our excitement! Please find the link and instructions to download Lexia at home on the Davis webpage.
Reminder-Absences
While coming to school each and every day is important, it is equally important to monitor our children’s health. If a child is sick, please keep him/her home. Our teachers will work with students who have fallen ill to make sure they do not fall behind in the classroom.
If your child is absent from school, you will be notified via a voice message that will come to the primary phone number listed in Skyward. In addition, an email will be sent to the first email address listed in Skyward. Please be sure that your phone number and email address is updated in Skyward. If an automated call is made, and you believe it to be in error, please call the main office of the school. Automated calls and emails may still occur even if you’ve contacted the school regarding the absence. Absence notes will still be required. You can send a written note in with your child on the day that he or she returns to school. You can also email the excuse note to DAAttendance@centennialsd.org . This email address is dedicated to receiving these notes. If you have any questions regarding this change, please call the main office at (215) 441-6000 x 15010
Outstanding Cafeteria Balances
The Food Service Department has a procedure that states that students owing more than an established obligation ($6.00) will be offered an alternate meal of one (1) cheese sandwich or one (1) ham and cheese sandwich or one (1) ham sandwich, one (1) fruit or vegetable and the student’s choice of one (1) milk. The student’s account will be charged one dollar and 50 cents ($1.50) Food allergies will be considered. Negative or low balance letters are sent home in the Wednesday Express. We request that you provide payments in a timely manner. Please contact the school Principal, Ms. Coles, or Cafeteria Manager, Mrs. McElroy if you have any questions concerning this procedure.
If you are eligible, free or reduced price lunches are available by filling an application through the Food Service Office of the Centennial School District. You can also pre-pay for lunch through the “E-Fund” system and credit can be immediately applied to the account. If you need assistance with placing money on your child’s account or applying for free/reduced lunch programs, please contact the Food Service Office at 215-441-6000 ext. 11013. Thank you for your cooperation
Davis Dolphins
Each week names are drawn from our Davis Dolphins container as a way to recognize and celebrate our students for demonstrating trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Congratulations to Giuliana A, Adelyn C, Lauren L, Emily B, Christian K, Brooke S, Chase S, Arthur G, Hannah G, Logan M, Kshlok S, Emma R, Hudson B, Delaney C, Richard J, Emma M,Casey M, Rian G, Royale P, Mitchell M, Haley W, Addy N, Gavin B, Alisa T, Gia F, Annabelle L, Brielle F, Kylie Y, Aidan G, Gabe G, Luca S, Ben T, Mehdi W, Emma R, Andrew P, Alex H. Way to go, boys and girls!
Wednesday Express
Each Wednesday, your child’s teacher will send home the Wednesday Express envelope. Please take a moment to remove, read, review the contents, and return the envelope to school the next day. Your signature on the outside of the envelope lets us know that you received it. We also recommend that everyone continue to check the eFolder on a regular basis.
Inclement Weather
PSSA Testing
English Language Arts PSSA Testing Window
Grades 3,4,5
April 9-13
Math PSSA Testing Window
Grades 3,4,5
April 16-20
PSSA Science Testing Window
Grade 4
April 23-27
Congratulations!
Congratulations to the Davis musicians who were selected to participate in the Elementary Honor Band, Honors Orchestra, and Honors Chorus! These students will perform during Centennial’s Fine Arts Week celebration in May.
Honors Chorus members are Christina A, August A, Emmee B, Maggie B, Kelsey B, Katelyn B, Allie D, Haley D, Enrique F, Kalena F, Cailyn G, Rylee G, Isabelle G, Breanna H, Michelle K, Addison N, Ruth N, Ivan O, Nichol P, Rylie O, Madison P, Sophia R, Cianni R, Daniel R, Katelyn S, Christopher S, Alisa T, Alexia W, Benjamin W, Michael W, Haley W, Briena Z and Brielle Z.
Honors Orchestra members are Max KG., Isabelle G., Alyssa H., Margaux K., Vanessa N., Kiera M., Keira P., Breanna D. and Amelia T.
Honor Band members are Leah Z., Emmee B., Katelyn B., Cassidy B., Gianna M., Victoria G., Marissa T., Madeline M., Bailey S., Sarah Z., Dan H., Philip R., Pavlo S. and Alisa T.
Geography Bee
Khan Academy Winter Challenge
The winning students were:
Mitchell M - Most Minutes
Abigail H - Most Mastered Skills
Kasiana C - Most Energy Points
Nichol P - Growth Mindset
The third through fifth grade students at Davis have shown incredible growth and perseverance throughout this school year. Their dedication to their education over break, (when there were no teachers around!) just goes to prove how special they are.
Day of Service
Thank you to our team of volunteers who collected the donations at Davis and loaded them into their vehicles for drop off.
"Give Every Child A Good Start For Learning" - Featured in the Bucks County Courier Times
Mrs. Coles was asked to write an article for the Bucks Courier Times. Follow the link below to read.
Decembeard
Help Davis every time you shop at Amazonsmile or Shoprite Warminster
By selecting Centennial Education Foundation as your charity when shopping at Amazonsmile 0.5% of eligible purchases go to the Centennial Education Foundation. Centennial Education Foundation (CEF) provides enriching educational opportunities, programs, and projects to expand and enhance the basic, well-rounded education offered by the district.
By shopping at ShopRite of Warminster through the Shop From Home Fundraiser. 15% of your bill is donated to the Centennial Education Foundation. CEF donates 20% of our school's proceeds to our Home & School Association.
Teacher's Corner - Grade 2 - Mrs. Beecher
Teacher's Corner - Grade 4- Mr. Tennyson's Class
During December Season of Giving, B-24 students and families raised $325.00 for the AJ Autism Foundation. The funds were raised by the students and families and donated in the name of the Louis Konen Family. Additionally, the class, families and Mr. Tennyson donated three $50.00 gifts cards to the Davis Season of Giving Campaign
The class is looking forward to continuing their service work by donating goods and time with Cradles to Crayons and Breakfast Bags for the MLK Day of Service.
Teacher's Corner - Grade 4 - Mrs. Pearce
Birthday Club
Each month Mrs. Coles recognizes students who have birthdays that month by giving them a special pencil and posing for a photo with them. This month February birthdays were recognized.
Calendar
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Nm74eUzdsTVo9GfIahUBG2HT0E27w16jEXqJpbYBcAA/edit?usp=sharing
Davis Elementary School
Website: centennialsd.org
Phone: 215-364-5970