Mustang Messenger
March 2019
From the Principal's Desk
Are you as thankful as I am that we are on the tail end of winter headed into spring? While March is often a long month for both students and teachers, knowing that our weather will be improving is a bright spot!
During the month of March, and into April, students in grades 3 through 5 will be continuing to prepare for our pending statewide standardized tests of IREAD-3 and ILEARN. IREAD-3 is the required assessement for all 3rd graders in the state of Indiana. Our 3rd grade teachers, Mrs. Lestinsky and Mrs. Orosz, will be in touch regarding the specific schedule for that test, but it is divided into 3 sections and takes place over several days. I strongly encourage you to keep from scheduling appointments during that testing window (see below for dates), most especially in the mornings when most of our testing takes place.
How did your family enjoy our reading adventure with the book The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate? I was so impressed with the participation we had from students during our contests, and in the money raised for the adoption of two endangered animals! Some pictures from our surprise assembly on Friday are below.
Finally, I'd like to address some questions we have had this past week regarding an online viral hoax that has been in the local and national news. It is disheartening to know there are people out there creating things that have no other purpose than to scare entire communities. This hoax can be read about here: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/youtube-disables-comments-on-most-videos-featuring-minors-momo-challenge/. We, as a school district, are very aware of the concerns relating to this hoax and will continue to promote online safety with all students. But, here is the most important thing I want you to know: This is a HOAX. There have been no incidents validated of what this hoax is claiming. It is a scare tactic designed toward creating hysteria and chaos. To be proactive in combating this type of hoax (this particular one and those in the future) I encourage all of you to have age-appropriate conversations with your children regarding internet safety and possibly incorporate some of these strategies, as well:
- Reinforce appropriate internet searches.
- Set parental controls on your child's device(s).
- Check browsing history.
- Encourage using electronic devices in a common area in the home where you can see what your child is doing.
- Set “screen time” limits.
- For YouTube, you can also turn off the “search” ability, pick trusted channels and set custom playlists.
As always, PHM's number one priority is the safety and welfare of all its students. Should you have any concerns related to this hoax or if your child reports anything to you that is concerning, please feel free to reach out to me or your child's teacher.
In service of your child,
Mrs. Heerschop
Important Dates
March 4-8 - National School Breakfast Week! Breakfast is served at Mary Frank daily from 7:40-7:55 for any child who would like to eat breakfast.
March 8 - 2nd grade Planetarium Field Trip
March 9 - Young Authors' Conference - Schmucker Middle School - 8:45-11:30am
March 10 - Daylight Savings Time - SPRING FORWARD!
March 11
PennPALS Registration Begins - Details at: https://www.phmschools.org/penn-pals-community-preschool
1st grade Planetarium Field Trip
March 13 - 4th grade Planetarium Field Trip
March 15 - Screen Free Week begins (see details below)
March 18 - IREAD-3 Window Opens (March 18-29)
March 19 - PHM Elementary Spell Bowl - PHS CPA - 6-8pm
March 21 - Celebrate Differences Day - More details to come!
March 25 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 26 - 5th Graders visit DMS
March 28
Kindergarten Planetarium Field Trip
4th & 5th Grade field trip to the Logan Center
March 29 - Report Cards sent home
March 30 - April 7 - Spring Break!
Screen Free Week!
Friday, March 15th - Family Dance Party & PTO Silent Auction - 6-8pm There will also be a sneak preview of the spring Scholastic Book Fair with "BOGO" night!
Monday, March 18th - Family Fun Night at the Book Fair (still BOGO) - 5:30-7pm
Tuesday, March 19th - Skate Night at Galaxy Roller Ring - 5:30-7:30pm
Wednesday, March 20th - Hacienda GIve Back Night
Thursday, March 21st - Swim Night at PHS - 5:30-7:30pm
Friday, March 22nd - Family Fun Night on your own!
Spring Scholastic "BOGO" Book Fair - Help Wanted!
Please remember that if you're volunteering, a background check MUST be completed prior to the day of your visit. Thank you!
Parents of Fifth Graders::
Please remember to check with your family physician for your child to receive their
MCV4 (Meningococcal), Tdap and 2nd Hep A (if not received yet). These are all required for 6th grade.
Important Reminders:
- Students must be fever free and/or have not vomited or had diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school. We appreciate close adherence ot this policy in order to keep everyone healthy.
- Medications cannot be brought to school by students Parents must bring the medication into the office and give it to the Ms. Debi, the Health Aide or office staff if she is unavailable. Appropriate forms must be signed and on file before medication can be dispensed at school.
Safe School Helpline
The Safe School Helpline® is a confidential way to report student concerns about threats,
suicide, drugs, bullying or anything that threatens the safety of our schools. Available 24/7.
Three Ways to Report to the Safe School Helpline®
Call: 1-800-418-6423 ext 359
Text: TIPS to 66746
Online: SafeSchoolHelpline.com
Mary Frank PTO News
Jessica Murphy- President
Melissa Knight - Vice President
Angela DiGeroloma - Secretary
Megan Wroblewski - Treasurer
Mary Frank Contact Information
Email: cheerschop@phm.k12.in.us
Website: https://maryfrank.phmschools.org/
Location: 13111 Adams Road, Granger, IN, USA
Phone: (574) 272-0340
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryFrankMustangs/
Twitter: @MFESMustangs