MEADOWLARK NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 2018
Happy Fall! It was fun to see so many of you at the Greater Andover Days parade. We definitely live in a wonderful community! Speaking of community, our Meadowlark community is the BEST! Our second grade through fifth grade students have started their "school jobs." It is amazing that 80% of our students applied and were awarded a job! If you haven't already, please ask your child about their job!
Capturing Kids Hearts motto is "If you Have a Child's Heart, You Have a Child's Mind." We have really enjoyed implementing many facets of this program/philosophy. The "E" in the EXCEL model stands for Engage. Every morning or before library, art, music, or PE classes, our staff is greeting your child with a handshake, a hug or a high five! It has been amazing to see the growth in our students ability to make eye contact, to use a nice firm handshake, and to initiate handshakes on their own to adults or to other students. The "X" in the EXCEL model stands for "Xplore. We provide time daily to talk with our students about Good Things. This is an opportunity for our students and staff to share the "good things" that are happening in their life. We have found this to work perfectly into our morning meeting time as well as into the closing part of our day.
As a staff, we have had three investigation team meeting around the topic of redesign. We are working on identifying our mission and our vision as well as creating the avenue in which to solicit information from our stakeholders. We have surveyed our staff and our students about what they like about Meadowlark and about what they would want to change or add to Meadowlark to make it better. Our staff will be asking for your involvement in taking a survey during parent-teacher conference time. Your input and feedback is crucial to us!!! Also, please be looking for some additional opportunities to learn about Kansas Can Redesign in the coming weeks!
Have a great October!
Dana Matheny, Principal
CALENDAR
October 1
- 3:45-4:45 pm - After School Spanish Club
- 3:45 pm - 1st StuCo Meeting
October 2
- National Custodian Appreciation Day
- Box Top Pick Up
- Pennies for Patients Begins (PFP boxes sent home. See info below)
October 3
- Parent/Teacher Conference Forms Returned
- 9:15-11:15 am - COWS (3rd Grade Career On Wheels)
- Super Hero Day for Pennies for Patients
- 8:50 am - All-Star Pep Rally
- 10:00 am - Muffins With Mommy (kindergarten students only)
- 3:00 pm - Circle of Friends - Cookie Party
October 7-13
- Fire Prevention Week
October 8
- 3:45-4:45 pm - After School Spanish Club
- Columbus Day
- 8:50 am - All-Star Pep Rally
- 5:30 pm - AHS vs ACHS Football Game @ District Stadium
October 15-19
- Bus Driver Appreciation Week
October 15
- 3:45-4:45 pm - After School Spanish Club
October 16
- Boss' Day
- 11:45 am - 5th Grade Water Festival at RMES
October 17
- 1st Quarter Reading Logs Due
- End of 1st Quarter
- 9:00 am - Book Fair Set Up
- 3:45-4:40 pm - Book Fair - Teacher Preview & Snacks
October 18
- NO SCHOOL
- LAST DAY TO ORDER MES SHIRT (this will be the last order of the year)
- 8:00 am - 8:00 pm - All Day Parent Teacher Conferences
- 8:00 am - 8:00 pm - Book Fair Family Day
October 19
- NO SCHOOL - Teacher Professional Learning Day
October 23 - 30
- Red Ribbon Week
October 22
- 9:00-3:30 pm - Fall Book Fair
- 3:45-4:45 pm - After School Spanish Club
October 23
- Dress in RED, WHITE & BLUE (I'm Drug-Free and Proud!)
- 9:00-3:30 pm - Fall Book Fair
October 24
- Wear Your Future Career Outfit (Drug-Free I can be Anything)
- 9:00-3:30 pm - Fall Book Fair
- 9:00-10:30 am - 5th Grade Music Rehearsal @ ACHS
October 25
- Wear Sweatshirt & Sweatpants or Jogging clothes (Being Drug-Free is No Sweat for Me)
- 9:00-10:00 am - PTO Meeting
- 9:00-3:30 pm - Fall Book Fair
- 9:00-11:30 am - 5th Grade Music Rehearsal @ ACHS
- 4:30 pm - Site Council Meeting
- 7:00 pm - 5th Grade Music Program @ ACHS
October 26
- Dress in Wacky-Mismatched Clothes (Don't Get Mixed-up with Drugs)
- 8:50 am - All-Star Pep Rally
- 9:00-3:30 pm - Fall Book Fair
October 29
- 2nd Chance Picture Day
- Wear Your Favorite Team Shirt (Let's Team-up Against Drugs)
- 9:00-11:00 am - Book Fair Take Down
- 3:45-4:45 pm - After School Spanish Club
October 30
- Wear Pajamas & Slippers (Dreaming of a Drug-Free Future)
October 31
- Halloween
- Box Top Pick Up
- 11:30-1:00 pm - October Birthday Lunch with Principal Matheny
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR STAFF!
BIRTHDAYS IN OCTOBER!
5 - John Harpstrite (Night Custodian)
6 - Becky Zarich (1st Grade Teacher)
7 - Becky Hall (Instructional Aide)
10 - Lindsay Litwinski (Nurse Aide)
11 - Danielle McLain (Art Teacher)
14 - Kate Brown (Psychologist)
14 - Sarah Wilborn (ESOL Teacher)
15 - Tyler Taylor (Night Custodian
24 - Yasuko Crabtree (Cook)
THE PTO ARE TAKING THEIR FINAL MEADOWLARK SHIRT ORDERS! Order by Thursday, October 18th.
Meet our district Board Members
Josh Wells, President
Bob Baier, Vice President
Matt Forney, Member
Melinda Fritze, Member
Carly Haynes, Member
Jennifer Seymour, Member
Andrew Chaney, Newest Member
MEADOWLARK SITE COUNCIL MINUTES
Student Council
Elementary school is one of the important first steps in lifelong journey of learning. Students are molded into proper behavior and learn vital skills that will prepare them for advanced learning later in their education. An elementary Student Council presents a unique opportunity for young students to learn organization, leadership and teamwork skills and prepares them for later student government positions.
2018-2019 Student Council Representatives
4th grade: Simon L., Addi E., Avery U., Piper B., Anna K., Bryce S.
5th grade: Ethan A., Ava B., Paige G., Logan H., Gwyn P., Madison B., Bella H., Berkely B., Ellis N.
PENNIES FOR PATIENTS
Pennies for Patients will begin Tuesday, October 2nd and is a 3-week campaign to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The class that raises the most money will win a Pasta Party from Olive Garden! The class in second place will win a Pizza Party! Last year Meadowlark raised just over $2400! StuCo will set the goal for this year and will come up with Theme Days.
Please encourage your child to give, not just for the yummy lunch but to help children with Leukemia. We except cash or checks! Every penny counts!
THE FUNDRAISER ENDS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND!
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Date: Thursday, October 18th
Time: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tips for making Parent-Teacher conferences successful:
- Always prepare. Have some specific questions ready concerning your child's strengths, needs, study habits, and social skills.
- Be positive. Showing the teacher you appreciate his/her efforts helps build a strong relationship. Share with the teacher activities your child has enjoyed in the school.
- Check back. Work with your child on areas that need help. After a few weeks, check back with the teacher on your child's progress.
- Set goals. Establish goals that can be achieved through co-operation between school and home.
BOOK FAIR HOURS
Thursday, October 18 (8:00 - 8:00)
Monday, October 22 (9:00 - 3:30)
Tuesday, October 23 (9:00 - 3:30)
Wednesday, October 24 (9:00 - 3:30)
Thursday, October 25 (9:00 - 3:30)
Friday, October 26 (9:00 - 3:30)
Please join us in the "Enchanted Forest" of the library for our Fall Meadowlark Book Fair! We will kick off the fair on Thursday, October 18 for our family day when we will be open from 8 am to 8 pm during conferences. The fair will continue from October 22-26 with hours 9 am to 3:30 pm daily. The book fair is an awesome opportunity for you to purchase good quality books at an affordable price. while helping the library raise funds to purchase more books for the students and teachers at Meadowlark.
We need volunteers to set up and take down the fair, run the cash register and help students find books. Please take a look at the Sign Up link to see where you can help. Volunteers will receive a $5 coupon for each session worked. Please sign up at: http://signup.com/go/wePyxmL
Feel free to preview the book fair with this online digital flier: http://bookfairsfiles.scholastic.com/flippingbooks/F18-premium-booklist/F18-premium-booklist.html You can purchase books at the fair on the dates listed. You may also purchase books through the scholastic app found on itunes at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scholastic-book-fairs/id699636487?mt=8. Books will be delivered to the school if you choose this option. You may also send money with your child to the fair to let them do their own shopping during the school day! Finally, you can shop online from 10/12 through 10/29 at:
http://onlinebookfairs.scholastic.com/entrance.aspx?cid=uZA0KcE1HUk%3d. It's great to have so many purchasing options!
We are excited to see you at our Book Fair!
FALL PARTY CELEBRATIONS
Per the Family Handbook:
Organized classroom parties are planned by the PTO room parents. The purpose of classroom parties is to allow students the opportunity to celebrate special occasions but should not interfere with the instructional environment of the school. Classroom parties shall not exceed one hour.
For fall costume parties, participating students should bring their costumes to school in a sack. Costumes will be put on prior to each classroom’s party and should be something that is easy to put over the child’s clothing. Please use discretion when choosing your child’s costume. Students are not permitted to bring or wear masks, make-up, or any scary, or ghoulish costumes. Students are also not allowed to bring any type of play weapon. If you do not want your child to participate in a fall costume party, please notify your child’s teacher, so that they can plan an alternate activity for your child.
Party Schedule
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
THE FRONT PARKING LOT IS OFF LIMITS TO PARENTS AFTER 3:00 PM. If your child's party ends after 3:00 pm, please park your vehicle in the north parking lot (eCademy) or across the street (United Methodist Church).
Thank you
GREATER ANDOVER DAY WINNERS!
Kindergarten & 1st Grade
Nathan R., Cooper M. & Victoria L.
2nd & 3rd Grade
Lucy M., Ryan R., Nicholas L. & Madison S.
4th & 5th Grade
Brianna B., Presley K, & Kaitlyn L.
This awesome work of art was created by 2nd through 5th grade students!
Each grade studied Art History and created stars inspired by different artists.
2nd Grade - Inspired by Post-Impressionist artists van Gogh and Seurat
3rd Grade - Inspired by contemporary abstract artist Jen Stark
4th Grade - Inspired by abstract Surrealist Joan Miro
5th Grade - Inspired by Pop Art artist Peter Max
I am so proud of their efforts. Everyone did such a great job on their star!
ALL-STAR CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM
These students were recognized for showing all character traits in September!
Grandparents Day
Students in 4th-grade had the opportunity to spend time with their loved ones on September 21st to celebrate Grandparent's Day. Relatives and /or close friends came to visit them as the students had a chance to sharpen their interview skills by asking about what life was like in their younger days. Listening and speaking skills were also initiated as students introduced their special guests. And, of course, it wouldn't have been a party without yummy treats and beverages. It was a fun morning had by all!
THINKING CAP QUIZ BOWL
The 5th Grade Meadowlark Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl scheduled for Thursday, November 8th at 2:05 pm, is approaching quickly. The team will be made up of the most well rounded minds. We begin practicing for the competition on Thursday, November 1st. If you are interested in learning some new information or just enjoy random trivia, be sure to check out www.greatauk.com. On the left hand side choose “This Week’s Quiz” and free questions. Be warned – these questions are very tough, but are a great way to practice learning some new information. Best of luck to the members of the team for the Fall 2018 competition!!
SPELLING BEE IS BUZZING THIS WAY!
The time is quickly approaching for our annual Meadowlark spelling bee, which is held on January 10th. This school spelling bee is for grades three, four, and five. Each classroom will be selecting two classroom representatives to participate in the school spelling bee. This selection process will take place in early November in their homeroom classroom. The teacher will conduct a written (October 29th-31st) and then oral (November 1st-6th) spelling bee only with those students that return a spelling bee permission form that has been returned and signed by Wednesday, October 24th. From this classroom bee, two students will be selected to represent their classroom in the school bee. There will be one school spelling bee winner with an alternate chosen as back up. The first place winner will represent our school in the county spelling bee on February 1st in El Dorado.
As a way to prepare for the bee, any student may begin studying right now!! The web address is: www.myspellit.com. The student may practice any of the words on the left hand side of the web screen under the various languages or words you need to know section in order to practice being a good speller. Please contact Mrs. King, Spelling Bee coordinator, with any questions you might have about our bee. Meanwhile………happy spelling!
BOX TOPS
Clipping Box Tops is an easy way to help earn cash for our school. Each one is worth 10 cents for our school! Just look for the pink Box Top on tons of products. All you need to do is cut them out, glue or tape them to a collection sheet, and send them into school. Each month we will send home a new collection sheet. Be sure to send your sheet back to school by the end of the month, and, don’t worry, it’s okay if it isn’t full. We have a great trophy that the winning class each month will get to keep in their classroom. This year, our goal is to earn $1,000 for our school! For more information on Box Tops, including a list of participating products, go to www.boxtops4education.com. Be sure to sign up as a member (it’s free) so you can check out our school’s earnings and get access to coupons and bonus offers. They also have an app that you can check out! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and would love to see this year be one of our best in Box Top earnings!
Amber Kear
Jessica Cicora
Mrs. Weide's 4th grade class won the most Box Top collection for the month of August!
CONGRATULATIONS!
GREATER ANDOVER DAYS PARADE
Thanks to all those families that came out!
GO ALL STARS!
EARN CASH FOR OUR SCHOOL
Dillons Community Rewards Program
Dillon's makes fundraising easy---all you have to do is shop at Dillon's and swipe your Plus Shopper's Card! Go to Dillons.com and sign in or create an account to enroll. This enrollment must be updated every year. Once signed in, update your Community Rewards under your Account Settings. Search for Meadowlark to earn extra $$$ for our school!
Shoparoo
Every photo of a grocery receipt earns money for our school! Free to download, free to use. Nothing to buy or sell. Help us raise thousands of dollars a year!
- Download the Free Shoparoo App in the App Store & Play Store http://www.shoparoo.com/
- Select Meadowlark
- Take pictures of Receipts!
- Watch Meadowlark earn money!
PEACHJAR
Peachjar is simple and fun to use- you'll start to receive emails from us with flyers in them!
You never have to log in! But you can to manage your account preferences. Login information is sent to you. You will regularly receive emails with the latest flyers. They can also be viewed on the Meadowlark website. Simply look for the Peachjar logo! If you aren't receiving emails, create an account.
Meadowlark Elementary School
Email: harveyr@usd385.org
Website: http://meadowlark.usd385.org/
Location: 1411 N Main St, Andover, KS, United States
Phone: 316-218-4630
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meadowlarkelementary