Dragon Blast
Mary C. Howse Elementary School
From the Principal
Dear MCH Families:
It is now the last Friday in July - and it happens to be Mrs. Cat's Bday!!! Hopefully, most of you have never seen her at her job - she is an ER nurse, night shift, at Chester County Hospital :-).
I am sure you have been keeping up with the news and info. from CDC. Whatever the parameters are, we will assure your child's safety here at MCH. After last year, we are all trained and well aware of requirements and how to help our children while still maintaining a fun, learning environment.
On Monday, 7/26, you should have received an email from WCASD pertaining to access to the Parent Portal - This is a secure and green system that allows the district to verify all demographic, emergency and medical information for your child before the start of the new school year. The system will also allow you to electronically sign most annual permission forms and indicate that you received and reviewed other informational materials. We are asking that you please log in to the Parent Portal (STARTING ON MONDAY, 7/26) and complete the forms so that we know we have the most up-to-date contact and emergency information.
Next week, some of you will see an email from the district about Schoology (incoming 3rd graders) and SeeSaw (incoming K students) to practice with this learning management system platform. You will also see information about our Activity Fee - this will pertain to any elementary student who participates in After School Sports, Band, Chorus or Orchestra. The fee is $25 per student, whether you participate in one activity, or more.
In these summer broadcasts, you will see a lot of repeat information - this is intentional as I know some of you may want to get on this stuff now, and others may choose to wait until school is closer. Some may want to do this while on the beach relaxing, others may just want to be away from it and on the beach disconnected - totally up to each of you.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Dr. Cat
Summer Information - Get Ready - August 30th will be here before you know it!
WCASD Calendars - See our district calendar
Parent Portal - You can begin to access this starting next week.
New Registration - know someone who needs to register a new student or Kindergartener?
Child's Place - Need Child Care? Click to see more info.
Volunteer and Clearance Info. - Interested in helping in our schools? or, chaperoning a field trip?
Mary C Howse Webpage - Get the latest here
MCH School Supply List - Get your shopping done early!?!?
MCH YouTube Channel - See some past videos - some as old as 8 years!!!
MCH PTO Facebook Page - Stay in tuned with our amazing PTO!
ALL NEW Students - Please Read (this includes any cyber from last year who did NOT attend in person)
Playground Night for all NEW students - if you have a child that is new to MCH, the student and parents are invited to our Playground Night on either Tuesday, August 10th OR Tuesday, August 17th from 7:00-8:00pm. New families will receive a separate email communication from a member of our PTO Welcome Committee with more details. This will include a tour of the building so you and your child can see inside and see classrooms.
Kindergarten Parent Tips
A lot of parents want to know how to prepare their kids to start school for the first time. Some helpful tips are below. These are great things to work on before the start of school.
Self-Help
- How to open and close containers. Specifically, the kind you’ll put in their lunch boxes.
- How to pinch and tear packaging. (Pre-packaged snacks, ketchup packets, etc)
- How to put a straw into a Capri sun pouch.
It will take your child’s teacher a long time to circulate around the lunch table to assist. That means less time your child has to eat. Most importantly, it provides your child a sense of independence and makes them feel so proud! 🙂
- How to take off a jacket so that the sleeves don’t get pulled through. How to fix the jacket if the sleeves do get pulled through. How to zip it up.
- How to zip and snap or button pants.
- Your child will be the holy grail of their class if they can tie their shoes.
Personal Care:
- TO GO TO THE BATHROOM WITH THE DOOR CLOSED. Please teach them this. It may be no big deal at home, but it will be at school if they expose themselves to an entire classroom full of their friends.
- How to pump soap. How to properly wash their hands. To turn the sink off and dry their hands.
Social:
- How to wait and take turns.
- How to share. How to compromise.
- How to listen and follow 2 step directions. (First, take your jacket off. Then put it on the hanger) If you want to get crazy - try 3 steps!
Language:
- Build vocabulary with them. Talk to them. Use big words. Explain what they mean. When they start to learn to read, it’ll be much easier for them to identify a word that is already in their vocabulary.
- Help them build their own language and memory by reflecting. Tell them what you need at the grocery store. When you get there, ask “What did we come to the store for?”
- Make them ask a question! Don’t let them say “I’m thirsty” and hand them a glass of water. You are being their problem solver, rather than having them find their own solutions. Teach them to ask for what they need. “Can I please have a glass of water?”
Coping Skills:
- Talk very intentionally about strategies to deal with emotions.
- “When you’re feeling scared, let’s try doing box breaths.”
- “If you’re feeling sad, what’s something happy that you could think about to cheer you up?”
Your child will be ready to learn if you can just work on these things. All the academic stuff will come! You don’t need to pound their tiny brains full of memorized facts. Just work with them developing as a tiny human 🙂
Parents of upcoming kindergarteners - starting school can be scary, but we can do hard things! ♥️
Summer iPad Information
All elementary students had the opportunity to take their devices home over the summer. Please remember:
- Use the charger that was already issued during first iPad distribution.
- District Tech Support is available over the summer. If you have any questions, please click this link https://www.wcasd.net/Page/13033 to locate the correct support email address.
- You will be required to bring your iPad and charger back on the first day school for the 2021-2022 school year.
- If you are transferring to another district, please call the office (484) 266-1302 to set up a time to return your iPad and charger. Thank you!!
SEESAW INFORMATION and SCHOOLOGY INFORMATION
For those not fully aware, SeeSaw and Schoology are the primary learning management systems used at the elementary level - K, 1st and 2nd grades use SeeSaw wile grade 3rd, 4th and 5th use Schoology.
Since these platforms will be new to our K students and our incoming 3rd grade students, please look for information coming soon for you and your children to become familiar with these platforms. There will activities (not school related) for them to do so they can feel more comfortable (and you Moms and Dads!!) with what to expect.
KINDERGARTEN AND NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION - link above as well!
Please encourage your friends/neighbors to register ASAP, we use these #s to determine our staffing (number of teachers).
If you or someone you know has a child who is turning 5 before September 1, 2021, it is time to enroll them in kindergarten. Simply go to our district site, www.wcasd.net, and click on the New Student Registration icon. Please scan all necessary documents if possible: birth certificate, immunizations, health records, dental records and 2 proofs of residency. We will reach out to you to set up an appointment to complete the registration.
NURSE'S NOTES
Dates to Keep in Mind
August 10th OR 17th - New Student Playground Night and School Tour - 7:00 to 8:00 - More info. will come - but save one of those dates!
August 30th First Day of School
August 31st Kindergarten and First Grade Open House (7-8:00pm)
September 1st 2nd and 3rd grade Open House (7-8:00pm)
September 2nd 4th and 5th grade Open House (7-8:00pm)
September 6th AND 7th No school
September 16th No school
October 14th Picture Day
Positive Praise
See some comments as we ended our school year in June
I just want to tell you I've really appreciated you this year. Not an easy one but you managed it with what seemed like ease! Lol
I'm going to miss Mary C Howse and the rest of the teachers and office. Dr Cat. Everyone. Can't believe it's been 20 years since my oldest son first started there in kindergarten. Now my last child has finished there.
The cookies are made by me. I'm old school lol I like personal gifts and not class group gifts. 😁
The cookies are an old family recipe. They stay great in the freezer. Just take a couple out and after 15 minutes they are super yummy 😋 enjoy 😉
To all of the MCH 2nd grade Cyber Families,
Thank you so much for your patience, kindness, and support throughout this crazy journey. We are so proud of the progress your child has made and excited to see how this experience will help them throughout their education.
Love,
Mrs. Sochacki and Mrs. Hoban
Hi Dr. Cat,
First, I wanted to personally let you know how GREAT second grade has been for our son and let you know how happy we have been with Ms. Forbes!!!! She is such a special teacher and has been such a blessing to us throughout this school year. She has such a way with kids and really has a passion for what she does that shows. I could go on and on (lol) but I wanted you to know that we absolutely love her and couldn’t have asked for a better teacher this year! Thanks!!
Dr. Catrambone,
Good morning. We wanted to follow up on the events from yesterday with you, and your teachers and staff at Mary C. House.
We know the Mary C. House team does their best to try and mitigate accidents. Accidents will still occur, and our response to them is a good measure of character and professionalism.
From your call to my wife yesterday morning, to my discussion with the school nurse when I picked our son up, and thru our sons recounting of details he recalls, the Mary C. House team responded professionally and admirably to a superficial but visually scary injury. We deeply appreciate how the school nurse calmed him down when he was worried by the volume of blood from the head laceration, cleaning all of the blood off him, the recommendations on next steps, and the quick actions from PE teacher (Ms. Monte) to apply a paper towel dressing to slow the bleeding. We send our heartfelt thanks, and please share the same with the school nurse and Ms. Monte for their professionalism yesterday.
While we’re surprised to learn that a plastic golf club could have that kind of an impact, this was simply an accident, and we hope MCH keeps the outdoor golf in the PE curriculum for the kids. Funny share … 2 different kids in different settings stated the exact same summary: “There’s NO WAY Ms. Monte would let us use metal clubs.” That gave us a good chuckle.
Our son thinks his stiches look cool and took the ER Dr.’s option to remain bandage free. Sorry for the distraction this is probably causing in school today.
Jeanne Latimer and Sandra Godin have been an AMAZING support to our staff and students throughout this entire school year. They have spent countless hours well beyond the school day to help keep everyone safe and healthy so that we could focus on the children. Even under pressure, they continued to stay calm and patient while keeping up with the changing guidelines and regulations, along with their many responsibilities. Your support will not be forgotten!
Miss Mary, you have been a wonderful help to our class this year! I enjoyed laughing with you at all of the adorable kindergarten comments that the children made every day. We will miss you!
Thank you Tracey, Norma and Ruth for delivering breakfast to the children every morning and serving lunch every day with a smile on your face. These meals are a big deal to the kindergartners and you helped make it special for them. We appreciate you!
Thank you Miss Noone for helping the kindergartners in so many ways, and especially in the cafeteria every single day this year! You kept the lunch line organized by helping the kids reach the trays, open snack bags and drinks, clean up spills and more! Your constant help and support with everything was greatly appreciated! You made a positive impact on their problem solving skills and self-worth. Our class LOVES YOU!
Thank you Terrance, Mike, and your team for working tirelessly to keep the building clean and germ free. You have been extra appreciated during this last year. You were on our front lines!
Thank you Mrs. Sweeney for always having a smile on your face and being so positive and enthusiastic while working on letters and sounds with your students. The children were so excited to work with you, that they stood up and walked to the door every time you walked into our classroom, no matter what time of day it was! You really made a positive difference in their lives.
Dr. Cat, thank you for your exceptional leadership for our staff and students throughout this school year. You remained calm, focused, positive and supportive to everyone in so many ways. You always found time to appreciate even the smallest moments in the children’s lives. You are amazing!
Betsy McDonald has been invaluable in helping with all of the technology issues that we have had. You have such great knowledge, patience, and kindness and were always happy to help whenever you could. Because of you, we could keep our classes running smoothly this year. Thank you!
Linda Polito and Ann Duffy, you always start each day off in a positive way. From the way you greet every single person to the way you say the announcements, to the way you end the day being the answers to so many of our questions. I am in awe of how well you do your jobs every single day. You constantly have a lot going on at once and you handle it all with such grace and ease! We are so lucky!
Donna Gosik and Jackie Pascale, you have been a wonderful support to our students. Donna, I enjoyed having you in our classroom. You are so patient and kind, and SUCH a support to the students you work with in so many ways. We are so lucky to have you with us!
Miss Shabree and Miss Chelsea. You will be greatly missed! Thank you for the support you have given to our Kindergarten students.
Ms. Lisa Giampalmi
MCH Elementary
Special shout outs to:
~Mrs. Huber...especially from my girls! The dogs will miss you!!!
~Mrs. Polito...for a smile the many times I took our son out of school for PT, OT, med checks, casts, and dentist appointments! For the school nurses who administered meds, provided comfort, care and respite, and ultimately sent him back to class for his many smaller concerns.
~The maintainable and janitorial staff...for keeping the place going and clean especially with new guidelines. Especially Mr. Murray, who befriended and joked with my son as he wandered the halls escaping work!
~Ms. Noone, Mr.Casey, and Dr. Stanton...for sticking with our son through his challenges with ADHD and not becoming too frustrated with us taking over 504 and IEP meetings. We all wanted the best for him and ultimately were a good team!
~For Mrs. Skalski, who our son never had, but who runs the puppies in school program!!! Those pups were a huge motivator for our son and helped him develop and be seen as the caring and helpful young man he is.
~For Mrs. Donoghue, that our son never had but encouraged him to be a good reader from the 1st time she met him in K at tee ball! He remembered.
~For the PE teachers....not an easy class for you to manage our son in...but always his favorite!!!
~For all the teachers he did have for class: the kindness and patience of Mrs.Baer, the structure of Mrs.Connor, the friendship of Mrs.Cotellese and that she attended his wresting match, and the humor and solid expectations of Mr. Benfield. You were each his favorite teachers for the years he had you! For Mr. Raws who was thrown in at an awkward part of the year. We instantly clicked and I appreciate the wonderful communication. For Mr. Fabian who spent more 1:1 and small group time tutoring our son through cyber than anyone would every imagine, who saw his true potential, and who has a wonderful personality, kindness and sense of humor (so long "brown cow kid!"). And for Mrs. Wackerman/Sochacki who patiently managed a huge class with lots of noisy kids but kept smiling and stuck with our son as a social reinforcer for YEARS playing cards, chatting, and doing yoga with him!!!
~For the music program: Mrs.Litzenburg- Until Kindergarten or 1st, he didn't really like music, would ask for me to stop singing or turn off music because it hurt his ears. Somehow through your music classes with a wiggly young man, he learned rhythm, confidence, and developed an interest and passion for music, musicians, instruments, and singing! For Mrs. Belczyk who taught him a challenging string instrument of viola and recognized his potential musical talent! And for Ms. Letherland who took on 2 instrument lessons this year and saw him progress greatly in them both, but especially his favorite, and mine and yours, trumpet!!!
Mrs. Sochacki,
I just wanted to thank you again for the great job you did this year. My son is sad to see the year end because despite the Cyber platform, he felt a deep connection with the other kids and said he will miss seeing his friends & hopes he will still remember them when they meet again in middle or high school.
Helping the kids get to know each other was all you, so great job!
I hope you enjoy your summer and get some good quality time with your family !!!
Hi Dr. Cat,
Just a quick note to thank you and the staff for doing the drive through today. It was really nice to see everyone again and be able to say goodbye.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't tear up a little because of how much MCH has meant to us through the years.
I'm hoping that the above mentioned pictures can include one with you. Amazingly, we do not have one single photo with you and our daughter, so if time allows, I'd love
to get one tomorrow. :)
Thanks again for everything throughout the years. To say that we will miss you is an understatement.
Ms. Dougherty,
I can't thank you enough for making this year so amazing for our daughter. She had a few rough years, and she totally came out of her shell this year. This is a year she will remember forever (not because of COVID & homeschooling)...but because you're such an amazing teacher and really helped her open up, make new friends in such a short time, and really made her feel comfortable.
I hope you have the most amazing summer ever and I hope you'll be able to teach one of our daughters younger siblings one day!!!
Mrs. Keefe,
I just wanted to quickly just thank you for giving my son an award today. He was so defeated the other day, he really thought he was gonna get [something].
But of course like always you fixed it, he came running into the house dancing with his award. I'm so thankful for spending this yr with you. You have been a blessing all year.
Thank you for everything you do.
You have no idea how happy you made him.
We will miss you so much.
I hope you have a great summer
Tech Support for Parents and FAQs
See: https://www.wcasd.net/site/Default.aspx?PageID=13027
Technology News:
Please remember to Charge your child’s iPad every night.
Use this link if you are having technical difficultly at home, and your child’s teacher is unable to assist you.
https://www.iorad.com/help-center/75865?roleId=419
or email: MCHtech_support@wcasd.net
Tech Tip from our very own 4th grader, Nova A. How to split your screen on an ipad.
Teachers for 21-22
1st grade - Mrs. Kane, Mrs. Conner and Mrs. Seese
2nd grade - Ms. Forbes, Ms. Dougherty, Mrs. Sochacki and Mrs. McAllister
3rd grade - Ms. Cotellese, Mrs. Ross, Mr. Jacobus and Mrs. Cheney
4th grade - Mrs. Pohlig, Ms. Verrichia, and Ms. Flynn
5th grade - Mrs. Powers, Mrs. Grecco, Mr. Fabian and Mr. Raws
Guidance - Mr. Mike McGonagle (LTS until January) - Jessica Salley (new) is scheduled to return from leave.
Gifted Resource Teacher/Math Intervention - Amanda Hoban
Psychologist - Dr. Yolanda Stanton
LS Teachers - Heidi Watson, Kim Fallon
Reading Specialists - Carolyn Gorrie and Alison Sweeney
ELL Teacher - Jackie Pascale
Special Area - Mary Litzenberg, Cheryl Chaborek, Becki Monte, Sarah Clum
Band & Orchestra - Lauren Letherland, Mary Belczyk.
Instructional Coach - Rosemary McGeehin
SP/L - Mandy McClure
Tech Support - Betsy McDonald
OT - Tina Karpinski
Custodians - Terrence Wright, Mike Murray, Frank Correa
Paraprofessionals - Linda DiMatteo, Kimberly Wood, Donna Gosik
Cafe Staff - Tracy Dwyer, Norma Rivera, Ruth Malvez
OFFICE NOTES - just to give you an idea of what to expect
Reminders from the office - please note as we get questions about the information listed:
ABSENTEE HOTLINE - Please call 484-266-1310 and leave a message or go into PUP (Pickup Patrol) to report it when you know your child will be late or absent from school. You can call the phone number at any time.
To all parents, guardians, and guests: You must come into the office to be checked in via the RAPTOR system with your driver’s license and receive a Visitor’s Badge prior to going anywhere in the building. Your license will be scanned in September and again in January. We appreciate your cooperation and assistance in helping to make and keep our school safe. Thank you for your cooperation.
ACTIVITY FEE - There may be an activity fee if your student will be participating in Chorus, Band, Orchestra (Honors as well), and After School Sports.
LUNCHES/LUNCH ACCOUNTS - Just a reminder that all students are entitled to a free lunch. If a student forgets a lunch, it is not necessary to bring lunch to school if you are not able to.
VACATION REQUESTS - When needing family vacation time, email Dr. Catrambone: Scatrambone@wcasd.net and cc: lpolito@wcasd.net with your request. Five days are allowed as excused absences for family vacation.
STUDENT CAR LINE - Drop off and pick up begins behind the school building. Please do not drop students off in the morning before 8:30 as supervision is not available. We ask that you do not exit your car during drop off or pick up. Also, please do not drive around the line unless directed to do so. Remember to be patient and courteous to one another in the car line. Please DO NOT ENTER the bus lane.
EARLY PICK UP - When needing an early dismissal, for any reason, please email Mrs. Duffy (Aduffy@wcasd.net), Mrs. Polito (Lpolito@wcasd.net) and your student's teacher or go into PUP (Pickup Patrol). If someone other than yourself is picking up your student, include that in your email (name, relationship). They will be asked to show identification. Any afternoon pick-ups must be before 2:45.
Parent Resources
Community Bulletin Board:
For activities offered around West Chester, see:
http://home.wcasd.net/pages/West_Chester_Area_SD/Community_Bulletin_Board/Other
Keeping in Touch
· Please bookmark our school website. This is where we post many updates, school newsletter, supply list, pictures and our parent/student handbook. It can be found at: https://www.wcasd.net/Domain/661
·
· Mary C. Howse Webpage - https://www.wcasd.net/Domain/661
o See MCH School Tour link in upper right hand corner
· Twitter – Follow - @MCH_Elem - you’ll receive updates once you are a follower.
· Youtube – Mary C. Howse – found here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCveR39XTwn8AgmiOVqA6GZA
· MCH PTO Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mchpto/ - be sure to become a follower to receive updates when changes occur.
Our Mary C. Howse School Pledge
I pledge
To be the best that I can be
Respect myself and others
Make safe choices
And take responsibility
For my learning and behavior
Parent Portal
Use the link below to access the parent portal page:
http://home.wcasd.net/pages/West_Chester_Area_SD/ForParents/Parent_Portal
On the page, there is written documentation (English and Spanish,) as well as videos (English only) that walk parents through how to set up your parent portal account, how to access grades and set alerts, how to view the online report card, how to check attendance, etc. There is even an app for your phone if you prefer.
Please call the office for your child’s user name and password if you do not have the information that was provided to you at the beginning of the school year.
Contact and Additional Information
Email: scatrambone@wcasd.net
Website: http://www.edline.net/pages/mary_c__howse_elementary_schoo
Location: 641 West Boot Road, West Chester, PA, United States
Phone: 484-266-1302
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mchpto/
Twitter: @SteveCat19