Dragon Blast
Mary C. Howse Elementary School
From the Principal
Dear MCH Parents:
What a great start to what is going to be another fantastic school year. I cannot believe that I entering my 10th year here at MCH! Time flies when you are having fun. I hope to see simling faces tonight at our PTO back to school picnic.
Students are well into our routines here. We have kicked off the year with our school wide lessons explicitly teaching every student what is expected in the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, playground, bus and bathroom (yes, the bathroom - the video that some student get a kick out of is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdhRpc0_Q-o) Watch it with them..they will sing the song for you!
As we move through the year, I want to address how we can all best help our kids when things are going well and in the face of adversity. Last year, some of you participated in our Parent book club by reading "The Gift of Failure" - if you have a copy, read it again! Means something different depending on how old your children are at the time. If you don't and would like a copy, I have extras - just reach out to me. In the short video below, I discuss some of this and how to best approach them - enjoy. - it takes a village! Also, whether you are new to MCH or not, you may have heard about our behavioral program - see another short video below that gives a brief overview of some of the components.
Look also for information for a parent presentation on October 10th - presenters from our CCIU will be here to discuss anxiety and depression in children and what we can do to prevent and support.
Dr. Cat
Announcements and Reminders
Date - Event
September 19th - Back To School Picnic - PTO 5:30 - 7:30
September 24th - Picture Day
September 30th - School Closed
October 9th - School Closed
PICTURE DAY TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
FROM THE LIBRARY!!
FROM THE NURSES OFFICE
Each student is required to provide a physical exam when first attending our school (usually Kindergarten or 1st grade). In addition, dental exams must be provided when first starting school and in 3rd grade. The PA Department of Health mandates that these reports be provided within 60 days of school start (by October 29th, 2019). If you have not done so already, please forward these documents to the MCH Nurses Office to avoid your child’s exclusion from school attendance. If you have any questions, please call the Nurses Office at 484-266-1306.”
POSTIVE PRAISE
From parents who are moving from district: For MCH and staff and teachers. They’re really awesome !! Our daughter is going to miss all her best friends!!!
Hello Dr. Cat,
I imagine at times your job can feel like you don't get thanked a ton. Having a son in 2nd grade and now a son in Kindergarten I feel blessed to call this school our home.
As a mom it's the hardest job raising our children then sending them on their way. You have made that job much easier. The teachers we have had so far have gone above and beyond our expectations from dealing with a 504 plan to an IEP as well as just the Kindergarten jitters!
I wanted to personally say way to go on raising this school up right! Here's to a great year!
Thanks,
Good Morning,
I just wanted to thank everyone for your time and effort with our daughter last year. Your dedication, professionalism, and genuine concern for her really benefited her.
She is currently getting adjusted to Peirce and the "demands" of Middle School. We both greatly appreciate your efforts and your commitment to helping the students at MCH achieve their full potential !
Anytime you feel like sending us some good news, please do so! With the world so full of negativity in the news, we cannot get enough of the good stuff!!!
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.
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.
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
Articles to consider:
Should we still give grades?
Are letter grades failing our students?
- http://neatoday.org/2015/08/19/are-letter-grades-failing-our-students/
Allowing students redos and retakes: http://wp.vcu.edu/hhughesdecatur/files/2012/08/Wormeli_Redos-and-Retakes-.pdf
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
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