H&M Potter News
The DECEMBER 2015 Edition
On behalf of the entire staff of H&M Potter, we would like to wish you all a very happy and safe holiday season and a fantastic new year!
Fun With Santa
The Giving Tree
Please remember that tags will be available on our Giving Tree to provide help for Potter families during the holiday season. The tree is located in the school lobby, all presents must be returned to the school unwrapped with the tag clearly visible by December 4. Donations of wrapping paper would also be appreciated. Thank you for helping to continue this successful community project.
Makerspace at Potter School
The Whimsical Foodtastic Fun Tour Assembly
Beyond Band-Aids
The Whimsical Foodtastic Fun Tour Assembly
Beyond Band-Aids!
Kindergarten through 3rd grade were treated to the assembly "Whimisical Food Tastic Fun Tour". Thomas Yanisko, Administrative Director Hospitality Services at Community Medical Center, taught children about healthy food choices, grocery shopping and the importance of physical activity to keep bodies strong and ready to learn!!
Our 3rd grade classes also finished their 8 week "Unique You" program presented by the Ocean County Health Department. Students learned about teamwork, cooperation, how to make wise decisions, say "no" and solve problems. This research-based substance abuse prevention program is designed to build a child's self esteem. Positive self-esteem is critical to being a healthy individual.
Kindergarten and 1st grade participated in "Project Brush" a dental awareness campaign that promotes dental hygiene practices, regular visits to the dentist and healthy food choices. Participating students will receive a toothbrush and a tooth brushing timer.
Upcoming Health Programs
December 11 -- First and third grade physicals by Dr. Santodomingo, school physician. Please contact the nurse if you do not want your child seen by the school doctor.
December 15 and 17 -- Hygiene program for 3rd grade by Ocean County Health
Department.
January 11 -- NJ Commission for the Blind screening for all Pre-K and Kindergarten
January 14 -- Mobile Dentist -- Registration is required. Forms to be sent home 1st week of December. Contact nurse if child has no dental insurance. Grants are available.
Reminders
Please keep a change of clothes in your child's book bag.
All medicine, including cough drops, can only be administered in school after receiving a written doctor's order. DO NOT SEND IN MEDICINE WITH YOUR CHILD. All medicine must be dropped off at school in it's original container by responsible adult.
***Check with nurse if your child is missing a pair of glasses. There are 4 unclaimed glasses in nurse's office***
Comic Book Club!
Mr. Waldron's Hoop Club
Winter Weather Reminders
With the cold weather approaching we ask that if you are dropping your children off at the Deal Avenue entrance, you arrive at 8:40AM. The doors will not be opening each day until that time, therefore the students will be outside unsupervised if they come earlier. We also ask that you please drop and go quickly, as we have been all year. We will have an increased number of drop offs on these days, and moving quickly will ensure that all students get to school on time.
Please remember that there will be no parking allowed down the left side of Deal Ave. in the morning OR in the afternoon.
For school delay or closing information please make sure that all phone numbers are updated in the Parent Portal. You can also check the district Facebook page or website at www.btboe.org.
National Handwashing Awareness Week 2015
The week of December 6-12th is National Handwashing Awareness Week.
Handwashing Fast Facts:
Nearly 22 million school days are lost each year due to the common cold.
Studies have shown that children who washed their hands at least 4 times a day had 24% fewer sick days due to respiratory illness and 51% fewer sick days due to stomach upset.
A student revealed that hand washing education resulted in 51% less absenteeism.
Handwashing is the best defense against germs. Please continue to review good hand washing habits with your child at home. If your child is sick, please keep them home from school until they are fever free or symptom free for 24 hours.
POTTER POETRY: Student Section
The Sun and Moon’s Power
By: 4th Grade GirlI am the wings of the butterfly that soars gracefully
I am the swishing water standing strongly and freely
I am the fresh sun in the chilled arctic
I am the bright light that’s been seeking for a star
I am the shiny cold moon in a warm night
I am two opposites that collide into something beautiful
I am the fire used to make s’mores
I am the lake everyone leans on for help
I am the ice cream being enjoyed by all the people I loveThe Lake
By: 4th Grade GirlLilies pop out of the water
Swamp grasses shoot up to the sky
Lilypads anchored to the mud float on the
water’s surface
A butterfly flutters onto a lily
Its pink petals sway in the breeze
A frog hops onto a lilypad
And disappears into the lake
A small girl and her dog venture into the cool,
blue water
And swim with the fish
The dog’s vanilla fur blowing in the breezeRecycle Rally
December Events!
12/1 - Board of Education Meeting 5:30PM
12/2 - Honor Roll Breakfast 8:15AM
12/4 - Fun With Santa and Holiday Shop 6-8:30PM
12/14 - PTA Meeting 7PM
12/15 - Kindergarten Holiday Show
12/16 - Cimino Berkeley Pages Book Club
12/23-1/3 - School Closed Winter Recess
Jokes of the Month
A: Chill Out
Q: What do you get if you cross a snowman with a dog?
A: Frostbite
H&M Potter School
Email: jzito@btboe.org
Website: www.btboe.org
Location: 60 Veeder Lane, Bayville, NJ, United States
Phone: 732-269-5700
Twitter: @berkeleypotter