Davis Elementary School
November 2017 Newsletter
From the Principal
Dear Davis Families,
It’s hard to believe it’s already November. November is traditionally a time we celebrate family, give thanks, and reflect on our many blessings. It is a time when we share openly, how grateful we are for the people we have in our lives. We continue to be “thankful” for the staff, students, and Davis families.
We extend a warm invitation to all of our parents and guardians as we celebrate American Education week. American Education week is November 13th-17th. During your visits you will see classroom lessons, and watch your child participate in a variety of learning experiences. Look for high student engagement, student led instruction, and the infusion of technology across the curriculum. Feel free to look around the classrooms to see the student work on display, learning centers, and the many opportunities that children have to learn out about science, social studies, and other areas of interest. We ask that you do not bring younger siblings to the visitation. This is your special time to spend learning with your child. Additional information regarding visitation will be sent in the Wednesday Express as the date gets closer.
Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Tuesday, November 21st and Wednesday, November 22nd. It is recommended that all families attend this conference. Conferences give teachers an opportunity to touch base with parents about their child’s progress. Conferences also strengthen the Home and School relationship.
Each day we get to see dedicated and tireless individuals going above and beyond to make sure that great things happen in our school. From Davis staff to parent volunteers, our children benefit from those efforts. Thank you for sharing your most valuable possession with us.
We would like to wish all of you and your families a happy, healthy and relaxing Thanksgiving holiday!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Coles and Dr. Devitt
From The Nurse
The cold weather and the start of flu season is upon us! Please consider having your child receive the flu vaccine. Check with his or her pediatrician regarding receiving a flu shot or flu mist. Your child’s physician will be able to guide you in making the best decision. Also, you may always contact the Bucks County Department of Health for more information on flu shot clinics throughout the year at (215) 345-3318.
Remember, GOOD HANDWASHING is key to preventing the spread of germs. Remind your children to wash their hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, washing the front and back of their hands, between their fingers, and under their finger nails, with a good amount of friction. Encourage them to try not to touch their face, especially their eyes, nose and mouth unless their hands are clean.
Please remember to send updated health information to the nurse’s office, such as physical examinations (for kindergarten) and dental exams (kindergarten and grade 3); updated immunizations; or a change in your child’s health status, such as allergies, new medications or a change in medications. I appreciate your help in keeping your child’s school health records up to date. Reminder letters are sent home in October and November for students who still do not have a state mandated physical or dental examination in their school health file. Please keep an eye out in case your child receives a letter in his or her Wednesday Express Folder.
We began health screenings in the nurse’s office last month. For elementary schools, this includes a vision exam assessing near and distance vision and height and weight checks for all grades kindergarten through 5. Also, under the Pennsylvania state mandates, hearing screenings are performed for kindergarten through grade 3. Yearly hearing screenings are only performed for grades 4 and 5 under special circumstances or concerns regarding a child’s hearing expressed by a parent and/or teacher. If there is a concern with your child’s vision, hearing or growth during the school health screening, a letter will be sent home to notify a parent of the concerns and to recommend follow-up with a doctor. If necessary, notification of a parent via a phone call will be made.
Lastly, a gentle reminder regarding head lice. This situation affects schools around the country every year. Education plays a significant role in the prevention and treatment of head lice. Please use the Centennial School District website as a reference. http://www.centennialsd.org/Page/6581 This link may answer many questions or concerns that you might have. As the school nurse, I strive to work together with you, as the parents, for the well-being and education of your children. Please continue to set aside time to perform weekly head checks on your child to assist in the detection of head lice. Also, please do not hesitate to call the nurse’s office for questions or concerns regarding this issue.
Enjoy the remainder of the Fall season and have a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!!
Valerie Breiner, Certified School Nurse
The Counselor's Corner
This school year is off to a great start! Guidance lessons and groups have begun. In Kindergarten the children are learning about following school rules, In First Grade the children are learning about being a good friend and respecting personal space and in 2nd grade the children are practicing Mindfulness and self-calming skills. Third grade students are beginning a teamwork project. In fourth grade the students are discussing where conflicts occur in school. Fifth graders are going to finish viewing a video about cliques and how to handle them.
Mrs. Ward is currently running GIRLS Group (Girls in Real Life Situations) in 2nd grade. Groups focused on self-regulation and friendship skills are being offered in 1st grade and Kindergarten groups are focused on school skills. FISH (Families in Separate Homes )is being offered in all 3 grade levels. Please feel free to reach out to your child’s counselor if you think they would benefit from any of these groups.
Mr. Immerman’s lunch groups for grades 3,4, and 5 have begun. Each group will meet about 15 times between now and late May.
Parenting classes are coming to an end for the Fall but will be offered again in the Winter. Also Mr. Immerman and Mrs. Ward will be offering a 1 hour presentation at 10am on Friday November 17th on Keeping Your Child Safe On-line.
Both Mr. Immerman and Mrs. Ward are available for conferences. Please let your child’s teacher know that you would like us to join your meeting.
Bob Immerman Grades 3,4,5 Christi Ward K, 1 &2
(215) 364-5970 x15031 (215) 364-5970 x15030
The Reading Corner
Nursery Rhymes Are Good for the Brain
A very important part of learning to read and write is understanding that words and sentences are made up of smaller parts. Readers know that when the small parts change, words sound different and the meaning changes, too. For example, when we change the”m” in “mouse” to “h” it becomes “house.” When we add “s “to a word, it becomes plural and adds a syllable. Reciting favorite nursery rhymes helps children hear the changing rhythms and say the changing rhymes over and over. It develops what we call “phonological awareness. “Luckily, children adore rhymes, games and songs that teach them these skills.
Play these sound and letter games:
Enjoy reciting your favorite nursery rhymes and reading poetry books with your child.
Say the rhymes over and over. Sometimes stop and let your child fill in the next words.
“Hickory dickory dock. The mouse ran up the…..” Sometimes say the wrong rhyme.
“Hickory dickory dock. The mouse ran up the sock—oops! –clock!”
Sing favorite songs with your children.
Play word games that change the initial letter of words. “What about if everyone’s name
began with the letter ‘L’?” (Laddy, Lommy, Lister, Lother, Lamma) “ What if your name
started with B? You’d be called….B….B….. Bisa!”
Put magnetic letters on the door of the frig and read out loud the “words” that your child
strings together. “Let’s see what your word says now...tsiorumqkpterins.”
Clap the syllables in words and sentences. “Can you guess? We’re going to the clapclapclap
for story time.”
Reminder-Absences
While coming to school each and every day is important, it is equally important to monitor our children’s health. If a child is sick, please keep him/her home. Our teachers will work with students who have fallen ill to make sure they do not fall behind in the classroom.
If your child is absent from school, you will be notified via a voice message that will come to the primary phone number listed in Skyward. In addition, an email will be sent to the first email address listed in Skyward. Please be sure that your phone number and email address is updated in Skyward. If an automated call is made, and you believe it to be in error, please call the main office of the school. Automated calls and emails may still occur even if you’ve contacted the school regarding the absence. Absence notes will still be required. You can send a written note in with your child on the day that he or she returns to school. You can also email the excuse note to DAAttendance@centennialsd.org . This email address is dedicated to receiving these notes. If you have any questions regarding this change, please call the main office at (215) 441-6000 x 15010
Outstanding Cafeteria Balances
The Food Service Department has a procedure that states that students owing more than an established obligation ($6.00) will be offered an alternate meal of one (1) cheese sandwich or one (1) ham and cheese sandwich or one (1) ham sandwich, one (1) fruit or vegetable and the student’s choice of one (1) milk. The student’s account will be charged one dollar and 50 cents ($1.50) Food allergies will be considered. Negative or low balance letters are sent home in the Wednesday Express. We request that you provide payments in a timely manner. Please contact the school Principal, Ms. Coles, or Cafeteria Manager, Mrs. McElroy if you have any questions concerning this procedure.
If you are eligible, free or reduced price lunches are available by filling an application through the Food Service Office of the Centennial School District. You can also pre-pay for lunch through the “E-Fund” system and credit can be immediately applied to the account. If you need assistance with placing money on your child’s account or applying for free/reduced lunch programs, please contact the Food Service Office at 215-441-6000 ext. 11013. Thank you for your cooperation
Davis Dolphins
Each week names are drawn from our Davis Dolphins container as a way to recognize and celebrate our students for demonstrating trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Congratulations to Gage C, Jordyn L, Jonathan B, Rocco G, Arthur G, Gabi Z, Gina R, Ashley D, Cianni R, Shane R, Bailey S, Alex D, Jax C, Ellie F, Myre W, Nydia J, Nathan H, Aly K, Drew S, Josh R, Lexa S, Valerie L, Eddie C, Aliyah C, Monica K, Chase P, Alyssa G, Nichola D, Alex V, Hana W, Reese M, Gianna B, Jazlyn C, Michael B, Brielle Z, Jaden G, Leah A, Adelaide K, Kyle M, Danielle N, Alexa T, Nicoletta V, Kevin C, Vanessa S, Kelsey B, Kaiden M, Kieran B, Samantha R. Way to go, boys and girls!
Wednesday Express
Each Wednesday, your child’s teacher will send home the Wednesday Express envelope. Please take a moment to remove, read, review the contents, and return the envelope to school the next day. Your signature on the outside of the envelope lets us know that you received it. We also recommend that everyone continue to check the eFolder on a regular basis.
Teacher's Corner - Grade 1
First graders at Davis have been busy finding out what it's like to be engineers! While learning about air in science, we have been busy making prototypes of parachutes and balloon rockets. While testing our parachutes, we learned all about air resistance. Our balloon rocket races helped us understand that releasing compressed air causes our balloons to push forward. We tested our prototypes, made changes or adjustments, and used problem solving skills. This hands-on learning has been an amazing experience!
Teacher's Corner - Mrs. Beecher's Class
Students in Mrs. Beecher's second grade class have been participating in Classroom Meetings every morning. Our day starts with a morning greeting and then we all participate in a group activity. It has been a great way to start our day! We are really bonding as a class.
Teacher's Corner - Mrs Mays
The junior electricians from Mrs. Mays’ fourth grade class, got a real charge out of science class! After learning how to make series and parallel circuits, they pooled their electricity circuit components and created one large series and parallel circuit. This hands-on experiential activity required the students to work as a team, be problem solvers, and communicate effectively. To watch the light bulb go on for the students, figuratively and literally, was the best part of this culminating lesson!
Birthday Club
Each month Mrs. Coles recognizes students who have birthdays that month by giving them a special pencil and posing for a photo with them. This month October birthdays were recognized.
Calendar
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12NVFlsXdmA3PinibhapUFtH5gxGFb8eu3i1cgPUBGps/edit#gid=5
Davis Elementary School
Website: centennialsd.org
Phone: 215-364-5970