Trailblazer Tribune
Bridge Valley's Newsletter
March 3, 2014
PSSA TESTING
As we get closer to the mid-March PSSA testing window, a link will be posted on our school website giving parents the PDE information about testing. The link is being posted under School Links.
Exclusion from PSSA
The PDE info directs parents to contact schools if they believe PSSA testing might be in conflict with their religious beliefs. PDE has told us that the window for parents to preview a test must end two weeks before the testing window begins. That means that we cannot consider any requests for exemption from testing after March 10th.
Cellphones & electronic devices
PDE states that: …the electronic device will be held by school staff and the device’s stored photographs will be searched. While this is a PDE requirement, procedures followed in several of our schools has been for the student and his/her phone to remain in the office until the student’s parents arrive. The student and parents are then showing what has been stored on the phone. Keeping kids away from their cellphones on testing days is much easier than the hassle of dealing with this after a phone has been discovered. Counselors will be reviewing this information with teachers during school training sessions.
PSSA Information for Parents
CAFETERIA CONTEST WINNERS FOR February
Classes earn a point by following one of our three cafeteria rules; eat quietly, keep a clean space, and listen to directions. The classes with the most points at the end of the month earn gold, silver, or bronze spoons. February’s gold spoon award winning classes were:
First Grade - Mrs. Smith, Second Grade - Mrs. Slinka, Third Grade - Mrs. Chaplin, Fourth Grade - Mrs. Anderson, Fifth Grade - Mrs. Jaeger and Sixth Grade - Mrs. Brassell.
Counselor's Corner - Miss Melberger
The January Boomerang Winner was Carly Walker from Miss Moyer’s sixth grade class. She was nominated by Mrs. McErlean for Asset #9: Service to Others.
“I am nominating Carly Walker, a 6th grade student in Miss Moyer’s class, for the January Boomerang Award. Carly is an exceptional individual and truly deserves to be recognized for her service to others. Carly’s kind heart, acceptance of others, extraordinary enthusiasm and positive attitude are demonstrated through her work with students with special needs. Carly began her mission to serve others during her 5th grade year at Bridge Valley by participating in the lunch and recess buddy club. She expanded upon her service to her friends with special needs by participating in a weekly reverse inclusion group in my classroom. Carly plays games and makes crafts with my students. Her interaction with my students helps them to learn and demonstrate appropriate social skills. Carly also organized a peer mentor group that assists my students in special classes such as PE and Art. Through her service to others, Carly helps my students with autism to generalize skills and to become more independent at home and in the community.”
The asset being recognized for March is #38 Self Esteem (A young person that demonstrates confidence and promotes positive behaviors and relationships). If you’d like to nominate a student, please complete a nomination form found in the front office or send an email to kmelberg@cbsd.org.
Our Honorary Trailblazer for January was Mr. Frank LaRusso for demonstrating outstanding citizenship as the organizer and leader of the Bridge Valley Coffee House. The Coffee House was a huge success! The show was sold out and highlighted singing and instrumental performances from Bridge Valley 5th and 6th graders. All the proceeds were donated to an orphanage in El Salvador to help them build a permanent remote video linked classroom. Mr. LaRusso is a positive role model to the Bridge Valley community!
BVE Wellness
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths is caused by heart disease.
How can American Heart Month make a difference?
We can use this month to raise awareness about heart disease and how people can prevent it - both at home and in the community.
Start by make small changes, like using spices to season food instead of salt.
TRAILBLAZER TASTY TREAT
Black Bean & Salmon Tostadas
Recipe from the American Heart Association
Ingredients
- 8 6-inch corn tortillas
- Canola oil cooking spray
- 1 6- to 7-ounce can boneless, skinless wild Alaskan salmon, drained
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons minced pickled jalapeños, plus 2 tablespoons pickling juice from the jar, divided
- 2 cups coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed
- 3 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
- 2 tablespoons prepared salsa
- 2 scallions, chopped
- Lime wedges (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Position racks in upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 375°F.
Coat tortillas on both sides with cooking spray. Place on 2 baking sheets. Bake, turning once, until light brown, 12 to 14 minutes.
Combine salmon, avocado and jalapeños in a bowl. Combine cabbage, cilantro and the pickling juice in another bowl. Process black beans, sour cream, salsa and scallions in a food processor until smooth. Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave on High until hot, about 2 minutes.
To assemble tostadas, spread each tortilla with some bean mixture and some salmon mixture and top with the cabbage salad. Serve with lime wedges, if desired.
The Wellness Team
NURSE NEWS
Thank you to all Bridge Valley families who contributed to our families in need. You have no idea how grateful the families are to have this added bonus in stressful times. We are truly blessed to belong to such a giving community.
With Gratitude, Mary Horvath, RN, CSN
MANDATED DETAL EXAMS
Pennsylvania mandates that all students entering school (Kindergarten or 1st, 3rd and 7th) grade receive dental exams. If you have not already done so please have your child’s teeth examined and send in documentation of the dental exam to our office.
The Right Dentist for Your Child
Your baby has gotten his first teeth. When should your dentist examine those little pearls? Now, says the American Dental Association (ADA), which recommends children visit a dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than their first birthdays. In addition, most children should have a dental check-up every six months. Some children will need even more frequent visits.
How do you choose the best dentist for your child?
Your own dentist may be experienced in treating children, but your child may benefit from seeing a pedodontist (also called a pediatric dentist). Pediatric dentists have extra training to prepare them to treat infants and children through adolescence.
A dentist that’s right for your child should:
- Take preventive measures. If your child is not getting enough fluoride through drinking water, your pediatric dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements. By about 2 ½ years of age, your child will have most of his primary teeth. Most dentists will start topical fluoride treatment at this time. Fluoride helps toughen the tooth enamel, which can be destroyed by cavities. Your child’s dentist will also show you how to keep new teeth clean and decay-free.
- Recommend or use new techniques or materials. Many new materials and techniques make dental repair easier, less painful and longer-lasting. Silver is still the primary material used for fillings, as it has proven to be safe and durable especially for larger fillings. But new materials, such as tooth-color fillings, made from durable plastics, called composite resins, have become popular especially when esthetics is a concern. Your child’s dentist will help you decide which type of filling is best for your child.
- Take the “ouch” out of dental procedures. Your child’s dentist should use the appropriate type of anesthesia to keep pain under control. Local topical anesthesia, injectable local anesthetics, conscious sedation and general anesthesia are used based on various factors including:
- The type of dental work
- The length of the procedure
- Your child's health history, including height, weight, illnesses, allergies, injuries and medications
- Previous reactions to anesthesia. The ADA recommends that dentists administering general anesthesia or deep sedation have completed advanced education in anesthesiology.
- Seal the deal. A thin coat of resin, called sealant, can help prevent cavities in your child's molars, where most decay occurs.
- Get it straight. Children are being recommended for orthodontia at earlier ages to prevent the need for more extensive work later. Your child’s dentist should evaluate the need for a referral to an orthodontic when necessary.
- Be willing to meet you. You can usually schedule a free consultation to visit the office and have your questions answered in person.
Yearbook Photo Reminder
The deadline for Class Photo Yearbook submissions is March 6th. All photos must be teacher approved PRIOR to submittal. If class photographers have any questions, please contact their Grade Level Advisor. Michelle Theeuwes will be at school on the morning of the 6th to receive the pictures.
Please make sure to submit them on or before the deadline (there is a box next to cubbies in office for earlier drop off).
Also, should any photographer like to submit unused pictures for the Yearbook spreads for Science Alive, Family Fun Night, Blazer Academy, or Garden Buddies, please email them in full format to bveyearbookphotos@gmail.com shortly after each event. Any questions, please contact Michelle Theeuwes at mnmtheeuwes@msn.com
Nutrition Poster Contest
To help promote National Nutrition Month, ARAMARK Education is sponsoring a poster contest for students of the Central Bucks School District. More information is available on our school website.
Box Tops for Education
Congratulations Luke Cimakasky!
For the 100th day of school, sixth grader Luke won a brand new Ipod shuffle. Keep sending in your box tops for education submission sheets and you too may be a winner!
For every box tops submission sheet with 10 box tops taped or glued on, your child will be entered! It's just that simple! Don’t forget the student’s name on top.
Keep looking for the next contest announcement soon!
Questions? Please call Ellen Rackas at 215-794-3976 or email elleninpa@comcast.net.
GOOD LUCK!
BINGO FAMILY FUN NIGHT & SWEET PEA ICE CREAM
Join us for family fun night on Friday, March 21st at 7pm. For more information please click here.
The Home and School Association is also looking for volunteers to help with the evening's festivities. To sign up click here.
March 26th is Purple Day - A World Day for Epilepsy Awareness
Epilepsy is when a person has two or more seizures that are not provoked by trauma, infection or fever. In honor of Purple Day on March 26th, we encourage you to show your support while creating a general awareness of epilepsy in our community. Let’s clear up any common misconceptions associated with people who have epilepsy.
The March 26th Campaign was founded in 2008 by a nine year-old girl, Cassidy Megan, of Nova Scotia, Canada, after a presentation at her school by The Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia. For more information click here.
HOME & SCHOOL INFORMATION
Our officers for the 2013-2014 School Year are as follows:
Co-Presidents
- Mrs. Meredith Eater - meater@verizon.net
- Mrs. Leigh Vlasblom - vlasblom@verizon.net
Vice-President/Assistant Treasurer
- Mrs. Jennifer Duffy - jduffy001@comcast.net
Treasurer
- Mrs. Laurie Landis - llsaylor@aol.com
Secretary
- Mrs. Jodi Snyder - bodijodi@aol.com
Professional Staff Representative
- Mrs. M. Kate Tate - mtate@cbsd.org
Support Staff Representative
- Mrs. Marty Lanza - mlanza@cbsd.org
HOME & SCHOOL NOTES
Hopefully when this Tribune finds its way to you we will be done with this snowy winter. Being a Southerner, I look forward to snow storms, rushing to the grocery store and an unexpected day off from school. At this point, my excitement is gone! We have all been practicing our skills with patience and flexibility for the last couple of months. Thank you to everyone who has been patient while we have moved due dates and event dates around throughout the scheduling craziness.
With spring in the near future we look forward to all of the possibilities for new beginnings and lots of sunshine. We will also be looking forward to filling some positions on our HSA Board as well. This is a great way to get involved and give back to our wonderful school. Please reach out to Meredith Eater or myself if you are interested in running for a position. Stay warm and don’t put those snow boots away yet! ~
Leigh VlasblomJEFF THE FRAME GUY IS COMING!
Find your pictures or artwork that has been hidden away and bring it to Jeff on March 3rd. Jeff will be joining us at the Science Alive Family Fun Night. He will be there from 6:00pm until the end of the event. He will be set up in the Flex room across from the gym. Remember that he has great prices and a wide variety of choices. Bridge Valley HSA raised $400.00 from his last event.
ART TO REMEMBER
Don’t miss out on a great gift opportunity for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day!
Artwork is due Monday, March 3rd. An individualized order form will be sent back to you with examples of your child’s artwork on items that you can purchase.
NEW TO BVE?
Whether you are new to our school as the parent of a Kindergartner or a 6th grader, starting at a new school can be a daunting prospect for both parents & children! To help you get your bearings, BVE’s HSA is pleased to feature a comprehensive Welcome Packet, easily accessible in the Home & School area of the BVE website or at New Family Welcome. New families are also invited to contact Welcome Committee members Meredith Eater meater@verizon.net or Patrice Mollick 6moles@comcast.net to get started with the help you need to feel at home at BVE!!
HSA GENERAL MEETINGS
HSA WEBSITE & VOLUNTEERING
Looking to get involved? Check out the tab under Home & School Sign Up Genius Volunteer Opportunities. All current school-wide SUGenius links will appear on this page. You may also find SUGs on the event specific page, but the Sign Up Genius tab is always a sure bet. Use this as a quick & easy way to sign up for the events for which you’d like to volunteer! We will also continue to send out emails via our CC’s.
We are looking for a few volunteers who would be interested in being on the BVE Anniversary Committee. This is a temporary committee that will be planning some spring activities to celebrate our 10-year anniversary. Be on the lookout for this Sign Up Genius. We are also looking for the following Committee people:
- Passive Fundraiser Chair: This committee will oversee all of the passive fundraisers, such as: Box Tops for Education, Giant points, Coke Rewards, etc. You will still have individuals coordinating each fundraiser, but you will oversee, coordinate, and help come up with new ideas. If you are interested, please reach out to either Leigh Vlasblom or Meredith Eater.
- Science Alive Co-Chair: This Committee will oversee all aspects of our popular Science Alive week. Connie Korb has been doing a fabulous job and is looking for someone to work with her as she prepares to transition out as her children move on to middle school. This would involve at least one year of co-chair with Connie. Perfect for a team of two with younger children!!!
To learn more about the many committees or to join a committee, please visit the Committee Page under Parent/Students/Home and School/Committees or BVE Committees.
Current & Upcoming Sign Up Genius BVE Sign Ups:
- Anniversary Committee
- Science Alive
- Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
BVE'S ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Our membership drive is down from last year! Please remember that we are doing this instead of fundraisers such as wrapping paper sales. We have a lot of valuable programs that the HSA supports and without your help, we may not be able to afford all of them, or we may have to reinstate our fundraisers next year. It is not too late! We know back to school is a crazy time, so don’t hesitate to join if you are still interested. Additional forms are available at http://www.cbsd.org/Page/1044 (2013 - 2014 Donation Letter). Your generous donations enable BVE HSA to supplement the outstanding instructional, cultural, and enrichment programs at BVE. We appreciate your support!
THANK YOUS!!!
…to Kerry Eron for the 5 million Sign Up Genius’ that she has put together for all of our Home and School activities.
…to the Blazer Academy committee for your hard work getting our Blazer Academy off to a great start.
…to all of our volunteers and teachers for our Blazer Academy. We couldn’t have such a wonderful program without your help.
…to our Science Alive Committee for all the hard work you have been putting into the planning of our fun upcoming week.
…to all of our parents who have volunteered to come in for Science Alive Week and/or have sent in supplies for the experiments.
…to all of our classroom photographers that have been so busy this year taking and organizing the photographs for our yearbook.
…to our yearbook committee for all of the hard work you have done thus far and the work you will continue to do to get the yearbook completed for the kids to enjoy.
UPCOMING HSA DATES TO REMEMBER!!
- Market Day February Order (online)
- Blazer Academy – Feb 6 and continuing for 6 weeks
- Science Alive – March 3 – 7, 2014
- Jeff the Framer – Jeff will be available during Science Alive’s Family Fun Night (March 3) – bring your items to be matted & framed and support BVE!!
- Art to Remember – Artwork due on Monday, March 3, 2014
- Just Running – 2nd half of March – this year’s program will be leading up to the 3K at Doylestown’s Central Park on May 18, 2014
FUNDRAISING ( ~ ONGOING ~ )
MARKET DAY
Bridge Valley is continuing to participate in Market Day, our monthly fundraising program. Thank you to all of you who have purchased these foods and/or volunteered their time and energy.
Each month, as a participating Market Day school, restaurant quality food products from the same vendors that supply many upscale restaurants will be available for purchase. We choose Market Day because:
· It offers high-quality and nutritious food at affordable prices on a monthly basis.
· By doing your grocery shopping with Market Day, you will be feeding your family while enhancing your child’s education. In fact, we’ll earn a minimum of 10% on every purchase you make.
· Market Day offers a 100% quality guarantee on all products.
Participating in Market Day provides a service to you and our Home and School. The profits raised will help fund classroom and building technology, field trips, assemblies and other important educational needs.
Please consider purchasing Market Day for your family by going online for easy ordering at http://www.marketday.com. Our school account number is 20969, and along with a password of your choosing you can create your own account. If you have any questions please call Kimberly Leff at 215-794-3075 or email kimleff@yahoo.com.
TARGET
Target rebates- Use your Target charge card and Bridge Valley HSA will receive 1% of your Target purchases. Please designate Bridge Valley Home and School as the school of your choice when you apply for your card. If you already have a Target card, go to the customer service desk and complete the paperwork to designate our group.
MY COKE REWARDS
My Coke Rewards - My Coke Rewards for Schools is a way for parents, friends, and others in the community to support local K-12 schools by donating My Coke Rewards points which can be earned from hundreds of participating Coca-Cola products. Schools can turn donated points into a variety of rewards that support students. Donate your My Coke Rewards points and empower students to do, learn and discover more every day. Your points can provide our school with things like athletic equipment, books, classroom supplies and more.