ELM STREET SCHOOL NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2014 October Message from Mrs. Bernard We are preparing children for their future not for our past. ~Dr. Bill Daggett The 2014-2015 school year is off to a great start! It was great to see so many of you at Open House visiting our classrooms!!! Important Reminders:  Any changes of dismissal for your child should be in writing.  Please make sure you come in and adjust your emergency cards when there are changes in contact information or in people allowed to pick up your child. For safety purposes, we will NOT dismiss your child to anyone who is not listed on the emergency cards.  Parent Portal is available online for access to attendance, grades, state test scores, etc. The applications are online or available in the school office.  Communication is key!!! Please contact your teacher or my office with any questions or concerns. The next PAWS (Parents at Waverly Schools) meeting will be on October 8th at 6:30 P.M. at Elm Street in Room 204. Please see the information included in this newsletter. I want to take this opportunity to let you know that my door is always open to discuss any issues or concerns that may arise. Thank you for all of your support and most importantly, thank you for all you do for your children! ***NOTES TO PARENTS AND GUARDIANS*** 1. There will be no school on Monday, October 13, 2014, in observance of Columbus Day and no school on Monday, October 20, 2014, for a conference day. 2. Individual school pictures will be taken on Thursday, October 9, 2014. 3. Birthday invitations are allowed in school providing the entire class is invited. 4. If your child needs to be dropped off at school prior to 7:55 a.m., please make arrangements with the SACC program. Cindy Shaffer, the Director of SACC, can be reached at 565-2841. 5. Please utilize the Loop in the back of the school for both picking up and dropping off your child. The loop is designed for your child’s safety. Buses and traffic on Elm Street prohibit us from using the front of the school building as a drop off/pick up area. 6. In an attempt to teach children responsibility, we are not permitting them to call home for forgotten homework, books, or instruments. As always, they will be allowed to call for forgotten lunches or emergencies. 7. Mrs. Robinson has school supplies in her office if anyone is in need of them. Please see or call her at 565-8186. 8. Monday, November 24th and Tuesday, November 25th are half-day Parent Conference Days for elementary students. 9. Mr. Palumbo is asking that all students’ grades 2nd through 4th have an art shirt. This is to be worn during art class to keep school clothes from being stained. This can be any clean shirt typically larger than your child’s normal size. Thank you for your help. 2014 - 2015 EXAM SCHEDULE Gr. 3-8 ELA April 14 - 16 Gr. 3 – 8 Math April 22 – April 24 Gr. 4 Science Performance May 20 – May 29 Gr. 4 Science Written June 1 ***NOTES FROM THE NURSE*** All students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, Second and Fourth grades are required to have a physical exam. Students who are new to the Waverly district need to have a physical regardless of grade level within thirty days of entering the district. Students who are participants in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech, and Resource Room are required to have annual physicals. It is recommended that your child’s physician perform the physical, as they are familiar with your child’s history. If you do have an appointment with your child’s physician, please call the Health Office with the date. If the Health Office does not receive a completed physical form or a phone call with an appointment date, your child’s physical will be performed at school. If you have any questions, please contact the Health Office. Forms are available on the school website. ***NOTES FROM MR. KENNEDY – CHESS CLUB*** This year Chess Club will be run a little different. All 3rd and 4th grade students who are in good academic and behavioral standing with their classroom teacher are welcome to attend Chess Club in my room (222) on Tuesday through Thursday until 2:20 p.m. It is your child’s responsibility to inform you and the SACC Staff (if applicable) if and when they will participate and to inform you that they will need picked up no later than 2:20 p.m. If you have any questions, you may email me at [email protected] Thank you! ***MUSIC NEWS FROM MRS. ZIMMERMAN*** Rehearsals have begun for Elm Street's fourth grade chorus. Any fourth grade student is welcome to join the group, providing they complete their classroom work and can attend practices. We meet on Tuesdays from @ 1:50 - 2:20 p.m. There are makeup practices during the same time period on Thursdays for any child who misses a Tuesday rehearsal. We are beginning preparations to perform as a group for the winter concert season. October 2014 Elm Street School 145 Elm Street Waverly, NY 14892 607-565-8186 Anne M. Bernard, Principal Valerie Mensch, Secretary Sun 5 12 Mon Thu Fri 1 2 3 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Sat 4 7 8 PAWS @ 6:30 9 Picture Day 10 Day 6 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 13 14 15 16 17 Day 5 Day 6 Day 1 Day 2 21 22 23 24 Home- 25 Halloween Parade @ 10:00 a.m. Sayre 20 No School for Students* 26 Wed 6 No School— Columbus Day 19 Tue 27 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 coming; Gr. 3 Field Trip Day 6 28 29 30 31 Halloween Parade Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 * October 20th is a Conference Day www.waverlyschools.com 11 18