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Pleasant Valley Elementary School

January 2016 Newsletter

Mr. Roger Pomposello Ms. Erica Greer Ms. Valerie Rudawski

Assistant Principal Principal Dean of Students

Be sure to look for the PVE Newsletter and other pertinent school information

on the Pleasant Valley School District web site at .

To access the School Board Meeting Agenda, go to ,

click on “Our District,” click on “Board of Education,” and click on “Tentative Board Meeting Agenda.”

Pleasant Valley School District can be reached at 570-402-1000

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Pleasant Valley Elementary School is to inspire all students toward physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth as lifelong learners.

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COMMUNICATION

Parents/Guardians: It is very important that you do not leave an important message that requires immediate attention on the office voicemail, as we do not want your message to go without the proper attention. We are asking that you call back later and speak to someone in the office. The same applies to faxing information to the school. Please follow up any faxes with a phone call to confirm that we received it (parent pickup, early release, etc.). Thank you for your cooperation!

PARENT PICK UP

Just a reminder if you plan to pick up your child at the end of the school day, please be sure to give the student(s) a note prior to attending school that day. This insures that teachers are aware that the child is not to go home on the bus and the student will be directed to the Parent Pick-up Line. Please keep in mind that students will not be dismissed after 3:15 pm. These students will participate in parent pick up at the end of the school day. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter for the safety of our students.

Winter weather

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Below are guidelines concerning early dismissals, delays, or cancellations as they relate to winter weather. Adhering to these procedures will ensure that all important weather-related information is provided/available to all families.

(Call the school district number (570-402-1000) to hear the latest information. Please do not call the building directly.

(Refer to the radio and television stations as provided in this newsletter.

(Be sure to provide any changed phone numbers to our office so our automated phone message system can contact you.

(Make sure only people listed on your emergency form attempt to pick up your child. Advise your emergency contacts that they must show photo ID.

(Notify the school as soon as possible if someone else will pick up your child. Provide the person’s name and relationship in writing.

(Refer to the following information for changes in the school schedule as related to winter weather.

Where to Find School Information

If the weather seems questionable, please tune your radio or television to one of the stations listed below to find out about early dismissals or cancellations:

|Television | |Radio | |

|WBRE-TV Channel 28 | WLEV-FM 100.7 |WAEB-FM B104.1, AM 790 |

|WYOU-TV Channel 22 |WZZO-FM 95.1 |WARM AM 590 |

|WNEP-TV Channel 16 |WYNX-AM 1160 |WCTO-FM 96.1 |

|WFMZ-TV Channel 69 |WEST-AM 1400 |WXKW-1470 |

| |WHCY-FM 106.3 |WKAP-1320 AM |

| |WVPO-AM 840 |WSBG-FM 93.5 |

| |WSGD-FM 94.3 |WPMR-FM 107.9 |

| |WCDL-AM 1440 |Oldies-FM 99.9 |

| | | |

| | | |

Weather Related Cancellations

Early Dismissal - All after school events and activities will be cancelled.

No School – All school events and activities will be cancelled.

K-3 Schedule for One-hour Delay

• Classes will begin one hour later with no real disruption to the day.

• Specials will begin at 10:40 (beginning of period 3). Lunch and the Kindergarten day will otherwise go as normal.

• Breakfast IS served when school is delayed for one hour.

K-3 Schedule for Two-hour Delay

▪ Classes will begin two hours later.

• Breakfast is NOT served when school is delayed for two hours.

• Specials begin at 11:17.

Weather Related Kindergarten schedule

Early Dismissal Procedures Due to Inclement Weather

IN THE EVENT OF AN EARLY DISMISSAL, AM KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS WILL BE

held at the school and dismissed with the students in grades 1-3.

There will be NO PM Kindergarten.

Students in grades 1-3 will be sent home on the bus they normally take

home from school. Morning Kindergarten students will be sent home

on the same bus they come to school on unless parents complete

and return the form sent home by their child’s Kindergarten teacher.

Depending on the time of the dismissal lunch may be served to

students. AM Kindergarten students will be provided with some form of extra snack or lunch on these days.

Every attempt will be made by the school to contact parents of

AM Kindergarten students in the event of an early dismissal.

An automated Connect Ed call will be made, but we encourage ALL parents to listen to the radio, or watch

the major television stations on inclement days for possible

early dismissals. In the event of an early dismissal or a school closing, all after school activities are cancelled.

In case of inclement weather, please remember that school

closings, delayed openings and early dismissals are listed

on the major radio & television stations. You may also call

(570) 402-1000 for a recorded message on any closings,

delays or early dismissals.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL DIRECTLY

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT PLEASANT VALLEY ELEMENTARY…

January is School Director Recognition Month

A message from the Principal

January is the perfect time of year to show appreciation for our school board members. Our School Directors work hard, spending many hours dedicated to improving our schools. Very few people fully understand the responsibilities associated with being a member of the team that runs a school district.

Our School Board members not only attend many meetings and serve on several committees, they also spend many hours reading and studying reports, proposals, and various other documents. They listen to suggestions, good news, and concerns of our community, parents, students, and staff. They work with administrators to make difficult decisions and develop policies.

Do you ever wonder why they are so willing to give of their time? Our School Board members step forward to lead our school district because they care deeply about the future of our students and our community.

Pleasant Valley is fortunate to have such a cohesive, fully involved leadership team. Please join me in recognizing and thanking our Pleasant Valley School Board Directors for all they do. We couldn’t do it without them!

PVE’s Four Diamonds Mini-Thon

On February 19th, 2016 PVE Students will dance to fight cancer

Pleasant Valley Elementary School will be holding a multi-hour dance marathon on February 19th 2016 to raise money to support the Four Diamonds at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. The money raised for this event will help cover medical expenses for families that have children battling pediatric cancer, as well as support a comprehensive team of researchers that are looking for a cure.

This is the second time students at Pleasant Valley Elementary School will participate in a Mini-THON. Games and activities will be taking place along with the actual Dance-A-Thon. Students will learn a special PVE THON dance during the event and at the end of the day, every student in the school will step into the hallways to do PVE THON moves building wide.

The goal of the PVE Mini-THON is to empower students to make a difference in the lives of others through volunteerism, philanthropy, and community outreach. Teachers, administrators, PTO members, and students are working to plan an amazing experience for the February 19th Mini-THON!

If you are interested in making a donation to the Four Diamonds Fund on behalf of your child/ grandchild use the following options:

• Use the Donation Envelope attached to the Mini-Thon Flyer that is coming home in January, to send in a check made out to the Four Diamonds Fund.

• Access the Donor Drive website through the home page. At the top of the page in the Select a School drop down tab, choose Pleasant Valley Elementary and then click on the Mini Thon link.

• Scan the QR code below with your smart phone or tablet to access the Donor Drive website directly.

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Counselors’ Corner

Turning Cabin Fever into Teachable Moments

With the winter weather upon us, we quickly notice how much time kids are spending indoors. This can lead to some stress and strain both in the classroom and at home . . . cabin fever! All that togetherness is great but sometimes we all need our s-p-a-c-e.

 

As most teachers have discovered, the time you share indoors can provide important mental incubation time for children and adults. (Can't we all use that from time to time?) This is a delightful opportunity for you and your child to enjoy the simple pleasures of personal time, to share activities together, to go deep with ideas and feelings. But as every teacher and parent knows, the trick is to find enough things for your child to do so she or he doesn't get cabin fever.

 

Magic mood-changers. Teachers have discovered that this time of year is perfect doing short activities that can quickly change the mood of the day. These mini-events also grab children's attention and engage them in teachable moments. Studies have shown that the brain remembers the first and last part of a lesson better than the middle. That is why it is better to offer short episodes of learning where there are more beginnings and ends and fewer "middles"!

Here a few favorite mini-events teachers use to fight cabin fever in the classroom. You can try them at home, too.

 

Music and movement games. Can't play fair outside? Do it inside! Put on some of your favorite music and do a cooperative version of musical chairs. The object of the game is to get as many friends and family on the chairs as possible. Nobody is OUT! Each time one chair is removed, everyone has to work together to get each other on the chairs. More indoor games to try include: a kitchen utensil marching band, Simon Says, two-minute aerobics, yoga, and jumping rope without a rope.

Winter picnic. Is the wind blowing outside your door? You can still have a picnic. Collect the picnic basket, the beach towels, tablecloths, and folding chairs and spread them out in the living room! Involve your child in planning, preparing, and sharing the sandwiches and snacks for the event. Set everything up, put on some warm music, and invite the entire family. Don't forget your sunglasses. The best part: no ants!

 

Art projects. Art is always a great calming activity for children. If you are willing to get a bit messy, you and your child can share some fun moments together. Make food-coloring ice cube paints to share on a roll of paper: Fill ice cube tray with different colors and place a Popsicle stick in each for handles. Freeze. Your child can rub the ice cube "brushes" on the paper and watch as the colors "paint" and mix together!

Or, for a change of pace, try this in reverse. Instead of freezing the paint, freeze the paper. Wet plain white drawing paper and place on a sheet of aluminum foil. Place in the freezer overnight. Have watercolors ready to paint on the paper as soon as you take it out of the freezer. It will melt fast and create some interesting designs.

 

Quiet reflection. We are such an active culture, and children's lives are getting more and more crowded by after-school activities that require them to be on the go most of the time. Taking a moment to not do is almost unheard of. Yet, it is an essential part of creating peace both inside and out. Through quiet perception games, children can learn to calm their minds and bodies quickly and easily. Try this: Invite your child to sit in comfortably. Then say: "Without talking, I want you to look around the room and notice something that interests you. Look at it carefully and notice everything you can about it without touching it." (Pause.) "Now pretend you can touch it. Think about how it would feel if you could touch it." You can do just one object or invite your child to find something else to look at this way. This game is not only successful at home but is wonderful in a crowded waiting room or on line in the grocery store!

Adapted from:



3rd Grade Ski Club

The 3rd Grade Ski Club will be skiing at Blue Mountain starting on Tuesday, January 5th, 2016. Dates for Ski Club are January 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, February 2nd and 9th.

The bus will leave Blue Mountain at 7:00 PM and return to the Pleasant Valley Intermediate School building by 7:30 PM. Please note these times may change due to busing delays. Please understand that all students will be dropped off in the evening ONLY at Pleasant Valley Intermediate School. More information will be provided if we need makeup days due to inclement weather.

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Welcome New Kindergartners

Kindergarten registration for the 2016-2017 school year will be held Monday, March 14th through Friday, April 15th (for those of you who like to plan ahead!). Calls are being taken to schedule an appointment to pre-register your child.

When calling, please be prepared with your child’s entire legal name, both your physical and mailing address, phone number, and parents’ full names. Please call (570) 402-1000, ext. 4010. Calls should be made between the hours of 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Please remember that students must be five years of age on or before September 1st, 2016, and reside in the Pleasant Valley School District in order to register.

News from the Nurse

Dr. Pierce, the school dentist, will be doing dental exams on Tuesday, January 5th, 2016, at Pleasant Valley Elementary School. These exams will be for Kindergarten students, 3rd Grade students, and new students that do not have a documented dental exam. The Public School Code requires dental examinations for all children “upon original entry into the school, while in third grade and while in seventh grade.” Original entry is defined as “Kindergarten and transfer students, regardless of their age or grade.” If a record of a completed dental exam is not received from the original school, parents may have the dental exam completed by their private dentist. Forms are available from the school nurse for a private dentist to complete and return to the school.

Students who fail to complete and/or submit acceptable evidence of the required dental examination by no later than April 30th of the academic year the examination is required, will be excluded from participation in all extracurricular activities beginning May 1st of that year until acceptable proof of the required examination is received in accordance with SCHOOL BOARD POLICY 209, HEALTH EXAMINATIONS.

Immunization Reminder

            Students who lack Pennsylvania State required immunizations are granted an eight month provisional enrollment period by the Pleasant Valley School District in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health School Immunization Regulation.   Students in need of immunizations, will not be allowed to attend school if the school nurse does receive proof they have completed the required immunizations by the last day of the eight- month period.

Parking Lot Safety

Parents are reminded that it is essential to be safety conscious in the parking lot in front of PVE. By remembering a few safety items, we can keep everyone out of harm’s way.

( Drive slowly and cautiously in the parking lot.

( Do not use the parking lot as an area to meet and chat with other parents.

( Pull into a parking space before getting out of a vehicle.

( Hold your child(ren)’s hand(s) while in the parking lot.

( Parents are reminded NOT to drop students off in the building before 9:07 AM.

Change of address and/or phone number

It is extremely important to notify Central Registration of any address or phone changes so the Connect-Ed Automated Phone System can work efficiently. This phone system notifies parents/guardians of important messages such as school cancellations, meetings, conferences, etc.

Central Registration is located in the Administration Building on Route #115. For more information, please call 570-402-1000, ext. 4010.

Families in Need

This past Thanksgiving, PVE students participated in a food drive, and the items were used to create food baskets for some of our families in need. Thanks in part to the Assembly of God Church, Uline and individuals who donated turkeys and food baskets to 25 of our PV families! Thank you also to the ESU PDS students who assembled and organized these food baskets for our families.

Also, a great big thank you goes out to all of our parents and students who have made monetary donations to our PV Families in Need program this year. Because of your support of our dress down days, we were able to raise enough money to provide toys and clothing for 32 families which will benefit 86 of our Pleasant Valley students!

Your support, along with donations from our own faculty and staff, has helped bring a brighter holiday season to our families. A special thank you goes out to the 34 PVE staff members, Cub Scout troop #98, Pocono Mountain Real Estate Inc. and 3 retirees who sponsored the gifts for some of our families. We cannot thank you enough!

Toys for Tots

The Toys for Tots drive held at PVE collected over 800 toys! These toys were distributed to children throughout all of Monroe County. Thank you to all who donated toys and those who helped in all aspects of this special day!

There were several Marines who assisted with the parade on Friday, December 11th. Please keep them and all the service men and women in your thoughts.

On behalf of PVE’s Diversity Task Force and the children of Monroe County, we would like to thank everyone for their participation.

Tree Decorating Ceremony

A tree decorating ceremony was held in the evening on Monday, December 7th, at PVE which included a chorus concert, hanging ornaments, lighting the tree, light refreshments, holiday photos, and a visit by Santa Claus. All who attended had a great time!

Thank you to Christmas City Studio for donating the family photos and our 3rd Grade Chorus for entertaining us with great music!

Collecting tabs for the Ronald McDonald House

Many families travel far from home to get treatment for their seriously ill or injured children. The treatment may last a day, a month, or even longer. It’s a long time to be away from home or to divide a family.

Ronald McDonald Houses offer families a way to stay together in close proximity to a treatment hospital and to be comfortable and cared for during their stay.

Simply put, families are stronger when they are together, and having families nearby helps in the healing process. By staying at a Ronald McDonald House, parents can better communicate with their child’s medical team and keep up with complicated treatment plans when needed.

Please consider saving your can tabs (such as soda, pull tabs from tuna fish cans, fruit cans, etc.) for this worthwhile cause. These tabs will be given to the Ronald McDonald House. Collection bins will be available in the main office for your child/children to place the tabs in.

The Pleasant Valley School District has established an emergency “HOTLINE” available to parents, students, and the general public.

1-570-402-1000, ext. 4444

This number is to be used to report THREATS or TIPS with regard to the safety or well-being of the school district or any members of the school community (e.g. students, faculty, or staff).

ALL CALLS WILL REMAIN ANONYMOUS.

NOTE: Calls may be recorded. Any person making false claims or reports will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law!!

School District Website

Please visit our Pleasant Valley School District website at . The web-site contains pertinent information such as dress code information, School Board meeting dates, times, and locations, as well as the School Board meeting agendas and approved minutes. School Board policies can also be accessed from the website.

To access the School Board Meeting Agenda, go to , click on “Our District,” click on “Board of Education,” and click on “Tentative Board Meeting Agenda.”

Gertrude Hawk Spring Fundraiser

We will begin our Spring fundraiser beginning on January 14th through February 8, 2016. Fundraiser money provides funding for field trips, assemblies, and special activities for our students. Your participation and support is greatly appreciated.

Memory Book Sale

The Memory Book Committee will be selling Memory Books. The books will be in color and available in soft cover only. Please remember NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED.

More information will be sent home with students in February.

Note to Parents:

When looking at the Day/Date Calendar, please remember that snow days affect the day/date cycle. For example, if Monday is Day 1 and it becomes a snow day, then Tuesday will be Day 1. This cycle ensures that students do not miss specials because of weather related cancellations.

The Newsletter is printed nearly one week prior to its distribution and sent home with students on the last Thursday of the month in their Communication Folder. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the day/date calendar when it is sent home with your child. Please make any needed corrections to your calendar as soon as possible.

Standardized dress code

• BOTTOM STYLES AND COLORS

DRESS OR CASUAL DOCKER-STYLE FULL-LENGTH PANT - SOLID-COLOR KHAKI (TAN), NAVY BLUE, GRAY, OR BLACK

DRESS OR CASUAL DOCKER-STYLE SHORT - SOLID-COLOR KHAKI (TAN), NAVY BLUE, GRAY, OR BLACK

DRESS OR CASUAL CAPRI-STYLE PANT - SOLID-COLOR KHAKI (TAN), NAVY BLUE, GRAY, OR BLACK

DRESS OR CASUAL SKIRT/SKORT/GAUCHO - SOLID-COLOR KHAKI (TAN), NAVY BLUE, GRAY, OR BLACK MUST BE KNEEPCAP LENGTH.

• SNEAKERS MUST BE OF DRESS CODE COMPLIANT COLORS OF BLACK, BROWN, TAN, GRAY (NOT SILVER), BLUE, OR WHITE AND MAY HAVE ONE MINOR ACCENT COLOR (E.G., PIPING OR STRIPE(S) ON SHOE THAT IS OF ANOTHER THAN COMPLIANT COLOR). THE ENTIRE SHOE CANNOT BE STRIPED. SHOE LACES MUST BE OF THE SAME SOLID DRESS CODE COMPLIANT PREDOMINATE COLOR AS THE SNEAKERS OR WHITE.

• FOOTWEAR CAN HAVE A MANUFACTURER’S LOGO AS LONG AS THAT LOGO IS NOT CONTRARY TO THE MISSION OF THE SCHOOL AND/OR ADVERTISES OR PROMOTES THE USE OF TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, OR DRUGS; AND/OR IS DEEMED OFFENSIVE, OBSCENE, OR IMMORAL; OR WHICH IS SEXUALLY SUGGESTIVE; AND/OR WHICH PROMOTES STATEMENTS WHICH ARE DEROGATORY TO ANY RACIAL, ETHNIC, OR RELIGIOUS GROUP; AND/OR WHICH CONTAINS DOUBLE MEANING, ADVOCATES VIOLENT ACTS, OR IS GANG-RELATED.

• FOOTWEAR CANNOT HAVE A PATTERN, PICTURE, DRAWING, DIAGRAM, OR DECORATIVE ITEM(S).

A FULL, DETAILED VERSION IS AVAILABLE ON THE DISTRICT WEBSITE WWW. . THERE ARE ALSO COPIES AVAILABLE IN THE MAIN OFFICE.

January 2016 Calendar of Events

|Date |Event |

|January 1 |New Year’s Day – School closed |

|January 1 – 31 |School Director Recognition Month |

|January 4 |School reopens |

|January 5 |School Dental Exams – Kindergarten, 3rd Grade, and new students |

| |3rd Grade Ski Club |

|January 8 |Hope Day Shirts for Students – School Uniform Bottoms |

|January 12 |3rd Grade Ski Club |

|January 13 |Ready, Set, Read Now! 5:30-7:30 PM @PVE |

|January 14 |Gertrude Hawk Fundraiser starts |

| |Board of Education Meeting – 8:00 PM, School District Office |

|January 15 |Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday |

|January 18 |Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrated – School closed |

|January 19 |Diversity Task Force at School District Office – 9:30 AM |

| |3rd Grade Ski Club |

| |PTO meeting – PTO Room @ 7:00 PM |

|January 20 |End of 2nd Marking Period |

|January 22 |Wear a Tie/Bowtie to School – Denim bottoms permitted |

| |PTO Family Movie Night |

|January 26 |3rd Grade Ski Club |

|January 28 |Board of Education Meeting – 8:00 PM, School District Office |

|January 29 |No School for Students |

|February 1 - 5 |National School Counseling Week |

| | |

| | |

January 2016 Day / Date Calendar

| |Monday |Tuesday |Wednesday |Thursday |Friday |

|JANUARY |Dec. 28 |Dec. 29 |Dec. 30 |Dec. 31 |Jan. 1 |

| | | | | |New Year’s Day |

| |Winter Recess |Winter Recess |Winter Recess |Winter Recess |Winter Recess |

| | | | | | |

| |4 |5 |6 |7 |8 |

| | | | | | |

| |Day 4 |Day 5 |Day 6 |Day 1 |Day 2 |

| |11 |12 |13 |14 |15 |

| | | | | | |

| |Day 3 |Day 4 |Day 5 |Day 6 |Day 1 |

| |18 |19 |20 |21 |22 |

| | | | | | |

| |NO SCHOOL |Day 2 |Day 3 |Day 4 |Day 5 |

| |25 |26 |27 |28 |29 |

| | | | | | |

| |Day 6 |Day 1 |Day 2 |Day 3 |NO SCHOOLOC |

Ticket to Knowledge

Congratulations to: Matthew Frey in Ms. Sipler’s AM class, Jake Procita in Ms. Goffredo’s class, James Morton in Ms.Lauchnor’s class, and Kenzie Harris in Ms. Doll’s class for correctly

answering the November question!

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Question:

Name the Biggest continent

Name the Smallest continent

--- ---------------

Answer:

Biggest _______________Smallest______________

Name _____________________________

Teacher_____________________________

Return this bottom portion with the correct answer to your teacher.

At the end of the month, a name from each grade will be drawn for a free trip to the:

“PAWS Rewards Bear Den”

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Modified Kindergarten Schedule

We provide a modified Kindergarten schedule that will yield shorter sessions, but allow for no loss of the AM classes. In the event the school district implements a two-hour delay, we will operate under the following time schedule. Please note this schedule and post it in a prominent place in your home.

KINDERGARTEN TWO-HOUR DELAY

AM pickup time is two hours beyond normal time.

AM buses arrive ~ 11:07 AM

AM classes begin ~11:17 AM

AM dismissal ~ 1:30 PM (one hour later than normal)

PM pickup time is one hour beyond normal time.

PM buses arrive ~ 1:35 PM

PM classes begin ~ 1:40 PM

PM dismissal ~ 3:52 PM

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