PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER MAY/JUNE 2015 Dear Penndale families: On May 13th and 14th 7th, 8th and 9th grade students enrolled in Algebra will be taking the Algebra Keystone assessment. The teachers have been getting the kids ready for this assessment all year. If you have any questions about the Keystone assessment please contact you son/daughter’s guidance counselor. Now that is weather is finally getting warmer, please remind your child of the school dress code. Not all items that are in fashion are appropriate for school— especially the short tops, shorts and skirts. A good rule of thumb is that if there is a questions about the appropriateness of an item—don’t wear it to school!!! During final exams it is crucial that students arrive to school well rested, fed and prepared for exams. Many students struggle at exams time so it may be helpful for parents to provide some assistance and structure for students when they are studying at home. If you have any question on how you can help your child during finals please contact their teacher or guidance counselor. Final Exams Below is a list of final exams that 7th, 8th and 9th graders will be taking during the school day in their regularly scheduled classes: May 20th and 21st English writing exam May 18th- June 2nd Computer Applications 3 and Business Minor th th May 27 and 28 FCS Major exam th May 28 7th and 9th English Vocabulary May29th- June 2nd 9th grade Health June 2nd Art Major and World Language Listening nd rd June 2 and 3 Intro to Business exam June 3rd Math open-ended exam th th June 4 7 and 8th grade Health and Tech Major exam Message from the Principal 1 Assistant Principal’s Corner 3 Guidance News 4-6 Health Suite News 7 Spotlight on Staff 8-10 From The Classroom 11-14 Team News 15-16 Home and School News 17 Penndale News 18-19 Administrative News 20 Page 2 PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE (CONT’D) Additionally, the following final exams will be taken between 8:25 a.m.-11:30 a.m. on June 9th and 10th and 8:25 a.m.-9:55 a.m. on June 171h. Friday, June 9th Monday, June 10th Tuesday, June 11th Exam 1-English Exam2- Science Exam 1- Social Studies Exam 2- Math (except Algebra) Exams- World Language, Reading, The end of the school year seems to focus on exams, but for me the best part is the recognition of students and their accomplishments during the year. It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the talents and the determination of our students as they continue to move throughout Penndale. This is a time of tremendous growth and discovery and those of us who have worked with your children are continually amazed at their accomplishments. I would like to thank each of you for helping make this another successful school year for Penndale students. The class of 2018 has been prepared for their journey to High School and we wish you all the best. We look forward to seeing the classes of 2019, 2020 and 2021 next September. Enjoy you summer, take time to relax and get ready, as we will be holding all of you to high expectations when you return. Dr. O’Sullivan Page 3 PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL’S CORNER Spring is in the air! We, the assistant principals would like to remind all students that while having fun here at Penndale to always remember to be respectful to each other. At this time of year, we’d like to remind the students of appropriate dress code. T-shirts or other closing bearing references to drugs, tobacco products, alcohol, sex or others those references which are ethically/culturally offensive are inappropriate for school. Half shirts, muscle shirts, fishnet tops, halter tops, tube tops and spaghetti straps are not permitted. Attire such as shorts and skirts should extend to the fingertips and beyond. Bare midriffs, undergarments and open backs are inappropriate. Please remember to dress in layers since the mornings may be cool and the afternoons maybe warm. With the 9th Grade Dance scheduled for the end of the April and Blue & White Day just around the corner, students will be reminded that there detention and Saturday School obligations need to be completed in order to fully participate. Students will also be reminded of the following: Put forth effort in all of your subject areas. No electronics (phones, iPods, etc.) should be seen during the school day. Earphones should not be seen in school. Continue to do your homework! Be on time to school and class! Remember to wear appropriate clothing, especially during the warm months ahead. Use appropriate language in school. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your continued support in helping each and every student reach their highest potential. Thank you, Jason Bashaw & Annie-Laurie Robbins Page 4 PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER GUIDANCE NEWS For the spring edition of the newsletter, the Penndale Guidance Department is highlighting a host of family support resources that are available right here in our community. A significant role of the school counselor includes facilitating the connection between families and agencies. It’s important for parent figures to recognize that we have professional resources at our disposal in the North Penn Community. Accessing these interventions ensures the likelihood that our students will be able to move in a more positive direction. Parent figures should not feel responsible for having all of the answers. Please feel free to consult your child’s school counselor in regards to accessing any of the services listed below: North Penn Regional Family Center/ Children’s Aid Society 306 Madison Avenue Lansdale, 215-393-6800 and 215-393 – 6801. Parents have LOVED the support they received here. * FREE Parenting Education Classes. Classes are held at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lansdale. Topics include: self-esteem, bullying, violence, conflict, child development, nurturing, stress, resiliency, gender issues and personality. If you are interested, please call 215-3628422 Penn Foundation Located in Sellersville, it has a program called “Children Today – You Don’t Need to Raise Them All by Yourself There Is Help Out There!” Diane Devlin, MA. Wrap Around Program Coordinator Grundy Auditorium, 807 Lawn Avenue, Sellersville 215-257-6551 Ext. 33 PARENT POWER A group that helps parents raise children in these challenging times. Tuesdays 7 – 8:30 p.m. at 801 W. Second Street, Lansdale 1-866-PARENT-1. Family Based Services of Montgomery County Low Cost and Free Counseling and Support Mon – Thursdays 9a.m – 5 p.m. by appointment 215-368-0985. Northwestern Services 2506 N. Broad St., Suite 201, Colmar, PA 215-716-9005 or rfernand@nhsonline.org Mental health and substance abuse services Page 5 PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER GUIDANCE NEWS (CONT’D) Montgomery County Emergency Services (MCES) Individuals and families experiencing a behavioral health crisis as a result of a serious mental illness or substance abuse or both. Individuals with serious mental illness who are involved with the criminal justice system. Norristown, PA 610-279-6100. Web site www.mces.org e-mail mail@mces.org. Center for Loss and Bereavement Skippack, www.bereavementcenter.orgChildren’s Bereavement Program, Nello’s Corner, is a free program for ages 4 – high school, dealing with the loss of a parent or sibling, with parent/guardian groups as well. Contact Lois Harris 610-222-4115. -Professional counseling for individuals, couples and families coping with issues of loss. -Specialized support groups for adults for a variety of losses. -Family Bereavement Program, Nello’s Corner, offered at no charge. Age-specific groups as follows: Ages 4-6 and 6-8 4:30 – 5:45 pm. every other Tuesday or Wednesday Ages 8-10, 10-12 7:00 -8:15 pm every other Tuesday or Wednesday Ages 9-11 6:30 – 7:45 pm every other Wednesday Middle School ages 12-14 7:00 - 8:15 pm every other Tuesday High School Teens ages 15+ 7:00 pm- 8:15 pm Wednesdays -Camp Millie- summer bereavement program for children ages 5-middle school, held June 22-25, 2009. Friends Hospital Substance Abuse and Mental Health 4641 Roosevelt Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19124-2399 215-831-4899 www.friendshospitalonline.org Belmont Hospital BELMONT CENTER FOR COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT 4200 MONUMENT AVENUE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19131 Brooke Glen Behavioral Hospital Brooke Glen Behavioral Hospital offers mental health services designed to meet the unique needs of adolescents and adults. 7170 Lafayette Avenue Fort Washington, PA 19034 Phone 215-641-5300 **For a no charge, confidential assessment call: 1-800-256-5300 Page 6 PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER GUIDANCE NEWS (CONT’D) The Lincoln Center TLC is made up of three major educational divisions: The Trans Ed School System, The Trans Ed Family Resource Network, and the Trans Ed Institute. Specific services include: alternative schools; individual and family counseling; student crisis counseling; drug and alcohol education & prevention and community asset development. Valley Forge Corporate Center 2600 Eisenhower Avenue Audubon, PA 19403 610-277-3715 info@thelincolncenter.com Horsham Clinic Comprehensive services are offered to individuals of all ages with behavioral health and/or chemical dependency problems. Individuals are referred into the most clinically appropriate and least restrictive level of care, which may include acute inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or outpatient services. 722 E Butler Pike Ambler, PA 19002 (215) 643-7800 www.horshamclinic.com Caron Foundation To provide an enlightened, caring treatment community in which all those affected by alcoholism or other drug addiction may begin a new life. 17 Camp Road Wernersville, PA 19565 Foundations Behavioral Health Foundations Behavioral Health is Bucks County’s only private, freestanding psychiatric hospital. They provide a full continuum of care for troubled adolescents and their families. Various levels of treatment programs are available — from outpatient treatment, which is the least restrictive level of care — to the acute inpatient treatment program, designed for adolescents who are at risk of suicide, exhibiting out-of-control behavior, or suffering from a psychiatric condition that requires hospitalization. 833 East Butler Avenue Doylestown, PA 18901-2298 Tel: 215-345-0444 Toll Free: 800-445-4722 Page 7 PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER HEALTH SUITE NEWS NEWS FROM THE NURSE STATE IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS Pennsylvania immunization requirements from the 2014/2015 school year include: For all students: 4 doses of tetanus (1 dose after the 4th birthday) 4 doses of diphtheria (1 dose after the 4th birthday) 3 doses of polio 2 doses of measles 2 doses of mumps 1 dose of rubella (German measles 3 doses of hepatitis B 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) For students in 7th grade: 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) Please notify the nurse in writing when your child receives immunizations. Immunizations can be faxed to 215-853-1857. MEDICATIONS Whenever possible, medications should be scheduled for out of school hours. A child who requires medications more than one time during the school day is probably too ill to be in school. For safety reasons, students are not permitted to carry medications in school. If your child needs medication during the school day, send it in the original container with a signed note giving directions for dispensing. Have your child bring it to our office when they arrive at school. ILLNESS Students are not permitted to call or text their parent during the school day if they are feeling ill and want to go home. Students are required to come to the nurse’s office where their symptoms will be assessed and documented. The nurse will call the parent if the student needs to be dismissed due to illness. SPRING We are all looking forward to spring weather. Remember to apply sunscreen when going to outdoor spring activities. With cooler spring air temperatures, we sometimes forget that we can still get sunburn. Please contact Mrs. Donna McLaughlin RN at 215-853-1717 with questions or concerns Page 8 PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER GETTING TO KNOW PENNDALE STAFF Every month we will be highlighting a few Penndale teachers. This month we are proud to introduce: Ms. Hoffman, Mr. Moyer, Mrs. Klenk, Mr. Pecharo and Ms. Harvey Ms. Hoffman What Grade level and subject to do teach: 8th Earth & Space Science and 9th Physical Science What college(s) did you attend: West Chester University and University of Pennsylvania What is your favorite activity or hobby: Going to Eagles, Flyers and Phillies games What is your favorite time of the year? Why? I live at the beach in the summertime What is your favorite things about teaching middle school? Our students make me laugh everyday In my spare time I like to: Go to Eagles, Flyers and Phillies games Mr. Moyer What Grade level and subject to do teach: German What college(s) did you attend: Pennsylvania State University What is your favorite activity or hobby? Cross Country Running and Travel What is your favorite time of the year? Why? October 6th German-American Day! I’m grateful each year that I have the Opportunity at Penndale Middle School to celebrate my love of German language and culture with my German students. What is your favorite things about teaching middle school? One of my greatest joys as a middle school teacher is when my Former German students come back to say “Danke Herr Moyer” (Thanks Herr Moyer) and share their life successes. In my spare time I like to: I like to make a positive difference through my charily work for Philabundance, The Moyer Foundation, SPCA, Mennonite Central Committee and Global Disciples. Page 9 PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER GETTING TO KNOW PENNDALE STAFF (CONT’D) Mrs. Klenk What Grade level and subject to do teach: 7/9 Choir & Exploratory Music What college(s) did you attend: Bachelor’s - Duquesne University (Go Dukes!) Master’s—University of the Arts What is your favorite activity or hobby? I enjoy playing with my two sons and if there’s any time left over, I enjoy reading, watching Steeler’s games and finding lots of ideas on Pintrest that I’ll never have time to do. What is your favorite time of the year? Why? Summer ...the beach, need I say more? What is your favorite things about teaching middle school? I love the students’ enthusiasm and their quirky personalities! In my spare time I like to: RELAX! Mr. Pecharo What Grade level and subject to do teach: 7th grade World Cultures and Geogrraphy What college(s) did you attend: Bloomsburg University What is your favorite activity or hobby? Biking, travel What is your favorite time of the year? Why? Fall, I enjoy the weather, the colors, the festivals and holidays. What is your favorite things about teaching middle school? The opportunity to teach young people about the world we live in. They learn so much more than what is measured on a standardized test. In my spare time I like to: With my brothers-in-law I have attended games at 20 of the 30 Major League Baseball stadiums. Our goal is to visit them all. The nostalgia of Fenway Park and Wrigley field puts them at the top of my favorites list. Page 10 PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER GETTING TO KNOW PENNDALE STAFF (CONT’D) Mrs. Harvey What Grade level and subject to do teach: 8th grade Pre-Algebra, 9th grade Algebra 1 and Algebra BB What college(s) did you attend: Syracuse—Let’s go Orange! What is your favorite activity or hobby? Watching/playing sports What is your favorite time of the year? Why? Fall: football, Thanksgiving, gorgeous What is your favorite things about teaching middle school? Every day flies by because the students are entertaining, challenging and rewarding all at the same time. They are old enough to carry a conversation but still young enough to need/receive guidance. In my spare time I like to: What is “spare time?” I live to ski, play volleyball, read, cook, participate in anything that involves animals and specifically, play with my crazy dog, Cinder Page 11 PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER FROM THE CLASSROOM The ninth grade English department continues its in-depth study of literature with Night, Romeo and Juliet, Lord of the Flies, and To Kill a Mockingbird. In preparation for the English Literature Keystone exam next year, text-dependent analysis, evidence-based selective responses, and constructed responses are focal points of our instruction, along with argumentative, analytical, and comparative essays. Vocabulary instruction remains integral to our curriculum with emphasis on using vocabulary in its proper context. As students move into the fourth marking period, they should begin preparation for cumulative final examinations in both literature and vocabulary. Congratulations to the Family and Consumer Sciences majors for their quality work for the cupcake contest. The faculty and staff at Penndale voted on their favorite cupcakes. Here is the list of winners! Honorable Mention: Ally McGeehan’s skillful Blue Peacock, 3rd place: Kate Angelichio for her artistic Dinosaur 2rd place: Bianca Pondexter for her Popcorn design 1st place: Brandy Jasuta for her Hamburger cupcake And finally, the cupcake with the most votes and therefore Penndale’s Favorite Cupcake, goes to Annie Sikorski for her Ice Cream Sundae. This month the FCS 9th grade Minors and Majors are studying child development. They will be writing a lesson plan to go with a piece of children’s literature. They will then at the end of the month visit the Malvern School to teach their lesson. This is a wonderful experience for the students to see if teaching could be a possible career. After the 9th graders are done with their teaching experience they are going to interview an older adult. Please encourage your student to find an older adult that has meaning for them. They will need to write a paper, do a video, or make a scrapbook about the person’s life. The older adult interview project will be due near the end of May. It is the start of the last marking period for our 7th and 8th graders. They are ordering sewing projects. Please make checks out to HAAN CRAFTS. The 7th grade pillow case project is either 9 or 10 dollars, and the 8th grade project will cost either $6.35 or $6.70. The students will work hard in learning basic cooking and sewing skills. Page 12 PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER FROM THE CLASSROOM (CONT’D) Pre-Algebra: Students are well into our unit on Geometry. This includes both Transformation and Geometric Shapes. In addition, we are continuing to prepare for the PSSA test in April. Our final unit will be on Data Analysis. Algebra I: Algebra I classes are finishing up our unit on Systems of Equations. We are starting our unit on Polynomials. This unit also includes factoring. In addition, we are continuing to prepare for the PSSA test (7th and 8th grade only) in April and the Keystone Exam in May (all Algebra I classes). After the Keystone Exam, we have one more unit that will include concepts that were not tested on the Keystone Exam, but are needed for students to be successful in Algebra II. Geometry : In Geometry, students are currently working on the area unit. Pythagorean Theorem, special right triangle properties, and trigonometric ratios will be reviewed when calculating areas of regular polygons. The Unit 3 test will follow and include chapters 4 – 7 and 10. Next, we will begin the study of circles in Unit 4. This unit includes area, geometric probability, angle and arc relationship, segment lengths, and equations of circles. The final unit is the study of three dimensional figures, including prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones and spheres. 8th Grade Science: Students are finishing their study of Geology by exploring Volcanoes and Earthquakes. A slinky lab demonstrating seismic wave motion, an earthquake simulation of bridge structure, triangulation to locate an epicenter and an internet game demonstrating safety are just a few ways they have gained knowledge about earthquakes. A lab to demonstrate the viscosity of lava and how it affects the shape of a volcano, use of volcano cards (pictures) and videos give students insight about volcanoes and their dangers as well as how they are helpful to humans. Following the unit on Geology, students will be moving into an Astronomy unit where they will study Earth – Moon relationships including day and night, seasons, moon phases, eclipses and tides. The 9th Grade Physical Science classes have just finished up studying the meaning of force and distinguishing between mass and weight and how each is determined. We have discussed several types of friction and how friction affects everyday life. We also studied equilibrium and how to calculate net force. In the upcoming weeks students will explore Newton’s Laws through discussion and several laboratory activities leading up to the building and launching of compressed air rockets. Students will do research by using the NASA Rockets web site, where they will learn to design and build their own rockets from two-liter bottles, tape, cardboard, and other items. In early April, all students will participate in a rocket launch on the football field. Page 13 PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER FROM THE CLASSROOM (CONT’D) In Mrs. Bernardini’s history classes students are finishing up their month long research papers. During this time, students learned the ins and outs of the research process – writing a thesis statement, locating sources and completing research cards, preparing an outline, constructing a works cited, and citing sources in-text using parenthetical citations. Once final papers are submitted students will dive into Westward Expansion, Slavery, and the Civil War. In exploring these final themes, the students will participate in two stations activities – one on slave culture and the other on the Civil War – these station activities give the kids a variety of learning experiences with the topic – from music, to art, to food – and ensure active engagement with the material they are learning. The 9th grade American History II students are winding down the year with a ride though the Roaring Twenties with all of the changes that took place in America socially, economically and politically. The students will follow this time period with the Stock Market Crash and the Great Depression and eventually the final unit of the year, World War II. The Health and Physical Education teachers at Penndale Middle School envision all students enjoying an optimal quality of life through appreciation of and participation in an active and creative, health-promoting lifestyle. Physical activity plays a large role in the health, well-being and quality of life of all students. It helps to prevent chronic diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The new guidelines recommend a minimum of 60 minutes a day for children (ages 5-11) and youth (ages 12-17) to achieve measurable health benefits. Adults are to aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity a week. Students should try and surpass the minimum standards, since the greater the variety, intensity and duration of physical activity, the greater the health benefits. During the spring months, our physical education classes are focused on “Lifetime Fitness" activities. All students at Penndale will be tested in Muscle Strength, Muscle Endurance, Cardiovascular Endurance and Flexibility. In addition to fitness testing, both boys and girls in all three grades will be participating in “Adventure” and high impact Functional Fitness activities. In the classroom, our Health curriculum will focus on physical, emotional, and mental health. The curriculum identifies real life issues that are affecting our student’s day to day lives as we continue to face both positive and negative issues that range from leadership skills, decision making, peer pressure, alcohol abuse, dangers of tobacco use and substance abuse. Page 14 PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER FROM THE CLASSROOM (CONT’D) String Lesson Policy reminder for 4th marking period: Instrumental students are scheduled for a lesson once every school days per the curriculum. If your student is unable to attend the lesson for any reason, an “X” will be placed in the appropriate space in the grade book. This neither credits nor penalizes the student, but merely serves as a reminder that something was missed. Make up lessons are provided during E3 split periods on the calendar. Full credit is given for any lesson that a student makes up prior to the end of the marking period. E3-7, E3-8 or E3-9 as designated as class meetings and may not be used for make-up lessons. Any other changes to the calendar will be communicated via email as soon as I am aware of the changes. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions, an issue arises or you would like further clarification on the process. Thank you for the opportunity to work with your children. Orchestra Dates Monday, May 4, 2015 – Dress Rehearsal 3:00-5:0pm (Penndale Auditorium) Tuesday, May 5, 2015 – Spring Concert for all orchestra members in grades 7-9 @ 7:30pm (call time 6:30pm) Concert dress per the grading guidelines Saturday, May 9, 2015 – Music in the Parks 9Chamber Ensemble only Penndale's Student Council will be hosting the 9th grade Semi-Formal on Friday, April 24th from 7:00PM-10:00PM. Tickets are $10.00 and will be sold during 9th grade lunches the week of April 13th. If students are bringing an outside guest to the formal, they must submit a complete outside guest form at the time of the ticket purchase. Students will be receiving a list of rules and guidelines in E3 on Wednesday, April 8th. Please review these expectations with your student. Copies of the outside guest form and the rules and guidelines are available on Mrs. Jozefowski's Student Council webpage If there are any questions, please contact Mrs. Jozefowski or Miss Le for more information. Page 15 PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER TEAM NEWS—7TH GRADE We adventurers are certainly working hard in the 3rd and 4th marking periods! In science we are wrapping up our discussion of change over time and looking forward to an overview of the living species on Earth. We are continuing our study of the culture and geography of East Asia in social studies, and in English we are beginning new novels set during the Holocaust: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas or The Book Thief (HP). Upon completion of these, we will learn about complements (with an e, so direct objects, predicate adjectives, etc.) which will show kids the different patterns of sentences that they can utilize in their writing. We will finish up the year with a fourth book: Stargirl (5 level classes), The Pearl (6H level) or Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (HP level). We wish all students luck on the PSSA’s in April. In English class, we are currently reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (HP classes) and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (5/Honors classes) by John Boyne. At the end of April, students will also be presenting their “Munchen” group presentations. During the month of May, we will continue to focus on our last few units within our vocabulary workbooks and continue our grammar practice (specifically prepositions and complements). Lastly, we will be closing the school year with the following novels/dramas: The Pearl by John Steinbeck (Honors), Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, and Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. In World Cultures we are completing our study of East and Southeast Asia with a focus on the recent economic growth of the region and its positive and negative results. After our PSSA hiatus we begin exploring the geography and cultures of Europe. In life science, the students are studying Taxonomy in the Diversity of Life book. They will be studying viruses and bacteria in the next few weeks. Page 16 PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER TEAM NEWS—7TH GRADE English: Currently, we are reading texts that deal with the Holocaust. Students have been completing assigned questions for each text throughout the month. In addition, we have been preparing for the PSSA exam by answering practice questions at the beginning of class. Students will finish their assigned text by the end of the month. Science: In Life Science class, the end of book number 2, Cells and Heredity, coincided with the end of the third marking period. As we head into the last portion of the school year, students will be learning about the vast diversity of life on Earth. Characteristics of each taxonomic group will be examined. Social Studies: Mrs. Jozefowski’s World Cultures and Geography classes are ending their unit on Southeast and East Asia and will be moving onto the countries in Europe. They will continue to apply their skills learned in the first marking period as we look at the geography and culture of these regions. Students can expect to take a test on this region at the end of April. Page 17 PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER HOME AND SCHOOL NEWS Page 18 PENNDALE PARENT NEWSLETTER PENNDALE NEWS STUDENT ABSENCES All absences should be made by a phone call, note, email or fax. If your child arrives late, they must present an excuse for tardiness at the attendance office. If a phone call, email, note or fax is not received by the attendance office, the absence will be unexcused. Mrs. Hoffman; hoffmabr@npenn.org or 215-853-1704 Fax: (215) 368-6817 STUDENT ILLNESS PARENT NOTES Any time you send a note for your student-bus pass, early dismissal, absences, etc. – please be sure to include the following information; Student’s full name, date and/or time (as necessary), bus number (for bus passes), parent name and signature. Your help with this is greatly appreciated. BUS PASS REMINDER Students should not be using cell phones to call home when they are ill. Students need to visit the Nurse and the Nurse should contact the In order to ride home with a parents to come and get the student. Please remind your children friend on a different bus, a regarding this rule. student must get a Bus Pass from the Main Office. Each student must have a note VACATION from a parent authorizing If going on vacation during the school year please make sure to send a the bus pass. This note must include the names of all note at least 1 week in advance to the Attendance Office. If your abstudents involved, the date sence will exceed 10 school days, you will need to contact the Regisand a parent’s signature. trar at 215-368-0400 to make an appointment to reregister before reRemember, NO bus passes are turning to school. given on Early Dismissal Days. EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING BUILDING VISITORS For up-to-the-minute school closing, delayed starting time, or early dismissal information, look to North Penn Television (NPTV) first. NPTV can be found on Comcast Cable channel 28 and Verizon FIOS channel 29. Regularly updated information can also be heard by calling the district’s INFORM-A-PHONE at 215-368-7663. In addition, information will be announced by WNPV radio (1440 AM). (Other radio stations might use the district code when announcing school closings. The North Penn School District number is 303.) Reports in the morning will be between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. If no report is heard, it can be assumed that school will be in session. All visitors must report to the Main Office upon entering the building to sign in and get a visitors badge. All persons except registered or enrolled students and employees of Penndale are classified as visitors. Your driver’s license must be presented. PENNDALE ADMINISTRATIVE AND GUIDANCE CONTACT INFORMATION Principal Principal’s Secretary Dr. O’Sullivan; osullis@npenn.org Mrs. Hartzell; hartzeef@npenn.org or 215-853-1700 7th and 8th Grades Administrator Secretary 7th grade (A—Rn) 8th grade (A—Rn) 7th & 8th (Ro—Z) Mr. Bashaw; bashawjm@npenn.org Ms. Brenninger; brennid@npenn.org or 215-853-1703 Mr. Flynn; flynnmj@npenn.org Mrs. Manalo; manaloe@npenn.org Mr. Harvey; harveyng@npenn.org 9th Grade Administrator Secretary 9th grade (A—R) 9th grade (S—Z) Mrs. Robbins; robbinal@npenn.org Ms. Brenninger; brennid@npenn.org or 215-853-1703 Mr. Joy; joycw@npenn.org Mr. Harvey; harveyng@npenn.org Guidance Secretaries Mr. Flynn and Mr. Harvey Mr. Joy and Mrs. Manalo Mrs. Moore; moorek@npenn.org or 215-853-1714 Mrs. Lynam; lynams@npenn.org or 215-853-1713 Attendance 7/8/9th Grades Mrs. Hoffman; hoffmabr@npenn.org or 215-853-1704 MARK YOUR CALENDAR WITH THESE UPCOMING EVENTS MAY 5 MAY 7 MAY 11 MAY 15 MAY 19 MAY 22 MAY 25 MAY 26 8TH GRADE CONCERT 9TH GRADE CONCERT PENNDALE HOME AND SCHOOL MEETING POWDER PUFF GAME IN-SERVICE DAY—NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS BLUE/WHITE DAY MEMORIAL DAY—SCHOOLS AND DISTRICT OFFICES CLOSED INCOMING 7TH GRADE ORIENTATION 9TH GRADE TRIP TO DORNEY PARK JUNE 5 9TH GRADE AWARDS JUNE 6/10/11 FINAL EXAMS—EARLY DISMISSAL JUNE 12 LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS—EARLY DISMISSAL