SOMERSET AREA ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
* MAPLE RIDGE ELEMENTARY (K – 2) *
* EAGLE VIEW ELEMENTARY (3 – 5) *
TO PARENTS OF SOMERSET AREA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
MARCH 2013
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Friday, March 1
Friday, March 1
Saturday, March 2
Monday, March 4
Monday, March 4
Tuesday, March 5
Wednesday, March 6
Thursday, March 7
Thursday, March 7
Friday, March 8
Sunday, March 10
Monday, March 11
Wednesday, March 13
Thursday, March 14
Friday, March 15
Sunday, March 17
Tuesday, March 19
Wednesday, March 20
Wednesday, March 20
Thursday, March 21
Saturday, March 23
Tuesday, March 26
Tuesday, March 26
Wednesday, March 27
Wednesday, March 27
Thursday, March 28
Friday, March 29
through Monday, April 1
Tuesday, April 2
Wednesday, April 3
Planned Early Student Dismissal – 12:35 p.m.
“The Cat in the Hat” – Wear a crazy hat.
Dr. Seuss’s Birthday
“One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” – Wear something red or blue.
PTA Bingo for Books Night – Maple Ridge All-Purpose Room – 6:00 p.m.
“Oh the Places You’ll Go!” Wear your favorite vacation, camp or place shirt.
“Wacky Wednesday” – Dress wacky or like your favorite Dr. Seuss character.
Bookmobile – Maple Ridge – 10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
“Fox in Sox” – Wear your crazy socks.
“The Shape of Me and Other Stuff” – Wear your sweats.
Daylight Saving Time Begins – Turn clocks ahead 1 hour – Spring Forward!
School Board Meeting – Administration Office – 7:30 p.m.
Bookmobile – Eagle View – 10:15 – 11:00 a.m.
Kindergarten Kid Writing Activity – (PJs and Pens) - Maple Ridge All-Purpose
Room - 5:45 to 7:45 p.m.
Planned Early Student Dismissal – 12:35 p.m.
St. Patrick's Day
Grade 1 – Poison Prevention Program – 9:00 a.m. (4 rooms)
First Day of Spring!
Grade 1 – Poison Prevention Program – 9:00 a.m. (4 rooms)
Bookmobile – Maple Ridge – 10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
PTA Movie – “Hop” – Eagle View LGI room – 4 p.m. – Cost $2/per person
Maple Ridge/Eagle View students and families welcome!
Spring Pictures – Maple Ridge – A.M.
End of Q3 grading period
Spring Pictures – Eagle View – A.M.
Bookmobile – Eagle View – 10:15 – 11:00 a.m.
Early Student Dismissal – 12:35 p.m.
Easter Vacation – NO SCHOOL
Classes Resume – SCHOOL IN SESSION
Report Cards Distributed
PSSA TESTING SCHEDULE:
Tuesday, March 12
PSSA Writing Test – Grade 5
through Thursday, March 14
Tuesday, April 9
PSSA Math and Reading Tests – Grades 3, 4 and 5
through Wednesday, April 17
Tuesday, April 23
and Wednesday, April 24
PSSA Science Test – Grade 4
EASTER BREAK:
Thursday, March 28
Friday, March 29
through Monday, April 1
Tuesday, April 2
Early Student Dismissal – 12:35 p.m.
Easter Vacation – NO SCHOOL
Classes Resume – SCHOOL IN SESSION
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR 2013-14:
Parents and guardians of students who will turn 5 years old on or before August 31, 2013, are asked to please pick up
registration packets in the Maple Ridge Elementary office between March 18 and March 27, 2013. All required forms will be
in these packets. Completed packets (including a copy of your child’s birth certificate and immunizations) must be
returned to the Maple Ridge Elementary office no later than Wednesday, April 3, 2013. The kindergarten entrance
assessments will be given by the kindergarten teachers and Title I Reading teachers on Friday, May 10, 2013. Registration
packets must be completed and returned to school before a child will be tested for entrance to kindergarten. If you have any
questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Eric Curry, Principal, at 445-6677.
FROM THE PRINCIPALS’ DESKS:
STANDARDIZED TESTS – CHOOSE TO DO WELL ~
True or false: standardized tests are tough. The answer depends on how prepared your youngster is. Here are four ways to
help children handle test days:
1. Explain that the tests will show how much the child has learned. Encourage children to try their very best, but don’t
put so much emphasis on them that they feel stressed.
2. Practice test taking skills. For example, your child might have to read a paragraph and answer questions. Using one
of his textbooks, have him look at the questions at the end of a section first and then read the passage. That will
help him know what to read and how to find the answers.
3. Limit activities the night before test days. You may want to avoid having guests for dinner or skip an evening activity
if it means being out late. Be sure your child gets to bed on time and sets an alarm for the next morning. Allow
plenty of time in the morning so your child is not rushed or tardy to school.
4. On test days, provide your child with an energy-boosting breakfast. Try to include both protein (eggs, yogurt, milk)
and carbohydrates (fruit, oatmeal, toast).
FAMILIES CAN HELP CHILDREN EXCEL. Experts say the family can boost student achievement.
1. Establish a daily family routine. Provide time and a quiet place to study, assign responsibility for chores, and have
dinner together, and be firm about bedtime.
2. Monitor out-of-school activities. Limit TV watching and arrange after-school activities.
3. Model the value of learning, self-discipline and hard work. Communicate through questioning and conversation.
Demonstrate that achievement comes from working hard.
4. Express high but realistic expectations for achievement. Set standards that are appropriate for child's age and
maturity. Encourage special talents.
5. Encourage children's development and progress in school. Show interest in children's progress at school; help with
homework; stay in touch with teachers and school staff.
6. Use community resources for family needs. Enroll in sports programs or lessons; introduce children to role models;
use community services.
Sincerely,
Eric Curry
Erick Fish