Note From the Principal
November 2010
Dear Blue Ribbon Parents and Guardians,
I must extend my sincere thanks to the dedicated members of the Martin
Luther King Parent Teacher Association for their time and hard work in
making “The Informer” such a valuable reference book for our school.
This year we are proud to have been awarded the National Blue Ribbon
Award for Excellence in Education. We also will continue our theme of
“Marble-Ous” behavior at MLK School and our PBSIS (Positive Behaviors
Supports In Schools) initiative. This program supports early learners in making
good decisions and instills the traits of good character throughout the
student population.
It is my hope that many of you can join us for our monthly Blue Ribbon Par ent
Teacher Association meetings where many celebrations of learning at MLK
continue to be recognized. I look forward to continued partnership between
home, school, and the wider community for the benefit of all stu dents at
Martin Luther King Elementary School.
I’m wishing you all a wonderful year of learning. Congratulations on earning
the Blue Ribbon Award! Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Diane Wilton,
Principal
MARTIN LUTHER KING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
285 Tingley Lane
Edison, New Jersey 08820
Main Office: .................................... 732-452-2980 or 2981
Office Fax: .................................... 732-452-2982
Front Cover Designed by Michelle Li
Informer Staff:
Editor: Deborah Bivens
2
WE ALL HAVE
THE RIGHT TO:
1. Be treated with respect
and kindness
2. Ask questions when we
don’t understand
3. Make mistakes without
being laughed at
4. Talk without being
interrupted
5. Be safe in the halls and
in our classrooms
6. Share our “things,” our
talents and our feelings
7. Keep personal things in
our desks and
backpacks safely
MLK has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School
The award honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools
whose students have very high levels of achievement or have made signifi-
cant progress in “closing the gap” in achievement.
Our
Martin Luther King
Bill of Rights
56
It is a credit to the entire learning community - faculty, staff, parents, part n er ed w ith su pport from th e C entr al A dm in istr ation an d Bo ar d of Edu ca tion, and most importantly having our student s who are motivated to learn
that we are so honored to become a recipient of this award.
3
Parent’s Creed
School Information
Helping My Child Be Successful In School
EDISON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
B y Dr. Joseph Cap el luti
312 Pierson Avenue, Edison, New Jersey 08837
732-452-4900
Interim Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Ronald Bolandi
Business Administrator/Board of Education Secretary
Mr. Daniel P. Michaud
Director of Personnel
Mr. Peter Petucco

I will send my child to school each day rested, well nourished, and
r e a d y to learn.

I will dem o nst rat e m y lov e fo r m y child a nd his or her fu tur e by
participating in school and community activities.

I will take time each day to talk a nd listen to my child talk about school
and other issues. If I am unable to be there, I will write notes or talk to
my child on the phone.

I will pr ovid e a re gul ar plac e a nd tim e for m y child to do his o r he r
homework and will monitor how he or she is doin g.

I will monitor the television programs my child watches and set limits
on the amount of television time.

I will provide balance in my child’s life by not scheduling him or her to
participate in too many activities. I will help my child learn how to use
l e is u r e tim e wi s el y.

I will hold high, yet reasonable expectations for my child’s performance.
I beli eve m y c hild can succ ee d in sc hool ; th er e a re no ba rrie r s to s ucce ss.

I will ask for and use the advice of the professionals at the school with
regard to t he growth and dev elopment of my child. I will share out -ofschool information that would be relevant and helpful for the school to
know.

I wi ll e n c ou r a g e m y c hi ld to d o h is o r h e r b e st , n o t n e ce s sa r ily t o b e t h e
best. I will not place extraordinary pressur es on my child’s school,
athletic or activity performance.
Director of Pupil-Special Services
Ms. Kathy French
Interim Director of Curriculum
Ms. Susan Keating
Elementary Supervisors
Ms. Mary Mavroudas Ms. Lois Hagie
Special Education Supervisors
Ms. Linda Gelfand
Ms. Cathy Swazye
Supervisor of World Languages
Mr. Martin Smith
Supervisor of Fine Arts
Mr. Robert Pispecky
Interim Supervisor of Health Services
Alice Mokar
Supervisor of Health Services
Ms. Lisa Mido
Supervisor of Building and Grounds
Mr. Paul Jenney, Jr.
Supervisor of Physical Education and Health
Mr. James Muldowney
Supervisor of Technology/Related Arts
Mr. Sal Frisina
Used with permission by the author, Dr. Joseph Capelluti,
University of Southern Maine.
455
Please visit the district website for weather, school closings, administration / district news at:
http://www.edisonpublicschools.org
Link Up To The Grapevine!
Are you already on the email list for E-minders and updates?
If not, visit MLK’s new website and sign up at:
http://www.mlkedison.org
School Schedule
Bus Pick-Up: Approximately 30 minutes before school begins.
Homeroom begins at 8:55 AM
School Sessions
Grades 1 - 5
AM Kdg
PM Kdg
Regular Hours
8:55 AM - 3:30 PM
9:00 AM - 11:30 PM
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Grade 1 - 3
Grades 3 - 5
Lunch Hours
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
1:02 PM - 1:47 PM
Grades 1 - 5
AM Kdg
PM Kdg
Delayed Openings
10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
10:30 AM - 12:15 PM
1:45 AM - 3:30 PM
Single Session (Early Closing)
Grades 1 - 5
8:55 AM - 1:30 PM
AM Kdg
9:00 AM - 10:30 PM
PM Kdg
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
54
5
Table of Contents
Note
from
Principal
··························································· 2 Blue Ribbon
Recognition
·····················································
3
SchoolInformation
····························································
4
School Website
································································· 5 School
Schedule ································································ 5
Advertisers/Boosters
··························································
Procedures
9
School
·····························································
13
StudentSafety
································································ 13
Kiss and Drop Zone
························································· 13
Attendance Policy
···························································· 14
Assemblies·····························································
······· 14
Consultations with Teachers and Principal ······························
14
Emergency School Closing or Delayed Opening ······················ 15
Student Responsibility
······················································ 15
Bus Routes and Bus Stops
·················································· 15
A.M. Procedures
····························································· 15
Inclement Weather Procedures
············································ 16
Dismissal Procedures
························································ 16
Lunch··································································
········ 17
"I have a dream that one day this
nation will rise up and live out the
true meaning of its creed:
'We hold these truths to be
self-evident, that all men are
created equal’.”
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
53
Lunchtime Rules
····························································· 17
Classroom Rules
························································· 17
LunchRules
······························································ 18
OutdoorRules··························································
·· 18
Lunch/Recess Detention
···················································· 18
General Information
·························································· 20
Lostand Found
······························································· 20
Halloween Policy
···························································· 20
Kindergarten Registration
·················································· 20
School Scheduling
····························································· 20
Primary/Intermediate Level
··············································· 20
Testing··························································
··············· 20
Special Programs and Activities
············································ 21
6
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF EDISON TOWNSHIP
MARTIN LUTHER KING SCHOOL
285 Tingley Lane, Edison, NJ 08820
Diane Wilton
Principal
Phone(732) 452-2980
Fax (732) 452-2982
To all Parents and Guardians:
There are certain rules and regulations that
must be expressed to children of all ages in order
to ensure that all of our children feel safe and
sound during their years in school. One such rule
and regulation explicitly states that discrimination
or harassment based on actual or perceived
sexual orientation is prohibited and punishment
can include suspension and in severe cases
police intervention. Actions such as bullying or
teasing based on such things as another student’s
physical appearance, abilities, speech, etc., will
be handled with disciplinary action. It is our goal
to help teach all students to get along with and to
respect one another.
If you have any questions regarding this
matter, please contact me. Your continued
support is greatly appreciated.
Diane Wilton, Principal
Martin Luther King Elementary School
527
Table of Contents (cont.)
Clubs & Organizations ······················································ 21
Band············································································
21
Strings········································································· 21
Choir···········································································
21
Computers····································································· 22
SafetyPatrol ·································································· 22
Math, Science & Technology Month ····································· 22
Counseling Services ························································· 22
Child Study Team ···························································· 22
Transportation ································································ 22
Message From The Nurse ···················································· 25
Medications··································································· 25
Health Screenings ···························································· 25
Keeping Students Healthy ·················································· 25
Nutrition Policy ······························································ 26
Suggestions for Healthy Snacks ··········································· 27
Safety Patrols ....................................................................
29
Safety Patrol Handbook Rules ......................................
30
Introducing Scrip .............................................................
32
Note From The Physical Education Dept. .....................
33
Staff List................................................................................
35
School Calendar ............................................................
41
PTA Executive Board and Committees ........................
45
Class Parents .................................................................
47
Mrs. Squillace - Kindergarten .......................................
47
Mrs. Lubonski - Kindergarten .......................................
47
Mrs. Kesselman - 1st Grade
Mrs. O’Grady··············································
1st Grade
······················································
....................................................................................................................................................................
·····
4747
Ms. Fenkel 1st Grade
· · · ·· · ·· · ·· · ·· · ·· · ·· · · ·· · ·· · ·· · ··· · · ·· · ·· · ·· · ·· · ·· · ·· · · ··
....................................................................................................................................................................
Mrs. Wojcik
- 1st Grade47
·······················································
....................................................................................................................................................................
Mrs. Wahler 1st Grade47
························································
....................................................................................................................................................................
47
Mrs. Lippe - 2nd Grade ························································· 47
Mrs. Gadson-Jackson - 2nd Grade ············································ 47
Table of Contents (cont.)
Mrs. O’Grady-Robbins - 2nd Grade ····························· ············· 47
Mrs. Renda - 2nd Grade ························································ 47
Mrs. DiMuzio - 3rd Grade ····················································· 48
Mrs. Cohen - 3rd Grade ··················································· ····· 48
TD Bank Affinity Program
with MLK PTA
Mrs. Sandler - 3rd Grade ······················································· 48
Mrs. Vallely - 3rd Grade ······················································· 48
Mrs. D’Amico – 3rd Grade ···················································· 4 8
Mrs. Saraiya - 4th Grade ······················································· 48
Another way to raise cash for our school is through
current or new customers to TD Bank.
Mrs. Gracia - 4th Grade ························································ 48
Mrs. Vilensky - 4th Grade ····················································· 48
Ms. Ziolkowski – 4th Grade ··················································· 48
Mrs. Cardoso - 5th Grade ······················································ 48
Mrs. Schlatter- 5th Grade ······················································ 48
Mrs. Pulley - 5th Grade ························································· 48
Mrs. Marzano - 5th Grade ······················································ 48
Ms. Crawford - 5th Grade ······················································ 48
PTA O b j e c t i v e s · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 4 9
Here’s how it works:
If you already have a bank account with TD Bank, you
can link it up to the MLK PTA Affinity Program. All you
have to do is make a phone call to the Oak Tree Road
TD Bank branch and request to be linked to the
school. It doesn’t cost anything to you. Just simply
make a phone call or visit the bank in person.
B L U E L I O N ( S c h o o l Ne w s p a p e r ) · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 5 0
Telephone Directory ·························································· 51
A,
B
··································································
····
51
C·····························································
·············
52
D,
E,
F
································································
···
53
G,
H,
I
································································
····
54
J,
K
··································································
·····
55
L································································
··········
56
M····························································
·············
57
N,
O,
P
································································
···
58
Q,
R,
S
10
2064 Oak Tree Road Edison NJ
732-494-2007
51
School Newspaper
Advertisers/Boosters
·······························································
····
61
T,
V,
W
································································
··
63
X,
Y,
Z
································································
··· 64
Message f or Parents ··························································· 66
Parent’s Creed ································································· 69
Ma r t i n L ut he r Ki ng - B i l l of Ri g ht s · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 7 0
MLK has already raised over $3,100 through the Affinity
Program with TD Bank. If you haven’t already done so, help
out by linking up your current account to help out the PTA
raise money for educational needs.
MLK BLUE LION
The Blue Lion is a monthly publication which will be available on
our website http://mlkedison.org at the beginning of each month.
For submitting articles or questions, please email Shivi Prasad at
sp529@nyu.edu or Sherie Novotny at rienovo3@yahoo.com.
We would like to thank all
parents and teachers who have made
a commitment to participate in our
Parent-Teacher Association. Our students
benefit from our efforts.
We could not do it without you.
Akhula Aneja, Keller Williams Elite -------------------------------------------------- 67
Bill Leary, A/C & Heating --------------------------------------------------------------- 37
Box Tops for Education ------------------------------------------------------------------- 39
Cash For Trash ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 44
Cheryl Adamousky, Real Estate & Appraiser --------------------------------------- 12
Devines Pharmacy ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38
Dipan Shah, Century 21 ------------------------------------------------------------------ 23
Institute for Hypertension & Kidney Diseases, PC ------------------------------- 24
Law Office of Mrugesh S. Patel, Esq. ------------------------------------------------ 19
Maggie Moos Ice Cream & Treatery -------------------------------------------------- 23
MLK Staff booster ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 46
Nutan S. Nadkarni, MD------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Nritya Madhavi School of Dance ------------------------------------------------------- 28
Patel’s Cash & Carry ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Personalized Dental Care. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 34
Stop & Shop A+ Bonus Bucks Program ----------------------------------------------- 31
Sunita Merriman, DDS ------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
TD Bank Affinity Program --------------------------------------------------------------- 65
Tutor Pundit --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 68
Tyson Project A+ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 40
Thank you!
The Martin Luther King
Elementary School
Parent-Teacher Association
Executive Board
50
9
Parent - Teacher Association Objective s
•
•
To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, sc hool and community.
To raise the standards of home life.



To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.
To bring into closer relation the home and the school that parents and teachers may
co-operate intelligently in the training of the child.
To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will
secure for every child the highest advantages in physical, mental, social and spiritual education.
Association Meetings
Monthly PTA meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7:15 PM
in the school gymnasium. Childcare is provided. Following is a list of meetings scheduled for the 2010 - 2011 school year:
September 28, 2010
October 19, 2010
November 9, 2010
December 14, 2010
January 11, 2011
February 8, 2011
March 15, 2011
April 12, 2011
May 24, 2011
Become Active
In Your
P a rent - Teacher Associa ti o n
Whe
er you have lots o time or li l e t i me,
e ca
alwa s ind a w y for yo u to g t
th
w n
y f
f
a
tt
e
involved in your child's school experience.
There are many projects from which to
choose. We have projects that can be done
w ithout leaving your home. Help us make a
difference in our children's school
experience. You can contact us through the
Parent-Teacher Association mailbox at MLK.
Please include your name and phone number.
13
49
Class Parents (cont.)
Mrs. DiMuzio 3rd Grade
Stephanie Timmendequas ....................................... Qtnpinc@yahoo.com
Mrs. Cohen 3rd Grade
Sudha Gamini.......................................................... sudha.gamini@citi.com
Mrs. Sandler 3rd Grade
Lori Lim ............................................................ Berrygal66@aol.com
Mrs. Vallely 3rd Grade
Salima Rajan ................................................................. anuvk74@gmail.com
Mrs. D’Amico 3rd Grade
Sharon Chempiel ................................................... schempiel@hotmail.com
Mrs. Saraiya 4th Grade
Mrs. Saraiya .........................................................Monica. Saraiya@edison.k12.nj.us
Mrs. Gracia 4th Grade
Ana Tavares ......................................................................ana@itswire.com
Mrs. Vilensky 4th Grade
Mamta Tiwari ...............................................................matiwari@hotmail.com
Ms. Ziolkowski 4th Grade
Swati Scanlon .................................................................mimikiki1@mac.com
Mrs. Cardoso 5th Grade
Neena Desai .............................................................. neenadesai@gmail.com
Mrs. Schlatter 5th Grade
Dana Racioppi ................................................ snoopymama3@yahoo.com
Mrs. Pulley 5th Grade
Andrea Costello .................................................... amcostello@optonline.net
Sonali Gaitonde
Sonali_sg@yahoo.com
Mrs. Marzano 5th Grade
Shilpa Patel ................................................................ Bharatrpatel@yahoo.com
Ms. Crawford 5th Grade
Rhonda Gergits ......................................................rgergits@verizon.net
4814
Class Parents
Mrs. Squillace AM Kindergarten
Lori Lim...................................................................... Berrygal66@aol.com
Mrs. Squillace PM Kindergarten
Neeraja Thallam ............................................... neeraja_thallam@hotmail.com
Mrs. Lubonski AM Kindergarten
Megha Jangada..................................................... meghachaware@hotmail.com
Mrs. Lubonski PM Kindergarten
Heather Miele ....................................................... fitzy555@optonline.net
Mrs. Kesselman 1st Grade
Elyn Perez .................................................................... elyn.perez@gmail.com
Mrs. O’Grady 1st Grade
Jacqueline Waldman....................................... soldbyjacqueline@gmail.com
Ms. Fenkel 1st Grade
Maria Ciccotti............................................................. mariaciccotti@yahoo.com
Mrs. Wojcik 1st Grade
Deborah Bivens ...................................................... dbivens@optonline.net
Mrs. Wahler 1st Grade
Siva Bandi.................................................................... sivakbandi@gmail.com
S
S
Sheetal Shah ................................................................Srambhia@gmail.com
Mrs. Lippe 2nd Grade
Danielle Daginis ........................................................ ddaginis@yahoo.com
Mrs. Gadson-Jackson 2nd Grade
Sireesha Tirumalareddy ................................. Sireeshaharsha@hotmail.com
Mrs. O’Grady-Robbins 2nd Grade
Stephanie Timmendequas ....................................... Qtnpinc@yahoo.com
Mrs. Renda 2nd Grade
Deepti Uppaladadium ............................................ deeptiu@gmail.com
12
47
PTA Executive Board & Committees
School Procedures
Skate Night
Rajashree Taruvi
raijtaruvai@gmail.com
Talent Show
Salima Rajan
anuvk74@gmail.com
Sujata Bagde
bsuj2002@yahoo.com
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon Stephanie Timmendequas
Plant Sale
Casey Horgan
Fun Day
qtnpinc@yahoo.com
casandra3503@yahoo.com
OPEN
Blue Lion Newsletter
OPEN
School Store
OPEN
Think Recycle
Pretzel Sale
PTA Membership
Heather Miele
Stephanie Timmendequas
Ana Tavares
fitzy555@optonline.net
qtnpinc@yahoo.com
jose@itswire.com
Thank you Mr. Chaudhry
for our bus to
Columbia University!
From the staff who attended
46
Student Safety
We try hard to ensure the safety of our students. We have established a policy
for entering the school building that must be followed to provide a safe
environment. Use the front doors (near the office) during the day. If they are
locked, press the buzzer, and the secretary will buzz you in. Anyone entering
the building must check into the office, sign-in as a visitor and receive a
visitor’s pass. If you are taking a student home early, you must sign the
student out. See the secretary in the front office for an explanation of this
procedure. In an era of custody battles for children, abductions, etc., it is
imperative that this procedure be followed.
Kiss and Drop Zone
The parent parking lot will be closed to all parking from 8:45 a.m. through
9:15 a.m. This area is designated as a “Kiss and Drop” zone only during those
times. Parking spaces will be coned off early in the mornings to prevent
anyone from parking during these times. Parents love to watch their children
line up in the morning and enter the school; however, in the past, there were
many near misses of students being hit by vehicles backing up into the driving
lane. Even when drivers are extremely careful, many of the newer vehicles are
extremely high which makes it very difficult to see anything beside or behind
the vehicle. Therefore, we have created a safer procedure for your child (ren)
upon arrival at school each day.
The routine for the Kiss and Drop Zone is simply to pull well into the lot, place
the transmission of your car into “park”, kiss your child goodbye for the day,
and have your child (ren) exit the car along the passenger side of the vehicle.
Please wait until your child (ren) walk away from your vehicle, and then drive
out towards Inman Avenue. Extra staff members are assigned for morning
duty so that students are supervised. Using this procedure will also enable
many cars to deliver students at the same time.
There will be three spots in the rear of the staff parking lot for parents/
guardians who have conferences with teachers or appointments in the school
during the early morning hours. These will be designated for “visitors.”
Please use these spaces only if you have a conference or business in the school
during the early morning hours.
NO CARS ARE PERMITTED IN THE BUS AREA
OR TEACHERS’ PARKING LOT DURING
STUDENT ARRIVAL OR DISMISSAL.
School Procedures (cont.)
If you are coming to pick up your child (ren), please park in the parent lot. Do
not park near the yellow curb on Tingley Lane during dismissal. This is a
designated bus "pickup" area. The area around the buses is extremely
dangerous. Students often see a parent and run in between buses to get to the
car. The buses are on a tight schedule and often leave intermittently. The
combination of moving cars and buses can be deadly.
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance in class, participation in school activities and interaction
between students and teachers are essential for the learning process. Frequent
absences from classroom learning experiences disrupt the continuity of
instruction. In short, the school’s staff cannot teach students who are not
present.
I. All absences must be explained in writing by a parent/guardian on the
day the student returns. The following absences are excusable:
PTA Executive Board & Committees
14 2009-2010
Principal
Diane Wilton
Diane.Wilton@edison.k12.nj.us
President
Stephanie Timmendequas
qtnpinc@yahoo.com
Vice President
Swati Scanlon
mimikiki1@mac.com
Vice President
Shalima Jesani
shalimajesani@gmail.com
Vice President
Sherie Novotny
rienovo3@yahoo.com
Treasurer
Casey Horgan
Recording Secretary
Linda Zebrowski
casey3308@hotmail.com
My2Nics@aol.com
A. Personal illness or injury
B. Death of a member of the family
C. Approved religious holidays
D. School sponsored activities
E. Court intervention
All other absences or absences not explained in writing by a parent/guardian
shall be marked unexcused. Students shall be allowed to make up all work and
take all tests missed because of an excused absence.
Assemblies
Parents are invited to attend any of the assemblies presented during the year.
We always set aside a few extra chairs for this reason. Please check into the
office, however, so we know who you are and your purpose for coming into
the building. You must pick up a pass in the office.
Corresponding Secretary Rita Chaturvedi ritachaturvedi2002@yahoo.com
Pumpkin Carving Night
Mrs. Vallely
Consultations with Teachers and Principal
If you would like a conference with a teacher or the principal, it is important
that you make an appointment so time can be set aside for a conference. Often
when parents come in without an appointment they are disappointed because
either the teacher is in the classroom or the Principal has other appointments on
his/her schedule. Therefore, please call to schedule an appointment.
Spiritwear
Mala Kakkad
Emergency School Closing or Delayed Opening
In case of an early closing, parents will be notified by a phone call from the
Connect-Ed System. In case of a delayed opening or school closing due to
inclement weather or other reasons it will be necessary to listen to the local
radio stations (WCTC - 1450 AM, NJ 101.5 FM or WNJO - 94.5 FM) starting
at 6 a.m. and at announced intervals thereafter. PLEASE DO NOT CALL
*Note: Only members of the MLK PTA shall be eligible to serve on a committee or volunteer during a school event. It is never too late to become a member! Our membership form can be found on our website. Complete the form and send it back to school
with your child.
Kidstuff
Fall Fundraiser
Holiday Boutique
Cultural Night
Scholastic Book Fair
Scrip
Stephanie Timmendequas
Shalima Jesani
Dana Racciopi
qtnpinc@yahoo.com
shalimajesani@gmail.com
malanavani@yahoo.com
snoopymama3@yahoo.com
Salima Rajan
anuvk74@gmail.com
Shilpa Patel
bharatrpatel@yahoo.com
Shital Patel
mssm1995@yahoo.com
Salima Rajan
anuvk74@gmail.com
Preeti Iyer
preetiierdds@hotmail.com
45
19
CA$H FOR TRASH
RECYCLE YOUR EMPTY INK AND
LASER CARTIDGES AND TURN THEM
INTO CA$H FOR
MARTIN LUTHER KING ELEMENTARY
=
IT’S SO EASY!
Collect empty inkjet, laser and fax
cartridges from home, relatives, work
and friends.
Send them from home or work or drop
them into the cartridge recycling box
located at the school.
That’s it! Our TRASH FOR CA$H
committee members will do the rest.
Our school will receive up to $4.00 for
each empty inkjet cartridge and up to
$12.00 for certain laser/fax/copier
cartridges.
School Procedures (cont.)
THE SCHOOL OR THE RADIO STATIONS. You may also check the
following television stations: FOX Channel 5, WNBC Channel 4, NEWS 12
NJ Channel 12 and Local Cable Channel 118. You may also check the
district’s web site at www.edisonpublicschools.org. Be sure you have made the
necessary arrangements for your child. You may also call:
Edison Board of Education
732-452-4900
Student Responsibility
The elementary school setting provides an excellent opportunity to teach
responsibility and foster independence of our students. There are a host of
things to remember, from lunches, lunch money, to band instruments, sneakers,
etc. When a student forgets an item, it is difficult for the parent as well as the
school. Typically, the parent is required to drive to school and bring the item.
From the office standpoint, we are constantly interrupting classes to ask
students to come get lunch money or forgotten lunches or whatever the item
might be. As a suggestion, it may be a good idea to have a check list in the
morning that students actually check off as they obtain necessary items for
school. The check list would vary from day to day according to the student’s
needs. For example, band instruments would only be required on band days.
If a student is buying lunch tickets, then that would be the first day of the
week. Whatever assistance you can give to help your child would be
appreciated.
Bus Routes and Bus Stops
Questions concerning bus routes or stops should be directed to the Director of
Transportation at (732) 452-4560. School personnel will assist in any way we
can if a problem exists. However, your initial call is best made to the
transportation department.
A.M. Procedures
Students are not to arrive before 8:45 AM* which is the scheduled arrival time
for the school buses. This is also the time that teachers are available to
supervise students. Students are not permitted into the building until the bell
rings at 8:53 AM. At this time students are to line up in their homeroom
sections at the appropriate marked spot on the blacktop. Homeroom begins at
8:55 AM. The primary students (Grades K, 1, 2) assemble on the sidewalk near
the third grade classes, and the intermediate students (grades 3, 4, 5) assemble
on the blacktop near the library.
*WITH THE EXCEPTION OF LATCHKEY CHILDREN
Thank you for supporting our children!
44
20
School Procedures (cont.)
Inclement Weather Procedures
On days when the weather is inclement, or when the temperature is below
freezing, students will be permitted inside the building after the buses arrive.
Walkers are not to arrive before 8:45 A.M. Parents should not drive their
children to school before this time.
Students are to assemble near the doorway of their homerooms to await their
teachers. This procedure is necessary so the teachers, who are on duty at the
corner of each hallway, can properly supervise the students.
Dismissal Procedures
All parents/guardians should create a plan for their child during a dismissal
when an adult may not be home to greet your child. For example, during
inclement weather days or when the District releases children early from
school in an emergency situation, please teach your child what to do or where
to go during these times, when you are not home. The school will not release
your child to anyone other than stated on the emergency card if you are unable
to be at MLK to pick your child up.

Children will be escorted to the appropriate exit or bus line each day.

Teachers can only deliver children to the custodial parent / guardian and/
or his designee (as stated on the emergency card.)

Bus students will line up in designated areas. These areas will be
supervised by at least one staff member as well by the Student Patrols.
Students will wait until their bus is called via the P.A. System. Bus
students will be escorted to the bus by a staff member for embarking onto
the bus.






21
School Calendar 2010-2011 (cont.)
May, 2011
5/02-06 Teacher Appreciation Week
5/03
Teacher Appreciation Day - Luncheon
5/04-06 Spring Plant Sale (afternoons)
5/09-12 NJASK – Grade 3
5/09-13 NJASK - Grade 4
NJASK - Grade 5
5/16-20 Makeups NJASK - all grades
5/19
Kindergarten Parent Orientation (tentative)
5/24
PTA Meeting (7:15pm)
TBA Holly Rock Game Show
5/27
School Spirit Day
5/30
NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
5/31
Literacy Garden Party
TBA
Spring Concert
June, 2011
6/01
Kindergarten Reading (2:00PM)
6/03
Field/Fun Day
6/08
DARE Graduation (TBA)
6/09
Field/Fun Day rain date
6/13
Fifth Grade Awards and baseball game
6/14
Early dismissal (1:30PM)
6/15
Last day of school (1:30PM dismissal)
Report Cards
Gym
Gym
Outside
Library
Outside
Gym
Outside
Gym/Outside
The bus will deliver children at their designated bus stops.
Please make sure a designated adult is at the bus stop each day to escort
your child home.
Parents must create and teach their child(ren) a plan of action in case an
adult is not home when they arrive.
Students in kindergarten who walk or whose parents pick them up in a
car will be dismissed at the main entrance along Tingley Lane. Staff
members may only hand off children to parents, guardians, or their adult
designee. STUDENTS will not be dismissed without a parent, guardian,
or an adult designee.
Students in grades 1 will be dismissed out one of the exits along Inman
Avenue. Once again, teachers may only dismiss students to their parents,
guardians, or adult designee.
Students in Kindergarten & grade 2 will be dismissed out the front door
on Tingley Lane as previously determined by the teacher and
communicated to you.
43
School Calendar 2010-2011 (cont.)
2011
January, 2011
1/01-02 No School - Winter Recess
1/04-18 Joe Corbi’s Pizza Sale Fundraiser
1/11
PTA Meeting (7:15PM)
Gym
1/17
No School - Martin Luther King Day
1/18
Martin Luther King Assembly
(Gym)
Day of Service - Soup Collection
1/21
School Spirit Day
1/27
Blue Ribbon Celebration
1/28
Cultural Fair (during school day)
Throughout School
Evening Events/Fashion Show (6:30-8:30PM) Throughout School
1/31
Early Dismissal (1:30PM) - teacher’s learning day
February, 2011
2/04
Cultural Night (snow date)
Throughout School
2/08
Assemblies Stone Soup (grades 3-5), Fable (grades K-2) Gym
PTA Meeting (7:15PM)
Gym
2/09
Report Cards
2/15-22 Spring Scholastic Book Fair
Library
2/15
Parent/Teacher conferences – 6:30PM - 8:45PM (1:30PM dismissal)
2/17
Parent/Teacher conferences – 2:00PM – 4:15PM (1:30PM dismissal)
2/21
No school - President’s Day
2/22
Parent/Teacher conferences – 6:30PM - 8:45PM (1:30PM dismissal)
2/25
School Spirit Day
2/26
Books and Bagels Breakfast / Clothing Drive / PTA (9AM-12PM) Gym
2/28-3/04 Principal’s Reading Challenge - 150,000 minutes
March, 2011
3/01
Welcome Patricia Polacco (joint sponsor - PTA & school) Gym/Library
3/02
Read Across America Day
Classrooms
3/04
Breakfast with the Best (5th Grade)
Gym
3/15
PTA Meeting (7:15PM)
Gym
3/24
Evening of the Arts (7PM)
Throughout School
3/25
School Spirit Day
3/31
Evening of the Arts (snow date)
Throughout School
April, 2011
4/05
BSI Parent Night (6:30pm)
Library
Kindergarten Registration (A-I)
4/06
Kindergarten Registration (J-P)
4/07
Kindergarten Registration (Q-Z)
PTA Skate Night
Woodbridge Rink
4/08
Spring Photos (Life Touch)
Gym
Movie Night (6:30-9PM)
Gym
4/12
PTA Meeting (7:15PM)
Gym
4/14
Talent Show (grades 3-5) (7:00PM - 9:00PM) Gym
4/18-22 No School - Spring Recess
4/29
School Spirit Day
PJ Reading Night (6:30PM – 8:30PM)
Classrooms
TBA
Math/Science/Tech WeekThroughout School Students in grades 3 will be
School Procedures (cont.)
dismissed out the side door along Inman Avenue.
·
·
Students in grades 4-5 will be dismissed out the exit near the Library.
Students in grades 4-5 may not walk home without written permission by
parent or guardian.
Along with a staff member, Safety Patrols will monitor rules obeyed by
students.
If parents do not arrive at school by 3:30 P.M., students will be escorted to the
Main Office. Although we understand that there may be a time when you
are late, we strongly encourage you to be prompt in meeting your child at
the end of the day as children worry when they don’t see you upon exiting
the building.
PLEASE REMEMBER:
EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO CONTACT YOU IF AN
UNPLANNED EARLY DISMISSAL DUE TO INCLEMENT
WEATHER/EMERGENCY CLOSING IS IMPLEMENTED. PLEASE
INFORM THE OFFICE STAFF OF ANY CHANGES IN YOUR PHONE
NUMBER SO THEY MAY UPDATE CONNECT-ED
Lunch
Lunches for students in grades 1-5 can be purchased on a daily basis for $3.00
and milk costs $0.50. Lunch for Kindergarten Students must be pre-ordered
and pre-paid one week ahead of time using the order forms sent home. Please
place any money in a sealed envelope with your child’s name (first & last) and
the teacher’s name clearly marked on the outside.
If lunch money or lunch is forgotten, the office will call home first, then loan
the child money, with your permission, to purchase lunch. The student will be
given an envelope which can be used to return the money to the school the
following day.
Please make every attempt to develop a system where lunch money or lunch is
not forgotten. Please be advised that students can pay for lunch ahead of time.
The Chartwells Company will keep a record of payment.
LUNCHTIME RULES
Classroom Rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
No writing on the chalkboards.
No running games, i.e., four corners, etc.
No physical contact.
Students can play silent ball, tic-tac-toe, draw, color, study, read, play
board games, etc.
5. DO NOT bring electronic games from home.
22
42
School Procedures (cont.)
Supplies in the classroom should not be used without permission.
The lunch aide is the authority in the classroom. Students must respond to any
request to change behavior that is unruly, disrespectful or dangerous, or they
will be reported to the teacher or principal.
Lunch Rules:
1. Students will eat in their classrooms.
2. Because of the limited time schedule, students must remain seated to eat.
3.
4.
5.
Students will be required to speak in a normal tone of voice.
Students will be responsible for cleaning up the area where they are
sitting, including any food they dropped to the floor.
Students will be dismissed by their lunch aide for outdoor recess or will be
called to enter the school upon conclusion of recess.
Outdoor Rules:
1. No sand or woodchip throwing will be permitted.
2. Any form of football is not permitted.
3. Students should not go near classroom windows.
4. Students should stay away from the drainage ditch.
5. Contact sports/activities are not permitted.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gymnastics are not permitted. This includes pyramids, cartwheels, etc.
All play equipment must be returned to the designated barrels at the end of
the lunch period.
Outdoor play equipment must be used appropriately, or students will not
be permitted to use it.
Wall ball is not permitted.
Lunch/Recess Detention:
If the principal feels it is appropriate, lunch/recess detention will be assigned
to a student who has not followed school rules. When lunch detention is
assigned, the following goes into effect:
1. The parent, teacher and lunch aide are notified.
2. The student remains with an assigned teacher during lunch and recess.
23
School Calendar 2010-20 11
September, 2010
9/01
Grades 1-5 first day of school
9/02
Delayed Opening, Grades 1-5
Kindergarten Parent Meeting/Kindergarten Orientation
9/03
Delayed Opening, Grades 1-5
9/06
No School - Labor Day
9/07
Kindergarten first day of school
9/08
KIDSTUFF BOOK Fundraiser begins
9/09-10 No School - Early Fall Recess
9/13
Red, White and Blue Day – 9/11 Commemoration
9/14
Back to School Night – grades 3-5 / (7PM)
Gym/Classrooms
9/14-21 Scholastic Book Fair
Library
9/21
Back to School Night – grades K-2 (7PM)
Gym/Classrooms
9/24
School Spirit Day
Assembly - Earth Dome
9/28
PTA meeting (7:15 PM)
Gym
9/29
Mad Science Assembly
Gym
October, 2010
10/02
C.A.R.E. Walk
10/07-08 Fall Pictures (Lifetouch)
Gym
10/11
Early Dismissal (1:30PM) - Staff Professional Day
10/12
Fall Fundraiser Begins (Joe Corbi’s)
BSI Parent Meeting (6:30PM)
Library
10/18
Early Dismissal (1:30PM)
10/19 PTA Meeting & Classroom Parent Meeting
Gym
10/22
School Spirit Day
10/28
Fire Fighter Phil Assembly
Gym
Harvest Festival / Pumpkin Carving Night (6:30-8:30PM) Gym/Outdoors
10/29
Halloween parade (2PM)
Outdoors
November, 2010
11/01-05 NO SCHOOL - Fall Recess
11/09 PTA Meeting (7:15PM)
Gym
11/11
Veteran’s Day Assembly
11/16 Parent/Teacher conferences – 6:30PM - 8:45PM (1:30PM dismissal)
11/18 Parent/Teacher conferences – 2:00PM - 4:15PM (1:30PM dismissal)
11/23 Parent/Teacher conferences – 6:30 PM - 8:45PM (1:30PM dismissal)
11/24
School Spirit Day
Early Dismissal (1:30PM)
11/25-26 NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Recess
11/29-30 Holiday Boutique (tentative through 12/2)
Library
11/30
Photo Retakes & Club/Activities Photos
Gym
December, 2010
12/01-2 Holiday Boutique
Library
12/01
Report Cards
12/07
Early Dismissal (1:30PM) - teacher’s learning day
12/14 PTA Meeting (7:15PM)
Gym
12/17
School Spirit Day
12/22 School Wide Sing-A-Long (2PM)
Gym
12/24-31 NO SCHOOL - Winter Recess
41
TYSON PROJECT A +
Another exciting way to raise cash for our school is through the
Tyson Project A+ Program sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc.
Here’s how it works:
1. Clip and Save Tyson Project A+ labels from participating
Tyson Products. (Remember to cut the entire panel along
the dotted line.)
3. Send the labels to your child’s class.
5. The labels are collected every month along with the Box
Tops for Education. When redeemed from Tyson Foods
Inc., they are worth 24 cents each.
Our school can earn up to $12,000 each academic year through
t h i s p r o g r am . F o r l i s t o f p a r t i c i p a t i n g p r o du c t s v i s i t
www.projectAplus.Tyson.com.
40
19
General Information & School Scheduling
General Information
Lost and Found
Please put an identification label on all outer clothing, including caps, hats,
sweaters, raincoats, as well as on lunch boxes, eyeglass cases, etc. Each year
many unclaimed unmarked items are given to charity or simply thrown
away. If your child has lost something at school, he/she should check the Lost
and Found across from the Nurse’s Office.
Halloween Policy
Parade begins at 2:00 p.m.. Parties begin at 2:30 p.m.. Our Halloween
message at MLK is one against violence, discrimination and stereotyping. In
view of this, absolutely no toy guns, daggers, swords, bats or brooms [weapons
of any type] are permitted in school. Costumes that support violent acts or
send a message that violence is acceptable, as well as costumes that
perpetuate stereotypes or are discriminatory are not acceptable.
Parents who do not wish their children to participate in Halloween activities
must send a note to the teacher explaining their wishes. We will try our best to
comply. Teachers are encouraged to promote a theme. Class parents should
contact teachers.
Kindergarten Registration
Registration is held at the Board of Education Enrollment Center, which is
presently located at 312 Pierson Avenue - Edison, New Jersey 08837.
Children entering kindergarten must be
five (5) years old on or before October 1.
HELP EARN CASH FOR OUR SCHOOL !!!
Box Tops for Education is a wonderful program to raise cash for our
school at no cost to you.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Clip box tops from the hundreds of participating products
(General Mills cereals and many, many more...)
2. Send in the box tops to your child’s class
The Box tops committee takes care of the rest. Box tops are collected
on the last Friday of each month. The class with the highest number
gets a popsicle party. If the total box tops collected are over 200 the
winning class gets an ice cream party.
Each box top is worth 10 cents when redeemed from General Mills. Our
school can earn up to $20,000 each year through this program.
For
a complete
list
of
participating
products
visit
www.boxtops4education.com. When you register online as a new
Box tops for Education member our school receives 10 Bonus Box
Tops. So get online and support MLK.
School Scheduling
Primary/Intermediate Level
We offer a full day kindergarten program. In grades 1 through 5 the classes are
self contained which means that 1 teacher instructs the students in all subjects.
The classes are heterogeneously grouped.
Testing
There are several tests that assist us in assessing student progress. Students in
grade 3, 4, and 5 will take the state mandated (NJASK) New Jersey
Assessment of Skills and Knowledge in Language Arts and Math.
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
26
3
Special Programs & Activities
Chess Club: Mrs. Lynn Petersen-Heres
Sports Club Avisor: Mr. Vincent Mondano
Student Council: Ms. Danielle Shields
Literacy Paper: Mrs. Monica Saraiya & Mrs. Linda DiMuzio
Jump Rope Club: Mrs. Lynne Scherer
Art Club: Kristen Smith & Vassie Halkidadakis
Our Goal is to provide students with opportunities to develop leadership.
Band
Martin Luther King has an Instrumental Music program during which students
receive individualized instruction as well as the opportunity to play in the
school band and perform in the spring concert. This is also a pullout program
where students leave their normal classrooms for lessons and once again are
responsible for the class work that they miss during this time. The program is
open to students only in grade 5.
Strings
A Strings Program, similar to the Instrumental Music program, also exists. The
music teacher provides lessons on the violin, cello and viola. A Strings group
also has an opportunity to play together and perform at the Spring Concert.
This program is open to students only in grade 5.
Choir
The music department provides students with an opportunity to perform in a
choir. The choir is open to students in 4th & 5th grades and meets once a week.
38
27
School Programs & Activities (cont.)
Computers
Each classroom in MLK currently has at least 1 computer connected to the
internet and one printer. Grades 3 & 4 have four laptops per class with a laser
printer and Grade 5 has 8 laptops per class with a laser printer. We also have
software programs that are used to give students additional practice while
teaching them the benefits of computer use, as well as the Elmo Machine and
Smart Board.
Safety Patrol
Martin Luther King has a Safety Patrol Club that greatly assists with the
smooth running of the building. Students meet periodically with the Safety
Patrol Advisor and the Edison Police Department. These students have regular
posts that they monitor each day.
Math, Science & Technology Month
Martin Luther King hosts the annual celebration of math, science and
technology in April. Students in each grade level participate in a project or
experiment that help students understand a scientific or mathematical principle.
Parents are invited to participate.
Counseling Services
A Guidance Counselor is on site all day Monday through Friday. You may
request services by calling Ms. Claire Lafferty at the school. Teachers also
refer students. Ms. Lafferty will call the parent if a student has been referred
by a teacher.
Child Study Team
The school CST consists of a social worker, school psychologist and learning
consultant. They work with students who are identified as eligible for special
education and related services. The CST is present in the building and works
closely with the principal, teachers and all school staff.
Transportation
If you need your child to go home early, or be picked up instead of taking a
bus, a written note must to be sent with your child to his or her homeroom
teacher. The homeroom teacher will then forward the note to the office. Please
do not call the office with verbal instructions unless it is an emergency. If you
are going to take your child out of school early, a note must be sent to the
homeroom teacher. When you come to pick up your child, please report to the
office and sign your child out of school.
22
37
Staff List (cont.)
Halkiadakis, Vassie
Masterson, Mary
Petersen-Heres, Lynn
Lehman, Jill
Shields, Danielle
Wahl, Kelly
Robinson, Christie
Angulo, Richard
ICS/Grade 4
ICS/Grade 3
RC Grade 2-3 / ICS Grade 5
ICS/Grade 1
RC Grade 4-5 / ICS Grade 2
RC Grade 5 / ICS Grade 5
KAR01/Grades K-2
KAI01/Grades 3-5
130
17
114/153
7
13 5A/1
102/103
121
122
Art
Art
Vocal Music
Strings
Instrumental / Band
143
143
142
144
144
Para
Para
Para
Para
Para
Para
Para
Para
Para
Para
135
122
De Coit, Lori
Smith, Kristen
Vache, Jillian
Mosley, Remoh
Wojcik, Kim
Daichman, Karen (Kdg AM)
Hentley, Karen (int. aut.)
Law, Kathleen (Grades 2–3)
Khanna, Babita (primary aut.)
Magruder, Jennifer (primary aut.)
Pradham, Chandana (int. aut.)
Seyffart, Kathy (Grades 4-5)
Shanker, Lynn (Kdg)
Varma, Sabeena (shared/med.)
Vogel, Ruth (primary aut.)
Timmendequas, Stephanie
Child Study Team
Patel, Mansi
Erin Madara
Sarah Brennessel
PTA President
Psychologist
Learning Consultant
Social Worker
Head Custodian
George Rumsey
Custodians
Bryan Bowler
Jeffrey Goetz
Lunch Aides
Susan Dillon
Jackie Knotts
Sugra Mansuri
Yvonne Torres
Guadalupe Zeinoun
3629
Janet Floyd
Shobha Kapoor
Atia Najem
Eleanor Williams
121
122
122
125
121
PTA Room
111
111
111
Christopher Keri
Rhonda Gergits
Selena Kareem
Maria Post
Renee Wilcoff
S
Staff List
Fenkel, Alison
Wojcik, Kelly
Wahler, Kristen
K0103
K0104
K0105
6
7
9
Lippe, Louise
Gadson-Jackson, Kim
O’Grady-Robbins, Bridget
Renda, Lynn
K0201
K0202
K0203
K0204
11
10
1
2
DiMuzio, Linda
Cohen, Diane
Sandler, Paula
Vallely, Roseanne
D’Amico, Laurette
K0301
K0302
K0303
K0304
K0305
17
13
16
12
14
Saraiya, Monica
Gracia, Tayler
Vilensky, Deborah
Ziolkowski, Deborah
K0401
K0402
K0403
K0404
128
130
147
146
Cardoso, Stephanie
Schlatter, Sandra
Pulley, Melody
Marzano, Amy
Crawford, Maureen
K0501
K0502
K0503
K0504
K0505
153
137
135
103
152
Mondano, Vincent
Iacobone, Samuel
Markano, Joann
Phys. Ed. 1
Phys. Ed. 2
Phys. Ed 3
Gym
Gym
Gym
Mirfield, Valerie
Scharf, Caroline
Cowart, Andrea
Imperato, Frances
Clark, Marilyn
Bruno, Gina
Office
Roach, Joni
Meisner-Fleischer, Cindy
Lafferty, Claire
Scherer, Lynn
Squillace, Susan
Lubonski, Sherrie
Kesselman, Brenda
O’Grady, Patricia
30
Secretary
Nurse
Guidance
CRT
Office
Office
Office
125
K0K01 AM & PM
K0K03 AM & PM
125
127
K0101
K0102
Library Asst.
Speech
Speech
Reading
Read 180
ICS/Grade 5
Library
110
108
148A
124
152
5
8
35
Message From The Nurse
Cindy Meisner, RN
Medications
Medication can be administered during school hours with a current physician’s
order on Edison Township’s Medication form. The order from the physician
must include diagnosis, dosage, and length of time the medication is to be
given. All orders are to be re-submitted each school year to ensure treatment is
current. The parents’ signed permission will give authorization to administer the
medication as prescribed by the physician and will release the school of all
liability.
Medication must be brou ght by a parent or guardian to the
s c h o ol n ur s e i n a l a be l e d p r e s c r i p ti on b o tt l e / pa c k a g e .
Health Screenings
Physical exams are required in Kindergarten, for all new students, and are
requested for 2nd and 5th grades.
Vision screening will take place for students in Kindergarten, 2nd, & 4th grades.
Hearing screening will take place for Kindergarten through 3rd grade.
Blood pressure, height, and weight will be taken for all students.
Additionally, scoliosis screenings will be conducted on all 5th grades unless
documented on 5th grade physical exam or a scoliosis waiver is submitted.
Keeping Students Healthy
The nature of many diseases makes it possible for them to spread from person
to person. The body defends itself against many diseases, however, we must
also aid in this defense system. Please follow the simple protocols below:
1.
2.
3.
34
Teach your child good hygiene. Remember that hand washing is the
single most important means of preventing the spread of infection.
Model healthy food choices. Decrease consumption of processed foods
and increase consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Keep your child home from school with the following symptoms:
a. Fever of 100 degrees or higher
b. If a fever has been present within 24 hours of the school day
c. An eye infection (red, itchy eye with thick drainage)
d. Vomiting episode during the night or morning
e. If an upper respiratory infection is producing heavy coughing,
copious nasal discharge or a productive cough
f. If severe headache, or stomach cramps are present
31
An excerpt from The Edison Board of Education School Nutrition Policy
The Edison Board of Education recognizes that child and adolescent obesity has
reached epidemic levels in the United States and that poor diet combined with the
lack of physical activity negatively impacts on students' health, and their ability
and motivation to learn. The Board is committed to:

Provide students with healthy and nutritious foods;

Encourage the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetable, low fat milk
and whole grains;

Supporting healthy eating through nutrition education;

Encouraging students to select and consume all components of the school
meal; and

Providing students with the opportunity to engage in daily physical
activity.
The following items may not be served, sold or given out as free promotion anywhere on school property at anytime before the end of the school day:

Foods of minimal nutritional value as defined by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture regulations;

All food and beverage items listing sugar, in any form, as the first
ingredient; and

All forms of candy.
All snacks and beverage items sold or served anywhere on school property during
the school day shall meet the following standards:

No more than 8 grams of total fat per serving, with the exception of nuts
and seeds

No more than 2 grams of saturated fat per serving

All beverages shall not exceed 12 ounces, with the following exceptions:
water, milk containing 2% or less fat.

Schools shall reduce the purchase of any product containing trans fats.

Food and beverages served during special school celebrations or during
curriculum related activities shall be exempt from this policy, with the
exception of foods of minimal nutritional value.
32
Mr. Iacobone, Mrs. Markano, & Mr. Mondano
Welcome back for another exciting school year. We hope your
summer has been enjoyable and rewarding. In preparation for the
new school year we have included a list of special class
requirements that we hope all parents will discuss with their
children. They are as follows:
1. All students must wear SNEAKERS! Platform sneakers
are unsafe footwear.
2. NO JEWELRY is to be worn during class due to safety
reasons. The best procedure to follow is not to wear
jewelry on the day that Physical Education is scheduled.
If jewelry is taken off at the beginning of class and put in
your pocket it may fall out and be lost. If it is taken off
and left in the gym, it may be stolen.
3. APPROPRIATE CLOTHING MUST BE WORN. Clothes
which are comfortable and permit freedom of movement
are necessary for participation in our activities. Girls are
reminded that skirts and dresses are not appropriate.
4. Please WRITE A NOTE when you find it necessary to
have your child excused from class. The reason for the
note should be given since it will be kept on file. The note
will exclude your child from all physical activity,
including lunch recess, for that particular day.
Hopefully, this information will prevent problems during the
school year. Please feel free to contact us if any problem does
arise so that we may discuss and resolve it together.
33
Introducing SCRIP
32
What Is Scrip? Scrip is a term that means "substitute money". When you purchase
scrip, you're purchasing negotiable gift certificates and prepaid cards that are used just
like cash. You purchase prepaid gift cards that you use to pay for your regular
shopping. It costs you nothing. You can use scrip to purchase everyday expenses like
food, clothing, and other essentials, and with every purchase, you earn revenue for the
MLK PTA. You don't have to buy (sell) anything that you wouldn't buy anyway.
How scrip generates revenue for you The Great Lakes Scrip Center acts on behalf of
churches, schools and other non profit organizations to purchase large amounts of scrip
from grocery stores, department stores, and other retailers. Because the scrip is purchased with cash up front, the participating retailers offer a substantial discount. We
buy the scrip from Great Lakes Scrip Center at a discount, and re-sell the certificates
full face value. The discount from two to fifteen percent or more - goes right to the
MLK PTA.
Scrip is "shopping cart fundraising" Scrip is a popular fundraiser because families
don’t have to sell anything. Organization members produce revenue by making regular
household purchases they would make anyway. Groceries, clothing, toys, gifts and even
gasoline can be purchased with scrip.
How does it work? You buy gift cards from us that you use to make your everyday
household purchases. These cards also make great gifts. A percentage of every card you
buy is given to the PTA. The only cost to you is the actual purchase price of the cards,
which you do in advance. The retailers give us a percentage because they get paid
cash in advance.
What cards are available? Most of the popular local retailers - grocery stores, clothing stores, book stores, etc. are available.
How can I pay for my cards? You can pay by check or money order made out to
MLK PTA Scrip Program. Since these purchases usually involve significant amounts of
money, we do not want cash sent with the children. If you prefer to pay with cash,
please contact us and we can make other arrangements.
How will I receive my cards? The cards can be picked up in person either from
Salima Rajan or Preeti Iyer, or sent home with your child 2-3 weeks from the date we
place the order. If you choose to have the cards sent home with your child, please sign
the appropriate spot on the order form. Gift cards are the same as cash and should be
handled accordingly. We cannot be responsible for lost or stolen cards.
Note: The PTA purchases the gift cards on your behalf, so they are not refundable.
Salima Rajan - 908-922-1715 & Preeti Iyer - 646-327-4935 or: mlkscrip@yahoo.com
27
Message From The Nurse (cont.)
Message From The Nurse (cont.)
The Edison Board of Education recognizes that childhood ob esity has reached
epidemic levels in the United States. With one out of three American children
under the age of 18 reported as overweight, Edison is aware of the importance
of enforcing the district wide nutrition policy. Schools can help promote a positi ve
learning environment by providing healthy environments that shift the focus from
food to the child.
Guidelines:
* No form of candy is permitted.
* No food or beverage that lists sugar, in any form, as the first ingredient is permitted.
* Snacks to be consumed during snack time in the classroom must not be considered foods of minimal nutritional value as defined by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. This list can be found at www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/menu/fmnv.htm
Suggestions for Healthy Snacks
Cut Up Fruit: apple slices, bananas, orange slices/clementines, strawberries,
cherry tomatoes, grapes
Cut Up Veggies: celery/carrot sticks, cucumber slices, red/green peppers,
consider hummus or other low fat dip for veggies
Low Fat, Low Sugar Dairy Products: some brands of yogurt, low fat cheese slices,
string cheese
Additional Suggestions: low sugar applesauce, air popped popcorn, chick peas/
other beans, home baked low sugar/fat items
Whole Grain Products: some granola bars, whole wheat bread, some crackers,
pretzels
Fast-food lunches are discouraged because they are not nutritionally sound and
they conflict with our school-wide objective to make healthy food choices. Additionally, a student with a fast-food lunch is subjected to children begging or
staring at them, wanting them to share, and the student is not in a position to
share with all students for a variety of reasons.
Note From The Physical Education Dept.
Stop&Shop A+ Bonus Bucks Program
starting October 25, 2010 through March 25, 2011
Martin Luther King School PTA will have the opportunity to earn cash through
Stop&Shop A+ Bonus Bucks Program.
To register:
Log on to www.stopandshop.com/aplus to register your Stop&Shop card online
OR
Dial 1-877-275-2758 to register your card over the phone
Use ID# 07705
After you register your card, each time you visit at Stop&Shop and use your
Stop&Shop Card earns CASH for our school! Remember it costs you nothing,
but The PTA will receive money for our school’s educational needs.
Each month, the amount of CASH awarded will be updated on the Stop&Shop
website. You can track the amount of points you earn for our school by checking your grocery receipts, or online when you create an account at stopandshop.com. Our school will receive a check at the end of the program.
Participating in this simple process makes a HUGE difference to our school.
We need your support. Also, don’t forget to encourage your friends and relatives to do the same. It could mean the world to our children.
Please be sure to register your card to benefit Martin Luther King PTA using ID
#07705. If you have any questions, please contact me at manjrekv@yahoo.com.
Thanks in advance for your support
28
31
Safety Patrols Handbook Rules
1. All members of the Safety Patrols must wear their badges and belts when on
duty.
2. Safety Patrol belts must be kept clean. They will not be kept on the floor.
3. Safety Patrol members must be at their assigned posts at the appropriate
time: AM duty 8:45 or when arriving on the bus AM, PM duty 3:23 (PM
kindergarten 3:20).
4. Safety Patrol members must be polite and act in a mature manner. They will
address all teachers as Mr., Mrs., Miss or Ms. If a member does not know an
adult's name they will address that person as Sir or Madam.
5. No Safety Patrol member will attempt to physically break up a fight. They
will make the teacher, lunch aide, or Principal aware of the situation.
6. No Safety Patrol member will enter into a fight with another student or adult.
7. No Safety Patrol member will physically touch another student if they are
walking said student to office or Patrol Officer.
8. All Safety Patrols are required to attend meetings called for by Patrol
Advisor at 8:20 AM in the Gym. Patrols must be on time.
9. Patrols are expected to complete all class work and homework assignments
in a satisfactory manner as set forth by their teacher.
10. Patrols are required to show their quarterly report cards to the Patrol Advisor.
11. Patrols are required to be respectful (to peers and adults,) reliable, and
responsible.
12. Patrols will understand that the 3 R's [respect, reliability, and responsibility]
apply to 24 hours, 7 days a week to school and community.
13. If a Patrol receives 3 warnings that Patrol will lose his/her belt for 2 weeks.
If during the 2 weeks suspension of post and belt there are subsequent
warnings given, then the 2 week period of suspension gets extended by
another 2 weeks, etc. If a Patrol loses their belt 3 times, then the Patrol gets
suspended for a marking period to work for improvement. If there is a repeat
of warnings, then there will be a parent conference to reach a decision as to
whether a permanent suspension is warranted.
14. Patrols will understand what constitutes 3 warnings and removal from being
a safety:
A. Academic grades beginning to drop
B. Inappropriate hallway behavior
C. Inappropriate behavior toward peers, which include poking,
shoving, grabbing, pushing, jostling, inappropriate language.
15. Patrols will understand what constitutes severe offenses and immediate
badge and belt removal. A probation period will extend from one month to
one marking period.
A. Fis t f ighting
B. Violent physical encounters resulting in injury
C. Abusive language to anyone
D. Blatant disrespect to adults and peers
Safety Patrols
Mrs. Louise Lippe, Advisor
Once again, as the school year begins, our Safety Patrols are very
visible all around the school. The task of our Patrols is to keep our
school safe and to protect our student body from potential harm. The
Patrols try not only to enforce the rules, but more importantly they try
to set the proper examples for other students to follow. Our procedure
for selecting Patrol members is simple, but the task of staying a Patrol
member is more difficult.
In the student’s 4th grade year teachers select the potential patrols
according to the 3 R's shown throughout the school year. The 3 R’s are
respect, responsibility and reliability. The list is then shared among all
the 4th grade teachers to see if they agree (since some students may have
more than one teacher).
May and June are training months. Each eligible 4 th grade Patrol
trainee is assigned to a 5th grade Patrol who trains them by showing and
telling them their responsibilities. Training consists of four weeks. In
the 1st week the 4th graders observe the 5th graders and in the 2nd - 4th
week the 5th graders observe the trainees in action. Now the 4th grade
Patrols are ready to replace the 5th grade Patrols for the month of June,
who now concentrate on finishing their Elementary Education.
Our Safety Patrols patrol buses, the playground areas and our halls. A
special group takes care of our Kindergarten. Each Patrol who survives
this tough year of hard work and responsibility earns a certificate and a
pin. These Safeties give of their time to help keep YOU and OUR
SCHOOL SAFE.
PLEASE HELP OUR SAFETY PATROLS
HELP YOU KEEP OUR SCHOOL SAFE!
CO-OPERATE & OBEY!!
16. Patrols will understand that after three (3) suspensions with belt removal they
will automatically be removed from the Safety Patrol force for that year.
30
36