MARLEY MONTHLY NEWS MAY/JUNE 2011 Newsletter Donna Williman, Principal Nina Lattimore, Assistant Principal PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE: Dear Families, We still have 6 more weeks of learning this school year. Our teachers are working diligently to have our students meet the rigors of learning that are required for their success in meeting the State Standards. We ask that you also encourage your child to continue their dedication to learning throughout these last weeks of school. It is important that no one falls behind!! As you make plans for your summer, please include a routine for reading. When students fail to read during the summer, they frequently regress in their reading levels. We don’t want that to happen for any of our students!! The more a child reads, the stronger reader he or she becomes. Strong reading skills are essential to a child’s success in school and life. Children are more likely to read books that they personally choose. A wide variety of books can be found at your local library. Join our staff for Library Night on June 6th at 6:30 p.m. to learn more about the public library’s Summer Reading Program. A recent study revealed that students participating in a summer reading program are more likely to read at or above their grade level than their non-participating peers. Please register your child for this worthwhile program! I hope your family makes reading a big part of your summer fun. In addition, I encourage every family to purchase mathematics flash cards for their child. Help your child memorize their math facts by assisting them to set goals and supporting them to master their facts. Start a sticker chart and offer simple rewards for progress (i.e., a trip to the pool, a snowball, an ice cream, etc.) Once students have memorized their math facts, learning math concepts becomes much easier for them. Summer time provides the perfect opportunity to focus on this learning. As I have mentioned throughout the year, our students achieve more when the school and families work together. We will continue to do our part to maximize your student’s learning through the last day of school. Then, we will turn over the summer learning to our dedicated families. Please schedule daily reading and math facts practice into your summer calendar. Both you and your students will be very glad that you did!! Happy Summer! Mrs. D. Williman Queridas Familias, Todavía tenemos 6 semanas de aprendizaje este año escolar. Nuestras maestras están trabajando diligentemente para que los estudiantes consigan llegar a obtener el éxito de los Reglamentos Legales del Estado. Les pedimos que animen a sus hijos a continuar la dedicación en el aprendizaje a través de estas últimas semanas de escuela. ¡Es importante que nadie se quede atrás! Tal como hacemos planes para el verano, por favor incluyan en su rutina la lectura. Cuando los estudiantes dejar de leer durante el varano, ellos normalmente bajan en el nivel de lectura. Nosotros no queremos que esto pase a nuestros estudiantes. Cuanto más el niño lea, cuanto mejor lector se hace. Las buenas habilidades de lectura son esenciales en el éxito en la escuela y en la vida. Los niños prefieren leer los temas que a ellos les interesa. Una buena variedad de libros pueden encontrarlos en la Biblioteca Pública. Únanse con nosotros para Una Noche en la Biblioteca a las 6:30pm para aprender más sobre el Programa de Lectura de Verano. En estudio reciente, revela que los estudiantes que participan en el programa de lectura de verano son más dispuestos a leer en nivel ó por encima del nivel comparado con los compañeros que no participan. ¡Por favor registren a sus hijos a este valioso programa! Espero que su familia tome la lectura como parte de la diversión en el verano. Asimismo, animo a las familias a que compren tarjetas de matemáticas para sus hijos. Ayuden a sus hijos a memorizar los factores de matemáticas, asistiendo con las metas y apoyándoles a dominar los factores. Comiencen con un gráfico de calcomanías y ofrezca premios simples conforme progrese (ejemplo un viaje a la piscina, un helado, algo especial) Una vez que los estudiantes aprenden los factores de matemáticas, aprendiendo los conceptos de matemáticas se hacen se hacen más fáciles para ellos. El verano es el momento perfecto de enfocarse en el aprendizaje. Tal como he mencionado durante el año, nuestros estudiantes logran más cuando la escuela y las familias trabajan juntos. Nosotros continuaremos haciendo nuestra parte garantizando el aprendizaje hasta el último día de escuela. Después, el aprendizaje en el verano pasará a nuestras dedicadas familias. Por favor, tengan en su calendario el horario para practicar la lectura y los factores de matemáticas en el horario de verano. ¡Tanto ustedes como los estudiantes estarán orgullosos que lo hicieron! ¡Feliz Verano! Sra. D. Williman THE NORTHERN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S 14TH ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS DINNER: Your Workforce Quality committee and I are pleased to announce that Mrs. Debra Mundell has been selected as Marley Elementary School’s nominee for this award. Her service to students in grades Pre-K through grade 5 is making a difference for many students!! This special event provides an opportunity to celebrate educational excellence in our county. It also gives the business community a way to thank all dedicated education personnel and recognize those who have significantly affected the students in their individual schools. SPRING CONCERT Come listen to our students make music on Tuesday, May 3 rd. Our chorus, instrumental and string students have worked hard to prepare for this concert. Family members are encouraged to attend to support their student. CONCIERTO DE PRIMAVERA Vengan a escuchar a nuestros estudiantes en hacer música el martes, 3 de mayo. Nuestro coro, instrumento y banda ha trabajado duramente para preparar este concierto. Se anima a los miembros de familia a atender y apoyar a los estudiantes. DRESS CODE IS IN EFFECT As the weather gets warmer some outfits are not appropriate for school. All clothing must cover the body from the shoulders to mid-thigh. No matter how young the student, they are not allowed to wear midriff tops, halters or tops that expose cleavage. As always, be careful of messages on t-shirts; many are not appropriate. If you have any questions, the dress code is in the Home School Connection that was sent home at the beginning of the school year. CODIGO DE VESTIMENTA Conforme el clima llega a ser más caluroso algunas de las ropas no son del todo apropiadas para las escuelas. Lo más importante que deben saber es que no lleven vestidos muy cortos que enseñen la ropa interior si se mueven ó se sientan al suelo, ni ropa que esté provocativa. También lleven cuidado con los mensajes de las playeras, muchas son inapropiadas. ELECTRONIC DEVICES It is time to remind our students and families that electronic devices such as iPODs, portable CD players, etc. are not permitted in school. There is no time during the school day for students to use them nor is there a secure place to store them during the instructional day. In addition, school policy for cell phones is that they be off and out of sight during the school day. Students with cell phones must abide by these rules or face sanctions in the Student Code of Conduct. Please monitor your child and guide him/her to make good decisions with regard to these electronic devices. Thank you for your support! EQUIPO ELECTRONICO Les recordamos a los estudiantes que los equipos electrónicos como POD’s, portables CD, etc. no son permitidos en la escuela. Así como los celulares deben ser apagados durante la instrucción del día. In addition, school policy for cell phones is that they be off and out of sight during the school day. Students will cell phones must abide by these rules or face sanctions in the Student Code of Conduct. Please monitor your child and guide him/her to make good decisions with regard to these electronic devices. Thank you for your support! OUT-OF-AREA STUDENTS The deadline for applying to Marley Elementary School for continuation of Out-ofArea placement was April 29, 2011. Families who met this deadline will be notified about the status of their application in the near future. All additional applications for Out-of-Area placement at Marley Elementary School must be submitted directly to the Office of Student Services. Decisions about applications sent to the Office of Student Services will be made later this summer. ESTUDIANTES FUERA DEL AREA La fecha para presentar la aplicación Fuera del área fue el 29 de abril, 2011. Las familias que aplicaron con tiempo serán notificadas si fueron aceptadas. Aplicaciones adicionales de Fuera del área para la escuela Marley, deberán ser sometidas directamente a la Oficina de los Servicios al Estudiante. Las decisiones sobre las aplicaciones serán tomadas durante el verano. TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK The week of May 2nd is Teacher Appreciation Week. Encourage your child to write a note, send a card or draw a picture to express their gratitude for the many things their teacher has done for them. This is an opportunity for every child to learn the importance of expressing gratitude. This is also a chance to reinforce that simple gestures of kindness do not have to cost money. Sincere words and kind deeds are often much more powerful than what money can buy! Family members are essential instructors of these important social skills. SEMANA APRECION DE MAESTRAS La semana del de mayo es semana de apreciación a las maestras. Animen a su hijo a que escriba una nota, mande una tarjeta, haga un dibujo para expresar la gratitud por todas las cosas que la maestra ha hecho por ellos. Esta es una oportunidad de que cada niño aprenda de la importancia de expresar gratitud. Asimismo, refuerza que la amabilidad no cuesta dinero. Palabras sinceras y pensamientos nobles son más poderosos que el dinero pueda comprar. Los miembros de familias son los instructores fundamentales es estas prácticas sociales. GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY—May 6th Please help your children arrange to have a grandparent or special friend attend school with them on Friday, May 6, 2011, from 9:00 – 11:00 A.M. This is a wonderful day when both generations enjoy learning together. Students will have the opportunity to have their pictures taken with their grandparent/special friend and to make a purchase at the Book Fair. Ms. Ward’s afternoon Pre-K class will welcome grandparents and friends in the afternoon. Please mark your calendar for this exciting day. DIA DE LOS ABUELOS Y DIA ESCIAL—6 DE MAYO Por favor ayuden a sus hijos a que los abuelos ó un amigo especial atiendan nuestra escuela el viernes, 6 de mayo, 2011, de 9:00 – 11:00 A.M. Este es un hermoso día para que ambas generaciones disfruten aprendiendo juntos. Los estudiantes tendrán la oportunidad de tomarse fotografías con los abuelos ó amigos especiales y de hacer cualquier compra en la Feria del Libro. La clase de la tarde de Pre-K , de la Srta. Ward, tendrán este evento en la tarde. Marquen en su calendario este excitante día. INTERIMS AND REPORT CARDS Interim reports will be sent home on Friday, May 13 th. Report cards will be sent home with students on June 14th which is the last day of school. REPORTES INTERINOS Y REPORTES DE CALIFICACIONES Los reportes interinos serán enviados al hogar el viernes 13 de mayo. Los reportes de calificaciones serán enviadas al hogar el 14 de junio, lo cual coincide con el último día de escuela. PTA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING—May 3RD Come join our PTA Executive Board at the last General Membership meeting of the 2010-2011 school year at 6:30 pm. Officers for the 2011-2012 school year will be elected during this meeting. This is the perfect time for you to vote for the candidate of your choice and to share your ideas for next year. NURSERY RHYME NIGHT—May 4th Please join us for our annual Nursery Rhyme Night on Wednesday, May 4th from 6:30-7:30. This evening is for kindergarteners and first graders and their parents. We have some new and fun interactive activities planned for you and your children. Some of Marley’s teachers will be here to teach you and your child nursery rhymes and play some fun games. The book fair will be open too. NOCHE DE RIMAS INFANTILES—4 DE MAYO Este evento tendrá lugar el miércoles, 4 de mayo de 6:30 a 7:30. Esta invitación es solamente para los padres y estudiantes de kindergarten y primer grado. The theme for this spring’s Scholastic Bookfair will be “Book Fair Carnival, Your Ticket to Read”. It will be held on Monday, May 2, 2011 through Friday, May 6, 2011 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Bookfair will also be open during Nursery Rhyme Night on Wednesday, May 4, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Grandparents and Special Persons day on Friday, May 6 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. LIBRARY NIGHT—June 6th We hope to see you at the North County Public Library from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Families will learn strategies to support their child’s independent reading and will hear an overview of the Summer Reading Program. In addition, all family members will have an opportunity to register for a library card. Help your child learn the importance of reading in their journey toward college! We hope to see you there. NOCHE DE BIBLIOTECA—JUNIO 6 Esperamos verles en la Biblioteca Norte de 6:30 a 7:30pm. Las familias aprenderán sobre el programa de lectura de verano y podrán registrarse para la tarjeta de membrecía. PIZZA HUT FUNDRAISER We hope to see all families at Pizza Hut on Wednesday, May 11th for this popular fundraiser. In addition to raising funds to support Marley Elementary, we enjoy the opportunity to have time to socialize with students and their families. Please mark your calendars. CI CI FUNDRAISER Our last fundraiser of the school year will be held on Wednesday, June 8 th. This is a wonderful time for families to enjoy each other’s company before the long summer break. Funds earned at this event will support our school programs. KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION—May 16th If you have a student entering kindergarten next year, please plan to attend our Kindergarten Orientation on Monday, May 16th from 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. Come meet school staff and learn about the exciting opportunities that await your child. While you learn about the kindergarten experience, your child will spend time in the first grade classroom. All students benefit from being in their classroom and meeting their teachers. This visit will provide a positive foundation for many summer conversations with your child. FIELD DAY—JUNE 3RD Field Day will be held on Friday, June 3rd for all students. Ms. Mueller is currently recruiting volunteers to help with the many events. Please send her a note or give her a call if you are able to help on that day. GOOD CITIZENS’ LUNCH—May 31st Mrs. Williman will be hosting the final Good Citizens’ Lunch of the year on Tuesday, May 31st . All Good Citizens’ for the month of May will eat with Mrs. Williman on the stage during their lunch periods. Congratulations to these students for earning this special honor. AWARDS ASSEMBLY—June 10th The Fourth Marking Period Awards Assembly will be held at 9:15 am on Friday, June 10 th. Our students will be acknowledged for their academic accomplishments and perfect attendance, as well as for good citizenship. Please feel free to join us. 5TH GRADE PROMOTION We encourage the parents/guardians of 5th graders to make plans to be present for the Promotion Ceremony that will be held on the morning of June 14th at 9:30 a.m. Other family members and friends are encouraged to attend. Details about the promotion will be sent home closer to the event. SUPPLY LISTS FOR NEXT YEAR Student supply lists for next school year will be included in the June report card and will be posted on our school website. Please keep these lists in a safe place and use them for your summer shopping. Please notice that our teachers have requested specific colored folders for classes. We hope that our families will make their best effort to support their child in purchasing the items that are on their class list. LISTA DE MATERIALES PROXIMO AÑO La lista estará incluída en el reporte de calificacines en junio. 2011 – 2012 SCHOOL YEAR Please mark your calendars. The FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL for the 2011-2012 school year will be Tuesday, August 23, 2011. As new neighbors arrive during the summer, please encourage them to come to register their students as early as possible during the summer moths. 2011 – 2012 AÑO ESCOLAR Por favor marquen en su calendario que el PRIMER DIA DE ESCUELA PARA EL AÑO 2011-2012 será el martes, 23 de agosto, 2011. Recuerden que no hay intérprete disponible en el verano, así que avisen a sus familias, vecinos, amigos de registrar lo antes posible. SUMMER HOURS Employees will work extended days from Monday through Thursday, and all AACPS schools and offices will be closed on Fridays during the modified schedule period, which runs from Wednesday, June 22, 2011, through Tuesday, August 9, 2011. excluding holidays During this seven-week period, our school’s office hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. During the other weeks of the summer, Thursday, June 16 through Tuesday, June 21 and Wednesday, August 10 through Monday, August 15, our school’s office hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you need to register or withdraw a child, please do so as soon as you have the necessary information. You may register children from 9AM to 3PM when the office is open. If you have any questions you may call the school at 410/222-6414. June 2011 Dear Parents, If you are planning a move, or know that your child will not attend Marley Elementary for the coming school year, please fill out this form and return it to school. We will then prepare a transfer form and you may pick it up at the school prior to your leaving. Having this information will ensure adequate staffing for the coming school year. __________________________________________________________________ Child’s Name Teacher’s Name _____________________________________________________________________ Grade for School Year 2010-2011 ______________________________________________________________________ New Home Address and Phone Number _________________________________________________________________ School Name Your Child Will Attend For The School Year. 2011-2012 __________________________________________________________________ (Date) Last day my family will be in the Marley Elementary area. ______________________________________________________________________ Parent Signature Date *If your plans change after school is out for the summer please call the school at 410-222-6414 to obtain a transfer form. The school office is open all summer, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00p.m. We thank you for your cooperation…………Have a Safe Summer!!!!!! Vision At Marley Elementary School, we believe in success for all by creating the mindset, “I can and I will.” The Anne Arundel County Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability sexual orientation or familial status in matters affecting employment or in providing access to programs. ATTENTION PARENTS: SCHOOL SYSTEM OFFICES SHIFTING TO FOUR-DAY WORK WEEK FOR SEVEN WEEKS THIS SUMMER Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell announced on March 9 that county schools and school system offices will operate on a four-day work week for seven weeks this summer, saving approximately $215,000 in operating and transportation costs without any decrease in productivity. Employees will work extended days from Monday through Thursday, and all AACPS schools and offices will be closed on Fridays during the modified schedule period, which runs from Wednesday, June 22, 2011, through Tuesday, August 9, 2011. Employees will continue to be responsible for working the mandatory number of weekly hours as stipulated by their job group and/or negotiated agreement. Unless rare exceptions are granted, school buildings and central offices will be closed on the following Fridays: June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and August 5. This means that during these weeks, programs that use schools such as summer school and Department of Recreation and Parks programs, will operate on four-day schedules. If your child is enrolled in a program that is scheduled to use our school during this period, please check with the sponsoring agency to make sure you know the correct schedule. During this seven-week period, our school’s office hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. During the other weeks of the summer, our school’s office hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. If you have any questions about hours of operation, please call the school office. Kindergarten As the school year comes to a close we are still working hard in kindergarten to make sure each student is ready for first grade. We are sticking with our routines in hopes to prepare each student for the increase in rigor that comes along with being promoted to first grade. It is very important that each student continues to read and write in a fun and casual atmosphere over the summer. We want each student to feel that reading, writing, and math are fun and not just something we do in school. Each kindergarten teacher can give you ideas about fun ways to include academic concepts in your summer plans. Your child will need his/her book bag until the very last day of school. **Our zoo field trip will be on May 24, 2011 – information coming soon!** **Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held May 26 – May 27, 2011 – more information to come! ** Thank you for your support throughout the year. Happy Summer! Kindergarten Team FIRST GRADE MAY/JUNE NEWS It's been a wonderful year in first grade! Our students are almost ready for second grade. They have been working hard and learning a lot. Thank you so much for all the support you have given us this year. For the remainder of the year, we will be reading about homes. Please have your child bring in a picture of his/her home. We will also be discussing animal homes. Ask your child about the difference between animal homes and where people live. To help prepare your child for second grade, she/he should be reading for at least 20 minutes a night. They can read library books, magazines, newspapers, and menus. In math we will be practicing addition and subtraction strategies as well as adding and subtracting two digit numbers. Please have your child practice the math facts that were previously sent home. In science and social studies, we will continue learning about how to care for our earth. We will observe and record the stages of the life cycle of a butterfly. As a culminating activity, the students will release the butterflies into their natural habitat. Thank you to all the families that participated in the Flat Stanley activity. The children were really excited every time a new Flat Stanley arrived! Have a Happy, Healthy Summer! The First Grade Team 2nd Grade News May/June This year has gone by with the blink if an eye! Our students are almost ready for third grade! We’ve enjoyed working with your children and watching them grow. While you are enjoying your summer vacation with your family, we would like to suggest some summer activities while having fun. ~READ!!! The Anne Arundel County Public Library runs a summer reading program. Sign up at your local branch or visit www.aacpl.net for more information. This will help your child maintain all the hard work that he/she has been doing throughout the year. ~KEEP ON WRITING!!!~ Keep a summer journal with all of your summer adventures by writing about them at the end of the day or the end of the week. What a great way to record all your fun memories! ~VISIT!!!~ There are many parks and museums in our area and many offer free admission or specials throughout the summer. Some suggestions are The Walters Art Museum, The Museum of Industry, and Port Discovery. It has been a pleasure working with each one of your families. We thank you so much for a successful year and your continued support. Have a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer!!! ~2nd Grade Teachers Mrs. Escobar, Mrs. Fox, Ms. A. Ward May and June Grade 3 News In May the third grade will be busy! The students have a field trip to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) on May 31st. We will be sending home the permission slips after Spring Break. Permission slips and money should be returned by May 13. In Science we will be studying landforms and making dioramas. In Social Studies, students will learn about the US Government. In Math, we will be reviewing concepts students have already learned, as well as preparing for 4th grade curriculum. Please continue to practice your multiplication facts- it is very important! The third grade teachers would like to thank all parents for their participation and support which made this year great! We are proud of all students’ accomplishments this year. Thanks again and have a great summer! Grade 3 Team 4th Grade News- Pre-Summer Edition! Parents~ The year has gone by incredibly fast! We’ve enjoyed working with your children and watching them grow! We do still have quite a bit of work ahead before we can relax. In Math we will continue working with fractions and decimals as well as revisiting some geometry topics. In Science we will wrap up our study of ecology and move on to matter and energy. In Social Studies we will continue our Study of Maryland. Don’t forget our trip to Annapolis Wednesday May 4th! Also don’t forget to continue to check homework planners and keep up with daily homework- we’re not on vacation yet! Looking ahead to summer break…while you’re enjoying some summertime fun with your children keep some learning in mind. Some fun activities we’d like to suggest: ~ READ!!!!! The Anne Arundel County Public Library runs a summer reading program. Sign up at your local branch or visit www.aacpl.net for more info. ~Keep a summer journal- chronicle all of your summer adventures by writing about them at the end of the day or for a little quiet time. ~ Visit local attractions like the Inner Harbor, the Annapolis City Docks, The Walters Art Museum (free admission to the permanent collection; visit www.thewalters.org for more info.) or any of the countless area museums and parks ~ Get moving!!! Get out and enjoy some physical activities like riding or walking on the bike trail or swimming. It won’t be long before another winter has us stuck inside - so why not enjoy the weather while we have it? Thanks so much for your continued support this year. Have a safe, educationally fun and relaxing summer!!! ~4th grade team Mrs. Dennsteadt, Mrs. G. Ward, Mrs. K. Bean and Ms. Rhodes MAY/JUNE FIFTH GRADE NEWS A Note From…The 5th Grade Team Mrs. Kachermeyer Mr. Peters Mrs. Tibbetts Dear Parents, Can you believe that we are already starting to plan for the end of the year…the close of your child’s time in Elementary School? It has been our privilege to watch them blossom this year into kind, capable and hard-working learners, prepared for Middle School AND beyond! This letter is to give you a preview of the end of our year. Friday –Wednesday May 6th, 9th, 10th, 11th: DROWNPROOFING Monday, May 30th: NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day Friday, June 3rd: Field Day Wednesday, June 8th: Promotion Rehearsal Begin during school (tentative) Thursday-Tuesday June 9th, 10th, 13th ,14th: Early Dismissal at 1:30pm Tuesday, June 14th: Promotion Ceremony & Reception Also as we start our preparations for promotion we would like to take this time to remind you about appropriate attire for the students on that special day. We recommend dressy spring clothes. For example, the girls are encouraged to wear a dress and the boys nice pants, a collared shirt, and maybe a tie. The girls can not wear spaghetti straps or strapless dresses without a light sweater over it. We thought these reminders might be helpful as you do your spring shopping! If you have ANY other questions or concerns please let your child’s teacher know ASAP. The school phone number is 410-222-6414. Remember to be on the look-out for important papers, reminders and information – there will be QUITE A BIT between now and June! MINC –May/June News Our final newsletter of the year! We will be celebrating our final student birthday during these months. Cameron will turn 12 on July 16 so we will have an early birthday party for him. We will maintain our focus on classroom academics as the weather gets warmer. Although we have planned motivating activities to keep our students interested, we ask your continued support in checking homework. May 20 is the annual Run, Jump and Throw event at Ridgeway Elementary. All students have ordered t-shirts and we look forward to having our students’ families join us for this special day. We will be planning another Awards and Celebration Lunch at the end of the year for all our students and their families in June. Since three of our students are moving on to middle school, it will be especially meaningful for all. I will be sending more information as the date approaches. COUNSELOR’S CORNER May/June Our annual Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day will be on Friday, May 6, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (afternoon Pre-K will be from 1-2 p.m.) We will meet in the cafeteria for light refreshments and performances, then have the visitation of classes. Student Ambassadors will be available to escort the guests to the classrooms. It will be helpful if the guests have the name of their student’s teacher with them. We hope to see you on this special day. Please notify the office if you will be attending so we know how many friends to expect. Summer break will soon be here! There is so much to do with swimming, playing outside, vacationing, and sports, yet we hear from our children: “I’m bored.” or “It’s too hot outside.” Please do not let them sit in front of the TV, computer, or play video games all day. Look into camps and outside activities to enrich your child’s summer. Have on hand reading and math activities so they do not lose all of the academic growth they have made this school year. Here are some summer suggestions: Read aloud to the little ones and encourage the older ones to read a good book. Chapter books are great for third, fourth, and fifth grade students. They can read a chapter or two and then pick it up later. A fun trip to the library is an easy way to find good books. There are chores to be done in the house or outside. This teaches them responsibility and can be a family bonding opportunity. They could even help you plant some flowers or wash the car. Cooking can be a lot of fun and following a recipe is educational. Teach your child to make an easy, delicious treat such as cookies and the experience will be as fun as eating them in the end. There are a lot of kid-friendly recipes on-line. When you go to the store, ask the children to add up several items, for example: the cereal, milk and fruit for their breakfast. When you go to a fast food place, ask them to add up what their meal will cost and how much money they will receive for change. When traveling in the car, make up a game where the children find different license plates on the passing vehicles and the one who finds the most different states will win a special treat. It will make the journey more interesting and remember that LEARNING CAN BE FUN! Now is a good time to revisit your rules and guidelines for stranger safety. Please remind your child to let you know where they are going and make sure there is adult supervision. Remind them to not talk with strangers, get in the car with a strangers, don’t let callers know if parents aren’t home, and don’t allow strangers in the home. If a child feels threatened by a stranger remind them to notify parents and possibly the police. Other good safety topics to revisit are bike safest, fire safety, water safety, and internet safety. Have a safe, exciting, and activity filled summer! Sincerely, Sara Scott, School Counselor Physical Education News Please mark your calendars for the following upcoming special event from the Physical Education department. Friday, June 3rd Field Day will be for all grades Pre-K to 5th. 3rd, 4th, 5th, and AM Pre-K grades field day will be held from 9:1511:15 Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and PM Pre-K grades field day will be held from 1:153:15 Please mark your calendars; volunteers are always welcome and needed! More information will be sent home about field day soon. Amy Mueller, Physical Education Teacher Boys & Girls Please remember tennis shoes are for PE. Boots, dress shoes, sandals, flip-flops, clog shoes are not acceptable for class. Children must have safe shoes on in order to participate. If students wear any other kind of shoes to school they must bring tennis shoes in their backpacks. Shorts under dresses and skirts will be ok. See you at Field Day! Ms. Mueller Physical Education Music Notes Upcoming Events: Please join us! The Spring Concert is scheduled for Tuesday, May 3, 2011 in the school cafeteria. Performer permission slips have been sent home. Band/ String lessons will continue throughout the month of May. Please DO NOT return rented instruments until after May 28! There will be several class meetings in June as well, but instruments will not be needed for these. All school instruments should remain in the BAND ROOM as of May 28.th Sign-ups for next year’s Instrumental Music program will begin soon. All second through fourth grade students are eligible to sign up for 2011-2012 Marley String Orchestra. All third & fourth grade students are eligible to sign up for 2011-2012 Marley Band. More information and registration forms for the program will be sent home soon! Summer Practice: If you intend to have your child keep their instrument over the summer, please check with their respective teacher for some fun exercises that will help maintain their playing skills. There are also many Music day camp opportunities for elementary students. Check with your local communities, music stores, and colleges. Need a musical activity for those rainy summer days? There are several websites that offer a chance to practice note reading and fingerings for instruments. (Even if you are unable to keep them over the summer!) Ask your instrumental teacher for a list. Here are some to get you started. Note reading: Click on “New Note” if one comes up that you haven’t learned yet. Flute: http://www.musictheory.net/exercises/note/beuyoy Clarinet: http://www.musictheory.net/exercises/note/brcycy Sax: www.musictheory.net/exercises/note/b8tyny Trumpet: www.musictheory.net/exercises/note/bfpycy Horn: www.musictheory.net/exercises/note/bgqyey Trombone: www.musictheory.net/exercises/note/nktyab Percussion: http://www.musictheory.net/exercises/note/beoyoy Cello: http://www.musictheory.net/exercises/note/neuydy Viola: http://www.musictheory.net/exercises/note/rjwydy Violin: http://www.musictheory.net/exercises/note/bdqydy Instrument Storage: Exposure to extreme temperatures or constant changes in temperature can damage instruments. When instruments are being stored they should be kept away from heating/ cooling vents, outside doors, windows, & anywhere that moisture collects. Please try to avoid leaving it in cars for long periods of time as well. Proper storage will help ensure that your child’s instrument remains in good working order. HEALTH ROOM NEWS Reminder to all parents with medication in the Health Room: You may pick up your child’s medication during the hours of 8:30 AM3:00 PM on or before June 14, 2011. Deadline for medications to be picked up is 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 15, 2011. Any medications not picked up by then will be disposed of per Department of Health guidelines. Health Room personnel will be available next school year to accept medication and PRAMs prior to the first day of school. HR hours will be limited, so please call before stopping. Health forms will also be available at this time. With the warm sunny weather ahead, children will be spending much more time outdoors. Exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays increases the risk of skin cancer and other diseases. To protect your children from dangerous UV rays: Use sunscreen and lip balm with at least SPF 15 that block both UVA and UVB rays. Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection when outdoors. Wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim. Seek and remain in shaded areas when possible. Wear cover-up clothing (WEATHER PERMITTING). *** PLEASE NOTE THAT CHILDREN ARE ALLOWED TO CARRY AND APPLY SUNBLOCK AT SCHOOL. NO PHYSICIAN’S ORDER IS NEEDED!!! *** The Health Room would like to wish everyone a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating and memorable summer break! We look forward to seeing you next school year!!! The Health Room Suzanne Barnhouse, R.N. Kimberly Carter, C.N.A. GOOD CITIZENS’ LUNCHEON The first Good Citizen’s Luncheon was held on May 2nd. Each teacher selected a Good Citizen from her class to join Mrs. Williman for lunch on the stage. Please join us in congratulating the students below for being selected as the Good Citizen for the month of April! Ms. Brazier Ms. Hutchings Ms. Jorgensen Ms. Serio Ms. J Bean Ms. Harrison Ms. Bagley Ms. Pumphrey Ms. Fox Ms. Escobar Ms. A Ward Cultural Arts Ms. Quinn Ms. McAndrew Ms. Klug Ms. G Ward Ms. K Bean Ms. Phodes Ms. Dennsteadt Ms. Kachermeyer Ms. Tibbetts Mr. Peters Ms. Montgomery HEALTH ROOM NEWS Reminder to all parents with medication in the Health Room: You may pick up your child’s medication during the hours of 8:30 AM3:00 PM on or before June 14, 2011. Deadline for medications to be picked up is 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 15, 2011. Any medications not picked up by then will be disposed of per Department of Health guidelines. Health Room personnel will be available next school year to accept medication and PRAMs prior to the first day of school. HR hours will be limited, so please call before stopping. Health forms will also be available at this time. With the warm sunny weather ahead, children will be spending much more time outdoors. Exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays increases the risk of skin cancer and other diseases. To protect your children from dangerous UV rays: Use sunscreen and lip balm with at least SPF 15 that block both UVA and UVB rays. Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection when outdoors. Wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim. Seek and remain in shaded areas when possible. Wear cover-up clothing (WEATHER PERMITTING). *** PLEASE NOTE THAT CHILDREN ARE ALLOWED TO CARRY AND APPLY SUNBLOCK AT SCHOOL. NO PHYSICIAN’S ORDER IS NEEDED!!! *** The Health Room would like to wish everyone a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating and memorable summer break! We look forward to seeing you next school year!!! The Health Room Suzanne Barnhouse, R.N. Kimberly Carter, C.N.A. From Your PTA May/June 2011 Your PTA would like to wish everyone a fun and safe summer break. Elections at Spring General Membership meeting this month. Spring is finally here! The flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and it’s time to elect PTA officers. Nominations are currently being accepted. If you are interested in running for a position you must be a member. Memberships are still available with payment of the $5.00 dues. You must also be a member to vote. But never fear, you can join right before the meeting and be eligible to vote. This is a very important chance to shape your PTA direction. We already have some interest in running for positions. The Board of Director Positions are President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. Please submit the attached nomination form. Elections will be held during the General Membership Meeting which is held prior to the Spring concert. Family Dance Friday May 20th. Hope to see everyone at the Family Dance Friday May 20 th 6:30-8:30pm. This will be a fun time for the whole family to celebrate the end of the school year. Paper Drive We are asking you to help us reach our paper recycling goals. Please bring your newspapers, catalogs, magazines, school and office papers and old mail to the Green and Yellow Paper Retriever bin located in our parking lot behind the bus loop. With your help we will surpass last years recycling efforts. Thanks for your participation and support!!!! Market Day Fundraiser Market Day paper order cut off is Tues. 5/17. Online orders need to be in by Thurs. 5/19. Pick-up is Wed. 5/25. Please pass the order forms on to your family, friends and neighbors. The cutoff for June orders is Tues 6/7. Online order deadline is Thurs. 6/9. Pick-up is Wed. 6/15. It’s easy to order right on line, or you can fill out the order form and send it in to the PTA. Online orders can be submitted as C.O.D. or pay with your credit card. C.O.D. payments can be made on delivery day with Cash, Check or Independence Cards. Thanks for your support. Teacher & Staff Appreciation We will celebrate Teacher & Staff appreciation Week in May. In preparation, we would like to get feedback from you about our great teachers and staff. Many times they do something that makes us say to ourselves, “WOW! That was really special“. Then we go about our day feeling good that we have left our children in capable hands, but we do not always share those moments with the teachers and staff. This is your opportunity to make someone feel good about the great work that they do. An opportunity to share with them how important they are to us, and how much they really do affect our community in a positive way. Please fill out the form below and return it to your PTA, or send us an email to marleyelementaryschoolpta@gmail.com. We will compile your feedback to be presented to the teachers and staff. Submit as many as you would like. Your input is very important. We cannot do this without you. Thanks for your participation. Teacher and Staff Appreciation Kudos Your Name___________________ Students Name & Grade____________________ Name of Teacher/Staff member you are honoring_____________________ Tell us what makes this Teacher/Staff member stand out. ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Teacher and Staff Appreciation Kudos Your Name___________________ Students Name & Grade____________________ Name of Teacher/Staff member you are honoring_____________________ Tell us what makes this Teacher/Staff member stand out. ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Teacher and Staff Appreciation Kudos Your Name___________________ Students Name & Grade____________________ Name of Teacher/Staff member you are honoring_____________________ Tell us what makes this Teacher/Staff member stand out. ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------