Pleasant Valley Elementary SchoolNovember 2016 Newsletter

Mr. Roger Pomposello Ms. Erica Greer Ms. Valerie RudawskiAssistant Principal Principal Dean of Students

Be sure to look for the PVE Newsletter and other pertinent school informationon the Pleasant Valley School District web site at www.pvbears.org.

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

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

MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of the Pleasant Valley Elementary School is to inspire all students toward physical,

intellectual, emotional, and social growth as life long learners.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/Teacher conferences are being held on the following dates

and times:Tuesday, November 15th from 5:00 – 7:00

PMThursday, November 17th from 6:00 – 8:00

PMFriday, November 18th from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

(No school for students this day)

Your child’s teacher will be sending home information to parents with day and time options for you to schedule your conference. Please check your child’s book bag for this information.

Report Card Distribution for grades K - 3

The first marking period ends on Wednesday, November 2nd Reports cards

will be sent home with students on Friday, November 11th. Please be sure to look over your child’s report card, sign the envelope, and return it to the teacher as soon as possible. Scheduled Early Dismissals Times

Wednesday, November 23rd AM Kindergarten dismissal at 11:05 AM

PM Kindergarten begins at 11:10 AM Dismissal at 1:30 PM

Photo Retake Day on Tuesday, November 22 nd

If your child missed their Photo Day in October or you would like a retake, Photo Retake Day has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 22nd Please don’t forget to send the order envelope to school on that day. Students need to request a photo envelope from the main office. Also students must wear standardized dress clothing for their photo.

Clothing SwapPlease join us on Saturday, November

19th, 2016 at PVE from 9:00 AM to 12 Noon for our standardized dress clothing swap. Make sure to bring your voucher! …

Calling all artists! Pleasant Valley School District will be participating in a poster competition 2016 “Great American Smoke Out!.” A Flyer is attached for the poster contest that is being sponsored by Pocono Medical Center .

2016 Santa LuncheonThe PVESPA will be hosting a Santa

Luncheon on Saturday, December 3 rd at PVI Cafeteria. See attached flyer in this Newsletter.

Let’s celebrate the holiday seasonPlease join us on Tuesday, December

6th, from 5:30 – 7:00 PM for our sixth annual winter tree lighting at Pleasant Valley Elementary School.

Students should bring along the ornaments (which will be sent home to be decorated) to hang on the tree. There will be baked goods made by staff for sale in the lobby. The proceeds will be used to benefit local families in need this holiday season. We will have the students join together with our chorus to sing holiday songs they practiced

and Christmas City will be available to take free family photos.

What: PVE’s 6th Annual Winter Tree LightingWhen: Tuesday, December 6th , 2016Time: 5:30 – 7:00 PMWhere: In front of PVE

From the NursePhysical examinations and

dental examinations are required for all Kindergarten students and transfer

students who do not have documentation of a completed physical exam and dental examination on file in the nurses’ office. Dental exams are also

required for grade 3. If you have had these exams completed by your private physician/dentist, please return the completed forms to the school nurse.

Smile Pennsylvania (Mobile Dentist) will be providing on-site dental care at PVE from Monday, January 9th through Thursday, January 12th, 2017.  If you wish to take advantage of this program, please fill out the permission slip that will be sent home with your student and return it to school by Thursday, December 15th, 2016. Parents must submit a completed

Smile Pennsylvania application for their child to be seen at PVE by the Smile Pennsylvania (Mobile Dentist) staff.  You can learn more about Smile

Programs by going to mobiledentists.com and watching the short video about the dental care program.

Dr. Ambani will be at PVE for school physicals on Thursday, December 15th, 2016, for Kindergarten students and new students in need of a physical. Parental permission is required for a school physical examination.

Dr. Pierce will be at PVE for school dental exams on Tuesday, January 17th, 2017, for Kindergarten, Grade 3, and new students in need of a dental exam. Parental permission is required for a school dental examination.

Free & Reduced Breakfast & Lunch ProgramWe have applications for those

students who qualify for free/reduced lunches (based

on degree of need). Applications were sent home in the beginning of the school year; however, if you did not receive one, please let us know. We want to make sure everyone who is eligible has an opportunity to participate in our free and reduced breakfast and lunch program.PVSD Diversity Task Force Committee

Pleasant Valley School District hosts a monthly meeting of educators, parents, students, and community members to discuss and plan for programs and activities to promote a knowledge and acceptance of diversity. Parents are always encouraged to become part of this committee, which meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month during school hours at the school district office.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday,

November 15th, from 9:30-11:30 AM at district office.

Weather Related Cancellations Early Dismissal – All after-

school events and activities will be canceled.

No School – All school-related events and activities will be canceled.

K-3 Schedule for One-Hour Delay Classes will begin one hour later with no

disruption to the day. Specials will begin at 10:40 (Beginning of

period 3). Lunch and the Kindergarten day will otherwise go as normal.

Breakfast is served when school is delayed.

K-3 Schedule for Two-Hour Delay Classes will begin two hours later. Breakfast is NOT served when school is

delayed. Kindergarten will follow the modified

schedule as described below.Modified Kindergarten Schedule

Our school district always defers to the safety of our school children when making decisions as to holding classes on days when the weather turns nasty. Often times a “delay” in our start time will allow for

roads to be cleared and for better visibility for our drivers. However, the impact of a two-hour delay costs us the loss of many of our AM sessions and requires us to “balance” attendance at the end of the year.

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

Kindergarten Two-hour DelayAM pickup time is two hours beyond normal time.

AM buses arrive ~ 11:07 AMAM classes begin ~11:17 AM

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

PM pickup time is one hour beyond normal time.

PM buses arrive ~ 1:35 PMPM classes begin ~ 1:45 PMPM dismissal ~ 3:42 PMClassroom teachers will communicate

to you as to what the expectations are those days (snack, modified instructional components, rescheduling special events, etc.). Please understand that your decision to have your child attend on “modified schedule days” will be at your discretion, based on the conditions of the roads in your area.

Early Dismissal Procedures Due to Inclement Weather

In the event of an early dismissal, AM Kindergarten students will be held at the school and dismissed with the students in grades 1-3. There will be NO PM Kindergarten. Students in grades 1-3 will be sent home on the bus they normally take home from school. Morning Kindergarten students will be sent home on the same bus they come to school on.

Depending on the time of the dismissal, lunch may be served to students. AM Kindergarten students will be provided with some form of extra snack or lunch on these days. Every attempt will be made by the school to contact parents of AM Kindergarten students in the event of an

early dismissal. PM Kindergarten parents and ALL parents are encouraged to listen to the radio or watch the major television stations on inclement days.

In the case of inclement weather occurring at times when school is in session, please turn on your radio or television to one of the stations listed below to find out about early dismissals or cancellations:

TelevisionWBRE-TV (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton) Channel 28 WYOU-TV (Scranton) Channel 22 WNEP-TV (Moosic) Channel 16 WFMZ-TV (Allentown) Channel 69

RadioWLEV-FM 100.7 (Allentown) WZZO-FM 95.1 (Allentown) WYNX-AM 1160 (Lehighton) WEST-AM 1400 (Lehigh Valley) WHCY-FM 106.3 (Blairstown) WVPO-AM 840 (Stroudsburg) WSGD-FM 94.3 (Moosic) WCDL-AM 1440 (Moosic) WAEB-FM B104.1/AM 790 (Whitehall)WARM-AM 590 (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton) WCTO-FM 96.1 (Cat Country - Easton) WXKW-1470 (Lehigh Valley) WKAP-1320 AM (Lehigh Valley) WSBG-FM 93.5 (Stroudsburg) WPMR-FM 107.9 (Mt. Pocono) Oldies-FM 99.9 (Easton)

Information on any upcoming early dismissals

There are times that, as a result of inclement weather or a failure in the power and/or heating systems of the schools, or for other emergency safety concerns, it is necessary to close the schools of the school district either before the school day has begun or during the school day. If there is a need to enact a closing, announcements will be made immediately through the appropriate media and a Connect-Ed automated phone message will be generated. Students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) can also tune in to local radio or TV stations for this information. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of Kindergarten students should also pay particular attention to possible delays in bus pickups, late arrivals

home, or early dismissals and are responsible to listen to public announcements regarding weather emergencies. Please refrain from contacting the school office or central administration to obtain information regarding school closures or early dismissals.

Also, parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible to develop a plan for dealing with instances where children will be dismissed early from school and to inform their children about what to do or where to go in the case of an early dismissal. This should be done early in the school year so that all children are properly prepared for early dismissal at any time.

Parent Pickup and other Important Reminders

The Pleasant Valley Elementary office is a busy place at the end of the school day, with our office staff focusing on the safety of our students as we get them ready for dismissal and other after school activities. As noted in the Student-Parent Handbook, (page 7-8), a few procedures must be followed to keep our students safe. We are asking parents to make every attempt to adhere to our procedures when picking up children at the end of the school day.

Send a note to school when you are planning to pick up your child at the 3:47 PM parent pickup time.

Be on time when picking up your child, and bring photo

ID. Keep all emergency contact

information updated. Students may not be picked up before

the dismissal time of 3:47 PM unless there is a medical appointment or a family emergency.

We CANNOT call children from their classrooms after 3:15 PM. Parents must wait until 3:47 PM. Calling the classrooms interrupts instruction that is occurring as teachers close their lessons for the day.

Additionally, we welcome group instructors or leaders, (scouts, 4-H, etc.), to enter the school following our 3:47 PM parent pickup time.

For morning drop off – parents MUST walk their children to the front of the building.

We are asking that parents DO NOT come to the school after school hours to pick up any homework. Custodians

are not allowed to let parents back into classrooms.

We are asking that parents/guardians please list the following on your child’s parent pickup note: the date, the full name of the student, the teacher, and the person who will be picking up the child. This will ensure that your child is in the appropriate parent pickup location and is released to the proper individual.

Student ArrivalOur expectation is that

students be in their classroom prior to 9:17 AM. All PV buses are scheduled to arrive by 9:07 and students arriving after this time are rushed and miss key parts of the morning routine. Please have students arrive in a timely fashion. Arrival after instruction begins (9:17 AM) is considered tardy and students must report to the secretary at the window to be signed in before going to their classroom.Standardized dress

There has been a concern raised on the part of some students and parents about

tucking pants into boots. In an effort to clarify the policy, students are permitted to wear boots that are dress code compliant. Boots must be below

the knee and students are not permitted to wear shorts with boots, however pants, capris, gauchos, skirts, etc. are permitted provided they are not tucked into the boot. If you have any questions, please contact your building administrator.

Important Dates to Remember

in November

Friday, November 11 th – Report cards issued

Tuesday, November 15 th – Parent/Teacher Evening Conferences 5:00 – 7:00 PM

Thursday, November 17 th – Parent/Teacher Evening Conferences 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Friday, November 18 th – NO SCHOOL for students – Parent/Teacher Conferences

8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Wednesday, November 23 rd Early Dismissal

Lunch will be servedAM Kindergarten @ 11:05 AM

(PM Kindergarten begins @ 11:10 AM)PM Kindergarten through 3rd Grade @ 1:30

PMThursday, November 24 th – Monday,

November 28 th Thanksgiving Recess, School is closed.

Tuesday, November 29 th – School reopens.

Toys for TotsPVE is once again participating in the

Toys for Tots Program. All toys collected will be picked up by the Marines and distributed to less fortunate families throughout Monroe County. This toy drive will begin Monday, November 14th and continue through Friday, December 16th. Please consider helping this worthwhile cause by donating a new toy.

Counselor’s CornerEffective Discipline Techniques for ParentsMany parents get tired of repeating themselves as they try to teach their children the same lessons and the appropriate way to behave. When it comes to disciplining your child effectively, how you communicate--what you say and how you say it--is key. Discipline your child with words that are instructive, not destructive and

that are caring, not callous. If your child feels that you respect him/her, your child is more likely to comply.

Be calm. Your neutral tone shows your child you are standing your ground. Your calmness is contagious and will help your child calm down.

Be confident. If you want your child to have a two-cookie or one hour TV limit, then establish that those are the rules in your home and enforce them consistently and with confidence.

Praise good behavior. Use specific praises that reiterate the good thing your child did and what it meant. “Thank you for sitting quietly and reading while I dressed your sister. It made us all happy and able to get things done. You are becoming a good reader.”

Give gentle reminders. Time these appropriately. As your child leaves the bathroom, remind him/her to turn out the light.

Present choices. Instead of always telling your child not to do something, give choices such as “do you want to put your socks on first or your shirt?” Just make sure you only give choices that you will be comfortable with.

Don’t ask, tell. Asking “are you ready for bed?” leaves the decision up to your child and the likely answer will be “no!” Try “time for bed!” instead.

When…then. Tell your child when he/she completes an act of good behavior (puts away a toy, finishes homework, brushes teeth), then something desirable for your child will happen (you can have a cookie, watch TV etc).

Tell your child you will count to ten and explain what needs to happen during the countdown. Kids actually like the ‘beat-the-clock’ challenge and the countdown also allows you to keep your cool.

Invite input. Work out a situation together by asking your child how he/she would solve the problem.

Then listen and work together to solve the issue at hand.

Say please and thank you. This helps your child use these important terms in his/her own language, but also provides an air of civility and kindness.

Focus your message and be specific. Direct your child specifically, saying “Dinner’s almost ready. Please turn off the TV, wash your hands and come to the table.”

Brief is best. One or two sentences will work better than a lecture in most cases. “Put your coat on or you’ll be late for school.”

Use “I” phrases instead of “you” phrases. Shift your criticism from the child to the child’s behavior. Rather than, “you really make me mad when you do not put your toys away” try “I really like it when you put away your toys when you are finished playing.”

Don’t give too many orders at once. As your child completes a task, then direct him/her to the next one to avoid overwhelming your child.

**Article from onetoughjob.org

Music Department In music we have been learning many

different things!  We have been learning how to use our singing voices, keep the steady beat, dance, read and compose music, play instruments, and much more!  The PVE 3rd

grade chorus, Ms. Boligitz and Mrs. Murray have been working hard in preparation for the chorus’ performance on December 6th at the PVE Tree Lighting! The chorus will also be singing for our visiting Veterans on Veterans Day,

November 11th. Music Department looks forward to a wonderful, music-filled year!

Tips for Helping Your Child Become a More Fluent Reader

Reading fluently can be a tough task for a child. It requires him or her to read accurately, quickly, and with good expression. At PVE, we are striving to help your child read fluently and demonstrate good

comprehension. However, parents can play a major role in this learning process.

We have compiled a list of some tips for you to help your child become a more fluent reader.

First, make sure your child is reading a book at his/her level – not too easy but not too hard. You can use the 5-finger rule – if your child struggles with five or more words on a page, that book is probably too difficult. The local library is a great place to find a variety of books for your child to enjoy.

Second, listen to your child read every day. Encourage your child by telling him/her that you are proud of them.

Next, have your child call a family member or friend and read to them. Repeated reading helps a child learn to use more expression and read more accurately.

Finally, read to your child every day! It is so important for your child to hear you read often. This models fluent reading for him/her. It is amazing how your help can truly

improve your child’s reading ability. With our lives being so busy, this is a great way for you to spend some quality time with your child as well. This should not be considered a chore or punishment. Our goal is to help your child become a lifelong learner. Establishing enjoyable reading routines at home is one way to get your child off to a great start!

School District WebsitePlease visit our Pleasant Valley

School District website at www.pvbears.org., The web-site contains pertinent information such as dress code information, School Board meeting dates, times and locations as well the School Board meeting agendas and approved minutes. School Board policies can also be

accessed from the website.To access the School Board Meeting

Agenda, go to www.pvbears.org, click on “Our District” click on “Board of Education” and click on “Tentative Board Meeting Agenda”.

A Message from the PVE SAFE Team: As we are entering yet another cold

and flu season, we would like to take a moment to remind everyone of the importance of hand washing. All of our classrooms now have foam soap dispensers located near their classroom sinks. Students should not be bringing liquid hand sanitizer to school from home as this presents a safety concern. Hand wipes would be a safe alternative to the liquid sanitizer. Please be sure to remind your child to wash their hands.

Pleasant Valley School DistrictKINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

The Pleasant Valley School District has begun registering the incoming Kindergarten class for the 2017-2018 school year. The first part of the two-part registration process will ask parents to provide Pleasant Valley School District with the basic registration information (child’s legal name, parent’s name(s), birth date, mailing address, and phone numbers). The second phase of the regular Kindergarten screening process will take place March 13 – April 18, 2017.

Students must be five years of age on or before September 1, 2017 and reside in the Pleasant Valley School District in order to register.

Parents should call Magen Snyder, Registration Secretary at the Pleasant Valley Administration building (570) 402-1000, ext. 4010, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM to schedule an appointment.

* * * * * * * * * *

Don’t forget to change your clocks back on Sunday,

November 6th !

PLANET LEARN

Kindergarten Parent/Student Night Where: PVE

When: Thursday, November 3rd Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM

A flyer to sign up will be coming home with your Kindergarten student.

Ticket to Knowledge

September Winners:Autumn Schwartz – Ms. Kuntzman’s Kindergarten Class

Sophia Cerino – Ms. Baker’s 1st Grade ClassLandon Dubler – Ms. Shibley’s 2nd Grade ClassJaden Chambres – Ms. Pohl’s 3rd Grade Class

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Americans vote for a president every _________years.

A majority is _______________________________.

Name ______________________________________

Teacher ____________________________________

Return this bottom portion with the correct answer to your teacher.At the end of the month, a name will be drawn from each grade level for a

free trip to the:“PAWS Rewards Bear Den”

November 2016 Calendar of Events

Date EventOctober 31 Fall Celebrations in the classrooms – Black and Orange Day

November 2 End of the First Marking PeriodNovember 3 PVE Planet Learn Kindergarten Night 5:30 – 7:00 PMNovember 6 Daylight Savings Time Ends/Standard Time BeginsNovember 8 Election DayNovember 9 Ready, Set, Read Now! (Pre-K) program 5:30 – 7:30 PM @ PVE

Nov. 14 – Dec. 16 Toys for Tots collection of toysNovember 10 Board of Education Meeting, 8:00 PM, school district officeNovember 11 Veterans’ Day

November 13 – 19 American Education WeekNovember 15 Diversity Task Force at District Office 9:30 – 11:30 AM

PVE PTO Meeting @ 9:30 AMParent-Teacher Conferences – 5:00 – 7:00 PM

November 17 Parent-Teacher Conferences – 6:00 – 8:00 PMNovember 18 Parent/Teacher Conferences – No school for studentsNovember 19 Clothing Swap @ PVE 9:00 AM – 12 NoonNovember 22 Photo Makeup day for PVE (standardized dress attire mandatory)November 23 Early Dismissal

Nov. 24 – Nov. 28 Thanksgiving recess – Offices closedNovember 29 Classes resume

November 2016 Day / Date Calendar

Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Thursday FridayN

OV

EMBE

R Oct. 31Day 6

1Day 1

2Day 2

3Day 3

4Day 4

7Day 5

8Day 6

9Day 1

10Day 2

11Day 3

14Day 4

15Day 5

16Day 6

17Day 1

18CLOSED

(Parent/Teacher Conferences)

21Day 2

22Day 3

23Day 4

(Early Dismissal)

24CLOSED

(Thanksgiving Day)

25CLOSED

(Thanksgiving Recess)

28CLOSED

(Thanksgiving Recess)

29

Day 5

30

Day 6

Dec. 1

Day 1

Dec. 2

Day 2