Pleasant Valley Elementary SchoolNovember 2015 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 17th from

5:00 – 7:00 PMThursday, November 19th from 6:00 – 8:00

PMFriday, November 20th 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 Tuesday, November 3rd. Reports cards will be sent home with students on Friday, November 13th. 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 25th

AM Kindergarten dismissal at 11:15 AMPM Kindergarten begins at 11:20 AM

Dismissal at 1:40 PM

Photo Retake Day on Thursday, November 19 th

If your child missed their Photo Day in October or you would like a retake, Photo Retake Day has been scheduled for Thursday, November 19th. 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. Students must wear standardized dress clothing for their photo.

Let’s celebrate the holiday season

Please join us on Monday, December 7th, from 5:30 – 7:00 PM for our fifth 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 5th Annual Winter Tree LightingWhen: Monday, December 7th, 2015Time: 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 11th through Thursday, January 14th, 2016.  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 Tuesday, December 15th, 2015. 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 3rd, 2015, 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 5th, 2016, 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 Program

We 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 CommitteePleasant 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 17th, from 9:30-11:30 AM at the school 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 AMAM 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 Kinder-garten 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 respon-sible 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 3:42 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 3:42 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 3:42 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 3:42 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. However, garments are not permitted to be tucked into the boot. The policy states that pants must meet the top of a shoe; but not touch the floor. 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.

Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)As the principal at Pleasant Valley

Elementary School, Ms. Greer is committed to creating a school environment that

promotes parental involvement along with high academic expectations.

This is an opportunity to meet with other administrators and staff to discuss new ideas and explore new concepts and

concerns. In an effort to gain input and feedback from parents/guardians, he holds regular Parent Advisory Committee meetings where parents are able to discuss their ideas and suggestions

allowing for continuous growth of our school.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 2 nd , from 6:00 – 7:00 PM in the PVE Cafeteria.

Important Dates to Rememberin November

Friday, November 13 th – Report cards issued

Tuesday, November 17 th – Parent/Teacher Evening Conferences 5:00 – 7:00 PM

Thursday, November 19 th – Parent/Teacher Evening Conferences 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Friday, November 20 th – NO SCHOOL for students – Parent/Teacher Conferences

8:30 AM to 4:00 PMWednesday, November 25 th

Early Dismissal Lunch will be served

AM Kindergarten @ 11:15 AM(PM Kindergarten begins @ 11:20 AM)

PM Kindergarten through 3rd Grade @ 1:40 PM

Thursday, November 26 th – Monday, November 30 th Thanksgiving Recess, School

is closed.Tuesday, December 1 st – 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 9th and continue through Friday, December 11th. Please consider helping this worthwhile cause by donating a new toy.

Counselor’s Corner

Teaching EmpathyAt around 8 or 9, children begin to develop the cognitive skills necessary to understand the concept of empathy.  But even 6 year olds are concerned about being treated well, and they want others to be treated well too.  The following are some ideas to help develop empathy in our children.

Praise empathetic behavior.  When your child performs an act of kindness, tell him what he did right, and be as specific as possible:  “You were very generous to share your pretzels with Tommy.  I saw him smiling and I know he was happy.”Use role play.  Have your child put himself in the other person’s shoes and role play the situation.  Also, look back at prior experiences when the tables were turned.Look for good in everyone.  When our children are faced with people they don’t like or are at odds with, encourage him to try to find something good, however small, in that person.Involve your child in charitable activities.  Acts of kindness and charity are an excellent way to teach your child empathy.  Your child could help when planning and making a meal to take to a sick friend.  They could also help donate time or items to a local charity.Teach basic rules of politeness.  Good manners are a concrete way for your child to show caring and respect for others.Give your child jobs.  Research suggests that children who learn responsibility also learn altruism and caring.Use I-Messages.  Use I-Messages when you talk to your children about feelings.  Teach your child to use I-Messages to express his feelings in a positive way.  I feel _______, When you______ and I want _____.

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 7th 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 2016-2017 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 14 – April 15, 2016.

Students must be five years of age on or before September 1, 2016 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 1st!

Ticket to Knowledge

------------------ ---

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 2015 Calendar of Events

Date EventOctober 30 Fall Celebrations in the classrooms – Blue and White Day

PVE Family Fun Night Pumpkin CarvingNovember 1 Daylight Savings Time Ends/Standard Time BeginsNovember 3 End of 1st Marking Period

Election DayNovember 5 PVE Planet Learn Kindergarten Night 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Nov. 9 – Dec. 11 Toys for Tots collection of toysNovember 10 Ready, Set, Read Now! (Pre-K) program 5:30 – 7:30 PMNovember 11 Veterans’ DayNovember 12 Board of Education Meeting, 8:00 PM, school district officeNovember 14 Clothing Swap @ PVE 9:00 AM – 12 Noon

November 16 – 20 American Education WeekNovember 17 PVE PTO Meeting @ 9:30 AM

Diversity Task Force at District Office 9:30 – 11:30 AMParent-Teacher Conferences – 5:00 – 7:00 PM

November 19 Photo Makeup day for PVE (standardized dress attire mandatory)Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences 5:00 – 7:00 PM

November 20 Parent/Teacher Conferences – No school for studentsNovember 25 Early Dismissal

Nov. 26 – Nov. 30 Thanksgiving recess – Offices closedDecember 1 Classes resume

November 2015 Day / Date Calendar

Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Thursday FridayN

OV

EMBE

R 2Day 6

3Day 1

4Day 2

5Day 3

6Day 4

9Day 5

10Day 6

11Day 1

12Day 2

13Day 3

16Day 4

17Day 5

18Day 6

19Day 1

20CLOSED

(Parent/Teacher Conferences)

23Day 2

24Day 3

25Day 4

(Early Dismissal)

26CLOSED

(Thanksgiving Day)

27CLOSED

(Thanksgiving Recess)

30CLOSED

(Thanksgiving Recess)

Dec. 1

Day 5

Dec. 2

Day 6

Dec. 3

Day 1

Dec. 4

Day 2