We are moving quickly through the year, and I

cannot believe that we are into February

already. While we have been very blessed with

good weather, please keep in mind that

February 2nd we will look to the Groundhog to

see if we are having six more week of winter or

that Spring is right around the corner.

If you are picking up your child at the end of

the day, please make sure you send in a note

at the beginning of the day. This helps the

teacher gather materials if needed, get your

child ready for the dismissal, and prepare the

office. Dismissal can be a little crazy with

busses arriving and parents picking up. Please

also remember to park in the lot across the

street and use the sidewalk to enter the

building. It is for your safety and helps out our

bus drivers. Lastly, keep in mind that students

are involved in instruction until the 3:15 pm

dismissal.

We are also continuing our PSSA push for

grades 3-6. If at all possible please try to

schedule doctor appointments after the school

day as we value the limited amount of time we

have each day. We want to make sure we are

properly preparing your sons and daughters for

future education as well as the state tests.

As always, if you have any questions, please

call me, send me an email, or leave a voice

mail.

Mrs. Jennifer Reiter, Principal

Welcome

February 2016

Parents are able to view their child(ren)'s

progress by accessing the Parent Portal.

The Parent Portal is a browser-based management

tool that can be used by parents to review student

information related to grades, assignments,

attendance, and more. Parent/ Student features

include the ability to view school calendars, class

web pages, student schedules, attendance records,

assignments, grades and progress reports.

Parents are encouraged to utilize this system to

monitor their child's progress. We will no longer

be mailing a hard copy of the progress

reports home.

If a parent does not have internet access please

contact the school office and a hard copy will be

provided.

If you have not already registered on the Parent

Portal please follow this process:

Access the ASD Webpage at

www.asd.k12.pa.us

Move the cursor to the Parents & Students tab

Click on Parent Portal

This will take you to the Parent Portal Login

page

Click on Online registration and follow the

instructions

*Grades will display only for students in first-sixth

grade

*Parents of first grade and new students will need

to register as a new user; you will need your

child’s Student ID Number (99 number).

Report Cards will be sent home with students

February 10, 2016.

Progress Reports and Deficiencies

Shannock Valley Elementary School’s February Newsletter Page 2

What second grade has discovered is that

February, even though it's the shortest month,

has the most moments to celebrate. We use our

skill of prediction before the groundhog does to

decide if he will see his shadow or not (on Feb. 2).

We will celebrate the Chinese New Year (the week

of Feb.8) and study how the start and ending of

the holiday is related to the phases of the moon.

We celebrate the 100th day of school sometime

during the second week in February. In Reading

and in Social Science we will celebrate

Black History Month and see the impact

that many African Americans have had on the

shaping of our history. We also have our third

party of the year to celebrate Valentine's Day and

we will wrap up the month celebrating the

birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and George

Washington on Presidents' Day. Through this

month we will continue strengthening our skills of

adding and subtracting double digit numbers

including money in our Math class.

Hopefully the weather will continue to work in our

favor as we begin the 3rd nine weeks of school :)

Second Grade News First grade is busy, busy, busy. In Math, we are

finishing a unit on patterns. We have been

working hard on skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s.

Please try and listen to your child skip count a few

times a week. This is a skill that will help them in

the future when they start multiplication. Our

next unit in Math is unit 11 - tens and ones. We

will be learning more about place value and

grouping by tens. Please continue to practice

your math flash cards that are sent home so your

child can become fluent with their math facts.

In Reading, we have learned the long A pattern:

a_e, the long I pattern: i_e and the long O

pattern : o_e. We are learning the long E

pattern: e_e and the long U pattern : u_e. This is

going to be difficult for some children at first due

to the different sound the vowel is making.

Encourage your child to look at the pattern, sound

out the word and then read the word as a whole.

Please continue to practice the High Frequency

Words with your child. Knowing these words will

help them become a successful reader.

We are getting ready to celebrate Black History

Month in February. First Grade has a few

important people to talk about while we celebrate,

with one being Rosa Parks. Also in February, we

will be celebrating the 100th day of school. Please

read your newsletter to see what fun activity First

Grade will be doing!

First Grade News

Upcoming Events

Kindergarten Registration – Beginning February 1, 2016 parents can call to make an appointment

Student Early Dismissal Day – February 5 at 12:20 pm (No AM or Extended Day Kindergarten)

Valentine’s Day Parties – February 12, 2 pm

PTO Meeting - Monday, February 15, 3:45 pm in the Cafeteria

Parent/Teacher Conferences – February 25 (5-8 pm) and February 26 (all day)

February 5th February 5th is an early dismissal for students. All students will be dismissed at 12:20 pm. AM

Kindergarten and Extended Day Kindergarten will not attend school this day. PM Kindergarten will

arrive in the morning, have lunch at school, and be dismissed with the rest of the school at 12:20 pm.

You should have received information about bussing as well as lunch from Mrs. Parks and Mrs. Beighley, Kindergarten teachers. If you have any special needs or questions, please give us a call.

Read 180 News My students in Read 180 are excited to be

involved in activities to improve their reading

fluency. The objective is to read with proper

phrasing, intonation, and expression in phrases.

They will be tracking their progress and will share

their results. A take home packet including

fluency task cards, instant word fluency charts,

and fluency passages will also reinforce activities

here in school. I am sure you will see a positive result in your child’s hard work

As we move into the second semester, and the SV

Yearbook is in full swing, students have turned in

their designs for the yearbook cover contest for

which there was a 1st and 2nd place winner. The

first place winner will represent the front cover of

this year’s yearbook and the second place will be

the back cover. The winners were Ella Brewer and

Chloe Bennett. 6th graders have also turned in

baby pictures and ads for the PTO. Finally, as we

are busily preparing for the PSSA’s, we are working

on other activities too. In Science class, we will be

working on a Valentine’s Day Probability Activity

using candy conversation hearts. In Social Studies,

the students will be completing an overview of

Black History Month.

Sixth Grade News

Shannock Valley Elementary School’s February Newsletter Page 3

Health & PE News In PE classes the week of February 15th-19th,

students will rotate thru jump rope and jump

stations. This will be done in support of the

American Heart Association's Jump Rope for

Heart. Students can take donations to earn

prizes.

Happy New Year! 2016 is well underway with

the month of January nearly behind us!

Students enjoyed reading a variety of stories

from myths and tall tales to storm chasing

adventures and mysteries. The kids have been

working diligently in math class exploring

geometry, measurement, and algebraic

expressions. The 4th grade Science projects

were a great success! The boys and girls took

the opportunity to present their scientific

wonders to their classmates very seriously. A

sincere thank you for the efforts of students

and families alike.

The Southeast Region has come to a close in

Social Studies and our next destination is the

midwest. Discussions and facts regarding

Abraham Lincoln, the Underground Railroad,

and Mount Rushmore will be introduced.

Students will be expected to continue working

rigorously with a variety of math and reading

skills as we continue preparing for the state

assessments in April.

Also, fourth grade is the featured grade in the

lobby showcase. The theme "We All Count" will

be displayed with multicultural hands

supporting the diverse world that we live in. As

always, thank you for your support regarding

your child's education. We are very pleased and

proud of what the students have been learning,

how they have been behaving, and who your

son or daughter is growing into as a mature and caring individual.

Fourth Grade News

6th and 5th grade art students will complete

their clay projects.

4th grade students completed a beautiful

diversity project to celebrate Black History Month.

They will be starting clay construction.

3rd grade art students will use the element

of value to create a painting inspired by a famous

African American painter, Horace Pippin.

2nd, 1st grade, and kindergarten art students

will create mosaics and study the art element of

value.

Art News

Group B (grades 3-6) Monday, February 1

Group A (grades K-2) Monday, February 8

After School Fitness

Shannock Valley Elementary School’s February Newsletter Page 4

Guidance News Throughout the month of January grades 3 through 6 have been participating in a computer-based

assessment test for Math and Reading. The assessment is called the Classroom Diagnostic Tools (CDT).

The purpose of the CDT is to provide information that will help guide instruction by providing support to

students and teachers. The CDT reports are designed to provide a picture or snapshot of how students

are performing in relation to the Pennsylvania Assessment Anchors & Eligible Content and Keystone

Assessment Anchors & Eligible Content. The student benefits from the CDT assessment are that it offers

descriptive and timely feedback to the students while in the process of learning and creating. It builds

efficacy bringing students into the process of their own learning and promotes goal setting.

After school tutoring is now available to any student who is struggling academically on Tuesdays and

Wednesday until April 27, 2016. Tutoring is available to students in 3rd through 6th grades whom are

struggling in the areas of Math and English. Tutoring sessions end promptly at 4:30pm. Please contact

the guidance office or classroom teacher to receive additional information if needed.

Guidance Services are available and offered to all students individually, in small groups, and with the

classroom setting. If assistance is needed please contact me via email at krearick@asd.k12.pa.us or call

(724) 783-7116 ext. 1025 or 814-257-8821 ext. 1109.

Nurse News As we are aware of many students with food allergies, we also have students with allergies or

sensitivities to smells. This mainly affects any student with asthma. I would like to remind everyone

that some students, adults are affected by smells. I encourage parents to avoid having students wear

perfume, body spray, or bring in scented hand sanitizer. Each classroom has unscented hand sanitizer

available for use. We try to be conscious of these types of sensitivities or triggers for anyone with asthma.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us to maintain a healthy/safe environment for all students at

Shannock Valley Elementary School.

All mandated screenings are done with the exception I am in the process of screening Kindergarten

students. If your child failed either their vision or hearing, you would receive a paper referral for your

health care provider.

I will send a notice home when I am ready to check the entire population for head lice.

Groundhog Day

Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox by Susan Blackaby

Mr. Groundhog Wants the Day Off by Pat Stemper Vojta

Groundhog Weather School by Joan Holub

President’s Day Cultural Diversity

President's Day by Anne Rockwell One Green Apple by Eve Bunting

My Teacher for President by Kay Winters Jack & Jim by Kitty Crowther

So You Want to Be President by Judith St. George The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of

Jordan Al Abdullah and Kelly DiPucchio

Valentine’s Day

If You'll Be My Valentine by Cynthia Rylant

The Best Thing About Valentines by Eleanor Hudson

The Day it Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond (Illustrator)

Top February Books for Kids

Shannock Valley Elementary School’s February Newsletter Page 5

In bad weather, or for any emergency when school may be closed, delayed, or dismissed early,

announcements will be made through the district-alert calling service, on the radio and TV. Radio

stations announcing this information are:

TV Stations AM Radio Stations

KDKA Channel 2 Pittsburgh KDKA 1020 AM Pittsburgh

WPXI Channel 11 Pittsburgh WTYM 1380 AM Kittanning

WJAC Channel 6 Johnstown WDAD 1450 AM Indiana

WTAE Channel 4 Pittsburgh WTAE 1250 AM Pittsburgh

If you are connected to the Internet, go to www.iu28.org/ and click on “Schoolcast” for the latest

information on school closings and delays. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL. We must keep our

phone lines open for emergency communications. Be sure to have a back-up plan with your

children in case of an unscheduled early dismissal. Arrangements should be made ahead of time for

emergency childcare if needed.

DELAY TO CANCELLATION…Sometimes school is cancelled after a delay has been called. Continue to

listen to your radio/TV for updates or phone for the district announcement.

2-HOUR DELAYS…Children who ride buses should report to their bus stop 2 hours later than normal.

All children should report to school by 10:40 AM. AM Kindergarten will be dismissed at 12:30 pm

and PM Kindergarten will arrive at 1:30 pm. Breakfast will be served on days with a delay.

Dismissal will be at 3:20 PM, as usual.

There may be times when AM Kindergarten may remain all day and PM Kindergarten is canceled if the

road conditions at the time of dismissal/arrival for Kindergarten are unfavorable. AM Kindergarten

parents are encouraged to have a plan in place for childcare, alternate pick up or bus stop delivery.

EARLY DISMISSALS…It is important that parents establish a plan for their children in the event of an

unscheduled early dismissal. Your children should know what they are to do if school is dismissed early.

Should this happen a phone alert will be sent as well as announcement on the radio/TV.

A Note about After-School and Evening Sports and Activities. In most cases, on days of school

closings, after-school and evening school activities and sporting events are canceled or postponed until

a later date. However, school principals and athletic directors have the discretion to hold games on days

of school closings if weather conditions have improved by afternoon/evening. Please check with the

hosting school for this information.

Closings and Delays

Scheduled 1/2 Days This year, the Armstrong School District has built into the school calendar four half days for students.

Students will be dismissed at 12:20 pm on these days. These scheduled days are February 5, April 8,

and June 6. While these are scheduled, school cancelations due to weather may require the district to

adjust the school calendar. If this would happen, you would be notified.

Shannock Valley Elementary School’s February Newsletter Page 6

PTO News Steve Kromer, President pastorsteve@newhopeinnewmine.com

Nicole Lias, Vice President rnrllias@gmail.com

Stephanie Hayes, Secretary loganh@windstream.net

Angie Notto, Treasurer Anotto30@hotmail.com

Meetings are 3rd Monday of the month at 3:45 pm in the Cafeteria

Parents can upload pictures for the yearbook at

https://www.dropbox.com/request/zFE9LP78t7zdVGaqSUA2

(ALL PICTURES ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL PRIOR TO PUBLISHING)

PARENTS, PLEASE REMEMBER…if you are

planning on picking your child up before the 3:20

pm dismissal time for doctor appointments or

other allowable absences you will need to

provide a note to your child’s teacher and the office upon arrival.

Early Dismissals

Change of Address or Phone Be sure to contact the school office if there would

be an address or telephone change during the

school year. Also, if you need to change or update

the emergency contact information, please call the office.

School Day Reminder

School Hours The office is open from 7:45 am until 3:45 pm.

If there is a problem with bussing, please call

Valley Lines Bus Company at 724-295-9150.

When calling the school, you are able to leave

voice mail messages directly in your classroom

teacher’s mailbox. Teachers will receive an email

notification of the voice mail and then will return

your call when they are available. Please

remember they are teaching your children all day

and they may not return a call until later in the

afternoon. Some may even call you in the

evening. They are very dedicated to your children and you!

While there are not many changes this year there

are some reminders I would like to share with

you. Our school day starts at 8:15 am when

students may enter the building and either have

breakfast in the cafeteria or go to their

homeroom. The school day ends at 3:20 pm

when students are escorted to the gymnasium

for bus dismissal. If you need to pick up your

child at dismissal, please park in the parking lot

and report to the office by 3:15 pm. For

everyone’s safety, we ask you to not be in the

front circle as this is for buses only.

Absence Reminder We want to see your child every day, however,

if he or she is ill or running a fever please take

care of them at home. When he or she returns

to school, an excuse is required within three

days for the absence to be excused. The excuse

must be turned in to your child’s homeroom

teacher who will then make sure it is turned into

the office.

Reminder for Winter As the weather turns colder please remember to

dress your child accordingly. Hats, scarves,

gloves, and boots will protect him/her from the

wind and cold. If the temperatures are not too

cold, students may be going outside for recess to

play in the snow. However, they must have hats,

gloves, winter coat, and appropriate footwear.

If you or if you know of someone in need of any

of these items, please contact the school nurse.

We receive many donations through various

organizations and we would like to share them

with anyone in need.

2016-2017

Admission to kindergarten for children reaching five (5) years of age on or before August 31 is just around the corner. This year, Registration and Student Screening will take place on the same day. Beginning February 1, 2016, Students in the Elderton, Dayton, and Shannock Valley attendance area have a unique opportunity. Parents/Guardians will be able to call and schedule a time to register and have his/her child screened at any of the three schools regardless of where he/she will be attending in the fall. For example, if you will be attending Elderton in the fall but your work or daily schedule does not permit you to register and screen on the date that Elderton has selected, you may call Dayton or Shannock Valley and complete the registration and screening process at that school. We have provided this convenience to parents as a way to accommodate work and transportation schedules. All Parents/Guardians must call and schedule a time with the secretary; registration and screening is by appointment only. Call the building where you will be completing the registration and screening process to schedule your appointment. The process will take approximately 30 minutes. The Armstrong School District has placed the Kindergarten Registration documents online for your convenience. If you are unable to obtain the forms online, you may stop in any of the building offices to pick up a packet. Please complete these forms and bring them to your appointment. These forms can be found on the district website www.asd.k12.pa.us under the Parents & Students tab and by clicking on the Kindergarten Registration link. The four forms on the website are:

Student Health History Home Language Survey Kindergarten Registration Busing Request Form

Parents/guardians are asked to bring the following information to registration:

Completed Registration Packet An original of the child’s birth certificate The child’s current immunization records Proof of residency (Driver’s License, Utility Bill, Lease Agreement) with current name and address.

Please also be able to provide an accurate description of their home’s location, municipality, road names, landmarks for the purpose of planning transportation routes

Custody Papers (if applicable) Scheduling appointments begins February 1, 2016. Registration and Student Screening Dates, Locations, and Office Phone Numbers: March 14 Elderton Elementary School 724-354-2131 March 16 Dayton Elementary School 814-257-8816 March 17 Shannock Valley Elementary School 724-783-6991 Please share this information with anyone that may have a child ready to enroll in Kindergarten. Any questions, please call one of the numbers listed above.