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Messages from Memorial
Memorial Elementary School Newsletter - March 2020
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
“To help our children gain responsibility we must offer them opportunities to be responsible, rather than order them to do what we think is responsible." ― Jim Fay, from Parenting with Love and Logic
Save the Date (s):
March
9 Firefighter Phil teaches fire safety to grades K - 4
11 PTO Meeting at 3:30
12 Spring Picture Day
12 End of Third Grading Period
13 Make-up Day of School
17 Grade 2 and 3 Spring Music Program at Memorial
18 PTO Family Night at Buffalo Wild Wings
20 Third Quarter Report Cards available on the Skyward Parent Portal
16 - April 3 IREAD3
25 - 29 Spring Break
30 - April 17 NWEA Window
April
8 PTO Meeting at 3:30
9 Kindergarten Round-up at Memorial (click here for more information)
14 Math Bowl at 5 p.m.
16 Grade 4 and 5 Music Performance at Memorial
22 & 23 Grade 5 goes to Challenger Learning Center
20 - May 22 ILEARN Test Window
School Handbook Policy for Cell Phones and Smart Watches
At school, we are having repeated difficulties with students not following the school rules regarding electronics, which include cell phones and smart watches. Unfortunately, there are some bad decisions being made. It seems as though elementary students need much guidance in using these powerful tools in a responsible manner. I am attaching the Electronics section from the VCS Elementary Handbook for you to review with your child. I would also recommend referring to the Common Sense Media Website for some more information on how to protect your child with media and technology.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students are discouraged from bringing electronic devices such as cell phones, camera phones, smart watches, radios, digital cameras, video cameras, etc. to school. The school will NOT be responsible for these lost or stolen items. Students must leave these items in their book bags and NOT carry them on their person. If these devices are used or visible during school hours or disrupt the educational process, the student may face disciplinary consequences. Violation of this policy can result in discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion, and notification of law enforcement authorities. In addition, if a student violates this policy, his/her cellular telephone or electronic device may be confiscated. Under such circumstances, the cellular telephone or electronic device will be released/returned to the student’s parent/guardian after the student complies with any other disciplinary consequence that is imposed. There is to be no unauthorized videotaping or photographing of any part of the building, grounds, students, and staff without the prior written consent of the Valparaiso Community Schools. This section is not intended to prevent parents or other interested parties from videotaping extracurricular activities.
Attention Third Grade Parents - IREAD3 Takes Place in March!
All third grade students in the state of Indiana will take IREAD3 during the testing window of March 16- April 4. Since we are on spring break during the second week, Memorial students will be tested March 18 and 19. Please plan on making sure your third grader is set up for their best success. This includes getting good sleep, a healthy protein-filled breakfast, and being to school on time. Students generally do better when they test with their class, so please schedule all appointments outside of school hours. The Indiana Department of Education has just released the following:
Please contact your child's teacher or Mrs. Misecko if you have any questions.
ILEARN FOR GRADES 3 - 5
Are you looking for a part-time job?
If you work well on your own and are seeking part-time employment, a job as a custodial substitute might be a good fit for your lifestyle needs. Custodial substitutes frequently work on an as needed basis.
Substitute custodians take on janitorial responsibilities when full-time custodians aren't on duty. These are generally part-time positions. The job objective is to ensure that the facility is tidy, sanitary, presentable and secure for all of the people who frequent the schools. If interested, please apply on Valparaiso Community Schools website.
https://www.applitrack.com/valpo/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Maintenance%2fCustodial
Kindergarten Round -Up
March's Habit - Habit #7 - Sharpen the Saw
PTO News
You can find the Memorial PTO News at: http://www.memorialelementarypto.com/
This year's PTO officers:
President - Debra Krieg Lewis
Vice President - Rose Gutshall
Secretary - Rae Smedley
Treasurer - Trish VanTornhout
Parents Night Out is cancelled
NOTES & REMINDERS:
- Because many of our buses are full, students will only be allowed to ride a bus that is not their own, in an emergency situation.
- Please send a note, or email Mrs. Remijan, in the morning with all changes in transportation. When calls are made during the busy school day, there is a chance that the message may get delayed and/or not delivered. If you have an emergency during the day, which merits a change in transportation, the best way to send the message is to Mrs. Remijan's email: lremijan@valpo.k12.in.us
- If you are sending a note to the school about transportation, please include your child's last name.
- Students may not carry medicine with them throughout the school day, this includes Inhalers. Please talk to the school nurse, Mrs. Scott or Mrs. Keenan, about your child's medical needs.
- If your child is late to school (after the 8:45 bell) please walk them into the office and sign them in.
- If you need a copy of the School Wellness Policy, please ask in the office. There is a list of acceptable birthday/classroom treats.
- If you have not completed a Background Check this school year, please do so ASAP. This needs to be done for all visitors and volunteers that are coming to school during the school day.
- If you need a sign for your car for the Pick-Up Line, please call the office.
General Dismissal Procedures
All students who are car riders should leave the building out the east door (Door C) and wait along the curb on Milton Street. The students should enter the car along the curb as directed by the staff.
Students who are walkers should proceed out the front door and follow the sidewalks along Park and Milton. If you are generally a walker, but plan to drive during the cold winter months, please send in a note and your child can become a car rider.
If you park on Park Avenue to pick up your child who is a walker, please be mindful of the cars that travel down Center Street and leave plenty of room for them to pass through.
Thank you for your assistance in keeping dismissal safe!
Student Council Sponsors Competition
Reminders from Mrs. Keenan and Mrs. Scott
Memorial Elementary
Email: dmisecko@valpo.k12.in.us
Website: www.valpo.k12.in.us/Domain/337
Location: 1052 Park Ave.
Phone: (219) 531-3090
Twitter: @Valpo_Memorial