The Panther Press
February 5, 2024
In This Issue of the Panther Press
Highlights & News
- EVCS Families are invited to attend our Black History Month Program on February 15, 6 pm, at Renovation Church.
- Next Days Park CA Meeting is tomorrow, Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 7 pm. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88200411153
- Meat Raffle tickets available now. Space is limited, get your tickets today using this form. You can also support the Meat Raffle and sign up as a volunteer using our Volunteer Sign-Up Form.
- Please consult your child(ren)'s latest report card(s) to verify their name is properly represented and fill out the Student Name Correction Form, only if there are any corrections, by this Wednesday, February 7, at 4 p.m.
- Our Joint CA Fowler's Chocolate Spring Fundraiser has launched. Learn how to participate with a read of our Kickoff Letter.
- EVCS Hertel has begun preparations for a Curling Club in collaboration with the Curling Club of Buffalo! If your student is interested in attending, fill out the interest form today!
- BestSelf Afterschool programming at EVCS Hertel is canceled next Friday on February 16.
- Reminder that President's Day, February 19, and midwinter break, February 20-23, are upcoming this month.
- This week is National School Counseling Week! EVCS school counselors have planned a week of SELebration! Each day we will highlight an aspect of social-emotional learning.
- Applications for the 2024-2025 Academic year are open. Share our application, available here.
- Do you know someone interested in learning more about EVCS? You can share the RSVP link and the dates for our upcoming Open Houses for prospective new families:
- March 2, 10 am to 12 pm at Days Park
- March 9, 10 am to 12 at Hertel
Continue reading for more details and news!
EVCS Calendar
Upcoming Events
February 19, Presidents' Day
February 20-23, Midwinter Break School Resumes 2/26
EVCS 2023-24
School Calendar (Updated 9/12)
School Lunch Menu
Upcoming EVCS Programs, CA Events, & Fundraisers
Join us February 15 at 6 PM at Renovation Church for our Black History Month Program
EVCS will be hosting our Black History Month Program later this month. EVCS Families are invited and encouraged to join in celebration.
Your Meat Raffle Ticket Supports EVCS
All funds raised will help purchase bleachers for the Hertel gym. These bleachers will help accommodate more students, family, friends and staff for both Days Park and Hertel sporting and community events such as basketball games!
We ask that attendees do not bring outside alcohol to this event.
You can also help support EVCS CA by serving as a volunteer during the Meat Raffle! We have slots up for many positions, learn more about them here: Meat Raffle Volunteer Sign-up.
Joint CA Fowler's Chocolate Spring Fundraiser
We are launching our Fowler's Chocolate Spring Fundraiser! Review our Kickoff Letter for more details on the ordering process and the Spring Fundraising Catalog for all the delicious chocolates available for purchase.
We want to thank you for their support of this joint Days Park and Hertel fundraiser! The pick up date will be Monday, March 4th.
Please direct questions to: erinmariemacvittie@gmail.com.
Student Name Correction Form
If your child(ren)'s name is correct on their report card, no action is needed. Thank you.
Days Park Winter Sports Schedule - January/February 2024
Updated Hertel Schedule Coming Soon!
National School Counseling Week SELbration
SELbration
EVCS school counselors have planned a week of SELebration!
Each day we will highlight an aspect of social-emotional learning- Mindful Monday, Teamwork Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, Thankful Thursday, and Friendship Friday.
Days Park News
Hertel News
Interested in a Curling Club at EVCS Hertel? Let us know!
EVCS Hertel has begun preparations for a Curling Club, in collaboration with the Curling Club of Buffalo!
If your student is interested in attending, fill out then interest form today!
BestSelf Afterschool Announcements
Bestself afterschool programming is canceled next Friday, 2/16.
IMPORTANT - Please review EVCS Hertel's Dismissal Policy
Dismissal:
Office pickup: Starting on 12/1/2023 we will NOT allow any dismissal from the main office after 2:30 P.M. If you attempt to retrieve a student you will be directed to enter the dismissal line.
Pickup: All children who are dismissed to a guardian must be picked up by 3:30 p.m. Our dismissal begins at 3:05 p.m.
School Dismissal Manager All families must use this tool daily. Not entering the proper dismissal directions causes severe risk for your child. Without proper dismissal directions, it causes the possibility that your child will be dismissed incorrectly.
Bus loop: Do not park in this area after 2:00 p.m. This is used for our entire dismissal process. When a car is parked in this area it causes major safety issues.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Needed - Lunch Volunteers
EVCS Hertel is looking for volunteers to help during lunch.
Hello EVCS families,
Hope all is well. We would love to have our families support our school by volunteering to help during our lunch periods. This will include helping students open food containers, reminding students to clean their area, and allowing for an extra set of eyes to help students with any needs. Please view the information in the link and complete the form, if interested. We will follow-up with families after winter break.
Thank you,
Joseph Ciesielski, Principal
Kids Heart Challenge
What is the Kids Heart Challenge?
Kids Heart Challenge is celebrating healthy hearts and minds at our school now! Many students and families already completed Finn’s Mission but we need your help to reach 100% of families!
Here’s how you can help:
- Register: http://www2.heart.org/goto/ElmwoodVillageCharterSchoolHertelCampusBuffaloNY or download the free “AHA Schools” app.
- Complete Finn’s Mission: Watch the 2-minute Hands-Only CPR video featuring cardiac arrest survivor, Damar Hamlin, and watch a music video on the warning signs of a stroke (F.A.S.T.).
- Share with Family & Friends: Send messages via social media, text messages and/or email.
Help our class win the classroom challenge by registering and completing Finn’s Mission. We can create a community of lifesavers!
Questions? Please contact Coach Welch at twelch@elmwoodvillaeschool.org.
CA News & Meeting Links
Our Mission is to build a strong and vibrant EVCS community.
Our Goal is to strengthen connections among EVCS families and foster relationships between families, school staff, and administration.
The EVCS CA sponsors events and fundraisers to support school activities that enrich the experiences of our community and that align with the Mission of the Elmwood Village Charter Schools
Next Days Park CA Meeting:
This Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 7 pm
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88200411153
Contact Information:
Days Park CA (Email Address)
Days Park Meeting Calendar (Meeting Links)
Hertel CA (Email Address)
Hertel Meeting Calendar (Meeting Links)
Be sure to check your email prior to meetings for Zoom links or updates on any schedule changes.
Community Events
Register for National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Join Buffalo Athletics for a fun filled day celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports!
No Walk Ups. All clinic participants MUST pre-register via this ubbulls.com.
Applications for the 2024-25 School Year Are Open!
Help Us Grow the EVCS Community
Spread the word: Applications are open for the 2024-2025 school year!
- March 2, 10 am to 12 pm at Days Park
- March 9, 10 am to 12 at Hertel
Student Information Updates
Phone number/email change?
Contact the main office at your campus.
Meriah Millner (Days Park) at (716) 886-4581
NaShomi Shaffer (Hertel) at (716) 424-0555
Moving?
Adding/Deleting a person from your child's pick-up list?
School Dismissal Manager Assistance
It is important to update dismissal plans in the School Dismissal Manager (SDM) system.
- Students will be dismissed according to what is listed in SDM - any changes to dismissal should be entered prior to 2 pm.
- For assistance with School Dismissal Manager (SDM), contact your campus transportation coordinator, we are happy to help you learn to use the system. Reach out Meriah Millner (Days Park) or NaShomi Shaffer (Hertel).
- You can also watch this video for some instructions on using SDM: https://bit.ly/HowtoSDM
Sports and Activities
Contact Info for Sports and Activities
Have questions?
Hertel: Coach Tom Welch
mailto:twelch@elmwoodvillageschool.org
Days Park: Shannon Burke
Nurse's Notes
School Physicals
Yearly physicals need to be submitted as soon as possible. If your child does not have a physical on file, they may be excluded from sports and field trips. Please be sure to make a copy and give it to the school nurse.
When Should My Child Stay Home?
Please follow the guidelines below if your child is sick:
Children should stay home if:
* They have a fever above 100.0. Students can return when their temperature is normal for 24-hours, without the use of fever reducing meds.
* Constant cough
* Vomiting and/or diarrhea
* Eye discharge that is yellow or green in color
School Nurse Contact Information
Days Park:
Robin Borzellere
Phone: 716-886-4581 x405 (or press 3)
Confidential Fax: 716-884-0010
rborzellere@elmwoodvillageschool.org
Hertel:
Sue Budzinski
Phone: 716-424-0555
Confidential Fax: 716-464-3560
Cold Weather Reminders From Our School Nurses
Oh, The Weather Outside is Frightful..
With the cold weather here, it is important that children dress properly for the elements. Jackets, hats, gloves/mittens, and boots should be brought to school daily, as children have recess outside most days. Some of our field trips are outdoors as well and we want to be sure children are protected so they are able to enjoy the fresh air safely and comfortably.
Inclement Weather Reminders
The snow is here, Buffalo!
A few reminders regarding school cancellations due to weather:
* Families will be notified through a SwiftReach text alert so please make sure that our main offices have the most up-to-date phone information.
* Contact Meriah Millner (Days Park) at (716) 886-4581 or NaShomi Shaffer (Hertel) at (716) 424-0555 to update contact information.
* Administration will notify all of the major news outlets and closings will be announced on the local TV channel (2, 4, and 7) tickers.
EVCS Mission Statement
“The Elmwood Village Charter Schools will provide a stimulating and engaging learning environment that recognizes student capability, fosters their connectedness to their immediate and broader communities, and offers them ways to contribute to school life. EVCS believes that all students can and will learn at high levels when provided with the right learning conditions.”
We put students first. We act with urgency. We seek to be better. We work as a team.