The Principal's Pen

There is no school for students on Monday, January 20th (Martin Luther King Jr.) and Monday, January 27th (Teacher In-service)

As we approach the halfway point of the school year, it’s an important time for reflection and assessment. In January and February, we will administer our second academic benchmark assessments in reading and math to all students. These district-wide assessments serve multiple purposes.

First, they help us evaluate the effectiveness of our Tier 1 programs. These programs are typically delivered to the majority of students in the classroom. Next, the mid-year assessments provide valuable data on how well our current interventions are working for students who receive additional support. Finally, the results help us determine which students may need continued support, may no longer require it, or may need to begin receiving additional help.

There is no specific preparation needed from your child for these assessments. They will be administered by East Coventry staff, either individually, in small groups, or as a whole class, during the regular school day.

In the near future, each family will receive a summary of their child's mid-year assessment results. I encourage you to review this information and reach out if you have any questions, whether about the assessments or the results.

While the spring PSSA testing is still months away, I wanted to share the school's schedule. Since we ask that families refrain from scheduling morning appointments and travel during this time, it's essential that everyone has the information well in advance. More information will be shared as we get closer to the start of the testing.

April 22nd through 24th: ELA Testing for grades 3-6

April 28 and 29th: Math Testing for grades 3-6

April 30th and May 1st: (New this year) Science Testing for grade 5

Our K-Kids are encouraging the families of East Coventry to join us by participating in the Cradles to Crayons Winter Drive. This drive will begin January 2nd and continue through January 13, 2025. Our donations will be sent to Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia, where they will then be distributed to disadvantaged children in our surrounding areas. Check out their website for more information. We ask that items are smoke free and clean. Thank you!

These are the warm winter items we will be collecting at East Coventry and can be dropped off or sent in with your children. A table for donations will be set up in the vestibule. We are looking for donations of:

• Hats

• Gloves

• Scarves

• Socks

From Citadel: At Citadel Credit Union, we’re committed to serve those who work every day to build a better future for us all. That’s why every year we honor outstanding teachers across the Greater Philadelphia area in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster and Philadelphia counties with the Citadel Heart of Learning Award. Submit your nominations by January 15, 2025.

How to Submit a Nomination:

All too often, teachers are unsung heroes. If you know a staff member who goes above and beyond the call of duty, share their story and how they’ve impacted your life or a student’s life. You can submit a written nomination form online.

Support Wildcat Students in the Owen J. Roberts School District by rounding up at your local GIANT register!

Now through March 31, GIANT customers can support local public school districts and their efforts to eliminate childhood hunger right at the register.

Learn more: https://go.giantfoodstores.com/eliminating-hunger

Join us on January 17th for a night full of pizza, prizes, and fun! CLICK HERE to download a copy of the flyer to complete registration and get back into school by Wednesday, January 15th. We have to cap the event at 300 people and we are CLOSE! We would hate to see you miss out on the fun.

*For anyone who registered for 1/10 and can no longer make the 1/17 date, please e-mail EastCoventryPTO@gmail.com to request a full refund*

This is one of our best events of the year, please help us make our raffle baskets amazing! Click the links provided and shop for your grade/class theme to see suggestions. Don’t feel limited to what is listed, if you have something unopened/unused at home that fits ANY category, please send it in! The more we build, the more fun the prizes! If shopping isn’t your thing, we will shop for you! You can PayPal or send in check/cash with your student this week (by Wednesday) and consider it done!

Kindergarten: Bake With Me
First: Snow Day Fun
Second: Family Game Night
Third: Get Outdoors
Fourth: Sport and Tailgate
Fifth: Date Night
Sixth: Flavors of the World

6th Grade Recognition Ads are on sale now! Celebrate your 6th grader with a special message that will be printed in the 2024/2025 yearbook.
1/4 page ads are $40
1/8 page ads are $20.

Purchase your space now @ https://www.jostens.com/apps/jcom/router.mvc?affiliateId=1144603

Sale ends 2/12/25.

Questions? Email us: yearbookecpto@gmail.com

Someone Special Dance**(K-4 ONLY): Date Correction: Friday, February 7th

(Snow Date: Thursday, 2/13)
We’re BACK, and asking your student to bring their favorite "someone special" for a night of dancing, fun, and memories to last a lifetime! 💕 This is the perfect chance to dress up, bust out your best moves, and celebrate love and friendship.
Stay tuned for more details about music, photo opportunities, and some sweet surprises! 🎉✨

Mark your calendars now—this is an event you won’t want to miss!

We invite all families to join us for our next PTO meeting on ** Tuesday, January 14th at 7:00 pm** in the Innovation Lab. Come meet other parents, learn more about what we have planned, and find out how you can get involved.

We are always open and available to chat! Have questions? Thoughts you want to share? Touch base with us…

Facebook: click here

Email: EastCoventryPTO@gmail.com

January:

• ECPTO Pizza Bingo:Friday, January 17th (Rescheduled Date)
• Schools Closed: Monday, January 20th
• Professional Development Day - No School for Students: Monday, January 27th
  

February:

• 2025-26 Kindergarten Registration Begins: Wednesday, February 5th

• ECPTO Someone Special Dance: Friday, February 7th
• ECPTO Meeting: Tuesday, February, 11th at 7PM
• ECPTO Someone Special Dance: Thursday, February 13th (Snowdate)
• Schools Closed: Monday, February 17th

March:

• ECPTO Read a Thon Begins: Monday, March 3rd
• Wednesday and Thursday, March 5th and 6th : Early Dismissal Days at 12:10PM
• Wednesday and Thursday, March 5th and 6th : Parent-Teacher Conferences 2-8PM
• Thursday, March 6th: Trimester 3 begins
• ECPTO Meeting: Tuesday, March 11th at 7PM
• 4th Grade Field Trip: Wednesday, March 12th
• Grades Kinder through 2nd: Author Assembly: Friday, March 14th
• OJR Elementary District Chorus Concert: Thursday, March 20th
• Professional Development Day - No School for Students: Monday, March 31st