Polar Bear Post
Week of July 29th, 2024
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Principal's Message
Happy New Year!!!
Its been a great week back from winter break!! January is a busy month with Interim State testing for graders 3-5, MTSS Cycle 2 begins, PTA events and more.
All 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will be taking the Interim State Test in Informational Reading on Tuesday, Jan. 14th. 5th graders will take part one of the Social Studies State Test. Please make sure your child's is fully rested the night before to help them be more focused on the tests.
MTSS (Multi-Tiered Support Systems) aka reading and math intervention, groups will be updated next week. Teachers, reading teachers, and coaches will be meeting to review middle of the year reading and math data and then assigning new intervention/enrichment groups for this upcoming Cycle 3.
PLV PTA is hosting the PLV Winter Polar Games this Thursday, Jan 16th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. This is a free event however, families MUST register in advance using this LINK. Spots are limited, so be sure to sign up soon. If you would like to volunteer to run a station/game please use this LINK.
5th graders had a chance to apply to be part of Pleasantville's Big PLV (student council). Applications were due Friday, Jan 10th. Mrs. Velasquez, Mrs. Munson and Ms. Griffith will be reviewing applications next week. Students who are a part of the Big PLV will be student leaders who will have leadership roles throughout the building and meet to discuss ways to improve students' experience here at PLV. Students will have to keep up their grades, classroom responsiblities and make sure they are always following our Polar Pride expectations. We will announce the new Big PLV at the end of next week.
January 13th is the end of the 1st semester. Families (Guardians 1 and 2) should have received an email around November 15th with directions on accessing their child's Progress Book account. For families who have blocked our emails or do not have email addresses on file, a hard copy was sent home via the US Postal Service. To update any information, use this link. We will have 2nd semester conferences on March 27th & 28th.
For updates on inclement weather, please follow Colonial School District on social media and check the distict's website. All messages about snow days, delays or early dismissals will be sent through school messenger from Colonial School District via automatic phone call and text. Here are the following start times for any delayed openings:
- 1 Hour Delay: Doors open at 9:45; dismissal 3:35
- 2 Hour Delay: Doors open at 10:45; dismissal 3:35
- Early Dismissals ussually won't happend until 12:55, after lunches are all served.
**If delay, buses will also follow a delayed schedule. For example, if you child's pick up time is 8:33, then the 1 hour delay time is 9:33 or 10:33 for a two hour delay. Be mindful that bus drivers will be extra cautious with inclement weather, so please be patient. In addition, I will follow up with a text message and on Class Dojo as soon as I am informed. Please do not call PLV's Main Office. If you do not receive a text/call, please make sure we have your correct phone number/email. Use this form to updated your contact information.
** Reminder to Families: It is illegal to smoke on school property, including in your vehicle, while on school property (car line). All schools are tobacco free campuses.
** Reminder to Walkers: There is NO SUPERVISION for your student in the morning until we open the doors at 8:45. We have seen students at school by 8:15..that is WAY TOO EARLY!! We have students running, throwing the football and more. Students must stand behind the orange grade-level cones. We need everyone to be safe. In addition, with the weather getting colder, students will not be permitted to enter the building until 8:45. Please have them dress accordingly.
**Car Riders: We have noticed that cars are arriving at 9:00 or later. We close the Car Rider doors at 9:00 AM. If they arrive after 9:00, you MUST come inside and sign them in using the QR code.
**Safe Shoes Reminder: It is important that your child wears proper safe shoes to school. Shoes should be worn that have a closed toe and heel. Crocs, flip flops, sandals, slippers should not be worn. Wearing these kind of shoes is not safe for gym class or playing on the recess equipment and playing soccer, basketball, etc.
**Early Dismissal Reminder: NO STUDENT DISMISSAL CHANGES will be made after 3:00 PM. If you call/email/dojo message after 3:00 PM, your child will go home his/her usual way (bus, daycare, walker, car rider) These changes interfere with teacher instruction and student learning.
Kind Regards & Stay Well,
Ms. Renee M. Griffith - Principal
Student Shout Out!!
Congratulations to PLV's 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Riann Warman. Mrs. Warman has won the Collins-Skinner Elementary Award, sponsored by the Middle States Council of Social Studies, for an outstanding elementary teacher who emphasizes social studies instruction. One of Mrs. Warman's passions, besides Math, is Social Studies. Congratulations Mrs. Warman, very well deserved.
Monday, January 13th - Jan. PTA Meeting @ 6:00 pm in Library
Monday, January 13th - End of the 1st Semester
Tuesday, January 14th - 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade Interim State Test for Reading
Thursday, January 16th - PTA Polar Games 6 - 7:30 pm
Friday, January 17th - No School: Staff Professional Development Day
Monday, January 20th - No Schoo: Martin Luther King Day
Wednesday, January 22nd - 5th Grade State Test: Social Studies
Friday, January 24th - PTA Fun City Fundraiser @ 6:30 pm
Saturday, February 8th - Mobile Food Bank Pantry @ 11:00 at PLV
School is CLOSED on the following dates:
Friday, January 17th - Staff Professional Development Day
Monday, January 20th - Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
Monday, February 17th - President's Day Holiday
Friday, March 21st - Staff Professional Development Day
Thursday, April 17th - Staff Professional Development Day
Friday, Aparil 18th - Friday, April 25th - Spring Break
Phanatic About Reading Challenge
Pleasantville was selected to participate in the Philadelphia Phillies: Phanatic About Reading Challenge. All PLV students have received a yellow Phillies Reading Log from Mrs. Redding, our Literacy Coach. We are challenging students to read a minimum of 15 minutes each night. They mark an X on their calendar every night they read. Participating students will receive a FREE Phillies ticket at the end of the school year. Happy Reading!!
Volunteers/Chaperones
Volunteers are an integral part of our success and our belief that together we are stronger as a district. Please complete the volunteer application and submit all the information requested. All personal data submitted by applicants is confidential. Including a personal email address in your application will ensure you are informed once your application is approved. As part of standard school safety practices, all volunteers and visitors to CSD schools must provide a photo ID each time they visit any District facility. For assistance with your volunteer application, please visit the school where you wish to volunteer.
Pleasantville's Mission
Pleasantville Elementary’s mission is to inspire excellence in ALL of our students to ensure they reach their highest potential in academic achievement, as well as in social and interpersonal skills. We believe that through hard work, perseverance and active engagement in learning, ALL students will succeed.
Focusing on lifelong success traits such as empathy, self-regulation, problem solving and the growth mindset help us to build a strong foundation and educational experience that will positively impact ALL Pleasantville students for the rest of their lives. By partnering with our families and community, we will continue to be PAWsitively Positive now and in the future.
Why Should My Child Be Signed Up for PLV's Nemours' Wellness Center?
Quotes from PLV Families:
“As a single working mom, I find the wellness center to be a lifesaver. Not only do my children get the benefit of amazing top notch care, but it also saves them from missing hours or a day from school and me from missing the same amount of time from work. They make sure to keep you updated on what is going on, but they supply paperwork for you to keep your PCP up to date. If medication is needed, they submit the script to your preferred pharmacy. It is always fast, friendly and complete care for my kids.”
- Parent of a second grader and kindergartener.
"I love the Wellness Center. Not only is it convenient but the ladies are awesome! We’ve had some anxiety with doctors in the past but they are very understanding and patient which makes him more comfortable. Plus access to the portal makes connecting with them a breeze!"
-Parent of a first grader
PLV's School-based Heath Center is taking new enrollment for SY24-25.
A school-based health center (SBHC) is a medical office located inside your child's school. Nurse practitioners and behavioral health therapists offer well-child visits, sick visits, vaccinations, and mental health care to students. Your child can get free, high-quality care, that's safe and convenient.
How much does a visit cost?
If your child doesn't have insurance, their care is free. If your child has insurance, the school-based health center will file a claim directly. (Note: No co-pay, co-insurance or deductible will be charged to you).
Who runs the SBHC?
Your child's school-based health center is a partnership between their school district, Nemours Children’s Health and the Delaware Division of Public Health. These three organizations work together to run the center.
Staff:
- Physical Health Practitioner - Natalie Kasper
- Medical Assistant - Lorena Sandoval
- Behavioral Health - Janine Howell -Conkey
Enrollment:
- Online Enrollment: https://app.nemours.org/sbhc
- Paper Enrollment: Use this LINK or https://bit.ly/csdwellnessctr
Please join our PTA for the 2024-2025 School Year!
PTA Meetings meet the 2nd Monday of each month from 6:00 - 7:00 PM in the PLV Library. All are welcome!
- Monday, October 14th
- Monday, November 18th
- Monday, December 9th
- Monday, January 13th
- Monday, February 10th
- Monday, March 10th
- Monday, April 14th
- Monday, May 12th
Joining PLV's PTA is a great way to support students and staff. They plan fun activities, fundraisers, provide support for field trips and so much more!!
Before and After Care Providers for PLV
- Bear YMCA - onsite at PLV (302-836-YMCA)
- Hope Lutheran - offsite but walk with Hope staff. Students KN, 1st, and 2nd only (302-322-4720)
- Linda's Angels - offsite but provides transportation (302-328-3700)
School Start & End Times
8:45 Doors Open (Arrival)
Students will be considered late after 9:00 AM and will need to be signed in at the Main Office with Ms. Spadea, our Secretary. Parents will use a QR Code to sign students in late. Please bring your phone with you inside.
Students may not be dropped off early to PLV, unless they are signed up for YMCA Before Care, which is around the back of PLV at the cafe entrance. There is no supervision of students on the front or side sidewalks.
3:35 Student Dismissal
We will start the dismissal process inside the building at 3:35.
There are NO EARLY Dismissals after 3:00 PM. Any changes in a students dismissal must be made no later than 2:00 PM.
Arrival Begins at 8:45 AM
Only Buses are allowed to drive and park in the front of the building. There is NO SUPERVISION before 8:45.
Cars may start to enter the Car Rider Lot at 8:00 AM. Students MUST stay in their cars until the staff members comes out and start the unloading process at 8:45 AM. We will unload the first 16-20 cars. When all students are safely on the sidewalk, a staff member will move one row at a time. Then we will move the next set of cars forward and when both rows are completely stopped we will repeat the unloading process.
Walkers must walk on the sidewalks and cross at the crosswalks only. If parents walk with their child/ren they should remain outside with them until arrival starts at 8:45. There is no supervision until we open the doors at 8:45. There will be crossing guards posted at the exit on Doncaster Dr. and at the intersection of 273 and Pleasant Place. Families will not be permitted to park in the parking lot or in front of the building. This interferes with the buses arrival and cars leaving.
Dismissal Begins at 3:35 PM
Only Buses are allowed to drive and park in the front of the building.
Cars may start to enter the Car Rider Lot at 3:00 PM. Students use the lot for PM recess. Cars must wait at the orange cones until all students are inside.
Car riders will be dismissed from the right side of the building. Cars must stay to the right and make two parallel lines (see attached photo). Parents are to remain inside the car. Each car will be given a PLV Car Tag with a specific number that is linked to your child/ren. Please have this clearly displayed on your rearview mirror with the number facing out. New families will given a PLV Car tag the first week of school or during the Back to School BBQ.
Staff will call Car Riders, in groups of 16-20 (first 8-10 cars in each row), once all students are safely inside the vehicle, a staff member will dismiss the first 16 cars one row at a time. Once all cars are stopped, we will repeat the loading process. Cars must exit through the PLV parking lot and follow the predicatable flow of traffic and exit out of Doncaster Dr.
Walkers must stay on the sidewalk and cross at the crosswalks. Crossing guards are will be stationed on Doncaster Dr. and at the light on 273 that turns into Pleasant Place. Families will not be permitted to park in our parking lot or out front of the building . This interferes with the buses arrival and cars leaving. Walkers should go directly home.
School Updates & Alerts
Pleasantville uses the School Messenger application via email/text as our way to communicate with families. If you have changed your phone numbers/email or home addresses, please contact our secretary, Jaimie Spadea, with your newest contact information. Jaimie.Spadea@colonial.k12.de.us or 302-323-2935.
This information is very important because we use this application to let you know about any school closures, upcoming events or emergency situations. You can also download the app for your iPhone or Android.
Classroom Teacher & Staff Communication
PLV Staff uses Class DoJo to share agendas for the week, pictures, events and classroom stories of the exciting things that are happening in your child's class. Once connected, they will be able to send you direct private messages and you will be able to do the same. Admin and support staff (Nurse, SEC, Counselor, etc) will also be linked to their homeroom pages. Once the teachers create their new class page (the week of August 19th) they will send you an invite to join their class and the school. Teachers will then approve all connections.
Nutrition Information
- NO outside food from home/restaurants is permitted.
- NO outside food coming from home to be used for classroom parties, celebrations, events and/or rewards for student behavior due to monitoring food allergies, reducing food safety concerns and consumption of excess calories during the school day to meet Smart Snack guidelines.
- Parents can send in a snack for their child only, but cannot send in snacks for the entire class. Students get free breakfast and lunch daily and Fresh Fruit & Vegetable 4 days a week.
- School Cafe is a simple way for parents to make school snack payments. Students are offered second meals and a la carte snacks at a small cost. Click the "Pre Payments" tab to set a student account.
- For more information click on the Colonial Nutrition image.
Zamiyah Elivo-Stevens
Zamiyah Elivo-Stevens, a sweet, caring and always smiling 5th grader, lost her life, along with her mother, August 21st in a tragic car accident. As we grieve and start the healing process, we want to make sure that our PLV students and staff have support. If your child needs more support at school, we have Mrs. Velasquez our School Counselor, Mrs. Yacabell, Family Support Therapist, Mr. Blackwood, Communities in Schools Counselor and if your child is signed up for the Welnness Center, Mr. Howell-Conkey.
Please keep Zamiyah's siblings that also attend PLV, a speedy recovery and keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.
There is a GoFundMe page in honor of Zamiyah and her mother on GFM page and facebook, if you are interested.
Here a some links to articles to help you talk to your child about grief and loss of a friend:
Past PLV Polar Bear Posts for SY24-25
Pleasantville Elementary School
Location: 16 Pleasant Place, New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: 302-323-2935 or 302-323-2941
Email: Renee.Griffith@colonial.k12.de.us
PLV Website: https://www.colonialschooldistrict.org/pleasantville/
PLV Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pleasantvilleelementary
PLV Instagram:
Colonial Website: https://www.colonialschooldistrict.org/