Insight PA Elementary Newsletter

As we transition into the vibrant month of May, we extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you. It's a pleasure to embark on another month of our exciting journey filled with learning, growth, and memorable experiences here at Insight PA.

May brings with it a sense of renewal and anticipation for summer just around the corner. With the promise of sunshine in full bloom, our school community is buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. As we continue to navigate through the academic year, we are continuously inspired by the resilience and dedication displayed by our students, staff, and families.

This month, we have a plethora of engaging activities and events lined up to enrich the educational experience of our students. We encourage each of you to actively participate in our school's initiatives, whether it's volunteering for a classroom activity or attending a community event. Your involvement plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational journey of our students and strengthening our school community.

As always, our dedicated team of educators remains committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Together, we will continue to inspire curiosity, cultivate critical thinking skills, and instill values of kindness and respect in our students.

In closing, we extend my heartfelt gratitude to our entire school community for your unwavering support and collaboration. Together, we will make May a month to remember, filled with achievements, growth, and cherished memories. Wishing you all a May filled with joy, success, and abundant opportunities!

Warm regards,

Sarah Parish, M.Ed. (K-2 Assistant Principal)

Wendy Yonkers, M.Ed. (3-5 Assistant Principal)

Please note the following important dates:

• Monday, April 22 - Friday, May 10th - PSSA Testing Window
  

• Monday, May 27th - School Closed (Memorial Day)
  
  

• Tuesday, May 28th - Insight PA Board of Trustees Meeting
  
  

• Thursday, June 6th - End of Quarter 4, Last Day of School for Students

Congratulations to our April Elementary Students of the Week!

Nominated by Mrs. Sobotka

“Kali comes to class every day ready to lead and learn. She actively participates and always gives her best effort when completing classwork. She is a wonderful model for what it means to be responsible, present, and positive in 5th grade!”

Nominated by Ms. Shearer

“Jaelissa has been a positive influence in class since the first day of school! She comes to class each day excited to learn, determined to try new things, and ready to share her positivity. Jaelissa cares greatly for her classmates and teachers, and her kindness and participation are essential to the classroom. Insight PA is lucky to have Jaelissa!”

Nominated by Mrs. Botti

“Zhakhi’s attendance and participation are great! He always arrives to class on time, keeps his camera on, and completes his tasks. Zhakhi is very cooperative and kind to his teachers and classmates.”

We are excited to announce our first ever K-5 Cultural Day on Tuesday, May 21, 2024!

This event, scheduled from 1:40 - 2:40 pm, aims to celebrate the rich diversity of our school community. We warmly invite parents, guardians, and Learning Coaches to participate by sharing insights into their cultures and emphasizing the significance of cultural appreciation in fostering understanding and unity. This interactive celebration promises to be an enlightening and enriching experience for students, staff, and families alike. Join us as we come together to embrace and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of cultures that make our school community unique!

If you are interested in sharing your culture with small groups of students on this day, please complete this form by Friday, May 10th.

If you are interested in supporting the event asynchronously, we are also creating a digital cultural cookbook that will be shared with all of our families for future education and enjoyment in your own homes!

If you are interested in sharing a recipe from your culture, we would love to feature it in the cookbook. Please submit it using this form by Friday, May 10th.

We will be hosting a series of special live sessions for our current 5th grade students during the last week of May. During these sessions, students will learn general information about Middle School, meet our 6th grade teachers, and hear from current MS students!

Learning Coaches are welcome to join their students for these sessions. Make sure to check your Class Connect schedules so you don't miss them!

Tuesday, May 28th - Middle School 101

Wednesday, May 29th - Peer Panel Q&A

Thursday, May 30th - Meet the 6th Grade Teachers

*All sessions will take place at 11:30am!

On Tuesday, May 28th, our Elementary students will participate in an asynchronous Career Exploration Day. Homeroom teachers will send out more information soon!

Have you signed up to attend one of our end of year celebration events yet? During the month of May and first week of June, we will be hosting 14 different events across the state! Cheer on your local minor league baseball team while enjoying delicious food, special group seating options, and on-field activities. Come sliding with us at the world’s only indoor carpet skate park. Or practice your jumps, flips, and ninja skills at trampoline adventure parks.

Some events already have wait lists, so act quickly! Visit the link below to learn more and secure your spot. We hope to see you soon!

If you have questions about a specific event, please contact the Community Engagement Coordinator hosting that event:

• Chelsea Burke (cburke@insightpa.org)
• Courtland Handy (cohandy@insightpa.org)
• Kristin Seidel (krseidel@insightpa.org)

Please join us at the following sessions during the month of May:

Learning Coach Cafe - Mental Health Awareness

Tuesday, May 7th from 12:30PM - 1:00PM

Presenter - Sarah Ridder (Student Resource Specialist)

Zoom Link - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4080572556

Special Education Training - Behavior Tips (Part 2)

Tuesday, May 14th from 12:30PM - 1:00PM

Presenters - Anthony Grande (Assistant Director of Student Services)

Zoom Link - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4080572556

Learning Coach Cafe - Effective Communication Strategies

Tuesday, May 21st from 12:30PM - 1:00PM

Presenter - Erica Evans (Student Resource Specialist)

Zoom Link - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4080572556

Get ready for some fun as we focus on Creativity this month! One way to think about Creativity is “using your imagination to create something new or solve a problem.” Opportunities to be Creative are all around us!

Our Elementary students are assigned to a counselor by grade level and work with the same counselor each year as they move up through Elementary School. Not sure who your counselor is? Check the list below!

• Mrs. Testa (Kindergarten)
• Mrs. Peters (1st Grade)
• Mrs. McPherson (2nd Grade)
• Mrs. McFarland (3rd Grade)
• Mrs. Judson (4th Grade)
• Ms. Snyder (5th Grade)