Insight PA Elementary Newsletter

Dear Insight PA Bulldogs,

As December begins, I’m pleased at the incredible journey we've undertaken this year. It's been a time of growth, learning, and resilience, and I'm immensely proud of each student, teacher, learning coach, and staff member for their dedication.

I extend warm greetings to each one of you. I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits as we enter the holiday season.

On behalf of the Elementary School administration and staff, we want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

Warm Wishes,

Dr. Rickeya Jones, Principal (rijones@insightpaschool.org)

Mrs. Wendy Yonkers, Assistant Principal (weyonkers@insightpaschool.org)

Mr. Sam Alba, Assistant Principal (saalba@insightpaschool.org)

• Tuesday, 12/03 - Asynchronous Day for Students, Parent-Teacher Conferences
  
  
• Tuesday, 12/17 - Insight PA Board of Trustees Meeting*
  
  
• Monday, 12/23 - Friday, 1/03 - Winter Break (School Closed)
  
  
• Monday, 1/06 - School Resumes
  

*If Needed

Congratulations to our November Elementary School Students of the Week!

Nominated by Mrs. Koliscak

“Tyrone is a class leader and a hard worker! He is responsible and accountable. He engages, follows directions, participates, and is very kind to his peers.”

Nominated by Mrs. Sobotka

“Tuff comes to class every day ready to learn and be a leader! He is respectful, consistently uses his camera, and always participates. Tuff completes his assignments on time and uses his best effort. He also has a great sense of humor with his teachers and peers!”

Nominated by Ms. Arlet

“Aria attends all sessions and is always on time and prepared. She loves to participate and follows directions. She is always smiling and kind to all and is a positive influence in the classroom!”

Nominated by Mrs. Jones

“Kaia has had a great start to her 2nd Grade school year! She attends all of her classes on time and logs in with her camera on and a smile on her face. She also participates regularly and asks for help when she needs it. Way to go Kaia!”

Every year, one of our key in-person events is state-mandated testing. Students in grades 3-8 will take the mandatory ELA (English Language Arts) and Math PSSA exams, while those in grades 5 and 8 will also complete the Science PSSA. Insight PA designs our curriculum and instruction to prepare students for these proficiency standards. As a Pennsylvania public school, Insight PA is required by the PA Department of Education to participate.

After the winter break, you will receive details on your student's testing assignment, including the date and location. You or an appointed adult guardian must sign your student in at the testing site on their assigned days. The adult signing them in will need to present a valid photo ID.

Last year, students had a great time meeting our teachers, staff, and classmates during testing. They also received drinks, snacks, and fun incentives for their participation. To help ensure a successful testing experience this year, we invite you to complete a brief survey. All survey respondents will be entered into a raffle to win one of TEN great prizes!

STEM Classes are available to all K-5 students beginning this week!

Join Mrs. Sams to explore STEM topics through fun, engaging, and interactive lessons. Students will use household items to plan, build, test, improve, and reflect on their own ideas. They will also learn about computer science and coding.

Use the link below to sign up ASAP - spots may be limited!

Smart Futures is our Career Education Curriculum for our K-5 students. Each month, starting in December, students in grades K-5 will be provided with a fun, interactive lesson and activity to complete during homeroom and asynchronously to introduce our students to jobs. Thank you for supporting our students in being career and future focused!

*Check out the videos below for more information about Smart Futures.

Our Community Engagement Coordinators have been busy planning a variety of exciting events for our students and their families! Check out what they have planned for the next several weeks.

Click on the links below to learn more about each event and sign up to attend!

Friday, December 6th

• Monroe County - Schisler Museum & McMunn Planetarium
• Lancaster County - Lancaster Science Factory

Friday, December 13th

• Allegheny County - Zone 28
• Dauphin County - The Hershey Story Museum
• Montgomery County - Urban Air Willow Grove

Friday, December 20th

• Northampton County - Crayola Experience
• Philadelphia - Rolling Thunder

Don't Forget!

We are offering additional support to students after school, Monday - Thursday, from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. These optional sessions are open to all students. Check your schedule in Schoology - students can drop in and stay for as long as needed!

Title I, II, III and IV are federally funded grants designed to help students reach high academic achievement. Insight PA participates in a school-wide Title Program. We value the importance of a strong home and school connection. In an effort to support this belief, we are asking for your feedback. This will help inform school administration about the effectiveness of our communication with parents and how to improve our Parent and Family Engagement Policy.

All families who complete the survey linked below by Sunday, December 22nd will be entered into a drawing for an item of their choice (up to $35) from our school store. Section two of the survey must be completed in order to be entered into the drawing.

Please join us for the following parent/guardian education sessions during the month of December:

School Based Medical Access

Tuesday, December 10th from 12:30PM - 1:00PM

Presenters - Amanda Tingler (Special Ed Compliance Coordinator) and Kristen Salamone (Related Services Manager)

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

How to Get Ops Documentation to School

Tuesday, December 17th from 12:00PM - 12:30PM

Presenters - Corinne Davis & Jazmin Cruz, Insight PA LEAP Specialists

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

Self Care & Stress Management for Parents/Guardians

Tuesday, December 17th from 12:30PM - 1:00PM

Presenter - Crystal McClure, Insight PA Student Resource Specialist

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

This class focuses on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and covers the CASEL 5, which refers to the five core competencies defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). These competencies help students develop important skills for managing their emotions, building positive relationships, and making responsible decisions.

Research shows that students participating in SEL at school have higher levels of “school functioning,” as reflected by their grades, test scores, attendance, and homework completion. For more information visit www.casel.org.

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