PRINCIPAL NEWS AND NOTES
January, 2020
WOW, we are almost mid-way through the month already! I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays. We're obviously back in full swing. Many teachers had students write goals or resolutions when we returned. It's been interesting reading as I walk through the halls. When you get a chance, ask your student what goal/goals they've set for themselves in the new year.
'TIS THE SEASON TO CONTINUE GIVING AND SUPPORTING THOSE IN NEED
Donations for our MLK Day of Service project has been awesome thus far! They are piling up. Donations will be given to the Friends Association which services the homeless population with temporary housing. If you haven't donated via the Sign-Up Genius, it isn't too late. Thank you to those families who have already sent items in. Student Council did a great job getting the word out to students via a video they produced explaining the purpose of our schoolwide service project.
BEYOND DIVERSITY AND COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS
Statement from Dr. Scanlon
"With all that is happening in our world, it’s perhaps more important than ever that we work to ensure our schools are places where everyone – regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, financial or cultural background – is respected and feels safe and nurtured. We will continue to work with our equity teams to make sure our schools reflect that. Much of it starts right in your classrooms as you do the important work of teaching students to be kind and inclusive. Build a strong bond of trust with them, and continue to make sure your classrooms are places where kindness and respect are as important as the right answer on the test."
The Exton Equity team continues to do the work mentioned by Dr. Scanlon with our staff.
Our Mission Statement - In an effort to eliminate the achievement gap, Exton's Equity team will examine and confront institutional racism and its impact on the entire Exton School community.
Areas of Focus - We have tackled topics such as: understanding personal biases, understanding white privilege, speaking up and out about prejudice and racism. This year, our goal is to provide resources and professional development to teachers to implement culturally relevant lessons through discussions which confront racism and bias. We will, once again, offer an evening presentation for parents. Stay tuned. Equity Team members - Dr. Starling, Mr. Klingler, Mrs. Pacheco, Mr. Kulesza, Mrs. Givey, Mrs. Finch and Dr. Alston
EARLY DISMISSALS - REMINDER
We have an early dismissal this Friday, January 17. Here are a few reminders:
- Please, make sure your student(s) know what bus they ride (Before/After care students in particular).
- Please, make sure we have updated contact information on file. This includes names of family members or friends that are emergency contacts.
- Please, make sure you have a back up plan if you are not able to pick your student up. Be sure your student(s) knows the plan.
- Please, if you are changing your routine plan for pick up, notify the school immediately via phone or email.
- If at all possible, please do not request an early office pick up to avoid waiting in the Parent Pick Up line. Office staff is quite busy making sure all changes are noted and getting information to teachers and students. If you have to request an office pick up, you will be asked to pick up at least 20 minutes before dismissal.
Thank you for your patience during early dismissals.
BRRR! IT IS GOING TO GET COLD AGAIN
FROM THE NURSE'S OFFICE
Flu, stomach bug and Strep season is upon us. It's not too late to get a flu shot for your student(s) if you have not done so already.
Please help us limit the spread of germs by keeping sick children at home. Students must be fever free 24 hours, without medication, before returning to school.
REMINDERS FROM THE OFFICE
To all parents, guardians, and guests: You must come into the office to be checked in via the RAPTOR system with your driver’s license and receive a Visitor’s Badge prior to going anywhere in the building. RAPTOR will be purged in January. Please be ready to provide your license after the new year.
ABSENTEE HOTLINE - Please call 484-266-1410 and leave a message when you know your child will be absent from school or late. You can call the number at any time. Please do not call 484 266-1400, 1401 or 1402 to report an absence.
FORGOTTEN LUNCHES - If a student forgets lunch, they are allowed to purchase/charge a full lunch three times. If payment is not made after the third charge, students will only be offered peanut butter and jelly or a cheese sandwich. Please be aware that this is the District’s policy.
LUNCH ACCOUNTS - When sending money (cash or checks) for lunch accounts, please make sure that the money is in an envelope with the student’s name. PayForIt is also available for putting money on your child’s lunch account. Please check your balance periodically.
VACATION REQUESTS - When needing family vacation time, email Dr. Alston (TAlston@wcasd.net) AND cc KNagorny@wcasd.net with your request. The vacation request form is on the school website.
CONTACTING TEACHERS/STAFF - All staff email addresses are first initial, last name @wcasd.net. (BJones@wcasd.net.). District policy affords teachers twenty-four hours to respond.
STUDENT CAR LINE DROP OFF AND PICK UP - Drop off and pick up is on the playground. Please do not drop students off before 8 AM as supervision is not available. We ask that you do not exit your car during drop off or drive around the line. If you are dropping off or picking up for A Child's Place, please DO NOT ENTER the parking lot where the DO NOT ENTER sign is posted. Also, please remember to be patient and courteous to one another in the car line.
EARLY PICK UP - When needing an early dismissal for any reason, please email Mrs. Spranger (TSpranger@wcasd.net), Mrs. Nagorny (KNagorny@wcasd.net) and your student's teacher. Any afternoon pick-ups must be before 2:50.
IMPORTANT DATES
1/17 - 11:40 dismissal for students, Teacher Inservice
1/20 - MLK Day, Schools and offices closed/Student Council Day of Service
1/21- Kindness Assembly
1/22 - K10:Program for Pre-school parents (see the link below, previously sent)
1/24 - PTO Pinot's Palette