Keystone Newsletter #30
Dear Keystone Families,
We are excited to welcome the new month of April, filled with a variety of fun and exciting activities for our learners.
This week is Autism Awareness Week, in addition to Autism Awareness month. Autism Awareness Week is a time dedicated to promoting understanding, acceptance, and celebration of individuals with autism. It aims to focus on awareness and acceptance, promoting the idea that neurodiversity is a natural and valuable part of the human experience. During this week, activities are organized to raise awareness, to educate, and to celebrate the unique talents and perspectives of individuals with autism. It is an opportunity to highlight the importance of inclusion, support, and respect for people with autism in all aspects of life.
We encourage all people to spread awareness and acceptance for individuals with Autism by wearing red tomorrow! Please also see the flyer below for addition information.
This Wednesday is also National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day. Paraprofessionals play a crucial role in supporting students and teachers in the classroom. They provide individualized support, help with instructional activities, and assist with behavior management. On National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, we recognize and thank these dedicated professionals for their hard work and commitment to helping students succeed. Please take the time to show your appreciation for the paraprofessionals in our school and community by thanking them for all that they do.
Looking ahead, next Wednesday, April 10th will be a professional workshop day for the staff, in addition to Eid al-Fitr, the students will be off from school.
As we welcome the warmer weather and longer days, let's make the most of this month and embrace all the opportunities and adventures it has in store for us. Here's to a fantastic April filled with joy, success, and happiness. We look forward to seeing all of the amazing things our students will accomplish. Let's make the month of April amazing!
Be safe and be well!
Respectfully,
Mrs. Smith-Herman
Important Dates to Remember
✏️Every Tuesday✏️
Smencil Sales ($1.25 each)
🥨Every Thursday🥨
Pre-Order Pretzels
👕Every Friday👕
Wear Paw Shirts
🌷Spring Break- No School💐
March 28th-April 1st
World Autism Awareness Day
April 2nd
PTO Meeting
March's PTO meeting will now take place April 3rd at 4:30 in the Library.
📚Scholastic Book Fair📚
April 12th-19th
April 12th-April 18th- Students will attend book fair during scheduled library time.
April 19th will be the make-up day.
April is the Month of the Military Child
April 17 is "Purple Up!" day. We are encouraging all to wear purple on April 17.
STEM Night- At Armstrong Middle School
April 17th- From 6:00-8:00pm
2nd Grade Field Trip
Group 1- April 22nd
Group 2- April 29th
🎨District Art Fair🎨
April 24th and 25th
PTO Sponsored Event- Special Someone Dance
April 26th
📝PSSA Testing at Keystone Elementary School📝
ELA- April 22nd, 24th, and 26th- Grades 3, 4, 5
Math- April 30th and May 1st- Grades 3, 4, 5
Science- May 2nd and May 3rd- Grade 4 Only
Looking Ahead
🏈5th Grade Spirit Day⚽
Wednesday, May 8th, 2024
Rain Date- Thursday, May 9th, 2024
It will take place in the stadium at Truman High School.
1st Grade Field Trip
May 9th
🎵Spring Music Concert🎵
Wednesday, May 15th at 7 pm
Keystone Community Dinner/Spring Engagement
May 29th
Kindergarten Field Trip
May 31st
🍎5th Graders Visit Future Middle School🍎
June 3rd
Kindergarten Move-Up Day Celebration
June 5th- AM
👕Field Day⚽
Thursday, June 6th- AM- K/1
Thursday, June 6th- PM- 2/3
Friday, June 7th- AM- 4/5
Rain Dates: June 7th (PM), June 10th (AM and/or PM) and/or 11th (PM)
5th Grade Move-Up Day Celebration
June 11th- AM
😎Last Day of School- Students😎
Thursday, June 13th
April Calendar
* Revision- Please note- PTO Meeting will be on Wednesday, April 3rd- NOT April 2nd. Thanks!
Autism Acceptance Week- April 2nd-April 5th
Revised 2023-2024 District Calendar
2024-2025 District Calendar
Keystone Staff Member Spotlight
Tina Halbherr
Position: 3rd grade teacher
Worked at Bristol Township School District Since: 2 years
Strengths: Teaching, cooking, being organized!
Pets: I have a cat named Luna and a dog named Quinn!
Hobbies: I enjoy cooking and baking, hiking, and crocheting.
Favorite Color(s): Green
Favorite Snack: Cheez its
Favorite Sports' Team: Phillies!
Three Fun Facts:
1. I am pregnant with a baby girl and due in June!!
2. I have been teaching for 9 years! I taught 2nd grade in West Philadelphia before starting at Keystone.3. Tony Danza filmed a TV show at my high school when I was a senior in 2010!
National Assistant Principal Week- April 1st-April 5th
Paraprofessional Appreciation Day- Wednesday, April 3rd
What is Paraprofessional Appreciation Day 2024?
"Paraprofessional Appreciation Day is a special day dedicated to those who work in a classroom under a teacher’s direction. A paraprofessional is someone who works under a professional’s guidance to help them in their job. In the school sector, paraprofessional educators are also known as teacher’s aides, paraeducators, personal care assistants, inclusion specialists, teaching assistants, and classroom assistants.
These fantastic people deliver targeted support to students who may need extra help and work to maintain the classroom, keeping it running smoothly.
Paraprofessional Appreciation Day seeks to bring these professionals to the forefront and show them a little extra love for all the incredible work they do, day in and day out.
From: https://www.twinkl.com/event/paraprofessional-appreciation-day-usa-2024
April is the Month of the Military Child
April is the Month of the Military Child (MOMC), which celebrates and recognizes military-connected students.
April 17 is "Purple Up!" day. We are encouraging all to wear purple on April 17.
Positive Office Referrals
We would like to acknowledge the students who have received or will be receiving recognition for receiving a positive office referral;
Angie Campos- 4th grade
Greysen Roberts- Juarbe- kindergarten
Graham Tomcho- 5th grade
Mason Hanks- 4th grade
Wyatt Contrevo- kindergarten
Paislee Slevenski- kindergarten
Erick Sisalima- 5th grde
Mariana Gonzales-Ortega- kindergarten
Ms. Donna, Mr. Pierce, and Mrs. Smith-Herman are looking forward to acknowledging more positive office referral!
Bristol Township STEAM Night- April 17th- At Armstrong Middle School
Join us for an evening of creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving at Family STEAM Night!
On April 17th, from 6-8 p.m., head to Armstrong Middle School, 475 Wistar Road, Fairless Hills, PA.
This district-wide event is open to ALL Bristol Township school district families. Sponsored by Bristol Cares and Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc.
Don't miss out on the fun and educational experience!
Truman's Honors Theater Production Class Presents Finding Nemo- April 27th
Truman's Honors Theater Production Class will be producing and directing Finding Nemo kids!
A 30-minute musical on April 27th.
They will have 3 performances, 12pm, 2pm, and 3pm.
The 3pm performance will be a sensory friendly show!
Tickets on sale now at Finding Nemo kids .
Kindergarten Registration for 2024-2025
Together with Troopers (w/Trooper Ryan)
Lenape Valley Foundation
Grand Families Lower Bucks Support Group
Heritage Conservancy
Spring Carnival: Take a Spin in Nature
May 17 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Results from Last Poll
Thank you for all who have participating in our newsletter's weekly poll! It looks like most people's favorite fruit is a watermelon!
💐Something Fun!💐
What is your favorite vegetable?
April Stories and Videos
April
April Fools Day- April 1st
Autism Awareness Month
April is the Month of the Military Child (MOMC)
World Autism Awareness Day- April 2nd
Great North American Solar Eclipse- April 8th
Eid-al-Fitr- Evening of April 9th- April 10th
Passover
Earth Day- April 22nd
Social Emotional Learning Tips of the Week
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program- April
BTSD Opt out procedure for PSSA and Keystones
Section 4.4 of Chapter 4 of the State Board of Education regulations provides for the right of any parents or guardians to excuse their child from the state assessment if, upon inspection of the testing materials, they find the assessment to be in conflict with their religious beliefs. Please note that this is the only basis for a parent or guardian to excuse his or her child from the statewide assessments.
Parents/guardians requesting that their child be excused from the PSSA or Keystone Exam must adhere to the following procedural guidelines:
Within two weeks of the date the child is to participate in the PSSA or Keystone exams, parents/guardians must contact the Chief Academic Officer, Mrs. Amy Coleman, to arrange an appointment to review the assessment(s) by completing this survey.
Survey Link: PSSA REQUEST TO REVIEW
For more information, please visit: https://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter4/s4.4.html
Yearbook Orders
Ordering Online Access Code Needed:
Access Code: 11702YBAttendance Policy
- Reminder, when your child is absent a written excuse note is required.
- For the first 10 absences the note may be from the parent.
- It can be in an email to: Donna.meehan@bristoltwpsd.org.
- If your child misses more than 10 days of school, then we only accept a medical note.
- Please email or send in the note within 10 days of their return to school, this is a PA State Law.
Dismissal Plans
In order to maintain the safety of all our learners, we are asking that families alert teachers, in writing, for any transportation/dismissal plan changes prior to 9am each morning.
We do understand that emergencies may arise throughout the day that requires a change to a child's dismissal plan for that particular day. For those situations, please make sure you are alerting the office staff as soon as possible, so they can communicate the change to the teachers as soon as possible.
We thank you for your support in helping us ensure the safety and wellbeing of each of our learners.
Snack and Birthday Celebration Policy
To ensure the safety and well being of our students, as per the District Wellness Policy, no outside foods may be brought in by students for classroom parties or birthday celebrations. Shared snacks are not permitted in district schools.
If you would like to send something in to celebrate your child's birthday or for a classroom party, you may send in non food items such as stickers, pencils, play dough etc.
23-24 Weather Emergency Information
Link to Elementary Remote Learning Overview: (Click here)
For additional information please visit https://www.bristoltwpsd.org/cms/one.aspx?portalId=377235&pageId=51110003
Is It Bullying? Poster
Title 1 Teachers
Mrs. Stacy Cooke
stacy.cooke@bristoltwpsd.org
Mrs. Aimee Ramos
aimee.ramos@bristoltwpsd.org
What is Title I?
Title I is a project funded by the federal government under the Every Child Succeeds Act. The purpose of this Act is to provide all children with fair and equitable opportunity to succeed and close achievement gaps. Money is allocated by the federal government and distributed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to the Bristol Township School. District.
Title I funding is based on a complex formula. These funds are allocated to the states who in turn allocate a portion of that money to the individual school districts within each state. The school district’s share is based on the economic need within a school area, that is, by the number of low income families living there. In our district the number of free and reduced lunch students is used to determine the economic need of a particular school.
Helpful Links and Resources
Anti-Bullying and Climate Specialist
Mr. Pierce has the pleasure of being the Anti-Bullying Specialist at Keystone Elementary School.
In the short time that he has been here he has been able to build a great rapport and begin teaching the Second Step Bullying Prevention curriculum and TKF curriculum.
Some of his roles include bullying investigations, conflict resolution, peer mediations, large group lessons and small group lessons. He also have been working to support the school climate at Keystone.
Mr. Pierce- Anti-Bullying and Climate Specialist
Report Form for Complaints of Harassment/Bullying/Cyber-Bullying
Click here for an electronic version of form; Reporting Form
Social Worker and Counselors Contact Information
Social Worker
Mrs. Jody Como
jody.como@bristoltwpsd.org
Counselors
Mrs. Tammy Surdo
tammy.surdo@bristoltwpsd.org
Mr. Brian Gianfrancesco
brian.gianfrancesco@bristoltwpsd.org
Health Office Contact Information
Lynn Thomson-Merrill
Certified School Nurse 267-599-2473 or 2490
Anna May Tannenbaum
Staff Nurse 267-599-2496
Annamay.Tannenbaum@bristoltwpsd.org
Christine Kelly (M, T, TH, F after 12:30 PM)
Staff Nurse 267-599-2473
Christine.Kelly@bristoltwpsd.org
Our fax number is 215-788-1516.
Breakfast and Lunch Menus- April
We encourage each student and staff member to wear their Keystone Paw Shirts every Friday.
Support Keystone's SWPBIS program by purchasing a soft pretzel. Each soft pretzel will cost $1 each. Students will be asked to preorder their pretzel each Thursday, for a pretzel delivery to take place on Fridays.
Office Staff
School Principal: Mr. Mark Wilicki
Email: mark.wilicki@bristoltwpsd.org
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Crystal Smith-Herman
Email: crystal.smith-herman@bristoltwpsd.org
Special Education Supervisor: Justina Garofalo
Email: justina.garofalo@bristoltwpsd.org
Special Education Supervisor: Jessica Kelch
Email: jessica.kelch@bristoltwpsd.org
Principal's Secretary: Mrs. Marianne Mensinger
Email: marianne.mensinger@bristoltwpsd.org
Assistant Principal's Secretary: Mrs. Donna Meehan
Email: donna.meehan@bristoltwpsd.org
School phone: 267-599-2470
School fax: 215-788-1041