Maple East Elementary
The Lion's Pen Bi-Weekly Newsletter- November 8, 2024
William P Bohen, Ph.D, Principal
Greetings from Maple East! Below you will find a number of important school updates for you this week:
Erin's Law
In 2019, New York State enacted Erin’s Law, which became effective on July 1, 2020. The law requires that all public schools in New York State provide annual prevention education about sexual abuse and exploitation of children to students in a developmentally appropriate manner. It was named for a brave survivor, Erin Merryn, who was a child victim of sexual abuse at the hands of two different trusted adults. Erin was afraid, full of shame, and in denial about what happened to her. She didn’t know how to get help.
The mission of all school districts includes our commitment to keeping children safe. In line with this, the Williamsville Central School District has collaborated with the Child Advocacy Center at Best Self to work with children of all ages in our District’s elementary buildings. A facilitator from the Child Advocacy Center will be presenting to your child during CE time on Tuesday, December 3. Your child’s PE teacher and also our School Counselor will be present for the presentation.
The message will be about:
· Empowering students to speak up to be safe or to help another student who may not feel safe.
· Demonstrating kindness to fellow classmates and community members through everyday actions and relationships.
· Communication with trusted adults at home, in the community and at school.
· Assisting all children with the identification of adults who keep us safe.
These lessons will focus on how to make all students aware of how to keep each other safe and how to seek help when they do not feel safe. The lessons will be offered using non-threatening and respectful language. The presentation will be developmentally appropriate and sensitive to all students. Feel free to let me know if you have any questions.
Picture Retake Day
Picture Retake Day will be held on Monday, November 18.
World Kindness Day
This coming Wednesday, November 13, we will recognize World Kindness Day at Maple East. Please encourage your child to wear a shirt with a positive message!
Parent Teacher Conferences
We are preparing for our Fall Parent Teacher Conferences, which will be held on the following dates:
- Thursday December 5 from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
- Friday December 6 from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM (This is a student half day with 10:25 AM dismissal)
- Monday December 9 from 11:00 AM- 3:00 PM and from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (This is a student half day with 10:25 AM dismissal)
All parents should have received sign up information through a WITS mail at this point. Sign ups will take place through your WITS parent portal from Monday November 4 through Wednesday November 27. Once again, we will be offering both virtual and in person options.
Recess/ Appropriate Clothing
As we enter the colder months, we still prefer to take students outdoors for recess if the weather is conducive. Please remember to send your child to school with appropriate clothing for the colder months such as warmer jackets, hats, and gloves for us to be able to continue with outdoor recess on colder days. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your child's teacher.
Upcoming NYS Computer-Based Testing in May
This spring, our 3rd and 4th grade students will take the New York State (NYS) computer-based assessments for English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. The tests will be administered during the first few weeks of May. While this is a new format for our students, we are not concerned about the change. In fact, we are confident that our students will adapt easily, and to help ensure their success, we will provide typing practice and other support in class. The computer-based format offers a more interactive testing experience, while assessing the same content as the traditional paper-based tests.
Veterans Day: No School
As a reminder, we will have no school this coming Monday, November 11 due to the Veterans Day Holiday. At Maple East, our students and staff thank all those who have served our country!
Reminder for Pick Up
Please remember to always have ID when coming into school as you may be required to provide it when picking up your child.
Visitor Sign In Procedure
Recently our district implemented the new Raptor System for visitors coming into the building. With this new procedure, you will need to provide photo ID that will be scanned into the system. Once you are scanned the first time, subsequent visits will only require us to sign you in with your last name.
Attendance Reminder
If your child will be out sick, please be sure to contact the Attendance Office via WITS Mail or by calling 716-626-8800/option 1.
Dismissal Reminder
If there is any change to your child’s regular dismissal routine, please call the MAIN OFFICE at (716) 626-8801 as teachers may not always get the message in time for dismissal.
Parking Lot Reminders
Just a reminder that cars are NOT allowed in the Bus Loop in the morning to drop off students. Please remember there is no entering the Bus Loop BEFORE 8:30am or AFTER 1:30pm. Cars are also NOT allowed in the Handicapped section of the parking lot unless you have the proper parking tag. When parking there, be sure to have your tag displayed in clear view if you’re using those spots.
Joelle McCormack, RN, School Nurse
Respiratory Illness Health Reminders
As the cold and flu season continues and we experience an increase in cases of COVID, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza (the Flu) and other respiratory illnesses, please take a few minutes to review the health information below which outlines important information to keep your family and the school community as healthy as possible.
Stay up to date with Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.
Stay home from school, work, daycare and other activities if you are sick.
Consider wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth if you have symptoms of respiratory illness – coughing, stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
Staying hypervigilant, especially for those who live with higher risk individuals: infants, older adults, pregnant people, and people born pre-term or those with underlying health conditions.
Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for least 20 seconds to protect yourself from germs and avoid spreading them to others.
Do not cough or sneeze into your hands. Instead, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Teach and remind children to do this, too.
Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol to use when soap and water are not available.
Respiratory illnesses can cause mild to severe illness. Most cases will resolve on their own within seven to ten days, but some cases may require hospitalization.
Please monitor your child for the following symptoms:
- fever or feeling feverish/chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuff nose
- muscle or body aches
- headache
- fatigue
- some may experience vomiting and diarrhea
Children experiencing the following symptoms require immediate medical attention:
- fast breathing or trouble breathing
- bluish skin color
- not drinking enough fluids
- very sleepy or lethargic
If your child develops the above symptoms, please do not send your child to school. Instead, please contact your child’s health care provider, for a prompt and proper diagnosis and treatment. Young children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart and lung disease, asthma or diabetes are at higher risk for a more severe illness and complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, and dehydration. A child with a respiratory illness may return to school 24 hours after the child’s last fever and when the child is well enough to learn. For return to school following a diagnosis of COVID, please refer to CDC isolation guidelines at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html
The best way to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses is to wash your hands frequently with warm soap and water, refrain from putting your hands to your face and mouth, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school nurse or your child’s health care provider. For additional information, please visit the NYS Department of Health website at
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/respiratory_syncytial_virus/understanding.htm
Here are some tips on distinguishing between
cold and flu season vs allergies:
Allergies:
A change of season may trigger some seasonal allergies. Allergy symptoms include:
Sneezing
congestion
runny nose
Itchy eyes
Clear nasal drainage
Fever free
These are some ways the body can respond to allergens in the air
Seasonal allergy symptoms can come on suddenly and last awhile.
Colds:
Runny nose or stuffy nose
Cough
Sneezing
Sore throat
Watery eyes
Occasional fever
Cold symptoms are contagious and usually peak in 2-3 day
Good hand washing is encouraged.
Influenza “the Flu” has been confirmed in your child’s school. Influenza is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza can cause mild to severe illness. Most cases will resolve on their own within seven to ten days, but some cases may require hospitalization.
Common symptoms one to four days following exposure to Influenza may include:
- fever or feeling feverish/chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headache
- fatigue
- some may experience vomiting and diarrhea
Children experiencing the following symptoms require immediate medical attention:
- fast breathing or trouble breathing
- bluish skin color
- not drinking enough fluids
- very sleepy or lethargic
If your child develops the above symptoms, please do not send your child to school. Instead, please contact your child’s health care provider and mention that Influenza is in the class, for a prompt and proper diagnosis and treatment. Young children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart and lung disease, asthma or diabetes are at higher risk for a more severe illness and complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, and dehydration. A child with Influenza may return to school 24 hours after the child’s last fever and when the child is well enough to learn.
The best way to prevent the spread of Influenza is to get a flu vaccine each year, wash your hands frequently with warm soap and water, refrain from putting your hands to your face and mouth, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school nurse or your child’s health care provider. For additional information, please visit the NYS Department of Health website at https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/fact_sheet.htm
Medication Drop Off Information:
All medication, including non prescription medication, must have a written order from the student’s physician or licensed prescriber.
Prescription Medication must be in the container prepared by the pharmacist with the original label specifying the name and strength of the medication. (Note: the pharmacy label does not constitute a written order and cannot be used in lieu of a written order from a licensed prescriber.)
Non Prescription Medication must be in the original and sealed manufacturer’s container with the student’s name affixed to the container. All medication must be delivered directly to the school nurse by the parent or guardian. Non student is permitted to carry non emergency medication on the bus. Medication orders must be renewed annually and whenever there is a change.
Next week we are celebrating World Kindness Day!
On Wednesday November 13th, we are asking our students and staff to wear clothing with kind words on it to school that day!
World Kindness Day is a global observation that emphasizes the need to be kind to one another. Participants believe that kindness has the power to change the world!
Kindness can be defined as intentionally extending good to others. World Kindness Day is an opportunity for children and adults to make a commitment to intentionally extend good to others in actions and words. Saying a kind word, calling a friend, helping a neighbor, hugging a loved one, and volunteering or making a donation to a non-profit are just a few examples.
For a kindness calendar you and your child can work on at home click HERE.
In addition, at this time of year especially, our Maple East Community will be supporting several local families, as well as students in two Buffalo Public schools who have needs for warm clothing and gifts for the holidays. You can sign up for specific items that require a specific size or need at THIS link. For more general items, we will collect as follows:
Kindergarten and First Grade- Toys (ages Prek-8)
Second Grade- Arts & Crafts supplies and Kits (ages PreK-8)
Third & Fourth Grade- Games (ages PreK-8)
You can send these items to school anytime between now and
Wednesday December 11th.
We appreciate your kindness and generosity!!
DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and SDM (Shared Decision Making) Committees Update:
Check out our new Heritage Wall, a collaborative project among our DEI and SDM Committees at the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPpKQ-z3pQs
DEI 2024-2025 Members:
William Bohen, Principal (Chair)
Amanda Komaromi, K Teacher
Amy Newkirk, 1 Teacher
Shannon Maranto, 2 Teacher
Nicole Famiglietti, 3 Teacher
Rebecca Milne, 4 Teacher
Kristen Rauth, Special Education
Clare Hart, School Librarian
Katie McFarland, ESOL
Linda Kane, School Counselor
Laura Beauregard, Parent Representative
Maria Chavan, Parent Representative
DEI Meeting Dates: 10/29, 12/17, 3/25, 5/20
DEI Update: We met on October 29, 2024. At this meeting, we de briefed on our "Building Wide Read Aloud" that we used to kick off the school year in September. We read the book "Maybe" by Kobi Yamada. We use the book to teach students about identity and the value of all individuals. After we read the book, students are able to share aspects of their identity, family, and community that make them unique and special. Students complete a class project and the work is beautifully displayed throughout our building. Feedback has been very positive about this annual tradition from our students, staff, and parents. At our next meeting, we will begin preparations for our annual Heritage Month, to be held throughout the month of March. This has also become an annual tradition at Maple East where students and families can share important traditions with each other. We will keep the school community informed as we finalize the details for this upcoming event.
SDM 2024-2025 Members:
William Bohen, Principal
Kristy Giardina, Assistant Principal
Katie McFarland, Teacher (Chair)
Jennifer Grohusko, Teacher
Jennifer Wulf, Teacher
Kimberly Beck, Support Staff
Elizabeth Astridge, Parent Representative
Dana Moore, Parent Representative
Kara Buscaglia, Parent Representative
SDM Update: We met on Wednesday, September 25 to discuss our new Heritage Wall (see video link above) and the next steps moving forward. We will be adding a QR code for new families to add any country and/ or language that is important to them. Any new countries and/ or languages will be added to the Heritage Wall. We also will be designing lesson plans by grade level for teachers to use with their classes, with an emphasis on DEI, Social Studies, and ELA standards. We hope to accomplish this by the middle of this school year.
SDM Meeting Dates: 9/25, 11/14, 1/22, 3/18, 5/7
District News:
Extracurricular Information
Community Education Programs at Maple East, click on link below:
https://www.williamsvillek12.org/departments/community_education/index.php
Calendar: November 2024
Every Friday is Wear Blue (or Bills) Spirit Day!
Monday, November 11th
Veteran's Day/NO School
Wednesday, November 13
World Kindness Day: Wear a shirt with a positive message!
Thursday, November 14th
Student of the Month Parade and Ceremony
Monday, November 18th
School Picture Retake Day
Thursday, November 28th - Friday November 29th
Thanksgiving Recess/NO School
Grade 3 & 4 NYS ELA & Math Testing
Thursday, May 1 - Friday, May 2 ELA Gr. 3-4 Testing Window
Thursday, May 8 - Friday, May 9 Math Gr. 3-4 Testing Window
Main Office:
William P Bohen, Ph. D, Principal
Kristy Giardina, Assistant Principal
Laura Mietz, Senior Clerk Typist
Cynthia Carlino, Clerk Typist
Kimberly Beck, Part Time Clerk Typist
Phone: 716-626-8800
Fax: 716-626-8808
Attendance:
Jennifer Thompson, Attendance/ Health Office Aide
Phone: 716-626-8800, Option 1
Health Office:
Joelle McCormack, RN, School Nurse
Phone: 716-626-8810
Fax: 716-626-8831
School Website:
https://mapleeast.williamsvillek12.org/
Class Dojo:
Address:
1500 Maple Road
Williamsville, NY 14221