Rose Tree Media School District

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Kwanzaa, which honors African American and Pan-African culture and traditions, is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, The seven-night celebration stretches across millions of homes and communities around the world.

Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of the department of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966 during the Black Freedom Movement. The origins of the non-religious holiday are tied back to the first harvest celebrations in Africa, according to the official holiday website.

The Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," means "first fruits." African culture and major religions have a deep history of celebrations around "first fruits." During the holiday, families and communities organize around what are known as the seven principles, or Nguzo Saba. The seven principles include, unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

People celebrate with feasts, also known as karamu, music, dance, poetry, narratives and gifts that are encouraged to be educational and promote African heritage. The holiday ends with a day that is dedicated to reflection and recommitment to the Seven Principles and other core cultural values.

The seven symbols of Kwanzaa are the Kinara, a candle holder; Mishumaa Saba, seven candles; Mkeka, the mat; Mazao, crops; Muhindi, ears of corn; Kikombe Cha Umoja, a unity cup; and Zawadi, gifts.

Registration Information

January 16, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Zoom

In the age of the internet and digital technology, it is crucial to ensure the safety of children while they navigate the online world. This comprehensive training will equip participants with effective strategies to protect kids from online threats and provide a secure digital environment for them to explore, learn, and interact safely. By the end of this training, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to create a safer online environment for children. Implementing these strategies will help children develop essential digital skills, stay protected from online threats, and navigate the digital landscape responsibly and confidently.

Keep an eye out for registration and more information about the following upcoming parent trainings:

• Helping Our Children Feel a Sense of Belonging at School - February 6, 2024
• Strategies to Support Social Skills in Our Middle and High School Students - March 12, 2024
• Strategies to Support Struggling Readers - April 8, 2024

The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD), in partnership with Delaware County Council held a press availability on Monday, December 18th, to announce the launch of its Deterra Drug Deactivation System pouch and awareness postcard mailing campaign as part of Delaware County’s use of opioid settlement funds.

DCHD is bringing this public health harm reduction strategy directly to residents and is pleased that Deterra pouches and awareness postcards will be shipped to 165,289 county residential addresses in randomly chosen zip codes—approximately 70% of all residential addresses in the county— just in time for the holidays. Most residents can expect to see them as early as next week. DCHD hopes to be able to mail to remaining addresses next year, contingent on additional opioid settlement funding being designated for this purpose.

These non-toxic pouches are an organic and safe alternative for proper disposal of unused, unwanted and expired medications with the simple addition of water. In a simple 3-step process, residents deactivate drugs by putting them in the Deterra pouch, adding water, shaking, and throwing them away in the household garbage. DCHD will be issuing medium-sized Deterra pouches that can deactivate up to 45 pills.

“Public Health 3.0 is about meeting residents where they are," said Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. “Not only do these pouches reduce the potential for abuse of opioids, safely destroy unwanted drugs, and help protect the environment they reduce barriers by helping residents skip the trip to drug drop off box locations.”

The Deterra pouches help protect the environment by preventing pharmaceutical drugs from contaminating water supply and landfills. Critically, the Deterra pouches and awareness postcards help destigmatize substance use disorders, reminding residents of resources for help in the county, and reducing avenues for drug abuse and addiction.

"The Deterra Drug Deactivation System is a game-changer in our fight against the drug overdose epidemic," said Council Chair Dr. Taylor. "It provides a discreet, effective way to dispose of unused medications, helping to destigmatize substance use disorders while supporting individuals and families impacted by this crisis."

Don’t Ditch! Deactivate. Recipients are urged not to dispose of these pouches before they can be used. If there is no immediate need for their use in the home, please store and save them for later use. The pouches do not have an expiration date. Residents who receive but do not want to keep these pouches are asked to share them with family members or neighbors who can use them.

t is time to register for Media Little League. Home of the 2023 Pennsylvania and Midatlantic Champion Little League World Series Team

Ages 4 to 12 - Birthdays between September 1, 2011 and August 31, 2020.

All age appropriate students at Rose Tree, Media, and Springton Lake Middle School are eligible to play in Media Little League regardless of residence location.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

WWW.MEDIALITTLELEAGUE.NET

CALL 484-442-0012 OR E-MAIL mediall@DCA.NET WITH QUESTIONS

No applicant will be refused for financial reasons

Fifth grade students from Rose Tree Media School District will have artwork exhibited at the Brandywine Museum. Their work will be exhibited from Wednesday, October 25 until Sunday, February 11. Hope you can stop by and see the wonderful artwork.

November 5th is one of two Free First Sundays when admission to the museum is free, and there are free children's art activities from 10-2.

This link provides information about the museum's hours and address.

Cub Pack 404 - Meetings are at Rocky Run YMCA Program Room #1 - Wednesday nights from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. starting September 27. Email Pack404scouts@gmail.com

Sign up at the pool only during open swim time.

See pool supervisor to assist you.

Checks made payable to Rose Tree Media School District

Membership Rates:
$250 For Family

$185 for Individual Adult

$50 for Students

$35 Senior Citizens

Schedule:

Monday - Friday - 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Sunday - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Pool Parties: Saturday and Sunday pricing varies according to size and times. The pool may be rented for birthday swim parties and other special events.

12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

1-25 Swimmers $175.00

26-35 Swimmers $215.00

35 Swimmers or More $245.00

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

1-25 Swimmers $215.00

26-35 Swimmers $245.00

35 Swimmers or More $275.00

Scout Party $80.00 Base with $30.00

Additional charge for over 25 Swimmers

Social media can present meaningful risk of harm to youth while also providing benefits. Children and youth who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media face double the risk of mental health problems, including experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and body image issues. Let’s all take action to create safe and healthy digital environments that minimize harm, safeguard children’s and adolescents’ mental health and well-being, and increase their sense of belonging. (U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory)

We can all maximize the benefits and minimize the harms of social media platforms to create safer, healthier online environments for children. Youth mental health matters. Together, we can create a more positive online world. Let's start the conversation, support one another, and build a brighter, healthier future for our youth, from what they see around them.

We all have mental health. According to MentalHealthLiteracy.org, mental health includes our emotional, psychological,and social well-being, which means it affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress in our lives, relate to others, and what choices we make. When we experience good mental health, it doesn’t mean we are always in a good mood, nor does it prevent the stresses of life from coming our way. But, it does help us cope with them so we can continue to engage productively in our everyday lives.

However, awareness without mental health literacy does not lead to improved mental health and better access to mental health care for those who need it. Knowing about something is not the same as knowing something. Part of improving mental health literacy is making sure we are using the right words to describe the various components of mental health and mental illness. Language matters.

2023 Inductees are:

Dr. Brenda Shore - Class of 1976

Dr. Shore, a Wharton Fellow in International Business, is an author and recognized leader in the fields of human resources and management theory. Dr. Shore has worked at home and abroad to apply her research and experience to inspire and mentor students in their pursuit of education.

Mr. John Lohn - Class of 1995

Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2023, Mr. Lohn is know around the world as one of the sport's premier journalists and authors. Bob Bowman, coach of Olympic legend Michael Phelps, described Mr. Lohn as "one of the world's foremost experts on the history of modern swimming."

Enroll at leadingedgekids.com Family Services Team is happy to help with any questions. 800-341-5791 or support@leadsschools.com.

KeyStone Center is offering a series of free NARCAN® trainings for families.

Trainings will help families gain information on how they can assist their loved one who is struggling with opiate dependence. We will provide information on addiction treatment resources, as well as teach you how to assist someone in the event of an overdose. Each participant will receive a free NARCAN® kit.

WHEN:

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

6:30 pm to 7 pm

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

6:30 pm to 7 pm

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

6:30 pm to 7 pm

Wednesday, Sept 27, 2023

6:30 pm to 7 pm

Wednesday, Oct 18, 2023

6:30 pm to 7 pm

WHERE:

Key Recovery Outpatient Services

5000 Hilltop Drive

2nd Floor Conference Room

Brookhaven, PA 19015

RSVP to Jennifer East at 484-490-1066 or jennifer.east@uhsinc.com

Crossing Guards are needed in Upper Providence. If interested, please call Rose Haley at 610-566-8445.

$15.00 per hour with paid holidays.

What is Delco Contact and How Does It Work?

Delco Contact supports families that are currently trying to access mental health services in Delaware County, by connecting with them through Family Peer Specialists (FPS) and Youth Support Partners (YSP. Learning about all the treatment options and planning to access them can be overwhelming at first. In Delco Contact you will work with FPS or YSP to enroll in the appropriate mental health program that is the best fit for you and your family. Delco Contact staff are parents and youth that have navigated the mental health system in Delaware County for themselves or their families. They have experienced similar challenges and know how to overcome the barriers that can sometimes stand in the way of getting the help that you need. We are excited to join with you and your family through our shared experience.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Here are some outcomes you can expect when Delco Contact partners with your family:

• We'll support through the application process of actively enrolling in Medical Assistance if needed
• We'll teach you about all the different mental health programs that are available to Delco residents and assist you in accessing the right services for you and/or your family
• We'll focus on your strengths and family's culture to best plan for your success with the help of peer support

CONTACT

Tiffany Long
Delco Supervisor

484-250-1810 cell

610-325-3137 fax

tlong@childandfamilyfocus.org

TO LEARN MORE

www.childandfamilyfocus.org

Media Fellowship House currently has a grant program called Delco CARES available to help homeowners in Delaware County who are behind on their mortgage and/or utilities (or who are in danger of falling behind). If you are facing this type of situation, please fill out the intake application (below) or call 610-565-0434.

This program is administered by Delaware County's Office of Housing and Community Development and is a grant of up to $6,000 that can help with up to 3 consecutive months of mortgage and/or utility payments.

1) Complete the intake application and gather the documents listed in the application. These can either be mailed to our office or brought to 302 S. Jackson Street, Media, PA 19063 from 9 to 4, Monday through Thursday (or left in our locked dropbox after hours)

2) Once the application and documents are received, our housing counselor will review them and then reach out to the applicant to review any missing information and to discuss your individual situation and strategies (in addition to applying for the grant) that could help you with the financial crisis you are experiencing.

RTMSD is hiring! If you’re passionate about education and interested in working in a positive and welcoming environment, we hope you’ll consider applying for one of our open positions. We’re seeking substitutes, support staff, and more.

Apply here: https://rtmsd.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

12-21-23 - Legislative Meeting - 7:00 p.m. Penncrest

12-25 through 1-2-24 Student Holiday

1-3-24 - Return to School

1-12-24 - Early Dismissal: Grades 1-5 12:20, PM-K In Session

1-15-24 Holiday, All Buildings Closed

1-26-24 Secondary Semester Ends: Early Dismissal SLMS 11:50, PHS Make-Up Exams only