PBC Parent/Families Newsletter

Dear Pieter B Parents and Families,

As we approach the holiday season, we embrace the beauty of diversity and the richness it brings to our lives. At Pieter B, we cherish the multitude of traditions and customs that our families bring to our community. It’s a time of joy, togetherness, and a celebration of the unique tapestry of cultures that make us who we are.

This season is about more than the twinkling lights and cheerful melodies. It’s an opportunity to share stories and traditions, fostering an understanding and appreciation for different customs. While the holidays might look and feel different for each family, the underlying spirit of love, generosity, and gratitude unites us all.

We understand that the holiday season can also bring its share of challenges. Balancing various customs and traditions within families can sometimes be a juggling act, but it's in this harmonious blend that we find beauty and strength. It’s a chance for our children to learn about the world, to embrace differences, and to create lasting memories that will shape their understanding of the global community.

We encourage you all to take this time to share your customs with each other. Whether it's through stories, songs, art, or food, let’s celebrate and learn from one another. Let’s use this season to teach our children the importance of inclusivity, empathy, and respect for all cultures.

At Pieter B., we are committed to creating an environment where every tradition is valued and respected. We embrace the hardships and challenges that may arise, knowing that through understanding and compassion, we can overcome them together.

As we navigate through this festive season, let’s remember the importance of kindness, compassion, and unity. Together, let’s make this a time of learning, sharing, and celebrating the beautiful diversity that makes our community so vibrant.

Wishing you all a joyous and meaningful holiday season!

With warm regards,

Mr. Hakim I. Jones, Principal

Victoria DeGouff, Assistant Principal

Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary School

Please consider joining Pieter B. PTO as our students can greatly benefit from your involvement and contributions to the school’s program and its operations. PTO is seeking volunteers to help with the following activities:

1) Teacher-led instructional support, usually in the classroom

2) School-wide events and activities

3) Student recognition events

4) Outreach and recruitment of parent and community volunteers

6:30 pm meeting time

September 12 - virtually join the meeting click HERE

October 10 -virtually join the meeting click HERE

November 21 - -virtually join the meeting click HERE

December 12 - virtually join the meeting click HERE

January 9 - virtually join the meeting click HERE

February 13 - virtually join the meeting click HERE

March 13 - virtually join the meeting click HERE

April 10 - virtually join the meeting click HERE

May 8 - virtually join the meeting click HERE

The winter weather has arrived quickly! Just a few reminders

1. Students go outside for recess when the real feel temperature is 15 degrees and above.

2. We use accu-weather to determine the real feel temperature.

3. If the temperature is close to 15 degrees, please send your students to student with their coat,hat and gloves ( just in case the students are able to go outside)

4. All students should wear a jacket during the winter season (especially on chilly days).

Stay warm,

In an effort to control the spread of illness we ask for your cooperation with the following guidelines.

Do not send your child to school….

 If he/she has a temperature of 100 or higher. Please do not send your child to school until he/she is fever-free (under 100) for 24 hours without Tylenol or Ibuprofen.

 If he/she has been vomiting or had diarrhea during the night or early morning hours. They should stay home until they have been free of the episodes for 24 hours.

 If your child is coughing excessively and/or has a very runny nose. A constant cough is very uncomfortable for your child and it is also disruptive to the class.

 If they have a severe rash that has not been seen by a physician. If your child has an open wound, please cover it with a bandage; if it does not appear to be healing, please consult your physician.

 If your physician suspects strep throat or other infections do not send your child to school until the results are known. If the result is positive he/she should have at least 24 hours of antibiotics before returning to school.

 If you suspect your child has pink eye (conjunctivitis), please take them to your physician. If it is a confirmed case, keep them home until they have been treated for 24 hours.

 If your child has Head Lice- unless they have been treated according to the nurse or doctor’s instruction and no longer have live lice or nits (eggs).

As always, you will find the latest updates, important school events, and links to newsletters on our official school website, www.rcscsd.org. You are encouraged to sign up for the RCS App and be sure to check your email frequently. We will again practice being environmentally friendly and reduce paper this year. Thus, our Pieter B. Handbook which contains the Code of Conduct, as well as pertinent other forms, resources, and points of reference will be posted on our website. If you do not have internet access, a copy of the handbook will be available in the main office.

Hakim Jones & Tori DeGouff

Just a reminder:

Please avoid having your children arrive at school before 9:00 a.m. Supervision is not provided, nor do our doors open prior to that time with the exception of students going to breakfast at 8:50 a.m.

Students report to their classrooms at 9:00 a.m. If you need to contact a teacher, please go to the main office for assistance. Please do not go directly to teacher classrooms at any time.

December 4 - Picture Make Up Day

December 9 - 13 - PTO Holiday Book Fair

December 10 - PBC Grade 2nd & 4th Concert at 7 p.m. (High School)

December 11 - Board of Education meeting 6 p.m. High School

December 11 - Elementary School BOE Awards 6:30 p.m. (High School)

December 12 - Parent-Teacher Conferences (STAFF ONLY)

December 13 - PTO cookies with the Grinch @ Pieter B. 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

December 16 - Parent - Teacher Conference Day (PK - 8 Early Dismissal 12:30 p.m.)

December 17 - PBC Grade 5 Band and Chorus Winter Concert at 7 p.m. (High School)

12/23-1/1 Winter Recess

January 2 - Classes Resume