Messages from Memorial
September 2021
HEART*EFFORT*ATTITUDE*RESPECT*TEAMWORK
Dear Memorial Families,
Thank you to a great start to our year. It was nice to see so many coming to the Open Houses and Back to School Nights. Also, thank you for sending your best kids to Memorial. It is a joy spending the school day with them and seeing them flourish at school.
Please refer to the FAQ section in this newsletter to see answers to some frequently asked questions from Memorial parents/guardians. If you have other specific questions or concerns regarding your child, it is appropriate to start with your child's teacher. If after speaking with the teacher, your questions and concerns remain, please call the office. I am here to help you.
We appreciate your help in keeping the students and staff safe at school by screening your child each day for symptoms of illness. If you are unsure if you should send your child to school, please call the school nurse to discuss your situation. Also, if you are awaiting the results of a Covid 19 test for a family member living in your home, please keep your child home as well.
With Great Respect,
Mrs. Misecko, Principal
Some Important Dates
September
1 - Last day to return Spirit Wear Orders
6 - No School for Labor Day8 - PTO Meeting at 3:30 at Memorial
24 - 1/2 Day for students (elementary students dismissed at 12:00 p.m.)
27 - Oct. 1 - Spirit Week
Tuesdays & Thursdays - 7:45 a.m. - Spell Bowl
Tuesdays & Thursdays - 3:30 - 5:00 Girls on the Run (starting September 7)
October
1 - Walk - A -Thon
8 - Last Day of the first grading period
11 & 12 - No School for Fall Break
13 - PTO Meeting at 3:30 at Memorial
21 & 22 - 1/2 Day for Students (K-8 only) for Parent Teacher Conferences
29 - PTO Fall Festival
Opportunities Available
Support your school community by applying for one of our open positions! Our essential support services departments help make the teaching and learning process as smooth as possible.
VCS has openings for:
● Substitute Teachers
● Food Service (Substitute and Permanent)
● Bus Drivers (Substitute and Permanent)
● Instructional Aides (Substitute and Permanent)
● School Nurses (Substitute and Permanent)
Porter County Educational Services is also hiring Instructional Aides that will be assigned to the
Valparaiso Schools buildings. View PCES open positions and job descriptions here:
https://www.applitrack.com/pces/onlineapp/
Many open positions allow for working during school hours only and follow the same
schedule as students!
Impact students in your community by joining the VCS team! View all open positions and job
descriptions here: www.valpo.k12.in.us/apply/.
FAQs
- At this time only the students who are a Direct Contact will be notified.
How can I find out how many cases there are at Memorial?
- The VCS dashboard will be updated on Tuesdays and Fridays each week.
Are masks mandated to be worn at school?
- At this time masks are recommended but not mandated in the school building. However, all students on the bus must wear a mask. You will be notified if this changes.
May my student have cell phone at school?
- As stated in the VCS Elementary Student Handbook, cell phones must be turned off and kept in the backpack during the school day. Please refer to the student handbook for other guidance and rules concering cell phones, smart watches and other electronic devices.
MEMORIAL PTO NEWS
We are so grateful for the hardworking PTO Executive Board.
President - Kristen Elinkowski
Vice President - Rose Gutshall
Treasurer - Megan Taylor
Secretary - Rae Smedley
All Memorial parents and guardians are considered members of PTO. Please join us at the first PTO meeting of the year on Wednesday, September 8 at 3:30 P.M. We will meet in person at Memorial.
You can also learn more about the activities of PTO on the Memorial PTO Website.
Eleanor The Therapy Dog
Mrs. Misecko, Eleanor's handler, has shared guidelines for interacting with Eleanor with each class. Although most students are very excited to be around Eleanor, we recognize that some students may have a fear of dogs or may have pet allergies. All students were reminded that it is always their personal choice if they want to interact with Eleanor. If your child has an allergy to dogs or if your child has a fear of dogs, please share this information with the school nurse or Mrs. Misecko.
Cybersafety for Children at Common Sense Media
Memorial Elementary
Email: dmisecko@valpo.k12.in.us
Website: valpo.k12.in.us/Domain/337
Location: 1052 Park Avenue, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Phone: 219-531-3090
Twitter: @Valpo_Memorial