The Lion's Pen Bi Weekly Newsletter

William P Bohen, Ph.D, Principal

Open House/ Supply Drop Off

Greetings from Maple East! I hope that you have had a relaxing and enjoyable summer. We are so excited to welcome our new students, and our returning students back to Maple East for the 2024-2025 school year. Our Open House/Supply Drop Off date is Wednesday, August 28, 2024 and the times are as follows:

New Family (Grades 1-4) 3:30 PM-4:15 PM (in the Gym)

Grade K 3:30 PM-4:15 PM

Grade 1 4:00 PM-4:45 PM

Rauth/Tranzillo/ Wulkan 4:30 PM-5:15 PM

Grade 2 5:00 PM-5:45 PM

Grade 3 6:00 PM-6:45 PM

Grade 4 7:00 PM-7:45 PM

During Open House, please be sure to stop at our Playground for “Popsicles in the Playground,” sponsored by our PTA. You will be able to meet our PTA officers and volunteers. We will also have a school bus in the main loop for Kindergarten students to practice boarding and exiting.

PTA Back to School Night/ Curriculum Information

Our first PTA General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 11 at 6:30 PM in the Maple East Library. Maple East teachers and I will be presenting about our school curriculum and program.

Class Placement Information

Student schedules and teacher assignments will be available on WITS on Friday, August 23, 2024.

Supply Lists

Supply lists for the 2024-2025 school year are currently posted on WITS and also the District website at the following link: https://mapleeast.williamsvillek12.org/parents-students/school-supply-list

Parent/ Student Handbook

The Maple East Parent Student Handbook contains everything that you need to know about our school logistics, procedures, and communication plan. You can access the Handbook on the District website at the following link: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1720710948/williamsvillek12org/murwjrwfi4odqywdcq3n/2024-2025MapleEastElementaryHandbook.pdf

Kristy Giardina, Assistant Principal

Welcome back! I am looking forward to seeing everyone in the coming weeks ahead. Today, I would like to take the opportunity to review with you the procedures of parent drop off/ pick up at dismissal:

Morning Drop Off:

If you will be bringing your child to school in the morning, versus sending them on the bus, please know we have specific procedures in place to make this as smooth and safe as possible.

• When you pull into the side parking lot at Maple East, you will see a traffic pattern set up by cones. You will want to pull up as far to the front as possible, and only the students should exit the car on the passenger side. We will have staff members stationed throughout the walkway and inside the building that can help guide your child.

• If you prefer to walk your child to the door, or help them out of the car, please park in the parking lot, and we welcome you to do so! All students will walk to the front entrance to enter the building.

You can begin dropping your child off at 7:50am and we will be stationed outside until 8:15am. Thank you for following these procedures as it helps to control the traffic as well as get everyone where they need to be in the morning!

Afternoon Parent Pick Up:

• If your child is a parent pick up every day, or on a consistent schedule (i.e Tuesdays and Thursdays) and will not be taking the bus, please ensure that your child’s teacher is aware by sending in a one time note stating this. Please give this note to your teacher at Supply drop off. This will help us to be prepared for the first few days.

• Going forward, if your child will be picked up any day during the school year, just on that day, please also be sure you send a note to your child’s teacher on that day with the date of pick up listed.

• When picking up your child you will park in the side parking lot and line up at the appropriate door corresponding to your child’s last name.

• Cafeteria door #14: New pickup location for student last names ending in A-L

• Loading dock door #13: New pickup location for student last names ending in M-Z

• If your child is a consistent pick up, you will be given a sign to utilize when picking your child up, and your child will have a corresponding number attached to their backpack (This will come home with your child the first week of school.) While you wait for these to come home, please be prepared to show ID.

• If you are picking your child up and are not on a consistent schedule, you will just come to the corresponding door to pick them up and please be prepared to show ID.

Please remember that we do not begin dismissing students until 2:20.

Thank you so much for your flexibility and cooperation as we safely dismiss all students!

Afternoon Dismissal:

Special After School Transportation to an Alternate Address (Neighbor / Sitter / Grandparent):

• If a student is going to a different location after school other than their home, such as a neighbor, sitter or grandparent's home, a Special Transportation Form needs to be completed online and will automatically be sent to the Transportation Department. (Click here for transportation form) *The location of the neighbor, sitter or grandparent's home must be within the Maple East attendance area.

• This bus will be your child's only afternoon bus assignment.

Special After School Transportation to an Alternate Address (Licensed Day Care):

• If a student is going to a licensed day care after school (not in-house Just For Kids), a Special Transportation Form needs to be completed and sent to the Transportation Department (Click here for transportation form). (exception: Little Red School House)

• If the location of the licensed day care is within the Maple East attendance area, the student will not have to take a transfer bus to Mill Middle. A bus from Maple East will take them directly to the licensed day care facility.

• If the location of the licensed day care is outside the Maple East attendance area but in the Williamsville School District area, the student will take a transfer bus from Maple East to Mill Middle where they will transfer to the bus that will transport them to the licensed day care facility.

• This bus will be your child's only afternoon bus assignment.

• Please review your family's situation carefully and advise the school according to the directions above should any special circumstances apply. The main office can also assist you if you have questions. They can be reached at 626-8800.

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

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.

2024-2025 School Year Medication Drop Off Dates/ Times: Tuesday, August 20th and Friday, August 23rd from 9am-2pm

Eileen Theuerkauf, Technology Coach

Katie McFarland, Technology Facilitator

Weekly Video Announcements:

Coming in September 2024!

Photos from the Week:

Coming in September 2024!

Andrea Armstrong and Karrie Dominique, Wellness Co Facilitators

Coming in September 2024!

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

Hello Maple East Community! Your Maple East PTA has already been hard at work planning for the 24-25 school year! Our first event, Popsicles on the Playground, is August 28 th – the same day as Maple East Open House and Supply Drop Off! We will be out on the playground from 3 – 7pm that day so come on out before or after you attend the Open House to say hello, sign up for PTA and of course get a popsicle and play!

We have a new website this year! Our VP of Technology has been working hard throughout the summer creating a new Maple East PTA website, your ultimate hub for everything PTA-related! We have designed this site to provide you with easy access to all the information and resources

you need. Here, you will find details on upcoming school-wide PTA-sponsored events,

from fundraisers to family fun nights. Plus, we have included convenient clickable links

that take you directly to our membership store, spirit wear site, volunteer sign-ups, and

much more. Stay connected and involved with our vibrant school community by visiting

www.mapleeastpta.com today! Click the link to check it out today!

PTA Membership is now open for the 24-25 school year. Did you know that PTA is the

oldest and largest child advocacy association in the nation! By becoming a member of our

Maple East PTA, you also become a member of the Western Region, NYS, and

National PTAs, and add to the voice of PTA to advocate for our children. Please look at

our membership flier for more information and to sign up today!

Interested in becoming more involved in PTA this year? There are still several PTA

committees in need of help. See the Volunteer flier for what committees are still looking

for volunteers and information on how to volunteer. Thank you!

Our first PTA General Meeting of the Year is September 11 th at 6:30pm. At this meeting

we will be discussing and voting on the PTA budget for the 24-25 school year. There will

be childcare available during the meeting, free of charge. Hope to see you there!

Looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!

Maple East PTA

Hello Maple East Families!

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! My name is Gina Schorr and I am the Membership Chairperson for the Maple East PTA. For those who are new to our school, or unfamiliar with the PTA, I wanted to provide you with information about who we are and what we do at Maple East. A reminder to returning families, PTA memberships need to be renewed each year. You can click the link below to join online, or you can stop by our table at Open House. We would love to meet you!

To sign up go to: https://mapleeast.memberhub.com/store

FAQ about the PTA:

1. What is the PTA?

The PTA (Parent Teacher Association) is a partnership between parents and educators who strive to enhance student learning and enrich the lives of the students within the school. It is also a forum for parents to obtain knowledge and communicate about what is happening within their school. When you join the Maple East PTA, you are also joining the New York State and national PTA.

2. Why should I join PTA?

PTA membership and dues support your child by funding essential educational and curriculum needs; advocating on behalf of children and educators at the local, New York State and national levels; and building an inclusive school community for all families. Join PTA for your child because increasing our membership, even by one, makes it possible to provide important educational resources, speak up on important issues and create a stronger school community.

3. How does PTA impact MY child?

• The Maple East PTA provides financial support for items and events that add value to your child’

experience at school like field trips, social events, assemblies, and classroom enhancement tools.

• PTA provides schools access to experts, resources, trainings, and dozens of nationally recognized

educational enrichment programs that impact a child’s education such as the Family Reading

Experience, in partnership with the Reading is Fundamental.

• PTA funds the nation's largest and longest running student arts program, Reflections®, which

provides students access to arts, music, literature, dance, drama, and visual arts.

• PTA’s national advocacy efforts have helped establish universal kindergarten and the National

School Lunch Program, the juvenile justice system and anti-child labor laws.

4. Where does my money go when I pay membership dues?

PTA dues directly support your child. PTA dues help fund essential school resources and curriculum needs at Maple East, including field trips, classroom enhancement tools, and assemblies. PTA dues support advocacy efforts at the local, New York State and national levels, impacting decisions affecting your child’s health, safety, and quality of education. PTA dues support our work to strengthen connections between your family, your child’s classmates and their families, and teachers to build a thriving and inclusive community for everyone.

5. What do I receive for joining the Maple East PTA?

For joining the Maple East PTA, you will receive the Maple East Minute, our weekly newsletter that keeps you informed and provides reminders about what is going on at Maple East. Joining the PTA also gives you access to the Student Directory which includes contact information for parents and students attending Maple East. This comes in handy when arranging playdates and birthday parties!

6. Does PTA membership require volunteering and attending meetings?

The only thing required of you to be a member of PTA is to pay the annual membership dues. PTA offers all parents and caregivers the opportunity to be engaged in their child’s potential. From volunteering at Maple East, to attending general meetings, to holding PTA leadership roles – the level of involvement is up to you. There is no wrong way to PTA!

7. How much time do I have to commit to being a member of PTA?

Membership in PTA can involve as much or as little time as you have to offer. There is no wrong or right way to be involved – anything you can give, whether it is time or money, will support your child’s potential.

8. How do you advocate at the national, New York State, and local levels and why is it important to my child?

PTA is active at the local, New York State, and national levels, impacting decisions affecting your child’s health, safety, and quality of education. During the past 120 years, PTA’s national advocacy efforts have helped establish universal kindergarten and the National School Lunch Program, the juvenile justice system, and anti-child labor laws.

District News:

https://www.williamsvillek12.org/

July 2, 2024

August 13, 2024

September 10, 2024

October 8, 2024

November 12, 2024

December 10, 2024

January 14, 2025

February 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

April 22, 2025

May 13, 2025

May 20, 2025 (District Vote)

May 27, 2025

June 10, 2025

All meetings take place at the District Office at 7 PM and are streamed on the District's You Tube Channel. Contact Board members by e-mailing: boardofeducation@williamsvillek12.org

http://www.williamsvilleseptsa.org/

Extracurricular Information

Community Education Programs at Maple East, click on link below:

https://www.williamsvillek12.org/departments/community_education/index.php

Calendar: August/ September 2024

2024-2025 Open House/Supply Drop-Off - Wednesday August 28- see times below

• New Family 3:30 PM-4:15 PM

• Grade K 3:30 PM-4:15 PM

• Rauth/Tranzillo/Wulkan 4:30 PM-5:15 PM

• Grade 1 4:00 PM-4:45 PM

• Grade 2 5:00 PM-5:45 PM

• Grade 3 6:00 PM-6:45 PM

• Grade 4 7:00 PM-7:45 PM

Wednesday, August 28 PTA Popsicles on the Playground

Monday, September 2 PTA Chalk the Walk

Tuesday, September 3 First Day of School

Wednesday, September 11 @ 6:00pm PTA Chairperson Welcome

Monday, September 16 @ 6:30pm PTA Room Parent Orientation

Friday, September 20 @ 6:00-8:00pm PTA Ice Cream Social

Friday, September 20 @ 4:00-8:00pm PTA Scholastic Book Fair

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

Health Office:

Joelle McCormack, RN, School Nurse

Phone: 716-626-8810
Fax: 716-626-8831

School Website:

https://mapleeast.williamsvillek12.org/

Class Dojo:

https://www.classdojo.com/

Address:

1500 Maple Road
Williamsville, NY 14221