We hope everyone is having a fantastic start to the month of April.

Last week, Keystone was very inspired by the motivational presentation by Autism Advocate and public speaker Ben Hartranft. We were very honored and excited to see many of our learners on the news piece that 6abc news did. We hope Ben's message of inclusion, acceptance, diversity, and kindness was inspiring for all. His presentation is available on our Keystone YouTube channel for anyone interested in watching the inspiring talk he gave at Keystone.

We also celebrated Autism Acceptance and Awareness with a "Blowing Bubbles for Autism" event, organized by Mrs. Mattis. A big thank you to her for organizing this wonderful event for the second year in a row. We’re excited to make it an annual tradition here at Keystone!

Reminders for the Week

📎 Early dismissal, Monday, April 7th, at 1:15pm due to Professional Development for Staff in the PM

📚 Book Fair starts this week. Students will shop during their assigned library time.

📎 April 28th- last to order a school yearbook

Have a great week!

Respectfully,

Mrs. Smith-Herman & Mr. Wilicki

Smencils will be sold.

Wear Keystone Paw Shirt

Pretzels $1

(Money needs to be turned in by Thursday to get a pretzel on Fridays.)

April 7th

Professional Development for Staff

April 7th- April 15th

Students will visit the book far during their scheduled library time.

Evening shopping time- April 14th from 5:30-7:30pm

We are encouraging all to wear purple on April 16.

Thursday, April 17th- No School/Offices Open

Friday, April 18th- No School/Offices Closed

Monday, April 21st- No School/Offices Closed

Please consider donating a dollar to wear pajamas to school.

Proceeds will go to support PTO initiatives.

Tuesday, April 22nd

April 23-25- ELA (3rd, 4th, 5th)- AM

*Make-ups in the PM

April 28-29- Math (3rd, 4th, 5th)- AM

*Make-ups in the PM

April 30th-May 1st- 5th Grade Science- AM

*Make-ups in the PM

Orders need to be in by April 28th.

Wednesday, May 14th, with a rain date of Thursday, May 15th.

May 14th at 7 pm

May 21st and 22nd

6:00-8:00pm

June 5th- Kindergarten/First- AM

June 5th- 2nd/3rd- PM

June 6th- 4th/5th- AM

Rain Dates- June 9th and 10th

Friday, June 13th

Tuesday, June 17th

Week 1: July 28-Aug 1st

Week 2: August 4th-8th

9:00-11:30am

Keystone Elementary School

ELA - April 23, 24, 25 Grades 3, 4, 5

Make-up testing in the afternoon

Math - April 28, 29 Grades 3, 4, 5

Make-up testing in the afternoon

Science - April 30 & May 1 Grade 5 Only

All testing must be completed by May 2, 2025.

Section 4.4 of Chapter 4 of the State Board of Education regulations provides for the right of any parents or guardians to excuse their child from the state assessment if, upon inspection of the testing materials, they find the assessment to be in conflict with their religious beliefs. Please note that this is the only basis for a parent or guardian to excuse his or her child from the statewide assessments.

Parents/guardians requesting that their child be excused from the PSSA or Keystone Exam must adhere to the following procedural guidelines:

• Within two weeks of the date the child is to participate in the PSSA or Keystone exams, parents/guardians must contact the Mr. Wilicki (mark.wilicki@bristoltwpsd.org), to arrange an appointment to review the assessment(s) by completing this survey.

A Parent/Guardian may only request a secure assessment review if they believe that they may have an objection to content based upon their religious beliefs.

• The opt-out request is only in effect for religious reasons and not moral or ethical reasons. If opt-out is not for religious reasons, the test must be marked as parent refusal.

For PSSA/Keystone Exam "Opt Out" Procedures, click here.

FAQ Information for Parents or Guardians

For a Printable Version of the Testing Dates, click here.

Amelia Hamilton, a third-grader who is in Ms. Brower's room, after seeing Ben Hartranft's presentation on Friday, was inspired by him and made a slide show presentation to teach other people to be kind.

We are so very proud of you Amelia! Keep up the great work!

Mrs. Smith-Herman and Mr. Wilicki

Certified Autism Center Information

From their website: "Crayola Experience is proud to offer an exclusive night for families and guests with special needs. Enjoy a fun, creative,night filled with 25 hands-on attractions in a quiet environment (so no music!) Our staff will be there to take care of all needs so your night will be relaxing and fun!

For information and to reserve your tickets, call 610-515-8000 (Press 4) or email: groupreservations@crayola.com 1:1 ratio for guests who need special assistance. Advance purchase required for admission."

​

Crayola Experience

30 Centre Square

Easton, PA 18042

610-515-8000

Certified Autism Center

From the zoo's website: "In May of 2018 Elmwood Park Zoo became the first zoo in the world to earn certification as a Certified Autism Center. The designation, given by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), is awarded to organizations who have completed a training and review process with the goal to better serve individuals with autism and other sensory needs." You can find a list of their accessibility services here - https://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/visit/accessibility-amenities/

They also hold early morning access and other sensory sensitive events throughout the year. You can check their calendar here to see what is coming soon.

​

Elmwood Park Zoo

1661 Harding Blvd

Norristown, PA 19401

800-652-4143

April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and support for the millions of people living with limb loss or difference, encouraging understanding, acceptance, and celebrating their strength and resilience.

Several students at Armstrong Middle School joined a team called "What's So Cool in Manufacturing." The students went on a trip to Lawall, a company that specializes in custom prosthetic and orthotic braces. While there they interviewed employees and learned how prosthetic and orthotic braces were made. They worked together to create a video and submitted to the "What's So Cool About Manufacturing:" contest.

Armstrong Middle School's submission won for Best Educational Value! Congratulations!

April is the Month of the Military Child (MOMC), which celebrates and recognizes military-connected students.

April 17 is officially "Purple Up!" day, but our students and staff are not in school that day, due to the start of spring break. We are encouraging all to wear purple on April 16.

This will be a Buy One Get One Free Fair!

Book Fair starts Monday, April 7th& we need YOUR help to help make it a successful one.

Below is the link to sign up to be a volunteer at our fair to help the students shop. (Remember that you need to be a badged volunteer to be able to help out.)

Please feel free to sign up as many spots as you would like. The Keystone PTO, students & staff greatly appreciate your help & thank you in advance!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C45A8A923A6FA7-55890122-spring

To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone at Keystone Elementary, we ask that all families and staff follow the guidelines and procedures below:

• Entry & Exit:

• All that come to Keystone are expected to enter on Church Street and exit via Tulip Avenue.

• Handicap Parking:

• Only families with a valid handicap placard or license plate are legally permitted to park in the designated handicap parking spots. Anyone who parks illegally in these spots could be subject to fines or other penalties.

• Parking Guidelines:

• Parking in front of or behind other vehicles that are parked in parking lot spaces is not allowed. This blocks cars from leaving their parking space and creates a safety issue.

• Drive Slowly:

• Please drive slowly and carefully when entering and exiting to ensure everyone's safety.

• Crosswalks:

• Please use the designated crosswalks when walking through the parking lot to escort your child(ren) to or from Keystone, to ensure everyone’s safety.

• Safety Assistance:

• The Bristol Township police have been present and will continue to be present for the time being to assist with ensuring the safety of all that come to Keystone.They will be making sure that the above procedures are being followed, in order to ensure the safety and well-being of all that come to Keystone.

• Additionally, we have been in regular communication with Luke Miller, our district's head of security, to ensure that our arrival and safety procedures are effective, up to date, and designed to keep everyone safe.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone at Keystone Elementary. It is our collective responsibility to keep everyone safe.

Celebrate nature at our Annual Spring Carnival at Croydon Woods in Lower Bucks County. Enjoy refreshments, nature-based games and activities, and expert-led hikes into beautiful Croydon Woods.

Community organizations will be there, hosting activities for all ages, including nature games, art projects, and prize giveaways.

Spring Carnival promises fun for the whole family. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories. Leashed, well-behaved pets are welcome. Free of charge!

Meeting location: Croydon Woods 1900 Summit Ave, Croydon, PA 19021

For questions, information or registration, contact Whittier Henke at whenke@heritageconservancy.org or 215-345-7020 ext. 110

Registration will open starting April 1st, for kindergartners for the 2025-2026 school year. For any questions please email keystone.registration@bristoltwpsd.org .

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Kindergarten

A child is eligible for admission to kindergarten if they have attained the age of five (5) years on or before September 1st. Upon written request of the parent/guardian the board may admit a child for Kindergarten who has not met the age requirement, if that child can demonstrate readiness for entry by the first day of the school term. Readiness for entry will be determined by using a district wide screener that will measure academic levels. Written requests for this screener but be submitted on or before August 1st. A student who has not met the age requirement and is attending a private kindergarten program (fully accredited or not) will not be admitted to a district kindergarten program unless that child can demonstrate readiness for entry by the first day of the school term. A student who is currently attending a public kindergarten program but does not meet the age requirement may be admitted to kindergarten.

See below link for more information to this Board Policy.

There is an option when both or multiple family contacts use the Family App in Talking Points. In order to see each family members' response, all family members would need to enable "Shared Messaging" in their app settings. After this is completed all family members will be included on each other's responses.

Please see the attached article below for more information.

If you are interested in volunteering for field trips and school events please view the information below in regards to the items needed to obtain your volunteer badge. Once you obtain all your clearances please email them to the following email address; personnel@bristoltwpsd.org .

Federal Program 2024-2025 - This presentation provides an overview of Title 1 funding for the 2024-2025 school year and reviews the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) while highlighting the importance of family engagement.

Outside Food Snack Policy- Per the district's Wellness Policy, " No outside foods may be brought in by students for classroom parties. Shared snacks are not permitted in District schools." If you would like to send something in to celebrate their child's birthday or a classroom party, you may send in non food items such as stickers, pencils, play dough etc.

• Reminder, when your child is absent a written excuse note is required.
• For the first 10 absences the note may be from the parent.
• It can be in an email to the school secretary who handles attendance, at heather.saeger@bristoltwpsd.org
• If your child misses more than 10 days of school, then we only accept a medical note.
• Please email or send in the note within 10 days of their return to school, this is a PA State Law.

In order to maintain the safety of all our learners, we are asking that families alert teachers, in writing, (written note) for any transportation/dismissal plan changes prior to 9:00am each morning.

If for some reason a written note is not able to be written prior to 9:00am, an email must be sent to our secretaries at heather.saeger@bristoltwpsd.org and marianne.mensinger@bristoltwpsd.org, in addition to your child's teacher. Please keep in mind, that if your child's teacher is absent for the day, and you only write to your child's teacher, the office will not be aware of any early dismissal or transportation changes for your child(ren).

We do understand that emergencies may arise throughout the day that requires a change to a child's dismissal plan for that particular day. For those situations, please make sure you are alerting the office staff as soon as possible, so they can communicate the change to the teachers as soon as possible.

We thank you for your support in helping us ensure the safety and well-being of each of our learners.

Planning an educational trip, please click HERE to access the Educational Trip Form.

District Guidelines:

1. Parents are required to notify the school at least ten days prior to the absences covered by this regulation so that the student may obtain work to keep current with class progress.

2. Parents and students should be informed that make-up work for the time missed is the responsibility of the student

3. The total number of approved days of absence for this purpose shall not exceed five days in a given school year. Days exceeding these guidelines may be considered unlawful and/or unexcused.

Reporting Procedures

Anyone who is the victim of or has witnessed bullying please submit the incident form to the Anti-Bullying/School Climate Specialist, Steve Pierce, (steve.pierce@bristoltwpsd.org ) and building administration. Students can also report bullying to guidance counselors, teachers, or any other adult in the building.

To access the bullying form please click on the attached form below.

Social Worker
Mrs. Jody Como
jody.como@bristoltwpsd.org

Counselors

Mrs. Tammy Surdo

Grades- K, 2, 4
tammy.surdo@bristoltwpsd.org

Mr. Brian Gianfrancesco

Grades- 1, 3, 5
brian.gianfrancesco@bristoltwpsd.org

Mr. Steve Pierce

Email: steve.pierce@bristoltwpsd.org

Phone: 267-599-2481

Interventionist Teachers at Keystone

Mrs. Stacy Cooke

stacy.cooke@bristoltwpsd.org

Mrs. Aimee Ramos
aimee.ramos@bristoltwpsd.org

For more information about Title 1 please visit; https://www.bristoltwpsd.org/administration/state_and_federal_programs_/title_i .

Michele Gentilcore

Certified School Nurse 267-599-2473 or 2490

michele.genticore@bristoltwpsd.org

Jessica Williamson

Staff Nurse 267-599-2496

Nurses' fax number is 215-788-1516.

For any transportation/bus issues or concerns please reach out to the transportation department.

Location:
Bristol Township School District Transportation
5 Blue Lake Road
Levittown, PA. 19057

Hours of operation:
5:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Phone Number is 267-599-2390

Transportation Coordinator: Traci Williams, traci.williams@bristoltwpsd.org. 267-599-2370
Transportation Secretary: Annie Bulla, annie.bulla@bristoltwpsd.org. 267-599-2370
STA Terminal Manager: Devon Padilla, dpadilla@ridesta.com
AM Dispatch: Joyel Ryan, jryan@ridesta.com
PM Dispatch: Gabrielle Musnuff, gmusnuff@ridesta.com
BTSD Transportation Email address: transportation@bristoltwpsd.org

Address:

940 Tulip Ave.

Croydon, Pennsylvania 19021

School phone: 267-599-2470

School fax: 215-788-1041

School Principal: Mr. Mark Wilicki

Email: mark.wilicki@bristoltwpsd.org

Principal's Secretary: Mrs. Marianne Mensinger

Email: marianne.mensinger@bristoltwpsd.org

Assistant Principal: Mrs. Crystal Smith-Herman

Email: crystal.smith-herman@bristoltwpsd.org

Assistant Principal's Secretary: Heather Saeger

Email: heather.saeger@bristoltwpsd.org

Special Education Supervisor: Robyn Battershell

Email: robyn.battershell@bristoltwpsd.org

For additional information please click on the buttons below.